Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Building or renovating your home? What an exciting time: it's that rare opportunity to really think about how you like to live and what you need from a space.

Of course, you can choose flooring, think about appliances, the colours you love, etc - but one area that has a huge impact on both design impressions and quality of living, but is often overlooked in the early stages, is electrical design.

Whether you're a typical aesthete, with countless home inspiration Pinterest boards and a love for interiors; or someone who wants their home to perform - to be liveable, smart, and a good investment - speaking to your electrician early will pay serious dividends, in terms of both the finished project and your ease of living in the home.

Homes are becoming smarter by the day, and there are now a huge range of electricinnovations that are about enhancing living. A good electrician can speak to you about your needs, dreams and aspirations, and suggest solutions that will help your home come alive.

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Bad lighting ruins good design, so if this is top of mind, electrical should be too.

Robert Knight, Residential Electric Design Consultant at PDL by Schneider Electric, says that in the past, homeowners tended to approach the electrical considerations of their home as a kind of afterthought, instead of thinking about it early in the process and as part of the grand scheme.

"By the time some people get to the electrical, they've used up much of their budget and are forced to make critical sacrifices, which means their home doesn't operate as well as it could. We hear it time and time again, people wishing they put in more power points, or thought about their lighting plan earlier on. It really impacts how much they can enjoy their day-to-day use of their home."

He says that simple aspects such as drawing up aplan with an electrician and installing enough power points can make a huge difference to the overall outcome of the build or renovation.

For starters, homes these days can contain literally dozens of devices, including phones, tablets and computers, so having ample USB chargers is a must.

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A good electrician can speak to you about your needs, dreams and suggest solutions to help your home come alive.

Knight also notes that modern households rely on the convenience of wireless Wi-Fi in their everyday lives more than people often realise. However, not all devices arewireless, so it's wise to run data cabling whenever possible for bandwidth-heavy streaming and gaming, for example.

"Even fridges can be smart appliances these days, so plan to put a data cable behind yours."

He says fixtures such as heated towel rails chew up power if they're left on permanently, but now you can set them on timers and even control them from your phone (as you can with many other appliances). Keeping energy consumption at a minimum.

"Motion sensors are another useful feature, allowing you to move around your house safely as lights come on at night or when you open the pantry - or even your wardrobe." Another wonderful space for a motion sensor is the laundry - a space in which we often have our hands full.

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Another wonderful space for a motion sensor is the laundry - a space in which we often have our hands full.

Knight has also noticed that Kiwis have a tendency to under-light their homes in a general sense, but he believes it's actually better to overdo the lighting in the first place, and then make it customisable so that you can dial it back using tools such as dimmers.

Bad lighting ruins good design, so if the latter is top of mind, electrical should be too: plan so that you can have lighting that complements and showcases the elements you're most proud of in your home, such as a special artwork or a feature staircase. You don't want your most beloved items to end up in the shadows.

Savvy designers should also consider the design and style of light switches and power points. PDL has ranges that include anodised aluminium, modern matte and fingerprint-resistant finishes, and in a variety of shades and styles. "You often see this beautiful kitchen with every element considered, except the look of power points, it completely changes the whole aesthetic. Homeowners often just don't know that there are switch and power point design choices out there that actually contributes to the overall design and feel of the space."

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More people are getting online to research all the electrical options for their new build or renovation, and are showing an increased understanding of the benefits of thinking ahead about electrical.

Other key things to consider are security cameras, two-way switches in hallways or large rooms, outdoor power access to create alfresco spaces that are perfect for entertaining and remote access and control of a home.

Knight says that the most compelling reason for factoring in an electricalplan at the outset of a project is the fact that much of this groundwork is difficult to do retrospectively not to mention more expensive.

But he's pleased to note that more and more people are getting online to research all the electrical options for their new build or renovation, and are showing an increased understanding of the benefits of thinking ahead about electrical.

"Good electric home design adds value to your property and is something that will always pay off in the end, especially how much you enjoy just living in your home and it being suitable for your day to day needs."

PDL offers a comprehensive range ofelectrical solutions for seamless, stylish living on their website where you can discover more exciting possibilities for your home. Visit pdl.co.nz/homebodies

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Home design 101: why you need to think about electrical early in the process - Stuff

PEDESTRIAN.TV has teamed up with Blundstone to celebrate tradies.

We all know this world would be a dark place without tradies literally. They keep our lights on, our houses standing and our water flowing. Yet in return, the folks in fluoro seem to cop a lot of judgement from the rest of us.

Why is the world like this?!

Our mates at Blundstone know whats up though and have launched RotoFlex, a range of lightweight safety boots for men and women. Designed with all-new tech built to cushion, ventilate and control moisture, theyre made for next-gen tradies.

To celebrate, were giving five tradies the floor. Fellas from a range of trades are setting the record straight on some of the biggest misconceptions people have about them.

Lets dig in.

We often feel when we enter office spaces that those in a suit give us a certain look or simply perceive us as uneducated scum. From our point of view, this is so wrong because without us dumb tradies, those in suits would not be able to sit in their air-conditioned or fire-protected office space. Phillip, Sprinkler Fitter

Perhaps in the past, people had misconceptions about tradies, thinking they arent smart because they drop out of school, arent educated and have no skills. Which is completely incorrect. Being a tradie teaches you many great lessons which you can adopt in your everyday life, such as work ethic, structure, communication and problem-solving to name just a few. Will, Plumber

People often assume that you are from a low socioeconomic background and werent able to reach a higher education after high school. To become a top-level carpenter, you need to be switched on, have a great understanding of maths, quick problem-solving skills, and decisive delegation for tasks and the team youre presented with. Elijah, Carpenter

Being an electrician is not as physically demanding as some other trades but requires a higher level of thinking. Therefore being a tradie, especially an electrician, can often be mentally draining, rather than physical as you are constantly problem-solving throughout the day at work then, again, not switching off at night. James, Electrician.

People assume were there to rip you off and steal from you. With the prices of materials on the rise and the labour that goes into constructing something, people often dont understand the cost of getting a job done. This leads to people thinking youre trying to rip them off, when in reality, youre just trying to make a fair rate for yourself while giving the best product to your client. Transparency is your best friend here. Elijah

Being a tradie actually has great quality of life as it brings variety, allows you to work outside in the sun, you are part of a team, brings life skills such as problem-solving and youre not stuck behind a desk. It is more practical, active and hands on.

At school, there is a focus on getting a good ATAR to get into uni, only to come out earning $50,000 a year and having $100,000 HECS debt. On the other hand, tradies get paid while they study a four-year apprenticeship, with a $100,000 wage and zero HECS to pay. During school, kids arent made aware of the choice to become a tradie, or the major financial, physical and mental benefits. Instead, it is portrayed as the dumb or second option. Tom, Leading Hand Carpenter.

Every day on site we face different challenges and require problem-solving skills to ensure the job gets done. Im proud to be a tradie, and would much rather wake up and throw a fluoro on rather than having to iron my shirt and put a tie on every morning, Phillip

I also think that tradies are portrayed as grubs with the stereotype that everyone smokes during smoko. This is now inaccurate as most of our generation is actually quite health-conscious, exercising and eating well.

As a Plumber, people automatically assume that all we deal with is poo and blocked toilets when actually there are many different aspects I deal with week to week. Such as roof leaks from all the storms, water leaks from one unit to another, pipe relining due to cracked sewer pipes from tree roots and your general plumbing works and bathroom renovations. Will

As a small business owner, there is no such thing as nine to five. I think most people assume we start early, finish early, and [head] straight to the pub. We also do night shifts and most weekends! Looking back on the pandemic, most trades (if not all), continued to work. This in itself demonstrates not only that we are essential, but how trades of this kind keep the economy functioning. Phillip

A big misconception is that our job is easy. With reno shows like The Block and House Rules, a lot of people find themselves thinking that they can achieve whats on TV. In reality, it takes years of formal training and on-site experience to become a great carpenter. You need the knowledge, skills and physicality to get the job done five days a week. Elijah

I think the general biggest misconception about tradies is that females cant do trades or arent good at trades. There are many females in my company and it is becoming more and more common to see females on the worksite. Tom

And lets not forget, tradies get the ladies! Phillip

So, there you have it. If youve ever made a snarky judgement about a tradie, time to pipe down.

