Removing carpet & tac
strip: Gloves should be worn at all times. Pull the carpet off the tac
strip, starting in one corner, pulling completely away from all walls. Use a
utility knife to cut the carpet into strips of 3-4 feet wide (easy handling). CAUTION: Make sure not to cut through
to the wood floor, as these cut marks may NOT sand out. Dispose of the
carpet & pad (NOTE: Most garbage services will NOT pickup entire rolls of
carpet or padding, make sure it's cut into pieces that can be easily loaded).
Padding many times has stuck itself to the hardwood floor. Remove as much as
you can by hand, and if needed use a 4-6" putty knife to assist with stubborn
area, always scrapping with the grain. Using a "wonder bar" ( Small
crow/prying bar) run the flat edge under the strip where the nail is placed to
the floor. Continue prying up with several prying motions. This will remove
that nail, working to your right until the strip is removed. Don't worry about
the nails holes, as they can be properly filled during the refinishing process
with a matching filler. Use caution with the pry bar as not the damage/gouge
the hardwood floor, as the sanding may not remove those damaged areas.
Tile
and/or adhesives over hardwood: Tile removal is a time consuming
task, and often can be very frustrating, as the tile does not come off the
hardwood/felt paper very well. Hand working removal with a 4-5 inch putty
knife, scrapping with the grain when possible, removing as much as possible,
then several extra courses of sanding will be required to remove the remaining adhesive
residue. ALWAYS using the proper safety equipment/protection & precautions.
NOTE: This
process should be done by a professional wood floor contractor as many safety
issues can arise while sanding these adhesives off the wood floor. This SHOULD
NOT be attempted by the amateur, do it yourselfer ! Also if the tile is of an
older variety, it may contain asbestos, and proper OSHA standards for removal
most likely will apply.
THE VACANT HOUSE -
"Greenhouse Effect"
Security -conscious vacationers, a homebuilder's unsold inventory, whenever a
wood floor is deprived of an air flow in the environment, it can and will
misbehave. Sunlight through windows generates heat, lowers humidity, moisture
vapor enters to balance, nights cool off, humidity builds and wood floors cup.
Thermostats set at 60 degrees and outside, winter howls, heating system runs
constantly with no moisture added, and floors shrink. To CURE the problem:
Avoid problems by leaving windows "ajar", have neighbor air the
house out occasionally. Treat floors as discussed under cupped, tented, or
shrinkage cracks and only after environment returns to normal. Owner to pay.
The above commonly ask questions will help you and your wood floor contractor
resolve some of the everyday concerns about wood floors. By no means is this a
sure method or procedure. If in doubt, get a second opinion. Also see
FAQ's
Problems, Causes and Cures.
Remember, like may things in
purchasing a home, the wood floors are a lifetime investment. There value (a
solid select grade of strip oak is approximately $10 per sqr. ft. on today's market) add value to your home at
resale time. Keeping & maintaining those wood floors from the start will
ensure your investment is protected for years to come. ALWAYS get an inspection
and/or estimate (if they need work) from two or three good wood floor contractors before you sign the contract
on the house !
FREE Installation or
Refinishing Estimate from LOCAL
Wood
Flooring Contractors
