Quick Step Laminate Flooring – Choosing And Caring For Your Laminate Floor

Quick Step Laminate Flooring – Choosing And Caring For Your Laminate Floor

One of the attractions behind laminate flooring is the fact that it is easy to care for and has a long life span, but there are many choices of flooring available so pickling the right one can be a tough decision, do you buy cheap and go for the budget bargains or do you pay a little more and get a quality product that will stand the test of time.

It’s also important to look for the best supplier possible. Here it’s important to consider that word-of-mouth reputation is very important even if you’re shopping for an on-line supplier, and that means that you need to be sure of the company that you’ve selected.

Get An Email Address and Phone Number

It’s great if you can ask friends or colleagues or even family members for references and you need to remember that the best flooring suppliers will also have complete customer service capabilities. That means when you’re dealing with an on-line retailer, you need to be sure to get both an email address and a telephone number so that you can contact the supplier whenever you’ve got any questions.

Quick Step Laminate Flooring

While the experts agree that quickstep laminate flooring is an excellent choice and is appropriate for almost any room in the house. It’s this versatility that makes it one of the most popular flooring products on the market, but like any other kind of flooring this particular brand also needs to be cared for to preserve its looks and finish for as long as possible, so there are three important steps that you should look at so that the your laminate flooring stays in the best shape for as long as it is down.

Get To Spills Quickly

First off, it’s important to remember that no matter what gets spilt on a laminate floor you should make every effort to clean it up as quickly as possible. Although this kind of floor is both tough and durable it will stain under extreme circumstances, and you want to be sure that you use a damp soft cloth and wipe spills quickly.

Protect High Footfall Areas

Whilst quick step flooring is hard wearing as a further safeguard, the experts recommend that you put down throw rugs in certain high traffic areas prone to high wear and tear and also where you might experience a little water spillage like kitchens are bathrooms.

Sweep Regularly

It’s also a good idea to sweep these floors on a regular basis and after fitting laminate flooring you want to be sure to use some kind of dust mop to ensure there’s no accumulation of dust or grit. Whilst dust and grit settles into the pile of regular carpet with laminate flooring it has nowhere to go so stays on the surface. Minute grit particles can cause micro abrasions which can dull the floors surface quite dramatically over time.

Follow these simple tips and your quick step flooring will give you years of enjoyment in any room of your home.

What Exactly is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

by FactoryHardwood

What Exactly is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Nowadays, people prefer engineered hardwood flooring instead of hardwood flooring that is natural. The reason for this is that the construction of engineered hardwood flooring gives it features that are not to be seen in hardwood flooring that is natural. Engineered hardwood flooring is able to resist moisture more and is less expensive.

There are a number of differences in the construction of engineered flooring and natural flooring that is constructed completely out of hardwood. Hardwood that is used for engineered flooring is found in the top layer. The kinds of hardwood that are used for engineered hardwood flooring include bamboo, teak, ash, pine and oak. The top layer gives engineered flooring similar visual beauty like the natural flooring. A core layer is glued below the top layer. This core layer has layers of affordable and replenishable wood. These layers might be high-density or medium density plywood or fiber wood. The number of layers that make up the core differ as per the flooring manufacturer. A majority of flooring manufacturers make use of three wood layers in the core. But there are many flooring manufacturers who are starting to construct layers of core that will have about 5 to 7 wood layers. More wood layers are being added to the core as the extra layers make the engineered flooring even more durable. If there are extreme weather changes, traditional flooring that is natural tends to contract and expand to the extent that it will warp or buckle. Engineered flooring has a core layer that enables it to contract and expand without warping or buckling like the natural flooring. This implies that flooring is not affected much by conditions of the environment. It would be a preferable choice as compared to flooring that is natural. An engineered flooring could be installed in a damp or humid basement unlike a natural one. Such a type of flooring could even be fixed over a system of radiant heating without it suffering any kind of damage. If natural flooring is fixed over the heating system, it would shrink, cup or buckle. Engineered flooring could be fixed as a floating floor. In other words, it could be installed on a surface without making use of nails or glue. Such a floor would let you have flooring that does not have any gaps between the panels. For installing engineered hardwood flooring, a vapor barrier has to be placed between the floor and the surface.

