Floor Joist Repair: How to Sister Floor Joists

If you live in an older home, you may encounter the need for floor joist repair. Older buildings often develop floor problems due to constant foot traffice. Newer homes which were rapidly constructed may also sometimes experience joist weakening or damage. Rather than reinstall your joists, you can create second, or sister, joists alongside the first.

What You'll Need:

• Wood similar in length to the pre-existing joist
• Construction glue
• Screwdriver
• Screws
• Drill and bit

Step 1 - Evaluate Your Situation

Before you begin floor joist repair, you should examine and evaluate your current situation. Consider how weakened or damaged the joists are, and also whether a weight above them could be causing the joists to fail. If you have installed a large bathtub, for example, this may be causing the strain.

However, if you conclude that the culprit is probably age or damaged wood, you can go ahead and support your joists by installing a second pair. While evaluating, consider how you will install the other wood. Electric cables, heating ducts and plumbing can all get in the way of your floor joist repair.

Step 2 - Build the Sister Joist

When building the sister joist, remember that it will work better when you screw it directly into the existing post. If cables and other utilities may get in the way, you can install a slightly shorter joist to help support the existing one. Cut the lumber to the right length for your installation and drill a hole in the top of the joist. You'll use this hole to screw it into the pole. Because you must also screw the bottom of the joist into position, you should make a hole there too.

Step 3 - Install the Sister Joist

You will need two rows of screws at each end of the joist, around 1/4 inch from the top and bottom edges. Before you screw these into place, add a layer of construction glue to the sister joist. Press it into the pole of the pre-existing wood support. Tighten the screws into place with your screwdriver.

Attach the bottom of the joist to the wall. (Use a block of wood or a pre-existing bar above the floor.) Glue the new piece into place and screw it down, as you did for the top. Wipe away any construction glue which squeezes out before you leave your floor joist repair job to dry.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Renovating Terracotta Tile and Grout Found Under Carpet in Cheshire

I was contacted by a home owner in Appleton near Warrington who had a Terracotta tiled floor in their dining Room. The floor had previously been covered in carpet and they were keen to have the whole floor restored.

To complicate things further the Carpet had been stuck down with a strong adhesive and a local builder had advised them to remove the glue using brick acid. Although this was successful it had the side effect of discolouring the grout lines and no amount of rinsing with the floor with water to dilute and wash off the acid would resolve the problem.


Happy for me to resolve the problem, my client informed me they were going on holiday and would like me to do the work whilst they were away. This was a great idea as it would guard against unwanted foot traffic during the cleaning and sealing process and it would also mean they would have a nice surprise waiting for them on their return.

Deep Cleaning a Terracotta Tiled Kitchen Floor

After protecting the Kitchen units and skirting boards with plastic sheeting my first job was to strip any remaining sealer off the Terracotta tiles using a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. The solution was spread across the floor and then left to dwell for twenty minutes before scrubbing it in with a black scrubbing pad attached to a rotary floor buffer. I then used a wet vacuum to remove the now dirty cleaning solution from the floor.

The grout was also given a good scrub using more Tile Doctor Pro-Clean but this time it was scrubbed in with a narrow stiff brush until I was satisfied it was as clean as it could be. The floor given a good rinse and I then inspected the floor tile and grout to ensure it was clean and free of sealers, any areas that needed ore work were retreated and the floor given a final rinse and dry with the wet vacuum before being left to dry off fully overnight.

Sealing a Terracotta Tiled Kitchen Floor

I returned the next morning and tested the tiles with a damp meter to ensure they were dry before beginning applying the sealer. All was well, so I started by applying a single coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow. Colour Grow is an impregnating sealer that seeps into the pores of the tile protecting it from within and enhancing the natural red colour of the Terracotta in the process.

Once the first coat had dried I followed up with two coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which is a compatible water-based sealer that works really well on clay tiles and adds a lovely sheen finish to the floor.

The last step was to resolve the problem with the discoloured grout lines by applying a white grout colourant to the grout. This gave the grout a fresh and consistent appearance throughout and also has the benefit of sealing the grout which will protect it from staining and also make it much easier to clean.

Last step was to finish the sealing of the floor by topping up the sealer with another three coats of Seal and Go to ensure the floor was fully sealed.


The result was a huge improvement and now looked like a recently installed Terracotta floor. When my customer returned from holiday they were more than happy with the floor and the work I had done.


Source: Terracotta Tile Cleaning, Renovation and Maintenance Service in Cheshire

What Are the Advantages of Using a Self Leveling Compound

A self leveling compound is primarily utilized for smoothing out and setting up the floor surface for carpet, wood, stone, tiles and other final coverings; it is used to repair cracks and steamroll concrete surfaces.

