| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Bathroom floor tile | 11/13/2009 |
Q: We bought our house a year ago and the guest bathroom had been remodeled about 5 years prior. The ...
A: ok-- so what that tells us is the floor is sealed as it didn't absorb the water. But with shoes ...
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| Bathroom floor tile | 11/13/2009 |
Q: We bought our house a year ago and the guest bathroom had been remodeled about 5 years prior. The ...
A: Test the floor and grout to see that it is sealed. The quickest way to do that is the water bead ...
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| Unknown Hardwood Floor Coating | 11/11/2009 |
Q: I live in a gut-rehab condo building for four years in Chicago. The developer did not use high-end ...
A: Vinegar and water is a good overall cleaner. Very very little water. Moisture is hardwood's enemy. ...
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| what to use to fill and level grout joints | 11/10/2009 |
Q: I am wanting to install laminate flooring over my existing ceramic tile floor but need to fill and ...
A: Use a self leveling compound from co's like Ardex, Maipei and many others. Pay attention to their ...
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| Defective carpet... | 11/10/2009 |
Q: I purchased and had installed from a leading home improvement store beginning with an "L" what I ...
A: It's called delamination-- the glue that bonds the primary to secondary back. The manufacturer ...
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| cupped and buckled engineered floor | 11/5/2009 |
Q: My engineered wood flooring is cupped and buckled. It is in various spots in the dining rm and ...
A: I'm sorry to be dense- but did he do the test with the meter before the install-- or as in your ...
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| cupped and buckled engineered floor | 11/5/2009 |
Q: My engineered wood flooring is cupped and buckled. It is in various spots in the dining rm and ...
A: If the reading is done-- after the fact-- after the problem occured-- it's on their nickel. Did you ...
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| cupped and buckled engineered floor | 11/5/2009 |
Q: My engineered wood flooring is cupped and buckled. It is in various spots in the dining rm and ...
A: If this installation is on slab and the contractor didn't test for moisture-- it should be on their ...
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| flooring | 11/3/2009 |
Q: wondering what hard wood flooring goes with rough ceader walls
A: Depends on the rest of the house. I have rough cedar walls and went with a Mannington maple that is ...
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| how to remove glue residue/dust? | 11/2/2009 |
Q: We have a mess at our home..we recently had bamboo floors put down on our concrete slab, a wood glue ...
A: yes, they will walk from the job. Or, some will tell them they'll supply product but not install ...
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| how to remove glue residue/dust? | 11/2/2009 |
Q: We have a mess at our home..we recently had bamboo floors put down on our concrete slab, a wood glue ...
A: First, vinyl will react just as hardwood to moisture. It will -- as we call in the field -- blow ...
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| how to remove glue residue/dust? | 11/2/2009 |
Q: We have a mess at our home..we recently had bamboo floors put down on our concrete slab, a wood glue ...
A: First, if the installer didn't check for moisture prior to installation on your slab--he should be ...
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| mexican tile sealing | 10/28/2009 |
Q: I have just resealed my Mexican tile with an OIL based sealer, as I have always done. This time in a ...
A: There is something that has been a bond breaker, orcould be lime "pops" coming from the tile itself. ...
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| DOG URINE | 10/27/2009 |
Q: Please advise. I have two dogs that have soiled an area of my bedroom 6 month old carpet. My ...
A: Vinegar does neutralize the urine. But I totally do not recommend putting this on for a few hours. ...
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| 3/4 | 10/23/2009 |
Q: is it possible to get a sub floor so hot with a heat gun that it will fall apart? ANSWER: It might ...
A: Like I said, its very possible the hot gun melted the glues in the plywood. Your subfloor could be ...
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| pet odor | 10/21/2009 |
Q: We are planning to install laminate flooring, but before I'd like to get rid off odor from at least ...
A: There shouldn't be a long wait after putting the vinegar on the concrete. I'd just wait a day. As ...
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| pet odor | 10/20/2009 |
Q: We are planning to install laminate flooring, but before I'd like to get rid off odor from at least ...
A: I would try vinegar on the urine. Urine is acidic and the vinegar should neutralize it. There are ...
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| Tile Floor | 10/16/2009 |
Q: Can you lay tile flooring over an old tile floor? Small Bathroom 4x6 Thanks
A: i assume you mean old ceramic vs vinyl. Yes, you can The existing floor should be sound, no ...