A locking system of groove and tongue helps to install the engineered hardwood flooring as a floating one. Here, the hardwood planks have to be clicked and locked together. As you can see, engineered hardwood flooring can be fixed very quickly. If the owner of the house is moving, the hardwood planks can be taken apart easily and taken into the new home. The system of locking makes it easy to replace damaged planks. Don’t you agree that engineered hardwood flooring is cool?

Laminate Wood Flooring And Its Benefits

by fattybombatty

Laminate Wood Flooring And Its Benefits

When it comes to finding a way to increase the value of your home there are many topics that can be addressed though the most popular is found with laminate wood flooring. Laminate wood flooring reviews displays to owners that the installation of laminate wood flooring has the opportunity to increase the selling value of a home.

In addition, the laminate wood flooring reviews reveal that new home buyers are attracted to the appearance of laminate wood flooring increasing your chances of making a sale close to your asking price. If a home seller takes the advice of laminate wood flooring reviews they open up the possibility of not only making a sale with their home but the opportunity to increase the value of their home with only a small remodeling investment.

Laminate wood flooring represents a low cost flooring option to home sellers that is easy to install. In addition to the low expense that is found with laminate wood flooring representing a material expense savings you can save more by installing the product on your own or still save when you have another person complete the quick and easy installation.

There are many different styles of laminate wood flooring and one that is growing in popularity can be found with wide plank floors. In the perspective of the buyer, the addition of new wide plank floors creates a clean and modeled appearance for them to imagine themselves in their new residence. In addition the wide plank floors provide a simple cleaning option and the reduced number of groves provides fewer areas for dirt and dust to collect.   Wide plank floors are a low maintenance product which is highly attractive to new home owners.

Home owners benefit from the installation of wide plank floors when consumers have the ability to take advantage of the perspectives that were previously identified. When looking at the competition you will face in the housing market the advantages of wide plank wood flooring help to set your house a step above the rest. Also with wide plank wood flooring you have an even easier installation process with the need for fewer pieces in the assembly of your floor.  At first the difference in size with wide plank wood flooring may not seem like a lot but after installing for a while you will see the benefit of wide plank wood flooring.

Oak Laminate Flooring – A Better Choice Than Real Hardwood?

by Ted Ingraham

Oak Laminate Flooring – A Better Choice Than Real Hardwood?

While most people find that Oak hardwood floors are visually stunning, they are not ideal for all homeowners. Oak laminate flooring can be a better choice for many homeowners because it is easier to install, not as expensive, and is usually more durable than your typical wood flooring.

Many homeowners opt for oak laminate because it provides the rich color that attracts a lot of people to hardwoods in the first place. Oak laminate floors allow consumers to create the same rich and warm feel in their home that hard woods do. You’ll generally find that there are many different colors and styles that oak laminates come in, ranging from natural oak colors, honey oak colors, and an almost deep cherry look. Most homeowners will discover that they love oak laminate flooring because it will instantly add some warmth, color, and texture to every room that it is installed in.

- Oak Laminate Flooring Manufacturers
There are many oak laminate flooring manufacturers, but we’ll give just a few examples here. Three well-known brands are Quick Step, Westhollow and BHK. It’s important to remember that these three brands as well as others usually have many different oak laminate offerings, so you’ll want to consider all of your options before you settle on just one.

- Quick Step Laminate Flooring
Quick Step is growing in popularity because they are generally quite affordable, offer all of the current styles, and are often very easy to install on your own. Quick Step offers some beautiful choices, like Natural Oak, with a starting price of about .00 a square foot. In addition to Natural Oak is a stunning option known as Dark Oak. As the name suggests, this has deep rich tone to it. Quick Step floors are very easy to use and can be used throughout the whole house or in specific rooms as you see fit.

- Westhollow Laminate Floors
Westhollow offers a large selection of striking oak laminate flooring. One of the most well known from Westhollow is from their Heritage Collection. “Cathedral French Oak” is one of the more common choices and is generally very affordable with prices starting right around .30 a square foot. This particular option is a beautiful floor and is great in any area of the home including the entry way, a staircase, as well as the dining room and living areas. Westhollow offers another beautiful oak laminate floor called “Barn Milled Oak”. This is also from the Heritage Collection and is similarly priced to their aforementioned product.

