Hardwood Flooring Blog | My Affordable Floors

What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

August 12, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

Hardwood floors are a timeless flooring option, and they look great in any room. Engineered hardwood floors are just one type out of many different kinds of wooden floors. So what makes engineered hardwood floors different than solid hardwood floors?

Engineered vs Solid Hardwood

Engineered hardwood floors are man-made from layering solid wood with plywood. Traditional hardwood floors aren’t layered. They are just solid pieces of wood cut from large blocks.

The lifespan of hardwood floors varies depending on how well you maintain them. If you take good care of any kind of hardwood flooring, it can often last a lifetime. Some things to consider to ensure the longevity of your floors are:

Thickness of the veneer which tops the flooring.
Quality of the kind of floor material used.
How well you maintain, clean, and take care of the flooring.

The better care you take of your floors, the longer you can expect them to last. Conversely, if you don’t treat your floors well, you will see problems sooner.

Benefits of Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Although all types of wooden floors are a great choice for your home, sometimes the engineered wooden floors are a better choice. Consider these benefits when making your final decision on which type of flooring to go for:

Engineered hardwood floors are more durable and last longer.
Because of the layering technique used to make them, these floors are more resistant to warping or bowing.
Installation is much easier, even on different levels of the home.
The veneer finish is as beautiful as a traditional hardwood floor.
Easier care and maintenance.
Available in many different species (maple, oak, hickory).
Available in different finishes (glossy, matte, etc).
Multiple choices for surface effect (time-worn, distressed, wire-brushed).

All these reasons should play into your final decisions when choosing new floors. The great thing about engineered hardwood flooring is that it looks amazing in any room of your house.

Contact Us Today!

My Affordable Floors offers free estimates and consultations on all our flooring projects.

Call us today at 262-653-1120 for a free, no-obligation estimate or just complete our contact form to schedule your appointment.

UV Floor Curing is the Way of the Future

July 28, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

Ultraviolet (UV) curing is the most efficient way to cure hardwood floors. Curing the hardwood floor with UV light takes seconds, not days. Why wait so long when the job can be done quickly using UV light?

How Does UV Floor Curing Work?

Most floors are cured by oxygen, and it takes up to a week to fully cure them. On the other hand, UV cured floors stay soft until the UV light hits them. This is because the finish has photoreactors in them that only cure when exposed to UV light. So once the light hits them, it cures instantly.

What are the Benefits of UV Floor Curing?

Curing your floors with UV light has more benefits than you may think.

UV finished floors are nearly twice as hard as pre-finished floors and floors cured with non-UV finishes.
The UV floor finishing cures in seconds, instead of the 30 days that some conventional finishes can take.
UV cured floors are odor-free and produce zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making them a green choice for home and business owners concerned about the environment.
Because they’re harder, UV finished floors are more scratch resistant, scuff resistant, and resistant to marks from shoe heels and soles.
UV cured floors resist stains and chemical intrusion better than non-UV floors.

Tips to Keep Your Floor Looking New

You just had your floor cured by UV light, which means you have one of the most durable floors available. But there are some precautions to make note of so that your hardwood floor is always in the best possible condition.

Don’t let water pool on your floor at any time, and don’t “over wet” your floor when cleaning it. Just use a damp mop or sponge to clean it.
Do not let shoes with spikes or “spike heels” to be worn, as these can indent the wood.
Never wax your floor, as waxes can dull the finish. In fact, if you wax your floor you may need to have the entire floor sanded down again and re-coated.
Don’t use harsh chemicals that could damage the floor’s finish, such as pine soap, ammonia, oil soap, or bleach.

Contact My Affordable Floors Today!

My Affordable Flooring has the best technicians in Milwaukee and the most affordable prices. We would love to talk to you about how we can elevate the quality of your floors with our UV curing service.

Call us today 262.653.1120

How Often Should I Be Vacuuming My Carpets?

July 21, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

Carpets are great. They improve a room’s overall comfort and feel in a way that hardwood can’t. However, they can also hide dirt and germs that would otherwise be cleaned right away. So, how often should you actually be vacuuming your carpets? Let’s take a look to see just how to keep your carpets not just looking clean, but actually being clean.

How Much Traffic Does the Carpet Get?

Understand how much traffic each carpeted area in your house gets. For example, a guest bedroom may only get traffic a few times a month. On the other hand, the master bedroom likely gets the most traffic of all. The frequency that people enter and exit the room should be a major consideration for cleaning purposes.

A room with little foot traffic won’t get dirty as fast because no one will be tracking dirt or germs in. You only have to vacuum these rooms a couple of times a month. However, heavy foot traffic is accompanied by more dust and germs. These rooms should be vacuumed about once a week.