RotoFlex by Blundstone offers stability with the freedom to move. The range is available now, so you can suss out participating stores, here.

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Tradies Drill Down On What Peoples Biggest Misconceptions About Them Are So Time To Listen Up - Pedestrian.TV

LAKESIDE, Iowa Jenny Ahlers wants her younger brother Craig and her father Rick to be remembered for who they were and how they lived, not the fact that they died by suicide 12 years apart.

Craig Ahlers, 25, was a proud father who adored his baby daughter. He was independent, strong-willed and extremely competitive at darts, bowling and pool. He worked at feed mills and, later, Schoon Construction & Excavation in Cherokee.

"It didn't matter what he was doing, he was going to be the best at it," Ahlers said of her brother, whom she was very close with. The two even lived together for a time as adults. "He was always very driven in whatever he was into."

Rick Ahlers, 58, was just as determined as his son. He was an "amazing" electrician and handyman who could fix anything, according to Ahlers. "Papa Rick" added headlights and a horn to his grandchildren's Power Wheels and made Ahlers an automatic popup camper. Camping with his family in Spencer and Storm Lake was one of Rick's favorite pastimes.

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"He loved to help fix things for other people. It made him feel good," Ahlers said, as she sat in a beige recliner in her Lakeside home. A framed photo of a wide-smiling Rick sat on a TV cabinet nearby. "He always liked to make things more fun. If it was for the grandkids, he definitely went all out on making it awesome."

Jenny Ahlers holds a photo of her brother, Craig Ahlers, playing with her daughter Brooklyn Larson, who is now 23 years old and expecting a baby boy on Craig Ahlers' birthday.

Craig died first on Oct. 19, 2006, in Storm Lake. He is among the 1,031 Siouxlanders who lost their lives to suicide from 1999 to 2020. During that time frame, suicide was the 11th-leading cause of deathin the 21-county region, which includes Buena Vista County, according to data from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention.

Eighty-five Siouxlanders died by suicide in 2020 alone, the highest number of suicide deaths in a single year overthat 22-year period. Such deaths increased 77% between 2019 to 2020, the year the region's suicide death rate per 100,000 people also topped the national rate by 44.6%.

Siouxlanders, overall, died by suicide at a rate slightly lower (4.1%) than the national average over those roughly two decades. The data shows the greatest number of suicide deaths in Siouxland, 143, was tallied among non-Hispanic white males ages 45 to 54, followed by non-Hispanic white males ages 25 to 34, 136. Males of all races accounted for 81.9% of such deaths in the region.

Jessica Barnes, community-based services administrator for Heartland Counseling Services in South Sioux City, said males tend to turn to more lethal means of suicide. White males, in particular, are less likely to seek help for a mental health condition, she said.

"Especially when you're talking about our region, rural areas -- just that mentality of, 'Pull up your bootstraps and deal with it and get through it' and 'Seeking help makes you weak,' or whatever types of beliefs that a person might have that would prevent them from reaching out," she said.

Before his death, Ahlers said her brother was busy working and being a new dad. He was "just living his life," according to Ahlers, who said she never thought Craig was depressed or that he would ever die by suicide.

Ahlers said depression and other mental health conditions are no different than any other illness, but she said the general public doesn't view it that way.

"You can't see mental illness in the same way you can see a broken bone or any type of injury. I don't feel like it's treated in the same manner and it's not given the same support that someone who is ill perhaps with cancer or something else is," she said.

Jenny Ahlers holds photos of her brother, Craig Ahlers, left, and father, Rick Ahlers, right, at her home in Lakeside, Iowa. Craig and Rick Ahlers both died by suicide.

Dr. Nesrin Abu Ata, a board-certified psychiatrist who practices at Rosecrance Jackson Centers in Sioux City, said the incidence of depression and anxiety, as well as substance use, has increased in Siouxland amid the pandemic.

"Depression is one of the top debilitating diseases; and with depression comes suicide. It's not just people dying of suicide, there's an increase in the burden of the mental health diseases," said Abu Ata, who noted that groups who have low access to mental health care, such as African Americans, Latinos, children, women and transgender people, are at greater risk of dying by suicide, as are those who are incarcerated or have comorbidities.

"And, then, you add to it the economy, a lot of the political, socio-cultural factors -- all that just fed into suicide. We think of suicide as a downstream kind of effect. It's the tip of the iceberg. But, there's all these things that are leading up to it."

In April, Heartland Counseling Services broke ground on a new 20,000-square-foot facility to help address a state-wide shortage of mental health providers and rising suicide rates. Over the past decade, Barnes said the need for staff at Heartland has steadily grown. She ties the increase in demand for services to the pandemic, as well as the rise of social media and more community awareness about mental health.

Barnes said sudden changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, withdrawal, isolation and direct and indirect suicidal statements are warning signs of suicide.

"If they're saying, 'Yes, please help me,' reaching out to any medical professional or any mental health professional is a good start," she said. "Sometimes, people are in such a bad state of mind that it's not that simple to just say, 'Let's go to an appointment.' If that's the case, they could reach out to a crisis line, like Heartland's."

Jessica Barnes, community-based services administrator for Heartland Counseling Services, is pictured in her South Sioux City office.In April, Heartland Counseling Services broke ground on a new 20,000-square-foot facility to help address a state-wide shortage of mental health providers and rising suicide rates.

Heartland's 24/7 crisis line, 402-494-7655 or 877-958-7776, is staffed by responders who screen all calls to assess the problem. If the problem is severe, the responder will contact the licensed mental health therapist on call to request that a crisis assessment be conducted.

Calling, texting or chatting 988 is another option. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects individuals nationwide with a trained counselor who will listen to their problems, provide support and refer them to additional resources.

If you notice warning signs of an undiagnosed mental health condition in a loved one, Abu Ata said you shouldn't be afraid to talk to them about it.

"'If I talk about it, are they going to be sensitive? Is it going to put ideas in their head?' It doesn't," she said. "If you're worried about a loved one, talk to them."

Abu Ata said you can begin the conversation by simply asking, "How have things been?" Ask specifically about quality of sleep, eating habits and how work or school is going. Next, she recommends asking, "How do you think you are doing?" Then, Abu Ata advises bringing up the changes you have observed, before posing the question, "What do you think would help you best?"

Abu Ata said she would help an individual return to their "sense of community" by accompanying them to their church, gym or volunteer organization.

"We all want to feel like we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves and that we are worthwhile and have a purpose. That's the layman kind of intervention," she said. "If you're really worried about somebody, that's when you say, 'Let's go this clinic where you can get help' or 'Let's talk to the suicide hotline.'"

Three weeks after Craig's death, Ahlers said her father was involved in a serious car crash. He suffered disabling injuries and was no longer able to do maintenance work at Metal Works in Spencer, a job Ahlers said Rick loved.

"He was in the hospital for several months in Des Moines at a rehabilitation center learning how to do a lot of things again, but it didn't stop him. He was always very motivated to be better and do more," she said. "He was a fighter in many ways. He just did what he could when he could."

The anniversary of Craig's death was always a hard time for Rick, but Ahlers said her dad was particularly struggling with it in the fall of 2018. Rick was living in Laurens, a city in Pocahontas County, roughly 30 miles northwest of Storm Lake. Ahlers reached out to her dad; and the two communicated before he died on Oct. 21.

"Ultimately, I didn't think that I would lose him by suicide," Ahlers said, voicing quaking, as she wiped tears from her eyes. "I can't imagine being in the pain that he was in and that Craig was in and being in such a deep dark place that you feel that the world is better off without you in it. I can't imagine feeling that hopeless. It makes me extremely sad that he and Craig both were there, because the world was a better place with them here."

Ahlers said she was able to process the grief of her father's death differently than that of her brother's, because she didn't blame herself. Over the years, she said she has gone through counseling and participated in a number of mental health training sessions. Giving back to others has also helped Ahlers heal.

In August 2020, she officially established the Buena Vista County Suicide Prevention Coalition with Casey Orth-Nebitt, a friend who also lost a loved one to suicide. The women recognized a need for an organization in the community that would help reduce the stigma associated with suicide and promote healing, with the goal of ultimately eliminating suicide. The coalition consists of representatives from mental health counseling centers, the school district, media and others who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Ahlers said coalition members reach out to families in the community who have been impacted by suicide with caring baskets and a list of resources. The coalition hosted its first suicide prevention and family wellness 5K run/walk in the fall of 2021 and has another planned for Sept. 24 at Chautauqua Park in Storm Lake. Ahlers said participants will have the opportunity to write messages of hope in chalk on the path during the event.

