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Sustainable Counter Top Materials

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Nancy Bergman

Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen or bathroom? If so you might be interested in these materials, manufactured with sustainability and health in mind.

Sintered Stone

How it’s made: Sintered stone is created by taking natural minerals and exposing them to extremely high pressure and heat. It is non-porous, producing resistants to stains, mould and bacteria; making it easy to clean and maintain. It is 100% recyclable, colour stable, free of resins and petroleum derivatives.

Durability: Sintered stone is durable, waterproof and long lasting. It is resistant to heat, scratching, acids, alkalies, fire, frost and UV rays.

Where you can use it: Sintered stone is very versatile; it can be used indoors or outdoors, for kitchen and bathroom counters, internal or external cladding, interior flooring or external paving, stairs, and ventilated facades.

Look and feel: The countertop material is predominantly solid and neutral in colour. It comes in 9 finishes and a range of colours. The finishes range from smooth to rugged (like natural stone). It works with a variety of design styles.

Care and maintenance: It has an antibacterial, anti-fungal surface. Cleaning is as simple as soap and water. No sealing or special cleaning products are required.

Sizing/Producers: Lapitec, an Italian brand, was the first to produce a sintered stone slab. Their product comes in many colours and sizes.

Altrock Solid Surface

How it’s made: Altrock is a solid surface made with recycled marble dust, chips, and chunks which are then mixed and bonded with resin and pigment. It is sealed with a wax oil, creating a durable, waterproof and stain resistant surface. The slabs are custom made and cast by hand in all shapes and sizes.

Durability: It is a durable, waterproof, stain and heat resistant surface.

Where you can use it: Altrock can be used for kitchen and bathroom counters, flooring, and dining or coffee tables.

Look and feel: It can be made in a wide range of colors. The colour can be customized to match your palette. However, since the marble is reclaimed, some colors are rarer and subject to availability.

Care and maintenance: Altrock should be cared for like marble. Acidic spills, like lemon juice should be wiped up promptly. Use soapy water to clean; no bleach. The sealant is grease-and stain-resistant.

Durat Solid Surface

How it’s made: Durat is a polyester based solid surface which contains 30% recycled materials. The recycled post-industrial waste is granulated giving this this product its distinctive texture and look. It is a 100% recyclable and is tested not to omit any VOCs and is classified as an M1 low emissions building material.

Durability: Durat solid surface is resistant to wear, heat, humidity and various kinds of chemicals. Scratches and other marks can be removed with a quick polish. Deeper scratches can be lightly sanded, and cracks can be filled to make the surface look like new.

Where you can use it: It can be used to create large seamless surfaces. It can also be used to fabricate custom sinks, bathtubs, shower bases, backsplashes, shelves, tables and benches.

Look and feel: Durat has more than 300 colours, 7 different textures as well as different coloured speckles. Custom colours are available. It is suitable for modern and minimalist aesthetics or can introduce a bold element into a design.

Care and maintenance: Surfaces should be cleaned with mild soap. Normal cleaning cloths and coarse sponges can be used.

IceStone Recycled Glass Countertops

How it’s made: IceStone is a recycled glass surface made of 100% recycled glass, Portland cement and non-toxic pigments. The manufacturer is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Durability: While it is strong, it is not as durable as previous materials. Acids and alkaline cleaning products will etch it.

Where you can use it: It can be used for Kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplashes, table tops, and fireplace surrounds.

Look and feel: It is available in 17 colours.

Care and maintenance: IceStone is porous and must be periodically sealed. Spills of coffee, wine, fruit juice and other acidic liquid should be wiped immediately with a damp cloth. Clean with a damp cloth.

Richlite Paper Countertops

Paper you say? What?

How it’s made: Richlite is paper that has been hyper-compressed and blended with phenolic resin; giving it extra durability and water resistance. It is made with 65% cerified recycled paper and 35% resin, resulting in a solid, stable material.

Durability: It works similar to a dense hardwood, is water-resistant, heat and fire resistant and has low moisture absorption. High-alkaline fruits or vegetables, cleaners and soaps left on the surface may stain it. It will show scratches and patina over time. However, the scratches can be sanded and the material can be resealed to restore its smooth finish.

Where you can use it: In addition to kitchen counters, it can be used for bathroom counters, for cabinetry and to make furnishings. It can also be used for wall panels, baseboards, moulding, trim, shelving, doors and stair treads.

Look and feel: Richlite has 17 colours and 3 finishes: Milled, leathered or honed. It well-suited for contemporary, modern, industrial and eclectic designs.

Care and maintenance: Wipe surfaces with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners and cloths, as these may scratch the surface. To lighten stains, apply plain yogurt, leave overnight, and wipe away in the mornings. Repeat as necessary.