- BHK Laminate Floorings
BHK’s laminate Oak floorings are visually stunning. Their “Select Oak” option is very popular as it has what could be described as a traditional oak look and color. While the floor is very beautiful and expensive looking, it usually retails for about .30 and up, which I am sure you will agree is quite reasonable. Another beautiful BHK selection is Natural Oak, which will give a very warm and homey feel to any living space.

Choosing oak laminate flooring for your home is a great choice because it will allow you to add style and warmth to your home, but without the high cost that is usually associated with real Oak. Oak laminate floors work well in all areas of the home, including high traffic areas. It will allow you to infuse your home with style without worrying how they will wear over time.

Why Choose Engineered Wood Flooring?

by FactoryHardwood

Why Choose Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring comprises of multiple layers of wood, capped by a veneer of solid wood, which often varies in thickness, averaging around 5mm, but often exceeding 10mm depending on the quality of the product. The top layer is the part visible to the consumer, providing the look and feel to the engineered wood flooring solution. The various layers are secured together with special wood glue, resistant to deterioration and moisture damage.

There are a number of advantages to be found when choosing engineered wood flooring over, for example, solid wood; one of which being the fact that it is often considered more universal by nature, being suitable for installation on top of many different types of surface, including often tricky concrete floors. In addition, it is also considered more flexible and easier to install and maintain than many alternatives, due to being typically sold in easy-to-fit systems, and often coming pre-finished in the pack – meaning no further preparation such as waxing or oiling of the wood needs to take place. This not only cuts down on extra costs for finishing products, but also means that your flooring is ready to go, straight out of the box, saving you or your re-fitter costly additional labour time. Don’t forget however that this type of flooring is not suitable for installation in bathrooms or utility areas, where regular exposure to high levels of moisture may cause movement between the boards to occur.

Is engineered wood flooring durable? The simple answer is yes; and the better you care for the floor, the longer it is likely to last. Maintenance on engineered wood flooring is simple to carry out, and can be as easy as applying a quality laminate and wood cleaner ever so often. These specialist cleaners are neutral detergents that form a self-polishing film, highly resistant to wear and dirt that helps to both clean and protect the product. More intensive maintenance can also involve sanding down the surface or damaged parts of the wood. Bear in mind that there are only a limited number of times that manufacturer’s will recommend sanding down your engineered wood flooring. Typically, a professional sanding machine will remove anything from 0.25mm – 1mm off the top layer of the wood, and for the varieties of engineered wood that feature thinner veneer layers, this must be done rarely and with caution.

The durability of engineered wood flooring also depends very much on the already mentioned thickness of the top layer, which can vary considerably. Generally speaking, a better quality board will feature a thicker veneer layer, giving the product a thicker ‘sandable area’ also; however, the type and quality of the wood also plays and important role, as do the number ply’s in the core. Again, with regard to the number of ply’s, a better quality board will typically comprise of more ply’s than a cheaper one, and the range varies from lower-end products offering 3-ply construction, to the top end boards featuring up to 9-ply’s.

Another important benefit to recognise when deciding whether choose engineered wood flooring over solid wood flooring is that they are suitable for use on top of increasingly popular underfloor heating systems. Solid wood is not appropriate for use with underfloor heating as many varieties of wood are considered unstable when being subjected to significant changes in temperature, and are likely to expand and contract more, causing movement in your flooring to occur. Engineered wood flooring doesn’t suffer from this problem since it’s a composite product and doesn’t react in the same way to temperature changes. This again adds more fuel to the view that engineered wood flooring is more versatile and better value for money than some of its alternatives.

Why Choose Engineered Hardwood Flooring in Vancouver Over Natural Solid Hardwood?

by Mirage floors

Why Choose Engineered Hardwood Flooring in Vancouver Over Natural Solid Hardwood?

When selecting the kind of material used to cover your floor, the choice of hardwood is always at the top of the list. Natural wood elicits an instant feeling of warmth and hominess to the environment that vinyl, stone or carpet just aren’t able to match. Solid hardwood floors in Vancouver are a special favorite of homeowners as a statement of style that compliments the Canadian mystique of the North Country. But when deciding whether to go with all natural or engineered hardwood flooring it’s important to consider more than which material is the greatest status symbol.

