News - PRO! Flooring

Carpet
September 6, 2017

Carpet Condition Test – How Old Is Too Old?

When a carpet manufacturer lists how long a carpet should last, it’s merely a guess. After all, they don’t understand your family dynamics and how much wear and tear your carpet will receive. Some carpets may last for 2 years while others may last up to 20.

Yet sooner or later all carpet must be replaced. Is that time now? Should you invest in another cleaning, or is it time to replace your carpet? Just a few questions can help you determine the right path for you.

Is your carpet matted down?
One of the first signs of a carpet in need of replacing is when the pile begins to deteriorate.

If your carpet is made from polyester and it’s matting down, chances are it’s time to replace. Polyester fibers can easily crush as they begin to wear down. Once the tuft falls over and lays down, it won’t ever return to its original upright position. Even a professional cleaning won’t renew its life.

If your carpet is made from nylon, they a professional cleaning may do the trick. Nylon is more resilient when compared to polyester and can often regain its appearance simply be being professionally cleaned. Age and wear should be factored into your decision.

Is your carpet stained?
No matter how much stain-resistance is built into your carpet, fibers will stain. Anti-stain treatments can wash or wear off over time. Stainmaster carpets do have an anti-stain system infused into the fiber that won’t wear or wash off. Still, age and continued use can leave your carpets looking old and dingy. Some stains aren’t covered by warranties and will impact your carpets in different ways: tea, bleach, plant fertilizers, drain cleaners, to name a few.

Biological substances can not only look unsightly, but they can be a health hazard as well. Things like vomit, urine, mildew, mold, or other hazards can cause permanent damage to your carpet and padding. Consult a professional carpet cleaner if you need advice.

Is your padding worn out?
Carpet padding is just as important as the carpet itself. If your padding fails, your carpet won’t have the proper support to do its job. That means your carpet will wear faster than with a better quality padding.

Is your carpet more than 10 years old?
While age isn’t a sole determining factor, the older your carpet is, the more you should consider replacing it. If your carpet is more than 10 years old, you’ve noticed ripples or wrinkles, have color loss or fading, or the pile is crushed or matted, then it’s a sign your carpets are nearing the end of its life. In some cases, a professional cleaning can actually exacerbate the situation.

Carpet
September 3, 2017

Does Your Carpet Smell?

Have you ever walked into a room and had a bad smell? You’re not sure what it is, but it seems to be lurking in your carpet. It may even get a little worse on hot summer days.

It might be your carpet.

Just like stains, your carpet fibers can trap odors, making the scent linger in your home indefinitely. Consider these possibilities.

Moisture or Dampness
Sometimes moisture can get underneath the carpet and the carpet padding, which leads to musty smells. This moisture can be from humidity, spills, a Christmas tree that drips into the carpeting, or small leaks from your plumbing. In the basement, it can seep in after a flood or a rainstorm. If not addressed properly, it can lead to mildew and mold. Not only does that increase the smell, but it will also increase the risk of health problems in the future.

Pet Odor
Even small accidents can add up over time. This is due to the gases that are released by the bacteria in urine. If any trace of urine remains after cleaning, it will get into the fibers and continue to smell. The same is true for other common pet problems, including vomit. If you have pets, clean all problems immediately, and follow manufacturer’s suggestions to clean your carpeting on a regular basis.

Cigarette smoke
Carpet fiber picks up and collects cigarette smoke odor. While homeowners may not notice the stench because they live with it, visitors will be able to pick it up immediately. A professional carpet cleaner may be able to remove the smell and deodorize it, but it may need to be replaced if the smoking was excessive.

Spills
Everyday living leads to spills. Food and drinks can lead to odor. Like pet smells, these organic items can attract bacteria and smell over time. While all spills should be wiped up and removed as fast as possible, also have a professional clean your carpets periodically to remove messes.

Old age
Carpeting is made from fibers. As these fibers are used, they break down and become weaker, attracting more dirt and bacteria. Eventually, there is little you can do to remove odors and stains. Replacement is the only option.

