What You Can Do to Improve a Concrete Pool Deck

Concrete pool decks are a wonderful option because they provide both beauty and function. Choosing a cooler, lighter colored pool deck is a wise choice for sensitive feet in the hot sun, while opting for a textured stamped pool deck can provide added traction and reduce slipping accidents. Not only do concrete pool decks offer safety and performance, they also offer an unparalleled level of beauty with the vast array of custom styles available. Furthermore, they are inexpensive, easy to install, long-lasting, and low maintenance! But overtime, concrete will begin to show signs of wear and tear, and thus, require a certain degree of maintenance or repair.

Continue reading to learn what you can do to improve the look and performance of your concrete pool deck.

Pool Deck Repair Contractors
Pool Deck Repair Contractors 317-454-3612

Concrete Resurfacing

Damages like cracking, splitting, and scaling can be remedied with professional concrete resurfacing. This type of concrete resurfacing project can be accomplished with a concrete overlay or micro-topping, depending on the size and existing condition. This is a lucrative option since it effectively covers blemishes and provides a fresh surface to paint, color, or add texture.

Concrete Etching

Concrete etching is a custom service that can both restore and enhance the look of a concrete pool deck. It is a suitable option for pool decks showing signs of discoloration, fading, and minor cracking. By engraving a pattern into the concrete pool deck, cracks and blemishes can be intentionally disguised. The process starts with concrete coloring, and then finishes using a special routing machine that cuts faux grout lines.  

Concrete Recoloring

To cover ghastly blemishes, like stains, fading, and discoloration, concrete recoloring is the perfect method. Simply applying fresh color to a concrete pool deck will enhance the appearance and cover unsightly imperfections. This service can be achieved using concrete stains, color hardeners, integral pigments, and other coloring methods.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors

Call Restoration BY L&B at 317-454-3612 for professional concrete repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our licensed concrete contractors offer a wide range of concrete construction services for residential and commercial, including concrete repair, installation, resurfacing, staining, and much more. Whether you require new concrete installation, or restoration for existing concrete, we retain the proper resources and skill to get the job done right in a time-frame that’s convenient for you!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

FAQS About Buying a Water Heater

Hot water heaters are common appliances found in modern day homes.Without a hot water heater, a hot steamy shower in the morning is out of the question.  They heat the water in the home to any desired temperature, depending on the intended use. Homeowners in the market for a new hot water heater, especially for the first time, have many questions about the how a hot water heater works and what features to look for in a new unit. 

If you are also asking similar questions, continue reading to learn some interesting and helpful facts about hot water heaters.

Indianapolis Water Heater Plumber 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Water Heater Plumber 317-454-3612

What Type of Water Heater Do I Need?

The very first consideration for selecting a water heater is the fuel type. The two main fuel categories for home appliances is gas and electricity, but some homes use propane. The size of your water heater is another major factor to consider. You must think about how much water your home uses, and then choose a water heater that has the capacity to heat that much water. To determine your required gallon capacity is to count the number of occupants in the home. This will let you know what size water heater you need. The general rule of thumb is:

1 – 2 Occupants: 23 – 36 gallon
2 – 4 Occupants: 36 – 46 gallon
3 – 5 Occupants: 46 – 56 gallon
5+ Occupants: 56 gallon or Higher

Do Water Heaters Come with Warranties?

Warranties are typically sold with hot water heater units to protect homeowners from costly repairs and fixes shortly after purchase. The problem with hot water heating warranties is that they do not last very long; and in most cases, the homeowner is unaware that their warranty has expired.  It is a good idea to ask about water heater warranties before making any purchasing decisions.

How Much Does a Water Heater Cost?

For tank-style water heaters, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand or more, depending on the size and application. Commercial water heaters range in the high thousands, sometimes over $10,000. But residential units are generally a few thousand unless you go tankless. But even then, conversion and installation costs add up to the same as tank-style units.

When Should I Replace My Water Heater?

Signs that suggest a water heater needs replaced include excess water buildup around the unit, drop in water quality, inconsistent water temperatures, and more.  Water buildup may be from a leak in the appliance.  These kinds of leaks are difficult to repair, and on a financial standpoint, more economical to replace the entire unit.  Water quality issues are evident when rust and other sediment buildup is seen throughout the water supply.  This suggests that the tank is failing and needs exchanged.

Where Can I Get Water Heater Plumbing Service in Indianapolis?

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional water heater plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed contractors, provide a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties, including water heater repair, installation, and replacement. Call 317-454-3612 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Indianapolis plumbers, today.

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

Common Types of Flooring and How to Clean Them

There are so many types of delightful flooring on the market, many of which are used in both residential and commercial settings. From conventional flooring like hardwood and laminate, to higher-end and exotic flooring like bamboo and porcelain, proper maintenance on a routine schedule is an imperative factor to sustaining beauty in all flooring types.

Continue reading to learn how to clean 3 common types of floors, including hardwood, bamboo, laminate, and more.

Indianapolis Flooring Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Flooring Contractors 317-454-3612

Hardwood Floors

When it comes to real hardwood floors, maintenance and upkeep are vital. The natural beauty that hardwood floors offer resonates with the time and care it took to manufacture them and install them in your building. The same care and attention is deserved with routine cleaning for hardwood. If necessary precautions aren’t taken, scratches, squeaking, and buckling in the floor are all common consequences. Before cleaning hardwood, you must first determine if there is a wax coat or sealant on the flooring.

