A RUNDOWN OF 3 POPULAR
FLOORING MATERIALS
Even though it’s underfoot, fl ooring can set the tone for
which is how it can provide the look of solid wood fl ooring.
Solid wood fl ooring planks are made from a single piece of
hardwood. Each type of fl ooring has its pros and cons, and
homeowners who prefer hardwood fl oors are urged to speak
with a fl ooring professional about the features that make these
options unique from one another.
2. Laminate fl oors
Laminate fl ooring is another engineered fl ooring product.
But unlike engineered wood fl ooring, laminate fl ooring does
not utilize real wood and many people can recognize that the
moment they step on a laminate fl oor. Flooring is such a vital
and heavily traffi cked component of a home that it’s typically
best to leave installation to a qualifi ed professional. However,
homeowners who prefer the DIY route should know that laminate
fl ooring is viewed as among the easiest types of fl ooring
for DIYers to install.
3. Vinyl fl ooring
The experts at Good Housekeeping report that vinyl fl ooring
is the fastest-growing category of fl ooring. The Home Depot
notes that vinyl fl ooring is made from plastic and usually consists
of acrylic, PVC and similar polymers. Luxury vinyl tile is
thick and durable, and it’s often noted for its likeness to solid
wood. Vinyl tile also is considered a versatile fl ooring option,
as The Home Depot notes it can be purchased in planks, sheets
or tiles. The Home Depot advises homeowners to consider
the thickness range when mulling their vinyl fl ooring options.
Thickness ranges between four and 40 millimeters, and a
thicker layer is more resistant to water, scratches and stains.
Repair
Maintenance
Installation
Replacement
All Makes and Models
how a room or even an entire home is viewed. Perhaps
that’s one reason why fl ooring generates such strong
opinions when homeowners
look to refurbish or replace
their fl oors.
Homeowners now have
more choices than ever when
considering new fl ooring for
their homes. The following
rundown of three popular
fl ooring options can help
homeowners as they try to
decide which material best
suits their homes.
1. Hardwood fl oors
Hardwood fl oors might
once have been a relatively
straightforward option, but
homeowners may now choose
between solid wood fl ooring and engineered wood fl ooring.
According to The Home Depot, engineered wood fl ooring
provides the look of solid wood fl ooring without the high
maintenance of such fl oors. Engineered wood is manmade
and created with the use of wood strands, particles, fi bers or
veneers of wood that are forged together with adhesives. Each
engineered wood fl ooring plank is composed of several layers
of plywood or fi berboard with a solid wood veneer on top,
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HOW TO RECOGNIZE
WHEN IT’S TIME TO
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a major component of a home. Window
installation professionals will tell homeowners
that the average life span of residential windows
is between 15 and 30 years. Most well-maintained
products can last 20
years, so homeowners
who have windows
approaching
that age may want to
schedule a window
assessment and possible
replacement.
Replacing windows
is a job that
requires advanced
skill, and this is not a do-it-yourself project. There are many
qualifi ed professional window installation companies that
will work with homeowners to measure, order and install
windows that will fi t with the style of a home and local
weather, all while providing features the homeowner desires.
For those wondering when to replace windows, Pella
and Renewal by Andersen, two of the premiere window
manufacturers, offer these guidelines.
• Diffi culty opening and closing windows. A window that
does not operate as it should can aggravate homeowners. If
windows are sticking shut or cannot be securely closed, it’s
probably time for something new.
• There’s apparent window damage. Accidents happen,
and if a rock is kicked up from a lawnmower and cracks a
window or if spring baseball practice has gone awry with an
errant throw, windows may require replacement.
• Drafts in the window are common. If heating and cooling
systems are working overtime, drafty, poorly insulated
windows could be to blame. Various agencies can perform
energy effi ciency tests in a home. Windows that are determined
to be the weak spots should be replaced.
• Dated windows are present in the home. Older windows
may pose safety hazards, especially those in older homes.
A larger window may be needed to comply with fi re safety
codes allowing for window egress. Dated windows also
may simply look “old” and compromise the aesthetics of
a home.
• Outdoor noises are noticed quite readily. Newer windows
can help reduce noise transmission. So those leaf
blowers, airplanes, barking dogs, and kids playing basketball
up the street won’t disturb homeowners as they try to
enjoy some peace and quiet indoors.
• Fading indoors is noted. Windows that do not feature
low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings will not block UV
rays. Those rays can cause fading to wood fl oors and furniture
or pretty much anything the sunlight touches. Replacing
existing windows with Low-E coating alternatives can
safeguard belongings and improve window effi ciency.
Edition 818 Spring Spaces 2024 www.ALLISLANDMEDIA.com