Month: July 2021

Are you on the hunt for new flooring for your home? Most homeowners start out with a list of features they’re looking for. Your’s may look like this.

You want:

• A beautiful floor
• One that wears well with all your family can dish out
• One that’s easy to care for
• Adds value to your home
• And won’t look shabby just a few weeks after being installed

You’re not sold on hardwood. Carpet is off the list. But what else is there?

Maybe it’s time to learn more about rigid core flooring.

What is rigid core flooring? 

Rigid core flooring is an engineered vinyl floor that has enhanced construction for durability and stability. A rigid core will be a solid plank with less pliability, and provides more strength when installed underfoot. It’s an improved version of the traditional vinyl flooring you may have grown up with.

Think of it as marrying vinyl and wood flooring together to give you a dynamic flooring product you’ll be proud to display in your home.

When you start shopping for rigid core, you’ll find manufacturers carry several different rigid core vinyls. The difference is in the construction.

WPC – wood plastic composite

If you’re still in love with hardwood, yet want something that will stand up better to wear and tear, WPS rigid core flooring may be the solution. WPC vinyl uses wood pulp, plasticizers, and a foaming agent to create a waterproof core built for strength and stability.

WPC is fabricated into a multitude of looks and designs, making it design friendly based on your needs. It has an easy click into place installation that is perfect for the DIY market.

WPC is also one of the most budget-friendly vinyl floorings on the market. If you’re thinking of sheet vinyl to save on costs, take a look at WPC – the options may be just what you’re looking for.

SPC – stone plastic composite

Think of SPC as a step up from WPC. It’s engineered luxury vinyl that combines limestone and stabilizers to create an extremely durable flooring option. It offers a 100 percent waterproof option, and combines it with a sturdy core that holds up well to scratches, dents, and other daily wear marks.

SPC has a sturdier core, which gives it an advantage if your home undergoes a lot of changes during the year. Do you have a damp, cold basement in the winter months, followed by a hot humid location in the summer? SPC stands up to it all and looks great in the process.

SPC also has a dense core and thickness, meaning it offers comfort if you stand on your feet all day. Pay attention to the core, and you’ll find one with an upgraded comfort factor that will give you noise control at the same time.

Hybrid – this has been produced with laminate and vinyl features

Manufacturers are constantly moving new products to market. As they develop new materials that are stronger, more durable, and look better than previous flooring products, they introduce them as a new option for your home decorating needs.

One of the latest technologies is a hybrid vinyl flooring. It gives you what you love about laminate, married with the best attributes of vinyl.

You’ll find hybrid rigid core often has a commercial grade wear layer that is scratch resistant and can stand up to high traffic situations.

The design layer is the same realistic layer you’ll get with laminate, and can be upgraded to both classic and exotic looks. Love scraped hardwood? Not a problem with hybrid rigid core.

It also comes with a waterproof core, giving you flexibility in where it’s installed.

Is rigid core vinyl flooring good?

It’s vinyl. Still having trouble with that concept? A lot of homeowners start out that way when they first start researching rigid core flooring.

And we get it. If you grew up with traditional vinyl flooring, it’s hard to move past that traditional sheet vinyl mentality.

Rigid core vinyl flooring is nothing like its predecessor. It’s emerged as one of the leading flooring choices in residential and commercial applications. In fact, today’s rigid core can mimic wood, stone, and other flooring products so closely, even experts have to take another look to see that it’s not “real.”

You get the look you desire, without having to sacrifice on ease of use. Who wants a beautiful floor when you have to spend time each day keeping it that way?

Rigid core flooring gives you the benefits of both. And it does it very well.

If you’re looking for traditional flooring – hardwood or stone, classic looks that stand the test of time – you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find many representations from a variety of manufacturers.

Maybe you want to change things up – how about exotic hardwood? You’ll have choices here too. How about an African acacia, or a Brazilian tigerwood? The variations in the wood will leave you breathless. And what’s even better is you won’t have to chop down a tree to achieve it. Hardwood is harvested from resources that can take decades to produce. But because rigid core is created using manufacturing processes, it doesn’t put environmental concerns at risk.

