Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners. Its a cost-effective flooring option available in many styles and colors. To find out if its right for your home, learn more about the pros and cons of laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring has been around since the 1970s, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional flooring. Its a synthetic product with various layers designed to look like real wood or stone flooring.

Laminate flooring comes in various colors and styles, some quite luxurious. Its easy to install and you can lay it on top of existing floors, including concrete, wood, and vinyl flooring.

All laminate flooring is cheaper than wood or stone, with some products priced under $1 per square foot. However, its not the most durable flooring option. The life expectancy of laminate flooring is about half of products like hardwood flooring or ceramic tile.

There are several pros and cons of laminate flooring. First, take a look at the advantages of laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring may not be as long-lasting as wood floors, but that doesnt mean they arent durable. Depending on their quality and abrasion class (AC) rating, laminate floors can last 15 to 25 years without needing maintenance, sanding, or resealing.

As mentioned, laminate flooring comprises five or six layers sandwiched together. The top layer is the protective wear layer, and the thickness of the wear layer determines how durable it is. Typically, the price per square foot of laminate flooring increases with the thickness of the wear layer.

Laminate is one of the most widely used cheap flooring options. Its comparable in price to sheet vinyl and linoleum flooring, but it doesnt puncture, scratch, or dent as easily.

Unlike hardwood flooring, laminate flooring requires little to no special care. You never have to seal it or restain it. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping are enough to keep laminate floors in good condition.

Versatility is an important factor when exploring the pros and cons of laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of styles, textures, patterns, and colors, allowing you to choose exactly the look you want for your homes interior decorating. You can install laminate flooring on any subfloor and even lay it over many types of existing floors.

One of the main benefits of laminate flooring is its affordability, and the fact that its DIY-friendly makes it even more affordable than other flooring options. Most homeowners find the click-and-lock type of laminate flooring simple enough to install on their own.

While there are plenty of pros about laminate flooring, there are also a few cons that you should consider. Its best to understand the disadvantages of laminate flooring before you commit to this type of flooring.

There are brands and styles of laminate flooring that do a better job of appearing authentic, but most laminate flooring lacks the genuine appeal of natural wood floors. Other products, like wood-look ceramic or porcelain tiles, do a better job of looking like real wood than laminate does.

That doesnt mean that laminate flooring lacks appeal, however. What it does mean is that you arent going to fool anyone into thinking that your laminate floors are the real thing. Theyll still look good, but they dont look real.

One significant drawback to laminate flooring is that its vulnerable to moisture. The core layers are made from wood fibers, and although there have been improvements made since laminate flooring first came on the market, much of it is easily damaged by excessive moisture.

Some brands offer a water-resistant laminate flooring plank, but it still doesnt hold up as well as products like waterproof vinyl flooring planks. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is the clear choice for bathrooms and kitchens, but its more expensive, usually starting at about $5 per square foot.

To be considered eco-friendly, a product has to meet green requirements throughout its lifecycle, from manufacturing to disposal. In the past, laminate flooring has missed the mark when it came to green manufacturing.

Fortunately, the evolution of laminate flooring is marked by a growing emphasis on sustainability. According to the North American Laminate Flooring Association, laminate flooring provides numerous environmental benefits. Manufacturers use few raw materials in laminate flooring, and its a highly recyclable product. Its also easy to find many formaldehyde-free products.

Laminate flooring is a hard surface, and it lacks the comfort of floor coverings like vinyl or carpet. Laminate flooring also produces a hollow sound when its walked on.

Some brands offer padded planks that enhance the comfort level of laminate flooring when its walked on, but the best way to make it feel more comfortable is to choose a quality underlayment with sound-dampening properties.

Many DIYers tackle laminate flooring installations with fantastic success. Proper preparation and attention to detail is critical, but its not hard to do. Follow these tips for a successful laminate flooring installation.

Like most projects, proper preparation takes time but is the best way to ensure good results. Here are some recommendations to properly prepare for a laminate flooring installation:

Underlayment is critical for a long-lasting, quality laminate flooring installation. Heres what to look for when choosing the right underlayment:

Before installing laminate flooring, allow the boxed planks to acclimate for about 48 hours in the room where theyll be installed.

