Signs It’s Time to Consider Reflooring Your Home
Reflooring your home can be a big decision. If you’re thinking about it but are unsure if it’s time, there are several signs that it’s time for a change, like carpet damage and squeaky floors. At Preferred Flooring in Breese, Illinois, we can pair you with carpeting, laminate, hardwood, and tile flooring to make your floors stand out and look incredible, so if it is time to replace your floor, we’re here to get you just the right flooring you need. Here are seven signs it might be time to consider reflooring.
#1: Your Floor Has Sustained Water Damage
Water damage is particularly an issue in the kitchen or bathroom because sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and dishwashers can lead to a lot of spilled water. If you know that water wasn’t cleaned up quickly or there’s ongoing spillage, it may be time to refloor. It’s also a good idea to look at the subfloor so you’re not just covering a problem with new flooring. You may have water damage if you see:
- Discoloration
- Board Separation
- Warped floorboards
- Bulging floorboards
If your floor has any of these symptoms, it’s probably sustained serious water damage, and it may be time to get a new floor.
#2: Discolored Flooring
Hardwood floors, tile, and carpet can fade because of the sun’s natural UV rays shining into the house. The flooring might not look bad apart from that, but it’s making your things look older and can zap the freshness from your home. If your flooring is heavily discolored, fresh flooring can bring some color and energy back into your home.
#3: Your Floor is Squeaking
If you can’t move through your living without the floorboards squeaking, it means they’ve moved somehow. Usually, this is because of water damage or cracks in the foundation. If tons of squeaking comes from your floor anytime you walk, it’s time to refloor and take a closer look at the subfloor.
#4: The Floor Smells Bad
If you have an old dog that’s unable to make it outside, you may start to notice a stench coming up from the carpet. It sinks into the carpet and the carpet padding beneath it. Other things that cause a stench are mold, trapped food particles, and untreated spills and stains. If you notice a smell in your home that you just can’t get rid of, your old flooring may be the culprit.
#5: The Floor is Scratched or Cracked
If you have hardwood flooring and there are scrapes and scratches, it may be time to refinish it. Reflooring is in order if it’s been refinished a few times before or you see cracks. Cracks could hurt someone, and they’ll speed up water damage.
#6 The Flooring is Dated
If your flooring has lasted forever, but now the pattern of the tile or linoleum is embarrassingly outdated, that can be reason enough to change it. There’s nothing wrong with a fashionable renovation, and it can be a simple and exciting way to revive your home. There’s nothing wrong with an upgrade!
#7: Normal Wear and Tear
It’s science: Everything breaks down. Your carpet, tile, or wood flooring is no exception. Here’s how long flooring can last on average:
- Carpet: 7-10 years
- Hardwood: 50+ years, but it needs to be refinished every 12-15
- Vinyl sheets: 10-20 years
- Laminate and vinyl plank flooring20-25 years
If its been that long, or longer, since you’ve last replaced your flooring, it has probably reached the end of its lifespan. Getting new flooring will not only look better, but it will provide protection for your subfloor too.
Contact Us to Begin Reflooring
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to consider reflooring. Reflooring doesn’t need to be a difficult process. Preferred Flooring in Breese, IL, carries carpet, tile, laminate, and hardwood from top brands. Visit our store or search online to see what’s available. If you have questions or want an estimate, call, fill out our online contact form, or visit our showroom. We proudly serve Breese, Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL. Contact us today!
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Carpet vs. Vinyl Plank Flooring
Selecting carpet vs. vinyl plank flooring can be a challenge. It requires assessing your needs, lifestyle, budget, and the rooms where the flooring will go. We can help you assess which flooring would be best for your needs and choose the best fit for you. Preferred Flooring carries top vinyl plank flooring and carpet brands near Breese, Illinois, and is here to help you find the best flooring for your home.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is made from four or more layers to create durable, soft flooring that looks like hardwood. The top layer has a protective coating on it that keeps it from wearing down too quickly. You can choose from standard or luxury vinyl plank flooring. While luxury vinyl plank flooring looks nicer and more durable, it’s not as waterproof as the standard option.