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| Tile | 10/15/2009 |
Q: I have 900 sq. feet of 18x18 tiles and have had recurring issues with hollow tiles and cracks in my ...
A: It is completely incorrect that the installer is telling you this is a cosmetic issue only. That ...
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| Installing Marble floor | 10/15/2009 |
Q: I am planning on installing marble flooring in my bathroom. My bathroom is very small and will only ...
A: The manufacturer will have a suggested subfloor thickness. So, if it's 3/4" and you have a 1/4" you ...
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| type of flooring over radiant heat | 10/13/2009 |
Q: What is the best type of flooring to put over radiant heat? Is a floating floor best? Is bamboo ...
A: You should review manufacturer specs to make sure the product is ok for radiant heat. you can use ...
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| jute carpet on laminate floor | 10/12/2009 |
Q: I had laminate floor installed in my livingroom and dining room last April. I bought 2 natural jute ...
A: Good Luck! You will need to push the dealer on this. They need to file a claim and do the follow ...
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| jute carpet on laminate floor | 10/12/2009 |
Q: I had laminate floor installed in my livingroom and dining room last April. I bought 2 natural jute ...
A: People use area rugs over laminate all the time. There has to be something in that rug that is ...
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| floor care | 10/11/2009 |
Q: I'd like to steam clean my new DuraStone floor but I'm not sure if it's considered a sealed surface. ...
A: According to the Congoleum website, the floor is not nor should be sealed. The recommended cleaning ...
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| Rolled Ruber instalation | 10/10/2009 |
Q: I am getting ready to install 3500 sq. feet of rolled rubber flooring for a new doggie daycare. Do ...
A: I am surprised the sales person gave you so little information. Rubber floors should have a field ...
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| Creaking engineered wood flooring | 10/8/2009 |
Q: Live in North East UK and our engineering wood flooring (oak) has been creaking (getting worse) ...
A: Yes it could. Wood's biggest enemy is hardwood. The installer however should have checked the home ...
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| Vinyl floor in bathroom... | 10/7/2009 |
Q: We just bought a brand new home built in 2009. I have just found a spot in the bathroom where the ...
A: What you have is probably moisture coming from the tub going under the vinyl. You should call the ...
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| carpet repair | 10/6/2009 |
Q: my tenant spilled some hot candle wax on my year old carpet. It seeped through the carpet to the ...
A: Your question was sent to the question pool. This is Carol. First try to repair it yourself. ...
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| PET carpet issues | 10/5/2009 |
Q: It looks great but as soon as there is any foot traffic it a lot of loose fibers mat up and form ...
A: What kind of vacuum are you using? Some vac's -- and some very expensive vac's can create problems ...
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| Creaky Raised Wood Floor in Florida | 10/4/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a 1957 concrete block house that sits on a slope. The whole house is raised up ...
A: It sounds like a subfloor issue. We recently purchased a home in GA, and found that we had wood ...
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| porcelain tile installation | 10/3/2009 |
Q: So we're going to be installing porcelain tiles on my kitchen floor. I was wondering if it would be ...
A: It probably isn't necessary. Do you have a wood or concrete subfloor? With wood there is almost ...
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| laminate under cabinets | 10/1/2009 |
Q: We are redoing the kitchen. Is it better to lay the floating laminate flooring under the cabinets ...
A: Typically people do not install laminate under the cabinets. It creates height issues. And, if ...
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| carpet protecting that stays on stairs that are already covered with wall-to-wall carpeting | 9/30/2009 |
Q: My problem is finding protection for my stairs that have already been covered with wall-to-wall ...
A: Carpet on stairs is a real problem. And carpet manufacturers usually exclude stairs from wear ...
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| water damaged pergo to be replaced by vinyl stick tiles | 9/24/2009 |
Q: My dishwasher broke and water flooded my kitchen floor. I have pergo flooring in the home. Needless ...
A: Taking up the pergo should be easy, its installed as a floating floor- meaning its not glued all ...
|
| Removel of 1982 sheet vinyl w/ black adh. | 9/23/2009 |
Q: I got different answers about weather 1982 they still made abestos backing.One said 1986 and earlier ...