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Simple Ways To Make Your Move Less Stressful

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Nancy Bergman

Posted in Tips For Selling

Simple Ways To Make Your Move Less Stressful

Moving is a highly stressful event. Often people feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks they have to do: scheduling home inspections, decluttering and donating, packing, staging, yard cleanup etcetera. If you are expecting to move in the near future- even if your not sure when that might be- here are a few things you can do to help relieve some of the stress.

Find Out The True Value of Your Valuables

Often people cling to items they think might be worth something: antique furniture, artwork, stamps, coins, sports memorabilia, old books, vintage jewelry and other types of collectibles. These items may have been inherited, purchased, or saved from childhood. Some people want to part with these things, but become worried that they might be giving away a priceless heirloom. If your new home is smaller, it may not be practical to keep all these items. And, sometimes it’s jut time to let go of something you no longer need or want.

To help make letting go easier, get a quick estimate of the object’s value. You may find that it is worth less than you thought, making it easier for you to part with.

◦ Research similar pieces for sale on Craigslist, eBay or Facebook. If you see something languishing unsold for a long time, it’s probably overpriced.

◦ Consult with a local consignment shop. Resale shops have firsthand knowledge of what’s selling and what’s not. You can simply text or email a photo, saving you a trip to the store.

◦ Pay for a professional appraisal or consult with an auction house.

Return Things That Don’t Belong to You

Sometimes we have things in our homes that don’t belong to us, like borrowed books, scarves, jackets, or serving dishes left behind after a party. Start a box for these items, so you can return them the next time you see the owners.

You might also be storing some of your adult children’s belongings. They may be hesitant to reclaim these items, especially, if they live out of the area or don’t have adequate storage in their homes. Let your kids know of your plan to move and have them remove their things in a timely manner, rent a storage locker, or allow you to donate everything to charity.

Clear Out Unused Arts and Crafts Supplies

Many of us hold on to unused arts and crafts supplies: fabric remnants, sewing notions, yarn, scrapbooking and card-making materials, jewelry-making supplies. We also have partially finished projects lying around, that realistically we will probably never complete.

Arts and crafts supplies are expensive, so if you’re motivated, you might be able to sell them. You might also consider donating them to a thrift shop, women’s shelter or rehabilitation centre near you. Packaging the supplies in bags or containers and labeling them is helpful.

Donate/Sell Unused Sports Equipment

Moving is a great time to examine your sports gear and identify what you haven’t used in years. Unused golf clubs, ice hockey gear, camping equipment, kayaks, etcetera can take up a lot of storage space. If you’re unlikely to use the items again, it is time to let them go. If your equipment is in good condition, you might be able to sell it or you can donate it to a local youth program or other charity.

Review Your Party Supplies

Assess your party supplies. Do you have only a handful of leftover plates, napkins and decor, but not enough for another party? Use them yourself, so they don’t go to waste or donate them. Think about the type of entertaining you will be doing in your new space. If you no longer have a back yard, let go of your outdoor supplies. If you have too many serving dishes, maybe it’s time to select only the best.

Cull Your Old Electronics

Who doesn’t have old cellphones, laptops, tablets, printers and televisions- including their boxes- taking up prime storage space. Electronic devices contain toxic chemicals that can leak into groundwater and soil; therefore, take these items to your local recycling centre or see if the manufacturer has a recycling program. There may or may not be a small fee for recycling them. If they are in working order you could donate them to a local charity. Make sure you take off all personal information, photos, files etcetera and wipe the device before recycling or donating it.

Unpack Boxes From Your Last Move

Do you have unopened boxes from your last move? It’s time to dig in and find out what’s actually inside them. You might uncover a long-lost treasure - or you might find you’re ready to donate or toss what is inside. For the items you are going to keep, repack and label the box clearly. After you move, make sure you unpack these boxes.

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Cleaning Your Home Amid COVID-19

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Nancy Bergman

Posted in Covid-19

Spring cleaning this year takes on a whole different meaning with the COVID-19 virus creating a world wide lockdown and social distancing. We all know we should be washing our hands frequently, coughing into our elbows and stop touching our faces. Now we are at home and everyone in your household is touching everything all the time. So what is the best way to clean your house to reduce the risk of infection?

Deciding to clean your entire house out of boredom or if you are really worried someone has brought COVID-19 inside; here are some tips to make sure your place is squeaky clean.

Cleaning gets rid of dirt and impurities like germs from surfaces but it doesn’t kill them (not all germs are harmful and can help us strengthen our immune systems). Disinfecting on the other hand uses chemicals to kill the germs.

