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Post by Linda on Sept 19, 2006 12:21:36 GMT -5
Hey everyone,
Well I just received my first construction cleanup account as a business owner. I have a little experience as an employee, but not as a business owner. I really need advice on where to begin and what all I may need. My main issue is the drywall dust. What is the best way to approach removing the dust? Microfiber dust mop? I would probably have to do it twice wouldnt I? Maybe dust first then use a damp dust mop? There is one section of vct tile that he wants a sealer put on? Should that be buffed first then mopped then a sealer? All he wants is a sealer put on that area and the rest of the area of tile just swept and mopped. Any advice you can give me for the floors? I think that I will be ok, but I am really nervous.
Thanks for help, Linda
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Post by logan5127 on Sept 19, 2006 13:02:09 GMT -5
Hey Linda, Congrats on this job. Estimating the time on new construction is a little tricky. I always estimate the time and then add on around 10 hours and usually hit real close. We use large hepa filter vacuums to remove the majority of dust first. We then wipe with the microfiber towels. In some new construction the dust will still work out of the cracks and crannies. Be sure you have hepa filters. New VCT tile comes with a very cheap , thin layer of finish on it. This cheap finish needs to be removed by stripping it before applying finish. Most finish today is a self sealing finish. And if you want to impress them , I would put at least three coats. IF you do not strip this factory finish off there is a chance that the finish you put on will not adhere to it and will begin flaking off soon. Also even though it looks clean , when you start stripping it you will probably notice it is a lot lighter than you thought. Again , that is because of the cheap factory finish that has yellowed a little and all the construction dust ground into it. We recommend that tile has been put down at least two weeks before we will strip it. Some recommend 30 days. IF tile has not dried proper or been installed proper than as the finish dries the edges may turn up. Always check a new tile floor for any installation flaws. Sometimes you can tell by tapping on the tiles. If it has a hollow sound it may not be stuck down well. Look for any high edges also that may be in the tiles. Hope that helps. I really enjoy new construction. The contractors do all the weeks of hard labor and then we go in and make it look beautiful in a couple of days and get all the praise from the owners. It just doesn't seem fair to the contractors , but oh well thats life. lol Dan
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Post by Linda on Sept 19, 2006 13:07:03 GMT -5
Thanks Dan, will print this out lol. I do have a question though. He said they didnt want a finish put on it, they just wanted a sealer. I dont know really know the difference so should I use a self sealing finish or is it basically the same? I do want to impress
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Post by logan5127 on Sept 19, 2006 15:18:17 GMT -5
Perhaps Kevin , Bill or someone else may know more about sealer. From what I have heard over the years is that the main purpose of the sealer is to level the dimples/pores in the tile surface. Sealers are a little harder. I know if you have a place such as doctors office, the sealer can help things like iodine from getting into the tile. Sealer by itself is harder to strip up. Usually doesn't have as good of a shine as the finish itself. So if possibe, why would you not use a self sealing finish? I believe that most clients are told by the installers that they should seal the floors. So now it is set in their mind to do just that. Anyways a self sealing finish is what I recommend but I am not an installer.
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Post by jedsamsmith on Oct 25, 2006 8:24:01 GMT -5
i am trying to get in this field and would appreciate any help that anyone can offer. you can reach me at jer_smith58@hotmail.com
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Post by Stephan on Oct 25, 2006 8:32:10 GMT -5
i am trying to get in this field and would appreciate any help that anyone can offer. you can reach me at jer_smith58@hotmail.com There is a great deal on information on this board. Just search them and you'll be surprised with how much info you will find. If you have any questions, just ask!
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Post by jedsamsmith on Oct 25, 2006 8:50:22 GMT -5
i will be looking and learning
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Post by Stephan on Oct 25, 2006 8:58:40 GMT -5
i will be looking and learning It's much better to ask the question in a post instead of individual emails. In a post, everyone can learn from the questions and answers.
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Post by thedirtdoctors on Nov 8, 2006 23:45:42 GMT -5
I've been in the clean-up game for 10 yrs. there are only basic tools you need window tools, micro fiber rags, a couple of good vacs cheap ones you'll go through alot of them. shop vacs, dust mops, A good car duster works wonders, scapers for windows, and lots of dishsoap and water. No sealer on floors mean only use mop & glow.
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