Carpet Archives - Page 10 of 15

Carpet, Flooring
August 22, 2017

Enhance Your Carpet With The Right Carpet Padding

Carpet cushion – carpet padding – is the foundation for every carpet installation. While it plays an important role in the life of your carpet, it’s important to remember that padding and carpet work together in staying in great shape. The old adage that if you have to choose between high quality carpet or high quality padding, go with the padding isn’t true. Carpet padding and carpet selection should always work hand in hand, complementing one another for the longest life possible.

Some retailers buy carpet padding in bulk, and therefore recommend carpet padding based on what they have in stock. Don’t let this impact your final decision. If a retailer doesn’t explain how the two work together, find a retailer who does.

Many assume carpet padding is used for comfort under foot, this is only partially true. Carpet padding is used to absorb impact that the carpet would otherwise be subjected to. The impact can cause a breakdown in the fibers, backing to stretch, separation of the primary backing from the secondary backing, and unnecessary stress on the construction of the carpet. The best performing carpet padding will provide less comfort under foot, yet extend the life of the carpet by absorbing the abuse.

Don’t make the mistake of selecting a padding based on softness or thickness.

Carpet padding that is too soft bottoms out with heavy foot traffic. This can shorten its life and performance. Carpet padding is often rated by weight per cubic yard. Yet the actual weight has little to do with performance and more to do with the materials. The ultimate performance factor is how many pounds per footfall area will it take for the carpet padding to bottom out.

Carpet padding that is too thick can allow the carpet to have performance problems. A thicker carpet padding can prevent the carpet from adhering to the tack strip. The carpet industry has established a recommended thickness of 7/16 inch, but you should never go over ½ inch. A ½ inch carpet pad will still provide adequate cushion while allowing the carpet to adhere properly to the tack strip along the walls.

There are many types of carpet padding:

Waffle rubber – it has a waffle texture created with filler and air

Urethane foam – it’s available in a variety of densities and thicknesses

Bonded urethane – this is the most common type of carpet padding sold today

Flat rubber – this is the ultimate in luxury but is difficult to find

Fiber cushion – is primarily used to take advantage of scrap fiber

What questions do you have about the performance of carpet padding?

Carpet, Flooring
August 8, 2017

What To Know About Carpet Stretching

If you have carpeting in your home, you may benefit from having your carpet stretched. Carpet stretching is a process that involves pulling the carpet tighter and resecuring it to the anchor strips located along the perimeter of the room.

In most cases, if a carpet is professionally installed, it will be tightly secured against these strips initially, but over time it loosens. Stretching can extend the life of your carpet and take away potential hazards.

Why stretch your carpet
Like anything, carpets change as they age. In high traffic areas, the carpet can pull away from the tacking strips that anchor it to the subfloor. In some cases, seams between strips of carpeting may also come apart. Sometimes the tacking strips can become damaged and no longer perform as well as when it was new. And as it ages, carpet fibers wear out, stretch, and loosen. While it might not be worn out, it can reduce the aesthetic appeal of your room. It can also increase the safety concerns and make certain areas of the room more prone to tripping.

Does your carpet need stretching?
There are some obvious signs a carpet should be stretched. You may notice that your carpeting appears to be wrinkled, rippled, or lumpy in spots. Carpet should lay flat and smooth across any floor. You may also notice that it’s pulled up along the edges of the room. It should have a tucked in appearance without carpet fibers poking up along the baseboards.

Why timing is everything
When carpets show signs of needing stretching, timeliness is everything. The more wrinkled or relaxed it becomes, the more of a tripping hazard it creates. That can be especially dangerous for active houses, or homes where elderly live. If carpeting doesn’t lay flat, it may also snag and develop other signs of damage. It can wear unevenly and decrease the lifespan of your carpet.

If you believe your carpets need stretching, the best way to move forward is to contact a professional carpet installer. They can help you determine if stretching is necessary or beneficial. They can determine which methods will correct the problem best. For example, reseaming a carpet may be all that is required.

Remember, carpet restretching takes on a considerable amount of strength and energy. It also requires the right tools for the job.

Carpet, Flooring
August 2, 2017

Light Colored Carpet May Bring Out The Summer All Year Through

How many shades of white are there? You’ve probably been amazed if you ever stepped up to a paint chip display in your local big box. Like paints, carpeting also comes in a variety of colors, depths, and styles. And nothing says summer like a light carpet, one you can pair just about anything with and have it lighten and brighten your decor.

But light colored carpet doesn’t have to be tan or white. While shades of cream are always popular choices, there are many options for you to consider adding to your home. Shades of peach or pink can be a welcome addition to a daughter’s room or even the master bedroom. Shades of green can be a neutral choice that pops a little bit of color into the space.