Since it’s made of corkboard and PVC plastic, vinyl plank flooring is durable and waterproof. It also looks nice, particularly if you want the look of hardwood but can’t afford the price that comes with it.
Some other benefits are that it’s:
- Designed to connect like laminate instead of coming in one solid strip, like traditional vinyl flooring
- Easy to maintain
- Withstands UV rays, so it won’t fade or get too warm
- Lightly padded, so it’s comfortable to walk on
- Unlikely to get soggy and swell like hardwood
Benefits of Carpet
Carpet is popular in many homes because it adds style and a decorative element. It provides an excellent space to sit and play because it’s more comfortable than other flooring types. At Preferred Flooring, we carry a selection of carpets from brands that include Shaw, Gulistan, Phenix, and Anderson. You’ll find textured, frieze, looped, patterned, and plush carpets.
Some other benefits of carpet include:
- Reduces noise by muffling sounds
- Traps dust particles, leading to cleaner air
- Offers a soft landing in the event of a fall
- Hides dirt so your home looks cleaner
- Easy to maintain with regular vacuuming
Carpet Vs. Vinyl Plank Flooring: Room by Room
Choosing carpet vs. vinyl plank flooring can be a per-room choice. For instance, vinyl plank flooring is an easy win in the kitchen and the bathroom because it’s waterproof, and both rooms have much water exposure. On the other hand, most people prefer carpets in bedrooms and playrooms for the comfort and warmth it offers. In a living room or a family room, either could be beneficial. Consider whether:
- Safety is an issue
- Noise absorption could help.
- How you plan to use the room.
- The maintenance you want to put in
Contact us for New Flooring
Selecting carpet vs. vinyl flooring can take some energy and effort. Whether you’re redoing the whole house or just a few rooms, you want to make good choices for the future of your home. At Preferred Flooring, we can help you select between carpet and vinyl plank flooring near Breese, Illinois. Our professional staff will work with you to provide estimates and any other help you need. You can call, send an email, or visit our showroom. We proudly serve Breese, Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL. Contact us today!
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How to Replace Carpet with Laminate Flooring
Replacing carpet with laminate flooring is much easier than it may sound. While it still is a project that will take some time, planning, and elbow grease, it is quite straightforward and much simpler than you might imagine. It’s a beautiful way to renovate your home and is a great choice, particularly if you are looking for new low-maintenance flooring. Stop by Preferred Flooring for help finding the best laminate near Breese, Illinois. Explore a wide range of laminate floorings to find something you like, meets all your needs, and fits in your budget. Learn how to replace carpet with laminate flooring on your own with help from Preferred Flooring.
Step #1: Find a Laminate Flooring You Like
Before replacing your carpet with laminate, find a laminate flooring you like. That way, you’ll be ready to go with fresh flooring to replace your carpet once you have ripped all of it up. You don’t want to put the cart before the horse and be left with a naked floor and no idea what you want to cover it with. We carry a large selection of laminate wood flooring near Breese, Illinois.
Step #2: Remove the Carpet
Your next step is to remove the carpet. This is relatively easy. Starting in a corner of the room, get a utility knife or a box cutter and cut along the length of the wall. You’ll want to cut 4 or 5 inches from the wall and then pull so you’re not trying to pull it all off the tack strip at once. Pull up the carpet, and then cut it into strips that you can roll up and then remove.
Step #3: Remove the Padding
This is the layer of padding that lies beneath your carpet; removing it is basically the same as removing the carpet. Start it in a corner and then roll it up. There’s no tack strip, so it should come up quickly. It’s also much lighter. Ensure you wear shoes, as once this padding is up, your floor be completely bear and will more than likely be a bit rough.
Step #4: Remove the Carpet Tack
Carefully pry the tack upward using a screwdriver, a hammer, or a shovel and pull it out. Remove any nails you see as well, being careful of these exposed sharp points.
Step #5: Clean and Level the Subfloor
Take advantage of this step! A level floor is optional for carpet, but for laminate flooring, having uneven areas can cause it to pull apart. Use a level at least three feet long to ensure the whole thing is even.
Sand down any rough areas, screw down squeaky subfloors, level out any low areas, and sweep or vacuum them thoroughly. It’s worth taking your time with this step and ensuring you do a thorough job for the best long-term results.
