Easy Tile Care

Easy Tile Care  

 

 

Contact B & R Hardwood and Tile  612-644-8779 or visit us on the web at brflooring.biz

Type of Tile/Usage	Routine Cleaning	Heavy Duty Cleaning
Glazed walls/countertops	Wipe with damp cloth or sponge using all-purpose cleaner.  Use window cleaner for glossy surfaces.   Wipe dry with cloth.	Clean with scouring powder, commercial tile cleaner, or all-purpose cleaner using non-metallic scouring pad or very fine grade stainless steel pad.  Rinse and wipe dry.
Glazed tile floors	Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles.  Damp mop using solution of water and "soapless" detergent.	Use a commercial tile cleaner or a strong solution of water and "soapless" detergent.  If stained, use scouring powder paste.  Let stand for five minutes, brush and scrub. Rinse and dry. For large areas and for areas that are difficult to clean, a power scrubber is recommended.
Glazed Tile Showers	Use all-purpose or bathroom cleaner.  Allow to stand for five minutes rinse and dry.  May also use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar or a commercial tile cleaner.	Use chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide1.  For stubborn stains, use scouring powder containing a bleaching agent.  Let stand four to six minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.   To remove mildew, use a commercial tile cleaner, chlorine bleach or ammonia(1). DO NOT MIX.
Unglazed tile walls	Sponge with a diluted solution of water and "soapless" detergent.	Use scouring powder paste.  Let stand for five minutes, then scour with brush.  Rinse and wipe dry.
Unglazed tile floors	Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles. Damp mop or sponge with water and/or a diluted solution of water and "soapless" detergent.	Use scouring powder paste.  Let stand for five minutes, then scour with brush.  Rinse and wipe dry.  A small brush is suitable for small floors; consider a scrubbing machine for larger areas.
Natural Porcelain/Semi-Polished Porcelain*	Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles.  Damp mop using a solution of water and "soapless detergent", rinse and then wipe dry.	Use scouring powder paste.  Let stand for five minutes, then scour with brush.  Rinse and wipe dry.  A small brush is suitable for small floors; consider a scrubbing machine for larger areas.
Commercial Applications	For smaller commercial areas, vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles.  Using a "soapless detergent", scrub with an inexpensive nylon brush (such as a "Doodle Bug").  Follow by using a dry/wet vac to remove water and soap residue.  Note: After initial cleaning, replace nylon brush.  Replace thereafter as it becomes worn.  A clean scrubber makes for a clean floor.  For large commercial settings, consider the use of a commercial floor scrubbing machine.

^1.) With colored grout, test a small inconspicuous area first or follow grout manufacturer's instructions.

*A note on Semi-Polished Porcelain:  Porcelain tile is virtually impervious to stains and wear.  However, the polishing process opens microscopic pores in the surface of the tile.  Therefore, it is recommended that a penetrating sealer (such as Aqua Mix "Penetrating Sealer", "Sealer's Choice" etc.) be used 2 hours prior to grouting.  Penetrating Sealers need only be applied once, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Remember, prompt clean-up of spills and regular cleaning will keep your ceramic tile surfaces looking their best.

DO's and DON'Ts of Ceramic Tile Care

Do not combine ammonia and household bleaches.

Do not use harsh cleaning agents (such as steel wool pads) which can scratch or damage the surface of your tile.

Do test scouring pads in a small area first.

Do use a silicone sealer on grout joints if continuous staining is a problem.

Do read and follow label directions for all cleaners.

Care and maintenance of Tile Grout

Grout may present a special cleaning problem because it is susceptible to many staining agents. Apply a silicone sealer to grout joints several times a year for maximum protection.

In addition to keeping the grout clean, be sure to keep grout joints in good repair. Scrape out loose, cracked or powdery joints and refill with a good grout.

One common grouting trouble spot is the joint between the tub and and the wall in your bathroom. As the house or tub settles, the grout may crack and crumble. It's relatively simple to remedy. Remove the old grout with a sharp pointed tool, watching out that you don't scratch tile or tub. Then dry the joint thoroughly and fill with a flexible caulking compound, such as silicone rubber caulking.