Light blues have been a popular choice for decades. It’s an excellent choice for any room where you want to set a masculine tone, yet don’t want to overpower the room and darken it up. It’s also a good choice to work with more traditional decor.

Don’t forget the light shades of tan and brown. They always top the list. They are popular because they can blend in with just about any decor beautifully, and they won’t show most stains.

By adding just a touch of color to the carpet, it can make it more prone to hiding stains and marks. But because it’s still light, it can impact small rooms in a big way, giving it a larger more open feel.

While light carpets look great in any room in your home, it’s important to remember they do take a little bit of extra work to keep them looking their best.

Consider using doormats at all entrances to catch dirt and prevent it from being tracked onto your carpet. This simple step can keep your carpets cleaner and prolong their life. Taking off your shoes and leaving them at the door can also help keep your carpets looking their best.

Vacuum your carpets at least once a week to prevent dirt from settling in. If you have an active family, consider vacuuming on a more frequent basis.

Carpet, Flooring
July 28, 2017

It’s Summertime – The Most Common Carpet Problems

Summertime – we love everything about it, right? The warm days. The cool evenings. The sounds of summer. Ice cream. Dinners outside from the grill. Stains on the carpet …

Okay, maybe we don’t love the stains. And unfortunately, the constant in and out of the house makes them more possible than ever. But with a little bit of knowledge, you can be prepared for whatever comes your way this summer. The most common carpet problems in summer include:

Allergens
Did you know your carpets may be making you sick?

In summer, allergens get more active. Pollen settles down into the microfibers of your carpet and has the potential to impact your health. To avoid these problems, it’s important to use a professional carpet cleaner on a regular basis, depending on the activity in your home, and vacuum regularly to prevent allergens from settling deep within.

Odor
Heat and humidity can take its toll on what already lurks in your carpets. Do you know air fresheners and carpet deodorizers can also release harmful particles in the air? These chemicals can stay suspended in the air to make your house smell good, but at the same time add to your indoor air pollution. The best way to get rid of bad odors is to use a professional carpet cleaner regularly and replace the carpets when the smell becomes unbearable.

Stains
Summer comes with lots of potential stain problems: grass, soda, popsicle, chocolate, crayon … While not all stains are summer specific, there is a lot more activity throughout your home. The kids are home more looking for things to do. You’re more active, with the sun setting later each night. All of that adds up to more potential for damage to your carpets.

The key with most stain removal is to act fast. If you let the stain stay for even a few minutes, it has a greater chance of absorbing and becoming noticeable forever. Blot, never rub. Use mild detergents and rinse. You can also use a vinegar solution, dabbing the area until the stain is removed. Always test small areas before you work on bigger areas.

Ineffective Carpet Cleaners
Some people try to cut corners and do the job themselves. Investing in substandard cleaning equipment or harmful chemicals can do more harm than good. One of the biggest nightmares can be a cleaner that uses too much water. If a carpet doesn’t dry out quickly, it risks having mold and spores appear, which can make your house smell and cause significant health related risks. That’s why it’s always important to hire a reputable cleaning company.

What questions do you have about your carpeting?

Carpet, Flooring
July 17, 2017

Rug Pile Height: What To Know Before You Buy

If you’re starting to search for new carpeting or a new rug, one of the first things you’ll learn is about rug pile height.

Rug pile refers to the visible tufts of yarn that make up a rug’s surface. In other words, it’s the face of the rug. Rug pile can be cut or left in loops. It can be thick or thin, soft or course. All will affect not only the feel of the pile, but also the durability.

Type

Rug pile comes in either cut or loop. Cut is the more common of the two. A cut tufted rug is created by clipping the yarn loops. A cut pile leaves a rug or carpet soft and dense, making them the perfect choice for areas where bare feet are common, like the bedroom or living room.

Loop pile are woven or tufted, and the yarn loops are left uncut. Since the loops are left intact, they tend to be more durable, making them the perfect choice for high traffic areas.

Height

Pile heights vary greatly, put in general fall into three categories:

Low – less than ¼ inch
Medium – ¼ to ½ inch
High – ½ to ¾ inch

While you can find pile height higher than ¾ inch on occasion, they are usually labeled with a plush pile height. In general, the longer the pile gets, the softer the rug feels. Low pile rugs are more tightly woven and dense, which causes them to look and feel flat and coarse. High pile rugs have longer, looser threads, which provide a softer touch and a more elegant appearance.

Durability

Low pile rugs are easier to clean and more durable than their high pile counterparts. Since the fibers are shorter, dust and dirt sit on the surface and don’t dig down into the rug. With light, frequent vacuuming, the rug will stay in great shape over time.

