Back


Home: How-To Information: Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes for Your Floors

TROUBLESHOOTING

QUICK FIXES FOR YOUR FLOORS

Chipped or Scratched Ceramic Tile
If you don't want to go through the very time consuming and difficult task of replacing an individual tile, try one of these techniques.

If your tile is chipped, and you have the piece, simply use some "Crazy Glue" to reattach the fragment.

Small Chip or Scratch in Ceramic Tile
The quickest and easiest way is to go to your cosmetics store. Find the colored NAIL POLISH that best matches your tile. Simply apply to the small chip or scratch. It works!

Dented or Scratched Hardwood Flooring

Most manufacturers produce "touch up" kits. Typically these kits will contain several items used to repair your hardwood floor. Specialty products can be costly, so we have a great suggestion that will work and save you money.

You will need one "tool" but there are two methods of applications

THE TOOL: a normal wax crayon (that closely matches the color of your floor)

THE APPLICATIONS:

Method 1
Remove the paper off of the crayon, shave
down and place in microwavable dish. Melt the pieces of
wax crayon down until they can be molded into a putty like
substance. WARNING: be careful the wax can get quite
hot.

Method 2
CAREFULLY melt the crayon directly using
Either a long wooden match or another type of lighter.
This method is more risky and leaves you with less control
of both the crayon and the dripping wax.

**This can also be used on LAMINATE FLOORING**

Carpet Needs to be Re-stretched
This happens a fair amount of the time. You could hire a professional installer to come over and stretch the carpet back to the proper fit, OR you can try this easy method first.

You will need 2 people. One person must wear running shoes and will be the KICKER. The other person will need a sharp utility knife and a 4" putty knife (or similar), this person will be the TUCKER.

The KICKER jumps forward with both feet together. The sole of the running shoes will grab the carpet and push it in the direction of the jump. It is important that the JUMPER not move until the TUCKER has done his job. After the KICKER has jumped the TUCKER will then use the putty knife to tuck the carpet in along the outside of the room, tucking under the base trim and cutting off any excess if necessary. Repeat as necessary. If this does not do an adequate job, or if you have many seams etc., please call a professional.

These are just a few of the "homemade" recipes for quick fixes that are available. If you have an idea, or have tried something and it works, please visit the FlooringGuide.com FORUM and post your ideas for others to see.


Author: Jason Walker - FlooringGuide.com Editorial Staff
Jason Walker is a Professional Flooring Consultant
Copyright © 2000 FlooringGuide.com All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2000-2001 FlooringGuide.com All rights Reserved