Closing The Gaps In Your Sanded Floors

 

We use three techniques for filling gaps in sanded floors:

1.PVA D3 Adhesive: fine dust from the floor being sanded is mixed with a resin and applied to gaps with filling knife.

2.Solid Pine Strip: strips of reclaimed pine are glued, forced into the gaps, and chiseled back. 

3.Flexi Fill: Made from flexible plastic strips that sit in between your floor boards.

 

Method 1: Filling With Resin

The conventional way of gap filling sanded floor boards is to use a resin mixed with the dust that comes off the floor.  This is the least costly method, but also the least effective since it can easily crack and fall out.

In our experience this form of gap filling has limited longevity.  Our preferred method of gap filling is to use a PVA D3 waterproof adhesive.  We have found that PVA adhesive will last far longer and is more durable that resin mix.

Please note, wooden floor boards will expand & shrink through the changing seasons due to temperature and moisture variation.  With some floors this can result in gaps forming between boards that have been filled with resin or PVA.  Due to the natural movement in your floors, the PVA / resin paste method can be unreliable and drop through or get vacuumed up with gaps over 3mm wide.  This can also result in some loss of the gap filler between your floor boards over time.  GJP Floor Sanding is therefore unable to guarantee resin / PVA gap filler solutions.

Method 2: Solid Pine Strips

Using specially manufactured strips of reclaimed pine, the strips are glued with a D3 PVA glue and hammered into the gaps before being chiselled off and polished back.

This has the advantage of being less prone to cracking out and the disadvantage of being more expensive.  Again this procedure is completed after the 80grit sanding.  The results are spectacular - a solid pine floor without relaying!

Disclaimer: wood slivers / strips are the most reliable method of filling gaps. Please note, wooden floor boards  will expand & shrink through the changing seasons due to temperature and moisture variation.  With some floors this can result in gaps forming between boards that have been filled with either technique.

Method 3: GJP Flexi Fill

GJP Flooring’s Flexi Fill is a new ‘alternative’ gap filling solution unique to GJP Floor Sanding.   Made from flexible plastic strips, the Flexi Fill seal sits invisibly in the between the gaps in your floor.  

Whether you have a Georgian, Regency, Victorian, Edwardian home or a more modern house; Flexi fill, fills the gaps between old floorboards without spoiling the look and feel of your floor.  The unique qualities of Flexi Fill means that you floor will retain the appearance of a traditional wooden floor that has not been filled yet adopt the benefits of a floor that has been treated with a conventional gap filling technique e.g. Flexi Fill will still stop dirt, dust, insects and odours from entering your home.

Flexi fill is quick to install and virtually mess free. Flexi Fill is the only gap filling solution that expands and contracts with your floors natural movement through out the seasons.