Laminate flooring expands with humidity and heat, and contracts with cold, dry air. When you give it time to acclimate, youre less likely to have problems related to shrinking and expanding planks.

To determine if DIY or professional installation is right for you, consider factors like your skill level and how much available time you have.

With a DIY installation, you can enjoy the cost savings and sense of accomplishment you get from a job well done. However, if you lack the necessary skills, it can lead to mistakes and uneven installations.

Professional laminate floor installers have the expertise to quickly and efficiently install your floor. They are less likely to make errors during installation, resulting in a polished final result.

Laminate flooring isnt for everyone, but its the perfect choice for homeowners on a budget, people with pets, and rental properties.

Compared to traditional flooring options, laminate flooring is cost-effective. If youre remodeling a small room in your home on a tight budget, you can install laminate flooring for around $1 per square foot, making it extremely affordable compared to high-end wood floors that cost $15 to $20 per square foot.

From scratches to messy accidents, pets take a toll on your homes floors. Laminate floorings durability and affordability make it a top choice for pet owners. Its scratch-resistant and easy to clean, and since it costs much less, it wont hurt your wallet as much if you have to replace it.

If you have a rental property, you already know how hard renters can be on floors. Its easy to enhance the look of your rental with a fresh new laminate floor without making a significant investment.

Before installing laminate flooring, here are some additional factors to consider.

If youre planning on selling your home, any type of new flooring will help improve the look and feel of your homes interior. However, theres a considerable difference between the return on your investment when you install laminate versus hardwood floors.

With hardwood, many homeowners see up to a 150% ROI, while laminate flooring is closer to 80%. Its important to consider other factors, however, and choose the right flooring that fits best with your homes overall aesthetic.

Theres a wide range of styles to choose from when it comes to laminate flooring, and choosing the right one for your home will ensure that it works with the style you have. Here are some factors to consider when youre choosing laminate flooring:

Factors like your local climate and water table can determine whether laminate flooring is a suitable choice for your application. Laminate flooring works well in cold, dry climates, but in humid environments, it can become damaged due to too much moisture absorption.

Laminate flooring is easy to care for, but it helps to establish a maintenance routine to preserve its appearance. Regular cleaning by sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris will help protect the wear layer.

Occasionally, you can use a damp mop to clean your laminate floors. Excess moisture can lead to buckling, warping, and damage around the edges of the planks. You can also avoid damage by using entrance mats, protective pads on furniture, and handling spills promptly.

The best laminate flooring for kitchens and bathrooms is one thats highly water resistant. There is a lot of moisture in these areas, which causes the interior layers of laminate flooring to swell, especially around the edges and seams. If you do install laminate flooring in your kitchen, be sure to clean up any spills immediately.

As long as your existing floor is level and smooth, you can install laminate flooring over it. Some types of flooring that laminate flooring cannot be installed over include natural stone, brick, and carpet.

There are many eco-friendly laminate flooring options available. Heres what to look for when youre choosing laminate flooring that is aligned with your environmental goals:

You can also research the manufacturer and read laminate flooring reviews to understand more about their manufacturing process and determine if they use sustainable materials.

On average, laminate flooring lasts about 15 to 25 years. The lifespan of laminate flooring depends on several factors, including the product quality, how well its maintained, and how much wear and tear it gets over the years.

Repairing deep scratches or dents in laminate flooring is simple to do, especially if you have an artistic eye. Use a wood filler, and once it dries to a hard finish, sand it smooth. You can use a matching varnish or stain pen to color it to match the rest of your floor.

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Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring - Pro Tool Reviews

In their new case study, Grip Tech Flooring demonstrates their expertise in providing seamless auto body shop epoxy flooring in Toms River, NJ, with a high-quality Elite Crete installation at Anthony's Auto Body II, reflecting their dedication to functional and stylish flooring solutions.

Toms River, New Jersey, United States - January 30, 2024

Grip Tech Flooring proudly announces the completion of their state-of-the-art Elite Crete seamless epoxy flooring installation at Anthonys Auto Body II, situated in Toms River. This project underscores their commitment to delivering durable, stylish, and maintenance-friendly flooring solutions specifically designed for commercial and auto body shop spaces.

For an in-depth look at this transformation, view the full case study on the Grip-Tech Floor Coatings site.