A: To the best of my knowledge, asbestos was used in glues (black cutback) and tile-- when VAT became ...
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| Engineered Wood Flooring | 9/22/2009 |
Q: We have asphalt tile over a concrete floor and want to put down Handscraped Engineered Wood Flooring ...
A: Work with the hardwood manufacturer to determine which glue and installation method is recommended. ...
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| floor prep over commercial tile | 9/21/2009 |
Q: KevinWe have commercial tile on the floor in our office and control room at our water treatment ...
A: Your question was sent to the question pool. This is Carol Porcelain or ceramic tile is very ...
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| Vitrified tiles | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I have seen vitrified tiles in India, they look like Granite but are a cheaper option. Can you tell ...
A: Vitrified is defined as a reduction in porosity of a ceramic composition as a result of heat ...
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| what is DuraStone? | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I'm interested in buying DuraStone HPF for my kitchen and bathroom. How does this product affect ...
A: When people ask me about enviro issue-- my best advice is to first, choose a long lasting product. ...
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| Carpet steps to wood steps | 9/10/2009 |
Q: My carpeted stairs in my home are 22 years old and the carpet is tearing up in places from ...
A: If what you have seen is in good condition, probably all of it is. The carpet has been protecting ...
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| Flooring over vinyl tiles | 9/8/2009 |
Q: I would like to put some new flooring in my basement. I believe the old vinyl tiles may contain ...
A: If your floor was put down prior to the 70's -- it most likely does contain asbestos. If you think ...
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| old bathroom tile | 9/7/2009 |
Q: I have a house built in the early 1900's and the bathrooms are the small white and black ...
A: Your tile and grout need to be sealed to ease maintanence. Any tile center can recommend a good ...
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| floors | 9/1/2009 |
Q: 13 years ego,my cement floors were cover with rugs. Can I put a linoleum on top of the old rugs? or ...
A: I assume you mean wall to wall carpet vs rugs -- which are area rugs. Yes, the previous carpet ...
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| Different Floor Stains, Same space | 9/1/2009 |
Q: My home has nice oak flooring done in a light finish with darker golden undertones (on the entire ...
A: Its another subjective choice. Having hardwood in good condition will help resale value. Certainly ...
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| Different Floor Stains, Same space | 9/1/2009 |
Q: My home has nice oak flooring done in a light finish with darker golden undertones (on the entire ...
A: From that view it does look dark. Its really a matter of taste. I have seen darks and lights ...
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| tiles on flat concrete roof | 8/28/2009 |
Q: i would like to know if its a good idea to put tiles on a flat roof for our home.the rof is about ...
A: There are tiles that can be used exterior, and withstand freeze/thaws without cracking. However the ...
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| Hardwood Floor shrinking | 8/25/2009 |
Q: we are having a terrible time with our oak floor. We purchased it from a big box store last July and ...
A: First, you purchased from the big box, not the manufacturer. The Big Box is the the manufacture's ...
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| swuare vinyl flooring | 8/13/2009 |
Q: I What happens when ceramic tile is set on square vinyl tile. Custom building products says I can ...
A: The problem is that the tile can adhere well now, but in the future start to come off the floor. ...
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| swuare vinyl flooring | 8/11/2009 |
Q: I What happens when ceramic tile is set on square vinyl tile. Custom building products says I can ...
A: The reason he is telling you this is because the adhesion of the ceramic will be as good as the ...
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| vinyl tile flooring | 8/3/2009 |
Q: I would like to install vinyl floor tiles in my kitchen. Could you recommend a product to go ...
A: Yes!! There are many options for you. There are cushioned back goods. And cushioned or cork ...
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| Laminated wood flooring | 8/1/2009 |
Q: I am wanting to install laminated wood flooring in my living room, dining room and kitchen (all ...
A: You can probably go either way. Tie it in with the area rug and other furnishings. Nothing needs ...
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| Hollow Sounding Tiles | 7/29/2009 |
Q: I have problem of Hollow sounding tiles (Randomly but about 10% of overall area) in our property. ...
A: Its an ANSI Standard for Installation. Most if all not manufacturers of ceramic tile follow ANSI or ...
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| Matching hardwood floors | 7/23/2009 |
Q: We have hardwood floors now and want to install more in the bedroom...however...our present floors ...
