In a recent interview with McClatchy Publications, we get great insight as to how to best protect your carpet from old asbestos.
Q. I am replacing the carpet in our basement. The old carpet is laid over asbestos tiles. Is there anything I can put over the tiles to seal in the asbestos and provide a moisture barrier?
A. If the floor has a moisture problem, it should be resolved before new carpet is installed. Remove the old carpet and tape several pieces of aluminum foil about a foot square to various areas of the tiles. It is best to do this test during or after a hard rain. Pull up the foil after a week or so and check the bottom — if there is moisture, the floor has seepage. (more…)
Written by larrylarr on October 20th, 2008 with no comments.
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Eco Friendly Carpets
There is a tremendous effort being made these days to preserve what is left of our natural resources and to protect our environment from further unnecessary damage. Many people are turning to alternative products for many of their needs, everything from the food we eat to the fuel we put in our vehicles. Even the material we use to a put a roof over our head can be chosen to help in the eco effort. What isn’t so well known is that what is under feet can also be eco friendly, and it doesn’t have to be an all natural dirt floor either.
When considering eco friendly carpet, there are a few things you should know before you decide.
Mainly about the construction of the carpet, make sure that the carpet fibers, the adhesive, the backing, and the padding are all created from materials found in nature, and are a renewable resource. Pure wool is a good choice for the carpet fibers, as long as (more…)
Written by larrylarr on June 10th, 2008 with no comments.
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New Carpet, One Tile at a Time
Carpet tiles have come a long way since their introduction to the market. Some things haven’t changed however, and one of those is the convenience that they offer. Carpet tiles are the easiest type and style of carpet to install, plus tile offer the ability to create a unique covering for the floor of any room because you can mix and match patterns, textures, and colors. Even laying the same type of tiles in different directions creates an eye-catching effect.
A few of the negative aspects of carpet tile that discouraged their use over the years have changed a great deal though. For example, carpet tiles use to have a very short life span, needing to be replaced every five or six years. Now however, with advances in carpet manufacturing techniques, carpet tiles have been known to last as many as 14 years. (more…)
Written by larrylarr on June 10th, 2008 with no comments.
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Carpet for Your Place of Business
Choosing the best carpeting to use in your place of business isn’t just about décor and cost.
It will be necessary for you to choose a carpet that will stand up to high traffic and major use. You also need to consider proper installation procedures and requirements.
With so much significance being placed on cost effectiveness for the small business owner, getting the best performance from your carpet purchase is crucial. A few simple but essential guidelines to employ before and after choosing (more…)
Written by larrylarr on June 4th, 2008 with 1 comment.
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Install Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is not only one of the most classic examples of flooring; it is also one of the most versatile. There are many widths, grades and shades to choose from. The actual hardwood material itself relies on what the customer wants: birch, maple, or oak. As for the grades of the wood, there are clear, select, no. 1 common and no. 2 common.
Clear hardwood has very few flaws and almost perfect in surface marks. Select hardwood contains a few flaws, has bright grains and you can easily match individual pieces well. No. 1 common hardwood has both light and dark pieces with a few character marks. The last one, No. 2 (more…)
Written by larrylarr on February 12th, 2008 with no comments.
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It’s no accident contractors have such a bad reputation – they get more fraud complaints than any other workers! Here’s how to find a reputable one – and skip the scammers.
You Will Need
Step 1: Make the first move
If a contractor comes to you unsolicited looking for business, he may not be reputable. Ignore the contractor who comes knocking on your door with an offer and go find someone on your own.
Step 2: Ask a test question
Test him with a question you already know the answer to. For example, if there’s a crack in your wall, say something like, ‘I hope I don’t need to re-sheetrock the entire room!’ If he responds, ‘You very well might,’ he’s probably trying to scam you.
Take your time! A shady contractor will pressure you to make a quick decision, because he knows if you have the opportunity to ask around, you’ll change your mind. A good contractor will let you think it over without any pressure.
Step 3: Ask for references
Ask for references from three other customers from three different time periods. Even a bad contractor can do a good job once, and you want to prove that he’s consistent. If he hesitates to give you the information, run!
Step 4: Get his card
Ask for his business card; if there’s a post-office box instead of a real address, that’s a red flag. Call the number on the card and make sure he picks up; some numbers are voicemail services you can’t trace.
Ask to see a copy of his insurance policies, which should include both liability and workman’s compensation. If he doesn’t have any and hurts himself on the job, or breaks something, you could be financially responsible!
Step 5: Check him out
Call the Better Business Bureau and see if there are any complaints about him, and the State Board of Contractors to make sure he’s reputable. Also, search for him online; if he’s a scammer, others may have posted complaints about him.
Step 6: Get it in writing
Never trust a contractor who says you don’t need a written contract. And don’t sign a blank contract or one with blank spots; he could write anything in there later and you would be responsible.
Step 7: Ask about permits
If there’s a lot of construction work, odds are you’ll need permits from your city or county. If he says you don’t need them, or insists you get them, that’s a sign he’s not licensed.
Look for a contractor who’s been in business for more than three years. If he’s been around a while, chances are he’ll still be around if something goes wrong and he needs to fix it.
Call Raleigh Carpet Masters for a free Quote: 1.800.919.5859
Written by larrylarr on February 7th, 2008 with no comments.
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