Solid hardwood flooring in Vancouver has always been the prime choice of the regions most expensive homes and offices because of its rich texture and unique grain patterns. But all natural wood floors have many down sides that can out weigh the benefits. On the other side of the debate, there are many advantages to choosing engineered hardwood flooring in Vancouver over solid hardwood and not all of them centers on price alone.

Because of the climate, engineered hardwood flooring in Vancouver is gaining in popularity for its diversity of real wood top layers along with its ability to be used in rooms where solid hardwood floors would not stand a chance.

And there are other reasons:

Upkeep – For most people the number one concern for flooring isn’t the price of purchase but more about the cost of its maintenance. The cost of preserving a solid hardwood floor over engineered hardwood flooring equates to a combination of time, labor and money.

Solid hardwood flooring in Vancouver needs special care to keep their luster and appearance. Natural wood scratches, fades with age and is prone to warping and even mold should it be exposed to water and moisture for extended periods. After a few years, when the natural wood has weathered a bit, it will be necessary to have the floors resurfaced. This usually involves sanding the wood surface and then re-staining. Unfortunately natural solid wood floors, because of environmental regulations, can’t be layered with a coat of polyurethane which could protect it from scratches.

Engineered hardwood flooring in Vancouver is pre-coated which makes it more resistant to scratches and provides for greater longevity. Because engineered hardwood flooring is still made with real natural wood, it can be resurfaced if it becomes deeply scratched and its’ construction allows it to be used in more highly trafficked areas that may be susceptible to moisture and heat like the kitchen or bathroom. Unlike natural hardwood, engineered hardwood flooring would warp or cup when exposed to these elements. This type of flooring is constructed so that their inner core is laid in opposite directions making it immune to atmospheric assaults that would normally cause it to enlarge or shrink creating all kinds of problems.
Installation – Engineered hardwood flooring in Vancouver is easy to install compared to solid hardwood flooring even to the point that it can be laid down by amateurs making it a less complicated “do it yourself” job. Unlike solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring can be nailed, stapled, glued or can be installed as a floating floor. Because of the ease of installation and replacement, should you need to move from your home or office, it’s fairly simple to remove the floor and take it with you.
Cost – For Canadian residents and business owners considering engineered hardwood flooring in Vancouver, all the benefits of its visual appeal, simplicity of installation and ease of maintenance, can be topped off with the fact that engineered hardwood flooring costs less than solid hardwood floors in Vancouver. That is to say, not only is your cost in the long run going to be less but the price of an engineered hardwood floor is much lower than that of the solid wood floors; right out of the gate.

Engineered hardwood flooring in Vancouver shows itself to be the perfect choice. You have a wide variety of wood styles and types to choose from, it can be used in higher traffic areas that are prone to moisture and heat where solid hardwood floors can’t be used, and it’s far easier to install than traditional solid wood floors. After calculating the low maintenance costs, that fact that this is a floor you “can take with you” and the much cheaper price tag; the bottom line when considering all the various factors for selecting the right floor for your home or office is that an engineered hardwood floor definitely comes out on top.

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Want to get the best karndean flooring?

by Jaimie Ramsay

Want to get the best karndean flooring?

In the world of interior designing, flooring is one of the most important aspects. Flooring has the power to give your house that extra glamorous and elegant look, while a bad flooring installation can also make your house look like a disaster. Thus, it gets important that you know about the various types of floorings which give varied types of effects to your house, or the office. Karndean flooring basically replicates the perfect look and feel of the various natural materials such as that of marble, glass, ceramic, limestone, etc. The karndean flooring materials are made from the extremely durable and reliable form of customized vinyl material, which thus provides a good and perfect texture to your house or office. As a result, there are many small and large companies that offer the various types and forms of karndean floorings that suit your taste and requirement.
With the use of the <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.completelyflooring.co.uk/”>karndean flooring</a>, you can be relaxed about its quality and durability. If you are planning for a home improvement program in a limited budget then these karndean flooring is just what you are looking for. Along with the karndean flooring material that comprises of the customized vinyl material, the Quickstep materials are also used to give you the perfect laminate flooring for your house with the real wood flooring like finishing. Apart from these two types of karndean floorings, you can also get the other styles and designs such as that of the Knight tile, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Renoir, and the other artistic flooring types. Each of these types of karndean floorings offer you a unique and exceptional look that would simply boost up the look and the effect of your house or office. For instance, you can give your room a classy look with the Renoir type of karndean flooring where in various patterns of the several colors are mixed together in the tiles to give you a bright and complete classy look to your house. Moreover, you can select from the various colors of tiles available so that they just match up with the color of your walls and the other furniture pieces in the house. Thus, with the perfect selection of the tiles and the pattern, you can definitely make your house look much classy in a limited budget amount. However, when you order for the selected type of style or design of the karndean flooring, the installation process would take some time, as not all the things are usually available in the markets, that too in the required amounts. Thus, you can easily make your sweet home elegant and stylish by installing the karndean flooring.

