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SALES * INSTALLATION * CONSULTING |
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CAROLINA TILE DISTRIBUTORS |
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FLOORING, STONE, AND TILE |
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803-400-8868 |
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 6:37AM Nike has taken recycling to the next level. Who knew that they have been collecting a reusing old worn out athletic shoes since 1990? The Nike Grind program is definitely not your average recycling program. NikeGrind has collected, grinded, and reused over 25 Million old athletic shoes. The shoes are torn into 3 parts the Outsole, Midsole, and the upper.
Monday, June 6, 2011 at 2:45PM 
Have you seen the Kohler numi? This thing is amazing. You have got to watch the video. I have used outhouses, airplane toilets, porta potties, a shovel and a hole in the ground, but I have never seen anything like this. The toilet even blows heated air at your feet. I must confess my recent trip to Japan left me thinking that my toilet at home is not living up to its fullest potential. I think the Japanese toilet was enrolled in the honors program and mine spent most of its time at in-school detention.
Its so fancy that they expect you to Crap in front of a glass window and be admired by your neighbors.
Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 4:06PM Caroliana Tile recommends you check your State and Federal laws before attemting to handle, workaround, or even going near Asbetos Products. Only properly trained professionals should attemp to work with Asbestos containing products. The following is for informational purposes only.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber. It can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.
From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of:
The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increases with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke. People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease. Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard.
Read more information about asbestos and its health effects.
Flooring, including sheet vinyl, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive or glue, may contain asbestos. In the past, asbestos fibers were added during the production of flooring materials to strengthen the flooring and to increase its durability.
Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.
Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.
Don't dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
Don't saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.
Don't use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor.
Don't sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs replacing, install new floor covering over it, if possible.
Don't track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area, or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional.
Major repairs must be done only by a professional trained in methods for safely handling asbestos.
Minor repairs should also be done by professionals since there is always a risk of exposure to fibers when asbestos is disturbed.
Doing minor repairs yourself is not recommended since improper handling of asbestos materials can create a hazard where none existed.
Removal is usually the most expensive method and, unless required by state or local regulations, should be the last option considered in most situations. This is because removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release. However, removal may be required when remodeling or making major changes to your home that will disturb asbestos material. Also, removal may be called for if asbestos material is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired. Removal is complex and must be done only by a contractor with special training. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family.
Make sure that the inspection will include a complete visual examination and the careful collection and lab analysis of samples. If asbestos is present, the inspector should provide a written evaluation describing its location and extent of damage, and give recommendations for correction or prevention.
Make sure an inspecting firm makes frequent site visits if it is hired to assure that a contractor follows proper procedures and requirements. The inspector may recommend and perform checks after the correction to assure the area has been properly cleaned.
Flooring that contains asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered nonfriable and is not hazardous.
Heat, water, weathering or aging can weaken flooring to the point where it is considered friable. Friable flooring includes any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos that can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder with hand pressure. This includes previously nonfriable flooring material which has been damaged to the extent that it may be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Flooring can also be made friable during its removal. Friable materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once in the air, asbestos fibers present a health hazard to people who inhale those fibers.
Removing resilient floor coverings is a common occurrence during home remodeling projects. Resilient floor coverings include linoleum or sheet vinyl and floor tiles. Options for dealing with asbestos-containing flooring include removal or installing new flooring over it.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends using a licensed asbestos contractor to remove asbestos-containing flooring. However, the information in this document will assist the homeowner who decides to remove the asbestos-containing flooring themselves do the work in a safe manner. It is important for the health and safety of you and your family that you perform the work correctly. Using the proper equipment, preparation, removal procedures and clean up are important in reducing exposure to asbestos fibers.
The following equipment should be used when removing floor coverings:
To prepare the work area, remove all movable objects from the work area. This is done to prevent any contamination of these objects and reduces clean-up time. Any object that cannot be removed should be covered with poly and sealed with duct tape. Next, the work area should be isolated. If the work area is properly isolated, any asbestos fibers released during the work will be restricted to the work area. Isolate the work area by turning off the heating and air conditioning system for the work area and any vents should be covered with poly and sealed with duct tape.
Doorways and any other openings should also be covered with poly and sealed with duct tape. Access to the work area should be limited to one doorway. Cover the doorway with poly and seal with duct tape. Then cut a slit in the poly to allow you to enter and exit the work area. Cover the slit with an additional poly flap secured at the top of the door. This should be the only access to the work area. This will also limit air movement into and out of the work area.
Before beginning removal, make sure that all tools and equipment that are needed are inside the work area. You should limit the number of times you exit the work area once asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. The personal protective equipment you choose should be put on at this time.
