FAQ

Flooring FAQ


CARPET


Q: What is your best carpet for cleaning?
Smartstrand by Mohawk is one of our best carpets for cleaning. Another great option is solution dyed polyester. 
 
Q:  Will carpet wear down over time?
Yes, carpet fibers will wear down over time. Proper maintenance is the best way to prevent your carpet from looking really worn. Vacuum often and have your carpet steam cleaned once a year. Dirt and other abrasive materials are what cause your carpet fibers to appear worn.
 
Q:  What is Berber carpet?
In the true sense of the word, Berber describes the “speck” in any carpet derived from the Moroccan Berber tribe. Today, however, it is widely accepted that Berber specifies a loop style carpet.
 

Q:  How often should carpet be cleaned?
Carpet should be vacuumed often and have your carpet steam cleaned once a year.
 
Q:  Why use a better pad under carpet?
The better quality pad you put under your carpet the better it is going to feel and the longer it is going to last. Buying cheaper pad sacrifices the longevity of the carpet because when the pad breaks down the carpet fibers mash and shortens the life of the carpet.
 
Q:  How do I keep my flooring warranty? 
Most carpet warranties require you to have your carpet professionally cleaned once every 12-18 months. Your Gainesville Flooring Salesperson can make sure you know the policies for maintaining your warranty when you purchase your flooring.
 
Q: Are you supposed to see the seams in carpet?
No seam is invisible. Seams should be kept to a minimum, running the length of the area making sure the natural light does not strike across the seam. Some carpets seam up better than others
 
Q: My carpet is buckling, what causes this to happen?
Several things can cause buckling; improper installation, the wrong cushion, moving furniture or high humidity. When having your carpet re-stretched, be sure the carpet is power stretched.
 
Q: My carpet was soaked due to a flood, what are my options?
Carpet should be professionally extracted & dryers setup and running within 12 to 24 hours. It’s best to use a professional that is trained in water restoration in order to ensure carpet, pad & sub-floor is completely dried within 12 to 24 hours to prevent mold. If the carpet is contaminated with sewage, it is recommended to properly dispose of carpet and pad.

Removing the wet pad and drying out the carpet as quickly as possible is the best way to save your carpet. Assuming the carpet is dried quickly, then you can purchase new pad and have the carpet re-installed.
 

Q: Does my carpet pad need replacing after being soaked?
Generally yes; although, some newly developed restoration procedures may be able to salvage the cushion. Wet carpet cushion is very difficult to adequately dry quickly.

Q: My sewage drain overflowed and has saturated my carpet, can my Carpet be saved?
We do not recommend trying to save sewage-contaminated carpet. Due to the highly absorbent materials such as carpet and pad, there are health risks that can be associated with contaminating these materials.


HARDWOOD FLOORING

 Q: What is the difference between Solid Hardwoods, Engineered Hardwoods and Laminate Flooring?

·      Solid Hardwoods- Made entirely from one piece of wood, can be refinished and stained to your exact color preference and is available in a broad range of species such as Oak, Hickory, Maple, Brazilian Cherry for example. 

·      Engineered Hardwoods – It is real hardwood built in layers with a veneer surface. Due to the cross-grained layers in the construction, it is more stable and does not expand and contract like Solid Hardwoods. You also don’t have height issues because this is a thinner wood product.

·      Laminate Floors- Less expensive facsimile of wood (made of particle board) that is resistant to fading, staining and scratching. A great value option for the warmth and look of hardwoods for a less expensive price. A great choice for families with pets.  


Q: Should I expect color variations in my hardwood floor?
Yes - wood is a product of nature; therefore, you will see variations from board to board in all categories. No two boards are ever the same.
 
Q: My wood floors have dented…how is that possible, they are hardwood floors?
Hardwood is a product of nature that contains a cell structure; therefore, if enough pressure is applied, the cell wall will collapse and a dent will appear.
 
Q: My floors are darker in spots that were previously covered by rugs. What is this?
Wood goes through a natural aging process called patina. Bright sunlight can also accelerate this condition. Moving area rugs around from time is recommended to prevent distinct areas of darker and lighter color stains.
 
Q: Should I use unfinished or prefinished hardwood?
It is actually personal preference. They both have advantages. For example, if you want to match the existing woodwork, you may wish to go with unfinished so it can be stained to blend with the woodwork. However, prefinished have some great benefits: longer finish warranties, uniform stain application and a cleaner environment.
 
Q: Are there any rooms in the house where I should NOT install hardwood floors?
We do not recommend hardwood flooring in full bathrooms that have a shower or bathtub. These rooms have the potential for standing puddles of water that can damage wood floors.