Let me step back and tell you what 'asbestos' is. You can read the Wikipedia article which is quite extensive; however, the basic info to know is that it is a naturally occurring mineral that is hazardous to human health and is known to cause a type of cancer known as mesothelioma. Yup, not good.
One of the groups of asbestos fibers is called 'Serpentine'. One of the minerals in that group is called 'Chrysotile'. According to Wikipedia this mineral is found in the following products and materials:
- Chlor Alkali diaphragm membranes used to make chlorine (currently in the USA) [2]
- Drywall and joint compound
- Plaster
- Gas mask filters pre 1960s
- Mud and texture coats
- Vinyl floor tiles, sheeting, adhesives
- Roofing tars, felts, siding, and shingles[47]
- "Transite" panels, siding, countertops, and pipes
- Popcorn ceilings, also known as acoustic ceilings
- Fireproofing
- Caulk
- Industrial and marine gaskets
- Brake pads and shoes
- Stage curtains
- Fire blankets
- Interior fire doors
- Fireproof clothing for firefighters
- Thermal pipe insulation
- Filters for removing fine particulates from chemicals, liquids and wine
- Dental cast linings
- HVAC flexible duct connectors
- Drilling fluid additives
I felt that all the above info was important enough to tell you and thanks to a loyal reader for asking, but I know you really want to move on to pictures and progress! So here we go:
Color Palette
Lu picked her colors from Sherwin-Williams (Daydream SW6541 - top/Briny SW6775 - side), then picked her floor tile from Menards. She chose to use self stick vinyl tiles for the ease of installation, but more importantly, she needed to cover a cement slab floor that was far from even and she needed a surface that will be easy to clean and withstand traffic in and out of the house. Another big factor was that the cat boxes will be in this room presenting challenges all cat lovers endure.
It can be helpful to use your flooring choices to drive your color palette since flooring can be expensive and paint is quite the opposite. Lu and I discussed color first because one of her main goals was to brighten up the room and paint color was going to be key. Note the Daydream color does not appear to be as violet as it may on your screen. A north facing window tends to dull colors, so this looks a bit lighter in Lu's room. Briny will be used as an accent, on some cabinetry, and window trim. Daydream is on the walls.
Tile Patterns
I found a website that shows many, many options for tile patterns and provides a way to estimate how much tile to purchase: www.southcypress.com. Lu purchased her tile at Menards for $0.63 per tile. She bought 3 boxes for a total of around $85 which is plenty to cover her 98 square foot space. There are 45 pieces to each box.
What pattern do you choose with so many choices? Of course, it will depend on the pattern already on each individual tile, whether it is solid or busy, geometric or organic, but it also can change how big or small your room appears. Lu chose to install her tile on a diagonal which will make the room look wider upon entering it. This website has some great tips and pictures to show you the impact a pattern can make: www.tilehomeguide.com
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| Testing out a diagonal installation |
Installation
Although Lu's self stick tiles do not require grout, she is entertaining the idea of grouting some gaps she noticed when all was done. I'm recommending that she finds a non-sanded premixed grout that is flexible. I've seen some acryllic products that are online, but I think more research is needed. I would also recommend that she do a test on an extra uninstalled tile to ensure it doesn't discolor or otherwise damage the tile. This website appears to have some good instructions on how to install and grout 'grout-able' vinyl flooring: www.sasinteriors.net. Lu started her tile in one corner of the room and used paper to make templates for the partial tiles she needed on the edges and corners. Since I wasn't there to take step by step pictures and the website mentioned above has some good detail, I won't elaborate on the process here.
I think this is coming along nicely, don't you? This hasn't been easy. Lu has been working through this renovation with 2 injuries to date - Burn blisters on her fingers from a fire pit mishap and 2 very large swollen bruises on her right shin from playing with her granddaughter - yet she is determined to get this done. Yay, Lu!
On this cold, rainy, and dreary day in Wisconsin, I invite everyone (especially Lu) to sit back, relax, and enjoy...
See you in two weeks!
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