Blog - PRO! Flooring

Flooring
June 16, 2015

Choosing Flooring With National Safety Month In Mind

Every June, the National Safety Council celebrates National Safety Month. This year the theme is “What I Live For”, and they are focusing on several different topics to keep you safe in your home, one of them being slips, trips and falls.

About 2.5 million nonfatal falls were treated in emergency rooms last year. More than 250,000 hip fractures are reported each year, with 95 percent of them being caused by a fall.

Since flooring is one of the major factors in contributing to a severe fall, using materials that reduce the risk of falling or slipping is important especially if you have an at-risk person living in your home. What is the best type of flooring?

Carpeting offers several advantages. Carpets offer a slip resistant surface, and a cushioned surface that may reduce injury if a fall takes place. However, carpets can be a hindrance especially for elderly that may need assistance with walking. Wheelchairs can find if difficult to move over plush carpeted surfaces. Also, canes and walkers can get caught up on carpet surfaces and lead to falls.

If carpets are overly soft or plush, the cushion may interfere with mobility, especially if a family member has difficulty maintaining balance (which may be the case with people suffering from Parkinson’s or a stroke). While carpets can be of benefit, its important to understand your family’s needs.

Another choice may be in choosing vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is improving all the time, with luxury options available in many colors, styles and patterns. Vinyl can provide a more stable surface to support balance – important with mobility or balance issues – and can be cushioned to prevent injury in case of a fall. Keep in mind that vinyl can be slippery in some cases in wet conditions, so it is important to maintain vinyl and keep it dry in high risk areas.

Have additional questions about the right flooring choice for your home situation? Stop by or give us a call today; we’d be happy to share our experiences with you.

Flooring
June 13, 2015

Flooring Comparisons Before You Buy

If your in the market to update the flooring in your home but feel lost in choices available that work best for your house, you are in luck. We have put together a list to help narrow down your selections.

Bamboo Flooring

Pros:

Environmentally friendly – one of the fastest, most renewable products on the market
Strong and durable
Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

Can darken or fade in direct sunlight
Can warp if left wet for extended periods of time

Carpet

Pros:

Soft, quiet and warm under foot
Most cost effective flooring choice on the market
Easy to replace and upgrade
Brings color and texture into your room décor

Cons:

Can stain easily
Low quality carpets will show wear quickly

Ceramic Tile Flooring

Pros:

Durable
Water and stain resistant
Wide choice of colors, textures, patterns and shapes

Cons:

Grout lines can be hard to clean and can stain easily
Low quality tiles can chip
Glossy tiles can be slippery when wet

Cork Flooring

Pros:

Natural product
Soft and warm
Resists mildew
Easy to clean
Polyurethane finishes last up to seven years before refinishing is needed

Cons:

Wax finishes need reapplication every 6 to 12 months
High moisture situations can cause damage

Engineered Wood Flooring

Pros:

Maintains its shape more than wood
Quicker installation time
Comes prefinished so stain and finish will be consistent and harder

Cons:

Cannot be refinished
Offbrands may have weaker cores
Ends may split in high traffic areas

Laminate Flooring

Pros:

Durable
Affordable
Easy to clean and maintain
Excellent do it yourself applications

Cons:

Easily scratched
Off brands may chip and peel easy
If installing in a high moisture situation, make sure laminate was designed for water situations

Linoleum Flooring

Pros:

Made of natural materials
More durable than vinyl
Color extends through entire material

Cons:

Must be resealed annually
May scuff if not polished
Susceptible to water damage

Stone Flooring

Pros:

Extremely durable
A timeless, classic design
Natural beauty

Cons:

One of the highest cost flooring choices on the market
Some materials can absorb dirt and stains – all stone should be sealed
Can be difficult to repair

Vinyl Flooring

Pros:

Durable
Water resistant in sheet form
Easy to clean
Less expensive than other flooring choices

Cons:

Difficult to repair
Offbrands may discolor
In tile form, moisture can seep between seams

Wood Flooring

Pros:

Durable, wears well over time
Long lasting
Provides a warm look
Can be refinished

Cons:

Vulnerable to moisture
Soft woods can dent easily
May darken or fade in direct sunlight
Can shrink or expand in certain conditions

Flooring
June 10, 2015

How To Choose Flooring For Hallways and Stairs

One of the highest traffic flow, most susceptible areas for wear damage in your home are the hallways, entryways and stairs within your home. Because a definitive traffic pattern exists, you’ll want to choose flooring that’s designed for heavy use, especially if the flooring is accessible to outside entryways. For your main entry, you will also want flooring that makes a dramatic entrance, warm and inviting to all that enter.