In just four days, Grip Tech Flooring skillfully transformed a 500 sq. ft. area at Anthonys Auto Body II into a resilient and aesthetically pleasing workspace.

Joe Delandro, the owner of Grip Tech Flooring, shared his insights on the project, stating, "Our goal is always to surpass our clients' expectations with robust flooring solutions that cater to the specific demands of their industry while enhancing overall workspace aesthetics."

The newly installed seamless epoxy floor with a 4-inch cove base at Anthonys Auto Body II provides a clean, safe environment, perfectly suited to the daily demands of automotive work.

The detailed case study available on the Grip Tech Flooring website offers a comprehensive view of this innovative installation process and the advantages of using seamless epoxy systems in challenging environments.

Grip Tech Flooring, known for its expert solutions in commercial and industrial flooring, continues to innovate, providing high-performance flooring that expertly blends functionality with design appeal. The successful project at Anthonys Auto Body II is a testament to their commitment to delivering exceptional results and ensuring client satisfaction.

Discover more about Grip Tech Floorings services and explore custom flooring solutions by reading the detailed case study on the Grip Tech Case Study Showcase or getting in touch with their team of experts directly.

About the company: Grip Tech Flooring, based in Toms River, NJ, is a leader in providing innovative and high-quality flooring solutions. Specializing in commercial and industrial applications, the company offers a range of services, including the installation of seamless epoxy flooring tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of each client. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on using innovative materials and techniques, Grip Tech Flooring prides itself on delivering durable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional flooring systems. Their team of experienced professionals ensures that every project, big or small, is executed with precision and attention to detail, guaranteeing customer satisfaction. For more information, visit Grip Tech Floorings website or contact their expert team for consultations and services.

Contact Info: Name: Joe Delandro Email: Send Email Organization: Grip Tech Floor Coatings Address: 919 Route 33, Unit 3738 Freehold NJ 07728 Phone: (732) 614-6929 Website: https://griptechflooring.com/

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Grip Tech Flooring Showcases Seamless Auto Body Shop Epoxy Flooring in Toms River, NJ with Elite Crete ... - AsiaOne

The polymer composite flooring was installed in early January 2024, and replaced the subfloor of the VDPAC stage.

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VDPAC is the first theatre in Canada to use the polymer composite flooring for its stage.

The flooring has been added to the performance space lineup of vinyl marley dance floors, sprung floors, and existing stage floor systems.

The new composite surface has a high load-bearing capacity; is resistant to water, tape, fire, expansion and shrinkage; does not require painting; and overall requires low maintenance.

The RDNO provided $150,000 for the new stage flooring, including the costs of the damaged hardboard tear-out and installation of new perimeter air boards for venting. The new flooring is expected to have some savings over the long term for the VDPAC.

I expect the new floor will reduce annual stage paint costs by $5,000-6,000 alone, with additional crew and stage maintenance savings, Harding said.

The theatre stated the previous flooring, installed in February of 2023 following a flooding event the previous December, was in need of replacement as it was progressively damaged by normal performances over the spring.

The total costs of the December 2022 flooding-related RDNO and VDPAC insurance claims, including equipment replacement, reimbursements, stage reconstruction and materials is set to be finalized at some point this year.

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New state-of-the-art stage installed at Performing Arts Centre - Vernon Matters

A terrazzo floor. PHOTO | COURTESY

Terrazzo is a kind of composite tile made up of marble chips and concrete that is mixed together to create a smooth, beautiful flooring or countertop material that can be used in all kinds of buildings.

While an affordable option to replicate the beauty of marble, terrazzo floor tiles are becoming rare due to a decline in usage.

The inconvenience arises from the on-site manufacturing process, contributing to the diminishing popularity of terrazzo.

But for its lovers, here is an easy-to-follow terrazzo flooring installation process:

This is a procedure meant to remove the top layer of loose concrete to help reinforce a strong bond between the concrete and the terrazzo.

Once this is done, installers are required to check the concrete surface for any cracking, which must be sealed immediately.

RELATED:Popular Flooring Materials for Modern Homes

Besides adding a crack suppression system, the installers will check for any moisture-related issues in the flooring.