If you love a more rustic look, you’ll find that too. Hand-scraped, reclaimed, or brushed looks are easy to find when you look at rigid core.

It even goes a step beyond and offers you the look of stone – without the weight or the cost. In fact, you can find just about any look you desire. The latest concrete look can be achieved easily using standard plank style installation.

Want to learn more about rigid core flooring?

The best place to start is by stopping by and taking a look at the rigid core flooring we offer. We can show you the difference between the different materials, help you narrow down your selections, and even allow you to take a few samples home to determine which is right for your needs.

Want to do it yourself? Or do you prefer to let a contractor handle the job? We can help with that too, no matter which method of installation suits your needs.

We can also share with you our extensive knowledge about different manufacturers and product lines – something you won’t find at the big box stores. We’ll help you find the right flooring for your needs, and ensure you’re happy with your purchase long after it’s initially installed.

What are you waiting for? Get started with rigid core flooring today.

The post Understanding Rigid Core Flooring first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Just picture it: Summer is here, the kids are in and out of the garden trampling in wet muddy footprints from the pool and grass, and you’re following along with a mop wondering if your floors can handle this amount of pressure. In this blog we will cover some of the best flooring types for busy family homes that will easily cater to your little one’s antics.

Engineered Wood Flooring  

 

First on the list is engineered wood flooring.  Engineered wood flooring combines multiple layers of timber with a solid wood veneer. Designed to allow for wood expansion, engineered wood is compatible with underfloor heating systems and boasts a high moisture tolerance level. 

 

Thanks to the solid wood veneer, engineered wood flooring displays all the stunning looks of solid wood at a fraction of the cost. Available in an array of wood species, colours and finishes – there’s a range to compliment every home and budget!

Thanks to its robust design, the nature of this flooring means it can easily withstand the pressures of a busy family home. Spills, heavy traffic, toys, pets. Whatever your worries are, this flooring can cater to the demand.

 

Not only that, engineered wood is easy to clean. Unlike solid wood, engineered wood is less susceptible to water damage and is water resistant to a degree. 

 

To clean your engineered wood a lightly wet mop with clean water and floor cleaner will do the trick! 

 

If you’re wanting to introduce that luxurious solid wood feel to your home but your lifestyle conflicts with being able to meet the demands, don’t worry! Engineered wood allows you to have the best of both worlds. 

 

So you don’t have to worry about anything with this durable contender. From practicality right through to maintenance, it’s perfect for your bust family home. 

 

EvoCore

 

This next family friendly flooring should be high on your list of options to consider. EvoCore is an innovative flooring range that is in a league of its own in the flooring market. 

 

EvoCore Flooring is the most versatile flooring range that we offer. Providing maximum protection from moisture, stains, dents and scratches, as well as  temperature fluctuations. Our EvoCore ranges are designed with many factors in mind to provide a great option for all areas of the home, including high-risk areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

 

If you’re a parent or even a dog owner, we’re sure these benefits are music to your ears!

 

Thanks to EvoCore’s durable and waterproof qualities, it’s easy to clean. So when those inevitable spills or muddy footprints appear, you can easily clean them away with peace of mind that your flooring will stay intact. 

You’ll also be pleased to hear that EvoCore comes in a wide variety or amazing ranges. Each of these offering their own perks, designs and styles. So there is something for everyone when it comes to fitting the interior of your home. As well as being perfect in the practicality department. 

 

Laminate

 

Next on the list is laminate flooring. This flooring often gets the reputation that it isn’t the best of quality when it comes to practicality with flooring. However, that couldn’t be more wrong. 

 

Laminate flooring has actually come a long way and is one of the most popular flooring options. It comes in different AC ratings. This judges the laminate flooring based on its ability to resist against abrasion, impact and stains. All the things you need to consider with your flooring when living in a busy family home. 