The Best Flooring for Stairs and Hallways

Not sure what type of flooring is best? Here are a few ideas.

Carpet

For high traffic hallways and stairs, a low profile carpet can add more life expectancy. Choose pulled down nylon or loop construction for durability. Also select a high quality padding to increase the wearability. Carpet also offers slip resistance, which makes it an excellent choice for stairs.

If you choose to have wood throughout your home, and want the sleek lines to carry upstairs as well, you can consider carpet runners for added protection in high traffic areas, and to add color and personality in different parts of your home. A secured runner on the stairs can add safety, especially in homes with small children or elderly.

Hardwood

Hardwood is one of the most popular materials used throughout the Front Range, and with good reason. Hardwood is durable, hides potential dents and scratches, and can hide dirt and debris easier than other types of flooring, depending on the color. When choosing hardwood, you’ll have to decide between solid or engineered hardwood. While both are made from 100 percent wood, solid wood is more susceptible to damage from excessive moisture. Engineered woods are constructed to allow planks to grow and contract with environmental changes, so they make great floors in entryways that lead to the outdoors. Mats with rubber backs are not recommended as they restrict the hardwood floor from breathing.

Laminate

Laminate gives you the look of real hardwood in an easier to maintain, lower cost method. The biggest advantage of laminate is its finishes, which are extremely resistant to fading, scratching and scuffing. Laminate flooring is also easier to install, which can be a bonus to do it yourselves. Because laminates come with a click and lock plan installation, they can be tricky for stairs. Some manufacturers offer a one piece laminate stair tread option.

Tile & Stone

One of the most durable flooring options in high traffic areas is tile. Today’s ceramic tiles include large selections of colors, styles, sizes and patterns, and can create unlimited possibilities when piecing together patterns and designs. Tiles are easy to clean and maintain, but grout may need periodic cleaning and sealing to keep it looking fresh and new. For an upgraded appearance, natural stone offers a sophisticated look that can add ambiance to any home environment. Consider slate, marble, granite, travertine or limestone, which can help you create a luxurious look anywhere.

Need additional guidance to make the right choice for your hallways and stairs? Stop by today and see all the many options available that can make your home unique.

About Pro Flooring Brokers

We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! Our passion is your project.

Have a Flooring Project in the Denver Area?

Commercial and residential customers love our huge selection of carpet, hardwood, porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl tile/planks, laminate flooring, and sheet vinyl flooring. Check out our products to learn more. Visit our showroom, meet our team, and let’s start your flooring project together. We offer:

Complimentary on-site measuring
Flooring estimates based on floor plans or blueprints
Installations performed by trained and qualified installers
Full one-year guarantee on all workmanship (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)

Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Flooring Brokers. Contact us, visit our showroom, or call today at 303.788.0113. We look forward to helping you.

Flooring
June 6, 2015

Choosing Flooring For Children With Autism

What is happening in our day to day lives determines how we choose to decorate our homes. A young bachelor will have different needs than an empty nest couple. An individual with a dog will have different needs than a family of five. And if you have a child with autism, you’ll begin to look at décor in an even different manner.

Many children diagnosed with autism have shown a chemical sensitivity that is often increased around vinyl. While the link is still being tested and documented, if you have vinyl in your home, or are considering changing the flooring in your home, it may be worth considering a move from vinyl to more natural products for the floor.

For many homes with autistic children, carpeting becomes the logical choice for both noise reduction and for safety features. When choosing carpeting, look for natural fibers – a 100 percent wool carpet created with a jute back is best to eliminate toxicity and to minimize the potential of inciting allergies.

Don’t just focus on the carpets; talk with the flooring contractor about the best padding as well. Padding can be made from a variety of materials; choose natural materials to ensure a low toxicity home.

While the type of flooring is important, color is also an issue. Color is a major issue when designing spaces for children with autism, and researches have found ways to reduce stress simply by changing colors and patterns within the décor.

Autistic children see color in a different manner than neurotypical children, with most see seeing color with greater intensity. Red would appear nearly fluorescent, vibrating with energy.