A moisture mitigation system can be used to seal pores as it builds a thin layer over the surface. It is also important to check and fix the floor levels that are out of tolerance.

At this point, the installers will create a plan detailing how the floor will look like. This is done by cutting the divider strips to separate colours and to control expansion joints.

The divider strips are also a great way to an intricate design to your floor.

With the floor layout firmly in place, the installers can now proceed to make the terrazzo mixture. Based on specifications, the installers are required to measure components and create the material using mixing equipment.

This is a critical stage in the terrazzo flooring installation process.

After the terrazzo mix is created with a Part A epoxy and Part B hardener, the installers can now add the epoxy to the flooring surface.

Using a towel, the installers will then spread the mix across the membrane.

At this point, the installers are required to evenly distribute additional aggregates such as recycled glass and marble chips over the floor surface. The floor will then be left to cure.

Once the terrazzo floor has cured, it is now time to use a grinding machine to smooth out the terrazzo floor.

Installers will at this point apply a grout mixture to remove any existing pin holes in a process known as grouting.

To conclude the terrazzo flooring installation process, installers apply some polish over the floor to give it a shine. They also apply a sealant to give the floor some additional protection.

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How to Install Terrazzo Floor | CK - Construction Kenya

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Portion of Jackson St. to close for tree removal on Jan. 30 - Grand Haven Tribune

UPDATE: January 29, 2024, 10:04 AM

BIGFORK, Mont. - The closure of a portion of MT Highway 35 for tree removal has been rescheduledfor Thursday, February 1.

The delay is due to an issue Flathead Electric had with equipment when they went out originally on the morning of Monday, January 29, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

Traffic in the area south of Woods Bay, near Fishing Rock Lanewill remain normal Monday.

BIGFORK, Mont. Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC), the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), and the US Forest Service (USFS) will partner to support efforts removing a dead tree on Montana Highway 35 (MT 35), south of Woods Bay, near Fishing Rock Lane, on Monday, January 29, anticipated to occur from 10 a.m. to noon. This narrow area of MT 35 will be closed to traffic while work is occurring. Travelers will need to seek alternate routes.

Two cranes and multiple crews will assist with the trees removal. The closure is weather-dependent and will be rescheduled in case of high winds or plowing priorities as required by MDT. If the closure is rescheduled, the local press will be asked to share the news and MDTs variable message signs on MT 35, near Polson and Bigfork, will be updated. In this case, information will also be posted on FEC, MDT, and USFS websites.

The nearby Bear Dance Trail, USFS Trail #76, will also be closed in both directions on the day in question.

The tree that will be removed is over 110 feet tall and located on the east side of the road at approximately mile marker 23. The tree, dead for many years, has significant rot around its base. Without removal, it is expected to fall across MT 35. Its removal will enhance safety for the traveling public.

It is also highly likely that, if not removed, the tree will fall into the power lines on the west side of MT 35. Amanda Opp, FEC Integrated Services Manager, shared, The trees location above MT 35 makes it extremely difficult to safely remove. However, if it were to fall, the resulting power outage would likely be prolonged, because of the limited access we have to bring in new power poles and re-string wire. Being proactive is the right thing to do for the public, and greatly decreases the risk of the tree falling into the wires and sparking a wildfire.

The tree is home to an unoccupied osprey nest. Multiple biologists from federal and state agencies were consulted about the trees removal and approved the same. Opp noted, From the start, we were sensitive to the osprey nest, and reached out to the USFS, the US Biological Station at Flathead Lake, and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MFWP) to ensure there were no nesting osprey in the tree, and that if the tree was removed, there would be suitable options in the area for any osprey that may return in the spring. Ospreys migrate seasonally and are not expected to return to Northwest Montana until April. The trees removal is not expected to impact the birds. However, the nest will be inspected again on the day of the removal.

A brief power outage may occur during the road closure. Co-op members can receive updates at the online Outage Center: Outage Center - Flathead Electric Cooperative.

The public is encouraged to contact Joan Redeen at 406-396-1978 with any questions or comments regarding the road closure. Motorists can stay informed about road status on the day in question by visiting 511mt.net or downloading the MDT 511 app on their phone.

Original post:
Portion of MT Highway 35 closes Tuesday for tree removal - Nonstop Local

Work is scheduled to start this week near the American side of the Blue Water Bridge to make way for plaza improvements.