 

The higher the AC rating, the more durable the flooring. Laminates of AC4/5 make amazing additions to family homes thanks to their practicality. 

 

They’re easy to maintain, available in a wide range of colours and styles, replicate real wood for a fraction of the cost, resists moisture, scratches and wear and tear. 

So you can have a stunning real wood appearance, with all the practicalities needed in a flooring for it to stand the test of time in your family home!

 

There we have it, some of the top performing flooring for busy family homes. If you have any more questions regarding flooring, get in touch with one of our advisors today!

The post Best Floors For a Busy Family Home appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Oak style LVT flooring is a great choice for anyone who wants a natural looking floor that is durable and waterproof. You will get an authentic looking floor, with added benefits of versatility which can be used throughout your home. If you are looking for Oak style LVT then you have a wide range to choose from. Read More

On the heels of the United States 245^th birthday, there’s a feeling of American unity and strength.  The pandemic made us realize just how self sufficient our country needs to be.  What better way to help support the economic regrowth of our country than to buy American-made goods and services?!  The Carpet Guys can help supply some of the best flooring products made in the USA.

July 4th, 2021 marked the 245th birthday of America as we know it today. We forget that we are babies in the eyes of the world. Yet, financially we have grown to a first world power and have built our economy on grit and competitiveness. The recent lock down reminded us just how fragile it is. Spending our money in our own communities will keep us thriving. And even more importantly, manufacturing goods in our country brings in even more from around the world. The following are companies that manufacture products in the U.S.

Mohawk Industries is Made in the USA

Located in Calhoun, Georgia, Mohawk Industries boasts the world’s largest flooring company.  They manufacture all flooring types.  Their SmartStrand technology is one of the most popular American-made carpets. When visiting their website, your toughest decision will be choosing just one. In addition, there’s a “Made in USA” filter you can put on their soft or hard surface search results. The Carpet Guys carry many styles and colors in-house.

Phenix Flooring is Made in the USA

While their carpet is made in The United States, many of their laminate and vinyl flooring is, as well.  Phenix is owned by Mannington Mills, headquartered in Salem, New Jersey. One of the most cutting-edge flooring features is Microban Antimicrobial Protection. Amazingly, it protects against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. It remains 99% cleaner than untreated surfaces. Since the Covid-19 Pandemic, it’s wise to look for this attribute.

Click to see how carpet is made in an American-made flooring manufacturer: How carpeting is made, Inside look at carpet production

Engineered Floors are Made in the USA

Engineered Floors products are manufactured and headquartered in Chatsworth, Georgia.  They create all their own yarns in-house. This allows the flooring to be dyed before weaving.  Pure Color technology means the color is throughout the carpet.  Unlike many carpets that are stamp dyed only on the surface of the fibers.  A completely American manufactured flooring from inside out!  Check out our blog “Carrots, Radishes, and Carpet Dye” to learn more about the carpet dye process.

Shaw Flooring is Made in the USA

Shaw Floors is one of the top producers of flooring in the United States.  Because Shaw makes carpet and hard surface products, they provide virtually any flooring type to its retailers.  Shaw is proud to be American made to help the nations economy. As well as Mohawk, Shaw Industries sells flooring abroad. In essence, bringing those international dollars into the U.S. This is significant as we scramble to recover from the Pandemic’s economic shut down.

First, write down your style preferences from the websites above. Then, get a price at your Free In-Home Estimate with our complimentary Design Consultant.  Furthermore, The Carpet Guys carry many styles and colors in our warehouse. This means next-day installation! Obviously, we care about keeping our hard-earned dollars in our country.  We buy from all the top American made brands. In addition, we employ the best installers in Southeast Michigan.  Don’t hesitate to contact us at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) if you have any questions.  Let’s work together to rebuild our nation!

The post Made in the USA appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Basements can be a challenge for installing new flooring. You want the latest trends. You want something modern and stylish. But it’s the basement; you know not every flooring will work well.

