for repairing engineered glue down floors while other types are used for solid hardwood floors. The most widely used kit for engineered floors is the DriTac repair kit. It is only to be used with engineered floors because of the makeup of the adhesive which is water based.

When doing these types of repairs we're only looking for areas that are making those noises when walked on. You may have forgotten where they were because they do not make sounds all the time. By tapping on the areas affected with your knuckle you can better find the offending areas that will sound hollow.

Sure, you may find other areas that sound hollow, but some will and some will not. The inherent makeup of how glue down floors work will leave small voids underneath in many areas. We've found when people get a hold of this kit they tend to over use it, drilling in every hollow spot they can find. This is not necessary.

Drill The Holes

Once you have found the areas, mark them with small pieces of blue painters tape so you know where they are later. The nail punch set should be used as a starter hole. Without a small starter hole, you're likely to get drill bit wander causing damages you would rather not have. The nail punch should be used to make starter holes so you have more control with the drill bit.

Using The Syringe

Next step is drawing adhesive from the quart container with the use of the syringe. Always try to keep Drawing adhesive with a syringe cleanup rags nearby during this procedure. It may also be wise to keep everything on cardboard so the adhesive doesn't goo all over the place. DriTac may be water based, but once it begins to cure it will require mineral spirits and a rag to clean up excess residue.

How much adhesive you'll need to fill each and every void will vary. Once the syringe is filled, slowly squeeze out the adhesive into the drilled hole. Keep your weight off the affected area to allow the adhesive to spread into the voids underneath. You may have to refill and inject again until the adhesive no longer wants to fill the area or overflows. Another way of detecting if the adhesive has flowed evenly in the low area is by tapping on the floor. If you hear any hollow spots it may require more adhesive.

Wooden Dowels

Finally, our repair kit comes with thin dowel sticks. Taper one end with a utility knife creating a cork top appearance that will enable easier placement into our drilled hole. Cut the other end square and about 2/3 the thickness of the flooring and carefully tap into place with a hammer. Glue on the inside of the drilled hole will keep the piece intact. These small dowel heads are rarely seen from a standing position after the repair is completed. If you're concerned about the look, a similar colored magic maker can be used to lightly stain them.

Other Important Items To Consider

This repair kit is only to be used with engineered floors. Using them for solid floors will cause distortion of boards in the affected area. If you want to use this kit again, it is imperative it be cleaned and flushed with hot water immediately after use. Once cured, the adhesive becomes a rubberized tacky substance; hence the name DriTac.