Sealant Will Stop Buckling Floor

Question: My wife and I have a two-story condominium next to a man-made lake in an area with a high water table.

We recently remodeled and had an oak strip floor laid. The contractor glued sheet vinyl to the subfloor before installing the plank flooring. The new floor has buckled in two different areas and no leaking water was found.

Do we need some type of dehumidifier to remove excess moisture that could be causing the buckling?

G.S.

Tustin

Answer: “Even though there is vinyl on top of the subfloor, you may need to pull up the new floor and vinyl to seal the subfloor and the areas around the foundation,” says Jim Gorman of Rancho Lumber Supply in Westminster.

“There are products, such as W-100, which will penetrate and seal. It’s rolled or brushed on, and it’s designed for one application.

“In fact, if you apply it to one area and go back over it after the first coat has dried, you’ll find that the sealant just stays on the surface and doesn’t penetrate. If there is a great deal of moisture seeping up, you may need to have a professional apply heavy-duty two-part epoxy sealer to the area.”

Q: We have a 20-year-old cast-iron tub that we’d like to refinish, but we have some reservations. Will it look as nice as new and be as durable? Will the process affect the tiled walls or the white carpeting?

M.S.

Laguna Hills

A: “Unfortunately, refinishing just isn’t going to bring your old tub back,” says Steve Johnson of Familian Pipe & Supply in Costa Mesa.

“The finish at the factory was baked on, and refinishing generally means painting on a new coat, and the result is going to be a finish that’s not going to last long under heavy use. It’s not hard to mask off and protect areas around the tub while it’s being refinished. But your ultimate solution may be to replace it. In that case, you may need to remove some of the tiles before it’s pulled out and have the carpeting removed until the job is done.”

Q: I have a problem with streaking when I try to clean mirrors. I’ve tried most retail sprays and can’t seem to get rid of the film, what should I try now?

C.S.

Laguna Niguel

A: “The problem with most of the popular glass cleaners is that they contain abrasive chemicals,” says Katy Jackson of Maley’s Glass in Anaheim.

“Over time you may notice that the mirror isn’t as sharp as it once was, which is the effect of the abrasives. Many people use vinegar, which breaks down the film, but doesn’t clean much else on the mirror. There is a professional cleaning product available at glass shops called Spray Away that seems to clean very well without streaking. The other secret is to use a squeegee, which pulls the film off.”

Q: We’ve had several opinions on whether to seal our driveway and patio. Some say it will prevent oil and tire marks, while others say it’s better just to clean it regularly. What’s best?

J.N.

Laguna Niguel

A: “It always sounds like a good idea, but sometimes you’re better off not sealing,” says Ken Newland of Tustin Block and Building Supply.

“You can try applying a penetrating sealer, which won’t change the color of the concrete, or you can try a wet-look sealer.

“But once you apply a sealer, you have to be aware that you’ll always be putting a sealer on the driveway. Because of its use and the exposure to the elements, you’ll have to reapply it. If you decide to seal, make sure you use a good quality sealer.

“There are some on the market that will protect for up to three to five years, while others have to be reapplied every six months. Check around with concrete specialists to find out which brands they use.”