Style isn’t everything. You care about the product too. Is it safe? Is it considered a green product? Is there such a thing as eco-friendly flooring that works well in the basement?

If you’ve done any kind of research on eco-friendly flooring products, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Carpet’s always an option, and you can easily find natural fibers the fit well into the green category. But if you’ve done any research on the adhesives used to hold carpet in place, you know they can be anything but eco-friendly.

And then there are laminates. They give you the look you’re craving, many tout to be made exclusively from recycled materials. But if you dig a little further, you’ll find articles that state laminate is high in off-gassing, which isn’t something you choose to bring into your home.

What are you to do?

Let’s talk about the structure of your basement floor

Before you start considering different flooring materials, it’s important to understand the structure of your basement.

Living here in Colorado means your basement undergoes a variety of conditions. It can be cold and dry in the winter, followed by moisture issues in the summer as we move into warm air and lots of water seeping into the ground around you. The ground is almost like a sponge, taking in everything from outside conditions. If you live in an older home, the foundation wasn’t poured and installed up to today’s requirements, so it might not do a great job of preventing moisture from seeping through.

Before you consider which flooring material is right for you, ensure you have the foundation to install the flooring first. Work with a contractor to ensure the floor is level, clean, dry, and humidity levels remain relatively constant no matter what the weather is like outside.

What flooring do you currently have down?

Many homes here in the Denver Metro area have concrete basements. That means you’ll be using concrete as your base.

One current trend is to use a concrete floor as your flooring choice. It’s an eco-friendly option, and is a natural flooring surface that wears well over time.

This isn’t the concrete you currently see in parts of your basement. It’s not natural, untreated concrete in dull, drab gray. You can find concrete tiles that come in beautiful colors and stains. Or use a color treatment on the concrete you already have in place. Just be sure to watch the chemicals and stains you select to ensure they’re eco-friendly too.

Yet concrete isn’t for everybody. It may be a current trend, but is it something you truly want?

There are other options.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is made mostly from clay and sediment. They are fired into all sorts of shapes and sizes, and come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. If you can dream it, you can find it with ceramic tile.

Clay is soft before being fired. Manufacturers add a variety of products into the process to ensure they can stand the pressures of daily use. Look specifically for flooring tiles that handle well in basement conditions. They should be waterproof and stand up well in moist and humid conditions. Many use ceramic tile in bathroom designs, which is a testament to how well they can do under intense moisture situations.

Natural stone

Love the look of tile, but want something even more natural? How about natural stone.

Natural stone refers to a variety of different materials, including:

• Granite
• Marble
• Limestone
• Travertine
• Slate
• Sandstone

Because they’re quarried, they are some of the most eco-friendly materials you can install into your home. Just be sure you pay attention to how they are manufactured. Many natural stone tiles start out porous and absorbent, making them risky for installing in a basement. If you use a stone sealer and install a water barrier layer underneath the stone, they can be good additions to a home.

Floating floors

Instead of talking about a specific material, let’s talk about installation. Floating floors are unique in how they are installed because they aren’t permanently attached to the subfloor. Instead, they click together and hold in place. This makes it easy enough for a do-it-yourselfer to install.

Not all floating floors are suitable for all a basement can dish out. But there are many options for you, depending on what you’re looking for. Options include:

• Carpet tiles
• Cork flooring
• Bamboo flooring
• Laminate
• Engineered hardwood
• Sheet vinyl
• Luxury vinyl tiles and planks

Likewise, not every floating floor can be considered eco-friendly. If this sounds like a good option for you, it’s important to do your research. Many flooring manufacturers understand homeowners want the best of both worlds, and offer an array of products to suit their needs. Clearly define your goals and wishes, and come in prepared to see a variety of options. Then you can choose what works best for you.

The good news is with many of these floating floor options, they can be waterproof or highly water-resistant. The key is ensuring the product is properly sealed. Pay attention to manufacturer’s claims and what their warranties state.

