This was a rather dull week, especially with the anticipation of next week. I looked at some flooring a friend was installing. The installation instructions were printed on the inside of the box. The first sentence said:
"IMPORTANT - Do not open immediately. Before opening, acclimate planks for 48 hours by laying each box horizontally and individually in the center of the room."
I may not be as smart as a 5th grader all the time, but I do know that you have to open a box to read what's in it. My question of the week is: Does it void the warranty if you open the box to read the instructions that say not to open the box?
Next week I go to Hawaii for the annual pest control conference. What, you ask, do pest control people have to do with hardwood floors? Well, they are a group that deals with moisture issues in crawl spaces. I will try to help them better understand how crawl spaces really work, and how better to deal with moisture problems. (No, you don't roll back the ground cover to let the moisture out.) When I started working with this group about 20 years ago, I literally got run out of the room because everything I was telling them was counter to what they knew and did. Now they are a little more receptive.
If anyone has an inspection in Hawaii next week that they need help with, I would be happy to tag along. I don't have room to bring tools, as my suitcase will be full of scuba gear. But I can take pictures and notes. And I love to see the different construction styles and techniques used in different places.
Have a little pity on me while I suffer through a week in Hawaii. Aloha.