Max Windsor Floors – Hardwood Flooring

We offer the complete line of Max Windsor floors in Northern Virgina, DC and Maryland.
Call or email for more info.

703-370-0000

The Alexander Hand-Scraped Collection combines the concept of rustic, royalty and romance in classic natural hardwood floors. Protected by 10 coats of UV cured Aluminum Oxide finish, constructed with 9-ply of Birch plywood, and crafted to include 3mm wear surface, demonstrate the features that provide exceptional stability, durability, and peace of mind. Each plank is made with superior craftsmanship that reflects the individuality of its producer. From the core of the heart to the footsteps of the soul, the ambiance created by having Alexander Hand-Scraped Collection in your home are feelings of royal living and loving memories that can last more than a lifetime.

Call or email for more info.

703-370-0000

The Maximus collection symbolizes true distinguished royalty. It is the very essence of refinement and sophistication combined to intrigue all your senses.

Protected by 10 coats of UV cured Aluminum Oxide finish, constructed with the most durable plywood, and crafted to include 2-3mm wear surface, demonstrate the features that provide outstanding stability, durability, and peace of mind. Romance your soul by living the life of upscale beauty and richness at your feet. Our Maximus Collection represents lasting impressions that is embedded within your every step.
Call or email for more info.

703-370-0000

NSF 140-2007 Sustainable Carpet Assessment Standard

by Chris Moline, LEED AP
As of October, Beaulieu was the first carpet mill to have its products certified under the NSF 140 standard. The standard is based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles and offers three levels of achievement for the various stages of silver, gold and platinum.
It’s primarily intended for commercial flooring, but can be used to evaluate any type of carpet.
Basically, it represents a single standard, verses multiple standards and includes an easy to follow rating system.
If you’re in the market for a greener floor, give me a call at 703-370-0000 or shoot an email my way.

All the best!
Chris

Christopher Moline, LEED AP
Alexandria Carpet One &
Commercial Carpets of America
http://www.carpetcca.com
http://www.AlexandriaGreen.com

Carpet Cleaning For Dummies

Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies(R) – How To Guide Offers Easy Carpet Cleaning Tips

Some people think that keeping carpet clean and beautiful is hard work. It really isn’t. Not if you clean it properly, with the right frequency and the right products.

Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies will save you time by zeroing in on the best cleaning techniques and helping you identify the products and equipment you need to get the results you want. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your carpet makes all the difference in the world. It can preserve the life and beauty of your carpet, improve your indoor air quality, and avoid premature replacement costs and disposal in landfills.

Household management expert Elizabeth Goldsmith, the book’s author, provides simple solutions for fighting dirt, removing nasty spots and stains, using the right products and calling in professional cleaners when necessary. She has tips for pet owners and advice on how to clean precious Oriental rugs.

Stop into our Alexandria location and ask for Chris. He’ll have a copy sent to you at no charge!

Chris

Christopher Moline
Residential Group Manager
Alexandria Carpet One
Commercial Carpets of America
Email
703-370-0000

CRI Green Label Carpet

Green Label / Green Label Plus

Helping Improve Indoor Air Quality
By Chris Moline, LEED AP (CI)

The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label and Green Label Plus standards are specifically referenced in the LEED rating system for Commercial Interiors certification by the US Green Building Council.  But, even if you are a homeowner not going for “Platinum”, you can benefit from the knowledge that these CRI standards mean you are getting the best for your indoor air quality dollar investment.Anyone who has gone for certification (Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum) of a tenant space under the LEED CI track has more than likely considered how carpet, carpet cushion, and any adhesives used impact credits.

In order to be considered for credit under EQ 4.3 – Indoor Environmental Quality 4.3 – Carpet Materials, carpet must meet the CRI Green Label Plus standard. Carpet cushion must meet CRI Green Label standards.  Any adhesives used should be referenced under EQ 4.1, Adhesives and Sealants, and meet SCAQMD 1168 standards (GS-36 if aerosol adhesives are used).

FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE CARPET AND RUG INSTITUTE’S WEBSITE:
Carpet can be wrongly blamed for contributing to asthma and allergy and for emitting high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Studies have shown that carpet is better at trapping allergens than hard surface, such as tile or hardwood, because carpet fibers catch particles and allergens that fall to the floor. When allergens are trapped in the carpet, they cannot circulate in the air for you to breathe. Proper cleaning with a CRI-tested and approved vacuum effectively sucks up the dirt and dust from the carpet, locks it in the machine and keeps it out of the air.

New carpet may also have a “new carpet smell.” Scientific studies show that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs into the indoor environment. In fact, carpet emits less VOCs than other products such as paint. Further, these emissions clear very quickly. The low-level VOC emissions and the harmless odor from new carpet dissipate within the first 48 to 72 hours after installation — even sooner with open windows or doors.

CRI offers Green Label and Green Label Plus testing and certification to indicate carpet, carpet backings, cushions and adhesives that emit low VOCs. In fact, Green Label carpet program has such a positive impact on the indoor environment that the American Lung Association approves its use in its Healthy Homes programs. Additionally, the Green Label Plus program tough standards exceeds the green building requirements dictated by California schools.
So if you are concerned about asthma, allergies or VOCs, be sure to ask about Green Label and Green Label Plus carpet, cushion and adhesive options.

Discount Carpet & Flooring for Realtors in Northern Virginia and Metro DC

Are you interested in a Shop-At-Home appointment for your client’s flooring?
We stock neutral colors in many grades in order to give your clients (or you) the fresh look that can help move that house!
Stop by our Alexandria showroom on South Pickett Street, or schedule a shop-at-home appointment.
If you have a pretty good idea as to what you’re interested in, we can bring samples within that range to your home.  The convenience can’t be beat because our Shop at Home service brings the showroom to your home!
Email me and we’ll get you on your way to a very user-friendly experience.

Working around your schedule, we will help you match samples to your room, lighting and style.

In fact, color is crucial in making a flooring decision and, more often than not, the decision is not final until the samples are seen in-home, where lighting is as it will be and existing furnishings can be matched more exactly.
The business I had for over 10 years was built on the shop-at-home principle and it helped my customers save time and ensure they’re making the right choice by making it in the area where their new flooring will be installed.
If you think you may be interested in an appointment, give us a call or send me an email to set one up.
All the best!

Chris Moline
Residential Group Manager
email
703-370-0000

Chris with Reina

Shop At Home Flooring Service in Washington DC

Are you interested in a Shop-At-Home appointment for your flooring? If you have a pretty good idea as to what you’re interested in, we can bring samples within that range to your home.  The convenience can’t be beat because our Shop at Home service brings the showroom to your home!
Email me and we’ll get you on your way to a very user-friendly experience.

Working around your schedule, we will help you match samples to your room, lighting and style.

In fact, color is crucial in making a flooring decision and, more often than not, the decision is not final until the samples are seen in-home, where lighting is as it will be and existing furnishings can be matched more exactly.
The business I had for over 10 years was built on the shop-at-home principle and it helped my customers save time and ensure they’re making the right choice by making it in the area where their new flooring will be installed.
If you think you may be interested in an appointment, give us a call or send me an email to set one up.
All the best!

Chris Moline
Residential Group Manager
email
703-370-0000

Chris with Reina

Legato, Tesserae Carpet Tile by Milliken

We carry Milliken’s line of residential cushion-back carpet tile called Legato.
Tesserae has been discontinued, but with the dropping of Legato by the big box stores, we’ll be your source! You can install it yourself, and I’d be happy to give you some installation tips, or we can install it for you.

Here is what Milliken has to say about the line from their website:

Easy to Install, Easy to Replace
Legato™ Carpet System is designed to keep its beauty for years to come.

“You Can Do It” Carpet
Lasting Beauty: Legato gives you the rich, plush look and feel of wall-to-wall carpet – and it’s perfect for any room in your home.

Easy to Install:
Legato’s interlocking panel system is designed for simplicity and complete ease of DIY installation.

Integrated Floor Pad:
The Legato carpet system features a built-in TractionBack™ non-slip floor pad for a firm hold to the floor. Because it’s integrated into the panel, there’s no need to buy a separate pad.