Muted colors, however, can have a calming effect. Cool colors such as soft blues or greens can be soothing. Designs and patterns should be non-linear and non-obtrusive. Anything that can appear as stimuli and energizing should be removed.

Flooring
June 4, 2015

Trends In Commercial Flooring For Senior Care Centers

By the year 2030, one in five people living in the US will be age 65 or older. And while the population continues to age, a lot more space will be dedicated to taking care of seniors when they need it most.

Facilities are opening up all the time, dedicating themselves to different levels of care. Some individuals are taking matters into their own hands, and redesigning their homes with aging in place in mind. Yet no matter what level of care you provide, seniors have special needs that begin with the way a site is designed and the way it functions on a day to day basis. It’s a fine line between choosing a floor that will be safe, sanitary and easy to maintain, and one that looks good too.

Safety
As we age, our balance continues to decrease, and the chances of falling goes up. To avoid injury, the harder a floor is, the more likely a fall will turn into an injury. Soft floors can cushion a fall, and give a person more protection as they land. Soft flooring choices include cork, carpeting, padded vinyl and rubber.

In addition to softness, it’s also important to pay attention to traction, as tripping is one of the number one reasons behind a fall. In bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where water and liquid spills are a possibility, it’s important to create a surface that doesn’t become slippery when wet. Also focus in on transitions as a person moves from room to room. Shuffling feet can easily get caught up in even the smallest of adjustments in height, and give walkers a reason to fall.

Maintenance
While safety is a number one priority for any facility created for seniors, maintenance should also be a top concern. When mobility is an issue, accidents are more prone to happen on a regular basis. To be able to clean and disinfect floors each time an accident occurs will create a healthier environment overall, and keep the facility looking its best with simple cleaning methods.

Different types of flooring can also effect indoor air quality within the space itself. Some flooring choices, such as vinyl, can give off small amounts of Volatile Organic Chemicals, which can impact some residents with allergies or breathing problems. Some flooring choices, like carpeting, can allow dust and dirt to accumulate in the flooring, and ultimately end up in the air as movement occurs. It’s important to understand the purpose of each room, and make your final selection wisely depending on your needs.

Have any additional questions about flooring for your senior facility? Give us a call today.

Flooring
May 30, 2015

Do I Need To Be Concerned With Formaldehyde In Laminate Flooring?

There has been a lot of talk in the news these past few months about formaldehyde in laminate flooring, and whether it’s a safe flooring choice for your home.

Formaldehyde is a chemical made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen that is found everywhere. It occurs naturally and can be synthesized for industrial use in products we use every day. While it is very useful and has an endless amount of potential in its uses, its also known to be dangerous and exposure can wreak havoc with your health in high concentrations

Laminate flooring is made by attaching a wood veneer with a formaldehyde based resin, and attached to various wood platforms. Laminate flooring is made from a variety of different products, and made in a variety of different places around the world. For these reasons, its important to understand what product you are buying, and ultimately what its true characteristics can be. Low end flooring made from materials you would expect to be green by nature doesn’t necessarily make it so. They can still be created with a formaldehyde based adhesive that can give off high amounts of emissions.

Before you make a decision on purchasing and installing a laminate flooring, make sure you have all the facts.

And if you have a laminate flooring installed, it doesn’t mean it’s harmful and you should be concerned. Formaldehyde is present in many consumer products – composite wood products in flooring, cabinets and furniture; wood floors and wall finishes; and it’s produced in combustion sources such as gas stoves and wood burning fireplaces. Laminate wood flooring is likely to contain some formaldehyde. However the products of today have had emissions reduced by as much as 80 to 90 percent since the 1980s, and due to mandatory formaldehyde emission standards, the the numbers continue to diminish over time.

Emissions – or offgassing from these products reduces as time goes by. However, if you feel you may have been exposed to harmful levels, testing your home for toxicity levels may be warranted.

Have additional questions about the flooring you lay in your home? Speak with one of our flooring consultants today, and you’ll find the perfect choice for your family.

Carpet, Flooring
May 27, 2015

Is Berber Carpet Still In Style?

“I’ve had Berber carpeting before and love everything about it. I’m redoing the floors in my current home and would love to install Berber carpet, but I’m worried about having my home look out of date. I may be selling it in the next year and want something that will hold its value, not take it away. Is Berber carpet still in style?”

Berber carpet is one of those timeless products where its beauty and functionality will allow it to always be in style. Once people have lived with Berber carpeting, they almost always consider it again.

