August 15, 2012
Storage and Organization
Organization
Good organization is important for getting the most out of small spaces... But even large areas feel crowded and clutter with poor organization.
Here are some examples of creative organization, for spaces large or small:
May 03, 2011
Preventative Maintenance
Spring Preventative Maintenance
Spring is here. The weather is warm and mild right now, but tornado and hurricane season is just around the corner. Perfect time for an ounce of prevention, to help stave off that pound of cure. Above normal tornado and hurricane activity and strength is predicted for this season, which begins late this month. Let's take a look at some things can be done around the house to help minimize damage from strong winds, and to prepare you for summer.
Read More »April 24, 2011
Wood Floor
A Wood Floor's Worst Enemies
Water
Never use a soaking wet mop to wash a wood floor, wring it out thoroughly after rinsing. Or use a dry mop, or one with a replaceable anti-static cloth. In any case, use as little water as possible because water deteriorates the wood and the finish. An excessive amount of water can infiltrate the wood though scratches and around the edges causing the finish to deteriorate. Wood expands when it absorbs water. In extreme cases, such as a leaking roof or pipe, the floor may buckle upwards, necessitating replacement.
Vinegar, Ammonia, and Bleach
Cleaning methods using vinegar, ammonia or bleach can cut the life of a wood floor. In fact, many people clean their wood floors with water and vinegar or cleaners containing ammonia. These elements prematurely alter the luster of the finish and can cause black stains to appear on the planks because water can infiltrate planks and blacken the wood. Vinegar is an oxidant and alters the finish. The only way to remedy these alterations is to sand the floor and finish it again. However, sometimes the stains are too deep to sand out, leaving permanent dark areas.
Sand and Dust
Sweeping the floor and/or vacuuming regularly will prevent abrasive sand or dust from accumulating and scratching the finished surface. Clean the bristles of the broom or vacuum attachment often to avoid scratching. Never use a vacuum with a beater bar. Remove and clean rugs, mats, and other coverings and clean them and the floor often.
Wax and All-Purpose Cleaners
Never use wax, oil-based soaps or other oily, all-purpose cleaning products. The all-purpose cleansers on the market contain detergents and leave an oily or soapy film on the floor. This gives dirt a grip. What's more, when sanding becomes necessary, this accumulated coating of residue makes the sanding operation more difficult. Polyurethane finishes do not need waxing, polishing, or buffing.
Murphy's Oil Soap or Other Oil Soap Products
Never use oil based products such as Murphy's Oil Soap on a wood floor, or any other finished wood surface, for that matter. It will soften the finish and leave a nasty, sticky residue that is difficult to remove and will trap dust and dirt.
Furniture
Never slide furniture or other objects on a wood floor. Put self-adhesive felt discs on the bottom of the feet or legs of all of your furniture. Use rubber cups under the wheels of the piano.
Kids and Pets
Keep the dog’s nails clipped and do not encourage running. Sell your kids to the circus.
April 16, 2011
General
Hello!
I am Pat Sullivan.
And I am a carpenter.
If you need residential or commercial building repairs, remodeling or improvements, and are located within a reasonable distance from Pembroke, New Hampshire, give me a call at (603)344-8635. Or send an e-mail to Pat@suncookcarpentry.com
What I do.
Additions, interior remodeling, structural repairs, installation, refinishing and repair of wood floors and stairs, installation and repair of stone and tile floors and other surfaces, repair and replacement of windows and doors, plaster and sheet-rock walls, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, cabinetry fabrication, installation and repairs, kitchen counter-tops, laminate work, all types of interior and exterior woodwork such as wainscoting, chair rails and crown molding, build and repair decks and porches, building, repairing and replacement or removal of exterior stairs, ramps, sheds and other outbuildings, and a whole bunch more I haven't listed here.
About this site.
As you can see there is not much content here yet. My plans are to include articles and tips for home owners, as well as provide a place to show off work that I have done.