Benefits of Vacuuming Regularly

Busy rooms should be vacuumed often to make sure they are always in the best possible condition.

Improve the look of your carpets
- Vacuumed carpets are clean and fluffy, making them look and feel better. Consider vacuuming before and after having guests over to improve your home’s overall comfort level.
Remove most dirt, germs, and other particles
- Carpets harbor dirt and germs, not to mention glass. Broken glass hidden within a carpet could cause serious injury, so be certain to always vacuum, especially after an accident.
Extend the lifespan of your carpets
- Regularly vacuumed carpets look better and last longer. In addition, you should always clean the spots right away if someone spills to avoid bacteria growth.

In a Serious Case, Call on the Experts from My Affordable Floors

Vacuuming can help keep a carpet looking clean, but it isn’t always a hundred percent clean in reality. You should have all carpets cleaned by professionals at least once a year to make sure you don’t miss any hidden messes.

Call My Affordable Floors to get your carpets cleaned by a pro (262)-653-1120

Why You Should Install Hardwood Floors in Summer

June 21, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

Summer is here and the June air in Wisconsin brings so many great opportunities. One of those opportunities you may not have thought about? Installing a new hardwood floor! Why would summer be a better season than winter, spring or fall?

Of course, we consider any time a great time for a new floor. But summer months bring with them some variables that make installing a new hardwood floor easier and more convenient.

Summer Vacation While Your Floor Gets Installed

We figure that a new floor installation can be somewhat of a burden. The room is not really accessible for a while. It can be dirty, and our professional floor technicians need your space to get the job done right.

If you want a new hardwood floor, and plan on going out of town sometime this summer, why not do both at once? While you are out enjoying the summer with family and friends, we can install a new floor for you. Then, when you return, you’ll have a brand new hardwood floor waiting for you.

This way, you can avoid the inconvenience of the process. There can be some noise and smell associated with the process, the room cannot be used until the job is done, and you may be planning a trip away with your family for a week or so. Make a smart choice, and get both done at once.

Does Summer Humidity Affect Hardwood Floor?

Yes, wood floorboards are hygroscopic. That means that the wood absorbs or expels water depending on its surrounding environment. So, much like a cold, dry winter changes the appearance of your floor, so too do the humid summer months ahead. In the winter, you may notice cracks and spaces between the floorboards. This is because in winter there is less water in the wooden floorboards, so they are smaller.

However, in the summer, there’s more humidity in the air and more water within the wood floors. That means the wood increases in size. Poorly installed or old wood floors can become damaged by this fluctuation in the state of the wood. However, most of the time, a regularly heated and cooled house will not see too much change in this respect.

It is a good idea to keep a dehumidifier around in the summer just to make certain there is not excessive moisture in the air. A smart installation team will also let the wood acclimate in the house for a while to make sure it’s all uniform in size and moisture retention.

Install New Hardwood Floors Today!

Any time is a great time to get new hardwood floors. My Affordable Flooring has the best technicians in Milwaukee and the most affordable prices. We would love to talk to you about how we can make your summer vacation even better by having beautiful, new hardwood floors waiting for you when you return!

Choosing Floors for Resale Value in Milwaukee

May 30, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

Whether or not you’re planning on reselling, choosing the flooring that boosts the value of your home is a must. However, with an abundance of options at a homeowner’s disposal, it can be hard to decide on one. So, we’re going to dive into the best floors for resale value.

Firstly, homeowners who choose hardwood floors will almost always see a return on their investment.

Resale Value of Hardwood Floors

Besides strength and elegance, a hardwood floor is the first thing people look for when buying a home. According to a report from The National Association of Realtors, homeowners who installed hardwood floors recovered 91 percent of their investment on average. Likewise, the report says that homeowners who refinished their hardwood floors saw a full return on their investment.

In addition, tile floors can increase a home’s value.

Resale Value of Tile Floors

Tile floors can help homeowners boost their home’s resale value. While hardwood floors will likely see the most return, tile is a breath of fresh air. According to a post from Realtor, homeowners can expect an average of 70 percent return on investing in ceramic tile and 55 percent on porcelain tile. Consequently, Realtor reports an average of 55 to 70 percent return for stone tile and less than 50 percent for marble. If you’re interested in tile, see our post on the benefits of installing ceramic tile!

While hardwood and tile reign supreme, they can be expensive. So, homeowners can benefit from installing carpeting in their home.