There are variety self leveling compounds which have specific uses for a number of situations. The more common types of these compounds are water based and acrylic based. The water based self leveling compound is usually mixed with a specified amount of cold and clean water, the amount of which can be modified depending on the temperature and the floor’s absorption. On the other hand, an acrylic-based self leveling compound is meant to be combined with the equivalent liquid polymer. Aside from these, the manufacturers are continuously expanding their own specialized brand types to meet the different surface needs.

These self leveling compounds are ideal for either the outdoor or indoor facade. It ranges from .04 to .4 inches in thickness and is particularly designed for installation via mixer pump or by hand. Here are some of the advantages of using a self leveling compound.

Easy Application

Self leveling compound comes in a ready to use mixture and is relatively easy to apply. You can effortlessly apply it to a surface in 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the brand used and the area to be covered; it must be in a temperature between 41 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not combine cement, lime or gypsum to the self leveling compound mixture. Also, when the mixture begins to set, do not add more water. You will be amazed that there is no need for special equipment or an unusual tool to apply it.

Fast Drying

Ideally, the surface can be used after 24 hours after its application. However, the drying time of the self leveling compound may vary with different temperatures.

Offers a Smooth Surface

After applying the self leveling compound, you will find that unevenness is a thing of the past. A number of these products are polymer modified product which makes it flexible and resistant to moisture when installed. It allows the bubbles to rise above the surface rather than remaining trapped in the compound, which would lead to a bumpy surface; this makes it smooth without further surface finishing needed. As such, it diminishes the appearance of the bubbles and makes the floor ever flat.

High Compressive Strengths

Self leveling compounds are not intended as a final floor surface. The materials which made up the compound are not for frequent walking or other foot traffic. Self leveling compounds are intended for the sub floors, to be covered by carpet, ceramic tiles, wood or vinyl. If your home has under the floor heaters, it is highly advisable to make sure that the self leveling compound product selected is suited to the heat exposure. Do ask your hardware store personnel about this.
Savings

With its easy to use directions, self leveling compound can save you money from the additional cost of hiring somebody to do the installation.



Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Deep Cleaning and Restoring Old Pamment Tiles in South Yorkshire

The owner of this house in the village of Silkstone near Barnsley had discovered this clay Pamment floor when they had a tiler come in to tile the floor. The tiler stripped off the Vinyl floor covering and removed an inch of Bitumen that it had been stuck onto. With the Bitumen removed it became clear that there was wonderful Pamment tiled floor already there. They had a go at restoring the floor themselves but eventually decided to call in the experts.


Having been buried under Bitumen for such a long time the floor had a number of serious issues that would need addressing during the restoration. The grout/cement between the tiles was crumbling and there was a thick layer of dirt ingrained in the clay, there was also evidence of inherent salt efflorescence issues which manifests as white staining.


Pamment tiles are very similar to Terracotta in that they are made from clay and like Terracotta are very porous and need to be sealed to protect dirt getting into the pores. You don’t normally see them in use in Yorkshire, but are quite a common in Norfolk and Suffolk where they are still made by Norfolk Pamments. Silkstone dates back to the Doomsday Book of 1086 and there are some very old houses in the village so you never know what your going to find.

Deep Cleaning a Pamment tiled floor

We removed what was left of the grout/cement from between the tiles using a special tool and replaced with a grout specifically made for wide joints.


The next day once the grout had fully cured we came back to do the deep clean starting by applying Tile Doctor Pro-Clean to the Pamments and letting it soak in for ten minutes. Then the tiles were scrubbed with a floor buffer fitted with a black scrubbing pad and running at slow speed.


The floor was then rinsed with water and the slurry extracted using a wet vacuum. With the floor clear we could see that the process removed had most of the grime but there were areas that needed a bit more attention. To tackle the stubborn stains and neutralise the effloresce salts that were in the tiles Tile Doctor Acid Gel was applied and scrubbed in.

After a final rinse to remove any trace of cleaning product the floor was left to dry out for a few days.

Sealing an Old Pamment Tiled Floor

Due to the age of these tiles, the inherent efflorescence issues and the lack of damp proof membrane we sealed the floor in a fully breathable sealer 'Seal and Go Extra'. This provides a beautiful satin finish and allows the floor to breath and any moisture to escape.


Our customer was delighted with the results and was so happy to restore another original feature of the house.




Source: Pamment Tile Cleaning, Renovation and Maintenance Service in Silkstone, South Yorkshire

When is the Best Time to Use a Self Leveling Compound

 A self leveling compound is a concrete type floor underlayment that is applied to subflooring prior to the installation of tile or wood. Using a self leveling compound is easier than other types of subfloor compounds because it will fill in low spots to make sure that a more complete coverage of the floor takes place. The best time to use a self leveling compound is in conditions that are not too humid or cold in order to allow the compound to set up properly and work as designed.

What Is Self Leveling Compound? 

The self leveling compound is a type of quick setting concrete. It is mixed with water into a compound that has a watery consistency. Unlike concrete that is mixed to a consistency of toothpaste or peanut butter, self leveling compound has a consistency that is more like pea soup. This consistency allows you to pour it on the floor and apply it with little work or intervention once the mixture has been prepared.