How do you know if a product really is eco-friendly?

With so many labels and promises on products these days, it can be difficult to know what to believe. Does the word “natural” mean anything? What about green label? Or even the term “eco-friendly?” Is it all true?

Unfortunately not. Manufacturers know consumers shop with certain words in mind. They use them freely, even if there isn’t backup to support it. And because laws don’t exist for all processes involved in labeling things with these misleading words, it’s up to the consumer to determine what’s best for their needs.

The UL, a global safety science leader creating principles surrounding company compliance for quality and sustainability, has come up with an entertaining article entitled Sins of Greenwashing, which points out directly what’s happening within the industry.

If you truly want an eco-friendly flooring option for your basement, the best place to start is by coming into our showroom.

We can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re in the market to do it yourself, or want us to handle the job from beginning to end, we’re here to help you find the perfect flooring to suit your needs.

The post When You Really Want Eco-Friendly Flooring For Your Basement first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Changing out your flooring is an easy way to enhance the feel of your entire home. An upgrade to wood flooring especially can make rooms feel more refined and spacious. If solid wood or real tile isn’t in your budget, vinyl is a fantastic option that won’t break the bank while still looking spectacular! It is versatile and totally customizable! Read on for our suggestions on how to choose the best option for your space.

Vinyl comes in several types and multiple styles so that you can customize it to fit your home! Tiles are a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens. You can mimic grout lines that look real. A texture will help make your tiles look like a high-end stone to really enhance your space.

Sheets of vinyl will give you the look of hardwood flooring without the pain of cracks and crevices you’ll often find with wood. They’re easier to clean and can be more hypoallergenic since dust and dirt don’t have anywhere to hide.

Planks are ideal if you’re in need of a waterproof seal. They are similar to engineered and plan wood as they click into place with no glue! The planks simply sit on top of whatever flooring you already have.

Vinyl isn’t just for flooring! Since it comes in so many shapes, it’s also great for baseboards and molding around your house. The material makes clean up a breeze and it’s much cheaper to add crown and chair molding than using real wood.

If luxury is what you’re going for, there are high-end vinyl flooring styles that you can invest in. They also sit on top of your current flooring so they’re mess-free. Though pricier than other options, they are still cheaper than real wood and no one will be able to tell the difference!

Investing in vinyl flooring will save you money in the long run. They’re easier to maintain and don’t require repeated deep cleaning and sealing. Instillation is cheap and quick, and it’s easier to swap the flooring out if you want to change it up again in a few years!

If you’re ready to find out just how incredible vinyl flooring will look in your home, visit Flooring.org. Our wide variety of options ensures that you’ll be able to find exactly what you want at a price point you can afford! Give us a call at 1-800-689-9006 if you’d like to speak with some directly.

This post appeared first on http://www.flooring.org

Flooring with honey coloured tones running through can really add warmth and richness to your room.  Honey is a great alternative colour to the more traditional golden tones of Oak flooring, whilst still giving you a natural colour palate to work with. You will find that honey coloured flooring will match with most interiors, giving a war, and inviting atmosphere. Read More

When it comes to the definition of eco-friendly, the Global Ecolabelling Network says it well:

Eco is an abbreviation for ecology, the system of relationships between living things, and with their environment. Friendly implies beneficial, or at least not harmful. It should follow that the term eco-friendly, when added to services or products, indicates positive, or at least not harmful, effects on living things.

And there is a good reason for homeowners to be concerned. The EPA has shown indoor pollutants can be two to three times more toxic than outdoor levels. Because we spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors, that can be of great concern. And toxic chemicals exist in many of the things you use every day. Did you know:

• Asbestos can hide out in old roof or flooring tiles
• Benzyl benzoate is a common insecticide
• DEHP is commonly found in PVC pipe
• Formaldehyde is in pesticides, building materials, textiles, cosmetics, and more
• Parabens are in abundance in personal care products
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are in a variety of products used throughout your home

VOCs are especially concerning because of the many places they exist. They impact your health in many ways, causing eye, nose, and throat irritation in the short term, to cancer, kidney damage, and nervous system problems in the long term.

