Beautifully appointed 2 story on a lovely lot. Wood floors on the main and upper levels. The 2 story entry foyer leads to the dining room and study/living room, both with custom shutters, crown and dental molding. The spectacular great room features a wood-burning fireplace, built-in bookcases, bay window, walk-behind wet bar and French doors to patio., The kitchen is the heart of the home with 42-inch cabinets, center island, stainless appliances and adjoining breakfast room with a bay window. The master suite boasts a walk-in closet and luxury bath with double vanities, shower, and soaking tub. Also on the UL are 3 additional bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level is perfect for gatherings with a rec room, game room, walk-behind wet bar, fireplace, full bath, exercise room, and sauna. Additional features include a patio, 3 car rear-entry garage, level lot, sprinkler and security system, and more. Impeccable throughout!

View Listing

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A St. Albans country manor and more: See the most expensive homes that just hit the St. Louis market - STLtoday.com

Every June 1st, Florida home insurance companies ask their policyholders if theyre prepared for hurricane season. This year, American Integrity Insurance Company (AIIC) became the only Florida domiciled insurance company to issue a catastrophe bond, Integrity Re II Pte. Ltd., as part of its overall financial portfolio.

"Despite current market volatility, investors recognized AIICs status as the most consistent cat bond sponsor among Florida insurers since 2017 with the successful closing of its Integrity Re II Pte. Ltd. Series 2020-1 Notes, completed in March 2020, which was the third 144A cat bond to utilize a Singapore-domiciled special purpose reinsurance vehicle," said Cory Anger, Managing Director, GC Securities. "GC Securities has been honored to support AIIC since 2017 in expanding its capital resiliency from the effects of natural perils that can affect its policies through the efficient and flexible usage of catastrophe bonds in concert with its traditional reinsurance program."

The current issuance is a great indicator of the Companys readiness for storm season and further protects its financial strength in the wake of catastrophic events, such as a hurricane. The fact that American Integrity is the only domestic carrier to issue a bond in 2020 speaks to the Companys solid financial footing despite Floridas dynamic and challenging property insurance market.

"The successful completion of American Integritys catastrophe bond transaction demonstrates our ongoing commitment to claims-paying capacity, surplus protection, and development a comprehensive risk management strategy to protect our company and policyholders against unforeseen events," says Ryan Hodges, American Integritys Vice President of Risk Management.

American Integritys $150 million catastrophe bond, with Hannover Rck SE acting as the ceding reinsurer, provides the Tampa-based insurance company and its policyholders with a multi-year source of financial protection against named storms that cause major damage in the state of Florida.

A catastrophe bond acts as another layer of reinsurance. Reinsurance, in essence, is insurance for insurance companies. In 2004, Florida was hit by four hurricanes in one season. It is imperative that insurance companies have enough coverage to handle multiple events to be able to pay claims, and continue to run and grow their business. American Integritys reinsurance program has consistently earned it an "A" Exceptional Financial Stability Rating from Demotech, Inc. As a liquid financial instrument, the new catastrophe bond adds to American Integritys already robust reinsurance program and will quickly and easily convert into cash for rapid claims-paying after a catastrophic storm.

American Integritys catastrophe bond becomes effective on June 1, the beginning of the 2020 hurricane season. "Entering the catastrophe bond market offers added stability for our Company, our policyholders and their homes," says American Integrity President and CEO, Bob Ritchie. "A hurricane is the ultimate test of our ability to fulfill our financial commitment to quickly pay claims to impacted customers, while continuing to conduct and grow our business. Our catastrophe bond provides us with an extra source of financial backing to do just that."

For more information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.aiiflorida.com, or call 866-968-8390.

About American Integrity Insurance Group (American Integrity)

American Integrity Insurance, the fifth largest Florida domiciled residential property insurer, has in excess of 300,000 customers and is represented by more than 1,000 independent agents. The Tampa-based company offers sound and comprehensive property insurance solutions, including traditional home insurance and coverage for vacant homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, dwelling fire, umbrella, golf cart, X-Wind policies, cyber coverage, and small boat coverage.

