Hardwood Floors October/November 2024

TECH TALK

with

John Alford Alford’s Custom Hardwood Floors

Matt Garcia Craftsman Hardwood Flooring

Tom Ourada Ourada Designs

“At what point do you consider squeaks to be in need of a repair rather than just being a normal occurrence?”

JOHN ALFORD

MATT GARCIA

The first thing I want to understand is the client’s expectations versus what a realistic expectation is because it’s really a matter of some squeaks are louder and more annoying than others. I’ll try to understand if this is a reasonable complaint or concern, and then if I don’t think it’s reasonable, I’ll go back to the manufacturer and industry guidelines to see what they say about it. I always try to give them an option that could solve their problem. Sometimes, it’s completely unreasonable, but I at least like to provide them with the option. Maybe it’s entirely replacing the floor, and I will give them the pros and cons and let them choose. That’s where I try to read the client and understand where they’re at. I like to hear them out because whether an industry publication says it or not, that doesn’t mean it will make them happy. Ultimately, I want them to have a good experience, so I will try to listen and understand where they’re coming from and what they want and try to address that head-on to avoid miscommunication.

Squeaks in floors are a typical cause for concern with most homeowners. Many factors can cause them, whether from poor installation, or from poor subfloor preparation, or from environmental problems such as severe humidity swings from season to season. Squeaks are most common to repair when they are in major walkways and become an annoyance. For the most part, squeaks in floors will not cause a long-term effect on the life of a floor. Again, it just is an annoyance.

TOM OURADA

I like problem-solving, so it’s one of those things where I wonder if I can get access underneath, and my mind races with the possibilities. I want to know if I can go into their basement and check to see if they have open space to pop in a shim or something in an older house. If I hear it, I will try to do something about it.

AUG/SEPT 2024

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WHY SPLINE? INSTALLING LONG-LENGTH HARDWOOD FLOORING

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