A: There is no rule that says everything must match. Pay attention to the profile of the floor, ...
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| Engineered harwood with two dogs | 7/20/2009 |
Q: I want replace the carpet in three rooms(family room, dining and office) with wood floors. I have ...
A: You should go with a wood that is very high rating on the Janka Hardness test. (google it for more ...
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| old wood floor buckled | 7/7/2009 |
Q: I have a rental property that the hardwood floor on the living room, kitchen and dining room had ...
A: I am doubtful that a 4" buckle will go back to normal. You could also have moisture still under the ...
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| flooring | 7/6/2009 |
Q: I am moving into a pre-1920's home that has original pine hardwood floors. The floors have been ...
A: The squeaks could be coming from the subfloor vs the flooring. Call in a contractor to give you a ...
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| vinyl no wax tile | 7/5/2009 |
Q: My sister waxed our new vinyl no wax tile floor. We've spent weeks trying to restore it to its ...
A: You're going to have to find the stripper for the product your sister used. But be careful, some of ...
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| Tile installed over cushioned vinyl | 7/3/2009 |
Q: A few months ago I dealt with a flooring company who installed ceramic tile without first removing ...
A: It really doesn't matter which manufacturer. All tile should be installed by the National Tile ...
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| levelling a floor before laminate installation | 7/1/2009 |
Q: my bathroom floor has a 3-inch difference,wall-to-wall, with peaks and valleys in-between. 60 sq. ...
A: The added weight is an issue. I cannot answer this genericaly. I don't know the psi of your floor. ...
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| What is causing mildew smell and wet carpet? | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I live on ground level 2 story apt and when I run my AC (central air)my carpet gets wet by the floor ...
A: yes mildew/mold is a health issue. It can be a huge issue. Don't dismiss this.; You haven't ...
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| Underlayment specs - Vinyl self-stick tile over concrete | 6/26/2009 |
Q: I bought quite a bit of 4"x 36" plank self-stick tile. The manufacturer requires clean, level, ...
A: That is unusual and un-necessary for a 1st floor unit. But, I guess they have to be comsistant to ...
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| Tile installed over cushioned vinyl | 6/25/2009 |
Q: A few months ago I dealt with a flooring company who installed ceramic tile without first removing ...
A: Not good. The ceramic tile council handbook requires a solid substate. If they installed over non ...
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| Linoleum under tile | 6/24/2009 |
Q: I recently asked one of your experts about cork flooring that was incorrectly installed. I was very ...
A: Well you are going to knock them out of the park when/if you go to court. You havea right as a ...
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| Linoleum under tile | 6/23/2009 |
Q: I recently asked one of your experts about cork flooring that was incorrectly installed. I was very ...
A: Your picture didn't come through. So please let me know the issue. Is it linoleum or sheet ...
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| hardwood buckle-separation | 6/23/2009 |
Q: I've been contracting for 20+ years. Did a GC job for a friend (big mistake). I renovated an ...
A: There are a lot of things that could contribute to this. Moisture is woods enemy. Its my #1 ...
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| Travertine over ceramic | 6/22/2009 |
Q: I have a 15 x 15 master bathroom 2nd floor with ceramic 8" tiles that is in good shape. I recently ...
A: Yes you can install tile over tile. You will have to be sure all sealers are off the material and ...
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| konecto flooring style "Bali 80050" | 6/19/2009 |
Q: What are the planks made of,are they glue based,or vinyl,or wood?
A: Konecto is part of Metroflor, all their products are solid vinyl. In reviewing their website, it ...
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| Trying to find replacement ceramic tile | 6/18/2009 |
Q: My wife and I moved into a newly constructed home in December of 2007. One of the items on our punch ...
A: Companies discontinue tiles for more reasons than poor sellers. They may drop the product because ...
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| Ceramic Tile | 6/17/2009 |
Q: My Wife and I bought 18x18 ceramic tile, it was being stored in a "dry" warehouse, when we purchased ...
A: That black stuff is probably mold-- and it does leave an odor. I would be careful-- some black ...
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| Attic sub-flooring | 6/16/2009 |
Q: I have an attic over a garage. Currently the flooring is as such - Joists, 16"oc and diagonal 2*6s ...