A Word about Cleaners

There are many excellent household cleaners on the market today. They should all do a good job for you, so use your favorite. Remember, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommended usage. They will perform as promised, if you use them as directed.

Here is some general information about the cleaners which are mentioned in this brochure.

All-purpose cleaners included such products as Soft Scrub, Scrub Free, Mr. Clean, Top Job, Fantastik, Ajax Liquid, Liquid Comet and Dow Bathroom Cleaner. You can find them at your supermarket.

"Soapless detergents" are also commonly found on supermarket shelves. They include such cleaners as Spic & Span and 409.

Scouring powders which are readily available include Comet, Bon Ami, and Ajax. Nylon scouring pads may also be used (such as Scotch Brite), but steel wool pads are not recommended.

Commercial cleaners such as Aqua Mix or Hilliard's "Assurance", are suitable for heavy duty cleaning in commercial applications.

Stain Removal Guide

Stain	Removal Agent
Grease and fats	Soda and water or commercial spot lifter
Inks and colored dyes	Household bleach
Blood	Hydrogen Peroxide or household bleach
Coffee, tea, food, fruit, lipstick, juices	Neutral cleaner in hot water followed by hydrogen peroxide or household bleach
*Caution: Vinegar may damage some tile glazes.  Be sure to test this solution first in a small area to see if it etches the tile or erodes the grout.

Hardwood Floor Care

B & R Hardwood and Tile  612-644-8779

www.brflooring.biz

Hardwood Floor Care   Hardwood floors are very durable yet vulnerable in many ways. This care sheet should be used as a guide to help keep your floor looking beautiful for many years. Here are some rules to help you out. Humidity 1. Wood floors will respond noticeably to changes in humidity level in the home, especially in the winter. A humidifier will help but will not completely eliminate this reaction. New Wood Floors 2. Wood floors will exhibit the following traits: When new, small splinters of wood will appear; dimples or scratches can be caused by moving furniture, dropping heavy or sharp objects, etc. Some shrinkage or warping can be expected; especially around heat vents or any heat producing appliances. 3. Warping will occur if the floor becomes wet repeatedly or is thoroughly soaked even one time. A dulling of the finish in heavy traffic areas is likely; a white, filmy appearance is caused by moisture (often by wet shoes or boots). In daily care of hardwood floors, preventative maintenance is the primary goal. 4. Spills Food spills should be cleaned up in a timely manner using a dry cloth. Use vinegar and warm water solution for tough food spills. 5. Shoes It is recommended that you do not wear high heals on your hardwood floors. Heels that have lost their protective cap (thus exposing the fastening nail) can exert over 8,000 pounds of pressure per square inch on the floor, That's high enough to damage hardened concrete; it will mark your wood floor. 6. Mats Use protective mats at the exterior doors to help prevent sand and grit from getting on the floor. Gritty sand is wood flooring's worst enemy.   7. Yellowing and Warping Be aware that yellowing and warping of the surface can result from rubber backing on area rugs or mats. 8. Furniture Legs Install proper floor protectors used on hardwood floors. Protectors will allow chairs to move easily over without scuffing. Clean the protectors on a regular basis to remove any grit that may accumulate.   9. Cleaning Sweep on a daily basis or as needed. Never wet mop a hardwood floor. Excessive water causes wood to expand, possibly damaging the wood. When the floor becomes soiled, damp mop with a mixture of one cup vinegar to one gallon water. When mopping, be sure to remove any excess water from the mop.   10. Waxing Waxing or use of products like Murphy's Oil Soap is not recommended. Once you wax a polyurethane finish floor, it is very difficult to re-coat the floor, as the new finish will not bond to the wax. Also, once wax is used, then you must maintain the wax and the floor. Preventative cleaning and annual screen should be performed to maintain the desired level of luster.   11. Re-coating It is important to remember that re-coating is much cheaper and easier than re-sanding. Re-coating will take out minor surface scratches and dirt that has penetrated into the surface of the finish. If areas are neglected too long and the finish is worn through, then re-sanding is required. Floors should be re-coated every year to ten years depending on wear. A general rule for re-coating is start at 10 years for one person and subtract two years for each additional person or dog living in the house.   11. Gapping Minnesota is a tough state for hardwood floors as the humidity rises so much in the summer and falls so much in the winter. Minor gaps in the hardwood floor will occur in the winter and the floor may swell in the summer. This is normal. Special Note: We hope that you enjoy your wood floor and refer our name, B&R Hardwood and Tile, to anyone interested in having a hardwood floor installed or for refinishing his or her existing hardwood floor. B&R Hardwood and Tile is not responsible for any damage due to misuse or by not following the customer care instructions above. www.brflooring.biz   call Kurt Kuhlmann @ 612-644-8779