"I don't want anyone to ever feel like they don't deserve to be here with all of us. I don't want anyone else's story to end too soon," she said.

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Siouxland woman raises awareness of suicide prevention after deaths of brother, father - Sioux City Journal

Abortion vote returns spotlight to obscure Michigan board

A once obscure Michigan elections panel is back in the spotlight after rejecting a ballot initiative asking voters whether abortion rights should be enshrined in the states constitution and another to expand voting in the state.

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 on party lines on both initiatives Wednesday.

Abortion rights supporters have already said they will ask the state Supreme Court to intervene to place the measure on the November ballot. The organization backing the voting measure is expected do the same.

The board last came under national scrutiny in November 2020 when then-President Donald Trump and his supporters tried to convince Republican members not to certify Democrat Joe Bidens victory in the state. One GOP member abstained, but the other joined Democrats in voting to certify.

It highlighted the possibility that the panel charged with largely clerical duties, not investigating elections could become another hyperpartisan battleground.

The stakes of the abortion rights proposal are particularly high. Its backers are aiming to negate a 91-year-old state law that would ban abortion in all instances except to save the life of the mother.

Michigans 1931 law which abortion opponents had hoped would be triggered by a conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade in June remains blocked after months of court battles.

WHAT IS THE BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS?

Michigans state constitution of 1850 created the board to handle administrative duties before and after an election. The boards structure has changed over time.

Current law provides for four members two from each political party that earned the most votes in the latest secretary of state election. Michigans 1908 Constitution was the first to mandate that a majority of the board could not be made up of members of the same political party. Theres no process to break a 2-2 deadlock; typically that leads to a court challenge.

Election experts say similar structures arose elsewhere during the Progressive Era as reformers hoped a system of mutual policing would cut down on the influence of party machines on election outcomes.

Since then, federal courts have gained more legal authority to examine evidence and question witnesses, and to address claims related to state-level elections, said Kevin Johnson, executive director of the Election Reformers Network. The nonpartisan group advocates for ranked choice voting and independent redistricting among other election reforms.

Mutual policing is a system that becomes risky in a hyperpartisan environment, so it needs some new thinking, Johnson said.

WHAT DOES THE BOARD DO?

Michigan courts have repeatedly described the boards responsibilities as administrative or clerical, while Michigans elected secretary of state is the chief election official.

But the boards potential to dramatically influence elections has come to the fore in recent years.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin have a board or a commission that fully oversees elections. Most of those states require a certain numbers of members from each major political party, according to NCSL research.

Key responsibilities of the Michigan board include: canvassing and certifying statewide elections, judicial elections and legislative elections that cross county lines; conducting statewide office recounts; and approving electronic voting systems.

The board meets after elections to determine official results based on reports from local clerks. The board members do not audit election results or investigate accusations of fraud.

The board also has a significant role in statewide ballot proposals. Aided by state elections staff, it reviews petitions seeking to put a proposal on ballots and approves the exact language that voters will see on those ballots.

Christopher Thomas, director of the Michigan Bureau of Elections for 36 years until retiring in 2017, said that process became more heated during his career as attorneys representing battling groups sought to win board members over, largely playing to their political alliances.

Its unfortunate, Thomas said. Ive heard board members say theyre there to represent their party, and I found that so antithetical to their purpose.

Still, prior to 2020, the dynamic rarely captured wide public attention.

WHAT CHANGED?

Following the 2020 presidential election, then-President Donald Trump and his allies targeted Michigans Board of State Canvassers as part of a broad and futile attempt to challenge his loss in several states. Trump and his backers, despite no evidence of fraud, demanded that the board refuse to certify the results.

But ultimately, one Republican board member joined two Democrats in certifying Joe Bidens 154,000 vote victory in Michigan. The other Republican board member abstained from voting.

Election experts worry the unsuccessful attempt has fueled efforts to further politicize Michigans canvassing system, pointing to people with a history of backing Trumps unproven claims of fraud getting appointed to county-level canvassing slots.

That heightens the chance of local canvassing boards deadlocking or members refusing to vote, undercutting voters confidence in the system and even risking agitation or spillover into the streets, said Johnson, with the Election Reformers Network.

WHOS ON THE BOARD NOW?

State parties provide a list of potential candidates to Michigans governor, who selects a member from those options. Four-year terms are staggered.

Both Republicans who held the partys seats in 2020 are gone. Aaron Van Langevelde, who voted to certify the results despite pressure from Trump supporters, was not nominated again by the state GOP when his term ended that winter. The board member who abstained from a vote in 2020, Norman Shinkle, resigned in June to run for a state legislative seat.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer selected Tony Daunt from three nominees submitted by the GOP to replace Van Langevelde. Daunt, a longtime party activist, was an outspoken critic of Trumps bid to challenge the 2020 results.

Whitmer appointed Richard Houskamp, another longtime activist, to replace Shinkle. Houskamp told the Detroit Free Press in July that he hadnt seen any evidence of fraud in the 2020 election and that continuing to make those claims is not healthy for the country.

One of the two Democrats who voted to certify the 2020 election results is still on the board: Jeannette Bradshaw, an electrician and elected leader within Detroits International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

The other, Julie Matuzak, resigned in December 2020 after 10 years on the board. Mary Ellen Gurewitz, an attorney who represented Michigan Democrats before the board in 2020, was appointed to replace her.

By KATHLEEN FOODYAssociated Press

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Abortion vote returns spotlight to obscure Michigan board - MyMotherLode.com

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. North American Hoganas steelworker John Swanson takes pride in leading a union, which he calls a voice in your workplace.

Swanson is president of a local branch of the United Steelworkers union USW Local 2632, which includes 342 workers at companies including North American Hoganas powder metal facilities in Hollsopple and Johnstown, Highland Tank & Manufacturing Co. and Gautier Steel Ltd.

With a membership of 1.2 million across North America, he said, the USW is seeing membership grow at a rate it hasnt experienced in decades.

The USW organized 80 years ago, in May 1942.

John Swanson, president of Local 2632 of the United Steelworkers of America, speaks during an interview Aug. 29, 2022, at the union's localoffice at 525 Tire Hill Road.

You want safe working conditions. You want to be able to go to work, put your hours in and go home, Swanson said. You want to go home. You dont go to work to get killed. You go to work to go home with a paycheck for your family.

One of the USWs watershed victories in recent times unfolded in 2020 and involved Johnstown, said USW Pittsburgh education department member John Lepley. That was the unionization of University of Pittsburgh faculty, which includes the Johnstown campus as well as the main campus in Pittsburgh.

The establishment of the United Steelworkers of America began a process of lifting families from generational poverty to middle-class status and safer working conditions, historians say.

Pitt-Johnstown history professor Paul Newman said he is intensely proud of being a USW member.

I think of the incredible work the USW did in the 1930s and 1940s to bring American laborers out of the 19th century and into the modern world, he said.

Johnstown had an important and largely untold role in the creation of the USW, which exists today as North Americas largest industrial union.

A long arc of disgruntlement in the mills in Johnstown and a desire for unionization can be traced back to the 1870s, Johnstown Area Heritage Association President and CEO Richard Burkert said.

Exploitation had followed people for generations as many immigrated to America from Europe and working in the steel mills of Johnstown where they could die any number of ways, but certainly poor, in the fiery, dusty mill plants.

Leading up to the formation of the USW, Johnstown steelworkers were part of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC), which carried out strikes in steel towns across America in 1937.

Johnstown was a national flashpoint in the SWOCs 1937 Little Steel Strike.

Johnstowns then-mayor, Daniel Shields, received funding from Bethlehem Steel Corp. to supply hundreds of vigilantes with gas munitions to patrol the streets of Johnstown and provide physical support for the back to work movement, said a Johnstown Area Heritage Association publication.

Following the strike, a special committee of the U.S. Senate known as the La Follette Civil Liberties Committee, held the most extensive hearings in American history at the time into employer violations of the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively.

A record of the hearings archived on Congress official website reads: The mayor of Johnstown, Pa., Daniel J. Shields, was confronted with evidence that he had received large donations of gas and gas equipment from the Bethlehem Steel Corporation during the 1937 steel strike. Mr. Shields attempted to deny that he had received such gifts People engaged in a controversy should not provide public officials with arms to shoot the other fellow; yet this is just what happened in Johnstown, as the record shows, and in many other towns.

