Rick BergRick Berg is a former editor/publisher of Hardwood Floors.TroubleshootingTroubleshoot Wood Floor FinishesThe best problem solution is problem prevention. Here are a few precautions that will help contractors keep finish trouble from their floors.March 31, 2003Subfloor PrepUsing a Sound Barrier With Wood FlooringBuilding codes typically specify two types of sound-control ratings: IIC (Impact Insulation Class) and STC (Sound Transmission Class). A rating of 50 for each generally is a standard requirement. The IIC relates to sound transmitted as a result of impact on a surface—footsteps on a floor, for example. The STC relates to airborne sounds, such as voices and music. Sound-control underlayments often carry an STC rating, as well as an IIC rating. However, says Ann Wicander of WE Cork, flooring products really have a substantial effect only on impact sounds. “The underlayment really will not affect STC much,” Wicander says. “It really confuses people. The STC or airborne sound is really affected almost solely by the structure itself.”May 31, 2002MoistureHow Moisture and Wood Floors RelateDecember 31, 1999ManagementCollect the Money Owed to Your Wood Flooring BusinessIn most states, wood flooring contractors can file a lien — usually referred to as a mechanic’s lien — against the property of home owners or builders who refuse to pay for contracted work. That may not mean you’ll get paid, but it gives you a fair amount of leverage.Contacting overdue accounts by telephone will tell you quickly whether you can expect to be paid soon or if you need to take more aggressive action. Here’s a simple action plan:December 31, 1999SurveysState of the Wood Flooring Industry 2000: Boom TimesDespite rising interest rates and a slight leveling off in housing starts this year, few people in the wood flooring industry believe it will be enough to seriously dampen the growth that has characterized the overall economy and fueled dynamic growth in the industry for most of the past decade. Not even an expected increase in lumber costs this year seems likely to spoil the party. In fact, it looks like nothing short of a major downturn in the stock market can stop the overall economy's upward momentum, both in the United States and Canada.December 31, 1999SandingThe Basics of Sanding Wood FlooringSpontaneous combustion is one of the most serious safety issues facing floor sanders. To minimize the danger:Floor sanders may sometimes encounter sanding imperfections known as chatter marks or waves. Chatter marks are defined as consistent sanding imperfections across the grain of the wood, varying from 1⁄4 inch to 1 inch apart. Waves are generally 1 to 6 inches from peak to peak. They have a defined, but smooth peak and valley, and they tend to become worse and increase in number as more passes are made over them with a sander. Most chatter marks result from the drum being damaged or out of balance. Other causes include worn belts or bearings; out-of-balance dust fans; damaged wheels or wheels with dirt or other debris embedded; improper paper installation; improperly stored abrasives; and inadequate power-supply connections.July 31, 1999Subfloor PrepSound Advice: Soundproofing Subfloors for Wood FlooringDecember 31, 1998Subfloor PrepPreparing a Subfloor for Wood FlooringDecember 31, 1998ManagementThe Changing World of Wood Flooring DistributionDecember 31, 1998Page 1 of 1Top StoriesSubfloor PrepHow We Flatten Wood and Concrete SubfloorsWood floor pro Angelo DeSanto takes subfloor prep seriously; here he shows some actual jobs and how they handled making sure the subfloors were ready for the wood flooring.DesignExquisite Parquet for a Floridian ‘Italian Castle’InspectionsWhat I’ve Learned as an Inspector for ‘Luxury Vinyl’ FlooringTroubleshootingQ&A: What Are These Strange Raised Areas in this Wood Floor?TechniquesTop-Nail 5/16-Inch Strip: How We Did (and Still Do) These Floors
