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We would like to refinish our hardwood floors, please list in detail what we should do. Love your TV and Radio shows. Betty and John, Novi, MI
Hi Betty and John,
Hardwood floors are very luxurious and add warmth and a traditional feeling to your home, plus they're easy to maintain. However, over time, your hardwood floors may develop some wear. If you've had hardwood flooring for a long time, or have just moved into a home with floors that are in less than ideal condition, you might want to refinish them with one of my team members. Sometimes you can restore the appearance merely by waxing or buffing your floors, but other times, a full refinish is what it takes to restore them to their former beauty. Here are some tips on refinishing hardwood floors to show you the way and keep you from making a costly mistake. If you want to do the job yourself and need to find all the equipment and material please contact my team office at (800) 998-3494
1. First, decide if your floor's a good candidate for refinishing. If your floor mostly has shallow scratches or marks, a dull surface or other superficial damage, refinishing could be the solution. However, if your hardwood flooring feels spongy, has buckled or warped boards, or sagging areas, you'll need to replace some or all of it. Remember that each time you refinish your floor, a little wood is taken off. This means that a floor can only be refinished so many times. Look at the edges of the floor to see if it's been refinished often and to find out how much wood is left.
2. Fill cracks before you start. There's no specific procedure for this, except that you should only fill large gaps. Smaller ones exist to help your floor expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. If you see a large crack in the summer, however, you should fill it in.
3. Have the right equipment on hand. You'll need an edger, a drum sander, a buffer, palm sander, a putty knife and a scraper, a shop vac, safety items like ear protection, goggles and dust masks or respirators, and brushes to apply new finish.
4. When the time comes to refinish, remove everything from the room that's not nailed down. Sweep, then use pliers to pull out any staples that might be in the floor from old carpet. Then, use a hammer and a nailset to sink any nails that might be exposed into the floor. Hang plastic over doors and windows to keep dust from leaving the room.
5. Now, it's time to sand. Make sure you wear a dust mask or particle respirator, goggles, and ear protection. Also, be sure you know how to operate your equipment. Start with the drum sander and a coarse sandpaper, and begin sanding in an area that won't show until you get used to sanding. Where you can't reach with the drum sander, the edge sander comes into play.
6. After sanding once, change to a medium grit, then go over the floor again. For the final pass, use a fine grit sandpaper, and finish up with your palm sander around the edges. Then, vacuum thoroughly, including the ceiling and walls.
7. Buff your floor with a fine abrasive screen. This will tighten the grain of your hardwood floor before you stain it.
8. When staining, be sure to work in a ventilated area. Take frequent breaks to avoid dizziness or other effects of fumes, or wear a chemical respirator.
9. There are two basic kinds of finishes you can use when refinishing your floor. Surface finishes are the most popular for do it yourselfers, but penetrating and wax finishes are more traditional. Use whichever finish you're most comfortable with, and apply in small sections.
Good luck with one. feel free to contact me If you have any more questions or need any other help with this fun project. If you do it your self's, you'll save a lot of money.
Murray (800) 998-3494
Hi Murray, first I must say that I miss your radio show. I’ve listened to you for years and it feels like I lost a close friend that I can turn to since you’ve been off the air. Who do I call to help with the overwhelming process of my new project.Rob
My question is, is there a company out there experienced enough that will help me with not only the construction but also with the overwhelming decision making process of what kind of products and specifications to work with for my upcoming dream home improvement project. –Robert of Bingham Farms, MI
Answer: Yes, I’m glad you asked the supervisors at Bobson Construction are very knowledgeable. They can offer the best product choices and price options that best fit your budget and style. They can recommend to you a wide array of products and best way to help and advise you in the process of that dream project. - Murray
If I want to protect my flat roof against leaking – Is there anything I can do? –Mark of Ottawa Lake, MI
Yes – Bobson Construction has a product called Elastomeric Roof Coating that can sometimes be used to protect your flat roof. It is guaranteed for 5 years and does a fabulous job in preserving your existing roof. - Murray
I have aluminum siding on my home. The paint finish is worn and chalky. Can I paint my old siding? - Joy of Farmington Hills, MI
Yes, there are two things to consider when you are painting old siding, if the siding is in good shape meaning not dented there are some wonderful paints today that are guaranteed for as long as you live in the house. Please look up paint on this website to see where you can purchase Graham Outdoor Paint. The second part pertaining to replacing the siding it now gives you the opportunity to insulate under the siding and change and update the overall appearance of your home. Call Bobson Construction so they can review with you all of your options. - Murray
I have a flat roof on my building and it constantly has leaks. What type of roof system should I consider? - Ann of Berkley, MI
Bobson Construction has their exclusive Polybond Roof System guaranteed for 12 years. I have this roof on my own building and I just coated it with the new Elastromeric Coating which I know will make it last longer because it will protect it from the damaging UV rays from the sun. - Murray
I am considering having a new roof installed on my home. What should I look for in a Roofing Contractor? - Barbara of Detroit, MI
The first thing is hiring a licensed well-established company that specializes in roofing. A roof is perhaps the most important home improvement a homeowner must consider. The roofing contractor should not only give you a quote but should also show you the many new improved designs and materials available today. A new roof put on by the right company that knows how to install, for instance a dimensional shingle will make the house look great. Thanks, Murray
What if my crawl is pretty dry but it has a musty smell that gets up into the house?