Resale Value of Carpet

Carpet does provide a comfy flooring option. However, it won’t help your home’s resale value. According to Home Advisor, homeowners who plan to sell will find better resale value with hardwood floors. That doesn’t mean that you should opt out of carpet flooring. Carpet is cheaper to install, easy to clean and works well in rooms with a lot of foot traffic.

Much like hardwood floors, laminate floors are a great way to mimic hardwood, but won’t see the same return.

Resale Value of Laminate Floors

Homeowners who aren’t in the market for hardwood floors can benefit from laminate floors. Laminate floors are multi-layered floors made from numerous materials. While they may be mistaken for hardwood, their resale value is up in the air. According to a post from Sapling, homeowners benefit more from installing natural hardwood rather than laminate. Homeowners have a better chance of reselling their home when they install hardwood.

Now that you have a good idea of what flooring options will boost the value of your home, you should reach out to a local flooring company to get started.

A Final Word on Floors and Resale Value

Whether or not you’re looking to sell your home, choosing a floor that will hold up is essential. No matter your plans for the future, installing good flooring will save you time and money in the long run. For your flooring needs, call on My Affordable Floors for flooring installation and repairs!

Eco-Friendly Flooring Options in Milwaukee

May 27, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

Your home can make a good impression for your guests and the environment. Homeowners seeking sustainable flooring options in Wisconsin reap the rewards for going green. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of eco-friendly flooring and what types are right for you.

What types of flooring are the most sustainable?

Hardwood

You may not think hardwood floors are environmentally friendly. However, as The National Wood Flooring Association reports, hardwood flooring is reusable so it cuts down on waste. Consequently, homeowners who uphold strict values of being environmentally conscious may need to investigate all their options.

Homeowners should be aware of the environmental repercussions of installing hardwood floors. Deforestation is a cause of concern for some, but there are options that reduce it. Oak trees are regularly replanted, so the materials that come from bark, such as oak, can easily be replenished.

If you’re interested in achieving the look of hardwood, engineered hardwood is a great option for eco-friendly flooring.

Engineered Hardwood

It has the look of a hardwood floor, with a little extra. Engineered hardwood is very stable, and is resistant to changes in moisture & heat. According to a post from Home Advisor, using engineered hardwood reduces waste and lasts the growing process for trees. If you’re torn between solid or engineered hardwood, see our blog post to see what’s right for you.

In addition, homeowners can look for renewable materials, such as bamboo.

Bamboo

Eco-friendly flooring does a great job of using all of its resources, leaving behind very little waste. Bamboo is plant-based, making it a renewable material. According to a blog post from The Spruce, it takes three to five years for the plant to reach maturity. Whereas, it can take almost twenty years for hardwood trees to reach maturity. In addition, bamboo is water & stain resistant.

Besides bamboo, cork floors also have great effects on the environment.

Oak

With a high rank on the Janka scale, Oak’s a great contender for strength and sustainability. According to a post from Shaw Floors, Oak is one of the most sustainable options because there are fewer emissions in the manufacturing process. Even more, it ranks #2 on This Old House’s list of the top 10 earth-friendly flooring options.

Finally, homeowners that want to find a sustainable and tough floor can benefit from installing cork floors.

Cork

Cork comes from the bark on oak trees and serves as a sustainable option for floors. According to a post from Green Conscious Home, cork is renewable because the oak trees can replenish after the bark is removed. On top of its environmentally friendly features, cork is stain proof and works as a great insulator!

Above all of the options for sustainability, homeowners aren’t short of resources for installing environmentally sustainable flooring.

Getting eco-friendly flooring in your Milwaukee home

Environmentally conscious homeowners have a wide range of options for decking out their home with great flooring. If you’re in the Milwaukee area, My Affordable Floors offers flooring installation & repair services to get you started on giving back to the earth.

How Termites Damage Your Hardwood Floors

May 7, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

Termite infestations cost homeowners millions of dollars to rid their home of them and restore the structural damage. According to Orkin, “termites damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year.” In turn, knowing the signs of termite infestation and acting fast can save homeowners the headaches and money. In order to know how to identify termites in hardwood floors, check for these signs of infestation and what to do to stop them in their tracks.

What are Termites?

A termite is a light-colored insect that feeds on wood. They have wings and often occupy wooded areas. There are several different species of termites:

Subterranean

These are the most common, and according to Pest World, “the most destructive of all termites.” Subterranean termites are common throughout the United States, normally residing underground or in moist areas above ground.

Formosan

These termites are similar to Subterranean termites because of how much damage they can cause. Formosan termites produce large colonies that can chew through the wood structures at a very fast rate.

Dampwood

Common in areas along the coasts and in the southwest, dampwood termites are attracted to places exposed to a lot of moisture.