A: So I am reading this right-- there is currently no subfloor- I originally thought there was plywood ...
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| Attic sub-flooring | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I have an attic over a garage. Currently the flooring is as such - Joists, 16"oc and diagonal 2*6s ...
A: You can probably just lay the plywood on top, make sure the seams run perpendicular. You want it to ...
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| hardwood floors | 6/12/2009 |
Q: i just purchased a new apt in west palm beach i need to put hardwood floors in the bedrooms, i want ...
A: There are a lot of considerations here. Its like when people ask, "what is the best floor"-- there ...
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| Flooring Glue | 6/11/2009 |
Q: I just bought a house and ripped out all the laminate flooring out (all 4 layers) and they used 3 ...
A: You could rent a floor sander. There is always a chance the glue (especially if you are saying ...
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| aspestic tile in basement? | 6/10/2009 |
Q: We had a fridge go bad in our basement. The rotten juices spilled out of freezer and onto ...
A: Yes, this tile is more absorbant. Asbestos as it is, is not a health hazard, but once you start ...
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| aspestic tile in basement? | 6/10/2009 |
Q: We had a fridge go bad in our basement. The rotten juices spilled out of freezer and onto ...
A: Do you mean asbestos? VCT (vinyl composition tile-- without asbestos) or VAT (vinyl asbestos tile) ...
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| Laminate Floor Underlay | 6/9/2009 |
Q: I am installing 12mm laminate flooring with a 2mm attached underlay. Will the 2mm underlay provide ...
A: Who's laminate/underlay is it? I can review their specs and get you an answer. Most likely, if its ...
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| Floating an engineered wood floor | 6/5/2009 |
Q: My wife an I are struggling with a purchase. A very reputable hardwood shop we have used before ...
A: THe only answer I can honestly give you is the textbook answer. The National Wood Flooring Assoc -- ...
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| Floating an engineered wood floor | 6/5/2009 |
Q: My wife an I are struggling with a purchase. A very reputable hardwood shop we have used before ...
A: As an independent inspector I can tell you if you do not follow manufacturer guidelines you have ...
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| Floating an engineered wood floor | 6/3/2009 |
Q: My wife an I are struggling with a purchase. A very reputable hardwood shop we have used before ...
A: Yes, you can use an pre engineered floor on slab. You can even use pre engineered on slab below ...
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| Linseed Oil Treated Oak Floor Problem | 6/1/2009 |
Q: ) I have treated my recently laid beautiful oak floor with linseed oil and whilst most of it soaked ...
A: It is not unusual for linseed oil to take weeks to dry-- it may not dry! Especially if you haven't ...
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| Brands and prices | 6/1/2009 |
Q: I am purchasing some boxes of tile from a contractor and I just want to know if I'm getting a good ...
A: I am not familiar with the brand and I googled it in every combination and couldn't find info. ...
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| Tile grout cont. | 5/31/2009 |
Q: I sent you a message earlier, that you replied to. Thank you so much for your reply. I knew that ...
A: According to standards, you should have expansion joints at all perimeter walls. It should be a ...
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| Cracks in grout along tile and baseboards | 5/31/2009 |
Q: I moved into a new home 1 year ago. I have my one year inspection coming up and have MANY cracks in ...
A: Interesting. First, all perimeter walls etc should have expansion joints. I don't see it in your ...
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| cork vs. DuraCeramic | 5/28/2009 |
Q: Carol, I have been writing to you, and just now online saw you reply to my 2nd set of questions. So ...
A: First, if the issue on your friends cork was installation related, it isn't the fault of the product ...
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| engineered wood safety | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I am concerned about the adhesive used to put down a wood flood.......can it be harmful to small ...
A: First, a preengineered floor can be floated as well as glued. The glues today are all made ...
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| Bamboo flooring in colorado | 5/20/2009 |
Q: We live in Colorado Springs, CO where the humidity is low most of the year. We are interested in ...
A: Dryness is only part of the story. Retailers say that but its not true. I live in CO also, and have ...
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| buckling floor | 5/18/2009 |
Q: My wood floor buckles very easily when even small amounts of water get on the floor, even though it ...
A: yes,have your retailer file a claim with the manufacturer. They can send out an independent ...