Both floor tile and linoleum need to be wetted with amended water before any removal begins or cuts are made. Amended water suppresses the release of asbestos fibers into the air.
To Remove Floor Tile
Floor tile is most easily removed from the edges. Use a hammer and putty knife or similar tool to work under the edges of the tile and pop the tile loose. Once the first tile is loose, work the putty knife at a 45 degree angle to gently pop the remaining tiles loose. Avoid excessive breakage during removal to reduce your exposure to asbestos fibers.
To Remove Vinyl Floor Sheeting (Linoleum)
Linoleum may be adhered on the edges or over the entire floor surface. It can be removed by first cutting the material with a utility knife into manageable sections, about 6" wide. Remove the linoleum at the edges by peeling back the material. Use a metal putty knife or razor scraper to scrape the bottom edge of the linoleum. Continue to wet the material as it is scraped and pulled up. The linoleum backing may separate from the linoleum during removal and remain adhered to the floor. Any residual material can be removed by thoroughly wetting with amended water and hand-scrubbing with an abrasive pad.
Waste Materials
Floor tiles should be placed into poly-lined waste boxes. This will prevent additional breakage and potential release of fibers. Linoleum should be wrapped in poly sheeting and sealed with duct tape. Wipe down the exterior of the boxes and poly wrap and remove the waste material from the work area. Continue this process until all flooring has been removed.
Adhesives
In some cases, the adhesives holding the floor tile or linoleum may need to be removed. Chemical solvents or amended water can be used to accomplish this. Check with the manufacturer about using chemical solvents. Some chemical solvents are not compatible with new adhesives. Do not sand or grind adhesives. Adhesives may contain asbestos and fibers may be released into the air through this action.
Clean-up is essential when removing asbestos-containing materials. In this step, you are attempting to remove all the potential asbestos dust and particulate that remains in the work area. The chance of a future asbestos exposure is high if a thorough cleaning and inspection are not done. Wipe all surfaces within the work area with a damp cloth. This includes all poly sheeting in the work area. Rinse the cloth and change the water often to prevent recontamination of surfaces in the work area. Inspect all surfaces for any dirt, dust or debris, and reclean if necessary. All equipment used for removing the flooring material should be cleaned and inspected. Remove all equipment from the work area.
Next, take down the poly sheeting and place it into waste bags. Reinspect the work area and reclean, if necessary. Place all towels and mop heads into waste bags. To decontaminate yourself, wash all exposed skin. Remove your disposable suit by rolling it up inside out and disposing it in a waste bag. Place all poly, towels and other waste into bags and seal with duct tape. It is also recommended that you take a complete shower to remove any potential asbestos fibers still clinging to your body and hair.
MDH recommends that all asbestos debris and waste is disposed of in a landfill that accepts asbestos-containing waste. There are three methods of disposing of asbestos waste and they are:
A list of landfills accepting asbestos should be obtained from your states Enviornmental Agency
MDH does not regulate non-friable materials. These are materials that cannot be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. However, if you are removing greater than 160 square feet of non-friable flooring material and the removal method you are using causes any portion to become friable, then removal must be performed according to all MDH Regulations.
Just about any removal method can make a previously non-friable flooring material friable. The following removal methods will render previously non-friable flooring material friable:
The following removal methods have a lower probability of rendering previously non-friable flooring friable, but still may make the material friable:
Flooring material should remain intact during the removal process. If the flooring material you are removing begins to consistently break, your previously non-friable flooring material may now be considered friable and regulated by MDH. See the guidance photographs at the bottom of this page.
MDH, in conjunction with MPCA has developed the following guidance as to when MDH and MPCA consider floor tile removal as regulated.
Removal of floor tile in commercial settings offers a unique challenge to licensed asbestos contractors. In its undisturbed state, floor tile may be classified as a nonfriable material and therefore nonregulated. However, floor tile may be damaged during a removal project to the extent that it would be considered a regulated friable material.
Building owners and contractors, both licensed and unlicensed, believe that using spud bars, ice chippers, etc., is always a nonregulated removal method because hand tools are being used. Using hand tools to remove floor tile does not mean the floor tile will remain nonfriable.
MDH and MPCA consider the damage done to the floor tile, even if hand tools are used for the removal. Damaged material directly relates to the friability of a material.
There is nothing in MDH’s or MPCA’s rules that states using hand tools is a nonregulated removal method. Hand tools may be used to remove floor tile, but if the floor tile becomes damaged or will become damaged, then the asbestos-containing floor tile will be regulated by MDH and MPCA.
