Flooring Archives - Page 41 of 58

Carpet, Flooring
December 4, 2016

Save or Replace Carpets After Water Damage

Even a small amount of water can cause a lot of damage in your home. Water from a spill, a broken pipe, or from flooding can quickly grow into a larger problem, producing harmful mold that can impact your family’s health.

A little moisture and a little dark space, and it can quickly escalate into a very large problem.

And while you may not think Colorado has a large mold problem in our dry weather conditions, think again. Flooding can quickly occur in spring and summer rain showers. And snowpack can quickly melt on warm days and cause damage quickly around the foundation, in basements, or even your main living quarters.

In many cases, you won’t know it at all. Mold and mildew thrive in places you may not think to look … until the problem escalates. Especially with porous materials – carpet, carpet padding, and insulation in the walls.

Quick thinking is the most important part of clean up. From the moment you notice water damage, the sooner you can stop the water, clean up the mess, the more likely you can stop mold from growing in its tracks. Find the root cause, stop the water, and fix the problem. If water continues to flow, or if there is still risk involved, you could be facing the situation all over again. Fix the cause before you begin cleaning up.

Then dry out the carpets with fans. It can take several days for fans to dry a water damaged area. If you can circulate fresh air, it will help. Even if you think it’s dry, it’s not. If a room is closed up, the potential for humidity rises. It’s important to get fresh air circulating as quickly as possible.

Depending on the location of the room, you may have to use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Any equipment that helps dry out the air and the ground will help speed up the drying time for your damaged floors and coverings.

Be sure to professionally clean your carpets to sanitize and deodorize. In most cases, damaged carpet padding must be replaced.

Sanitize all wallboards, baseboards and subflooring. If mold or mildew has stood unchecked for a period of time, it can impact the wood. Be sure it is cleaned thoroughly before you replace the flooring.

And when you are unsure of the safety of your flooring, replace when in doubt. Mold and mildew can quickly form and escalate when not properly cleaned. And because of the serious risk factors in has to your health, the quicker you get rid of the conditions, the more assurance you’ll have that your flooring has returned to normal.

Have a question about which flooring is best in high moisture situations? Need new carpets after flooding in your home? We can help.

Carpet, Flooring
November 30, 2016

How To Protect Your Flooring When Throwing A Party

The holidays are filled with family and friend get-togethers. More people will be visiting your home, celebrating throughout the end of the year.

It’s a beautiful time of the year, decorations creating a warm glow, and aromatic smells wafting from the kitchen as you prepare your home.

The last thing on your mind should be the condition of your floors once your guests have said goodbye. There are a few simple tips you can do that will easily protect your floors from the most common damage.

Tip 1: Use Felt Pads
Moving furniture and hardwood floors never mix. With guests coming and going all season long, it’s commonplace to move furniture to change the layout of your room. Be sure to place felt pads under the legs of all furniture that may be moved: tables, chairs, sofas, and loveseats. Sticky felt pieces can be found at most hardware stores and can be cut to size, so they are completely unnoticeable. This will save your hardwood floors from scratching and dents that will have to be repaired later.

Tip 2: No Shoes Policy
Wearing shoes inside can track in dirt, moisture, and other debris from outside. This can scratch hardwood flooring, or grind in dirt into carpets. And if your guests wear high heels, those tiny pinpoints can sink into vinyl and dent or tear. Creating a no shoe policy means your flooring will stay looking its best throughout the holiday season. You can request guests bring a pair of inside shoes or a pair of slippers, or consider having a basket of various sizes for your guest to choose from when they arrive.

Tip 3: Choose Floor Runners
Invariably there is always certain areas of your home that are busier than others during a party. Consider placing holiday rugs and floor runners in these areas to protect the floor underneath. The will prevent spills from soaking in and staining, and protect your flooring from dirt and debris being tracked and ground in.

Tip 4: Maintenance
No matter what type of flooring you have, regular maintenance is a necessity to keep it looking its best. Be sure to vacuum, sweep and clean before every get-together to ensure its clean. As soon as guest leave, clean all flooring again, paying close attention to spills that may have gone unnoticed. Call in a professional as soon as possible to work on tough stains and problem areas.

Protecting your floors doesn’t have to be a difficult process. By adding it to your checklist of party planning items, you’ll keep your flooring in great shape throughout the year.

Flooring
November 23, 2016

7 Things You Should Never Do With Your Flooring

Flooring is expensive. It’s not something you replace on a regular basis.

Yet in many cases, we see people making big mistakes almost from the moment of installation. Yes, there are easy ways to make sure your flooring has a long life. Yes, there are ways to ensure it looks as good as possible, no matter what type of flooring you install.

Here’s how.