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| kitchen flooring | 5/17/2009 |
Q: I am stuck in picking out a good kitchen floor. I'm sure that you probably do not want to recommend ...
A: There are two types of cork construction, pre-engineered and solid tile. They are all made the ...
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| scuffed and foot prints on porcelain | 5/17/2009 |
Q: I recently installed an unpolished porcelain daltile (ERA, in color Arke). my tile lloks scuffed and ...
A: This is from the daltile website: Maintenance: Routine maintenance will keep your tile looking new ...
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| buckling floor | 5/16/2009 |
Q: My wood floor buckles very easily when even small amounts of water get on the floor, even though it ...
A: Was the floor acclimated properly? Proper acclimation means in your living space, not the garage, ...
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| kitchen flooring | 5/13/2009 |
Q: I am stuck in picking out a good kitchen floor. I'm sure that you probably do not want to recommend ...
A: I love cork. The maintenance is very similar to wood. There are light woods and dark woods, you ...
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| Buckled wood floorts | 5/11/2009 |
Q: My wood floors have buckled. They were laid two years ago. Within 2 months they began to buckle in ...
A: You don't need a moisture barrier (retarder is the correct word) unless it is necessary. Your ...
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| Staining Brazilian Cherry | 5/8/2009 |
Q: Last year we stained 4000sq. ft. of Brazilian cherry flooring. The polly seems to be pulling from ...
A: Usually when you don't have a good bond its an issue of contaminates vs letting the stain cure. ...
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| Hardwood Floors from emeraldfloors.com floating | 5/7/2009 |
Q: I recently was looking at Engineered Floor from www.emeraldfloors.com . Could you explain the ...
A: Get the manufacturer guidelines for moisture and installation. Preengineered flooring is the most ...
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| commercial carpet specs | 5/4/2009 |
Q: My church is making plans to replace carpet in the hall of our senior citizen building. Need spec ...
A: This is a very big question and sounds easier to answer than it is. First, why are you replacing ...
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| hickory flooring | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I want to have unfinished 5" hickory floors installed in my new construction home, however I have ...
A: It is true that wider planks can be less dimensionally stable-- but its all in the making. Is this ...
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| Meritage Wood Flooring | 4/29/2009 |
Q: I had Meritage Engineered maple installed thoughout my home last summer. During the winter months, ...
A: Is it delaminating or "checking"? Checking is areas of raised grains vs delaminating. Is this a ...
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| What's up with my wood floor? | 4/29/2009 |
Q: Just pulled up carpet in our 100 year old house to discover two types of boards in the front living ...
A: Its not unusual for people to combine different widths, species etc in one room. Ornate details may ...
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| Steam Mops & Brazilian Hardwoods | 4/25/2009 |
Q: There are lots of infomercial on TV showing steam mops as a good way to clean hardwoods. If the ...
A: Water is the enemy of hardwood floors. I have heard of claims from a Swiftex. I know you aren't ...
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| concrete floor in basement | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I am freaking out a bit as it occurs to me that perhaps our concrete basement floor was painted at ...
A: When you are talking tiles are you talking vinyl tiles or ceramic? If you are talking ceramic, then ...
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| concrete floor in basement | 4/22/2009 |
Q: I am freaking out a bit as it occurs to me that perhaps our concrete basement floor was painted at ...
A: It depends. First, as far as lead paint, as long as you don't abraid it, you'll be fine. However ...
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| Pooling of carpets | 4/20/2009 |
Q: Can a person sue in Small claim court and win if they a bad case of pooling which the salesman ...
A: Probably. In all probability the retailer will resolve the problem with just the threat of court ...
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| flooring | 4/19/2009 |
Q: We have a relatively new travel trailer. We opened it up this weekend and discovered that the vinyl ...
A: its probably cause its paper backed. cheap stuff. Check out www.lonseal.com. Its a commercial ...
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| Porcelain over Marble? | 4/19/2009 |
Q: Will the bonding cement for porcelain tile adhesive to existing marble tile? I was told to either ...
A: Chunks out of the marble? Oh for gosh sakes. Tile Council N America Handbook for Tile Installation ...
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| Carpet to Harwood Floors | 4/18/2009 |
Q: I live on the first floor of a Condo building and we have concrete floors with carpet, I want to ...
