The Environmental Benefits of Floor Sanding

Did you know that an estimated 1.6 billion people depend on the forests for their livelihood and 60 million indigenous people depend on them for their subsistence? 80% of the ancient forests of the whole world have already been destroyed and the remaining 20% is under fierce threat from illegal logging. The effects are deforestation, loss of biodiversity and the ongoing fuelling of the climate changes. In turn there are social conflicts created as a result between the indigenous population and local people which can turn violent. So for those people who are lucky enough to have wood under their carpets, they are privileged and should make something from it by using a floor sanding London company or other floor sanding companies.

But just in case that was not enough for you, have you heard about the Healthy Flooring Network? This is a relatively new alliance of individuals and organisations who are concerned about asthma, allergies and other health issues. They are aiming to raise awareness of the connection between fitted carpets, PVC flooring and health and to point people in other more healthy directions. So for those who live in the UK, be aware that the two most popular choices for flooring are fitted carpets and PVC/vinyl, which have the most potential damage to our health.

Why is this? Fitted carpets are home to dust which then leads to a build up of dust mite allergen, pet allergens and toxic pollutants from the indoor and outdoor environments are absorbed in the dust. As for PVC flooring this is a major source of toxic substances in the environment.

So how are you feeling now, possibly looking at alternatives? Wood floors are recyclable and the type of flooring especially when it has been lovingly restored fits and enhances perfectly any room in the house! Apart from the warm, stylish look if the job is done right it should increase the value of your property.

When you choose a floor sanding company to do the work, or hire a machine, you will want to opt for dustless floor sanding. This method is sensitive to your health needs so will not irritate sensitivities. Apart from this it is also more convenient as you really do not need to move artwork books and so on as the dustless system does not allow wood dust to invade these objects. Also once you opt for the dustless floor sanding method you will not have to worry about cleaning either, dusting will not be necessary. The dust created from the sanding never actually has the chance to become airborne so it automatically leaves the home inside these machines. The environment is left spotlessly clean, the job is quick and the results outstanding.

So whether you decide to do it yourself be sure to hire this machinery. Alternatively when you hire a professional floor sanding company you can expect that it will be an excellent job, with amazing shiny wood surfaces and all without anyone coughing up dust all over your house! Choose the best floor sanding london company - Westend Flooring Masters.

Your Home Is Your Castle

An British person’s home is their castle! Considering how much of our lives we spend in this environment it is very important that we feel happy there.

Interior design improvements within your home increase family harmony and day to day quality of life, as often the importance of our environment is not fully appreciated.
There are some cost effective ideas for home improvement which also when done correctly will increase the value of your home.

One of these is restoring wood floors that are lying underneath carpets by wooden floor sanding and staining. Wood flooring goes well with the majority of design styles, making it a versatile, cost effective and ecological option.

Wooden floors match with both traditional and contemporary styles and most of what lies between also.

There are numerous benefits to restoring a wood floor by wooden floor sanding. No other flooring material can match the warmth, value and beauty of wood, while providing a timeless beauty.

In America survey of Estate Agents showed that 90% said that houses with wooden flooring sell faster and for higher prices than those without.

Wood floors are easy to maintain and clean, either be sweeping or hovering and the occasionally use of a professional wood floor cleaning product. They are also ecologically friendly, as wood is recyclable. Today there are wooden floors from wood that has been recycled from warehouses, ships and other old wooden structures.

Additionally wood floors improve indoor air quality, therefore reducing the incidences of asthma and allergy suffering.

And just in case these are not enough benefits to persuade you....a recent survey carried out by the USA National Association of Home Builders – “How Long Things Last” showed that there is no other flooring option that lasts as long as wooden floors.

Wood floors are rated to last 100 plus years, so in other words the wooden floors you install or restore could easily outlive you and be there for other generations.

Scientific evidence indicates that less energy and water are used in producing wood for floors than in any other floor alternatives.

Once a floor has been restored or installed, you can always consider certain upgrades which will customise your floor, such as borders or medallions.

Here are some tips to maintain your wooden floor:

Avoid walking on wood floors with high heels and sports shoes.
If moving heavy furniture do not slide it across the floor, pick it up instead.
If the wood floor is in a kitchen or bathroom, place a rug beside the sink and bath.
In living areas, place soft plastic or fabric under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffs.

Do not mop a wood floor with a wet mop, as standing water can dull the finish and damage the wood.
Wipe up any spillage immediately using a slightly dampened towel.
Do not over-wax the floor; try buffing it when it becomes a little dull.
Do not use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors.
Use small rugs to go on the inside and outside of doorways to prevent extra dirt being brought into the room.

Better still call the experts who are the best floor sanding company is Westend Flooring Master.

Chinese Five Elements and Floor Sanding London

In the Chinese Five Elements, which are wood, water, earth, fire and metal; wood is the symbol of life.

Wood is about the process of the renewal of life, it is associated in Chinese medicine with the liver. The Chinese believe that a doctor who knows about harmonising the liver knows how to treat hundreds of diseases.

In China people pay physicians to prevent them from becoming ill not the reverse as we do in the Western world. So the Chinese elements within our bodies should be kept in balance and our qi (energy) will then be good, and we will not fall prey to disease.

The cycle between the Five Elements can be described like this:

Wood feeds fire; fire creates earth; earth bears metal; metal carries water and water nourishes wood.

The renewing springtime is the time associated with wood, and indeed of the five elements wood offers the most adaptable and fresh solutions within a home.

Wood represents the east and southeast of a house or office. When balanced these areas are for creativity, travel and helpful people.

If the qi (energy) is not balanced it is a good idea to address this and see the transformation of the feeling of these rooms.


Restoring wooden floors
If you have old wooden floors covered up by carpets, it is much healthier and attractive to remove these carpets and have your wooden floors sanded. There are some excellent companies for floor sanding London and throughout the country.

Plants
In Feng Shui plants are used to rebalance these rooms.

Wood is actually living and breathing plants and these will purify the area also.

Floor Sanding to restore your covered up wooden floors has added benefits.

Carpets are excellent homes for dust mites which are invisible to the naked eye, so a fresh restored wooden floor is healthier and also environmentally friendly.

Any form of restoration if done ethically is environmentally friendly as you are re-utilising an existing item. Especially wood as illegal logging of forests is an immense problem.

Quick Tips for Floor Sanding
Preparation is all important. Narrow gaps and small imperfections need to be filled with resin, and wider gaps should have fillets to fill them before the work. Floor boards should be checked and then loose ones replaced where necessary.

Initial sanding can then be done starting with a coarse sanding paper, and professionals will use a 7-tier system which will finish with a very fine sanding paper using a dust free sanding machine. Knots, holes and joint ends in boards should also be filled for a professional look.

Then when the lacquer is being applied a further sanding should be done to do de-nibbling, and achieve a really smooth, beautiful surface.

Using environmentally friendly products, it is recommended to apply three coats of high traffic lacquer. There are a wide variety of stains to choose from depending on what you wish to achieve in that room.

When Choosing Plants
Be aware that the plant itself is the wood element but if the flower is red then it is also the fire element.

You can also design a selection of plants in a trailing manner and this will bring in the flow of the water element.

These ideas and advice were brought to you by the best floor sanding london company - Westend Flooring Masters.