What order to follow when renovating?

Take it from the top down!
Q: We have just purchased a new home and before we move in we have a few weeks to put in new flooring and repaint. We are quite new at this and I am wondering in what order we should do everything. Also, the previous owners were heavy smokers, so can you tell me how we can get rid of odours before we put in our new flooring?

– Sandy, Richmond

A: If you are doing numerous home improvement jobs at the same time — such as painting walls and ceilings and new flooring — there is a proper order to follow. Always work your way from the top down; ceiling first, then walls and trim, and lastly the floors. This will protect the floors in the event of paint splatters, ladder scratches, etc.

To deal with the smell of cigarette smoke, one of the most effective ways is to air out the room for as long as possible and then wash all of the surfaces of the room thoroughly. For the walls and ceiling you can use Shell Busey Home Cleaning Formula before you paint. Even after taking these measures, smoke odour can still linger, so you may want to consider hiring a company such as Medallion Healthy Homes to perform a professional odour-removal treatment.

How to sound proof a laundry room?

Front-loading washing machines make less racket

Q: I am turning an upstairs closet into a laundry closet for a stacking washer/dryer. Do you have any ideas for the floor and/or insulating the closet to reduce vibrations and noise? The room under the closet has exposed ceiling joists.

Also, do you have a preference between the energy-efficient front-loading machine, and the top-loader models that are less expensive?

A: To soundproof the closet that will house your new washer and dryer, use a Roxul Safe ‘n’ Sound rock wool insulation that is denser than thermal wall insulation, which makes it a very effective sound barrier, in addition to being moisture resistant.

To go one step further, instead of finishing with standard drywall, use a soundproof drywall that is perfect for remodelling; it’s available through Dryco. They also have installation information available on their website at www.dryco.ca.

Regarding your inquiry about top-loaders versus front-loaders: Compared with top-loaders, in addition to being more energy-efficient, front-load washing machines have many advantages: they are quieter, use less water and do not have agitators, so they spin more rapidly than top loaders, which reduces drying time and protects clothes.

They also offer larger load capacity so, overall, the extra cost now will save time and money later. Be sure to choose an Energy Star Rated unit.

How often should dryer vents be cleaned?

Q: We have a few units in our townhouse complex that have had problems with their dryer vents leaking through the ceiling, caused by lint blocking the vent.

One resident has complained that her clothes are taking a long time to dry. The distance from the dryer to the outside wall is about 4.5 metres.

It seems many owners are not aware that dryer vents have to be checked regularly. How often would you suggest getting these serviced?

A: Clogged filters and ducts restrict airflow, decrease energy efficiency and can be a fire hazard. It is important to have your dryer vents cleaned every year.

If there is a long distance from the dryer to the outside vent, you will require the service of a reputable duct cleaner that is equipped to take care of this.

What type of grout should I use?

Some simple tips for grouting
A: Becoming a good tile-setter is possible if you follow some of the simple techniques that are used by the pros. For floor-tile installations, purchase a powdered formula “sanded” grout. Typically, the sanded grouts are used for wider grout joints (1/8-inch to 1/4-inch joints), and “unsanded” grout would be used for wall-tile installations (grout joints of less than 1/8-inch widths.)

Q:I am going to be installing a new ceramic-tile floor in my bathroom and I am looking for some advice for when it comes time to grout.

What type of grout should I use (i.e. sanded or unsanded)? Any tips for applying the grout would be helpful since last time I installed tile it didn’t turn out as well as I would have liked.

– Harold, Maple Ridge

To begin, clean the surface of all debris and any protruding bits of bonding material. The cement in grouting material is what makes it hard and takes a reasonable time to harden. If the grout dries too fast, it might not be as hard as it should be.

To improve the resulting grout, use a damp sponge or spray bottle to dampen (but not soak) the joints between the tiles an hour or so before applying the grout. To mix the grout; add water to the powder and mix to a consistency of peanut butter (do not make it too runny or over mix since this can entrap air bubbles). Let sit for about five minutes, and then lightly stir.

Apply the grout in the joints with a rubber-faced grouting trowel or float.

Let stand for about 15 minutes. Using a spray bottle, spray a misting of water on the entire surface. Immediately use the float trowel and repeat the squeegee process to further remove the surface grout and smooth out the joints.

Let the grout sit about 30 minutes, then use a damp (not wet) sponge and lightly wipe the surface of the tile. Do not use a circular motion; use diagonal strokes, being careful not to disturb the grout lines. The fine dust residual can be removed the next day when the grout is dry.

Allow 12-hours before further washing or any foot traffic. All cement-based grouts should be sealed with a solvent-based sealer to retain their appearance and reduce their cleaning. Grout must cure for a minimum of one week before applying sealer.

Can I wallpaper over wood panelling?

Q: I would like to wallpaper over some out-of-date wood panelling in our spare bedroom. Can this be done so we don’t have to remove the paneling?
– Lindsay, North Vancouver

A: To wallpaper over your existing wood panelling, begin by washing the entire surface with my Shell Busey Home Clearing formula. Rinse well with clear water and allow to dry thoroughly. If the panelling is v-grooved, use a small brush and apply a coat of white glue to all the v-joints, seams and any nail holes. When the glue is dry apply a coat of lightweight spackling compound with a four-inch spackle knife. No sanding is required. After allowing the panelling to dry, apply a roller coat of alkyd primer.

Now your wall is ready for wallpaper.

How to make the concrete basement floor waterproof and warm?