For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.aiiflorida.com, call 866-968-8390, or connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200326005522/en/

Contacts

Toni Logan TLogan@aiiflorida.com 813-512-6672

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American Integrity Insurance Becomes the Only Florida Domestic Carrier to Issue a Catastrophe Bond in Preparation for the 2020 Hurricane Season -...

The second week of March, Phoenix announced that as part of its response to the new coronavirus crisis, it would not cut off water to people's homes, even if they couldn't pay their bills.

For the homes whose water service had already been cut off for delinquency, the city would restore "low-flow" water service, it promised, starting March 12.

But the Water Services Department, which has more than 1.5millioncustomers, so far has not been applying that edict equally across all homes, because it hasn't had the right parts, known as restrictor plates, to fit certain sizes of water meters, according to an employee of the Water Services Department.

Houses with water meters that are three-quarters or five-eighths of an inch in diameter have had their water curtailed with the installation of a small, fibrous disk punched with a hole the size of a pinhead, that employee said, but to date, those with one-inch meters have not.

A restrictor plate, next to a nickel.

New Times source

Families who get the low flow barely have enough water to shower, he said.

The employee, who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation, contacted Phoenix New Times because "there is no civil, moral, ethical reason for this practice to be implemented at this time."

He added,At a time when being sanitary is such a need, were going to restrict their water flow?

Other major utilities, including Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and Tucson Electric Power, have halted all shutoffs for nonpayment for as long as the COVID-19 crisis lasts.

Another person, who has close knowledge of the restrictions and requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, confirmed both of the worker's claims.

For people in homes with smaller water meters, "you're getting a trickle of water from the city," that person said, but for the people in homes with larger water meters, the flow has stayed the same.

"How is that fair?" the person asked. "Just leave everybody on until this is over. Please!"

Both sources said that the city should not be curtailing people's water during an unprecedented health crisis, when both hygiene and compassion are more important than ever.

The Water Services Department disputed that it discriminates as it restricts the flow of water to people's homes. It also says it has enough parts to restrict water meters of all sizes.

"Your information is incorrect. We do have 1-inch low-flow devices," spokesperson Stephanie Bracken told New Times.

After being shown an email, obtained by New Times, from a Water Services Department supervisor from March 17 that explicitly said,"1[-inch] and greater restrictor plates are not available," Bracken said that on that day, the city did not have those specific restrictor plates.

She also said that when the pandemic first hit, the city's priority was to restore service to customers who had been cut off, and that "we did not at that time have enough low-flow devices on hand for all customers that were delinquent."

But in the weeks since, she said, "We have been able to regroup and get the plates in stock," adding that those larger plates had come in "recently" and were "manufactured in-house by staff."

However, the Water Services Department employee said Thursday that those plates were still not available, although he knew the city was "working on them"; Bracken said that the parts might not yet have reached all workers.

According to the department employee and the person with close knowledge of the matter,since the city announced its new policy, ithas returned water service (albeit a restricted flow) to 900 homes whose water had been cut for unpaid bills.

Bracken said that the city is still installing restrictor plates on delinquent accounts and "expect[s] to be caught up in about two weeks."

She disputed the claim that the restricted water supply, which she said flows at a rate of nearly a half-gallon per minute, isn't enough for people to live on.

Water flowing out of a faucet at a half-gallon per minute.

Elizabeth Whitman

"The amount of water customers receive on low-flow service is more than adequate for cooking, cleaning, and sanitation," she said. "Although low-flow water service for residential customers requires adjustment, revenue collection is necessary to avoid an even greater community disaster in which there is not enough money to continue to operate and maintain the public drinking water system."

She added, "Our focus is on helping customers that are in difficult financial circumstances by offering payment arrangements ... and by continuing to provide water service in lieu of disconnections through our low-flow program."

The department employee said that the actual rate of water flow can vary, depending on water pressure and other factors. He estimated the flow to be about half of what Bracken said about a quart per minute and said that if the tiny hole in the disk gets clogged, it becomes even slower or might stop entirely.

He also said the city's policy puts workers in a difficult position, forcing them to go to people's homes and telling families their water will be severely curtailed during a time of incredible anxiety. Employees don't want to do it, he said.