Step #6: Lay Your Flooring
Laminate flooring uses a tongue-and-groove design that clicks together, so it’s easy to install. Choose the longest wall or a wall with a focal point, like a fireplace, to start with. Stagger the pieces by at least 6 inches to ensure the joints aren’t all aligned. This will look more natural and prevent buckling.
Past that, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Some may require a tapping block or a hammer to lock the pieces together, and others may have slightly different steps. Check with the manufacturers recommended installation procedures for the best results.
Contact Us for New Laminate Near Breese, Illinois
When you’re replacing carpet anywhere near Breese, IL, Preferred Flooring can help! We carry flooring from the top brands in the nation. Let us help you determine which options best meet your needs. Visit to see what we have in stock that you love. We proudly serve Breese, Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL. Contact us today!
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Vinyl Plank vs. Hardwood Flooring
When you’re looking to remodel or change the flooring in your home, weighing vinyl plank vs. hardwood flooring can be a troublesome conundrum, leaving you wondering which choice you really want. If you’re looking for vinyl plank flooring or hardwood flooring near Breese, Illinois, Preferred Flooring is here to help. We carry hardwood and vinyl plank flooring from some of the top flooring brands. Let us assist you in analyzing vinyl plank vs. hardwood flooring and figure out which choice it is that you really want. We have lots of information to share with you about both these kinds of flooring to help you figure out which one is best for you.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is a synthetic vinyl flooring made to look like wood flooring. It’s available in both luxury and standard styles. Unlike regular vinyl flooring that comes in large sheets, vinyl plank flooring comes in interlocking planks, and is also usually constructed with several layers.
The bottom layer is a foam or corkboard layer that provides backing and gives it padding, so you don’t need a separate pad beneath it. Then comes a plastic waterproof layer so the flooring won’t swell when wet. The next layer is a durable PVC plastic stamped with a design that resembles hardwood. The top layer is a wear layer that increases its durability.
Vinyl plank flooring has a wide range of benefits, as it is:
- Waterproof
- Very durable
- Less expensive than most other flooring types
- Easy to install
- Resistant to UV rays
- Low-maintenance and easy-to-clean
- Easy to replace small sections if one plank is damaged somehow
- Comfortable to walk on
What is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is made from hardwood tree species, such as maple, cherry, hickory, or oak. You can select from engineered hardwood or solid hardwood. Solid hardwood is constructed from a single plank. Engineered hardwood has a hardwood surface on top of durable, pressed hardwood. When most people think about hardwood, they assume it’s solid wood flooring and not engineered, but that may not always be the case with hardwood flooring.
Solid hardwood floors are:
- Durable
- Water-resistant, but needs to be wiped quickly
- can be sanded down and refinished
- Low-maintenance
- Available in several finishes for a range of color choices
When to Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Hardwood Flooring
Which flooring is best for your home? That depends on how you want to use it! For flooring that’s above ground, you can utilize either option. Hardwood flooring is a lovely, luxurious option for a living room and bedrooms, and you can easily add beautiful area rugs for texture, comfort, and staging. However, vinyl plank flooring can also be used in those same spaces. Vinyl plank flooring can also be utilized in places where hardwood may not fare as well due to concerns of water damage, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
In the battle of vinyl plank vs. hardwood flooring, which wins? Consider:
- Your budget
- Your lifestyle
- The room the flooring is going
- The risk of water damage
- The look you’re creating for your home
Contact Us for Your New Flooring!
When weighing the balance of vinyl plank flooring vs hardwood flooring, Preferred Flooring can help. Explore our in-stock hardwood and vinyl plank flooring near Breese, Illinois. We can help you determine the best options for your situation and budget. If you have any questions, call, fill out our online contact form, or visit our showroom. We proudly serve Breese, Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL. Contact us today!
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Winter Colors for Vinyl Plank Flooring
As winter’s chill closes in, warm up your home with vinyl plank flooring colors that are perfect for winter. Winter is the ideal time to settle in with some indoor home renovations. Not only will your holiday guests love the changes, but you’ll be able to enjoy them all year long. When it’s time to replace your flooring, visit Preferred Flooring for vinyl plank flooring near Breese, IL. We carry the top brands in the best colors, so you’ll be able to transform your home.
