LEED for Homes – the environmentally-friendly home certification system

by Chris Moline, LEED AP

I was talking with a manufacturer’s representative in my office a few weeks ago about “green” carpet cushion. The information I got was, to put it mildly, wrong. Had I been working on a project with LEED certification as the goal, reliance on this one bit of mis-information could have cost me endless hours and many thousands of dollars, not to mention failure to get certified. In my case, I could have relayed that incorrect information to a customer and caused them to lose faith in me and my company, or worse.
As retailers, both commercial and residential customers may approach us with LEED-specific questions. The LEED for Homes certification program impacts homeowners directly and in this economy, savvy builders can stand above the crowd by building a LEED-certified homes. Retailers can stand above their crowd by taking time to get certified or at least understand where the products and services they offer tie in to specific rating systems.
Our customers are growing in their eco-awareness and we stand out by knowing what we’re talking about. They can, and frequently do, verify what we say, most often online. Get it right, and we’re on the road to a deal. Get it wrong and we lose credibility, making it more difficult to work with a client on all fronts.
Since most knowledgeable end-users have been exposed to green-washing (unrealistically stretching the green attributes of a particular product or service), they understand and trust the information they’ll get from us. It can make our job easier in that they may approach us with one less guard up.

If you are interested in the LEED for Homes process, this video may be useful.

LEED for Homes Certification Process Video
GreenHomeGuide.org site

Please feel free to email or comment with any questions on this worthwhile certification system.
All the best,

Chris

What you need to know before making a carpet, hardwood, laminate or tile flooring purchase

by Chris Moline, LEED AP
University of Maryland College of Journalism Graduate

I’ve been in the flooring business for over 15 years. It never ceases to amaze me when I or my sales staff ask clients what type of pad they currently have under their carpet. That’s just one of the glaring errors of “professional omission” I’ve seen in competitors. There is a lot to know when making one of the top 5 most expensive purchases of your life (some flooring projects cost more than a new car).  Below is a brief list of things you need to know when shopping:

What type of pad is best for your carpet and application?
2-pound FHA base-grade foam or 22-pound slab rubber? And… what thickness is best?
If you don’t know what kind of pad you are getting, it’s time to stop and ask some questions.
Did you know that the wrong pad can void the best carpet warranty?

This answer is most definitely a “no”, but do they have field service supervisors who monitor installations in-progress?
We do.

Who is doing the installation?
Are the installers CRI-certified professionals?
What is CRI anyway?

Will the company be there to stand behind the sale?
How long have they been in business and are they going to last?

What are the different types of carpet fiber and what makes them different?
Nylon, Olefin, Triexta, PET, PTT, Wool, 6,6 Nylon, Solution-Dyed, Stapled, Continuous-Filament… etc.

What is radiant subfloor heat and can it save money on heating?
Did you know that radiant heat is the most efficient room-heating method? It’s too late once your job is done, but wouldn’t you love to have had the choice?      And, can they help you understand how much you can save and the value-added to your home?

What types of warranties are offered?
Abrasive wear
Stain (what types are NOT covered?)
Texture retention
Labor – is it guaranteed for the life of the floor?
Satisfaction guarantee

Will they put everything in writing or do they get nervous when you start asking questions?
If you get that “deer in the headlights” look from the sales person, please give me a call or send an email. I and my team have been doing the right things in the flooring business for years and we’re ready to work with you.

All the best,

Chris


Email Chris

Armstrong’s acrylic-impregnated hardwood floor line, in Alexandria, Virginia

Why choose Armstrong acrylic-impregnated hardwood flooring?

Acrylic-impregnated products are exceptionally durable—twice as resistant to indentation as non-impregnated wood. Acrylic impregnated floors are the toughest, most durable hardwood floors ever made. Stain is injected through the wear layer, for consistent color that lasts a lifetime. Liquid acrylic
fills and supports the open cells of the wood for an unprecedented level or indentation and wear resistance. Acrylic impregnated hardwood is over 50% more crush proof than un-impregnated hardwood flooring. Armstrong acrylic impregnated floors feature a 25-year commercial wood layer wear warranty.

Armstrong injects stain pigments completely through the wear surface of each acrylic impregnated hardwood board. The result is brilliant, consistent through-color that stays true over time. This is color that won’t wear down, walk out or wash off. It’s color you can count on for the life of the floor.
Acrylic-impregnated products are exceptionally durable—twice as resistant to indentation as non-impregnated wood.
For the toughest end-use applications… even your foyer or kitchen… this cannot be beat.
Call or email for more information. We have what you need and provide certified installation service to back it up.

703-370-0000 Email

Here are answers to some frequently-asked questions about hardwood floors:

Should I expect color variations in my floor?
Yes – wood is a product of nature; therefore, you will see variations from board to board in all categories. No two boards are ever the same.

My wood is denting. I thought I was buying hardwood?
Hardwood contains a cell structure; therefore, if enough pressure is applied, the cell wall will collapse and a dent will appear. Acrylic impregnated products help reduce indentations in wood.

I moved our area rug and my wood is lighter where my area rug was. What happened?
Wood goes through a natural aging process called patina. Bright sunlight can also accelerate this condition. Moving area rugs or other items that may cause this effect from time to time is recommended.

When I walk across my hardwood floor, I hear popping sounds. Why?
There are a number of reasons for this condition. Usually it is caused by uneven sub-floors (see manufacturer’s instructions for sub-floor tolerances). Improper trowel or improper adhesive could also cause this.

Can I have hardwood installed in bathrooms?
It is not recommended, due to the high moisture associated with those areas. It may cause unfavorable conditions for hardwood flooring.