A: Just pull it up and go! Make sure you test for moisture as your going over concrete. If you are ...
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| Plywood Floors | 4/18/2009 |
Q: We are putting down plywood flooring. My husband has set them in so that the space between them ...
A: I have never heard of putting chalk between the boards. Normal dirt particles will not corrode the ...
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| wood laminate - mildew | 4/15/2009 |
Q: We have about 1000sf of uninstalled wood laminate, and it has been sitting in the garage for about ...
A: If there are experts in restoration and mold, they might be better at answering this. You can also ...
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| proper procedure for tile install | 4/14/2009 |
Q: I installed 400 SF of 12" floor tile over 1/4" hardi backer board that was shot down with roofing ...
A: I gave you some answers on this. If this is heading to court, hire an independent inspector. ...
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| proper procedure for tile install | 4/14/2009 |
Q: Carol, I installed 400 SF of 12" floor tile over 1/4" hardi backer board. That was shot down with ...
A: Sadly, they never remember the warnings when they have a failure. Unfortunately, even getting a ...
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| Re-Installing Hardwood floors | 4/12/2009 |
Q: I appreciate you taking the time for my question. I have a oak hardwood floor. I have some gaps in ...
A: Floors do move with the seasons. Max of 1/8" is not out of spec. Do not caulk, it will pop out as ...
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| Sand free refinishing? | 4/8/2009 |
Q: I recently have read good things about a product from Varathane called "Renewal". It is a type of ...
A: Its really not a sandless refinishing. Its a coating. Most floors with light wear as you indicate ...
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| carpetting over a wood deck | 3/31/2009 |
Q: what are the pros and cons of putting indoor/outdoor carpet over a wood deck?
A: Pro is that its inexpensive. Cons include: short lifespan and low quality. The vinyl backing of ...
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| flooring | 3/30/2009 |
Q: . further to that... can you perhaps suggest an alternative choice for my large area ??
A: I assume you want to stay with vinyl? A solid luxury vinyl such as Parterre, Centiva, Amtico and ...
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| PET Mohawk Carpet | 3/30/2009 |
Q: Hey Carol. We bought a Pulte home and closed mid Dec. We upgraded our pad to the Duet foam pad and ...
A: No, PET is not the same as nylon-- that was irresponsible of them to make that statement. Did they ...
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| flexitec | 3/30/2009 |
Q: I am replacing carpet because of many stains (old dog) and planning on putting in Flexitec ...
A: I have seen this product, I question how authentic the visual is in a large area as you intend to ...
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| What type of hardwood floors do I have | 3/29/2009 |
Q: My wife and I bought our first house in a little while ago in Everett, WA and have found hardwood ...
A: I am sure the floors are original. In the 50's it was building code to sell a home with a permanent ...
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| cold weather flooring | 3/27/2009 |
Q: I live in a cold weather climate where the winters get down to -40. I have an unheated sunroom with ...
A: I might have a solution for you. Lonseal (www.lonseal.com) and click to find the LonDeck product. ...
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| Many cracked tiles in newer home- | 3/26/2009 |
Q: My home was built in 2001. After several years i noticed that the driveway had more crackes in it ...
A: I can't answer about warranties -- as they vary by builder. Are there movement joints in your ...
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| Laminate Durability | 3/26/2009 |
Q: I live in the woods. Although it is just my husband and myself with 3 small dogs that reside in ...
A: A vinyl product like Parterre would work. As far as installing over existing floor, you probably ...
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| Laminate Durability | 3/26/2009 |
Q: I live in the woods. Although it is just my husband and myself with 3 small dogs that reside in ...
A: The Parterre product comes in strips, planks just as hardwood-- so removal is not very difficult. ...
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| Matching wall color & carpet | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I have dark taupe walls, it almost look gray, what color carpet should I get? This is for my ...
A: Well you could go with a light gray, almost off white or white if you want to lighten the room. You ...
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| TILE OVER HARDWORK | 3/24/2009 |
Q: CAN YOU TILE OVER HARDWOOD?
A: Yes you can. Remember that your installation will be as good as your subfloor-- so make sure the ...
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| 3/4 | 3/21/2009 |
Q: We recently had installed a 3/4" red oak floor over a sublfoor tongue and groove plywood that was ...