High pile rugs offer more room for dirt to get between the fibers and settle down into the rug or carpet. More intense vacuuming is needed, with occasional stain treatments to keep high pile rugs in top condition.

Cut or loop? Both can make a great addition to your home. Carefully consider where you’ll be installing the rug or carpet and what kind of traffic level it will receive. Then make the right choice for your situation.

Carpet, Flooring
July 11, 2017

What You Should Know About Stair Runners

Curb appeal is everything to a home on the outside. But once you step inside, your eye automatically takes in all around you. And for many homes throughout the Front Range, the staircase is one of the first things you see.

In many cases, the staircase is just an extension of the flooring chosen for the living space. If wall to wall carpeting was used on the main floor, it extends up the stair, into the hallway, and continues into the bedrooms.

While it should compliment your space, your stairs can also make a statement. Stair runners are often used to add interest to your home while maintaining functionality. They should compliment without being overly busy.

Looking for a stair runner for your home?

Start with samples

Stair runners come in lots of styles, patterns, colors, and textures. Some designers will use things you may have never considered using as stair runners. A quick search through home design sites will give you unlimited possibilities. Yet what looks good on the pages of a magazine, or on a showroom floor, may look completely different when it’s in your home. Before you buy, make sure it fits with your interior.

Quality

It’s easy to try and save and cut corners wherever possible, but your stair runner isn’t one of those items. Your staircase is not only a visual point of interest in your home, but it also sets the tone for the rest of your home. Something that is durable will last for years and give your home character. And depending on the quality, it can also turn into a dangerous situation if it wears and becomes a tripping hazard.

Be realistic

We often fall in love with something we see at a neighbors or that looks good in a magazine. But something chosen by an empty nest couple rarely at home would never make sense for a family of four that plays hard every day. If you are a “no shoes inside” family, light colors can work well for years. But darker colors and more durable solutions are better if you wear shoes up and down the stairs. Understand your lifestyle and pick accordingly.

Are you ready for a new stair runner in your home?

Carpet, Flooring
July 3, 2017

Stairs and Flooring: Making Them Attractive and Safe

Stairs used to be a part of our landscape. They dominated our homes and were used in commercial applications to get from one floor to another.

Modern technology began taking that away, installing escalators and elevators not just in businesses, but in some homes too. While an elevator may seem like a sophisticated fixture in a modern home, reports show that the stairs can help us stay healthy in addition to having access to different levels of a building. One study shows that by climbing 3 to 5 floors a day can reduce their risk of stroke by as much as 29 percent.

All a good reason to bring stairs front and center in your home and your office space.

But stairs do require safety features to keep you out of harm’s way. The National Safety Council indicates that falls are one of the leading reasons people visit the emergency room in the US each year.

While aesthetics are important, safety should also be high on the list when selecting the best option to cover your stairs.

Hardwood

If your home has hardwoods installed both upstairs and down, it may be natural to continue the look to your staircases too. Because stair treads are not that deep – usually no more than 12 inches – hardwood planks offer the best results. You can stain them to match or try a contrasting colored riser to add depth. To make them even safer, attach safety strips designed for use on individual treads.

Carpet

Carpet is one of the safest options. It also offers noise reduction. A carpet’s lifespan depends on the fiber type and how much traffic it sustains each day. A densely woven, low-profile carpet withstands high traffic areas best. You can also mix wood staircases with carpet runners to have the best of both worlds.

Because of safety measures, it’s always a good idea to rely on professional service to ensure your flooring is installed correctly to prevent safety hazards.

If you have questions about changing the looks of your staircase while keeping safety in mind, just ask.

Carpet, Flooring
June 30, 2017

Are Powders Safe To Deodorize Carpets?

Over time, carpets get dirty and start to smell. As much as you love a clean carpet, vacuuming only goes so far. And a regular deep cleaning may be good a couple of times per year, but what about in between?

Carpeting often requires consistent maintenance to keep it clean and provide a healthy living environment. And in some cases, homeowners may be intrigued by carpet deodorizing powers, which make the promise of promoting cleanliness and reducing odor. But do they work? Or are they just another hype to get you to buy?

According to Healthy Child, an organization that works to call out dangerous and toxic products and chemicals, carpet deodorizing powders do little more than cover up a problem and leave chemicals and fragrance in its path. While deodorizing powders are designed to be vacuumed up after application, they often leave behind a residue.

Once applied, a portion of the powder can be missed during vacuuming. It can also sink in the carpet fibers, meaning even the best high-powered vacuum won’t be able to pick it up.