B and R Hardwood and Tile installation and Refinish / Installation Process

What to expect during the Hardwood Flooring Installation and Refinish Process:

B & R Hardwood and Tile has been in the flooring business for 15 years installing and restoring hardwood floors to their natural beauty.  Our crews are trained to follow the National Wood Flooring Association Guidelines.

1)      B & R meets with clients to evaluate and measure the floor. During this time, we inspect for pet damage, cracked boards, uneven boards, warping and other issues that can impact your flooring over time.  We measure the hardwood including, closets, hallways, treads and risers and other areas the homeowner wants included.  Bids are usually emailed to the homeowner within 5 business days.

2)      It is easiest to provide an accurate bid if flooring is exposed.  If the flooring is covered by vinyl, tile large rugs, carpeting or other items, we cannot guarantee our bid because we are unable to evaluate the entire floor.  Flooring issues that cannot be seen by the eye such as: crowning, ruined boards and poor sub floor conditions will cause additional charges to the project.

3)      Our refinish process includes two cuts of sanding and three coats of finish.  Our product is two coats of high quality professional oil base finish followed by one coat of water base finish.  This creates a smoother tougher finish

4)      Most refinishes are completed in 3-4 days unless the homeowner decides to add a custom stain color.  Custom stain colors usually add one day to the process and an additional charge.

5)      If trim and base shoe is removed and reinstalled during the refinish /installation process, there is an additional fee.  Generally, we recommend removing base shoe for all floor refinishing so that the sander can get as close to the wall as possible. We highly recommend removing both the trim and the shoe for projects which involve stain. 

6)      During the process, you will have to avoid the using the areas that are being installed or refinished.  Also, be prepared for a very strong smell which will dissipate over time.  Some customers elect to go on vacation or to stay somewhere else during the process.

7)      The homeowner is responsible for moving all furniture, household items, window treatments, items in closets and wall hangings.  If our crews arrive and have to move belongings, we will charge the customer for moving the items.  B & R will assist with furniture removal for a fee.  If you elect to have us move items, we will not be held responsible for damage to furniture or walls.

8)      B & R uses dust containment equipment for the best professional results.  We do not have a dustless system.  The homeowner should expect to find dust throughout the work area as a natural result of refinishing the floors.  Walls, windows, and sills will have a fine layer of dust on them.  B & R is not responsible for the clean-up of dust.  B & R can provide post –construction cleaning services for an additional charge.

9)       B & R recommends that you allow us to do demolition when removing old flooring, carpeting, etc.  This ensures proper evaluation of the sub floor and that all staples and other items are removed prior to new flooring installation.  If the homeowner elects to do their own demolition, they assume all responsibility for sub-floor and flooring problems which may arise in additional charges.   B & R will not be held liable for crowning or sub floor issues that happen because the customer elected to do their own demolition.

10)   During a flooring installation project, we highly recommend replacing old trim and base shoe.  Most customer’s that elect to re-use their old base trim and base shoe, find that it looks old and tired next to their new flooring.  It is much easier to keep a project on time lines, when a contractor purchases new trim and base shoe at the beginning of the project rather than the end.  About 75% of our customer’s replace trim and base shoe during a new flooring installation.