Add grandeur to your house with Amtico Flooring

Add grandeur to your house with Amtico Flooring

Are you wondering how to add beauty and grandeur to the overall appearance of your place? If yes, then Amtico flooring can be the practical alternative for your needs. In today’s time, flooring is the most important part of any interior’s design. Finally, it is getting the well deserved recognition and attention amongst business houses and personal house constructions. Professional designers have introduced their latest ideas and concepts into flooring designs. Today, everybody is in search of perfect blend of color, texture and functionality of his home floors. Right kind of commercial flooring is highly essential to give more polished look to any place, be it your office room or kitchen.

Indisputably, Amtico has become the leader in the field of floor designing and materials. It consists of PVC that looks like real wood or stone and is considered as a revolutionary product for flooring. This wonderful PVC product is water, slip and dent resistant and suits all the areas within a house. It offers a comprehensive selection range in the latest and natural wood flooring designs. Once you decide to get Amtico floors for your place, then you don’t have to worry about the long-term maintenance. Such floors possess tough abrasion resistant surface to repel stains and reduce the cost of maintenance to a great extent. The best part is that it’s an ideal choice for wet places like bathrooms and shower rooms.

If you are looking for new flooring in your house then Amtico tiles are the best option. It is experiencing soaring popularity all around the globe, since it provides quality home flooring. No matter what are your flooring requirements, Amtico will surely meet all your needs. Nowadays, an extensive range of such flooring is available at cost-effective prices. Choice is all yours! You have to choose the perfect way to decorate a place and add value and sense of style with highly attractive flooring designs.

Indeed, it is essential to select the right kind of flooring for your house to improve the overall appearance. Flooring is equally important as much as the painting of your walls and furniture. High quality materials and latest technology are used to provide a natural look with Amtico spacia. Different types such as modern, traditional, basic and funky designs and styles are available to fit into your bill. Interestingly, you can use different combination of colors to give a personal touch. Put your mind at rest, since such flooring materials come with a long-term warranty and durability. Almost every organization has a department of customer services to resolve your issues related to flooring information and problems.

As you know, the internet has become home for everything! Thus, it is advisable to browse through internet to find out the best Amtico suppliers in your vicinity. Rest is assured that it will enhance the overall look of your place. Online purchase of desired materials can help you save hefty amount of money. Get the professional help to maximize the chances of getting benefits.

Add Old-Time Splendour with Solid Oak Flooring

by timber_floors

Add Old-Time Splendour with Solid Oak Flooring

A common dilemma for majority of homeowners is the choice between carpeted and wood flooring. In the recent years, wood flooring has become very popular in the European countries and the U.S.A due to its elegance, durability and value for money. Among the different kinds of wood materials, solid oak flooring seems to be the rage these days.

The material for solid or real oak flooring is more expensive than most other floorings. However, the price depends on the timber quality and the length, width and thickness of the board. Oak floor coverings can be installed very easily and can replace laminates or any other kind of flooring without any hassles.

Solid Oak Flooring: Advantages

The easiest way of adding beauty and sophistication to your home is by installing solid oak flooring. Durability is not the only way by which this floor covering helps to save money. The simplicity of texture and the assortment of colors make it easy to decorate rooms with any kind and color of furniture, thus prove ideal for those who regularly refurbish their rooms. These floorings are available in a variety of shades which lends a warm, pleasant sheen and increases the aesthetic value of the home.