Use “anything” to clean
Whether you have wood, tile or carpet installed in your home, realize that there are proper ways to clean it. Find out what is recommended by the manufacturer. Then use as gentle a product as possible to avoid buildup and destruction of your flooring. Too much water on wood can cause warping. Too many chemicals on carpets can actually leave it vulnerable to stains. Using the right products are the only way to keep your flooring looking good for years to come.

Bringing in dirt and debris
Leave your shoes at the door. This is one way to ensure you don’t track dirt and debris all over your flooring. Dirt can easily be ground into the fibers; dirt can also act like sandpaper against the grain of a wood floor.

Forgetting regular cleaning
If you have carpet, it should be vacuumed regularly to prevent dirt from settling into the fibers. If you have tile or wood floors, they should regularly be swept to avoid dirt from accumulating in cracks and crevices. Just a little bit of work each day can extend the life of your flooring by months or even years.

Pets make messes
No surprise that owning a pet means you’ll more than a few messes on your hands. An overturned water bowl can leave wood vulnerable. Dirt and debris will almost always be tracked in on a regular basis. And if you forget to trim their nails, they can do serious damage to your wood floors, or scratch vinyl or linoleum. Be consistent with cleaning up after your pet daily.

Waiting to clean spills
The longer you take to clean up a spill, the more damage it will do. Stains can penetrate fibers of carpet or soak into the grain of woods. Even grout between the tiles is a vulnerable place. Always blot instead of rub, and ensure you have a bottle for spot cleaning close at hand to remove stains immediately as they happen.

Conscious decorating
The couch you have picked out for your living room is perfect. The chairs in your dining space will be a lovely addition to your home. Ensure they add to the ambiance of your rooms without damaging the floor by placing protective pads under the legs of furniture, and verify they are in place on a regular basis.

Ignoring the pros advice
Manufacturers will tell you to hire a professional carpet cleaner on a regular basis, or have your wood floors refinished periodically. It’s a part of the regular maintenance cycle of your flooring. Doing so can extend the life of your flooring out by years. Ignoring the advice can shorten the life considerably. Maintenance always costs less than replacement. It can also add years of enjoyment of the flooring you select for your home.

Flooring
November 18, 2016

How To Clean Your Floors With Non-Toxic Floor Cleaners

What’s the one thing that takes the most abuse in your home? Your flooring. It’s the largest surface area in your home, one that requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good.

But have you ever thought about your regular maintenance routine? Depending on the cleaning agents you use for the wood, carpets, tiles or vinyl, you can be exposing your home to a variety of chemicals. And once they are on your flooring, they add to your indoor air pollution.
Why not try non-toxic floor cleaners instead?

Cleaning Wood, Bamboo, and Laminate
Wood, bamboo, and laminate flooring all have one thing in common; water can quickly become an enemy. Never use a wet mop to clean; avoid steam cleaning at all costs.

Steam can strip the finish that protects the floor. Moisture can also seep into the cracks and cause the floor to warp or splinter.

Instead, dry mop regularly. After a thorough vacuuming or sweeping, use a well wrung out sponge or mop with plain water. You can also add vinegar (1/4 cup of vinegar to a 2 gallon bucket of water) and a few drops of essential oil, if desired.

Avoid using things like dish soap, lemon juice or black tea – often recommended on sites. All can do more harm than good to your flooring.

Cleaning Linoleum, Tile, and Stone
Vinegar and water also make a great cleaner for the linoleum, tile, and stone throughout your home. Clean these floors with a vinegar and water combination of one to one up to one to four, depending on how dirty your floors are. You can also choose to add a few drops of essential oil, if desired.

Lemon juice and other acids can eat into the protective layers. Soaps can leave residue. And while these flooring choices can handle more water, it sill is best never to leave standing water on your floors.

On all flooring types, dirt and debris can scratch and scar your floors. Be sure to remove potential harmful particles before they do damage to your floors.

Flooring
November 14, 2016

What Flooring Would A Builder Select?

If there’s anyone you can trust to fully understand the longevity of a product, it’s with someone who works with it every day.

That’s why we pay special attention to what builders and contractors order and rely on when installing in homes and commercial properties throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Because builders know what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t. When they give their opinions, you can bet they’ve seen the best and worst of everything out there.

Good looking flooring can enhance the value of your home, or could even attract more customers to your commercial location. The right floors can be the best dollars you’ll ever spend, if you know what to look for.

Ceramic Tile
If your floor is subjected to moisture or water, there is no better alternative than selecting ceramic tile. It can be used indoors and out, on floors, walls or countertops. Tiles with high gloss finishes tend to scratch easier than others. If you choose an unglazed finish, it’s a great alternative for high traffic flooring areas, including outdoor locations where standing water may occur. Ceramic tiles made from porcelain allow color to spill through the tile body, and are the best at hiding scratch damage. The biggest drawback with ceramic tile is the grout lines can be difficult to clean, and if you don’t invest in high quality tiles, they can chip easier than their higher quality counterparts.

Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring will never go out of style. It presents a combination of beauty and durability that is hard to find in any other material. You can choose from a variety of hardwoods to give a unique style: Maple, Oak, Beech, Cherry, Pine, Birch and more. It’s a long lasting product that offers wear resistance and offers the possibility of refinishing when necessary. Be aware that certain types of hardwood flooring can darken with age, and in some conditions can shrink or expand, causing gaps in the floor.

Eco-Friendly Options
Builders often love installing eco-friendly options that offer easy maintenance as well as a beautiful look. Cork flooring is a great choice for areas that demand comfort in both walking and standing. Another addition to the marketplace is bamboo, which is durable, elegant and comes in a variety of colors. It provides a strong surface that resembles hardwood in both looks and easy maintenance.

Redesigning the rooms in your home or commercial location? What is the right flooring choice for you?

Flooring, Vinyl Floors
November 10, 2016

What Makes Linoleum A Solid Choice For Your Home

Trying to decide the best flooring for your home? Maybe it’s time to consider linoleum.

Linoleum is increasing in popularity for a variety of reasons. It’s eco-friendly. It’s easy to install. And the color and style choices make any look possible.

Linoleum is a resilient flooring material, which means it’s flexible and soft to the touch, bouncing back into its original shape. Though many people confuse it with vinyl, they are two separate things. Linoleum was invented in the 19th century, and is made from linseed oil and other materials, including cork dust, pin rosin and wood flour. Because it is made from all natural products, it is a great option if you are attempting to go green at home.

One of the best features of linoleum is its longevity. With many flooring choices, we begin counting the months almost immediately as to when it will need replacing. Linoleum is incredibly durable and can last up to 40 years if it is properly maintained.

Linoleum is also easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping can keep it in good condition indefinitely.

What makes it an increasingly popular choice is its health benefits. Linoleum is made from a renewable resource, linseed oil. And when laid in place, it does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) so it won’t cause indoor air pollution. That can be a welcome relief for anyone suffering from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.

And because it’s a softer material, it’s comfortable underfoot. It’s a great addition to kitchens, where standing for long periods of time is a standard. It’s also good for aging in place remodels, where falling may be an issue.

Linoleum is one of the more versatile flooring options available, with a wide variety of colors, styles and patterns available. You can create unique mosaics with tile linoleum, as it is very easy to cut to exact specifications.

Think linoleum might be the perfect choice for you home? Stop by today and see all of the options available to you.

Flooring
October 30, 2016

Choosing Non-Toxic Flooring

Choosing non-toxic flooring may sound like a simple task, but as you begin looking around you’ll discover there many different opinions and options available. Which makes choosing a difficult task at best.

If avoiding toxic chemicals on anything you bring into your home is important to you, certain flooring choices may be of concern.

Air pollution is now the world’s largest environmental health risk. Millions of people die each year as a result of air pollution. And studies continue to show that indoor air pollution is just as risky – in some cases more so – than what you’ll find in the great outdoors.

If you are in the process of choosing new or replacement flooring, what should you look for?

Carpeting
Carpeting is always a popular choice, and the good news is there are options for you. New carpeting can fill household air with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which include carcinogens like formaldehyde, benzene and stain repellents. There are safer carpeting options available, but you’ll have to ask for them as you’re making your decision.

Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is generally a safe, non-toxic flooring option that is easy to install and maintain. It’s important to ask your dealer about the safety of the glue and grout, and be sure the ventilation process used during installation will not cause toxic fumes.

Hardwood Flooring
For anyone with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems, hardwood is always a good choice. Hardwood surfaces allow for dust and other allergens to be removed easily. True hardwood is harvested from solid wood, which makes it eco-friendly providing it is harvested sustainably. Look for non-toxic finishes applied either at the factory or on site.

Linoleum
Linoleum is made from all-natural and biodegradable materials including linseed oil, cork dust, pine resin and wood flour. It is very resilient and can last upwards of 40 years. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, and provides a versatile, durable and economical option for many rooms in your home.

What to look for

Look for non-toxic and eco-friendly options. Ask questions about both the manufacturing and installations process to be sure all materials and processes meet safety and environmental standards.
Decline any stain-resistance treatments, as they will add chemicals into the process.
Look for products made from natural materials and processes and avoid using manmade products like petroleum or synthetics.

Flooring
October 23, 2016

Putting Safety First With Universal Designed Floors

“Old age is like everything else. To make it a success, you’ve got to start young.”
Fred Astaire

There’s a lot of truth in those words. And it applies to many things in our lives, including the ability to stay in our homes for as long as possible as we age.