What shape if your carpeting in? If you’ve noticed an odd smell, and you can’t make it go away, it may be time to replace your carpet with something new.

Uncategorized
August 31, 2017

Prepare For Carpet Care When You Buy

Flooring isn’t something a lot of us think about on a regular basis. If you have carpeting throughout your home, you vacuum it. You may also occasionally have it professionally cleaned. But outside of that, it’s probably something you take for granted.

However, to keep your carpet in top condition and ensure a long life, it’s important to keep records for future use. Should your carpet have a problem, these records will be invaluable to ensuring success in finding a solution. It doesn’t take much, but in your records keeping system, make sure you keep the following information:

Carpet Manufacturer
Manufacturers stand behind their products. However, carpets don’t come with labels that tell you who the manufacturer is. Some carpet warranties may be valid for years after purchase. Should you encounter problems, being able to connect directly with your manufacturer can eliminate time and guesswork. Additional, manufacturers are there to help answer any questions you may have involving cleaning recommendations, warranties, and other useful information.

Carpet Style Name, Number, and Color
It’s important to know all of the details on the final carpet choice installed. This included the carpet manufacturer style name, number, and color number. Some carpet retailers change these numbers based on their own bookkeeping requirements, so it’s important for you to have access to both.

Carpet Reference Number and Date
It is a good idea to keep the original invoice for the carpet retailer on hand. This can give you access to the date it was installed, which sometimes can help a manufacturer identify the lot and actual carpet style name and number. This invoice acts as the initiation date for many warranties and is often required to prove purchase.

Carpet Installer
Depending on your purchase, your installer may or may not be linked to the carpet retailer. While the retailer is responsible for the quality of work subcontracted, it is recommended that you know the carpet installers name should you need routine repairs.

Carpet Pad
Some performance warranties may require specific carpet pad type or maximum thickness for validity. Keep this with your invoice to ensure you meet all requirements.

Carpet Warranty
At the time of purchase, you should receive printed materials for the carpet warranty outlined by the retailer. If any promise or implied warranty is stated by the retailer, ensure you have a copy with the invoice. Be sure to read the hard copy before you install to ensure you understand the finer points of the warranty.

Carpet Care
Most warranties are only valid if you provide proper care. Some carpet manufacturers require proof of regular carpet cleaning as a part of their warranty. It’s helpful if you have this information to keep you on track with your maintenance process.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Vinyl Floors
August 23, 2017

How Long Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Last

Are you thinking of installing vinyl in your home? Before you make your final selection, you may want to consider the longevity of what you will be installing. Every material has pros and cons, and what you select is often at the intersection of affordability, durability, and aesthetics.

Today’s vinyl flooring options can meet all three of those requirements, which is why its a popular choice. Vinyl plank flooring has grown in popularity because of it’s ability to look like the real thing, while giving you the affordability and durability you’ll love.

The longevity of vinyl plank flooring depends on the thickness and the wear layer of the product you are purchasing. Some of the thicker vinyl floors on the market come with warranties for up to 25 years. If you are using a thin vinyl, you’ll most likely get a wear life of somewhere between 5 and 10 years with normal use.

Vinyl plank is designed to resemble hardwood, and it comes in strips in much the same fashion as a hardwood alternative. You can find this product in a number of looks and styles, each mimicking a specific type of wood. Because it is designed to imitate hardwood, you’ll find a version that matches your home’s decor.

Vinyl plank has many advantages over its hardwood counterparts.

Because many models are backed with a felt product, when installed it provides a softer floor with more give. That means less breakage when things are dropped, which is good news for plates and glasses in the kitchen.

Vinly floor is water resistant, making vinyl plank the perfect choice in kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, vinyl is better at sealing against water damage, so it’s especially durable in basement locations.

Vinyl plank can be installed directly on your subfloor, which makes the process quick, cost-effective, and easy to handle.

And because vinyl is one of the easiest surfaces to maintain, it’s a wise choice in a busy household with lots of foot traffic.

Keep in mind that while vinyl will hold up for many years, it can be damaged quite easily. Avoid moving heavy furniture around, which can result in scuffs and gouges. If any particles are left beneath during installation, it can create bumps or warps in your floors. And keep in mind that vinyl does little to add to the resale value of your home.