Why Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is a fantastic option for people with kids or pets. It’s also a good choice for a rental property or an Airbnb with many people running in and out. It’s low-maintenance and easy to clean up, water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and dent-resistant.
The top layer of vinyl flooring is a durable, transparent, long-lasting material. Beneath it, the decorative aspect reflects the core element in the planking, either wood or stone, so it looks natural.
Even the luxury vinyl plank flooring options are affordable for most budgets. It’s also easy to install, so you can quickly give your home a brand-new look with money to spare for all kinds of home décor items.
Which Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands Does Preferred Flooring Carry?
Just as important as the colors is the type of flooring you want. Some people prefer softer materials, while others might be looking for something exceptionally durable. Whatever your needs are, we have options that will suit your needs. You can select from several brands for your vinyl plank flooring near Breese, IL, including:
- COREtec® Floors carries contemporary-looking plank flooring that utilizes wood or stone
- Casabella® specializes in creating a warm atmosphere with their waterproof luxury vinyl.
- Neptune® has sound-absorbing waterproof planks that look just like natural wood.
- Mannington uses thick, rigid planks that are sound-absorbing and comfortable even for bare feet.
- Paramount Flooring prints the image and texture onto the core and doesn’t use PVC.
Top Three Winter Colors of Vinyl Plank Flooring
The rest of your home décor should complement the flooring colors you select. As you consider what to choose, these are the best colors for winter. They add warmth, making your home feel cozier, even in a midwestern winter.
- Warm browns with golden undertones. These colors add light and warmth to your home, and the lighter shade will make your home look more prominent. Some examples include “Latte” from Paramount Flooring, “Sand Dollar” from Casabella®, or “Lyric Oak” from COREtec®.
- Red is a brilliant winter hue that naturally emits warmth, like a flame. Consider colors like Mannington’s “Autumn Leaf” and “Burnt Umber” from Casabella®.
- Deep, rich, brown. For cozy winter warmth, this is the vinyl plank flooring color to search for. Consider colors like “Smokehouse” from Paramount Flooring, “Millstone” from Mannington, and “Caliente” from Casabella®.
Choose Your Vinyl Plank Flooring Colors Today
Transform your home with cozy vinyl plank flooring colors that make you glad to hunker down. Choose from warm browns, deep, rich browns, or brilliant reds to withstand the winter chill. If you have questions about the best colors for your home or vinyl plank flooring, call Preferred Flooring near Breese, IL. Our professional staff will be glad to help. We proudly serve Breese, Highland, New Haven, Mascoutah, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL. Contact us today!
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Best Flooring for Your Finished Basement
So, you have just finished your basement, but it still needs something other than cold, hard concrete for its floors. But what kind of flooring do you choose? There are all kinds of things to consider when choosing flooring for your basement, and At Preferred Flooring in Breese, IL, we can help you find comfortable and practical flooring that is perfect for your finished basement. Consider some of the following questions to figure out what you should look for depending on your goals and expectations for your basement.
How Do You Plan to Use Your Finished Basement?
When selecting your flooring, how you plan to use your basement is the biggest thing to consider. Your lifestyle and your needs can dramatically change how you will use a room, and having the right flooring to match will make you happier in the long run.
Consider whether you’ll use it as a workout room, a children’s play area, a permanent apartment for your in-laws, a guest bedroom, a game room, a man cave, an extension of the upstairs, or all of the above.
Depending on your goals, the best flooring for you could change. For instance, for:
- A bedroom or a children’s play area, you’ll want something warmer for mornings and tiny feet
- A man cave or a workout room, consider something durable but comfortable
- If it’s an extension of the rest of your home, consider flooring that complements the rest of your home
- For a bathroom, use flooring that’s easy to clean, waterproof, and durable
- For an extra kitchen, try something easy to clean and water-resistant
- If it’s a multipurpose room, you may consider more than one type of flooring or go with something simple and durable
Waterproof and Moisture Resistant Flooring
Basements are often cold and damp, so you want something that can hold up to the atmosphere, primarily if you have known water issues. Basements are also the first room in a home to flood, so you’ll want something that can withstand that possibility. Consider:
- Painting the floor and leaving it concrete
- Vinyl flooring
- Tile
- Moisture-resistant laminate flooring
Low-Maintenance
You want your finished basement to be easy to maintain, easy to clean, and easy to keep looking nice in general. If you like the look of the hardwood flooring or carpet you have upstairs, try a carpet in a similar color that won’t be damaged by water. And instead of hardwood flooring, try a good quality moisture-resistant laminate.