A: Was the wood climatized in your home or at the dealer/installer? The subfloor can be of good ...
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| coordinating carpets | 3/14/2009 |
Q: We're buying a home that has off-white carpets throughout main floor, stairs, and basement. We want ...
A: This should be very easy to do. Since you are tearing out the upstairs, take a swatch to any ...
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| leaking travertine stone walls in showers | 3/14/2009 |
Q: I have a HUGE PROBLEM. We floated the walls with cement over the paper, then used quickset to mount ...
A: Most sealers are for stain resistance and water resistant but not a 100% moisture barrier. ...
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| indoor/outdoor carpeting | 3/8/2009 |
Q: I would like to put indoor/outdoor carpeting in my garage. Is there anything else made that might ...
A: I am sure any retailer will be competitive with that Depot price. Rolls vary by manufacturer but ...
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| Laminate flooring | 3/5/2009 |
Q: Our house is about 40 years old and I would like some new flooring. We chose a laminate and had an ...
A: Yes there are self leveling compounds. Your installer should have suggested that. However for a ...
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| high traffic flooring | 3/4/2009 |
Q: we need flooring for our kitchen and dining room. They are very high traffic areas. With three ...
A: I don't know of a coating on laminate that would make it scratch resistant. Basic Coatings makes a ...
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| prefinished hardwood floor | 3/3/2009 |
Q: 3 yrs ago we built a new home and installed prefinished Brazilian cherry hardwood floors.we live in ...
A: 1/8 inch is not abnormal for this time of year. Floors in winter-- the heating months and lower ...
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| separation between boards in hardwood floor | 3/2/2009 |
Q: I have a country plank floor that has separations between some of the boards. Some are up to an ...
A: Well then you have abnormal cracks. The separation gets worse in the colder months, not warmer. ...
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| high traffic flooring | 2/23/2009 |
Q: we need flooring for our kitchen and dining room. They are very high traffic areas. With three ...
A: You are right in being concerned. Ground in dirt in hardwood will accelerate wear. How about a ...
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| hickory hardwood floor prefinished | 2/23/2009 |
Q: HOW WELL DOES MANUFACTORED HICKORY HARDWOOD FLOOR DO IN HUMID CONDITIONS prefinished
A: Hickory is a alightly less than average dimensionally hardwood. However, engineered wood overall is ...
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| Hardwood Flooring | 2/22/2009 |
Q: Planning to put hardwood flooring in my kitchen. Don't know whether to have the wood stained after ...
A: From a performace standpoint-- there is no difference. There may be less disruption to the home ...
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| separation between boards in hardwood floor | 2/21/2009 |
Q: I have a country plank floor that has separations between some of the boards. Some are up to an ...
A: In the winter months planks, especially in a solid floor-- contract. Do not fill those in, nor ...
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| Plywood subfloor | 2/20/2009 |
Q: My husband and I want to put tile down on our bathroom floor. the floor has half inch thick plywood ...
A: Depending on your room, you could use a leveling compound -- Mapei, Aardex, etc. You could start 4 ...
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| Tile Floor | 2/19/2009 |
Q: Four years after building my house, the tile in my hallway began tenting and my cleaning lady almost ...
A: This site made me erase my prior answer-- i just wanted to add a follow up. I asked you to contact ...
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| Tile Floor | 2/18/2009 |
Q: Four years after building my house, the tile in my hallway began tenting and my cleaning lady almost ...
A: Is this vinyl or ceramic tile? Are all areas effected on slab? How is drainage around the house? ...
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| Plywood subfloor | 2/18/2009 |
Q: My husband and I want to put tile down on our bathroom floor. the floor has half inch thick plywood ...
A: ceramic tile usually requires a 3/4" subfloor. This is to give you a rigid substrate and avoid tile ...
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| flooring | 2/12/2009 |
Q: Is it proper to have a laminate flooring in your bedroom and then decide to install pre-finished ...
A: There is nothing wrong with what you are planning. Many homes have multiple colors of carpet, ...
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| travertine floor in kitchen | 2/10/2009 |
Q: I am having travertine put in my kitchen. When I asked the installer about how they would install ...
A: He is probably correct. There is going to be a significant height difference as the dishwasher is ...
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