So where do we start? Clean first, then disinfect. Start with the objects you touch all the time like cellphones, computer keyboards, door and cabinet handles, keys, taps remotes, toilets, light switches etc. These should be cleaned regularly. According to microbiologist Francesca Tomasi, “Cellphones are sort of like extensions of our hands. We pick them up, put them down on random surfaces, pass them to other people, and press them against our ears. Dare I say we sometimes cough or sneeze on them too? We don’t wash our hands every time we pick up our phone or put it down, and studies have shown – long before this pandemic – that our phones are anything but sterile.”

Even if no one in your household is sick, it’s a good idea to make a habit of cleaning your home throughly. If someone is sick and you must share a bathroom, you should disinfect it after each use.

Shoes see a lot of stuff; therefore, keep them outside or in a designated area.

What should I clean with? An all purpose cleaner is a good place to start or just good old fashioned soap and water. You could also use a antimicrobial product but remember these kill bacteria - and not all - but they don’t kill viruses.

If you want to disinfect then you need to use products that include bleach or alcohol. Usually with at least 70% alcohol. You can find a list of disinfectants and their effectiveness from the CDC’s website (https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/disinfection-methods/chemical.html).

Your hands touching something contaminated and then touching your face it the vector for spread as the virus needs a way in.

Happy Spring Cleaning and Disinfecting we are all in this together! Stay safe and be healthy.

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8 Things To Know About Covid-19 and Self Isolation

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Nancy Bergman

Posted in Covid-19, Covid-19

Some information to give you peace of mind in these trying times.

1. Limit the number of visitors

Only have visitors who you must see. This also applies to animals.

2. Wear mask and gloves

Wear a mask and gloves when you have contact with an infected person.

3. Dispose of gloves and mask after use

Take off the gloves first and clean your hands with soap and water before taking off your mask.

4. Be careful when touching waste

When emptying wastebaskets, take care to not touch used tissues with your hands. Wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

5. Clean

Clean items such as toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs and bedside tables on a daily basis.

6. Avoid sharing household items

Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with the person in isolation.

7. Wash your hands often

Wash your hands with soap and water after each contact with the infected person.

8. Wash laundry thoroughly

There is no need to separate the laundry, but you should wear gloves when handling. Wash hands with thoroughly afterward

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Healthy Indoor Plants

Posted on February 21, 2020 by Nancy Bergman

Posted in Your Home

All too often we either love our houseplants or neglect them. But with a little common sense, and a little love, your indoor plants can live and thrive throughout the year. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Placement

When placing plants in your home, make sure they have good ventilation and natural light. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which will reduce stress and water loss.

Be Water Wise

Knowing how much and how often to water is the key to not only keeping plants alive but helping them be healthy. A great indicator that a plant needs watering is when its leaves start to droop. Ironically, this is also an indication that a plant has been overwatered. Once a plant has root rot from overwatering, it can be very difficult for it to recover. For most plants, the soil should be kept moist but not saturated — use your finger as a guide; if it feels dry an inch or so down, give it a drink.

Think Small

While a large, striking feature pot looks outstanding, don’t forget smaller pots. Smaller containers can be easily changed, taken outside in good weather or moved around the house. A collection of plants is a low-maintenance but high-impact way to use plants inside.

Give Them Room to Grow

If you do have the room for a large feature plant, then you need to have a regular maintenance plan. Large plants are an investment and need good care. Make sure the pot you choose allows room for the plant to grow over the years.

Keep Them Clean

Plants rely on their leaves to make their food. Outside, the leaves get washed clean with rain; indoors, leaves can get clogged with dust, a gentle wiping with a clean, damp cloth once a month will keep the leaves looking shiny and healthy.

For plants with more intricate leaves, taking them outside and hosing them off will do wonders. Better yet, leave them out on a rainy day.

Feed Them

All plants benefit from a little extra fertilizer, but for potted plants it is even more important. Always choose the best potting mix you can find. If you are potting a specific species, like orchids, cactuses or citrus, or in a terra-cotta pot, get a mix specifically designed for these plants and conditions.

You should repot your plants every year or two. Most slow-release fertilizers only last a while, so remember to top it up once in a while. You could also add a liquid fertilizer to your watering can once or twice a month.

Give Them Some R&R

Indoor plants benefit from being outside once in a while. For small to medium-size pots, it is a good idea to have a rotation system. By leaving plants in black plastic pots, you can put them into your more decorative pots and change them as often as you like. Make sure the outdoor location is similar to the indoor one. Or the plant can be stressed and die.

Choose the Right Pot

Of course, a plant is nothing without the pot, so it is important to get it right. Some pots can be very heavy even before you fill them with soil and plants. By keeping plants in their plastic pots and adding them to feature pots, you will reduce the risk of overwatering and make repotting, much easier.

Having a pot within a pot also allows you to have a tray underneath to catch excess water. Self-watering pots are also great, as they give an even, consistent water supply to the plant.

Whatever your environment or lifestyle there is an indoor plant right for you.

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