Also, as to method - since the maritime version with the wood swelling won't be happening - we're using 3/8" sisal rope and stuffing it about 1/8" below the radius'd corner of each board (we made a tool for this). We teased apart a length or two, for adding one strand to the 3/8" when the gap is larger than normal. After this, we plan on a light sanding, and then a coat or two of waterseal.
Thank you all very much for your help. Since the location is on an island, I thought the oakum would be design appropriate;-) But who knows how long it will last....
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Mary Colette Wallace Assoc. AIA
President
The Wallace Research Group
Bellevue WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2011 13:18
From: Mary Colette Wallace
Subject: Question about sisal rope for wood flooring gaps
Okay, this is my first attempt at sending a photo as an attachment. I hope it comes through.
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Mary Colette Wallace Assoc. AIA
President
The Wallace Research Group
Bellevue WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2011 12:57
From: Mary Colette Wallace
Subject: Question about sisal rope for wood flooring gaps
Thank you everyone, for your replies. I thought oakum was the pitch-like substance to 'seal' the sisal or hemp fiber into place. Instead, as several of you pointed out via the wikipedia site on 'oakum', it's the fiber itself. For our application, the sisal will be stuffed between deck boards on a covered deck at a rural workshop and sealed (after a light sanding) with a waterseal product. I guess only time will tell as to how durable it will be. However it looks beautiful so far.
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Mary Colette Wallace Assoc. AIA
President
The Wallace Research Group
Bellevue WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2011 15:04
From: Mary Colette Wallace
Subject: Question about sisal rope for wood flooring gaps
We are looking for some information on inserting sisal rope between floorboards - to fill gaps. I know this was done in some (really old) buildings when gaps developed, and I remember some substance called 'oakum'. Perhaps someone has run across this, or used the method, and would be helpful.
Thank you for any help - especially if you have used this method/material for floor gaps.
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Mary Colette Wallace Assoc. AIA
President
The Wallace Research Group
Bellevue WA
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