11)   Flooring installation and refinishing may cause damage to your walls.  At the end of the project, B & R will spackle and sand any damage but will not take responsibility for painting walls or doing paint touch ups. These are the customers ‘responsibility.  B & R will provide painting services for an additional fee.

12) B & R Hardwood and Tile, secures your home using a lock box for entry into your home.  Only our employees have access to the lock box.

 

B & R Hardwood and Tile, Inc.  8445 Powers Place, Chanhassen, MN 55317 Phone 612-644-8779

Website www.brflooring. biz    email kurt @brflooring.biz

 

Keeping your expectations in check....what did you pay for and what should you expect

Imperfections in Hardwood and Natural Stone flooring

 

Because of the downturn in the economy over the past few years and the slow recovery, consumers have become much more focused on quality and are holding contractors more responsible.  This is understandable given the landscape of competition but there are times when expectations become unrealistic.  At B & R Hardwood and Tile, we work with many products of nature.  Perfection is not a realistic expectation, when working with nature made materials like wood and natural stone.  Customers need to expect imperfections and character marks in natural products and need to understand what the characteristics of the products are before they purchase them.   Often customers call with concerns about worm holes, mineral deposits, growth rings, checks, and character marks that are inherit in the wood or tile.  Customers want boards or tiles removed and replaced after the flooring is installed and don’t understand that the product they purchased has these characteristics as part of their natural beauty.   Removing boards and tiles for things that are part of the product characteristic is not reasonable and customers should understand that it disrupts the integrity of the floor and that it comes at an additional cost to them.  If customers want perfection, they should consider buying a man- made product.  If they opt to continue on with natural products expecting perfection, customers need to purchase extra product and plan on additional labor costs so that materials can be hand selected.  Contractors cannot be expected to achieve perfection with imperfect products of nature nor should they be expected to bear additional costs for hand selecting and installing “perfect” natural materials.

If you tend to like things to be perfect, make sure you understand your product and have detailed conversations with your contractor.  Don’t be surprised if some contractors walk away because they feel that they cannot meet your criteria.  At B & R Hardwood and Tile, we strive to provide wonderful products and services for our customers.     We educate customers on our products and services and we work to meet customers’ expectations within reason.  We want to keep our customers happy and we want them to have realistic expectations of what to expect from beautiful products of nature.

Contact Kurt at 612-644-8779 or check us out on the web at www.brflooring.biz

The perfect time to replace your trim and shoe

 

 

I have been installing beautiful custom flooring over the past 14-15 years and while I am out in front of the customer, I talk to them about replacing their trim and shoe.   Older trim looks worn when reinstalled next to brand new floors.  Replacing trim and shoe at the time of installation, is highly recommended.  Often, the customer says “no”, but I give them a price anyway and tell them to think about it because they will be paying a fee to have the old trim re-installed anyway.

After the floors are installed, the customer often comes to me and says, we thought it over and we want new trim.  The down side to making the decision late in the project, is we have to purchase the trim, have it stain matched and then come back and install it.  This can add a week or more to the project depending on how far out the contractor is booked.  It is far easier to plan for new trim at the beginning of the project, have it ready, and install it right after the floor is put in.  You add 1-2 days on to the project and the project is behind you much faster.  By the end of a flooring installation, people are worn out and want full use of their home. By making the decision to have trim installed prior to beginning of the project, customers are able to return living area back to functional space much faster.    

Trim and shoe are relatively inexpensive when compared to your flooring.  Depending on the trim style and type of wood, we usually can provide, stain match and install for $-$ per lineal foot.  The end result is always better than re-installing 10-100 year old brittle trim. 

If you are considering replacing your current flooring with new hardwood, give B & R Hardwood and Tile a call at 612-644-8779 or check us out on the web at www.brflooring.biz.  You will be amazed at the final product!