In the past, flooring often was filled with harmful VOCs. Pollutants from new carpet installation, for example, could fill the air with hundreds of VOCs. That new carpet smell isn’t just telling you it’s new; it could be dangerous for your health.

But times are changing. The more aware we become about harmful chemicals and less healthy eco-friendly flooring choices, the more conscious we become with both manufacturing and installation practices.

Maybe you want hardwood – it’s the number one flooring choice here in the Rocky Mountains. But part of you is questioning: is hardwood eco-friendly? Is it a sustainable, environmentally friendly option when it comes to installing in your home? Read on.

The first thing you should know about eco-friendly hardwood

If you’re looking for eco-friendly flooring, keep in mind it’s not all about the actual product you bring into your home. It starts at origination, how sustainable the wood source is from the beginning.

In 2008, the US banned timber shipped in from illegal sources. Of course, that doesn’t stop unscrupulous marketers from trying to sell illegal wares. That puts some of the burden on you to ensure you know where your final product is sourced from. Reputable flooring dealers only work with manufacturers with sustainable business practices. Ask questions before you buy; high quality flooring dealers will be happy to share with you the differences.

You should also look for manufacturers with proper certification. Sustainable wood should carry the seal of the US Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC ensures forests are regrown, biodiversity is preserved, and resource quality is well protected. Sustainability certification relies on 57 separate criteria to ensure the forest is managed according to FSC standards.

What are eco-friendly hardwood flooring options?

Taking all of the above into consideration, here are the most environmentally friendly hardwood choices you can bring into your home and use as wood flooring.

Bamboo

If we had to pick one hardwood flooring product to top the eco-friendly list, it would have to be bamboo. And what makes that even more impressive is bamboo isn’t a hardwood at all.

Instead, bamboo is a regenerating grass that takes only three to five years to harvest. Compare that with up to twenty years needed for most other softwoods used in floor production.

When you harvest bamboo, the roots are self-generating, meaning they start growing once again. You can get multiple crops from the same plant. Try that with any softwood or hardwood producing tree. That gives bamboo an additional edge in renewable technology.

And just like different species of trees will give you different types of wood, bamboo is versatile with hundreds of different choices. It’s not a “one size fits all” product line. You’ll find a variety of colors, styles, patterns, and textures to suit every personality.

Cork

Cork is sourced from the cork oak tree. Instead of cutting down the tree and using it as a resource, cork comes from the bark. Harvesters remove the bark of the cork tree, leaving the tree in place. The bark will regenerate about every three years, without harming the tree itself.

That makes cork a great eco-friendly addition to your home. It’s made from organic and renewable materials that are biodegradable, and recyclable. If you’re paying attention to lifespan, that throws the weight in favor of cork because of its sustainable qualities from beginning to end.

It also has properties that don’t come with other types of hardwood.

• It’s soundproof. Want to put it in a music room? It’s a good choice. Have people who work all hours of the day? This can add quietness where you need it most.
• It’s a great insulator. Remember the coldest day of the year? Cork naturally feels warmer underfoot.
• It’s comfortable to walk and stand on. And that can be a big deal if you deal with back pain.

What’s more, cork produces stunning results in flooring. And with today’s technological advances, you don’t have to worry about it scratching, denting, or wearing down quickly. Cork can create a beautiful ambiance for years to come.

Oak flooring

While some homeowners look for reclaimed or repurposed hardwood, and use that as flooring for their homes, we would be remiss not to mention oak. Oak has long been the most popular type of wood flooring. That means there are an abundance of resources creating oak planks, and many of them putting a lot of resources into ensuring it’s a sustainable, eco-friendly product.