The strikes culminated in organization at companies including Bethlehem Steel Corp. and confirmed the validity of the National Labor Relations Act, paving the way for the United Steelworkers of America, labor histories say.

When the USW was firmly established in the 1940s, the steelworkers ability to improve working conditions and increase wages began reaching not only to the thousands of workers at Bethlehem Steel Corp., but other sectors of the Johnstown economy, too.

The USW continues today, representing workers of AmeriServ Financial Bank, Gallikers Dairy, Safari Contract Cleaners and the Church of the Brethren nursing home.

Unionization of bank tellers was welcomed by AmeriServ officials in 1971, said Michele Scanlan, AmeriServ vice president for human resources. AmeriServ is among 10 or fewer banks out of 4,900 in the U.S. with unionized employees, she said.

The steel workers were our customers, she said. You want to do union work with a union bank. I was always told unionization was a welcomed addition at the bank. It wasnt met with, Oh, we dont want this. It was, Yes, this makes sense for our business.

More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic era ushered in a new generation of laborers to join the USW.

The organization of Pitt faculty was four years in the making.

Paul Douglas Newman sits in his office in Krebs Hall at the Pitt-Johnstown campus in Richland Township on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.

Newman helped lead a successful union vote at the Johnstown campus in 2021.

Since then, university administration and the union have not come to terms on a contract, Newman said.

Here we are a year later, and we still dont have a contract, he said. One of the paramount things when we pushed to unionize was we felt like we were never consulted about any safety protocols during COVID. Protocols were changing on a daily basis, and we were never really included in making decisions about our own safety and health. So that was one of the big issues that pushed us toward the union, and of course there are a bunch of others.

Although the USW is evolving, the company it was most closely associated with in Johnstown has become a memory.

From the 1950s through the early 1970s, a high school graduate could get a good job with generous benefits and vacation time working at Bethlehem Steel Corp.

Tom Leslie, 67, of Johnstown, followed his father and his grandfather into the Bethlehem mills by the early 1980s. He worked at the Franklin steel plant for 18 years as a stockyard crane operator.

The town had brightened up. People were making money. People were getting old clapboard houses sided, so now they are not just gray company houses everywhere, he said. My dad had a new car every three years, and everybody in the West End of Johnstown were blue- collar workers.

Tom Leslie, curator of A Steelworker's Story at the Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center, displays on Sept. 18, 2020, the stopwatch that was in possession of his grandfather Hetrick Miller when he died during a train accident at Cambria Steel Company's Gautier yard, 100 years ago on Sept. 22, 1920.

The prosperity of the steel industry looked like it was going to last forever, but in a matter of years it fell apart, he said.

There was more than one reason for Bethlehem Steel Corps bankruptcy in 1992 after 130 years of steelmaking in Johnstown.

Across the country, the bulk of steel job losses occurred between 1974 and 1986 as foreign competition exported cheaper, below-market steel and steelmaking technology evolved to require fewer man-hours, archives show.

On the final day in business at Bethlehem, Leslie filled a furnace with a few massive bucket-loads of steel ingredients and went home.

In my mind on that last day, Im saying this cant be shutting down, he said. This plant is too big and too important to the defense industry, to General Motors, to Ford. There were manufacturers that demanded Johnstown steel.

Leslie has since worked in health insurance and has built an immense exhibit of Bethlehem Steel Corp. artifacts at the Johnstown Area Heritage Associations Heritage Discovery Center, where he gives historical talks.

The Gautier division of Bethlehem survived and exists today as Gautier Steel Ltd. It continues a 100-year-old process of rolling steel billets to complex shapes for construction of steel buildings. The USW continues its work there, too, negotiating benefits and working conditions around its century-old 14-inch rolling mill as well as its newer, 2010 plate mill.

Gautier has 70 USW union members who negotiate with the companys 30 managers and CEO at 80 Clinton St. in Johnstown, union leader Jeff Plummer said.

Jeff Plummer, financial secretary for USW Local 2632, talks about the history of the United Steelworkers of America in Johnstown during an interview Aug. 29, 2022, at the union's local office at 525 Tire Hill Road.

Plummer, 34, is a Gautier electrician, USW unit president for Gautier and financial secretary for USW Local 2632. He said his motivation to take a leadership role in the union grew from his experience of benefiting from the unions contract when he joined Gautier 11 years ago.

Its nice knowing you can make a better life for not only yourself, but the members beside you, he said. When you can help someone in a way that makes them feel good about themselves and their jobs theres pride in knowing that no matter what, the union always has your back.

Years after Bethlehems bankruptcy, Johnstowns steelmaking workforce attracted the Sweden-based company North American Hoganas to open sites in 2002. The company has a site in Hollsopple and another in Johnstowns Moxham neighborhood. The companys production process involves melding steel to make powder for automobile parts.

Ninety percent of cars on the road have our powder in them, Swanson said.

Swanson, 58, has worked at North American Hoganas Hollsopple location since it opened and at First Mississippi Steel at the same site before that.

When we went from the prior company here First Miss to North American Hoganas there was a clause that they had to recognize the United Steelworkers, he said. And they did, without hesitation, which was the best thing ever.

Organizing is often difficult and always political, Swanson said. The education of young members and constant awareness of political candidates positions regarding unionization is crucial to maintaining labor laws won by the unions forefathers.

We are political, he said. We back candidates to back labor laws and back unions and workers and not just unions, but all workers, because labor laws belong to everybody.

The United Steelworkers of America sign on the wall at the Tire Hill office, 525 Tire Hill Road, on Aug. 29, 2022.

The local USW representatives see the union branching out to new types of workers in the future, Plummer said.

We have active campaigns going on with workplaces, he said. I cant name where, but its happening. We are also looking at places where people maybe 20 or 30 years ago wouldnt form a union, but they are now.

The USW in Pittsburgh has Google contractors among its members.

I think this is a novel workforce, but they still have a lot of the same issues than any other working person would have, Plummer said. In Canada, weve already organized several Starbucks locations very different industries, very different kinds of workplaces. But the bottom line is they go to work to put bread on their table. They have concerns about safety, health care and treatment on the job.

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'Voice in your workplace': Johnstown helped shape United Steelworkers, now 80 years old and reaching into many industries - TribDem.com

From dogs in heat-protectant boots to construction workers advocating for additional protections, Austins historically hot summer has ranged from inconvenient to dangerous.

This year, Austin hit record-high temperatures at least 27 times, had more than 60 triple-digit days and saw an average high of over 103 degrees Fahrenheit in July, according to the National Weather Service. Drought conditions worsened across Central Texas and much of the area saw in elevated risk of wildfires. While the NWS predicts most days in September will remain below 100 degrees, the oppressively hot summer has many Austinites considering what the future holdsboth adapting to short-term needs and addressing long-term changes.

Its concerning because we may be heading in a direction where this might be more the norm, said Jay Banner,

professor in the department of geological sciences and director of the Environmental Science Institute.

Central Texas hot future

Over the years, Central Texas has seen Southwest desert conditions spread east, bringing worse droughts and higher temperatures, Banner said. In a normal year, Austin averages about 40 days of triple-digit temperatures. By the end of the 21st century, it could reach 120 days, Banner said.

Using a climate model to simulate business as usualor no significant changes to the factors causing climate changeBanner said the area could expect about four months of triple-digit days.

The tangible effects of hotter and drier conditions include loss of vegetation, livestock and crops, and significant changes to Austin-area bodies of water, such as Barton Creek. The future could be a very different world for Texans, Banner said.

Surviving the heat

A few years ago, Kasey Lansangan, an electrician and president of the IBEW Local Union 520, was digging a trench when his hands started cramping. When he got home, his wife noticed he was not acting right.

Lansangan later learned he was suffering from heat stress or heat cramping, which is a precursor to heat stroke or exhaustion.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include general weakness and heavy sweating, a weak but fast pulse. Heat stroke includes a rapid and strong pulse, loss of consciousness and disorientation, according to the NWS.

When you are out there, there doesnt seem to be even a recollection of anything being hotter, Lansangan said.

Now as president of the union, Lansangan stresses the importance of education about the heat and precautions on the job site.