"Theres been people crying," he said. "Some people are pretty desperate right now."

Elizabeth Whitman is a staff writer for Phoenix New Times.

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'Just Leave Everybody's Water on Until This Is Over. Please!' - Phoenix New Times

LCI Industries (NYSE:LCII) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, Zacks.com reports.

According to Zacks, LCI Industries is a supplier of components to the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries as well as adjacent industries including bus, cargo and equestrian trailer, marine and heavy truck. The companys product portfolio includes awnings, suspension enhancement, chassis, doors and laminates, electronics, interior, software and apps, windows and glass, thermoformed bath and kitchen products. LCI Industries, formerly known as formerly Drew Industries Incorporated, is based in Elkhart, Indiana.

A number of other analysts have also issued reports on the stock. ValuEngine upgraded shares of LCI Industries from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 18th. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on shares of LCI Industries from $100.00 to $76.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. CL King upgraded shares of LCI Industries from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $105.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Thursday, March 12th. Finally, Sidoti upgraded shares of LCI Industries from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $102.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, March 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. The stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $101.00.

LCI Industries (NYSE:LCII) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, February 11th. The company reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the Zacks consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.08. LCI Industries had a net margin of 6.18% and a return on equity of 19.20%. The firm had revenue of $564.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $554.35 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.82 earnings per share. LCI Industriess revenue was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that LCI Industries will post 7.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In related news, Director David A. Reed sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.04, for a total transaction of $1,100,400.00. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 3.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in LCII. Russell Investments Group Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of LCI Industries in the 3rd quarter valued at $381,000. Stifel Financial Corp boosted its holdings in shares of LCI Industries by 11.5% in the 3rd quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 8,631 shares of the companys stock valued at $788,000 after purchasing an additional 890 shares during the last quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System boosted its holdings in shares of LCI Industries by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 38,028 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,493,000 after purchasing an additional 454 shares during the last quarter. Barclays PLC boosted its holdings in shares of LCI Industries by 12.8% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 44,505 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,088,000 after purchasing an additional 5,034 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Voloridge Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of LCI Industries in the 3rd quarter valued at $432,000. Institutional investors own 96.88% of the companys stock.

About LCI Industries

LCI Industries, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and supplies components for the manufacturers of recreational vehicles (RVs) and adjacent industries in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Aftermarket. The OEM segment manufactures or distributes various components for the OEMs of RVs and adjacent industries, including buses; trailers used to haul boats, livestock, equipment, and other cargo; travel trailers, fifth-wheel travel trailers, folding camping trailers, and truck campers; trucks; pontoon boats; trains; manufactured homes; and modular housing.

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LCI Industries (NYSE:LCII) Lowered to Hold at Zacks Investment Research - Redmond Register

Its not a zombie apocalypse, but surely some have wondered about the lights staying on during the coronavirus crisis.

Good news: those who generate your electricity, treat your water and collect your trash are still working, even as many Arlington residents with the notable exception of healthcare workers, public safety personnel and grocery store employees, among others stay at home.

There are plans for keeping these unsung heroes safe and on the job, officials say.

Arlingtons Dept. of Environmental Services, which is responsible for waste collection, water service, road maintenance and other critical infrastructure, says it is implementing plans drawn up for disaster situations.

We have implemented acontinuityof operational services plan (COOP) to ensure operations and critical services continue, and are practicing social distancing to protect staff, including staggering start times to avoid large groups, DES spokeswoman Katie OBrien tells ARLnow. Crews are also being encouraged to follow CDC guidelines like washing hands for 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based sanitizer when water isnt available.

Waste collection workers are keeping their distance from one another, when possible, and wearing more protective gear, OBrien said.

Residential trash, recycling and yard waste curbside collection is expected to continue, she noted. Currently, our hauler has suspended bulk curbside collection for residential customers until further notice. This includes furniture, mattresses and any appliances larger than a standard microwave.

To keep water infrastructure everything from water mains to sewer lines to the countys water treatment plant running at a time when everyone is being encouraged to wash their hands frequently, planned maintenance involving water outages are being avoided.