Berber carpets have many advantages:

Durability – Very few carpets can compare to the durability of Berber carpets. Berber carpets can be made from different fibers, which can influence its overall durability factor. Make sure you determine the best fiber for your room choice and the amount of traffic it will receive.

Stain resistance – Berber carpet is excellent in resisting spills, keeping them on the surface for you to blot away. Certain fibers will absorb oil stains, so it is important to remove all spills immediately, and treat them appropriately.

Versatile – Berber carpeting comes in a variety of unique designs and color schemes, which gives it a great ability to adapt to a variety of interior designs. Berber is one choice that looks good in the beginning and keeps looking great for years to come.

Comfort and warmth – Berber’s looped design provides the right amount of cushion, perfect for walking, standing and playing on. Its tight weave will also serve to keep your room warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Economical – Berber carpets offer a great value for your home. While Berber can be more expensive than many carpets on the market today, when you factor in their wearability and longevity, nothing can beat the look and feel of Berber. It can hold its value well in the event you choose to sell your home in the future.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 23, 2015

Understanding Warranties With Hardwood Flooring

In today’s world, we are trained as consumers to never buy large home improvement items without ensuring a warranty is in place. But what does a warranty really mean? And what does it do for you as a consumer? Warranties with lifetime guarantees sound great and can boost the sellability of a product; but does it truly have value to you as a homeowner?

Before you purchase hardwood flooring, it’s important to understand exactly what product warranties cover, and more importantly, what they do not.

Manufacturer Warranty

Manufacturer warranties were designed to protect the consumer if they purchase a product that is found to be damaged or defective in some way. The manufacturer guarantees that its product is usable for its intended application.

Since hardwood planks are made from natural materials, certain imperfections are naturally assumed to be a part of the final product. The industry realizes this, and thus allows the manufacturer leeway of approximately 5 percent of the total purchased planks. This includes things like finish imperfections, grading discrepancies, milling defects, color differences, and so on. If the defects are beyond this variance, the manufacturer typically agrees that it will repair or replace the defective price or offer a refund.

Sounds straightforward. Yet its not quite that simple. Hardwood flooring can be impacted by a variety of factors. Improper installation, improper maintenance, negligence, fire, water, excessive moisture, heat, pets, insects – the list goes on and on of the things that can bring extenuating circumstances to the table, and cause a manufacturer’s warranty to be deemed null and void. Look for:

Structural Warranties

These warranties will guarantee the milling, grade and moisture content of the wood manufacturer, and guaranteed the planks are stable, won’t split crack or warp if properly installed. Many top name manufacturers will offer lifetime structural warranties, and detail out specific prep and installation guidelines that must be followed to keep the warranty valid. If you as a consumer know these upfront, you can be more aware of the flooring contractor you select for help with installation, and verify criteria is met to keep your warranty active.

Finish Warranties

As the name implies, a finish warrant covers that the finish on the hardwood will not wear off under normal use. Make sure you choose residential or commercial finishes, depending on your use. Almost all finish warranties will come with a limited time factor; industry standards for residential finish warranties tend to hover around 25 years, with commercial being somewhat lower because of the heavier usage. Finish warranties often have a lot of caveats, and will not protect against scratches, dents, gouges or damage caused to foot traffic or dragging things across the floor.

The best advice to consumers is to read the fine print, and be sure to ask your flooring contractor for all the details before making your final decision.

Uncategorized
May 19, 2015

A Guide To Flooring Adhesives

When a new floor is installed into your home or your place of business, most people spend a lot of time thinking about the floor, and not a lot of time thinking about how its installed. Flooring adhesives serve many purposes, with the main one being to hold your floor in place. Yet all adhesives have additional features as well; such as adding flexibility with an urethane adhesive to allow a hardwood floor to expand and contract over time.

Use the wrong adhesive with your flooring type and you’ll know it immediately. Even when choosing an adhesive formulated for the flooring you are installing, it’s good to know you are getting the best features available, to ensure your floor will serve you well now and into the future.

Adhesives in general are made up of different things.

Polymer – a compound used in within the adhesive. If can be a natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) or neoprene.
Binder – a substance that holds the adhesive together. common binders are rubber resin and latex resin.
Resin – are usually a solid or semi-solid material that are natural or synthetic. They improve adhesion, improve tack, and improve the strength.
Fillers – fillers are added to lower the cost and also improve the characteristics of the adhesive. Fillers can control stickiness or add in strength. They can help control moisture, keep away the bugs, or stabilize the surface.