But in the right location, it can be the perfect choice for your home. Want to see our complete selection of vinyl plank? Stop by today.

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?

Flooring
August 14, 2017

4 Things To Consider When Transitioning Flooring

How many different flooring styles do you have throughout your home? Most homes have a variety of flooring styles, from carpets in the bedrooms, to hardwood in the living room, to tile in the kitchen.

Without transitional flooring, multiple flooring styles can lack flow-through from room to room. Transitioning flooring bridges the gaps between different flooring types, making it look natural and stylish.

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for flooring.

Find the right spot for transitioning

Especially in open concept floorplans, there often isn’t a distinct transition from room to room. This can be especially difficult if you choose to move from tile to hardwoods, between a kitchen and the living space. Often transitions are placed where they make the most sense. How do you live within the floorplan? Are there natural breaks for your lifestyle? Do you want the tile to extend into the breakfast area where you have a kitchen table? Or do you want the tile to only exist in the confines of where you cook your meal? Don’t be afraid to play with shape. Separate floorings subconsciously designate different space. So you can create transitions simply by the placement of the flooring.

Mix the right way

Just like you would never mix colors and patterns in your fashion choices, your flooring should never mix floor patterns and styles as well. If you want tile in the entryway to flow into the hardwood throughout your living space, choose colors that harmonize well. Think about hues and textures. Don’t try to mix too many patterns and shapes at once. If you want detailed tiles with colorful mosaics, don’t mix it with parquet hardwood. Too much movement will overwhelm the senses. If you’re going with soft, fine-grained hardwood, choose calm, plush carpeting that won’t overwhelm. You want your transitions to complement, not compete.

Carry the theme

How would you describe the theme of your home? Country? Beachy? Modern? Don’t forget this as you transition from room to room. You may choose to have the ease and durability of a luxury vinyl in your kitchen, transitioned to carpeting in your family room. Be sure the mood carries between the two in your decor and your furniture choices. A lack of transition will make you feel like you’re walking into a different house entirely.

Explore your options

With so many flooring choices available today, it’s easier than ever to create any look you choose. Tile is always a good choice, with its many colors, patterns, sizes, and options. Combine tile with woods in different colors and styles. You can even transition with floor pieces in different sizes and styles. Hardwood laid perpendicularly to the rest of the flooring can create an interesting look. Mosaic edges can also add sophistication. With today’s options, the possibilities are virtually endless – all it takes is a little creativity to let your personality shine through.

Flooring, Tile Floors
August 12, 2017

Floating Floors – How About Tile?

If you’re looking for a convenient approach to DIY flooring, you’ve probably stumbled upon floating floors.

In general, a floating floor is any material – wood, laminate, or ceramic – that is not attached to the subfloor. Individual pieces are attached laterally to themselves.

This doesn’t mean the floor is structurally unstable. Floating floors are installed in millions of home and work perfectly well.

Floating floors usually use a “click and lock” system that allow you to connect the pieces by the sides. You link them one after another and slide them into place. They work well for wood and laminate products; not so well for ceramic and porcelain tile.

There are new products that are entering the market that offer the ease of snap and click with the beauty of tile. The benefits include:

Zero mortaring
No spacing problems
No waiting for mortar to dry
An easy base to install and rest the tile on

The biggest disadvantage is the ease of cracking. Mortar provides a solid base for the tile. Without that, hollow spaces can exist and allow the tile to crack easier. It also doesn’t take away some of the installation processes.

You still need to grout the tile
It cracks easier, especially when it involves heavy objects such as refrigerators
Limited colors and styles

It all comes down to knowing your space.

Tile has the possibility of lasting for years, decades in some circumstances. If you install it properly, it can offer timeless beauty for years to come.

Tile pros have no problems handling mortar; it’s something they do every day. They know how to regulate the flow across the room, how to properly space the tiles, and how to complete the finishing work for a strong flooring choice.

What questions do you have about adding tiles to your home?

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?