Saturday, August 28, 2010

Protecting Your Tile Floor from Stains

Did you know that there is an easy way to protect your commercial tile floor from moisture, stains, and mildew? Simply seal your tile grout. After tile is installed and grouted, it is important to seal the grout in order to prevent moisture, stains, and mildew from seeping into the grout. Sealing your grout will also enable you to clean your tile less often since it helps prevent dirt from getting into the grout. Here are the basic steps to seal the grout on your tile floor:

  1. Wait a minimum of 48 hours after your tile is installed before you attempt to seal the grout. Some installers recommend that you wait 2-3 weeks before sealing. This helps ensure that the grout is completely set.
  2. Use a silicone or water based grout sealer and apply with a paintbrush. You can also buy spray on grout sealer for more convenience.
  3. Remove excess sealer from the tile before it has a chance to dry.
  4. Allow the sealer to dry for at least one hour.
  5. Apply another coat using the steps above. (Some installers recommend a second and even third coat of sealer)
  6. To find out if you need a second or even third coat of sealer, test the sealer by dropping a little water on the grout. If the water beads up, no need for another coat. If it doesn't, simply apply more coats of sealer until the water beads up on the grout.
  7. Remember that grout sealer has a potent smell. To avoid the smell, get out of the house for a while until it has a chance to dry and air out. Also, read and follow the directions on the bottle carefully.
  8. Reapply grout sealer as recommended. Commercial tile floors might need sealer applied more often so check the usage directions. If you aren't sure, simply check the sealer as you were instructed in step 6. If the water beads up, apply more sealer.

For all your Tulsa, OK area commercial flooring needs, contact Jim Ecrette at ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings at 918-252-7711 or prosourcejim@tulsacoxmail.com. Remember to ask for Darryl Baskin's flooring discount.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Protecting Your Tulsa OK Commercial Property.

Thinking of burglary at your Tulsa, OK area commercial property is probably not something anyone wants to do. It can, however, help prevent burglary from occurring. Whatever type of commercial property or business you own, here are some ways that you can keep your property secure.
  • Put small items in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe. If using a safe, consider securing it to the floor.
  • Make sure all your doors and windows are properly secure and adequate for commercial property use.
  • Keep the exterior of your property well lit with motion sensor lighting.
  • Pretend you are a burglar and try to find areas around your property that you could get in. When you have a list, make sure those areas are completely secure.
  • Don’t hide items in obvious locations.
  • Install a security system that is monitored at all times.
  • Keep a watchful eye out at all times. If you see something suspicious call the authorities.
  • Always plan for the worst. Although we hope that we will never experience a break in, always make sure that your commercial insurance is more than adequate to cover loss due to a burglary.
To receive a quote for security system installation in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Tory Tipp of TNT Security at 918-313-4074 or torytipp@yahoo.com.

For commercial insurance on your Tulsa, OK property, contact Mike Tedford of Tedford Insurance at 918-299-2345 or www.tedfordinsurance.com.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

From Our Top 5 Team: Looking for a Summer Remodeling Project? These Tips Might Help

Looking for a Summer Remodeling Project? These Tips Might Help

Other than vacations, summer is the time of the year most popular for home improvement. The long days and warm, sunny weather make a great time to work on repairs and renovations without much of the hassles and delays that rain and other elements bring.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have years of experience and understand how taking on a remodeling project is beneficial to you, both now and then later down the road should you choose to sell.

For these reasons and more, a good number of homeowners undertake home improvement projects, especially during the summer.

 

Following are tips and projects—both large and small—for homeowners looking to spruce their homes up this summer.

Patios and Decks
What better way to enjoy the warm days than by creating an outdoor living space for the family to enjoy.

 

Decks and patios are among the most popular summer remodeling ideas. There are various factors to take into consideration when deciding on whether a patio or deck is the most appropriate project to undertake. Such factors include soil condition and consistency, site terrain, use, capacity and privacy, as well as the cost and maintenance you are willing to put up with.

Home Maintenance
Throughout the seasons, your home has taken good care of you and your family and now is the best time to give back.

 

Go through your property to evaluate and create a checklist on areas that need mending or replacement. This list is a crucial preparation before calling a contractor or handyman for maintenance/repair services. Some common maintenance and repair include:

  • Waterproofing the basement
  • Re-caulking and replacing weather-striping
  • Cleaning and sealing wooden decks
  • Trimming bushes and trees
  • Realigning downspouts and gutters
  • Repairing the roof
  • Cleaning the pool
  • Mending the fence
  • Sealing cracks along driveways, foundation, walkways, etc.
  • Maintenance of HVAC systems

Energy-Efficient Renovation
When it comes to summer remodeling, there's no better way to invest your hard-earned dollars than by making your home energy efficient. An energy-efficient summer remodel is truly a worthwhile endeavor as it will result in years of savings on your energy bills. Some of the common items you can buy and integrate into your energy-efficient renovation include:

  • Insulation systems and materials
  • Roofs that resist heat gain
  • Biomass-burning stoves
  • Energy-efficient windows
  • HVAC systems with the highest efficiency tier
  • Solar panels
  • Fuel cells
  • Geothermal heat pumps
  • Wind energy systems

Taking on one (or more!) of these projects is a great way to give back to your home this summer…and, in some cases, save you a bit of money, too. For more information on home renovation projects, please e-mail our team - and please feel free to forward these tips to any family and friends you think might benefit from them as well.

Sincerely,

Darryl Baskin
McGraw Realtors
Office: 918-258-2600
Mobile: 918-740-0077
Darryl@DarrylBaskin.com
http://www.DarrylBaskin.com

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