What kind of subfloor is best for ceramic tile? Installers know that the final flooring material is only as good as the subflooring under it. Even the best and most expensive ceramic tile develops problems when the subfloor lacks proper preparation or does not meet the requirements. The best subfloors or underlayment for ceramic tile […]
What Causes Stress Cracks in Wood Floors?
While a hardwood floor is one of the most durable materials on the market, there are times when stress cracks might appear. Learning what they are and how they form can help flooring installers and inspectors identify the problems and work to fix them. Stress cracks appear in wood floors when there are excessive contractions […]
What is the Industry Standard for Bow and Skew?
Flooring installers should know that the bow and skew are important for their job. When installing carpet, installers must apply proper tension so the pattern stays accurate and aligned. A bowed or skewed pattern can occur in printed carpets. This condition creates visible distortion. Some distortion is understandable. However, the industry sets standards, and installers […]
How is Spun Staple Yarn Made?
Manufacturers use spun staple yarn in cut-pile carpets, and it offers a versatile and soft option for homes and businesses. It provides a range of different looks, from woolly to sleek. Understanding how manufacturers make spun staple yarn helps consumers make the right choice. Manufacturers can turn this type of yarn into a wide range […]
What is a Side Match Problem in Carpet?
When the shade of two pieces of carpet varies, they should look the same. Inspectors often cannot spot this difference until they roll both pieces out side by side. Different hues will really be noticeable with a side match issue. When the fibers are being manufactured, the dye can vary between mixtures, so that the […]
What are Primary and Secondary Backing in Carpet?
Wondering about primary and secondary backing in carpeting? When it comes to carpeting, there are many steps that go into making it that ensure a top-quality product. Knowing a little bit about the components of a carpet can help contractors, installers, and flooring inspectors better communicate with each other and with their clients. For example, […]
What is Plasticizer Migration?
When it comes to flooring, few materials are as versatile as vinyl. To make the vinyl sheets more flexible and softer, chemicals called plasticizers are added. However, these chemicals have the potential to cause some problems for clients due to plasticizer migration. What is plasticizer migration? Plasticizer chemicals within vinyl, plastic, or rubber migrate […]
What’s the Best Way to Care for New Carpet?
Many clients want to know what to do to keep their new carpet looking beautiful for the next several years. The good news is that business owners and homeowners can take several steps to keep their carpet looking as good as it did on installation day. The first thing to do is to use area […]
What is Type 6 Nylon?
The most popular material used for carpet fiber today is nylon. Besides being durable and easy to care for, nylon carpets are extremely beautiful. Because it is a synthetic fiber, nylon is also affordable and plentiful. It is also resilient, strong, and stands up to pressure quite well. All these characteristics make nylon ideal […]
What is Polypropylene (Olefin)?
Manufacturers make most carpets sold in the United States from synthetic fibers, and polypropylene, known as olefin, is one of the most prevalent options on the market. It is an inexpensive fiber that is naturally stain resistant and color-fast, with the ability to stand up to sun exposure and water exposure very well. Olefin is […]
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