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How Using a Floor Gap Fixer?

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Purchase a floor gap fixer tool. These days, many companies sell special devices designed to make it easier to close small gaps in hardwood and laminate flooring. These most often take the form of small, heavy rectangular blocks. The blocks feature an adhesive rubber face that provides traction to maneuver the slipped plank back into place with a few taps of a mallet.


You can find floor gap fixers at most major home improvement centers or online for around $40-60. If you’re trying to keep spending to a minimum for your repair project, try making your own floor gap fixer tool by coating one side of a 4×4 with double-sided tape.


Remove the protective backing from the adhesive face of the block. Peel the plastic covering away to expose the tacky rubber pad underneath. This surface will be used to grip the laminate plank while you force it back into place manually. The adhesive pad of the floor gap fixer is reusable, as long as it’s properly cleaned between projects.


Position the block 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the end of one of the displaced planks. Situate the tool in the center of either plank, then press down firmly on the topside with both hands to anchor it. It should stick to the plank securely enough to prevent slipping or scooting while you work. Once you get started, you’ll the shift the plank in the direction of the gap to close it off.


Avoid removing the block once it’s in place unless it’s absolutely necessary, as this may weaken the hold of the adhesive pad. Work your way toward the center of the floor and away from the wall. When using the floor gap fixer, it’s generally best to inch the problem plank towards the center of the floor, rather than outward towards the wall.

How to Prepare Concrete Floor for Ceramic Tile?

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A concrete floor is a good base for laying ceramic tiles, provided it is level and free of cracks or abrasions. Self-leveling compound can be purchased at your local home improvement store and applied to the concrete floor prior to tiling. Cleaning and filling any cracks in the floor takes a little time, and the only precautions to take prior to tiling are to make sure that the floor is completely dry, as the thinset used for tile needs a moisture-free environment. The following steps will allow you to prepare a concrete floor before you lay your tiles.

Sweep the floor for dust and debris. Use a broom to sweep any debris from the floor. Remove dust. Use a wet mop to get any remaining dust from the cement floor. Leveling compounds are sensitive to dust so it’s important to remove the dust with water. Allow the floor to dry for at least 1 hour.

Identify and fill any cracks in the concrete. Mix thinset mortar with water in a bucket according to package instructions. Stir the thinset thoroughly with a trowel. Pour the thinset in any cracks, to about 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) above the floor surface. Smooth the thinset with a masonry float. Allow to dry according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply latex primer. Pour latex primer into a paint tray. Use a paint roller to apply the primer to the floor. Cover the entire floor with 1 coat. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most primer will take at least 24 hours to dry thoroughly. Use a level to check the floor. Use a large carpenter’s level to identify low areas of the floor. Move the level across the floor and use a marker to mark low levels of the concrete.

Apply self-leveling compound. Mix the self-leveling compound in a bucket according to package directions. Pour the compound into a bucket. Slowly pour the compound into the areas that you previously marked as low. The compound will expand and rise to reach the correct levels of the rest of the concrete. Use a trowel to spread the compound until it is as flat and smooth as possible. Allow the compound to dry for 24 hours before starting on your tile.