Layout and Seam Placement
The knowledge of a few basics of measurement and layout are a must for the sales representative, installer, consumer or other individual that is measuring rooms for the installation of a new carpet. It is equally important for the inspector, for you will be called upon to determine the amount of yardage […]

By Terry Weinheimer, The Weinheimer Group LLC
Manufacturing

Latent Problems are those that become apparent only after the floor covering has been installed for a period of time.

Visual Problems are those that are readily visible and should be seen prior to or at the time of installation.

Consumer

Normal appearance change for the carpet style, care and usage.
Improper maintenance.
Animal […]

Wood Floors and Finishing
Floor sanding can be done by hand, but electrically driven sanding machines are used almost exclusively today. These machines are usually available from rental agencies which can also supply the sandpaper. Some handwork may be necessary in places that are inaccessible to power machines.
Sanding Machines
Sanding machines may be either the drum […]

Considering a new hardwood floor? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that have been provided to us by the American Hardwood Information Center.
Does sunlight lighten or darken a floor’s color? Does it depend on the species, the stain or the finish?
The ultraviolet rays that can burn and age our skin will affect […]

Janka Test
The Janka (or side) hardness test measures the amount of force required to embed a .444-inch steel ball to one-half of its diameter in wood. It is known as one of the best measures of the ability of a wood species to withstand denting and wear. As an example, natural bamboo has a hardness […]

As in the example below, a carpet manufacturer may issue a set of claims policies that covers what they will and will not do. These policies are usually based on the Carpet and Rug Institute Claims Guidelines.
Residential Claims Policies & Procedures

Claims are accepted for consideration only on carpet, which is graded and sold as first […]

The end user and the floor covering professional need to understand what is covered in a warranty and who the warrantor is. Often more than one warranty and more than one warrantor cover a flooring product. The company that produced the product usually offers a warranty. The company that manufactured the yarn or other components […]

Vinyl Floor Covering (Resilient)
You may have seen advertising prior to purchasing your new floor that screamed to you ” I will take care of myself”. The care and maintenance literature that you received after your purchase muffled that scream and told you that the floor will require regular maintenance. I doubt though that the need […]

High heel shoe damage: A 125-pound person in high heels exerts pressure of approximately 2000 pound of pressure per square inch. If the protective cap on a pair of high heels has worn down the steel support rod can become exposed. This rod will dent and pit wood, fracture tiles or stone and puncture vinyl.

Protective […]

The film of epoxy grout will not come off with an acid cleaning. The epoxy cures quickly and cleaning needs to be attempted within no more than 48 hours of grouting sooner better.
When using a dark grout on an unglazed paver or unglazed quarry product the tile should be sealed in advance with a penetrating […]