If you’re installing your dream floors, oak flooring can be a good choice. If you look carefully at the manufacturing process, care for your flooring well, it can last for decades. Pay attention to how the manufacturer manages their forests, and only select products with the FSC label. And if and when you’re ready for new flooring, be aware of what happens to the product when you pull it out. Can it be repurposed rather than ending up in the landfill?

When you’re ready for eco-friendly hardwood flooring …

Be aware you have choices.

Don’t rely on “sales” online, or your local big box store giving you a good deal. They buy in bulk, and it’s rarely a “good deal.”

Instead, take the time to study your options. Learn all you can about the product you’re installing into your home. It’s the only way you’ll be 100 percent satisfied with your purchase.

The post Finding and Living With Eco-Friendly Hardwood Floors first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

There are things that can be done when dealing with flood damaged carpet.  Whether it is cleaned, repaired or replaced, let The Carpet Guys help.  Here are some suggestions of how to deal with your carpet after the recent stream of rainstorms that is plaguing the state of Michigan.

How to Clean Flood Damaged Carpet

The first thing to do is stop the water from entering the home.  We recommend calling a professional waterproofing company and have the home inspected.  We work with Basement Waterproofing of Michigan because they have a long-standing history of waterproofing success and knowledge.

Once the water has stopped coming into your home, you can begin the cleaning process.  For carpet, pull up the carpet around the room to get air to the pad.  This is the place where mold and mildew will grow if water sits.  Use a dehumidifier and large fans to dry the space as soon as possible.  You may need multiple devices depending on the square footage of the water-logged space.  Once all the flooring and pad are dry, lay the carpet back in place and have it professionally cleaned.

Can Damaged Carpet be Repaired?

If there wasn’t a lot of water, or it was able to be dried up quickly, some types of flooring may be repairable.  It is not recommended to replace a section of carpet in a room.  Even if using the exact same color and style, the carpet changes based on sun exposure and wear and tear.  It will be very noticeable if you replace a small piece. The pad can be replaced. Once damaged by water, this is where mold and mildew may grow.  This would not be noticeable since it sits underneath the carpet.  Unfortunately, there is no other way to “repair” carpet once it’s damaged.  Replacing the flooring would be recommended.

Call a reputable restoration company to get an unbiased opinion whether the carpet can be repaired or should be replaced.  There are two companies that The Carpet Guys consistently work with because they are responsive and professional:  Rainbow International Restoration or 360 Fire & Flood Property Restoration. 

Should I Replace my Carpet?

If the carpet is going to be replaced, we recommend that you have your basement waterproofed before having the new flooring installed.  You don’t want to put money into your new floors only to have them water damaged again.

Once the flow of water into the home has been abated, The Carpet Guys can replace the carpet.  If it only happened in one room, the carpet in that room can be replaced without a noticeable difference in the other rooms.  We recommend replacing the pad as well. The pad is what absorbs the most water.  Once the installer pulls up the old carpet, they may decide a new subfloor is necessary depending on the amount of water damage.

The Carpet Guys knowledgeable and experienced installation teams can make the unfortunate situation of flood damaged carpet an easy replacement process.  Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or schedule a Free In-Home Estimate online and we will take care of all your flooring needs!

The post Flood Damaged Carpet appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

It sounds too good to be true.

All you have to do is buy the carpet, and the company will install it absolutely free. You’ll never find a better offer, they say.

Of course, once you start reading the fine print, you start seeing where they make their money.

• The price they quote for carpet in the ad is the cheapest carpet made. If you “upgrade” after signing on the dotted line, you’ll pay an exorbitant price.
• What they consider to be room size and what average rooms really are equate differently.
• Extras start adding up quickly. You’ll pay for every “problem” found. And these problems will start adding up in price.

Nothing is ever free. You’ll always pay for it somewhere. Which is why it’s better to do your homework early, and ensure you’re working with a reputable company, which offers high-quality prices, and installs it in such a way for you to enjoy it throughout its lifespan.

What everyone wants from carpet

Quick: What’s the most important benefit you’re looking for as you select new carpet? If you’re like most people, two factors come to mind.