The Michigan Department of Transportation [MDOT] said crews will start removing trees in Port Huron --across nearly half an acre -- adjacent to the plaza near Pine Grove Avenue, Harker Street, Scott Avenue and westbound I-94 from Garfield to the Black River.

The work is being done in advance of improvements that will see the eastbound I-94 exit ramp at Pine Grove Avenue relocated.

Sound walls will also be built along portions of the project limits and Pine Grove Avenue and 10th Avenue will be reconfigured.

MDOT said a total of 110 trees were flagged for removal, but an effort was made to leave mature and developed trees north of Scott Avenue, which will support a non-motorized path in the future.

Traffic in the area could be restricted at times while the work is completed.

MDOT said the work is being done now somaternity roosting season for bats, which begins in early April, isn't impacted.

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Tree removal to make way for Blue Water Bridge plaza improvements - Blackburn News Sarnia

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Sims Tree Care provided free tree removal from driveways to those in need - Therogersvillereview

On Jan. 13, the second day of a winter storm that paralyzed the region, a 150-foot Douglas fir crushed Sarah and Joel Bonds Southwest Portland home.

We just watched it come down and got out of the way, recalls Peter Larkin, a neighbor who was standing in the Bonds living room with Joel when the tree crashed into the roof above the upstairs bathroom. In those kinds of moments, the first thing is trying not to get squished.

The Douglas fir smashed through the roof like a dull knife trying to cut through a tomato. It barely missed the Bonds 6-year-old daughter, JoJo, who was upstairs at the time. It sent one family cat, Binx, into hiding for the next eight daysthe family presumed he was dead until he surfaced out of the basement on Jan. 21.

The Bonds were hardly alone in their misery. Last weeks storm was the most destructive winter weather event in recent history, and much of that destruction was accomplished by trees. Downed trees and limbs left 150,000 households without power; set a recreational vehicle on fire, killing a woman inside; and made many roads impassable. At least 11 fundraisers on the website GoFundMe are seeking money to assist with damages from trees that crashed into homes.

But for the Bonds, the destruction was especially gallingbecause they had been asking the city of Portland for permission to chop down the tree that hit their house since 2021.

We tried to get these trees out because we were like, this looks potentially dangerous, Sarah Bond says. The possibility that it could happen seemed good enough reason for me to take them down.

The city didnt agree. In February 2022, the citys Urban Forestry division denied the Bonds a removal permit for the two Douglas firs. Removal will significantly affect neighborhood character, based on the trees attributes, visibility of the tree to the public, or past removals of trees in the area, the citys letter read. Tree appears healthy and not dead, dying or dangerous at the time of inspection; tree is [more than 10 feet] from an attached structure.

Now, the Bonds are without a home, and the city is requiring them to ask for a retroactive removal permit for the tree that fell. Plus, the Bonds will have to plant a new tree in its place.

I have to pay them for their approval to remove the stump of the tree that destroyed our house that they denied us a permit on, Sarah Bond says. I am in complete disbelief.

The Bonds story echoes complaints from across the city about Portland City Hall maintaining a high bar for chopping down a tree.

Brenna Bell, co-leader of the Shade Equity Coalition, which lobbies the city to more aggressively plant trees, fears that incidents of trees crushing homes and cars in the past two weeks will cause Portlanders to see trees as threatsnot assets.

Im kind of afraid that people are going to look askance at trees after this weather event, Bell says. Danger comes from everywhere. You could have a door from an airplane fall on your house, you just never know.

The Bonds were denied a permit by the city to remove the Douglas fir that would eventually crush their home. (Allison Barr)

The citys tree code is stringent for a reason: As the earths climate heats up, cities across the country are touting trees as one of the primary protectors of human life. After all, shade provides a reprieve from the heat, which in 2021 baked 69 Portlanders alive, most of them elderly, isolated and without air conditioning, and living in East Portland, where the tree coverage is scant compared to that on the west side of the Willamette River.

So the city has strict rules for homeowners who want to chop down a tree. If the trunk of a tree on your property is more than 12 inches in diameter, the city wont allow you to chop it down unless its dead, dying or dangerous or less than 10 feet from a structure.