DES has limited or postponed planned water shutdowns to minimize service impacts on customers and focus our resources on maintaining our systems, OBrien said.

Other mitigation steps in place include modified schedules andrear boarding for ART buses, and reduced staff and schedules but continued operations for traffic signal maintenance and repairs, signfabricationand repairs, markings, and meter repairs.

Dominion Energy, meanwhile, says it is prepared for situations like this.

Customers can expect continued, reliable service, said spokeswoman Peggy Fox. Our crews are standing by to respond to any customer-service issues.

That includes outages, like the one the Ballston area experienced earlier today.

Our line workers will still be responding to service interruptions, Fox said. If you experience a power outage, the best way to report it is online or through our mobile app.

On the electricity generation side, power plants are still humming and Dominion says procedures are in place to ensure employee safety and continuity.

We are staffing our power stations to ensure we continue to provide our customers with reliable energy 24/7 [and]have adjusted our staffing plans so employees who perform the same roles are spread across different shifts or days of the week, she said. For employees who cannot work remotely, we are sanitizing our facilities at the end of each shift and encouraging safe hygiene practices.To limit exposure, we have restricted access to our facilities.

As for Dominion workers who become ill with the virus, Fox said that they will be told to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Other employees will step in to ensure essential work gets done, just as they do when a colleague goes on vacation, she said.

Read more here:
Workers Keeping the Power on and the Water Flowing During Coronavirus Crisis - ARLnow

Fraudsters are praying on people's uncertainty and fear to convince them to hand over their money for substandard goods, services they don't need, and scams.

In Lancashire, the county council received a report of a doorstep cold caller in South Ribble who attempted to charge an elderly man 3,500 for power washing his driveway. Trading standards is looking into this issue.

The police have also received reports of door to door sales people offering "home coronavirus testing kits". Please be aware, such items are fake, no such testing facility is currently available to the public in the UK.

The police have also received reports of cold callers selling hand sanitiser, masks and rubber gloves and, while this may not be a scam, Trading Standards would warn people against buying these items from anyone other than recognised retailers.

Meanwhile, school meal scam reports are emerging. Parents are being asked to provide bank details to retain a free school meal entitlement. People should never do this and report these scams to the county council.

County Coun. Albert Atkinson, cabinet member for technical services, rural affairs and waste management, said: "There really is no limit to the lengths fraudsters will go in order to con people out of their money.

"Unfortunately, they are taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to scam vulnerable people.

"We're doing everything we can to make people aware of these scams as they are reported. I'd urge people to be particularly vigilant at the moment and keep a look out for their neighbours.

"Always say no to cold callers, and be suspicious of any unsolicited communications via phone, email or post.

"People can always call our Citizen's Advice Consumer Helpline if they're unsure and need advice, or to report a scam.

"Keep an eye on our Scambuster Stan Facebook page for the latest scam alerts."

Other national and international scams include

Callers and emailers advising that they have coronavirus symptoms, have large amounts of money waiting in a bank account to be claimed and asking people to email for further information at which point they may part with key personal details, leading to them losing money via the scam.

A fraudulent COVID-19 tax refund offer. People are being invited to click on a link to a bogus government web page and complete with key personal/financial details

Scam emails claiming to be from researchers asking for donations - downloading to a fake Microsoft login page requesting email and passwords.

Fraudulent sellers offering facemasks and other safety equipment. People should always use known, reputable online suppliers. Trading standards recommends that any transactions over 100 should be paid by credit card for extra protection.

Hackers are sending emails pretending to be from the World Health Organisation. The email claims that the attached document details how recipients can prevent the spread of the disease. Clicking on the attachment gives the hackers the opportunity to infect the computer with malicious software. If you would like to read information given out by the WHO, go directly to their official website.

Trading Standards advice is to be alert. Never respond to emails if you don't know the sender and don't click on links and divulge personal details.

County Coun. Atkinson added: "Suspicious websites and fake emails are also being used to spread scams around.

"Don't act on the emails if you don't know the sender or think the email looks suspicious. Never click on the link.

"Please check with Trading standards if you are unsure."

Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133 or at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/.

Lancashire County Council's Safe Trader Scheme can help you find a trader in your area, contact 0303 333 1111 or go to http://www.safetrader.org.uk.

Follow the Scambuster Stan Facebook page to keep up-to-date with all the latest scam alerts: https://www.facebook.com/StanleyDards/

See the rest here:
Public urged to 'be on their guard' against coronavirus-related scams as fraudsters target vulnerable - Burnley Express

People in Lancashire are being warned to watch out for a fresh wave of coronavirus-inspired scams.

Trading standards experts say fraudsters are preying on peoples uncertainty and fear to convince them to hand over their money for substandard goods, services they dont need, and scams.

In Lancashire, Trading Standards received a report of a doorstep cold caller in South Ribble who attempted to charge an elderly man 3,500 for power washing his driveway. Trading standards is looking into this issue.

The police have also received reports of door-to-door sales people offering home Coronavirus testing kits. Experts say these items are fake, and no such testing facility is currently available to the public in the UK.

There have also been reports of cold callers selling hand sanitiser, masks and rubber gloves and, whilst this may not be a scam, Trading Standards would warn people against buying these items from anyone other than recognised retailers.

Meanwhile, school meal scam reports are emerging. Parents are being asked to provide bank details to retain a free school meal entitlement. People should never do this and report these scams to the county council.

County Councillor Albert Atkinson, cabinet member for technical services, rural affairs and waste management, said: There really is no limit to the lengths fraudsters will go in order to con people out of their money.

Unfortunately, they are taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to scam vulnerable people.

Were doing everything we can to make people aware of these scams as they are reported. Id urge people to be particularly vigilant at the moment and keep a look out for their neighbours.

Always say no to cold callers, and be suspicious of any unsolicited communications via phone, email or post.

People can always call our Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline if theyre unsure and need advice, or to report a scam.

Keep an eye on our Scambuster Stan Facebook page for the latest scam alerts.

Other national and international scams include

Callers and emailers advising that they have coronavirus symptoms, have large amounts of money waiting in a bank account to be claimed and asking people to email for further information at which point they may part with key personal details, leading to them losing money via the scam.

A fraudulent COVID-19 tax refund offer. People are being invited to click on a link to a bogus government web page and complete with key personal/financial details

Scam emails claiming to be from researchers asking for donations - downloading to a fake Microsoft login page requesting email and passwords.

Fraudulent sellers offering facemasks and other safety equipment. People should always use known, reputable online suppliers. Trading standards recommends that any transactions over 100 should be paid by credit card for extra protection.

Hackers are sending emails pretending to be from the World Health Organisation. The email claims that the attached document details how recipients can prevent the spread of the disease. Clicking on the attachment gives the hackers the opportunity to infect the computer with malicious software. If you would like to read information given out by the WHO, go directly to their official website.

Trading Standards advice is to be alert. Never respond to emails if you dont know the sender and dont click on links and divulge personal details.

County Councillor Atkinson added: Suspicious websites and fake emails are also being used to spread scams around.

Dont act on the emails if you dont know the sender or think the email looks suspicious. Never click on the link.

Please check with Trading standards if you are unsure.

Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133 or at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/.

Lancashire County Councils Safe Trader Scheme can help you find a trader in your area, contact 0303 333 1111 or go to http://www.safetrader.org.uk.

Follow the Scambuster Stan Facebook page to keep up-to-date with all the latest scam alerts: https://www.facebook.com/StanleyDards/

Continued here:
Trading standards officers in Lancashire warn of a wave of coronavirus-related doorstep scams - Leyland Guardian

