Stainless Steel Vs Granite Composite Sinks

!±8± Stainless Steel Vs Granite Composite Sinks

Stainless steel has been used in kitchen sinks for many years.  The majority of homes will have this type of sink, especially homes built in the last 10 years.  While most of these sinks are pretty standard with one or two bowls in rectangular shapes, stainless steel is also easily molded into any shape one can imagine.  Of course, the more unique the bowl is shaped, the more expensive it will tend to be.  In general, these sinks are the most affordably priced option on the market, and offer a wide variety of looks for your kitchen.

Stainless steel is a somewhat durable metal, which is why it was chosen to be used in this application.  Keep in mind that while it is scratch resistant, it is not scratch proof.  Most of these sinks will have a brushed finish, which will help to hide the small scratches that will occur over the lifetime of the sink.  Any larger scratches can usually be buffed out by following the manufacterer's cleaning instructions.  These sinks do require some maintenance to keep them looking nice, but nothing too extensive. 

Granite composite sinks are the result of recent technological advances in the sink industry.  These sinks are composed of granite or quartz composite and acrylic.  They are incredibly scratch, heat and stain resistant; more so than stainless steel sinks.  These sinks are available in different colors; the most popular being black, brown and white.  They are more expensive than stainless steel sinks, but also offer more benefits. Granite sinks can be manufactured out of environmentally friendly materials, which make it a great choice for green homes.

Both sink types are available in different shapes and styles and for topmount or undermount installations.  Topmount sinks are typically used with non-solid surface countertops such as laminate or formica.  These types of countertops can't have undermount sinks due to the fact that water would get into the countertop and cause damage.  Undermount sinks are used with solid surface countertops such as granite and marble.  The standard is that topmount installations are far less expensive than undermount installations. 

Choosing a stainless steel sink may be the best option if price matters most. However, the recent advancements in the granite sink industry may make it a better choice in terms of features and durability.

Stainless Steel Vs Granite Composite Sinks

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Tempo Undermount Sink from Sinks.co.uk

!±8± Tempo Undermount Sink from Sinks.co.uk

www.sinks.co.uk The Tempo 6702 Undermount Sink from Sinks.co.uk, home of Brass & Traditional Sinks Ltd.

Tempo Undermount Sink from Sinks.co.uk

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History Of Faucets

!±8± History Of Faucets

Plumbing systems have already existed during ancient times. In fact, at around 1700 BC, The Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete first featured a terra cotta-based piping that provided water for faucets, as well as faucets made of marble, gold and silver. During the Roman period, personal bathrooms and lead pipes have already existed (1000 BC - 476 AD). Rome's public baths were already equipped with silver faucets along with fixtures made of gold and marble.

Since then, public systems have changed, including faucets. For many decades, faucets had two handles - one for hot water, and the other for cold water. In 1937, however, this design changed, and this change was initiated by a college student named Al Moen. One fine day in 1937, he turned the faucet handle to wash his hands but scalded them since the water came too hot. This gave him the idea of designing a single-handle faucet.

Between 1940 and 1945, he designed various kinds of faucets: from a double-valve faucet to a cylindrical design, and finally he sold his first single handle mixing faucet in the latter part of 1947. By 1959, his design was used in a million homes in the United States and sold in around 55 countries all over the world. Today, single-handle faucets are popular and can be found in about 50% of American homes.

Aside from single-handed faucets, Al Moen also came up with other inventions in his lifetime, which included the replaceable cartridge (to eliminate washers in the faucets), push-button shower valve diverter, screen aerator, flow control aerator, pressure balancing shower valves and swivel spray. Aside from Al Moen, Landis Perry was also involved in doing innovative faucet designs. In 1945, he designed his first faucet ball valve which aimed at providing a combined blending control and volume with an effective means for sealing valve elements. This design was patented in 1952 and was first introduced in 1954 by Delta faucets (who bought the patent beforehand). Four years henceforth, their sales topped a whooping million.

About two decades later, Wolvering Brass patented the ceramic disk for water control. Unlike rubber-based cartridges, ceramic discs are lapped and polished in such a way that their flatness is only measured in light bands. Ceramic disks tend to last a lot longer than cartridges since they have high wear resistance and are able to provide a more accurate control. These disks are widely used today.

More recent innovations in faucets include built-in cartridges used to reducing the level of lead, cysts and chlorine, built-in pull out sprays, electronic faucets as well as those designed for disabled people. Electronic faucets were introduced in the early 1980's for hygienic and water conservation purposes, and come with infrared beams that detect motion. When a person happens to put his hand underneath the faucet, the infrared beam is disrupted, and this disruption triggers the water to run. In addition, battery-operated electronic faucets have also been distributed. More developments will surely come in and improve the lives of many homeowners.

History Of Faucets

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