Carefree Carpet System:
Each Legato panel fits into place easily and quickly. Should damage from stains or excessive wear occur, you can easily remove and replace individual panels to maintain the beauty of your carpet for years to come.”
Try on the Milliken Legato Floor Calculator to see how much you may need.
Here is a link to the installation instructions.

Add to that the fact that Milliken produces their flooring in the greenest, most environmentally-friendly manufacturing facility in the world! Now THAT’S something to crow about!

Chris

Not ashamed to be a tree-hugger!Christopher Moline
Residential Group Manager
Alexandria Carpet One
Commercial Carpets of America
Email
703-370-0000

Meet Your Carpet’s Best Friend

Ok, it may seem corny, but it’s true… a vacuum is #1.

So often, clients ask about warranties and performance. And that’s perfect! But I always caution them that end-use and proper maintenance bring a lot of weight to the warranty table.
By vacuuming with our little buddy in that picture, the carpet is spared the torture of extra friction from particles acting as an abrasive medium between the fibers. It can also pick up loose soil or non-liquid staining matter before it gets a chance to find a home in your carpet.
Not only that, it’s just plain hygienic to vacuum regularly (and take off your shoes).
You don’t need the most expensive vacuum, just one that sucks… er, well, that’s sort of an oxymoron (not the guy you see on tv selling “Oxyclean”, either!)
I use an Oreck XL and it’s a real champ.
Check with your carpet sales professional to make sure you are using the proper type, however. Some styles like stapled/woven wools, will react badly to the use of a beater bar. Others, like standard nylons, will love you for it.
If you’ve got questions about the performance of your carpet, or would like to know anything about carpet fibers, padding or anything floor-related, send me an email or stop by the Alexandria, VA location on South Pickett Street.
Look forward to it!

Chris   Email

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

 

The Greenest Brochure I’ve Ever Seen

by Chris Moline, LEED AP
This one sets the standard.
Check out the logos and keep an eye out for them in the future.

By the way, this was a brochure sent to my home regarding the 2009 Biodiesel Conference in San Francisco.
I wonder what the carbon footprint of the conference will be?
As an aside, since I’ve been onboard here, we’ve scaled back electricity usage by over 34 million watts/year just through replacing all showroom lighting with cfl’s.
It all just makes sense!
If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by our Alexandria showroom and walk through our green area. We’ve got everything from undyed wool carpet with natural latex back, to floating marmoleum flooring, cork, bamboo, fsc-certified wood, and more!

Chris

Not ashamed to be a tree-hugger!

Chris Moline, LEED AP
Email
703-370-0000

Zero-Landfill Company? Yes We Are!

by Chris Moline, LEED AP
Had to post these stats. Commercial Carpets of America is a zero-landfill company.
Here is a calculation from a recent project…

Number of square yards reclaimed 18,440
Environmental Impacts
Equivalent # of pounds reclaimed 82,980
Cubic Yards of landfill saved 410
Average Equivalent BTU’s saved 829,800,000
# of avg. US homes that could supply for 1 Yr. = 5
Global warming potential averted (CO2 Equivalent lbs.) 580,196
Gallons of water saved 253,089

Note: This information is based on some life cycle analysis work done by
DuPont along with some assumptions developed through experience handling used carpet.
Some of these assumption are:
1) An average pile of mixed used commercial broadloom carpet weighs about 4.5 lbs per SQYD
and takes up approximately one cubic yard of space per 45 SQYD of carpet.
2) About one half the weight of used carpet is plastic face fiber versus backing adhesives and dirt.
3) The average US home uses 179,893,777 BTUs per year.

This is how seriously we take our commitment to the environment.
I  sincerely enjoy discussing all matters “green” up to, and including, home-based production of biodiesel! Of course, we are a flooring company and biodiesel is my hobby. That said, if we can post and comment something that can help lower the overall carbon footprint we leave behind, then this blog will have served its purpose.

Not ashamed to be a tree-hugger!

Chris
Chris Moline, LEED AP

703-370-0000
Email