The owner spent more than $2.5 million to build this magnificent one-of-a-kind estate and is selling it for nearly a million less. Located on 3.39 acres in the heart of Ormond Beach, this spectacular custom-built showplace has more than 8,000 square feet of living space that holds five bedroom, six full and two half baths, a top-of-the-line home theater, a full wet bar, a four-car garage and an RV parking garage, with guest quarters. Upon approaching the gated entrance, an extended brick paver driveway adds to the curb appeal and is ideal for accommodating large parties. Just through the hardwood door, there are impressive architectural details and high-end finishes, such as columns, crown molding and double tray ceilings throughout. The formal living room is graced with gorgeous marble floors, a double-sided fireplace and high ceilings, while the living room flows into the formal dining room that, in turn, provides access to the huge lanai. The over-the-top chefs kitchen offers everything you can imagine, including GE Monogram appliances, a six-burner gas range, custom cabinetry, a breakfast bar and a nook, with an incredible light fixture and coffered ceilings. Theres also a full-size butlers kitchen, hidden off of the main kitchen, which opens up to the luxurious family room, featuring coffered ceilings and fireplace. The master retreat is tucked away on the west side for privacy and features a double-door entrance, coffered ceilings and two separate baths one side with an impressive walk-in closet (with custom shelving), a huge walk-in tiled shower, custom water features, granite countertops and a jetted tub, and the other side with a custom walk-in closet, black granite countertops, a walk-in shower and tub. Adjacent to the master suite, there is an executive office, compete with wood floors, granite countertop and shelving. There is also a beautifully designated piano room, with faux painting and wood floors. Two extra-large guest bedrooms, with private baths, also make up the downstairs living space. An elevator takes you to the second level, which is home to a full bar, with sitting area, the theater room and one of the guest quarters/in-law suites. The outdoor living space is just as impressive, boasting a large pool and spa, a summer kitchen and multiple sitting areas. Manicured landscaping and a private lake complete the picture-perfect backyard. The RV parking garage offers additional storage and its own office/living quarters, complete with a kitchen and a full bath. The amazing property is secured with a concrete wall all around and a gated entrance.

ADDRESS: 602 Tomoka Ave., Ormond Beach

TOTAL LIVING SQUARE FEET: 8,010

LOT SIZE: 438 feet by 323 feet and 482 feet by 437 feet

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 6 full, 2 half baths

STORIES: 2

YEAR BUILT: 2006

PRICE: $1,699,000

CONTACT: Bill Navarra, Realty Pros Assured, 386-334-9991

See more here:
Amazing gated Ormond estate on nearly 3 acres is a work of art - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

By Jeanne Huber, The Washington Post

Q: Ten years ago, a bathroom vendor installed three cultured-marble vanities in our unit but said nothing about applying a product to keep the surface looking fresh. This year, I noticed that all of the vanities have very fine scratches. Our project manager said that the vendor has gone out of business and that no one else is interested in trying to restore the vanities. I found online advice suggesting using automotive paint buffing compound and a handheld buffer. There seem to be a lot of liquid granite/marble products on the market, but nothing exactly called automotive paint buffing compound. Can you provide details, and is this something an able 80-year-old can do?

A: Yes, even an 80-year-old should be able to make scratched cultured-marble countertops look better.

Cultured marble is a mixture of polyester resin, catalyst, fillers and pigments that are molded in forms coated with a clear gel coat. When the mixture cures and is flipped out of the mold, the gel coat becomes the top surface. Its what gives cultured-marble countertops their smooth, glossy look.

To keep cultured marble looking like new, manufacturers recommend sticking with cleaning products that dont contain abrasives, because those would scratch the surface. But over time, scratches can still appear, either because someone used an inappropriate cleaner or just from ordinary use.

If the scratches are very fine, it might be sufficient to coat the surface with a product such as Gel-Gloss Kitchen & Bath Polish ($7.95 for an eight-ounce bottle from Amazon). You could also use a similar product, Original Gel Gloss RV One Step Polish and Protector, which is sold by Home Depot in 16-ounce bottles for $7.17. A customer service representative for TR Industries, the manufacturer of both products, said they are identical except that the product with RV in the name contains ultraviolet inhibitors to protect against sun damage. Both products, she said, would be fine to use on countertops. The products safety sheets are identical and list only two ingredients: water (80-90 percent) and very fine quartz particles (10-20 percent).