If that saves one life, that is worth it, but if you save one life you are probably saving more without knowing it, Lansangan said.

The union negotiates protections with builders, such as providing water, holding toolbox talksjobsite conversationsabout heat and enforcing Austins mandatory Rest Break Ordinance, which is one 10-minute break for every four hours.

Lansangan said about 15% of Austin-area electricians are in a union, and estimates the other construction trades see a similar representation.

Especially for those individuals who are not represented by a union, Lansangan said it is important the city continue to find ways to protect workers.

Brittney Baize, director of development and communications for Family Elder Care, a nonprofit that helps older adults and people with disabilities with health and wellness, helps oversee the summer fan drive every year. The drive provides fans to low-income individuals over age 65.

We are seeing unprecedented demand, which I feel like I see every summer, but this summer is record-breaking, Baize said.

While most Texas homes are equipped with air conditioning, many elderly residents cannot afford repairs when the system breaks or cannot cover an increase in their electricity bill, Baize said.

Heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer [nationally], Baize said. For older adults or children or those with a medical issue, they struggle to regulate their body temperature. When they get hot, it can be really dangerous.

Making changes

Throughout the summer, the city of Austin has encouraged residents to utilize cooling centers around the city.These centers are places such as libraries, park facilities and community centers that are regularly open to the public.

On July 11, in 109-degree weather, Austin Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison and her family took refuge at City Hall due to a power outage at her East Austin home.

She posted on the council messaging board about the experience and urged her fellow councilors to look for ways to better support residents through the ongoing heat wave and hot summers to come.As a matter of environmental justice, we are obligated as a municipality to have in place the sort of resilient strategies that will protect the least among us even in the worst of situations, Harper-Madison said.

A few weeks earlier she had called for a special meeting to discuss heat-related issues, but it failed to reach quorum.

That same day, June 28, Assistant City Manager Rey Arellano put out a memo detailing the Austin-Travis County Heat Plan.

The plan includes extending the hours of cooling centers during excessive heat warningstypically cooling centers are only open during normal business hoursand increasing surveillance of vulnerable populations during heat advisories.

The city has taken other precautions this year, including opening the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless during the daytypically it is only open in the eveningsto offer unhoused individuals a place to cool off and has coordinated water distribution at homeless encampments.

Beyond concerns around individual safety, local authorities have taken action to address drought conditions and wildfire concerns. In June, Austin entered Stage 1 water conservation standards, and Dripping Springs entered Stage 3. Travis and Hays counties have been under a burn ban for most of the summer. Travis County passed a resolution asking the Lower Colorado River Authority to speed up its conservation plan.

Even as residents find ways to deal with the hotter temperatures, Banner said it is never too late to begin making changes to address climate change and stave off the worst-case scenario for the future.

I think it is easy to think, Wow this is doom and gloom, and this doesnt sound good ... and that is decades off in the future, Banner said. I would say it should be a cause of concern, and a cause for concern now, because we can act now.

Original post:
Central Texans prepare for the future amid one of the hottest summers on record - Community Impact Newspaper

The disco ball is well on its way to making a comeback, and if its reemergence in interiors proves anything, its the magic of mosaic tile. But why stick to a single sphere of tiled goodness when you can introduce mirrored or colored glass to just about any surface? Whether youre looking to add color to an outdoor living space or texture to an otherwise humdrum bathroom, mosaic can easily step in to transform a space into something dynamic, dramatic, and full of sparkle. Below, we take a look at 19 rooms from the AD archive that utilize mosaic to its full potential.

Photo: Oberto Gili, AD, April 2017

Old-world ornament

Roman-style mosaics add a worldly feel to this Studio Peregallidesigned bathroom, while a wood vanity and side table add delicacy to the sea of stone and marble work.

Photo: Jon Miller, AD, March 2004

Tons of texture

Mosaic tile envelops this galley bathroom designed by Tigerman McCurry, creating the sense of a true escape for the homeowners. The frosted glass-pane doors further solidify this spa-like atmosphere. English sycamore cabinetry plays off the color of the mosaic while calling back to the adjacent walk-in closets cabinetry.

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19 Beautiful Rooms With Mosaic Tile in the AD Archive | Architectural Digest - Architectural Digest

Whether installed in a formal entryway, a gourmet kitchen, or a spa-inspired bathroom, a tile floor can be a luxurious and beneficial style element for nearly any space within a home. The cost to install tile floor depends on a variety of influencing factors, including room size, tile material, tile type, labor, installation location, and the overall scope of a tile installation project. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $5,000 for a tile floor, with an average installation cost of $1,910.

For those considering a tile installation project in their home, determining an accurate project quote is typically the first step. Get to know what goes into estimating a tile floor installation and what benefits this coveted type of flooring offers homeowners.

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Tile floors are a beautiful and versatile choice for multiple areas in the home. Tile has proven to be durable and is available in multiple sizes, several types, and countless designs. Tile floors are also hypoallergenic and low maintenance, making them an ideal choice for single dwellers, large families, and those who are choosing to age in place in their homes. But just how much is a tile floor installation? It depends on a variety of factors, including the following.

The size of the room being tiled greatly affects both the material cost and labor cost. Generally speaking, the larger a room, the more expensive a tile job will be. Tile installations are typically charged by the total square footage of a space. So a small bathroom floor may cost as little as $500 to tile, while a large kitchen floor may cost closer to $5,000 to tile.

When a homeowner is estimating a tile installation job cost, its best to start by measuring the room and calculating the square footage. Then, as they explore different tile materials and designs, it will be easier to see what falls within the budget and what to eliminate based on material costs alone.

Tiles can be made from a multitude of different materials. Each type offers benefits and potential drawbacks, and each has a unique price range. Ceramic tile is the most affordable, starting at just $1 per square foot, though some sizes and designs can reach $30 or more per square foot.

Travertine is another popular choice, costing between $2 and $30 per square foot. Other affordable materials include marble, porcelain, and slate. Stone has a large price range, falling between $2 and $200 per square foot.

For homeowners with a larger budget (or a very small space to tile), both granite and glass tiles may be an option. Granite tiles have a range between $10 and $200 per square foot, while glass tiles cost between $5 and $15 per square foot.

Some tile materials are also available in different types or finishes. Different types allow homeowners to customize the features of the space, whether its a slip-resistant floor or a detailed focal point on a bathroom wall.

A glazed tile offers better color protection and makes it easier to clean a tiled space. Tiles with a glazed finish cost between $3 and $30 per square foot. Unglazed tiles are more affordable at $2 to $15 per square foot.

Polished tiles can be slippery, which makes them better suited for countertops and backsplashes than floors. There are additional steps in the manufacturing process to give these tiles their smooth and shiny finish, which raises the price range to between $5 and $30 per square foot.

Finally, there are mosaic tiles to consider. Theyre much smaller than a standard tile, yet they cost more than most at an average price of $20 per square foot. Mosaic tiles are used to create more complex patterns and are great for eye-catching shower floor designs.

Porosity refers to how water absorbant a tile is. When a tile is less dense, water can more easily soak into it, which can lead a tile surface to prematurely break down. But whats also a concern is liquid other than water, which can permanently stain a porous tile. Also, porous surfaces can hold on to bacteria. This can be especially concerning when a porous material is being used for a countertop where food is prepared.

Tile porosity is rated and classified into four different categories. Non-vitreous tile is the most absorbent type of tile with an absorption rate of 7 percent. This type of tile is best suited for dry locations and should generally not be used on floors. It costs between $1 and $5 per square foot.

Semi-vitreous tile costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. This type of tile has a water absorption rate of 3 percent to 7 percent and is recommended only for flooring areas that experience very light traffic. Semi-vitreous tile can be used in bathrooms if a multilayer glaze is applied, but the tile must be resealed if the glaze cracks, which makes it a high-maintenance tile type.

Vitreous tile has an absorbency rating of up to 3 percent and costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. Most porcelain and ceramic tiles are vitreous and can be laid on the floor. Finally, impervious tile is the least absorbent at 0.5 percent, and as can be expected, costs the most at $5 to $10 per square foot. Impervious tile is frost-proof and can be used in outdoor settings as well as indoor ones.

Porous tiles should always be sealed before and after grouting. This is an additional material and labor cost to take into consideration, which will be dictated by the square footage of the job. In most cases, homeowners can expect to pay between $0.90 and $1.60 per square foot to seal grout, based on the size of the tiles.