A well-laid floor is a warmer floor
A Since you have already sealed the concrete floor, the next step would be to install the Delta-FL membrane on top of concrete. This is a dimpled membrane that allows concrete to breathe and also serves as a vapour barrier, which in the end means a warmer floor. Once the Delta-FL is in place, you install your sub floor on top, and then finish with either underlay and carpet or laminate flooring. If you follow this process you can achieve a 25 per cent warmer floor; as well as saving heating costs you will also notice the basement will be dryer.

Q I am in the process of finishing our basement. Concrete is sealed, walls are up and painted and we are now ready to finish the floor and want to do this properly. We are hoping for a comfortable, warm area where the family room will be used on a regular basis. In the playroom we are going to finish the floor with large rubber puzzle pieces. The family room will be finished with either carpeting or laminate; we still haven’t made up our minds. What steps do you suggest to finish the flooring properly?

For more information, or a company you can purchase this product through call Basement Systems, go to www.basementsystems.com.

How do I control humidity in garage, my tools are rusting?

Q I am having a problem with surface rust accumulating on my tools in my insulated garage. Could you recommend a small dehumidistat-controlled exhaust system I can install, which will help prevent this from happening?

A The solution you are looking for is called a WizzVent; this is a multipurpose moisture control unit, which is suited for areas such as this. It monitors any increase in humidity and will respond automatically to maintain humidity levels. This unit is easy to install as well, you simply cut a 4.5-inch hole in the outside wall, no more than a foot from the floor. Fasten the unit to the wall, attach the vent cover to the outside wall and plug in. For more information visit www.wizzvent.com or call them directly at 1-888-430-2244.

Q We have a metal door on our front entranceway with white vinyl trim around the glass window that has turned yellow where the sun hits it. Is there any way to clean the yellow off and prevent it from discolouring again?

A All metal doors have a primer coat unless otherwise specified. The plastic trim on steel doors will turn yellow if not painted within six months. This is caused by the ultra-violet rays of the sun.

Once the trim has yellowed you cannot clean it. The only remedy is to paint it.

To finish steel doors, first wash with Home Cleaning Formula using a scotch brite pad (not steel wool). Wash both sides and rinse with clear water. Remove hardware; select your colour and paint with a top quality exterior semi gloss acrylic latex (EcoLogic, available through Cloverdale Paint, would be a good choice). It’s important to note that I do not recommend an oil/alkyd paint since it will not resist the expansion and contraction of the metal caused by the sun, which will then cause the paint to crack and peel.

Re-cycled carpeting is this eco-friendly?

Recyled-content carpet is available

Q: We are currently finishing our basement and we plan to complete our renovation using recycled, non-toxic materials whereever possible. We are now in the process of choosing the flooring material and would prefer to lay carpet.

Is there a particular material that would be more environmentally friendly? I recently saw in one of my magazines that there is carpet available made of recycled materials but I do not recall where it’s available. Also, are you aware of a place that will accept old carpet as well?

– Jim, Surrey

A: A number of carpet manufacturers now offer eco-friendly options that improve indoor air quality and are considered more environmentally sustainable.

Shaw Carpets manufactures a recycled-content carpet (old carpet is taken back and recycled into new carpet). The manufacturing of recycled-content carpet produces fewer emissions. This carpet is comparable in price to conventional carpet and is now available through many flooring retailers. In the Surrey area you can check out Exclusive Floors at www.flooringbc.com.

As for getting rid of your old carpet: In B.C., most recycling seems to be limited to carpet with little wear that can be reused, but there are a number of places in the U.S. that are recycling old, worn carpet and I suspect it will be just a matter of time before we will be able to ship our old carpet back to the manufacturer to be recycled.

Contact the Recycling Council of BC to find out the best alternatives for getting rid of building materials (www.rcbc.bc.ca).

How often should perimeter drains be cleaned?

Q: The time has come for us to convert our basement into a suite. The problem we have noticed when examining the concrete foundation a little closer is that there is water in one corner of the basement.

Our home is about 20 years old and I know we have perimeter drains as well as a sump pump. A neighbour has suggested that’s the cause for the leaking. I must confess we have never had the perimeter drains cleaned out and many of our neighbours do this, regardless of any signs of leaking. Do you agree that this is something required on a regular basis?

– Davin, Coquitlam

A: Over the years your clay, grey concrete or plastic perimeter drains will tend to silt up from the continued water hydraulics within the ground.

This can also be caused by tree roots, leaves from the roof, or shrubs planted close to foundation. Perimeter drains should be cleaned in older homes — right away in your case, as you mentioned never having done this in the past.

You should repeat this every three years from this point on.

If it were a newer home, I would suggest having it inspected at five years and every year after that. By doing this, it will ensure that your drains will run unobstructed to the sump or storm sewer, reducing the hydraulic gravity pressure that causes the water to seep into the basement.

Before renovating, make sure you have this investigated further to avoid costly damage to your new renovation.

When should exterior taps be winterized?

Q: My strata council insists that the outside water has to be shut off in October. It seems too early, since I garden and clean my deck and need outside water as long as possible. Is October realistic or too early?
– Clair, Delta

A: When the outside temperature drops below minus six degrees Celsius, water pipes can freeze and burst, resulting in costly plumbing repairs.
Fall weather in Vancouver can be unpredictable and it is not unheard of to have a cold weather snap come up.
Considering the costly consequences, it is wise for your strata to be ready for winter in October or November at the latest to prevent damage caused by freezing water in lines.

Note: This applies to people living in the Greater Vancouver area.