Get The Answers to Floor Design, Installations and Warranty Questions
Q: We would really like to put a laminate floor in our basement since we host our square dance club 2x a year. What are the disadvantages of putting this floor type below grade?
Steve L Mariemiont, Ohio 45227
A: The downside to laminates on grade or below grade is the fact that many times moisture (even though you don’t see it) is evident in the slab. There are several tests that can be done to detect if moisture is present in the slab. I definitely recommend those tests and also would use a 6 mill plastic vapor barrier over the slab. Then you can install the foam over the barrier. Keep in mind that the hot water tank, a/c unit, a toilet or sink can still overrun on top of the laminate floor. I really don’t know of a total water proof laminate on the market that would take standing water. Metro floor does have a laminate look-alike vinyl plank that is waterproof from the top.
Q: Do your installers use good seaming materials.
Eugene C Alexandria, Ky
A: My son Brandon just told me this week that the seam tape he uses is over $8 per roll. To give you an idea of those prices...home centers have sales on seam tape for $3.50 p/roll. Do you really want their installers coming to your home with the cheap tape or do you want Brandon & Jami coming with the good stuff. Our tape won't release the carpet seams after your carpet is steam cleaned, which the manufacture requires every 12-24 months. You won't find the home centers installers after their seams come apart. Having installers that are CFI Certified floor installers means they are trained in the latest techniques of stretching the carpet properly.
Q. Greg I Hear All These Stores Talking About 25 Year-Even Lifetime Carpet Warranties. What’s the Deal?
Lawrence M. Montgomery, Ohio 45242
A. We warranty the carpet through the manufacture. A lot of carpet stores will take a 10 year manufacture warranty for abrasive wear and add their own 10 year warranty to that and you have 20 years. Now if a mill tells me 10 years why would I add another 10. They are saying (and they make the carpet) they are good for 10 years. I'm not a mill so why would I add another 10 to theirs. Do you get the point! That 20 year warranty sounds real good. The mill is only going 10 years. You really don't think the store that is telling you 20 years is going to stand behind another 10 years on top of the 10 the mill puts out. I DON'T THINK SO. HOT TIP: Most mills won't stand behind the warranty if a certified installer doesn't install it anyway and you must follow in detail the cleaning instructions and requirements. Check out the carpet page for high quality name brand carpeting.
Q: I live in a multi-level condo building and noise is a problem with neighbors. I have been told that I cannot install hardwood unless it meets the sound proofing requirements. I really would like to put some wood flooring in our condo. What should I do?
Marilyn & Roger….Mt Washington, Ohio 45230
A: There are several sound proof systems available to properly install hardwood flooring in multi-level buildings. You may use a floating floor installation installed directly over a suitable underlayment or you may choose a direct glue system, which is installed over dense foam. Either system will provide you with the proper sound proofing to meet your needs and keep your friendly neighbors happy. Please visit our hardwood page for the latest in wood flooring.
Q: I have a large room and I’ve been told that the room will require several carpet seams. Do I need to have extra seams and is there anything I can do to minimize them?
Rick C. Ft. Thomas, Ky
A: Carpet seams and seam locations are probably the biggest challenge in our industry. Since carpet only comes in certain widths, it is very likely large rooms will require at least one seam. Several factors need to be considered when deciding your seam location such as, furniture placement, directions of light source, doorways and traffic areas, lighting source, number and length of seams and how it may affect seam placements in other rooms. There is usually no perfect scenario and often times you must compromise one of the seams to work to another’s advantage. A properly constructed seam is generally still noticeable, but depending on what style and color of carpet you have, it may be more or less noticeable in your situation.
Q: We have a room in the basement that is cement and we would like to put some type of vinyl flooring down. Would you recommend floor tile or sheet vinyl? Judy D. Hyde Park, Ohio
A: I really like tile flooring in basements. Ceramic is a perfect choice. However if you want vinyl, I would use VCT or Luxury Vinyl Tiles. You glue the tile down right to the cement and make sure you have a real clean, dust free floor before installation. Vinyl tile comes in 12 x 12 and even larger tiles like Tarketts Permastone, which is 16 x 16. Check out our vinyl tile page.
Q: Should I purchase a pre-finished hardwood or have the wood sanded and finished on the job site. Clifton P. Middletown, Ohio
A: The answer to this question depends on many variables. For starters, it depends on if it is an existing home or if it is a new home. If you live in an existing home it is much more convenient to purchase a pre-finished hardwood. If you are purchasing a new home the advantage of a good pre-finished hardwood is that the finish is applied in a controlled environment and it generally has a suspended metallic in the finish. This gives the finish extraordinary wear characteristics compared to finished-on-site products. The draw backs to pre-finished hardwood is it may not be offered in the stain color you want and it is less forgiving to install on uneven surfaces since it is not sanded flat. Finished on site hardwood also is easier to perform custom inlay work and install flush vents with. Installing an unfinished wood floor also results in almost a seamless installation. That’s one big reason that pre-finished floors have bevels on the sides. Check out our hardwood floors page.
Q: I want a berber or level loop carpet installed in my office area, but I’ve been concerned that the fiber can run when it’s pulled. Are there any loop carpet products that don’t run? Victor B. Covington, Kentucky
A: Yes there are loop products that have enhanced backings designed to prevent the fiber from running. One such product is made by Kraus. It even has a zipper warranty against running and fibers coming out. We carry all the Kraus carpets.
Q: We purchased carpet from you last year. It was a textured plush made by Coronet. What is the best system to clean my carpet? I want to comply with the manufactures warranty guidelines. Thank You….Linda & Roy White Oak, Ohio 45239
A: Beaulieu wants customers to use steam cleaning (hot water extraction) and done by a certified carpet care professional. The products used to clean your carpet must be certified by the Carpet & Rug Institutes Seal of Approval. Beaulieu recommends that your carpet be treated with a flurochemical stain resistant treatment after each cleaning to maintain the full benefits these treatments provide. Your carpet should be cleaned every 12-24 months. You must keep your receipts for each cleaning. The above are mandatory requirements to meet and fulfill the warranties guidelines. Visit our carpet page.
Q: Can I have ceramic tile installed directly over my vinyl floor?
Mary Jo & Ed Madeira, Ohio
A: We generally recommend that the underlayment be removed because the subfloor may not be adequate to support tile; however if your existing vinyl floor was installed over an adequate sub floor (like a concrete backer board) using a full spread installation method then yes, it can be done if you use the proper installation products. Click here for the ceramic tile page.
Q: I have a big dog that is over 100 lbs. and we would like to have hardwood installed.
Friends have told us that’s not a good idea. Help?
Linda & Neal Amelia, Ohio
A: These type questions are really good ! No. Many people with large dogs have hardwood flooring. Your dogs can scratch the floors and it will cause more wear; however, unlike vinyl and laminate floors, hardwood can be refinished in the future. Manay of the new pre-finished hardwood floors are coated with aluminum oxide and that really resists scratching. Keep in mind that even under normal circumstances, your hardwood floors will scratch. As the floor gets older it will tend to mellow out.
Check out the different hardwood flooring products http://www.cincinnatifloorings.com/hardwood-floors.html
You can find out more info on my flooring blog Greg the floor man for up to date changes in product information.
Thank you, Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We are always happy to answer and you can expect personal and professional advice, often directly from me or just ask for Greg. |