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Tile manufacturers use a specific rating system to classify tiles by strength. These different ratings help contractors know where a certain tile can be installed. The rating system includes five levels, denoted by class I through V.

Class I tiles are the weakest. They cant handle the weight of heavy foot traffic and should be avoided as a floor tile. They are great as wall tiles, though. Class II tiles are a bit stronger and best suited for low-traffic areas like laundry rooms or bathrooms. This type of tile is also well suited for walls. Class III tiles are fairly strong and ideal for walls, countertops, and areas with average foot traffic like a bedroom or office. Class IV tiles are quite durable and can be used anywhere in a home, including high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways, living rooms, and kitchens. Finally, Class V tiles are the strongest. Theyre mainly used in industrial or commercial spaces rather than residential.

In general, higher-rated tiles cost more. Its important to use a tile with a rating strong enough to handle the job, but theres no need to bust a budget over tile rating if a lower rating will suffice for the area being tiled.

Tile size, type, and location affect total labor costs. On average, installation costs fall between $3 and $15 per square foot, which translates to a per-hour rate of $60 to $120. Where a tile installation job falls within that range is mainly impacted by the size of the tiles. For example, larger tiles tend to cost more to install because they require extra steps, such as applying extra mortar to the back of each tile. Tiles measuring between 18 inches and 24 inches cost around $10 to $12 per square foot for installation.

Glass and mosaic tiles can also increase labor costs. They both require a smooth mortar surface, additional mortar, and a keen eye to detail for the job to come together in the end. The cost of labor to install glass and mosaic tiles can run between $12 and $14 per square foot. Traditional, smaller tiles, such as 12-inch porcelain tile, come with more affordable labor rates.

Floor tiles can be installed in nearly any room of a home. This also extends to outdoor spaces. Homeowners may want to keep in mind that not all tile types are suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces, though, and tiles should be placed accordingly.

The price to install a tile floor will vary depending on the location and the type of tile used. For example, the average cost to install tile in a 161-square-foot kitchen floor is between $1,208 and $2,415 depending on the tile material. The cost to tile a 75-square-foot bathroom floor runs between $563 and $1,125. Installing tiles outdoors can involve more prep work, as spaces need to be cleared and leveled beforehand. While indoor tiles can cost between $1 and $200 per square foot, outdoor tiles start at double the price and have a cost range between $2 and $200 per square foot.

Not all tile installation jobs have the same number of steps. Generally speaking, a project that takes longer to complete will be more expensive. If tile is being installed for the first time in a new-construction build, the surface is likely level and in great condition. Tile installation is quick and relatively easy in situations like this. But if existing tile or another type of flooring needs to be removed before installation can begin, this expands the scope of a job. Since more steps require more time and potentially more workers, labor costs can raise the cost of a tile floor installation.

The same theory applies to complex tile designs or uniquely shaped rooms that require extensive measuring and cutting compared with a standard square or rectangular space. When tile jobs require more experience and skill, the price can quickly go up.

Location can affect the cost of tile installation, and not just by room; even geographic location can make a tile job more or less expensive than average. There are a few reasons for this.

Cost of living varies by location. In densely populated urban areas, the cost of living is typically higher. This can result in higher material costs and labor charges. In more rural areas, a lower cost of living may reduce the cost of a tile installation job. Geographic location can also affect the cost of material due to shipping costs. Shipping materials to certain areas of the country costs more than it would to ship materials to other areas. Finally, certain areas of the country experience higher humidity levels. This can make it more difficult to install tile and may raise the cost of labor.

Though not applicable to every tile job, there are additional costs and considerations that may come into play when estimating the total cost of a project. Is there old flooring that needs to be removed? Is the floor level? Are there customizations in the works? The following cost breakdowns can help a homeowner more accurately estimate their tile installation cost.

Sometimes tile can be installed over tile or a different type of existing floor. But most flooring manufacturers and tile contractors will recommend that the old flooring be removed before a tile installation begins. By stripping away old hardwood, laminate, or tile, the subfloor is exposed and can be inspected.

While this may be an additional cost to absorb, it can ensure that the new flooring is being installed on a safe and level surface. This can help extend the lifespan of a tile floor and add value to a homeowners investment. The cost to remove old flooring varies by type and condition. The cost to rip out existing tile and make any necessary subsurface repairs costs between $3 and $7 per square foot, or $5 per square foot on average.

Tiles cannot be installed on an uneven floor. If an uneven surface is present, it will have to be leveled before installation can continue. If the problem is minimal, a homeowner can usually tackle floor leveling on their own using a self-leveler, which is a type of concrete underlayment that creates a flat and smooth surface with minimal effort.

But for more severe uneven surfaces, a professional may need to handle the job. This is especially true if subfloors need to be replaced, beams need to be installed, or joists need to be repaired. Homeowners can expect to pay between $2 and $30 per square foot for professional floor leveling.

The subfloor is the very important middle layer of a flooring system. It offers a structurally sound flat surface to hold up the underlayment and finish floor. Because tile needs to be laid on an entirely flat surface, the subfloor needs to be in pristine condition.

Plywood is the traditional material used for a subfloor, and its an affordable and reliable choice. However, over time plywood can begin to break down. If the existing subfloor needs repair during a tile installation job, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $40 to $65 per square foot for a basic plywood construction. If a subfloor is made of concrete and needs to be resurfaced, the average cost is between $3 and $10 per square foot.

If the subfloor is too damaged to repair, a contractor is likely to recommend a full replacement at an average cost of $1,500 to $1,650.

Most tile jobs are fairly straightforward. However, there are a few customizations that homeowners may choose that can alter the final cost.

The first is tile patterns. These include diagonal, running bond (or offset), herringbone, step, cut corner, ashlar, and Versaille. When tiles are laid in any pattern other than straight-set rows, the total cost of the project can increase by 10 percent to 20 percent. This price increase includes additional materials needed for cuts along with the additional hours in labor. Patterns will almost always take more time to lay than straight rows of tile.

Heated flooring is another common customization. The national average cost to install heated tile flooring is $6 per square foot, falling within a range of $4.75 to $7.25 per square foot.

Tile flooring comes in a wide variety of materials. There are also many subtypes, finishes, colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from even after a tile material has been decided. Listed below are some of the most common natural and man-made tile materials, along with descriptions of their unique characteristics and varying cost ranges.

A rectified tile is one that has been finished on all sides so that each one is identical, making the tiles precisely uniform. With minimal grout showing, rectified tiles can provide a uniform look thats common in commercial spaces but can look great in a residential space as well.

Rectified tiles tend to be larger, typically measuring at least 15 inches square. The cost for rectified tile is between $0.50 and $15 per square foot for an indoor installation. Installing rectified tile outside will cost at least $35 per square foot.

Ceramic is a man-made material crafted from clay. It is fired once or twice for durability and then given a glaze that can be either glossy or matte in appearance. In most cases, glossy glazed ceramic tile is not rated for floor use since it is slippery.

Ceramic tiles are common and come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and designs. Theyre available in large-format size as well as small mosaics. For the homeowner who wants a lot of choices without going over budget, ceramic tile flooring is a great place to start. On average, ceramic tiles cost between $0.50 and $7 per square foot.

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Travertine is a unique stone material commonly used for tile flooring. Its similar to limestone in composition, formed inside hot springs, and contains small holes throughout the stone that need to be filled either before or during installation to prevent damage long term.

Travertine has a distinctive and striking appearance. Its available in four basic styles or textures, including brushed, honed, polished, and tumbled. Brushed has a matte finish, while polished is glossy. Honed is somewhere in between, and tumbled is treated to look aged and rustic. Travertine is a great modern tile option, costing between $2 and $30 per square foot. Like all stone construction materials, travertine should be sealed before grouting. This can add extra material and labor costs to the overall cost of a tile installation job.

Stone is a type of tile material with many subtypes, including travertine, slate, granite, and marble. Theyre all great as tile flooring but can be used around fireplaces or as a backsplash tile as well.

Compared to other types of tile, stone tiles require a bit more prep work and some ongoing maintenance. Sealing during installation ensures water doesnt reach any holes, pits, or tunnels that naturally occur during the formation of stone materials. Homeowners should also keep in mind that some types of stone are more likely to stain than others, like white marble. This can increase the cost of this type of tile when repair and replacement costs are taken into consideration.