• Durability
• Beauty

Why install a flooring into your home if it doesn’t stand the test of time? It’s important to have flooring easy to maintain and keeps up with your busy lifestyle.

It’s equally important to love the carpet you install. If you hate it from day one, aren’t happy with the look and feel, compromised in any way to put functionality over beauty, you’ll never really like the way it looks in your home.

In general, we walk up to specific carpet samples because they fit our personalities. We like the color. The pattern works with the decor. It seems soft and luxurious. Looks pull you in, but it’s the durability that will push the selection over the top.

What makes a carpet durable?

Just like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, durability can often be described in a similar fashion. What’s durable to an empty nester living in an urban dwelling may not be considered durable to a family of six with two cats and a dog.

Durability is determined by starting with a few questions.

• Where am I going to install the carpet?
• What is the area used for?
• Who uses the space regularly?
• What look am I trying to achieve?

Share your answers with the sales associates you’re working with. The more they know about your demands, the more they can help you choose carpeting with a balance between durability and beauty. To help you select the right carpet that will have you loving your carpet from day one.

There are many ways to find durability.

Start by looking at the manufacturer. In some products, no-name brands aren’t a big deal. With carpet, that isn’t necessarily so. The reason certain manufacturers are well-known is that they’ve been in the industry for years. They care about the products they create, are on the cutting edge of technology, and are always looking for ways to improve their product lines.

A carpet’s durability is measured in several ways: face weight, tuft twist, and density rating. We usually suggest looking for carpet somewhere in the 34 to 40 ounce face weight range, with a tuft twist of 5 or more. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends installing a carpet with at least a 3,600 density rating, with 5,000 or higher in high traffic areas.

I’m ready to shop. Now what?

One of the biggest reasons people fall out of love with their flooring choice is because they don’t do enough homework first. This isn’t something you’ll be able to replace easily if you hate it. For most homeowners, once a new carpet is installed, it’s something they’ll live with for years to come. That alone is reason to slow down and ask a few more questions before you start to shop.

Where will I be installing new carpet? This may seem like a moot point – you’re shopping with a room in mind for a reason – but it is something to consider before you shop. Are you looking for one room – a bedroom – or an entire home? If you’re selecting one room, it allows you to get more specific with your options. When you include several rooms, it’s important to shop with the most active room in mind. If a carpet can stand up in your family room, it’ll look good in your bedroom for years to come.

How much are you willing to spend? It’s easy to walk into a showroom and fall in love with a luxurious carpet. But when you see the price, it can impact your decision making skills, and increase the potential of buyer’s remorse. Set your budget early. Leave a little room for adjustments. And don’t forget about padding and labor costs. If you leave room in your budget for incidentals, you’ll be satisfied with your final selection before it’s ever installed.

What about longevity? People shop for a rental home differently than they do a family home. Will you be moving in a year? Or are you trying to find a carpet that will last for years to come? Knowing your choice early can help point you in the right direction of which carpet to choose.

What about fiber? Carpet is made from several different types of fiber. Depending on which you choose will impact wear, maintenance, and longevity. Options include:

Nylon – the most resilient carpet fiber, but it must be treated with a stain protector from time to time to keep it functioning well.

Polyester – this fiber is stain-resistant and soft to the touch. Plush carpet often falls in this category. However, it’s harder to maintain and won’t last as long as other options.

Olefin – an inexpensive option that resists staining, fading, and mildew. It’s a good choice for high traffic areas.

Wool – if you’re looking for a natural option, wool is an excellent choice.

What about style and color? With everything else in mind, now it’s time to pick colors, patterns, and styles that suit your personality and needs. Bring in color charts, paint samples, and pillows. When you’re down to a few selections, bring them home and see how they look in the room. Live with them for a few days and see them in different lights.

Choosing the right carpet shouldn’t be a difficult process. If you start with a bit of knowledge before you make your final decision, you’ll enjoy the process and love the results.

How can we help you select the right carpet for your needs?

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