The MDH had issued an administrative penalty order (APO) to a licensed asbestos contractor for failing to notify MDH and follow proper work procedures during a floor tile removal project. The asbestos contractor contested the APO and a hearing was held in front of an administrative law judge. The administrative law judge concluded that MDH had correctly determined that the floor tile had been rendered friable as defined by the Minnesota Rules and therefore the project was regulated by the MDH. View the administrative law judge's finding.
If you are removing non-friable floor tile in excess of 160 square feet and it becomes friable, take the following steps:
NOTE: The emergency notification and permit are issued only for the material that is part of the emergency situation! The permit and notification cannot be extended to any additional material.
Guidance Photographs
The following series of pictures of floor tile removal projects is for illustrative purposes. The floor tiles in all these pictures were removed using hand tools by licensed asbestos abatement contractors.
Photo #1: Removed using a putty knife and a hammer
Photo #2: Removed with an ice chipper
Photos #3 & 4: Removed with dry ice and an ice chipper
Photos #5 & 6: Removed with hand tools and is friable
Photo #7: Removed using an ice chipper and is friable
Photo #8: Removed nonfriably and then placed in a lined fiber drum
Photo #9: Removed nonfriably with potential to become friable
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Photo #1 - This asbestos-containing floor tile was removed using a putty knife and a hammer. The tile remained in whole pieces with little breakage. |
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Photo #2 - This asbestos-containing floor tile was removed with an ice chipper. The tile remained in whole pieces with little breakage. |
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Photo #7 - The floor tile was removed using an ice chipper and is friable. Floor tile being removed in this manner must be removed according to the MDH Asbestos Abatement Rules. |
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 4:51PM Use linear measurements for estimating the trims, moldings, or finishing pieces needed in an installation. When doing calculations for trims and molding, allow for an overage of 5% or not less than 2 extra pieces.
Linear measurement is calculated by measuring the number of feet along the space in which the molding or trim will go. That measurement then is multiplied by 12 (inches in a foot) and divided by the length of the trim piece. For example, a wall that measures 15’ long will need 30 pieces of a 6" long trim.
Example: 15’ x 12" = 180" / 6 = 30 pieces
Including overage, the client needs to order 32 pieces.
30 x 1.05 = 31.5 (round up to 32)
Finding Square Footage
Square footage- multiply the length times the width
20’ x 25’ = 500 SF
Square footage is calculated by multiplying the length times the height or width of an area. For example, a floor that measures 5’ x 9’ will need 45 square feet of tile.
Example: 5’ x 9’ = 45 SF
To find the number of tiles necessary to fill an area, first find the square inches of the area you wish to fill. Then, find the square inches of the single tile. Finally, divide the square inches of your project's area by the square inches of your tile, and the result will be the number of tiles necessary to complete your project.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 7:37AM 
This is proof that a properly installed marble floor can provide years of service. The Marble floor shown here was installed in the National Statuary around 1864-1867. My tour group must have thought I was strange. Everyone in my group was taking pictures of all the history around us and looking at the walls. I spent my time looking at the floor.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 12:53PM 
I enjoy cooking a lot! Carolina Tile to include showroom staff and flooring installers enjoy eating even more. Sometimes while sitting at home watching HGTV working on a design for a new kitchen backsplash inspiration strikes!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 6:50PM You have seen the headlines and hear about it all the time. Congratulations to Blah, Blah, Blah for they were awarded Platinum LEED certification. Yeah, I know what you are thinking, it sounds impressive! You’re almost proud for them and then you realize you don’t even know what the heck LEED is about.
What is “LEED” you ask? LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building rating system. It is a bunch of guidelines established by the U.S. Green Building Council. The purpose is to give architects, builders, and designers a framework that outlines obtainable and measureable environmental objectives.
First, I don’t know about you, but I am down with saving a buck or two. Second, Conservation is what’s hot in the streetz right now. Third, it proves that you’re not a selfish S.O.B. and you actually care about your planet, community, neighbors, and future generations. Not to mention most LEED projects are pretty cool to look at. You may also be considered socially responsible by your peers. Working toward a LEED certification helps to address many issues including global climate change, dependence on non sustainable and expensive sources of energy, and threats to human health.
Well you must determine if your project falls into one of the categories listed below: If it does there is a different set of guidelines and requirements depending of what rating system you fall into.
Each rating system has sub-categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation in Design.
In each subcategory there is a list of objectives that must be met. The more points you accrue determines the rating that your project receives: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Anyone who helps a project obtains LEED certification should be saluted and congratulated for their efforts at Good Stewardship.