Universal design doesn’t begin when you need help most. Instead, it’s a part of the remodeling process years before you have the need in place. You never know when events change your life in a big way

Bedrest through a pregnancy
A broken leg
Major surgery with months of recovery
A chronic disease that becomes a part of your life

Universal design applies to all aspects of your home. But in many cases, it begins with your floors. Flooring has to allow accessibility inside and out, through all rooms and doors.

Stairs
While it’s important to keep stairs at a minimum, it’s equally important to ensure what stairs there are easy to access and slip-free. Hardwoods can be slippery – carpet runners can add softness and ensure they are easier to climb. Ensure they are installed correctly to avoid tripping hazards.

Bigger bathrooms and curbless showers
Any obstruction, no matter how tiny it is, can be difficult for some people. Roll-in showers with no curb gives anyone the ability to walk in and have more surface area to create ambiance and appeal. If you build the shower large enough, you can slope tiles towards the drain to give water easy access to the drain, and help keep your bathroom easily maintained.

Slip resistant, comfortable flooring
There are many products that can offer you everything you need in flooring material. When using tiles, smaller tiles provide less surface slipping. Cork flooring adds a little cushion and warmth underfoot. Carpeting is still a great choice for cushion, softness to prevent hard falls. Just ensure that all materials are properly installed and don’t pose a tripping hazard when walking between rooms.

Have you considered what flooring you’ll use in your universal design remodel?

Flooring
October 20, 2016

What Is Marmoleum?

Marmoleum is linoleum, but it’s not the drab flooring you’ll find in older homes. Marmoleum comes in a variety of colors, styles, and patterns. Unlike vinyl floors, Marmoleum has no foul odors or off-gassing in your home’s environment. It’s an Allergy Friendly certified product. It’s also SMART certified as a sustainable product.

Why choose marmoleum?

It’s a natural and sustainable product. It’s made with natural ingredients without any harmful VOCs or other toxic chemicals. If you install it in sheet format, it’s installed with solvent-free adhesives. If you install it with Marmoleum click, it’s installed without any adhesive.

Marmoleum has no adverse health issues either in production, throughout its useful life, or through the disposal process. It’s a flooring product that is soft to the touch and stays warmer than other products, including ceramic tiles.

It’s natural bactericidal properties prevent microorganisms from multiplying. The anti-static properties of marmoleum not only reduce the potential for electric shock, but it also makes the floor cleaner because dirt and dust won’t stick to it.

And if you’re ready to make Marmoleum your flooring choice, you’ll have fun with the design process. Whether you choose sheet, tile or click systems, you can be the designer. It’s not a typical assemply line pre-printed process. You choose colors, inserts, and borders to come up with endless possibilities. From designing with simplicity to the use of daring colors and patterns, your flooring choice can be uniquely your own with this flooring choice.

For all these reasons and more, Marmoleum is the flooring of choice in homes, hospitals, medical offices, and many other places. Will it be yours?

Carpet, Flooring
October 18, 2016

Nylon or Polyester Carpet – Which Should You Choose?

Shop around for new carpet and you’ll quickly discover that the most used carpet fiber materials are nylon or polyester. Both have their own characteristics. Both can make excellent choices. Which is right for you?

While nylon and polyester are quite different in feel and performance, they do share a few characteristics.

Both, for example, are petroleum based synthetics. Nylon was invented as a silk substitute. Polyester was developed as an alternative to wool.

While both products are derivatives of petroleum, they are produced in different ways.

Nylon is an engineered fiber made in a factory from petroleum. About 65 percent of all carpet created today is produced from nylon that is newly created, with only a select amount of nylon made from recycled nylon.

Polyester used for carpet is made from recycled products such as plastic soda or water bottles. That makes polyester fibers more environmentally friendly than many nylon options.

Nylon is very hard, which is why it’s a durable product for carpet and rugs. When dirt gets into carpet, the sharp edges can cut into carpet fibers. Because of nylons hardness, it slows the process considerably. Nylon also has a better bounce-back feature than polyester. Walk on it and you’ll find the fibers return to their upright position easier. And if you find marks after furniture has been sitting in the same spot for some time, they will be easier to get rid of with nylon.

While polyester isn’t nearly as durable as nylon, what it makes up for is found in the softness level. Polyester carpets are easy to sink your toes in, providing warmth and comfort.

Both nylon and polyester come in a wide variety of color and style options. You’ll find both kinds of carpets offer easy cleaning and easy maintenance, with a variety of stain repellent options. And both types of carpets can be recycled after use.

Which is better for you, nylon or polyester carpet?