Q: I recently moved into a 15-year-old
rancher style house that has cedar T & G
soffits that have been clear coated with an
unknown product. In a couple of corners I’ve
noticed some water damage on the cedar and
in one location the existing finish has blushed
as if an interior product was used for outside
work. Is there anything that can be done to
get rid of the water damage on the cedar and
what can be applied to give the cedar soffits
to give it good protection and a good look?
A: To remove the existing damaged finish
contact Cloverdale Paint for an exterior stain
remover. Once you have removed the old stain,
wash the area with my Shell Busey All Purpose
Cleaner. Rinse well and allow drying. Apply two
coats of Cloverdale Paint’s exterior clear wood
finish “Sunfast”. Good luck with your project.
It's Just that Easy!
Shell Busey
Q: My house is now 25-years-old and I am
wondering how I can tell if the teleposts in the
house are adjusted correctly. Can I damage
my house by adjusting them myself?
A: Teleposts are used during home construction
to level the main beam (centre beam) by screwing
the levelling device up or down. The initial adjustment
to level the main beam during construction
would be the last adjustment unless it is necessary
to take up shrinkage or settlement
in the main beam. As the years pass
your home becomes very dry and set in
place. It is best not to adjust the posts
any further as you could cause drywall
cracks or take the doors out of plumb
etc. In my experience builders using
teleposts during construction
would often discard the turning
bar in the fear that new homeowners
might try adjusting
out of curiosity. Not a good
idea!
It's Just that Easy!
Shell Busey
Q: First, I have a medium quality Armstrong
floor in my kitchen that has a seam that is
starting to peel back. What is the best way
for me to repair this myself and what adhesive
product would I use to stick it back down?
Secondly, my hardwood floor is showing
signs of wear (darker grey scratch marks).
Without completely refinishing it what could I
do to make it look better in those high traffic
areas? The floor is oak and was refinished
about 15 years ago with a water-based coating.
A: You can certainly repair the seam in the vinyl
yourself. You will need to purchase a bottle of
vinyl seam sealer. Warm the area with a hair dryer
kneading with your thumb to soften and lift up.
Make sure that the underneath area is clean.
Insert the nozzle of the seam sealer under the
edge and carefully inject the seam weld. Press
down, wipe off any excess and weight the area
down with some heavy books overnight. The best
way to address your hardwood floor finish would
be to use Flecto Varathane’s “Renewal”. It comes
in a complete kit and all you need to do is add
the extension to a screw-in broom handle, follow
the instructions and away you go. It’s a simple
as 1,2,3 and no sanding is required. Renewal is
available at most Building Supply stores.
It's Just That Easy!
Shell Busey
Q: Is there a product, which will get nail
polish remover out of linoleum? It spilled on
the bathroom floor and we don’t have any
extra pieces to do any patch work.
A: Finger nail polish is plastic based and acetone
solvent based allowing the polish to penetrate
into the vinyl floor. Sorry, the only way to correct
this is to apply a new floor over the old one or
cover the spill with an area rug.
It's Just That Easy!
Shell Busey