Vinyl and tile are also good choices because they don’t scratch easily; if the kids spill something, you can wipe it up easily. Anything low maintenance will give you more time to enjoy the space rather than just cleaning it.
Comfort
Landing on concrete hurts. Landing on hard vinyl hurts, too. If you have young kids, pets, or older family members who will be in your basement, you will want to ensure you have an excellent subfloor and something that can add some padding for when you fall, like a rug or carpet. Add rubber or fabric area rugs around the basement to comfort and prevent slips, or consider waterproof carpet, particularly if you have a basement bedroom or a kid’s play area.
Get Flooring for Your Finished Basement Today!
Your finished basement should be highly functional and helpful for your family. Flooring that completes the room is essential to creating and enhancing a warm environment. We carry multiple flooring brands and styles at Preferred Flooring in Breese, IL, so you can find what you need. Our helpful staff will gladly answer your questions and help you determine which is the best fit for you.
We proudly serve Breese, Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL. Contact us today!
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Best Flooring Choices for Dogs
If you have a dog in the family, you’re probably aware of the toll that they can take on your home, and especially your floor. Hair, dirt, mud, and claws all can take a toll on your floors. Taking all of this into account, you’ll want to choose the right flooring for your pet that is good for them but also makes clean-up easy. At Preferred Flooring in Breese, Illinois, we carry a wide range of flooring options in the top brands so you can find the best fit for you and your fur babies. Consider these top flooring options for dogs.
What to Consider in Flooring for Dogs
Weigh the needs of your dog(s) carefully and choose what’s best for everyone. Some things to ask yourself are whether it’s:
- Comfortable for paws
- Slip-resistant
- Durable
- Scratch-resistant
- Slip-resistant
- Waterproof, or at least water-resistant
- Stain-resistant
- A style you like
Unfortunately, there may be no one style that meets all of these considerations. Determine which options are most important to you and figure out which fits your needs best; we are always here to help you figure that out.
Vinyl Flooring for Dogs
Low-maintenance vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for dogs and their people. Since it’s softer underfoot, it will be comfortable on bare paws. An inexpensive and waterproof option, you can put it in one room or throughout the whole house. It’s scratch-resistant, and some types are stain-resistant, which is perfect if you have a young pup or an older dog having accidents.
Vinyl flooring is available in several colors and styles, including faux wood, stone, and tile, so finding something you like will be easy.
Tile Flooring for Dogs
Tile flooring, especially porcelain flooring, is durable, waterproof, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant. It’s also low maintenance and feels cool, which can keep your dog from overheating.
However, while some tile flooring styles will give your dog good traction, others can be very slippery. It may also be too hard or cold for older dogs, but you can balance that with a few well-placed rugs and a comfortable dog bed.
Tile flooring is available in hundreds of colors and styles. It’s a beautiful, upscale option that looks incredible and usually increases home value.
Laminate Flooring for Dogs
Laminate flooring is a wonderful option if you like the look of hardwood floors. It’s easy to clean and resists scratching. It’s also wonderfully comfortable for dog’s paws. It’s moderately water-resistant and stain-resistant, but you’ll need to catch messes early. Laminate is an excellent whole-house option because it’s durable and cost-effective.
However, laminate flooring can also be slippery or too cold for pets, but you can also get heated laminate that will keep your toes warm. Pet bedding and rugs will also prevent slipping and break up the floor space so it looks nice and stays warm.
Contact Us
When you’re ready for new dog-friendly flooring in your home, let Preferred Flooring in Breese, IL, help. Our friendly staff will gladly answer your questions. You can also visit our showroom to see our in-stock options and get an idea of what you might like in your home. We proudly serve Breese, Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trend, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL. Contact us today!
