We in the Northwest don’t take the sun for granted – simply because we get so little of it, especially during the dark winter months. While this spring has been less than tropical, make sure to take advantage of that sunshine whenever possible!
Getting daily sun exposure is essential for good health, and here are a few reasons why:
Our bodies produce vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. A staggering number of Americans have a deficiency of vitamin D, and this vitamin is very important in maintaining healthy bones, muscle integrity, warding off many kinds of internal cancers and Type 1 Diabetes.
Sunlight is a natural antidepressant and positively affects mood. This is why many people experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and suffer depression during winter months.
Exposure to sunlight can help you sleep better, because it stimulates the pineal gland, which produces melatonin and plays a role in proper sleep (which is also very important for optimum health).
So next time you see Mr. Sun pop his head from behind the clouds, make sure to run outside and say hi for a few minutes! It’ll do wonders for more than just your tan!
Though it hasn’t felt much like summer yet, once the sun starts shining, think about forgoing the dryer. Line-drying (or using a drying rack) is much gentler on clothing. Repeated drying at high-temps can reduce fabric strength by 25% or more, and the tumbling action of the dryer causes shrinkage (not the heat, believe it or not).
Skipping the dryer is also gentler on your wallet and the earth. Except for the refrigerator and washing machine, the dryer uses more power annually than any other major household appliance. By cutting down usage, you can save up to $135 a year, plus mother earth will be grateful. If you still feel the urge to have toasty-warm towels straight from the dryer, make sure to clean the lint trap regularly and never over-load the drum, for maximum efficiency of the machine.
So, what’s the difference? Most often when we use the descriptors, gauged, semi-gauged, or un-gauged tile we’re referring to slate tile. Most of our slate falls into the category of semi-gauged which means that it has undergone a grinding process that levels out one side of the tile creating a relatively flat surface. Once installed, semi-gauged tile creates a smoother, more level floor because the thickness of each tile is fairly consistent.
Ungauged tile, on the other hand, is much less refined and varies greatly in depth from tile to tile. By definition, ungauged tile is textured on both sides and has not been machine-altered in any way. It is often hand-split and boxed right at the quarry which means a greatly reduced price for the buyer. So, if you’re flexible with the look and feel of your tile, ungauged slate will save you 50-100% of the cost of it’s gauged counterpart. Although a bit raw in look at feel, unguaged stone offers greater design possiblities during installation because either side can be installed face-up depending on the amount of color variation you desire. Installers should note that unguaged tile generally requires more work to install.
If you want a smooth finish, you’re in the market for gauged tile. When tile is gauged it has been honed on one side creating a surface that has a consistent texture and thickness. Because the manufacturing process requires more effort, gauged tile almost always comes with a higher price tag.
So, there’s your tile lesson for the week. You’re choice between gauged, semi-gauged and ungauged tile will depend on your budget and the design aesthetic you’re looking for. Ciao!
Today I received a phone call from a customer who wanted to know two things: how to clean metal tile and how to keep it from changing color over time. Great questions! We get these often and, as a result, I’m writing this article. Here’s the scoop on caring for our metal tile.
Here at Statements, we have two metal tile lines that are 100 percent metal: Alumillenium and Anticati. Alumillenium comes in a variety of metal types and finishes. The color that tends to patina most obviously is the Alumillenium antique bronze which ranges in color from a warm bronzy-brown to a deep green after years of oxidation. If you like the warm tones of the “pre-patinaed” antique bronze there are ways to encourage it to remain true to it’s original color. Adding a layer of paste wax or lacquer to a well cleaned metal tile will protect and seal it from oxidation and discoloration.
Paste wax is a natural product that is most often used to protect and add luster to hardwoods. It is a less permanent, malleable protectant that adds a subtle sheen to the metals surface. The protective quality of paste wax can be compromised by heat, acidic liquids and/or sharp objects that might scratch the waxes surface. Paste wax can easily be reapplied when necessary.
Lacquer is a resin-based varnish that will seal surfaces in a more permanent way. The solvents in the liquid lacquer evaporate leaving a hard sealant that is available in a variety of finishes from matte to high gloss. One thing to be aware of when considering the use of a lacquer sealant for your metal tile: it’s VOC (volatile organic compound) content. If you’re concerned with potential off-gassing in your home or workplace, check the manufacturer’s label and try to buy a VOC free lacquer! For more general information on VOC off-gassing, click here.
In either case, before you apply a protectant to your tile, clean it up. You can use any non-abrasive household cleaner for your metal tile. I recommend using a neutral-pH cleaner with a lot of hot water. If you have trouble removing years of oxidation, you can use a soft metal scouring pad to uncover some of the metals natural brilliance. Always use a test tile with your cleaner and/or scotch pad to see if you get the desired results before moving onto the rest of your tile. Once it’s cleaned up, apply your paste wax or lacquer depending on the level of permanence and/or look you’re wanting to achieve.
We in the Northwest don’t take the sun for granted – simply because we get so little of it, especially during the dark winter months. While this spring has been less than tropical, make sure to take advantage of that sunshine whenever possible!