For use on a countertop, TR Industries recommends applying the liquid with a clean microfiber cloth and using another clean microfiber cloth to buff it out. But the instructions warn that might not be enough for countertops like yours: For the older, harder to clean surfaces we recommend using an orbital buffer if the manual process is not effective. Multiple applications are recommended for better surface protection, and a superior shine. But if too much Gel-Gloss is added at a time, the surface could wind up looking foggy. You would then need to remove the Gel-Gloss with soap and water, as well as mineral spirits.

Given that, it might be wiser to use Gel-Gloss as the last step and to concentrate first on removing the scratches. That is whats recommended by Luke Haas, president of Elite Marble Company (608-297-2175; elitemarble.com) in Montello, Wis., and a board member of trade group International Cast Polymer Association.

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His company offers a repair kit for its customers that has the same materials his crew uses to take out scratches when they show up on countertops in factories. Depending on how severe the scratches are, they first sand with 600- to 800-grit sandpaper. They then switch to an automotive buffing compound and buff out scratches left by the sandpaper.

Its more effective if you use a buffing machine, but it can be done by hand, Haas said. But if youre doing it by hand, youd have to go to higher and higher grit of sandpaper, to 1,000 and then 1,200. (With sandpaper, the higher the grit number, the finer the abrasive.)

For the sandpaper, you could use wet-dry sandpaper or sanding sponges, such as the 3M Sanding Sponges sold in a set on Amazon for $9.79. You would need only the two finest-grit sponges: ultrafine (equivalent to 800-1,000 grit) and microfine (1,200-1,500 grit).

For the buffing compound, Haass company uses Aqua Blue 100 Fast-Cut Compound, which is sold on Amazon in gallon containers for $44.95. But thats because we use so much of it, a spokeswoman said. You could use any auto buffing compound.

One example is Turtle Wax T-241A Polishing Compound & Scratch Remover ($5.49 on Amazon for a 10.5-ounce container). Any auto-parts store or the auto-parts aisle of a hardware store or home center would have equivalent products. Just be aware that products labeled as rubbing compound are more aggressive than those called polishing compound. The rubbing compound might substitute for the sandpaper, but whatever you use to get the existing scratches out, you need to follow it with a polishing compound.

If you decide to invest in a buffing machine, avoid models with 10-inch-diameter pads; those need two hands to maneuver and are oversize for use on a vanity. Instead, look for a lightweight, one-hand model thats easy to handle, such as the Ryobi 0.5 amp corded six-inch orbital buffer/polisher, $34.97 at Home Depot.

Removing the faucets before you sand and buff would allow you to refinish the countertop evenly, but that would add plumbing steps. Rather than tackle that, Haas suggests leaving the faucets in place but wrapping the base of the metal with painters tape in case you accidentally get too close with the sandpaper or buffer.

As a final step, he recommends coating the countertop with Gel-Gloss. Its a fantastic product, he said, and it will give your countertops a like-new gloss.

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Restoring the gloss on scratched cultured-marble countertops - The Gazette

By Tammie Shanahan Correspondent

FridayMar27,2020at12:01AM

Come and explore the great outdoors as you meander over beautiful marshland on a 900-foot dock/nature trail that leads to a covered boathouse. Situated within the pristine, park-like setting is this meticulously maintained four-bedroom, three-bath home, featuring a formal living and dining room, with ample space to entertain guests. The custom kitchen, which features stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, a center island and tons of pantry storage, opens to a spacious great room, with hardwood floors, a built-in desk and a large wood-burning fireplace. The split-bedroom plan allows for privacy in the master bedroom suite, which opens to the pool-side patio for quiet morning coffee breaks. The three additional bedrooms include custom built-ins and plenty of closet storage. Theres also a separate space off the pool patio, with its own private bathroom, that could be used as a home school room, office or guest suite. The large pool, with covered deck and screen enclosure, is an ideal place to end your day and enjoy the hot summer nights.

ADDRESS: 308 River Bluff Drive, Ormond Beach

TOTAL LIVING SQUARE FEET: 2,589

LOT SIZE: 112 feet by 151 feet

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 3

STORIES: 1

YEAR BUILT: 1980

PRICE: $519,000

CONTACT: Julie Eads, Geri Westfall Real Estate, 386-503-9667

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Call this Ormond Tomoka Oaks riverfront treasure home - The Ledger