Drywood

This type of termite is unique because it doesn’t require an area to have soil in order to establish a colony. You can find Drywood termites in walls, attics or roofs.

While you might not be able to spot a termite with the naked eye, you’ll probably notice wood structures falling apart. Knowing the signs of an infestation is important for all homeowners.

What are the Signs of an Infestation?

There are many sure signs of an infestation that a homeowner should pay attention to. Orkin lists discolored drywall and wood, squeaky floors, and chipping wood as common signs of an infestation. Homeowners should pay close attention to patterns in wood structures. These patterns suggest a path that termites have chewed through the wood. Also, termites can contribute to crowning and buckling in your hardwood and laminate floors. Homeowners shouldn’t ignore the following signs: mud tubes, wing piles and piles of feces.

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to stop the infestation in its tracks.

Stopping a Termite Infestation and Long-Term Prevention

Depending on what species of termites have inhabited your home and how much they’ve damaged your home will determine what needs to be done. First and foremost, you should contact an inspector to assess your home and determine the presence of termites. After your home has been rid of the infestation, you should have professionals assess the damage done to hardwood and laminate floors.

Hardwood floors that are buckled, cupped or chipped away require replacing. Tile flooring and hardwoods such as cedar have been proven to be more resilient to damage from termites. My Affordable Floors offers a wide range of repair services for hardwood floors. Give us a call today to give your home a fresh start with new floors.

Caulking and Grouting Tiles in your Milwaukee Home

April 15, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

Choosing caulk or grout for tile floors can be a tough decision for homeowners. Both materials have their own benefits, but depending on the project, one may work better than the other. Here’s what you need to know about choosing caulk or grout for your Milwaukee home.

What is Caulk?

Caulk is made from either silicone, latex or polyurethane. It’s used to seal gaps between tiles and prevent water absorption. Some brands, such as Lifetime, reinforce sealants with anti-microbial properties for easy cleaning.

What is Grout?

Grout is a paste made up of water and sediments, such as cement and sand, that fills the gaps in between tiles. Like caulk, grout acts as a sealant for space in between tiles. Grout is a tough material that helps hold tile together and is easy to clean. Hardware stores sell an assortment of brands that come pre-mixed and unmixed.

What are the Benefits and Downsides of Caulk?

Caulk is a great material for working with tile. It’s super durable making the room for error is smaller. The sealant factor makes it resistant to water and pests, meaning you can reduce the occurrence of mold and inhabiting pests. According to a post from The Tile Doctor, caulk is especially helpful for sealing tiles surrounding bathtubs.

A post from Sanford and Hawley, Inc. urges consumers to choose wisely when it comes to caulk. While it is highly durable and resistant to water, not all products are one and the same. For example, latex based caulk may not work well in areas exposed to high temperatures. Homeowners should keep in mind the type of room and the conditions when buying products.

While caulk is a great sealant, it works best for sealing tile on a short term basis. Grouting between tiles provides long-lasting strength.

What are the Benefits and Downsides of Grout?

The sedimentary material in grout mixes gives it a lot of strength. Grout does a fantastic job holding tiles together in the long run. If you haven’t had any luck with caulking tiles, grout could be the best solution in the long run. Homeowners should be aware of grouts limitations before they hit the store.

Grout products come both sealed and unsealed. Unsealed grout is porous and can absorb water, leading to mold buildup. Poorly sealed grout also invites pests to inhabit in between tiles. Homeowners should pick up some sealant when they’re purchasing grout.

Caulk or Grout: Which One Do I Pick for My Tile Floors?

Caulk and grout carry their own benefits and drawbacks. Homeowners who are new to tile work should consult a professional before they attempt to install tiles. If you want to leave it to a professional, call on My Affordable Floors, providing for homeowners from Milwaukee down to Chicago.

Carpet Mold: Getting it Out of Your Milwaukee Home

March 20, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

The signs of carpet mold range across the board; from colors to odors, there are many signs that point to mold. Ingesting mold or being exposed to its airborne pathogens can cause a number of health hazards. If you suspect mold in your carpet, it’s important to act fast. Here’s what you need to know about how to identify carpet mold and getting it out of your home.

What Causes Mold?

Mold growth is the product of many factors. According to a post from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, mold needs the following: moisture, oxygen, a food source, and surface to grow on. Carpet is highly susceptible to mold because the fibers can retain moisture, food, and oxygen. If you think you need to clean your carpet, we provide top-notch carpeting cleaning services. Mold can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.

What Does Mold Look Like?

Mold often looks like a stain and can take on the form of different colors and smells. The sure signs of mold are black or green stains that grow and a mildew-like smell. When mold grows, it presents a number of health hazards and a burden for homeowners.

Why is Mold Dangerous?

Exposure to mold presents numerous health hazards which can cause symptoms such as respiratory issues, as well as skin and eye irritation. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found evidence linking mold to an influx of childhood asthma. If you suspect mold growing in your carpet, you need to act fast to identify the source and clean it.

Getting Mold Out of Carpets

The first step in getting rid of mold starts by pointing out the source. Be on the lookout for visible signs of mold which may appear as black or green with fuzzy white spots. You should also keep an eye out for wet carpet and a mildew smell.

The second step to removing mold is most important. If you have discovered a newly formed, small patch of mold or wet carpet, you need to act fast to save your carpet. You have a 24-hour window to remove mold. This can be done by steam cleaning and/or cleaning the affected area with water and vinegar or solvents specifically for removing mold.Homeowners will likely have to install new carpeting when mold growth goes unresolved. However, there are several things you can do to prevent mold from forming.

How to Prevent Mold on Carpets

The most important thing you can do to prevent mold on carpets is to be attentive. Make sure you clean and dry up spills, vacuum as often as possible and monitor the room’s humidity. You lessen the chances of having to deal with mold with a little bit of maintenance.

Need Your Carpets Cleaned or Replaced?

Carpet mold can be cleaned without having to replace your carpet if you act fast. However, if mold has grown for long periods of time, you’ll have to replace your carpet. If you are in the Milwaukee or Chicago area, call on My Affordable Floors for carpet installation and cleaning.

The Dos and Dont’s of Cleaning Floors

March 9, 2019 by My Affordable Floors

Floors are never safe from dirt, spills or grime. Whether there’s heavy foot traffic or you aren’t keen on tidying up, dirty floors happen. The seasons can really affect things too, especially with this winter weather we have been having in the Midwest! It’s important to preserve the quality and appearance of your floor. However, you shouldn’t grab everything under the kitchen sink and go to town on cleaning floors. Here are the do’s and don’ts of cleaning your floors.

Hardwood Floors

Do This

The first thing you should do is dust and vacuum your hardwood floors. This way you collect all of the dust and debris before you start mopping. After that, it’s time to bring out the mop. Be sure to use warm water, a water-based cleaner, and well-wrung mop. Allow enough time for the floors to dry before walking on them.

Don’t Do This

If you use a vacuum, you want to be sure that it can be used on hardwood floors. When it comes time to mop, don’t reach for any cleaner at the hardware store or stuff you have around the house. Be sure to look for a cleaner that is non-toxic and water-based. When in doubt, consult a professional on the best product for cleaning hardwood floors.

Laminate Floors

Do This

Laminate flooring imitates the looks of hardwood floors and is more resistant to stains. However, that doesn’t mean they are stain proof. When any type of liquid spills onto laminate flooring, you should act immediately. Quickly drying up a spill will prevent staining and damage to the floor.

Don’t Do This

According to a post from DIY Network, you should not use scented cleaners or cleaners that produce a shine. This can lead to a build-up on wax and residue that can be hard to get out.

Vinyl Floors

Do This

It’s very important that you consistently clean & maintain vinyl flooring. Vinyl floors are susceptible to damage when grime and water build up. This can cause the wax layers to buff out, compromising the tile. According to a post from Reader’s Digest, make sure you know the type of floor you have to determine whether or not it needs to be waxed.

Don’t Do This

You should use minimal amounts of water when cleaning floors made from vinyl. Excessive amounts of water will absorb into vinyl floors, causing more damage. That means wringing out the mop as much as you can. Make sure your cleaner is specific to the type of vinyl floor that you have, for example, use a cleaner specified for waxed vinyl.

For more info on the best rooms for installing vinyl flooring, see this post.

Tile Floors

Do This

It’s important to consistently sweep your tiled floors since dirt and grime can cause cosmetic damage to tiles. For a simple clean, mopping your floor with a mixture of hot water & cleaning solution will do. For stains, you can use a combination of water, cleaning solutions and household products. DIY Network has a great post explaining how to clean stains on ceramic tile.

Don’t Do This

Don’t neglect the grout between your tiles. Since grout is very porous, it can be harder to get out the grit and grime between your tiles. To preserve the look of your tile, make sure you clean the grout with specified cleaner and low amounts of water.

A Final Word on Cleaning Floors

Whether you have hardwood floors or ceramic tiles, you should make it a habit to consistently clean your floors. For more tips on cleaning your floors or new floor options, call on My Affordable Floors!