Natural wood is always recommended by furniture experts and connoisseurs to any kind of artificial wood. Solid oak wood flooring is healthier and more convenient because it has natural insulating properties which help to keep the interiors warm. Oak floors also tend to make a room appear more spacious. These are some saleable factors that can increase the property value of your house significantly. If, in case, you plan to put your house on sale, you can be sure of high returns.

Solid Oak Flooring: Considerations

There are certain considerations you must keep in mind while selecting solid oak flooring for your home. First, decide on the kind of flooring you prefer. You have to make a choice between solid and engineered oak flooring. The next consideration would be the width of the floor boards. Boards generally range between 2 ¼ and 7 inches. The wider boards are ideal for larger rooms while the narrower boards are suitable for smaller rooms. You must also carefully choose the color of the oak. A darker finish will add grandeur and antiquity to your rooms, while a lighter shade will make the room look bright.

CancunWood.com has an array of solid oak floorings. To purchase from this dealer, visit www.cancunwood.com and avail the benefit of online discounts.

Why Engineered Wood Flooring is Best

by isafmedia

Why Engineered Wood Flooring is Best

Wooden floors have been a common preference for many homeowners and interior designers over the years because it presents a warm, beautiful, and sophisticated look to any house that laminate and vinyl are unable to match. Nevertheless, wood flooring is now getting to be much more widely used for the reason that engineered wood flooring has created the choice both more effective and a lot less expensive so that it is an excellent option for every household. Entirely eco-friendly and with several finishes and colours available, engineered wood flooring is one of the top purchases that you could make for your home.

In brief, engineered wood flooring is flooring that are developed by layering solid wood and MDF together and then gluing and pushing the layers to produce a stable fit. Each of the layers is very carefully placed to make sure that a cross grain construction is produced which lends to its durability and good tolerance to water and dampness. This also helps prevent the wood flooring from warping over a period of time, which can be one of the major issues which home owners encounter with real wood floors. In fact, given the distinct characteristics of engineered wood flooring there’s been an influx in creative designs such as edging and radiator roses.

In addition there are a wide selection of widths and thickness to select from, though more often than not 3 and 5 ply flooring is bought with regards to engineered wood flooring. As stated before, its ability to deal with moisture which makes it the most appropriate flooring for many rooms where commonly you wouldn’t consider wood flooring to be a possibility such as cellars, and bath rooms. Mainly because as opposed to its solid wood counterpart, engineered wood is able to bear up to high volumes of traffic in addition to any differences (irrespective of exactly how dramatic) in temperature and moisture.

Engineered wood flooring is usually more favourable as a flooring option in many cases because it comes in pre-finished and finished styles, enabling the individual to easily install the floor in one step and it is instantly functional. In addition, since engineered wood floors are normally only about three-eighths to five-eighths of an inch thick, it makes it possible for them to be fitted on top of already present floor surfaces which makes installation a truly straightforward procedure. Therefore, rather than worrying about finishing, sanding, or removing the existing floor before an area is ready for use, engineered wood flooring could be installed in only one day.

As soon as it is the time to actually install engineered wood flooring into a house there is the selection between lengthier panels for installs that are ‘floating’ in style, or simply opt for the effortless tongue and groove boards, which can make it more realistic to think about installing the flooring without the need of any specialist assistance.

Lastly, there is a demand to take a close look at the veneer of the wood flooring that is being thought about considering that the thickness of the layers will denote how eye-catching the end product comes out to be.

The alternate options to engineered wood flooring are laminate and real wood. Each of which have their pros and cons.

Laminate floors appear to be similar in looks to real wood floors but are normally more cost effective and in some ways being more robust, and with distinctive finishes and beveling options available this kind of flooring can certainly still provide a real wood look at a portion of the cost . Because the laminate is not affixed to the sub floor, leveling is vital to ensuring a top quality finish. If the sub floor is bumpy the laminate floors may have a bouncy feel to it. Because some laminates simply click together without the need of adhesive it is quick to fit. Solid wood floors, as the name suggests, are a type of wood flooring that is solid wood all the way through. With its natural beauty as its principal focus, its drawback is that it might be susceptible to scrapes and dents though this isn’t essentially a serious problem in the long term due to the fact that real wood floors can be sanded down on many occasions.

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