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4 Reasons to Replace Your Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a sturdy and attractive flooring option, but things can still happen to it. From gradual wear and tear to accidents to simply falling out of your favor, if you think your laminate flooring needs to be replaced, you’ve come to the right place! Check out these four reasons to replace your laminate flooring.
#1: You Don’t Like It
Your laminate flooring might still be in good shape, but you might not like it. Not liking it is a good reason to replace your existing laminate and choose something that matches your current aesthetic and décor. Whether you’ve wanted to replace something since you moved in or started disliking it over time, choosing something new is perfectly okay.
#2: It’s Suffered Water Damage
Just like with many other parts of your home, too much water can damage laminate flooring. Usually, it can just be wiped up, and there’s no harm done. However, if there was a lot of water, whether it was a house flood, a broken pipe in the kitchen, or water that leaked and gathered where no one noticed, it could cause some permanent damage. The biggest signs of water damage are cracks, bubbles, or breaks in the laminate. If you see these signs, consider replacing the laminate. Depending on the level of damage, you may have to replace the whole floor or just a section of it. We can help you figure out what kind of service you will need.
#3: It’s Scratched or Scuffed
Even though it’s durable, laminate flooring can still get scratched and scuffed. Often, these can be repaired, but it might be time for new laminate flooring if they can’t. While a little bit in areas nobody notices won’t matter, large scuffs and scratches can make the whole thing look bad. Think about what might have caused them, whether it’s shoes, pet paws, or scraping furniture, and how to avoid them in the future.
#4: It’s Outdated
Like wood, laminate lasts a long time, and many consider it timeless. However, unlike wood, you can’t sand it and stain it a different color. If you want it to look new, you’ll need to get something new. And certain colors and styles can be reminiscent of the 70s, just like wood panels in the basement. If you feel your laminate flooring dates your home, replace it with something fresh and new! Visit the showroom at Preferred Flooring to see your options.
Preferred Flooring Can Help You
When you’re ready to replace your laminate flooring, Preferred Flooring is ready to help! We can help with the entire process, from the removal to installation and everything in-between. Explore the colors and styles to see what you like best. If you have a damaged area you want to replace but don’t want to replace the entire floor, reach out to our staff to see what we can do for you. If you want a different flooring type, we can help you get that, too.
Please visit our showroom to see what we have in stock and what we can order for you. Whether you choose laminate, carpet, vinyl, or tile flooring, your choices can transform your home in incredible ways. Our friendly staff is waiting to answer your questions, so contact us via email or phone or stop by our showroom in Breese, IL. We serve Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL. Contact us today!
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4 Signs Your Wood Floor has Water Damage
Broken pipes, leaking water heaters, and overflowing toilets all have the potential to cause water damage to your wood floor. Water damage can diminish the appearance of your floors, but it can also cause electrical problems, health hazards, and a need to replace your subfloor. Be on the lookout for signs your wood floor has water damage and learn how you can address these problems quickly and efficiently.
Warping
Warping is one of the most common signs of water damage on solid hardwood and engineered flooring. Wood planks absorb water, causing them to shift, distort, and misalign. When this happens, you may notice bubbling, cracking, and peeling. In some cases, the boards may buckle and detach from the subfloor.
For less serious forms of warping such as cupping or crowning, address the root cause and thoroughly dry out the boards. Planks can sometimes be flattened out again.
- Cupping takes place when the floorboards curve upwards and cause the edges to become higher than the center of the boards. This happens when moisture gets trapped under the floorboards, exposing the bottoms to more moisture than the tops.
- Crowning takes place when the floorboards swell with water in the center, causing the top to become rounded and the edges to draw away from one another.
Discoloration
Usually, discoloration is the most obvious sign of water damage because wood floors require regular maintenance. Discoloration usually appears as black staining, splotches, or spots on the floors. You may also notice new markings on the grain or fading between the planks. The discoloration means water has seeped beneath the finish. Fortunately, you can often remove the water stains through polishing or restoration.