Because of the different subtypes, sizes, and installation methods, the price range for stone tile installation is wide. A stone tile installation costs anywhere from $2 to $200 per square foot.

Tile that looks like wood is usually made from porcelain. This type of tile is great for spaces where water can be an issue (like bathrooms or kitchens) or for homes in warm climates where homeowners want the cooling benefits of tile but prefer a more traditional flooring look. On average, these authentic wood-looking tiles cost between $3 and $12 per square foot for indoor tile and up to $3 per square foot for outdoor tile.

To enhance their wood look, these tiles are typically cut into a rectangular shape to mimic traditional hardwood planks. However, theyre still priced by the square foot. For a homeowner who wants the rich warmth of hardwood floors but the durability and easy maintenance of tile, porcelain wood tile is the perfect compromise.

Porcelain is one of the most common tile materials. Its also one of the most affordable, coming in with a range between $3 and $10 per square foot for indoor tiles and a minimum of $3 per square foot for outdoor tiles.

Porcelain is stain-resistant and fairly dense, making it a great choice for areas of the home where high levels of moisture can be an issue for more porous materials. Porcelain tile is available in a wide variety of colors, designs, and styles. Its a tile material that can actually help an installation job stay on budget while exceeding design expectations. Contrary to typical assumptions, thin tiles are actually more expensive than thick ones because of the manufacturing process they go through to keep them durable despite the thinner profile. This is where knowing the rating of a tile comes in handy.

Marble is a metamorphic rock thats commonly composed of calcite or dolomite. These grains are locked together like jigsaw puzzle pieces, making marble quite porous in nature. This means that water, other liquids, and even bacteria can work their way through marble, leading to staining and potentially weakening the material over time.

Marble isnt known as a low-maintenance tile material, but it is stunning, so its aesthetic impact is what tends to attract homeowners. While it does have its weaknesses, marble flooring is still durable compared to other types of flooring.

Available in a wide range of colors and styles, marble tile can be cut and shaped to perfectly fit a space or design. It can also be glossy, matte, or tumbled. It does require a bit more prep work and may need to be sealed as ongoing maintenance. Marble tile costs anywhere from $3 to $50 per square foot.

Slate tiles tend to lend an upscale aesthetic to a design. When most people think of a slate tile, gray comes to mind, but its actually available in a multitude of colors. While slate has a naturally grooved texture, homeowners can opt for smooth, sanded slate tiles as well.

However, slate tiles do scratch easily. Although this can add a personal touch to some areas of a home (depending on the overall design), scratched slate tile can make other areas appear unsightly. Its considered one of the best tile options for bathroom floors because of how easy it is to clean. However, slate is porous so it will need to be sealed to prevent staining.

Slate tiles are on the high end of the price range when it comes to materials and installation. Homeowners can expect to pay between $4 and $20 per square foot for slate tiles.

Granite isnt a common tile choice for flooring, but it is often used on countertops or backsplashes. Compared with other types of stone tiles, granite tends to be the most durable. Its available in a wide range of colors and while typically polished, it can be found in a honed finish as well.

Because its easy to clean, granite is a popular choice. Its also a natural material and is resistant to scratches. All stone tiles are porous, but granite is one of the least. When properly sealed, granite tiles wont stain, though they may need to be resealed over time. Granite tile ranges from $10 to $200 per square foot.

Glass tiles are commonly used for backsplashes or focal walls, and they shouldnt be used for flooring or outdoor spaces. Theyre commonly found in shower wall designs and can even be used for countertops.

Its common to find glass tiles in earth tones, so they can also be used as complementary tiles to more intricate designs. Glass tile is very hygienic and easy to clean; grease, grime, and fingerprints are easily wiped away with an all-purpose cleaner. Many glass tiles are also made from recycled materials, making them a great eco-friendly choice. Once installed, glass tiles are hard to break, though they can scratch.

Glass tiles cost approximately $5 to $15 per square foot, making them a more expensive option. But compared to other tile materials, they offer many design and functionality benefits.

Cement tile offers fun, bold patterns that fit nearly any color palette. While this type of tile is a great bathroom floor tile option, its not perfect for every tile job. One benefit of cement tile is that its incredibly durablewith proper care, cement tiles can last a lifetime. Regular sealing is a must, though.

Cement tile installation differs from that of porcelain. When homeowners are searching for tilers near me, they will want to ensure the contractors theyre considering are experienced with cement tile; its important to note that dark grout is not recommended for cement tiles, as it can permanently stain the design.

Cement tiles are made from natural materials, so theyre environmentally friendly. However, theyre also a bit pricey, coming in between $30 and $70 per square foot. But they can offer a homeowner a truly custom look thats sure to outlast nearly every other type of flooring out there.

Tile is a popular flooring choice among homeowners, and for good reason. Listed below are just some of the benefits tile flooring offers when it comes to a familys lifestyle and a homes value.

Tile floors are versatile, making them suitable for nearly every room in a home. There are also a plethora of options when it comes to color, patterns, and designs. The fact that tile is easy to install compared to other types of flooring is what really sets tile flooring apart from other options.

With a bit of research on how to install a tile floor, some experienced homeowners may be able to complete the task themselves. Even if they decide to hire a tile contractor, very little base floor preparation is needed. This can save on labor costs. Finally, the low maintenance and durability of tile flooring means that after an easy and affordable installation, tile flooring will look good for years to come.

Floor tiles are impact-resistant. Depending on the material, a tile floor can last for decades. In fact, porcelain tile is harder than granite. Whether its used on a high-traffic floor or on a kitchen countertop, tile can withstand years of abuse without showing any signs of wear and tear.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are produced using clay, which is a sustainable resource. Stone tiles also last a very long time. So while a highly durable tile floor may be a smart financial investment for homeowners, its also a great eco-friendly option.

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Tile floors are simple to maintain. Basic cleaning methodslike sweeping and moppingkeep tile flooring free of dust and debris while also eliminating bacteria. Theres no need for harsh detergents or chemical cleaners with tile flooring either, making them a greener choice when it comes to flooring material.

While other flooring types require routine maintenance and sealing to keep it looking good, tile flooring can look just as beautiful after several years as it did when it was initially installed.

Tile flooring is great for nearly every geographic location and climate, but its especially suitable for warm or temperate climates. Since tiles tend to feel much cooler and dont retain heat, they can help keep a home as energy efficient as possible. A tile floor paired with a couple of ceiling fans can be all a space needs to stay cool, even with the air conditioning turned off.

And for those worried about tile floors being too cold in the winter, theres always the option to add underfloor heating during installation. This is usually more efficient than forced-air heating as it eliminates the loss of energy from heating ducts.

Allergies and asthma are common health struggles for many. While its impossible to control triggers outside of the home, it is possible to keep living spaces as hypoallergenic as possible. Tile flooring is one way this can be accomplished. Because of their hard and slick surfaces, tiles dont trap dust or other allergens. Theyre also resilient to water, making them less likely to develop mold and mildew.

Tile floors also dont require the use of harsh chemicals or cleaners. This can help improve the air quality in a home, which is not the case with other flooring types. For example, carpet fibers trap pollen, dust, dirt, and pet dander that can be released back into the air. Laminate flooring can release volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, including formaldehyde and methylene chloride.

For homeowners who already know how to lay tile, this project can be a DIY job. The steps for different types of tile can vary slightly, but when it comes to installing ceramic floor tile, the steps are fairly simple. However, homeowners without tile installation experience may find themselves quickly out of their depth when it comes to installing a tile floor.

Even homeowners who feel confident they can install a tile floor on their own can run into unexpected roadblocks. First, the cost of tools can quickly add up. To complete the job safely and efficiently, a homeowner needs safety goggles, a tape measure, a level, a tile cutter, a notched trowel, a rubber grout float, a tile nipper, and potentially even more. All of these tools can cost more than $450, which adds to the DIY budget unless the homeowner happens to have these tools on hand. For the average homeowner, this is not a realistic prospect.

Theres also experience to consider. When someone has never laid tile before, its easy to make mistakes. This can add up to lost time and wasted materials, both of which come at a price. Homeowners who tackle tile floor installation to save money may find themselves paying more than they anticipated if they need to call in a professional to help fix any mistakes they made. The cost to fix an improperly installed tile floor at some future point can be expensive, even if the initial installation was cheap.