Working in Too Hot a Room

If the temperature in the room where the self leveling compound is being poured is too hot, it may not properly cure. This may result in a soupy mess on the floor that does not properly level and may need to be cleaned up and poured again. This can be avoided by waiting until the temperatures in the room are less humid or cooler. You may consider using floor fans as a way to bring the temperature down and make the room easier to work in.

Working in Too Cold a Room

If the temperature in the room where the self leveling compound is being poured is too cold, the compound may freeze during the application. This will prevent it from reaching the lower areas of the floor and creating the self leveling effect that you desire. The resulting floor will not be level and you will again find yourself having to remove the material and starting over to achieve a more even or level pour. You can consider using floor heaters and turning up the heat in the room as a way to raise the temperature to a more moderate temperature climate.

How to Best Use Self Leveling Compound

When you purchase the self leveling compound for use on the subfloor prior to the laying of a new tile or wood floor, you should check with the manufacturer for any hints or directions on how best to use the material. Following the manufacturer's advice will yield the best results when working with their brand of self leveling compound. Each manufacturer may have specific instructions or directions that should be followed in order to properly use their self leveling compound. Following this advice will help you avoid having to pour the floor again or waste any of the compound because of improper use.

If necessary, ask for advice when purchasing the self leveling compound from the retailer.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Renovating very old Quarry Tiles in Berkshire

These Yellow and Black Quarry tiles are though to be original feature of this Victorian house in Reading and the owner was keen to get them renovated. The tiles were in basement of the house and over the years the tiles had suffered from water damage due to various small floods, they were now heavily soiled and the most challenging task would be to remove a large build up of mortar and cement.


I ran a test clean in a corner of the smallest room to demonstrate the cleaning process and although confident I could significantly improve the appearance of the Quarry tiles. I had to explain to my customer that due to the years of neglect the outcome would not be perfect, however the test clean went well and the customer was happy with the outcome so booked me in to do the work.

Soiled Quarry Tile Cleaning

The first issue to tackle was to remove the dirt and ingrain soil which I did by scrubbing in a strong mix of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a strong tile and grout cleaner. The solution was left to soak in before ten minutes before being agitated with a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. I then rinsed off the now soiled cleaning solution off using a hot water truck mounted extraction system.


Now the ingrained dirt was taken care of, the most difficult task was to remove the cement/mortar built up that was covering a high percentage of the tiles. I did this using a combination of Tile Doctor products including Grout Clean-Up, Acid Gel and 50,100 grit diamond pads. I started with Grout Clean-up but found that Acid Gel worked better on this occasion. To deal with stubborn areas I left the Acid Gel to dwell overnight covered with plastic sheeting so it wouldn’t dry out.

The Acid Gel worked wonders and I was able to complete the cleaning process when I came back the next day giving the floor another rinse with the hot water extraction system. With the quarry tiles now clear I able to do a final spot check and used hand held burnishing blocks and very coarse 50 grit milling pad followed by a 100 grit diamond pad and another rinse to finish it off.

Quarry Tile Sealing

After leaving the floor to dry out over the weekend it was ready to be sealed. We had agreed on giving the Quarry Tiles a matt finish so I used three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is a fully breathable colour enhancing sealer that works well on old clay tiles.


I’m happy to say the floor turned out very well considering its condition, certainly my customer was very happy with the outcome and left the following feed back on the Tile Doctor Feedback system.

  “Fantastic job - completely revived our Victorian cellar tiles, the before and after photos accurately show the difference the work has made! Also impressed by Dennis's communication and responsiveness to our needs with the work”.





Source: Quarry Tile Cleaning, Renovation and Maintenance Service in Reading, Berkshire

How to Prepare the Floor before Pouring Self Leveling Compound

A self leveling compound is applied to a floor prior to the laying of tile or wood planks. It provides you with a level surface to lay tiles on. Most any floor installer will tell you that you should never lay ceramic tile or wood directly on top of plywood subflooring. Self leveling compound will provide you with the necessary surface to lay the floor.

Clean the Subflooring

Preparing the floor before you pour the self leveling compound involves cleaning up any debris or dirt that has accumulated on the subflooring. This can be done with a shop vacuum or large shop broom. Once you have removed the debris from the subflooring, check the floor for any imperfections. These imperfections include nail or screw heads that may have forced their way upwards. Use a screwdriver or hammer to either remove the screws or nails or put them back in place. Replace any fasteners that you remove with new ones.

Test a Small Area of the Floor

Section off a small area of the floor in order to practice laying the self leveling compound. If you are working with the mixture for the first time, you should practice laying the compound in a small area, in order to get used to using it. Once the compound is mixed with water, you have a finite amount of time in which to work before the mixture becomes hard and unusable.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com