Protecting Your Tile Floor

Did you know that there is an easy way to protect your 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.

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.

For all your Tulsa, OK area 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.

Signs of Structural and Termite Damage

Whether you own or are purchasing a home, damage caused by structural problems or termites can be frustrating. Some issues are easy to discover and are noticed quickly; others take time and are discovered after substantial damage is done. Keep a watch for these signs of structural and termite damage.

Termite Damage

• Sagging floors or ceilings
• Traces of a dust like substance
• Areas that look water damaged

Structural Damage

• Cracks in the brick
• Separating of the fascia board
• Doors or windows that stick
• Cracks in the sheet rock
  
• Sloping, uneven, soft or squeaky floors
• Cracks in floor tiles
• Tears or wrinkles in the wall

If you suspect termite damage in your Broken Arrow, OK area home, contact Duane Montgomery of Montgomery Exterminating at 918-438-4885 or www.montgomeryexterminating.com.

For structural damage questions and repairs over your Broken Arrow, OK area home, contact Jonathon Knapp of Residential Repair at 918-621-1020 or www.residentialrepairinc.com.

Building Industry Shows Signs of Improvement

Despite the economy and the constant news that the housing market is failing, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and the Tulsa metro area are doing quite well. Tulsa and Broken Arrow both had 32 housing starts (new residential building projects started) for the month of December. Broken Arrow, however, had 375 housing starts for the year of 2009, where Tulsa had 353. 190 building permits were issued in the Tulsa metro area in December. That is a 14.5% increase over November of 2009 and an 81% increase over December of 2008. Tulsa's housing starts for the year of 2008 were only 9.5% behind that of totals from last year at the same time. While that may not sound positive, the beginning of the year housing starts were 50% behind those of last years.

That news causes many to believe that the building industry is improving. While there is no one factor that could cause this improvement, there are several that may have helped with it: the first time buyers tax credit and new legislation in Oklahoma that would require builders to carry worker's compensation insurance.

To build a new home in the Tulsa, OK or Broken Arrow, OK area call Rick Oberlender of US Buidling Systems at 918-734-1293 or usbs@att.net.

To buy or sell a home in the Tulsa, OK or Broken Arrow, OK area, contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at 918-258-2600 or www.darrylbaskin.com.

For more information on the first time home buyer tax credit contact Karen Heston at 918-230-9432 or kheston@bokf.com.

Preventing Water Damage!

Water damage and leaks can be anything from a minor irritation to a major problem. For some homeowners, the damage caused from water leaks may be covered under their homeowner's insurance policy. For others, the cost to repair these damages is out-of-pocket. No one likes to spends lots of money in repairs, therefore preventing damage is the best way help prevent those excess expenses.

• Occasionally, check appliances that use water. Check for leaks around hoses, underneath for soft flooring and nearby for evidence of water leaks. When leaving the house, don't leave these appliances running. Disconnect or turn off the water to your washing machine before leaving the house for extended periods of time.
  
• Check sinks, showers/tubs, and toilets for clogs and loose caulking. Also check for soft flooring or water nearby that might indicate a leak.
• Check your water heater for rust and for wet spots on the floor.
• Make sure your roof is in good condition, all soffits and vents allow for good air flow, there isn't any debris on the roof or guttering, and there is no evidence of bent, missing or damaged shingles.
• Before and during cold weather keep faucets off and hoses disconnected from the spigots.
• During warmer weather, have your A/C unit serviced to ensure that it is in good working order.
• Check all caulking and paint on the exterior of your house and around windows and doors.
• Prevent water from sitting around the foundation of your home by filling low spots.
  
• If you suspect a leak that you can't find, turn off all appliances (that use water), faucets and don't flush the toilet. Record your water meter reading at the beginning and ending of an hour. If the number has changed, a leak is possible.
• Make sure everyone in the household knows where the water shut-off valve is in case of an emergency. Turning this off while away from home for vacation can also help to prevent damage from leaks.
  

Remember to keep the above tips in mind to help prevent water damage, however when water damage does occur consult with home maintenance professionals.

If you suspect roof damage, contact Jonathan Knapp of Royal Roofing at 918-398-6500 or www.royalroofingllc.com.

For property drainage solutions and landscaping needs, call Nathan Vaughn of Bluum Outdoor at 918-599-8500 or www.bluum.net.

For A/C service or for installation, contact Stephen Taylor of Air Assurance at 918-258-HEAT or www.airassurance.com.

Recent Mortgage Modifications Fail!

President Obama's plan to help mortgage borrowers who are in trouble is failing for many. Almost 1 million borrowers applied for the mortgage modification program, however only 65,000 or 7 percent have completed the modification. Approximately 50,000 borrowers dropped out because they didn't qualify and the rest of those that applied are still waiting.

For more information on the mortgage modification program or to apply for a mortgage loan or refinance, contact Jeff Sargent of ONB Mortgage at 918-392-6572 or visit his website here.