Finally, tile floors with intricate designs or customizations such as radiant heat will be too difficult for many homeowners to attempt. Additionally, if the project requires subfloor repair or any other type of construction, a professional can ensure the job is done right the first time. Searching for floor installation near me is the best way to find a contractor who can handle all the different aspects of a tile installation quickly and safely.

Tile floor installation if no DIY job

Get free, no-commitment project estimates from flooring services near you.

A tile floor installation can be a large financial investment. Thats why its always important to look for areas where money can be saved without sacrificing overall quality and design. The following tips can help homeowners stay within their budget on a tile floor installation project.

While searching for tile installation near me is the first step for homeowners to take when considering a tile installation job, the next step is to narrow down their options. This can be done quickly and efficiently by asking the appropriate combination of any of the following tile contractor questions.

A tile floor can improve a homes aesthetic appearance and monetary value. The cost to install tile floor depends on a variety of factors, but the investment is always worth it. For the homeowner who still has concerns about installing tile in their home, the following list of common questions and answers about tile installation may be helpful.

Read more:
How Much Does It Cost to Install Tile Floor? - Bob Vila

This is a second piece based on the Hot Chips 34 talk by Intel on Meteor Lake and its client strategy. We already covered Meteor Lake, so this is going to be a larger article about the disaggregated future. Make no mistake, this is a new era of chip design.

At Hot Chips 34 (2022) Intel discussed its journey from monolithic die chips that it produces for most of its segments today, to the disaggregated future.

Intel has been co-packaging chips for some time.Intel Ponte Vecchio is perhaps the best example of where the company is heading with 47 different tiles integrated on a single package. Currently, that might be supported by high-end GPUs, but it may also be too much complexity in the client space where ASPs are much lower.

One item that Intel has been consistent on messaging since it started going down the tiled approach publicly is that different transistors optimally work on different processes. Moving to tiles allows Intel to match the transistor type to process.

Intel also has a packaging line that spans 2D technologies as well as 3D technologies like its Foveros line.

Part of the challenge with doing consumer devices in tiles is that Intel needs to manufacture at scale. That means that Intel needs to have a process that is relatively low-cost to implement. Foveros is the line of technologies that Intel is using across much of its next-generation portfolio.

There are a number of Foveros generations and it has evolved since it was discussed at the 2018 Architecture Day.

The next generation gives more density to the connections but also lowers the power consumption of passing bits. This is critical as power per bit transferred (usually expressed as pJ/bit) can be a huge cost in multi-chip solutions. Power saved transferring data is power that can be re-purposed to doing work. In modern systems we often here anecdotes about the power of moving data through the system is greater than the power used doing useful work.

While Ponte Vecchio is the current high-water mark for processors we have seen, Intel is moving to a similar, yet scaled-down approach for its client chips.

Although we already covered Meteor Lake, we are going to use the slides as examples of what is going on.

Intel has a base tile that carries power and data connections up to the tiles that do work above.

By changing to a tiled approach with this base die, there are trade-offs. The first one folks mention is cost. Intel says that the cost of adding the base die is relatively offset by the cost savings of being able to use smaller dies aligned to the most efficient processes. In the client space where CPUs compete on pricing that can have $10-20 deltas, adding $100 more to manufacture a chip in this manner is not feasible.

With this approach, Intel can design different compute tiles. Some may have different core counts and core types. Those tiles can also have different caches. Caches take up a significant amount of area on a tile. Having a compute tile with a relatively standard interface to the rest of the device means that Intel can innovate on new generations of cores or new generations of process nodes and then easily integrate them into existing products.

The graphics tile can similarly be revised over time.

The SoC tile is interesting because Intel says the display, imaging, and media are better suited to this tile than the GPU tile. What Intel did not say, is that once there is a hardware accelerator, or there is display for perhaps four outputs, then this does not need to necessarily be changed with every generation. Pulling features out to the SoC that will span multiple generations means that Intel can focus efforts on revising the CPU and GPU tiles without having to validate that the display function works on a new process node that the future GPU is using as an example.

The I/O extender tile can be a number of things. Looking beyond Meteor Lake, features like PCIe Lanes, USB lanes, and more can be broken out into tiles and then integrated.

That is exactly where Intel was going with its cost discussion. As mentioned earlier, there is a tax in terms of disaggregating, but Intel believes it is relatively small.

Intel also believes that by being able to target different types of process nodes for different types of tiles, it will help offset the disaggregation tax.

Intel also believes that being able to take advantage of new transistors sooner, it can help to offset the disaggregation tax as well.

We will quickly note here that this is at a 36-micron bump pitch. At a 25-micron Foveros Direct level, that disaggregation impact would be even less. Given that, Intel did not get into Lunar Lake details, but its diagram shows an Arrow lake CPU/GPU tile refresh while keeping the SoC and I/O tiles. Lunar Lake is something different, but perhaps Intel already showed us the future.

Two years ago, we coveredSoC Containerization A Future Intel Methodology. Much like how monolithic applications have been migrating to microservices, Intel is moving from monolithic dies to smaller tiles. Meteor Lake/ Arrow Lake looks a lot like an evolution of the 2020 era Multiple Dies from the IP/SOC Methodology Change. The CPU is its own tile, the GPU is its own tile, but the I/O tile has been split into two.

The next evolution Intel discussed was breaking things out to individual IPs. It could then make smaller chiplets. By doing so, it can then innovate faster on each IP. Intels product groups would then need to take the IP blocks and compose chips based on those IP blocks for different market segments.

Perhaps the more interesting aspect to this is not just what Intel is showing above, but then taking a step further and looking at its integration efforts. The company released UCIe which the industry is rapidly gravitating to in order to facilitate a chiplet ecosystem.

The implications of this are huge. For the consumer space, do we see more integration to the CPU package as it becomes less expensive to add I/O via I/O tiles (e.g. higher-speed networking, AI acceleration, or more?) Across Intels portfolio, will that mean that a Dell Core i9 has a different silicon tile integrated into it versus a HP or Lenovo tile?

Going beyond just the vendors themselves, this has a huge implication on how Intel will need to operate moving forward. Moving to a tiled approach may mean Intel can actually make highly differentiated solutions. A product manager instead of having to take the consumer Core-based die and then specing ECC will be on and coming up with the speed and core count portfolio for the Xeon E series may be able to choose P-tiles, E-tiles, AI-tiles, networking tiles, I/O tiles, and all of them may not be from Intel. That is an enormously different task than the product teams have realistically done in the past.

For the market, that will bring a new dynamic. A VPN appliance vendor may be able to get a custom encryption chiplet integrated just for its machines. A HPE and Dell EMC server may use different flavors of Xeons. Perhaps a Dell Core i7 will no longer work in an ASUS Core i7 (this already happens with AMD PSB.) Are there market-specific requirements for accelerators on the I/O die that make chips region specific like Blu-rays?

While Intels Hot Chips 34 talk was focused on its client Meteor Lake solution, the more impactful implication may be what it means for Intel, other companies in the industry, and Intels customers. If a true chiplet marketplace develops, then the pace at which we get new innovations can increase. It may also create chaos for largely structured markets that we have had for the past decade or two.

See more here:
Intel Enters a New Era of Chiplets that will Change Everything - ServeTheHome

One of the main draws for The Pink Stuff is the claim that its 100 percent naturalas in, it is not nearly as harmful as many of the household cleaners out there these days. (Its 100 percent on the website and 99 percent on the jar.) Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) dont disclose everything thats in a product, so we cant vet every ingredient in The Pink Stuff. Only chemicals that are considered hazardous must be listed, so other materials may not appear in the data sheet. CR reached out to Star Brands for comment but received no reply.

It could very well be made of materials you can find in nature, but the term natural only conveys emotion, no meaningful, scientific, standardized definition of the properties of the contents, Dickerson says. It reads like a marketing play to address peoples concerns for safe cleaning products.

As with foods, its important to keep in mind that natural ingredients arent necessarily safer than synthetic chemicals. Natural ingredients can be allergens, and under U.S. regulations, fragrance ingredients dont need to be disclosed even though some can be irritants.

For what its worth, one of the ingredients in The Pink Stuff is perfume. But the subtle floral scent didnt bother me, unlike many noxious cleaning products Ive tried, abrasive or otherwise.

Go here to read the rest:
The Pink Stuff: How It Works and Surfaces It Can Hurt - Consumer Reports