While it depends on the powder and what type of chemicals are in the formula, the problem also extends beyond the outer layer. It can bury deep into the fibers and exist indefinitely. With small children, as they crawl and play, they can come in contact with the powdery residue again and again, inhaling and ingesting it over time.

Carpet cleaning chemicals and treatments, including powers, can contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, sodium hydroxide, and even pesticides. Liquid treatments have the ability to act as solvents, wearing down carpet fibers over time. Carpet powder residue has the potential to bury deep and remain in the air, having the potential for inhaling throughout the life of the carpet.

If powders use fragrance, it may irritate members of the household with allergies or chronic respiratory conditions.

It can also negate warranties. Read your warranty carefully. Manufacturers are specific about the way carpets should be cleaned in order to keep their warranty in full working order. If you have a problem with odor, it’s best to work with a carpet cleaning service that uses natural processes for cleaning carpets.

Carpet, Flooring
May 21, 2017

So You Want To Carpet Your Basement

For many of us throughout Colorado, a basement isn’t just a place to store your extra things; it’s an extension of the space in your home.

We use basements for just about everything: living space, bedrooms and bathrooms, entertainment areas, game rooms, movie theaters, even a wine cellar. And with all of that extra space, sometimes you want to reach beyond the standard flooring we think of in a basement.

Concrete and tile only go so far.

What if you want carpet in the bedrooms to keep it warm? What if you want carpet in the movie theater to absorb the sound?

Any finished basement space is going to require eliminating an existing water problem that may be present in the home. Yet even basements that don’t have obvious water problems can still suffer from high moisture situations. Standing water around a foundation can cause water to build up around the basement concrete, allowing moisture to seep in. Over time, that can wreck havoc on your flooring.

That doesn’t have to turn you away from carpet. It just means extra steps are needed to ensure you create a dry, airy environment that will keep the room at its best throughout the year.

Pay attention to the carpet padding. Select a carpet pad that has an anti-microbial built into it to help keep the carpet from supporting mold or mildew.

Also, pay attention to carpet fiber. Consider carpet made from Olefin. This product is chemical-resistant and will help retain its looks even with an aggressive cleaning solution. Make sure the entire carpet is constructed of synthetic materials – no jute-backed carpets. Jute backing is similar to a potato sack, and won’t withstand moisture.

It also pays to know your home. If you have moisture problems in certain areas of your basement, it may be wise to mix and match your flooring choices. Carpet may work well in the bedrooms, but a stone alternative may be better for the living space. Consider area rugs to help warm the space.

Wondering what to choose for your basement flooring needs? Stop by today and let us show you your options.

Carpet, Flooring
May 18, 2017

Carpet Ratings – Should You Pay Attention?

In some industries, you’ll find standardized ratings that can help you compare and contrast products from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Not so with the carpet industry. Some companies may generate their own internal carpet ratings to distinguish between the different carpets in their lines, or to show how they compare to different companies in the marketplace. While it may give you a starting point, keep in mind that they are subjective at best.

Asking questions is your best line of defense. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Carpet Pad

Carpet padding is one of the most critical components to installing new carpet. A carpet pad has the ability to create a long life, or reduce it significantly. Which means paying attention to what’s underneath your carpet is vitally important. Carpet padding has a couple of statistical measures that will tell you how well it will perform. The key is in the density. A thinner, denser carpet cushion will absorb foot traffic, which ultimately will prevent the carpet fibers from detaching from the cushion. Select the best padding you can afford to ensure the longevity of your carpet choice.

Carpet padding may also have different insulation values. This is important if you are laying carpet over not so traditional materials, such as over a concrete slab. Fiberboard insulation is made from recycled newspaper, which can provide an insulation value of 3.0 or greater. This will ensure your room stays warmer, as well as giving the longest life possible to your carpet.

Carpet Fibers

Carpeting is made from a variety of different materials. An Olefin or polyester carpet fiber is strong and will hold up in high traffic conditions, but it’s also more difficult to clean and can show dirt easier than other alternatives. Wool or acrylic fiber are softer, plusher in feel, but are also more easily worn down. They are often better in lighter traffic areas, such as the bedrooms.

Carpet Warranties

While warranties are important to help you avoid future problems, it’s important to realize that some carpet damage may void the warranty. Warranties are also often just an indicator or a carpet’s characteristics. It can give you a general idea of the overall performance of your carpet. For most homeowners, they replace the carpeting long before the warranty wears out, due to normal lifestyle situations, kids, pets, and general wear and tear.

The best place to start with carpet selection is to stop by and see what your options are. With just a little education, we can lead you to the perfect carpeting choice for your home.