Here’s a breakdown of the misconceptions and confusions surrounding acoustic ratings for hardwood floors: The role of underlayment Myth: Underlayment alone is a solution for acoustic performance. Reality: Acoustic results stem from the combined performance of the entire floor/ceiling assembly, not just the underlayment. The building’s construction has a significant impact. Lab vs. Real-World Performance … Read more
Unlimited moisture protection for hardwood floors is a groundbreaking solution that eliminates the need for moisture testing prior to installation. This innovation provides robust defense against moisture-related issues, ensuring the longevity and beauty of hardwood flooring. Key benefits include: 1. **Time-Saving**: Without the need for moisture testing, installation becomes quicker and more straightforward. This can … Read more
Installing hardwood is a multi-step, intricate operation that takes skill and knowledge to complete. Errors at any point in the procedure might result in expensive rework and put building occupants’ health and safety at risk. Giving installation teams the right training is the greatest way to guarantee that they produce projects that are safe, aesthetically … Read more
A floor patch is merely a “patch”; you apply it to small sections. The purpose of patching material is not to “level” or even “flatten” a substrate. In most cases, a patching material is suitable if you have some seams, “bird baths,” or minor imperfections. Despite being a widespread practice, applying a “skim coat” only … Read more
Extreme moisture levels in floor planks can significantly damage a wood floor. Even a flawlessly installed floor can experience warping or bowing if the moisture content wasn’t appropriate during installation or if it changes afterward. Dimensional changes in wood vary by species when moisture content fluctuates. With hundreds of boards laid out, defects become noticeable, … Read more
Do you have dark spots? They can really spoil the look of that gorgeous red oak. Here’s what happens when you install red oak: Black stains erupt out of nowhere. First, you believe that the marks were caused by metal filings, maybe from steel wool or scraper blades. But no steel had been used on the project. So you assumed that sharpening scrapers over the flooring was … Read more
Radiant floor heating systems warm up an interior space by transferring heat through the floor. These systems generate heat by placing electric heating cables or pipes filled with warm water beneath a floor surface. The warm air rises from the floor, heating the entire space. While many people fear that radiant heat will cause a … Read more
Even after being turned into flooring, wood remains a natural substance that responds to changes in its surroundings. It’s true that producers have created various hardwood floor structures in an effort to “improve and control” the way wood reacts to variations in humidity. However, maintaining a healthy home atmosphere and the attractive appearance of your … Read more
Long-length planks add value to a home. They create the appearance of a high-end custom floor. Wide and extra-long planks reduce the number of seams on the floor. A floor that has fewer seams appears more cohesive, unique, and beautiful. Experts agree that the width and length of a floor’s planks are among the most … Read more
Adhesives play a crucial role in flooring installation, particularly in the glue-down method. The quality of the adhesive used is vital to the floor’s longevity, as it directly impacts the floor’s performance and lifespan. Choosing the right adhesive is essential because different flooring materials require specific adhesion properties. Using an unsuitable adhesive can void the … Read more