In September 2021, Joel Bond sent a form to the city of Portlands Urban Forestry division, which , with an annual budget of $17.5 million and 84 full-time employees, handles all matters arboreal. Bond asked for permission to chop down two Douglas firs in the backyard, which towered over the house.

In a neat drawing on the back of the application, Bond sketched a diagram to help orient the city tree inspector. (Unknown Shrubby Street Tree, he labeled a nondescript tree near the front of the house. That one could stay.)

Five months later, the city sent back its denial letter. To fight the decision would cost $200. The Bonds decided not to appeal.

Almost two years later, Joel Bond and Larkin were talking about that treewhich looked all the more ominous sheathed in ice than it did barewhen it toppled onto the homes second story.

I hear snap, snap, snap, Sarah Bond recalls. My husband ran past me, straight to where my daughter was, in my bedroom. All I remember is walking up the stairs and screaming my daughters name. It was just silent.

Joel Bond found their daughter JoJo, covered in dust from the tree crashing the roof, in their bedroom. She was unhurt.

They found one of their two cats, Max, hiding. The second cat, Binx, had been in the bedroom closet when the tree fell, and the closet, crushed by the tree, had fallen through the floor. The mangled closet now lay in the living room.

The Bonds, fearing it was dangerous to dig through the rubble, called for the cat. They heard nothing. They took their belongings and their daughter and left the house.

Even as the Bonds returned home each day to dig through the rubble looking for their cat, Sarah tried to get the ear of the citys Urban Forestry division. She feared the second Douglas fir in the backyard would fall soon, too.

On Jan. 18, a city employee emailed Bond. She advised the family to hire an arborist to chop down the other fir and document the situation since your photos will provide valuable documentation if you do have to apply for a retroactive permit.

In other words, the Bonds can hire an arborist to chop down the second tree, but if the city deems an application insufficient or unconvincing, the applicant could be fined up to $1,000 per day that the violation isnt remedied. (Parks bureau spokesman Mark Ross says penalties will vary based on the each case.)

To add salt to the wound: A later email from Urban Forestry on Jan. 22 told the Bonds they have to apply for a removal permit for the tree that already crushed their house, and theyll also have to plant another in its place, out of their own pockets.

Im just livid, Sarah Bond says.

Ross, the parks bureau spokesman, says a retroactive permit for the fallen tree is certain to be approved because a denial is issued only when a homeowner removes a tree without evidence that an imminent hazard existed. Says Ross, Obviously not the case here.

Still, the Bonds must plant a tree in the fallen ones stead.

Corky Collier, executive director of the Columbia Corridor Association, a business group that has lobbied the city for years to soften its rules around tree removal, particularly in industrial areas, says the city should trust homeowners.

The citys concern about unnecessarily cutting down a tree, Collier says, seems to outweigh the possibility that the owner may have better insight and good intentions.

Bell, the tree advocate, says making exceptions for tree removals can be a slippery slope. Most of the time, Bell says, trees are lifesaversnot killers.

During the heat dome, trees saved lives, Bell says, even though five trees fell on her own property during last weeks weather. Most of the time, the tree is going to be your friend.

The parks bureau said in response to questions about the Bonds situation that homeowners are ultimately responsible for maintaining trees on their property.

Not all tree failures can be predicted, but through proactive maintenance engaging qualified tree care providers, property owners can learn their best options, Ross says. Property owners are responsible for keeping trees safe to prevent injury and damage to property.

The fallen tree still lies atop the Bonds home. To their knowledge, city crews havent touched it yet.

On Sunday morning, Sarah Bond used a flashlight to inspect the basement of what remained of her home, carefully lifting pieces of rubble that didnt look like they were holding back an avalanche of material from toppling down. She was looking for Binxs carcass. Then, in the beam of her flashlight, she saw him.

Binx was tucked behind two of the basements beams, unharmed and blinking in the bright glare of the flashlight.

The Bond family home became an unwanted treehouse. (Allison Barr)

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The City Denied a Portland Family's Request to Chop Down a Douglas Fir. Last Week, the Tree Slammed Into Their ... - Willamette Week

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How many Lake Oswego residents have sought tree removal permits since the winter storm? - Lake Oswego Review