Refer to the manufacturer for this information. Some cleaning methods can eat away at the sealants, resulting in major damages. Sweep the floor daily with a soft broom to avoid scratches. Try ways to reduce the amount of traffic if at all possible. This will also sustain its life and luster. For wet cleaning, simply use a water and vinegar solution, using warm water, and gently apply, dry, and repeat until you reach the desired cleanse.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo floors are vulnerable to excess moisture, so it is crucial to use a limited amount of water when cleaning this type of flooring.  Microfiber towels and dust mops are a great alternative to wet mopping and cleaning.  Use these tools for optimal cleaning and care for bamboo floors.  If spills occur, be sure to wipe them up immediately, and without using too much liquid.

Decorative Concrete Floors

In order to maintain quality and performance in decorative concrete flooring, you simply need to make the time. Start with daily dirt removal. Use a leaf blower, broom, or vacuum to remove dirt, debris, and other solid particles from your floors. You should also rinse with clean water on a weekly basis to reduce grime and residue accumulation. Also be sure to stay on top of stain removal.

If your flooring or foundation has scuff marks, stains, or oil spots, it is important to remove them as soon as possible. Never allow stains, dirt, or debris to sit for long periods of time on decorative concrete. It is important to have decorative concrete seal coated to provide an extra layer of protection against dirt and damage. Routine seal coating also protects against freeze-thaw cycles, expansion, buckling, moisture, and de-icing chemicals.

Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring doesn’t require a lot of water, similar to bamboo floors.  A dry mop, daily, takes care of any accumulated dust and debris.  If there is a large volume of traffic in the area of the laminate flooring, occasional semi-wet mopping could do the trick.  Be sure to dry the area completely when finished for superior luster and shine.

Indianapolis Flooring Contractors

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional and affordable floor installation and renovation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial flooring services, including floor replacement, installation, repair, procurement, and much more. Contact us today at 317-454-3612 to request an estimate.

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

Laminate Cabinet Refinishing Tips

You might assume that laminate cabinets can’t be refinished, but this is far from the truth! There is no need to replace laminate cabinets because they are old or outdated. Instead, you can simply refinish them! Instantly brighten, modernize, and alter the look of your kitchen’s laminate cabinetry all within your budget. It is important to review the correct process for laminate cabinet refinishing in order to achieve the best possible results.

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips to get you started, including who to call when the job is too big to do on your own.

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Laminate Kitchen Cabinets

If you are determined to refinish your kitchen laminate cabinets on your own, then good for you! Take a look at the guide below to learn some of the major components and key points for these particular projects. Be sure to prepare by first gathering all the necessary supplies and tools to get the job done right. These include:

⇒ Paint and Paint Primer (Water-Based)
⇒ Foam Rollers
⇒ Rolling Pans
⇒ Painter’s Tape
⇒ Sandpaper (240 & 150 Grit Sheets)
⇒ Old Bed Sheets or Drop Cloths
⇒ Disinfectant Spray
⇒ Clean Rags
⇒ Microfiber Cloth
⇒ Permanent Marker
⇒ Screwdriver

Cabinet Hardware Tips

For an even more updated look, you can purchase and install new, more modern-looking cabinet handles. These are available for a variety of designs and prices at any hardware or home store. If any laminate is peeling or cracking, it will need to be replaced entirely. Do not proceed to refinish peeling o or cracked laminate cabinetry.

However, if it is only slightly peeling in one corner or so, you can simply sand the exposed area behind the laminate, and then re-glue it using a water-proof adhesive. Use masking tape to hold it in place while it dries. This works best for small areas and corners. Once you have accumulated all the tools and supplies you need, you are ready to get started. Here’s how:

A General Overview of the Process

First clean all of the cabinets. Dust them with the microfiber cloth to remove solids, and then follow with a thorough wipe down using the disinfectant spray. This provides stronger primer adhesion and ensures a cleaner smoother finish.

Step 2, using the screwdriver, remove each cabinet face and its handle while keeping track of where each one goes. Use the permanent marker to label each one so you will remember where to replace it later.

Step 3, place the cabinet faces on the drop cloths, making sure the edges remain exposed and accessible. Be sure the drop cloths cover enough surface area to protect the surrounding environment from paint.

Step 4, use the painter’s tape to line the inside edges of the cabinet faces to prevent paint drips. Take your time on this step to ensure accuracy.

Step 5, use the 240 grit sandpaper sheets to manually sand the cabinet faces. You may choose to use a handheld portable sander if you are familiar with its operation. Just be sure to not over-sand.

Step 6, after sanding, use your microfiber cloth to wipe away the residual dust and sanding debris. Do this thoroughly and remove as much dust as possible.

Step 7, using your foam roller, apply a coat of water-based paint primer to each cabinet face. Allow this to dry completely, usually 8 to 12 hours depending on the brand.

Step 8, once the primer is applied and has dried completely, sand each cabinet face again using the 150 grit sandpaper. Remove excess sanding dust with your microfiber cloth afterwards.

Do steps 7 and 8 again.

Step 9, once both coats of primer are applied and have dried, it is time to apply your water-based paint of choice using your second foam roller. Be sure to use v-strokes during application to promote even paint marks and distribution.

Repeat step 9.

Last step, allow the cabinets to dry for at least 72 hours before reattaching hardware and reassembling them in their rightful place. This ensures that the paint has dried and hardened completely.

When the Job is Too Big…

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis home remodeling and handyman services at competitive prices. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling