Rejuvenating Damaged Marble Wall Tiles

We were recently received a referral from a well-known house cleaning company who needed some assistance to resolve an issue with a Marble Tiled Shower at a Georgian property in Ringmer. Unfortunately one of their staff had sprayed a Cillit Bang cleaning fluid onto the tiles to remove Limescale deposits and had marked the tiles with white streaks which could not be removed. Now Cilit Bang is a very strong product and although it has a reputation for tackling tricky cleaning problems it contains Benzenesulfonic Acid which like any acid should not be used on Stone as it will damage it. If you check the internet you will find this problem is not uncommon and numerous people have experienced the same issue, the good news is there is a solution.

Polishing Damaged Marble Shower Tiles

Using a spray bottle containing a dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean and a set of small Diamond encrusted burnishing pads attached to a handheld buffer I went to work on the tiles stripping away the existing sealer and bringing back the surface of the stone. During this process the damage to the tiles started to fade and once the sealer was removed the tiles took on a washed out appearance which was to be expected at this stage.

Sealing Marble Shower Tiles

After drying any wetness with a heat gun I left them for a while so they could be sealed. Assisted by the underfloor heating the tiles soon dried out so after about half an hour I was able to apply a coat of Tile Doctor Ultra Seal which is an impregnating sealer that leaves a natural look. For the next couple of hours I added three more coats during which the tiles gradually came back to their previous colour. Each coat has to be fully dry before the next once can be added on. During the drying process I took the liberty of cleaning the customers shower unit, not something I'm in the habit of doing but it passed the time.


As you can see from the photographs on this page the white streaky damage caused by the Cillit Bang has now been removed and the surface looks as good as it did before.





Source: Stained Marble Tiles Cleaned in Sussex

Creating Patterns Using Floor Tiles

Floor tiles are an affordable and popular type of floor covering. These are also much easier to fit than most other types of flooring. Because these are small tiles it's much easier to design and create patterns with them.

Creating patterns with floor tiles is actually much easier than you might imagine, with the right tools and accessories you shouldn't have a problem creating some snazzy designs.

Designing Your Pattern

Before you can create beautiful patterns using floor tiles you will first need to design your own pattern. If you're artistic then this might be something that you can do yourself, however if you're artistically challenged then you can draw inspiration from the Internet or in books.

When designing your pattern it's worth bearing a few things in mind. Firstly you don't actually have to use these tiles whole. It is possible to cut parts of the tiles out and use them to create unique designs. If you do decide to cut the tiles then this will be more difficult and you will need a lot more time to make this a reality.

Design Help

If you are having trouble imagining how a certain design will look then you can take a photo of it and use your computer to superimpose the design on top. A slightly lower-tech version would be a piece of paper and a pencil.

Materials

There are many different types of floor tiles, including ceramic tiles, carpet tiles and mosaics. Each of these types of floor tiles need different tools and equipment to work with. Carpet floor tiles are very easy to work with as you only need a craft knife to cut the tiles. Ceramic tiles are much more durable but much harder to cut.

When working with ceramic tiles you will have trouble creating very intricate patterns, and you won't generally be able to cut complex shapes out of the tiles.

Sample Tiles

Once you have chosen your basic pattern you should get some sample tiles in the colors you want to use. Lay these out on the floor and check that they work well together and also suit the rest of your decor. You may need to make some changes to the initial design if you encounter any problems.

When the design is finalised you should then purchase all of the floor tiles needed to complete the project. Try and buy the same batch number for all the tiles, this will mean that the colors should match perfectly. If working with ceramic tiles then it's likely you will break a few of these trying to cut them. Buy a few extra boxes just in case.

Checking the Design

Before you start cutting all of the tiles it's a good idea to check that the design will still work. Ensure that you have the right number of tiles and that the design will definitely work.

Cutting Tiles

Cut and fix the tiles to the floor by following the directions. The method of cutting the tiles will depend mainly on the type of tiles you are using. Cutting requires patience, especially if you are using ceramic tiles. Grouting the tiles may also be necessary depending on the type of tiles you are using.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Cork Underlayment Installation Made Easy

Cork underlayment is both economical and provides good sound control for your flooring materials. Cork underlayment is environmentally friendly, easy to install and durable enough to withstand many years of use If you are looking for sound reduction and protection from stress cracks, then cork underlayment is a solid way to go. 

Surface Preparation

For proper installation, your floor surface needs to be clean, smooth and dry. The surface should also be free of any debris, loose materials, projections, grease, sealers, oil or other surface contaminants. The maximum amount of floor variation in 10 feet is 1/8 of an inch. If a surface area requires patching or any amount of leveling, you should use a Portland cement-based material to make the necessary repairs.

Isolation Barrier Creation

Roll out your cork underlayment and cut it into sections of approximately 2-feet width. Adhere one strip around the entire perimeter of your floor with a natural rubber, natural latex, cartridge filed urethane, urethane or acrylic bead mastic adhesive. This will be your barrier cushion. You should never use screws, staples or nails to mechanically flatten this barrier.

Underlayment Installation

Unroll the cork to the desired length and lay it loosely over the installation area. The ends of the roll should be curled down toward the subfloor with the cork butted directly up against the isolation barrier that you previously installed.

Pull the loose laid material back at least halfway. Use a V-notch trowel to apply one of the aforementioned adhesives directly to the subfloor. Gently return the cork material that you pulled back, rolling it in both directions using a 100 lb roller.

Repeat the same procedure with the other unglued half of the underlayment. Cover the entire floor in this manner, taking care to make sure that all of the joints have been butted together properly.

Setting

Allow the adhesive to set firmly before you install any flooring on top of the cork underlayment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended set time. If you do not give your underlayment enough time to set up after adhering it to the subfloor, it will not function exactly as designed or as you expect it to.

Once the underlayment is in place, floor installation will depend on what type of flooring you choose. Wood flooring and ceramic tiles have different installation times and requirements. Take care to install the flooring properly in order to get the most benefit from the underlayment.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Rejuvinating a Victorian Tiled Hallway

We had a great result on this Victorian tiled floor at a house in Musselburgh which is five miles east of Edinburgh and apparently one of the oldest towns in Scotland. If you take a close look at the photograph below you can see how dirty the tiles were before we got started.

Cleaning Victorian Tile and Grout

We were quite lucky with the floor in that it was in good physical shape and really just need a deep clean and re-seal. So the first step was to strip of any old remaining sealer or other coatings from the tiles using a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is safe to use on these old tiles. The solution was mopped onto the tile and grout and then scrubbed in using a rotary bonnet machines fitted with a black scrubbing pad. The soiled cleaning solution was then rinsed off using water and then the whole process repeated; three times in fact before being satisfied that the floor was clean. The floor was given a final rinse using Neutral Tile cleaner and then water extracted using a wet vacuum before being left to dry overnight.

Sealing Victorian Tiles

We came back the next day and checked a few areas to make sure the floor was dry before sealing. The tiles were dry so the sealing process was started using Tile Doctor Seal and Go which is an ideal sealer for Victorian Tiles as it affords good stain protection whilst adding a nice subtle sheen to the floor, five coats were required before the tiles had become fully sealed.


I think you will agree the tiles look transformed and the sealer should keep them looking that way for some time to come.




Source: Hard Floor Cleaning in Edinburgh

About Heated Tile Floor

Anyone who lives in an area with cold winters has probably considered installing a radiant or heated tile floor.

How Does a Heated Tile Floor Work?
Heated tile floors can be installed either as part of a newly constructed subfloor or on as part of an existing subfloor over which the tile will be installed. There are two different types of heating systems – heated water tubing systems and heated mat floor systems, which have electric cables with heating elements in them.

Water tubing systems are embedded in the subfloor cement and have hot water running through them to provide the heat that radiates upward through the tile floor. Very often, the water is heated through a solar heating system, making it an extremely energy efficient system.

Heated mat systems are laid over an existing subfloor and wired to an internal home thermostat. The tile is installed over the mat and when the thermostat is turned on, the heat radiates through the tiles to warm the floor.

Can I Install a Heated Tile Floor Myself?
It is entirely possible to install a heated tile floor system yourself, provided you have the time and patience to do so. This project will not only require that you be familiar with flooring systems and how to install tile, but also that you be comfortable in wiring and connecting the system to the thermostat. Many homeowners find that they are more comfortable with having a contractor install the heating system and then finishing the tile installation themselves.



Source: www.DoItYourself.com

The 4 Most Common Types of Resilient Floor Covering

Resilient floor covering is a very popular type of flooring that is versatile and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Many people put resilient floor covering in kitchens, utility rooms and other high-traffic areas. Here are a few of the most common types of resilient floor covering available on the market.

1. Vinyl

One of the most common types of resilient floor covering available is vinyl. Vinyl is a very durable and flexible substance that is great for a number of different applications. It is good with water, and it can withstand quite a bit of abuse. Some of the new vinyl products look so realistic that you can't tell the difference between it and the real thing unless you get down on the ground. Vinyl comes in wood patterns, tile patterns and stone patterns. Many of the new vinyls are very soft underfoot and provide some comfort for your joints when walking on them constantly. Vinyl comes in a variety of different price ranges and can be one of the most affordable flooring options available. Vinyl requires a very smooth subfloor in order to be installed. Therefore, you will commonly have to install plywood before you can install vinyl, unless you are working on a concrete subfloor.

2. Vinyl Planks

Another type of resilient flooring is vinyl planks. Vinyl planks come in individual boards and traditionally look like wood. With vinyl planks, you can avoid buying a lot of extra waste like you are sometimes forced to do when buying sheet vinyl. Some of the newer vinyl planks available even come with a floating installation system. This means that they attach to one another but they do not attach to the floor. This makes it one of the easiest floors to install and does not require any adhesive. This is an ideal solution for areas where moisture from the subfloor could be a problem. These planks are typically made out of a very hard type of vinyl that can withstand a lot of punishment.

3. Cork

Cork is another type of resilient flooring that is growing in the marketplace. Cork flooring is made from the bark of a cork tree and provides a very unique look. When cork is dented it will often return to its original shape over time. Cork flooring is commonly installed in a floating manner, although it can be glued or nailed down as well. This is a very popular option for those that are concerned about the environment.

4. Linoleum

Linoleum used to be the most popular resilient flooring option available. However, when vinyl came along it was surpassed in popularity. In recent years, linoleum has experienced a resurgence in the market. Because of the fact that it is made of natural materials such as linseed oil and wood flour, it is very popular within the "green" community.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

The 4 Best Kitchen Floor Covering Ideas

There are many different options that you could use for kitchen floor covering. Choosing the best option for your kitchen can provide an immediate impact on the overall look of the room. Here are a few of the best kitchen floor covering ideas to consider.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is one of the most commonly used flooring surfaces in a kitchen area. Ceramic tile can provide you with a very durable floor and a number of different design options. You can accomplish many different looks with a ceramic tile floor and it is completely customizable. You can install it with a pattern and in a number of different sizes and colors. You can usually get ceramic tile for a reasonable price. However, if you have someone else install it for you, the installation will usually be pricey. Installing tile is a very involved process without any room for error.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is very similar to ceramic tile except that it provides you with a few more benefits. For one thing, porcelain is much denser than ceramic. This means that it is less likely to crack or chip when something is dropped on it. In a kitchen, you will periodically drop things, and porcelain can provide you with a little peace of mind compared to ceramic. You can also get porcelain that is the same color all the way through the material. This means that if it does chip or crack you may not be able to see any difference because the color is the same underneath the top layer. This is not the case with ceramic tile. Be prepared to pay more for porcelain as compared to ceramic because it is a better material.

Sheet Vinyl

One of the most popular flooring options and kitchens today is sheet vinyl. Vinyl has come a long ways over the last few years and looks better than ever. Many new vinyls look so realistic that you cannot tell the difference between vinyl and the real thing. You can get vinyl that looks like hardwood, tile, stone, and nearly anything else that you can think of. A good grade of vinyl can also be very durable and withstand a high amount of traffic and use. Vinyl is going to be less expensive than tile and the installation is a lot easier. The main drawback with this type of flooring is that it comes in rolls and is not ideal for every room layout. In some rooms, you may be looking at a lot of waste.

Vinyl Planks

Vinyl planks are another flooring option that you may want to consider for your kitchen. Vinyl planks eliminate the problem with buying too much waste because you can install only what you need. Many vinyl planks can even be installed in a floating manner which eliminates the need to spread messy adhesive all over the floor. This is one of the fastest-growing segments of the flooring market today.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Basement Floor Covering Ideas

Trying to find a good option for basement floor covering might seem a little challenging given the circumstances. You want to find a flooring option that can withstand being installed below grade and the moisture that comes with it. Here are a few basement floor covering ideas that you should consider.

Sheet Vinyl

Vinyl is one of the most commonly used flooring options in a basement setting. Vinyl is great because it can withstand moisture better than many other types of flooring. You can get it in a number of different looks and patterns. For example, you can get a wood pattern, tile pattern, and even stone if you want. Vinyl has progressed so that it looks very realistic compared to what it once did. Vinyl is also softer underfoot than many other types of flooring. This provides you with a very comfortable and easy to clean surface for your basement. There are many different grades of vinyl that you could consider and most of them are priced very reasonably compared to other types of flooring. This makes it one of the most popular segments in the flooring industry today.

Vinyl Planks

Another option that you should consider is vinyl planks. Vinyl planks come in individual boards and are constructed of high grade durable vinyl. With vinyl planks, you do not have to worry about a roll size, or how big your room is. You can simply buy what you need and fit it to any room. Some of the vinyl planks on the market today also come with a floating installation system. These planks attached to the adjacent planks via an adhesive strip. Therefore, there is no need to attach it to the floor with adhesive. This makes the installation very simple and can be done by anyone with a utility knife. This is an ideal solution if you have a lot of moisture coming up through the subfloor. It may be one of the only options that you could have and still have a warranty.

VCT

VCT or vinyl composition tile would be another good option for a basement application. This is the type of tile that you commonly see in grocery stores and commercial applications. It is very good with wet conditions and can be wet mopped if you desire. When installing this type of flooring, you will have to make sure that the subfloor is level and smooth. Otherwise, you will see lumps in the VCT after it is installed. VCT is also one of the cheapest flooring options that you could buy. If you visit some of the large home stores, they buy this by the truckload and will have the best price that you can find anywhere. With this type of flooring, you can also combine colors to create a totally customized look for your basement. Therefore, you can have a durable and beautiful floor for the basement area.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Cork Flooring Durability: Will Pets Damage a Cork Floor?

Cork flooring has quickly become one of the most popular flooring surfaces in the world today. While it is not as widely-known as other types of flooring, it has quickly gained market share because of its durability and comfort under foot. One issue that many people wonder about is whether or not it can hold up to pets. Here are a few things to consider about how cork will hold up to pets.

Cork Durability

One common issue that people worry about with hard surface flooring is whether or not it will be scratched by their claws. One of the great things about cork flooring is how resilient it is. When something presses down on the floor, it can eventually bounce back to its original shape. With the texture of cork, it also hides scratches and dents if they occur.

Cleaning

Another issue that many people have with pets is cleaning the floor. With cork, this should not be an issue either. Cork is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, therefore, pet dander will not build up on the floor. If the pet has an accident on the floor, it can be easily cleaned up and should not damage the floor either.

The Verdict

Cork is one of the best hard surface flooring options available for pet use.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Removing Old Sealers from Quarry Tiles

The photographs below are from a Quarry Tiled floor installed in the dining room of a house in Hinkley, Leicestershire. The tiles were look washed out and the sealer was failing in the high traffic areas leading to dirt becoming ingrained into the tile; the floor was now in need of a deep clean and re-seal.

Cleaning Kitchen Quarry Tiles

The first step was to strip the floor of any remaining sealer, to add more sealer on top of existing can lead to problems so a dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go was applied to the floor and left to soak for a short while before being scrubbed in with a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. Remove and Go is a powerful stripper which is safe to use on Tile and as its name suggests it can remove coatings, it also does a good job in cleaning the floor at the same time. In the middle of this I also like to run a stiff brush along the grout lines as the floor pads don’t always reach into the grooves. The soiled cleaning solution was then removed using a wet vacuum and the floor thoroughly rinsed with water and then left to dry overnight.

Sealing Kitchen Quarry Tiles

When we returned the next day I checked for dampness and any ugly spots that would need further attention and once happy started with sealing. On this occasion four coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow were applied; Colour Grow gives a matt finish and brings out the natural colours in the tile whilst providing stain protection by soaking deep into the pores of the Quarry tile and preventing dirt from becoming ingrained there.



Source: Quarry Tile Cleaning Tips

Installing Rubber Strips for Stairs

Installing rubber strips is an easy yet sure-fire way to prevent any slips from happening when going up and down your stairs.

Step 1 – Clean Your Stairs

Do the routine cleaning of your stair steps until everything is spic and span.

Step 2 – Cut the Strips into Size

Measure the steps of your stairs and cut the rubber threads that you have into size so that they fit perfectly. Try placing the threads on the stairs to make sure that everything is snug.

Step 3 – Applying Epoxy

Place a strip of epoxy on the stair thread and the bottom of the nosing. Now apply the same epoxy on the inside nosing. You need to be really cautious about placing epoxy. If you do not apply enough, the rubber strips may just peel away in no time.

Step 4 – Installing the Rubber Strips

You can start placing the rubber strips on your stairs. Make sure to start with the nosing. Place the rubber strip on the very bottom of the nosing and then work your way up into the main steps. Make sure to be really firm with applying the strips.

Step 5 – Smoothing Everything

With the use of a roller, try to smooth down any crease that you find in the rubber strip.

www.DoItYourself.com

Mistakes to Avoid when Applying Liquid Membrane to Plaster Walls

A liquid membrane allows a wall to be waterproof. You will typically find liquid membrane applied to the outside concrete wall. A waterproof liquid membrane can also be applied to plaster walls. Though this process is not very common, many mistakes can occur. The article below will highlight the most common mistakes when applying a liquid membrane to a plaster wall.

Less is More

If you use too much liquid membrane the plaster can begin to soften and become damaged. Apply thin coats of liquid membrane. Once the first coat is dry, you can add another coat until you have 3 coats.

Clean the Wall

A plaster wall that is not clean will not be good for liquid membrane. You can get areas where the liquid membrane will not properly set. Wipe down the plaster wall with a damp sponge and mild oil-free soap.

Damage Repair

Start with a flat and smooth surface. Use plaster and a putty knife to fill in any cracks or holes. Smooth and feather the plaster and then sand it down flush when it is dry.

Waterproof Tape

Apply waterproof tape in the corners of plaster walls. This will allow the liquid membrane to be more effective.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Deep Cleaning Seriously Dirty Terrazzo Tiles in Glasgow

Just to prove we take on any job large or small I thought I would post the details of this small Terrazzo Vestibule that we recently cleaned at the entrance to a house in Glasgow. The Terrazzo was not looking its best which is hardly surprising being in front of the main entrance to the house it must have seen a lot of foot traffic over the years.

Cleaning and Burnishing a Terrazzo Floor

Terrazzo is a very hard surface and as a result it has to be treated in the same way as other hard surfaces such as Travertine, Limestone and Marble which typically involve burnishing the surface to remove the dirt and restore the appearance. Before burnishing the floor was cleaned using a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was left to dwell on the Terrazzo for a while before being scrubbed in by hand due to it being such a small area; following that the floor was given a quick rinse with water and a quick clean with Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner to remove any trace of strong cleaning product. The next step was to burnish the floor using a set of four diamond encrusted burnishing pads. You start with a coarse 400 grit burnishing pad which is run over the surface with a little water to help lubricate and this removes surface dirt and coatings such as sealers. Once that was finished we moved onto the medium 800 grit pad which is the first step of the polishing process and also removes ingrained dirt. The surface of the Terrazzo is still quite rough at this stage so once complete with the medium pad the fine (1,500 grit) is used smooth down the surface and continue to build up the polish in the floor. The last pad is a very fine (3,000 grit pad) and this pad builds on the existing polished effect to create a high shine finish. All these pads are applied with water and the resultant slurry needs to be cleaned off during the process with the final step of giving the floor a thorough rinse with clean water.

Sealing a Terrazzo Floor

Once the floor was completely dry it was sealed using two coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer designed to bring out the natural colours in the stone and penetrate into the pores of the tile preventing dirt from getting in there and providing maximum on-going stain protection. The floor was then buffed using a white buffing pad to bring up the shine further and remove any smears left from sealing.






Source: Hard floor Cleaning and Sealing in Glasgow

Removing Ceramic Tile: Concrete Slab Preservation

If you have a ceramic tile concrete floor and you need to remove the tiles, keep in mind that this is not an easy task, especially if you want to save the tiles to reuse in the future. Ceramic tiles tend to break in the process of the removal. You must be very patient when  removing tiles from a concrete floor. You should also wear a pair of safety glasses and a dust mask for safety.

What You'll Need

Chisel
Gloves
Hammer
Dust mask
Drill driver
Putty knives
Garden spade
Safety glasses

Step 1 – Starting to Remove the Tiles

Before you start removing the ceramic tiles from the concrete floor, cover all openings in the room with plastic sheeting or close all windows and doors. This will keep dust from accumulating in the room. Start removing the ceramic tiles from a doorway in case the tiles are directly installed on the concrete floor. Gently tap the grout lines with a chisel and hammer or a putty knife.

Step 2 – Uninstalling the Tiles

Use the putty knife to cut through the grout and remove as much grout as you can. Put a putty knife under the ceramic tile and drive it with a hammer. Pry in an upward direction until you can lift out the tile.

Make sure that the knife is parallel to the ground when you put it under the tile. Keep in mind that the tile may break or crack in your hands, so make sure that you are wearing appropriate clothing: a dust mask, a pair of safety glasses, a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of gloves.

If you want, you can use a sledgehammer to break the tiles down into pieces and then remove them with a floor scraper. Make sure that the floor scraper has a long handle and get rid of any residue of mastic after peeling the tiles from the concrete floor.

Step 3 – Removing the Cement Board

If you have a cement board on the concrete floor and the tiles are installed on the cement board, you can remove the first few tiles with a putty knife. However, you can break the cement board with a hammer when you see that it is partially visible.

Insert a straight-edged garden spade beneath the cement and pry in an upward direction until you have removed the tiles and the cement board. Keep a trash can or bucket near you so that you can easily throw away large pieces of debris. On the other hand, as for the dust and small pieces of debris, you can use a shop vacuum to dispose of them.

However, if the cement board is attached with screws, you should remove the tiles first and then the screws. You should never try to try to remove the cement board in this case because it is not only difficult but you can damage the concrete floor and leave the holes of the screws on the surface.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Seal a Floor Truss

A floor truss is a support that helps to keep your floor stable and even. Basically, it is made from intertwining pieces of wood that help to take some of the pressure and stress of the floors. To seal your floor truss, you will want to blow insulation into it. This will not only help to insulate and seal, but it will also keep bugs or animals from getting inside. Here are a few steps that can help you through this process.

What You'll Need
Insulation blower
Insulation
Mask
Rag
Plastic sealer
Staple gun

Step 1 - Dust

Use the rag to dust out the area before you fill it with insulation. Carefully go in and out of each opening to ensure that there is nothing left. 

Step 2 - Blow Insulation

Put the end of the blower into the opening. Carefully fill the opening with insulation. Typically, you will be able to fill most of the space with one or two blows. However, if there is empty space in some openings, insert the blower into those and fill individually. 

Step 3 - Apply Plastic Sealer 

Use a staple gun to cover the floor truss with a plastic sealer. You can find some at many hardware stores that can be cut to size. Staple around the corners to keep it down. 

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Tips for Installing a Basement Subfloor Around a Drain

If you want to fit a basement subfloor over a drainage area, you will need to make sure that you take a lot of care. It is not just a matter of fitting a floor over your drain, as you need to make sure that you have carefully tilted flooring, in order to prevent dampness affecting the basement subfloor.

Use a Moisture Barrier

You could use a moisture barrier, which will protect your basement subfloor from water seepage. This material is very expensive, so you may choose a compromise where you fit the moisture barrier around the drain area, and then use other insulation material on the rest of the floor.

Add Channels

Another solution to the subfloor is to add channels. These channels will help to direct water moving around the basement subfloor toward the drain. Also, slightly tilt the floor, so that it points in the direction of the drain. This involves adding an extra inch to the raised side of the flooring, and then building the floor down to meet the drain.

Use Plastic Sheeting

Take a little of the plastic sheeting, which is used as a vapor barrier, and place it around the edges of the drain. You can then apply the basement subfloor over the surface.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Revitalising Clay Tiles Clean

Similar to Terracotta these clay floor tiles had been installed throughout the ground floor of this house in Billingshurst including the hall, utility, WC and kitchen. The owner of the property had recently moved out into a new house and was planning on renting it out however none of the tiles had seen any sealer in a long time and although the tiles were in good condition they had a rough finish which had resulted in patchy grout smears as well as the general grime and old sealer build up that needed to be deep cleaned to get the tiles back to their former glory.

Cleaning Old Clay Tiles

To clean the floor I first applied a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean and worked it into every nook and cranny using a hand brush and deck broom. After 10 minutes I used a buffing machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad and worked it over the areas until satisfied that all was clean. After washing the floors down several times to neutralise the cleaning agent and extracting with a wet vacuum I checked the entire area for any problem spots. There were a few stubborn areas that needed re-treating but the main issue was the grout smears which must have been then since the floor was laid. Fortunately we have a solution for most problems and in this case we have a product called Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up which is very good at removing grout from tile, it an acid based product so you can’t leave it on the tile too long and once it’s worked its magic you need to wash the floor down again to remove any trace of chemical.

Sealing Old Clay Tiles

I left for the evening and returned two days later to ensure the floor would be dry which it was. The tiles need to dry to achieve the best results with the sealer which in this case was Tile Doctor Seal and Go which is a water based sealer that adds a subtle shine effect as well as providing lasting stain protection. Four coats of sealer were required and as you can see from the photographs the difference is quite remarkable.





Source: Clay Floor Tile Cleaning

3 Things to do about Floor Joists that Cause Uneven Flooring

Floor joists play an important role in a building's foundation. But, due to a variety of reasons they may cause the floor to be uneven at certain places. Let us discuss what actions can be undertaken in order to avoid this, or when required solve such a problem.

Moisture

It is important to bear in mind that wood will in time deteriorate due to wear and tear and moisture. So, it is important to primarily make sure that no water leaks or penetrates into the joists. Furthermore there should be an appropriate moisture barrier set in place.  

Expansions and Contractions

Due to changes in temperature the wood will expand and contract. This will cause problems such as separation, crowning, cupping or buckling. These problems are common, and can be seen by edges being forced up or down. In turn, the floor will end up uneven in some places. In order to solve these problems the best thing to do is make sure that the temperature is rather level. A good way is to have a humidifier, and to regularly check any defects so as to take the necessary action. You should check for any sources of moisture or excessive dryness.

Maintenance

In order to keep the wood floor in its best condition and avoid unevenness problems, you should sand the floor to provide a smoother finish, especially in areas where there are splinters, lower areas or flaking finishes. Once you have finished sanding the floor, apply wood putty where required. When dry, apply a finish such as stain. Regularly check for similar defects so as to apply the necessary maintenance.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

5 Ways to Compensate for Sloping Floors

Sloping floors are aesthetically unattractive and uncomfortable to stand and walk on. This problem can be solved with some simple steps.

1 - Foundation Repair

Inspect your foundation for any structural problems such as cracking or sinking. This type of problem will have to be resolved first. You will need to consult with a contractor for the best solution to your problem.

2 – Shim Installation

Shims can be positioned between the sub-floor and the joist. This should level out the floor of the room. Use a level to be sure the floor is sitting properly then nail the sub-floor through the shim and into the joist 

3 - Self-Leveling Compound Application

Apply a primer to the sub-floor to make sure that the compound adheres to the sub-floor. Allow the primer to dry then apply the self-leveling compound. Begin at the lowest part of the floor. Carefully spread out the compound to create a flat, level floor.

4 - Floor Joist Replacement

Weak and poor-quality floor joist will not provide the necessary support to a sub-floor. Inspect your floor joists for any damage or weak areas. If you find any evidence of problematic joists, have them replaced.

5 - Sub-floor Replacement

Inspect the sub-floor from underneath for any evidence of sagging or damage. If you find any areas that are damaged, have them replaced. If possible, install a vapor barrier to prevent any further moisture damage.

Source:  www.DoItYourself.com

Removing Paint, Cement and Glue from Flagstones

This Georgian house in the beautiful historic town of Sherbourne, Dorset still had its original floor of black limestone flagstones. These were in a sorry condition, having been smoothed over with a cement screed to make it level for a carpet and, before that, painted at various times with both red and green floor paint. A combination of cement, hardened carpet glue and old floor paints all needed to be completely removed before I could even begin to clean the original stone beneath.

Removing Sealer from Limestone Floor Tiles

After chipping away the areas of cement with a chisel I used an application of Tile Doctor Remove and Go which was left to soak into the stone for a while in order to loosen the old floor paint before steaming and wire-brushing the entire floor. This I followed with an application of Tile Doctor "Pro Clean" scrubbed in with a black buffing pad under fitted to a Numatic buffing machine to further clean the slabs. Next step was to cut back and re-polish the Limestone flagstone using of a set of diamond encrusted burnishing pads fitted to a rotary machine. You start with a coarse pad with a little water, then a medium pad, fine pad and finish with a very fine polishing pad rinsing the floor between each pad.

Sealing Limestone Floor Tiles

Following all this treatment the flagstones needed a few days to thoroughly dry out after which I returned to seal them with Tile Doctor "Colour Grow", a long lasting impregnating sealer which enhanced the natural colour of the tiles and turned them from a drab grey to a rich and shining black.






Source: Limestone cleaning tips and information