When choosing adhesive for carpeting, consider the backing, the traffic, the maintenance schedule, and the quality and the lifecycle of the carpet. Carpet in a commercial office space will have different requirements than a bedroom in a home. The majority of today’s carpet installations rely on the use of SVR based adhesives because of their excellent grabbing and holding capabilities.

When choosing vinyl for sheet and vinyl tiles, it’s imperative that quality adhesive is used to prevent problems down the road. Be sure to consider the specific usage of the room when choosing adhesive. If you will have heavy loads and lots of movement, a harder setting adhesive may be required to keep the flooring in place and looking good over time.

Hardwood flooring comes in many options, each with it’s own installation needs. The adhesive needed for engineered wood is different than solid wood planks. For engineered wood, a water based adhesive is a good choice because of its excellent bonding characteristics. Urethane based adhesives are excellent choices for solid wood products, giving them strength and flexibility for the long term.

Tiling requirements vary greatly as well. Adhesive needed for tiling on a shower stall is different than one chosen for a kitchen floor. There are two types of ceramic adhesives – Type I and Type II, one used for walls and ceilings in wet requirements, and two used in dry or with limited water exposure.

Have additional questions? Let us know; we’d be happy to answer any of your questions.

Carpet, Flooring
May 16, 2015

Fixing Frayed Carpets At Transitions

“We recently bought a house in a neighborhood we love. The carpet is in pretty good shape and we weren’t planning on replacing it just yet, but we do have one problem. The carpet transitions into tile at one of the bathrooms and it’s fraying. Is there anything I can do? Is this a DIY project, or do I need to hire someone?”

As with any home improvement project, the quicker you are at fixing the problem, the more likely you will be at repairing it completely without a noticeable change. If the carpet is just starting to fray, its important to fix the exposed edge before the wear continues into the carpet. If damage extends more than an inch or so away from the threshold, the repair will be more noticeable.

How To Fix Frayed Carpet Transitions

Here, you will find step by step instructions for properly identifying and repairing a frayed carpet transition. As always, we at Pro Flooring are here to help should you wish to hire a professional for the job.

Step 1. Remove the threshold

Start by removing the metal threshold along the entire length separating the carpet and your bathroom floor. Be careful during the removal process to not damage the carpeting any further. You will be replacing the metal threshold, so don’t worry about wrecking it. Use pliers or a screwdriver to bend the lip up along the entire length, then carefully bend it up and remove from the teeth inside the threshold.

Step 2. Take Measurements

Take a measurement of the opening area to cut a new threshold to install. Don’t use the old threshold as measurement, as that may be bent and kinked from wear and tear. You can use a hacksaw or a metal snips to cut the new threshold for replacement.

Thresholds come in a variety of widths, so it’s important to get one wide enough to help eliminate the problem with carpet fraying. Be sure to measure both length and width when choosing a new threshold.

Step 3. Trim off frayed damage and replace threshold

If the carpet is in good shape, you can replace the new threshold where the old one was. If the carpet is frayed, you will need to trim off the damage using a carpet knife and a straightedge. Then position the new threshold farther towards the carpeting to compensate for the part trimmed off. In most cases you can move the threshold about an inch or so in order to compensate for the damage.

If you’re working on a wood subfloor, attach the replacement threshold with drywall nails. If you are working with a concrete subfloor, a heavy duty adhesive will need to be applied and given time to dry.

Step 4. Reattach carpet to new threshold

Then reattach the carpet to the new threshold. Starting at one end, use a knee kicker to stretch the carpet toward the threshold. Kick firmly by not with all your strength or you may rip the carpet. Force the carpet into the threshold teeth with a stiff putty knife. Continue moving the kicker down the length of the threshold to put the entire length of carpet into place. When you’re done, tuck any loose ends under the baseboards, and pound the threshold into place with a rubber mallet.

Related: How To Select the Right Transition For Your Flooring

About Pro Flooring Brokers

We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! Our passion is your project.

Have a Flooring Project in the Denver Area?

Complimentary on-site measuring
Flooring estimates based on floor plans or blueprints
Installations performed by trained and qualified installers
Full one-year guarantee on all workmanship (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)

Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Flooring Brokers. Contact us, visit our showroom, or call today at 303.788.0113. We look forward to helping you.