Mold or Mildew
The combination of moisture and warmth beneath and between floorboards causes mold and mildew to grow. Mold and mildew are not always visible, but if your flooring has an odor similar to dirt or rotting plants, you may have a problem. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for these issues to develop, so dry wet areas as quickly as possible. If the issue continues, mold and mildew will make the boards soft and warped. In extreme cases, they may also cause health issues.
Hidden Symptoms
Water damage is not always easily detectable. If you suspect your wood floor has been damaged but you’re not experiencing any of the first three symptoms, you may need to look closer. If you suspect unseen damage:
- Inspect the bottom of the floor from the crawl space or basement.
- Call a water cleanup professional. They have readers that can measure the dampness of your ceilings, walls, and floors while assessing your home or business for damages.
Remove Water Damage and Replace Your Wood Floor With Preferred Flooring
Maintaining your wood floor can help to extend its life and detect water damage sooner. If you need to replace your wood floors, Preferred Flooring is here to help. Our store carries dozens of beautiful flooring options, and our staff is ready to provide you with the information you need to make the best choice for your family.
Call us at (618) 526-9393 or visit our showroom to speak to a staff member and receive a no-obligation quote. You can also send us a message and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We proudly serve Breese, Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, Illinois.
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4 Best Tips for Carpet Maintenance
Your new carpet looks fantastic, you love the feel of it on your toes, and it has completely transformed the room’s look. But how do you keep it looking fresh and new? At Preferred Flooring in Breese, IL, we believe that carpet flooring is for everyone, and we want you to be able to care for it well. These quick tips will give you the know-how to keep your carpet clean, looking great, feeling amazing, and lasting longer!
Tip #1: Vacuum Your Carpet Every Week
Having a carpet in your home can help with noise reduction, warmth, and comfort. However, carpet only lasts about 5-10 years without proper care, so it is pertinent that you take the necessary steps to extend your carpet’s lifespan.
Vacuuming the carpet at least once weekly helps keep dirt and dust from settling into it. Dirt is your carpet’s enemy. It doesn’t look good, and it breaks down your carpet fibers – and if any is left behind, it will attract more. You may need to vacuum more, depending on your situation.
- Have kids or pets? Vacuum twice per week.
- Do your pets shed heavily? Try every other day.
- Lots of traffic in one area? Vacuum the carpet at least every other day.
Tip #2: Vacuum Your Carpet Thoroughly
If you’re pushing and pulling your vacuum back and forth across the carpet a few times, you’re probably not vacuuming thoroughly. Instead, you need to push the vacuum forward across the entire length of the carpet and then turn around and vacuum forward again. This way, you’re brushing against the pile, which gets more dirt and debris out of the carpet, keeping it cleaner.
Once that’s done, go over it at least two more times. Instead of going north to south, switch it up and go east to west and west to east, or whatever you didn’t do the first time. This ensures you get as many carpet fibers cleaned as possible. This takes more effort, but it will help preserve your carpet. This deep carpet cleaning doesn’t need to be done every time you vacuum your carpet, but incorporating a deep clean every month or so is enough to keep it looking great.
Tip #3: Get to Carpet Stains – Fast!
Something spilled – quick, wipe it up! But make sure to blot it – rubbing at the stain will cause it to sink deeper into the carpet fibers.
Start by blotting the outside and work your way in toward the center. This will help keep the stain from spreading.
To tackle stains that have set in, many common household ingredients can help. Use caution and try them on a small part of the stain to see if it gets lighter to ensure that your carpet does not react poorly.
- Vinegar
- Club soda
- Shaving cream
- Dish soap (for grease stains)
- Spray cleaner for pet stains
Tip #4: Steam Clean Your Carpet
Your carpets should be deep cleaned every six months. You can get a household steam cleaner, rent one from the store or hire a professional, but make sure to keep up the routine.
Steam cleaning injects hot water and cleaner deep into the carpet fibers and pulls them out. This removes dust, debris, or grease embedded in the fibers.
Contact Us
Your carpet is an investment and an essential part of your home. It’s comfortable, absorbs sound, and looks nice. When you take care of it, you can keep it nice longer. If you have questions or concerns about how to care for your carpet or other flooring, our professional staff will happily answer your questions. Give us a call, send an email, or stop by. Located in Breese, IL, Preferred Flooring proudly serves Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL.
- Published in Blog