A crawl space liner is a good option. It should definitely do the job but watch out if your furnace or Hot water tank is in the crawl. It can cause carbon monoxide build up because the crawl has been sealed.
Note: I always suggest that you install a crawl space Humidex first. This is a cheaper option and 99% of the time takes care of the problem. - Murray
Is a crawl space liner a good solution for waterproofing a crawl space?
No, letting water sit in a crawl with a liner over it is like having water in your basement and not doing anything about it. It is still bad for your foundation. - Murray
I have a musty smell and Hi Humidity in my basement but no leakage. I run my dehumidifier all year but it doesn’t not get rid of the smell what can I do?
You can get a easily installed unit for your basement called a Bon Aire by Humidex available to you thru basement technologies that will handle both. Call Stan Marko @(866) 515-9196
I'm thinking of selling my home and moving south, does waterproofing enhance the value of my home and the basement area?
Yes, a permanently dry basement will pay off in an immediate increase in the market value of your home and, after waterproofing it’s the cheapest area of your home to improve after the waterproofing is done. - Murray
I have white chalky stuff on my basement wall, what is it?
It is called efflorescence. Concrete is made of sand, stone and lime cement. When moisture leeching into the wall causes a breakdown of the bond between the cement and the aggregate it forms as efflorescence on the surface of the wall. Easy to clean. - Murray
How do I maintain my new paver patio and walk ways?
You will need to add sand into all the joints once or twice a year. Sealing the brick is optional. If you seal the brick, it will help protect the sand and pavers from the elements as well as enhance the color of the brick. However, you should wait a year before the pavers are sealed.
You can find a new product called Super Sand! also called SuperSand BondTM it’s a mix of graded sand and binder, specially formulated for the filling of narrow or wide joints when installing slabs or paving stones. When combined with water, the sand sets, yet allows for movement of paving units without cracking. Once cured, it resists insects and weed growth and erosion. SuperSand BondTM is ideal for stabilizing horizontal or sloping installations, and can be used with driveways, patios, pool decks, pedestrian ways, store fronts, parking lots, etc. http://www.opwdecks.com/storefront.htm
How much glass area will I lose with new replacement windows?
Depending on the model selected the average glass reveal is three to five inches. Said Ross from Tailor Made Windows. - Murray
Curling Shingles
Q: My shingles are curling – Do I need a new roof? –Doris of Birmingham, MI
A: When shingles reach a certain age in their life the first sign of wear is curling or cupping. You should have a company inspect not only the shingles but the ventilation as well to see if the cause is the shingle or heat on the underside of the deck causing this to happen. If you call Bobson Construction at 248-357-1240 their inspectors would be more than glad to validate your problem and to give you a price on a new roof. –Murray
Roof leak
Q: I have a very bad roof leak – What should I do? Joy. Detroit
A: Call an expert to determine if a new roof is necessary or if it is possible to make a repair. Be sure to contact your insurance company to see if the damage under the roof is covered under you insurance policy. I hope this helps. Murray Gula
Ask Murray...
For years, Metro Detroit has relied on Murray Gula and his firsthand knowledge of home improvement. Now Murray has brought together a team to help you with your home improvement problems. To find someone who can help, select a category from the list on the left, or click here to ask Murray a question!