What does “edge treatment” mean?
Edge treatments refer to the amount of reveal on the edge of each board – square, micro or eased edges, or beveled edges.

Removing furniture indentations from carpet

If you have carpet installed over pad in your home, chances are you’ve moved your furniture to find indentations that just don’t go away. You may have tried to rub it with your fingers, vacuum it, all to no avail. Before giving up, try ice cubes.

I’m not kidding… a simple ice cube allowed to sit atop the indentation will almost always do the trick.

Check out this video by Martha Stewart showing just how easy it is.
Good luck!

Mohawk’s SmartStrand and Shaw’s R2x… get ready to laugh

I get inquiries daily regarding this or that fiber and specific end-use applications. As a US Green Building Council LEED AP, my favorites are the ones looking for balance between stain resistance and eco-friendly attributes. Of course, past posts have shown my bias for SmartStrand, but I had no role in the production of the following video clips.
But oh, how I truly enjoy them and hope you do too!

SmartStrand and R2x

SmartStrand & Bleach

R2x floats… big deal!

For more information on SmartStrand, check out this post:
SmartStrand and Sustainability

DISCOUNTED VCT – Vinyl Composition Tile – Special Inventory

Below is a listing of our must-go vct inventory as of June 30, 2009.
The final number is the quantity of cartons we have in-stock and ready to go at phenomenal prices.

Manufacturer  Name            Desc                 Item #                                                     Avail CTN
ARMSTRONG CANVAS PREMIUM EXCEL DESERT TAUPE 50307-CA……………..13
ARMSTRONG IMPERIAL TEXTURE3/32 BUTTERCREAM YELLOW A51800-A ……………..13
ARMSTRONG IMPERIAL TEXTURE 1/8 CAMEL BEIGE A51805-A…………….. 3
ARMSTRONG IMPERIAL TEXTURE 1/8 LEMON YELLOW A51812-A ……………..6
ARMSTRONG IMPERIAL TEXTURE 1/8 SOFT WARM GRAY A51861-A ……………..1
ARMSTRONG IMPERIAL TEXTURE 1/8 SERENE BLUE A51882-A ……………..4
ARMSTRONG IMPERIAL TEXTURE 1/8 SANDY BEACH A51929-A ……………..16
ARMSTRONG IMPERIAL TEXTURE 1/8 WILLOW GREEN A51938-A ……………..14
ARMSTRONG IMPERIAL TEXTURE VCT 51942 A51942-A ……………..12
ARMSTRONG STONETEX PREMIUM EXC STONE WHITE A52127-A ……………..6
ARMSTRONG STONETEX PREMIUM EXC CHALK WHITE A52140-C-A ……………..53
ARMSTRONG IMPERIAL TEXTURE 1/8 CARNIVAL WHITE A52500-C-A ……………..16
ARMSTRONG MULTICOLOR PREMIUM CAROUSEL TAUPE A52501-A ……………..20
ARMSTRONG MULTI-COLOR JUBILEE A52514-A ……………..6
ARMSTRONG MULTICOLOR PREMIUM FAIRE WHITE A52520-A ……………..21
MANNINGTON BRUSHWORKS ECRU B703-CA ……………..8
MANNINGTON BRUSHWORKS CANVAS B707-CA ……………..13
MANNINGTON BRUSHWORK 12X12 GESSO BRUSH711-C-A ……………..14
MANNINGTON BRUSHWORK 12X12 BALTIC GREEN BRUSH715-C-A ……………..2

MANNINGTON ESSENTIALS STONE GRAY E102-A ……………..7
MANNINGTON ESSENTIALS BISQUE E107-A ……………..5
MANNINGTON ESSENTIALS BISQUE E107-CA ……………..6
MANNINGTON ESSENTIALS FAWN E117-A ……………..7
MANNINGTON ESSENTIALS FAWN E117-A ……………..11
MANNINGTON ESSENTIALS SILVER PINE E125-A ……………..25
MANNINGTON ESSENTIALS LILAC 134 E134-CA ……………..7
MANNINGTON ESSENTIALS WOODROSE E138-A ……………..6
MANNINGTON ESSENTIALS COOL WHITE E141-CA ……………..11
FORBO MARMOLEUM DUAL TILE BURGUNDY 20X20 MD598-CC-A ……………..27
FORBO MARMOLEUM DUAL TILE ROSATO MDT3120C-A ……………..9
AZROCK STONE GRANADA QUARRY SG330-A ……………..13
TARKETT STANDARD EXPRESSIONS 1314 WHITE/GRAY T1314-C-A ……………..14
TARKETT STANDARD EXPRESSIONS 1320 REFIND WHT/MLTI T1320-A ……………..4
TARKETT STANDARD EXPRESSIONS 1323 PLYFUL WHT/MLTI T1323-A ……………..6
TARKETT STANDARD EXPRESSIONS 1328 BLACK/WHITE T1328-A ……………..22
TARKETT STANDARD EXPRESSIONS 1336 YELLOW T1336-A ……………..14
AZROCK THRU QUARTZ WARM WHITE TQ224-A ……………..11
AZROCK THRU QUARTZ TILE TQ284 TQ284-A ……………..25
AZROCK THRU QUARTZ TILE PEWTER TQ288 TQ288-A ……………..6
AZROCK AZROCK 12 X 12 TILE V310 MIDNIGHT V310-A ……………..1
AZROCK AZROCK CORTINA FLURRY V-788-A ……………..16

These cartons will not last long since we are simply moving out this inventory. Please make sure you mention you found it on the blog and you’ll get the best rate possible.

Christopher Moline, LEED AP
Residential Group Manager
Commercial Carpets of America
703-370-0000
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