Hardwood Floor Sealer

From decks to driveways, contractors tackle a variety of topics.

&Ldquo;Most all manufacturers of gas logs or appliances will also reference this in their installation manuals by stating the existing fireplace must be in good condition and meet current building codes,” he said. “This is important when switching fuels from wood to natural gas because of the amount of acid laden moisture contained in the exhaust emissions.” Still, it may not have the best performance. “Depending on size, model and number of fans, solar fans may not provide meaningful ventilation compared to a direct-wired whole house ventilation fan,” Sibley said.

 

Q: I have seen commercials for a do-it-yourself driveway blacktop filler patch. How good is this product and how often should it be used? Thermally altered wood - This process was developed in Finland and is now very popular in the United States. “A relatively new product in this market,” Charno said, “southern yellow pine is heated to 482 degrees for 24 hours. It genetically alters the property of the wood to make it more stable and decay-resistant because of all the natural sugars in the wood. Heat treating caramelizes all the sugars and genetically changes the properties of the wood.” When selecting granite, Shelton recommended reviewing the final layout with the stone fabricator because of these variations. “What one person views as a blemish in a granite slab, could be considered a mark of beauty by another person,” he said. “It’s these personal choices that truly make your countertop one of a kind.”

 

Q: Which should be replaced first — windows or siding? “When new windows are installed, new exterior trim may be installed — either brick mould or aluminum wrap,” he said. “Completing the windows first allows the siding installer to caulk or apply their J-channel (vinyl trim), allowing a better finish and fit.”

 

Q: What are the pros and cons of using wood laminate compared to real wood floors? Senior Living: Senior Community Search

You’ve made the decision to move to a retirement community, but where to begin on the quest to find the right community? How do you go about finding a facility that best meets your social and recreational requirements, as well as your health care needs, now and in the future? The following are a few tips to help aid your search for a retirement community.

How to Clean and Maintain a Reclaimed Hardwood Floor

Many homeowners prefer the look of hardwood flooring but get intimidated by the maintenance required. If properly cared for, a reclaimed wood floor will last for decades. Even though cleaning recycled hardwood flooring is different than cleaning carpet or linoleum, it’s not hard. Following are a few tips to help keep your reclaimed wood floor clean and radiant.

Good Cleaning Habits Water is the arch-nemesis of your reclaimed wood floor, and you should always clean any spills promptly. You should never wet-mop a waxed or unfinished reclaimed wood floor. Instead, spot clean stains with a cleaner that won’t harm the wood, like white vinegar; and never use ammonia, as it will cause the finish to turn white and weaken.

Water.

In addition to cleaning regularly, you should also maintain the finish on your reclaimed wood floor. A surface-sealed floor needs to be sanded and recoated every five years, and should never have waxes, oils or furniture sprays applied. For other finishes, apply a fresh coat of wax one or two times a year, and spot-wax areas with high traffic. Use mineral spirits or a commercial solvent approved for your finish to strip old wax, and apply a new coat. Do not use furniture wax, one-step waxes or acrylic or water-based waxes–all of these cause major problems for recycled hardwood flooring.

Cleaning and maintaining your flooring will not only provide protection against damage like scrapes and water spots, but also prolong its life, and keep it beautiful and shiny.