Flooring Installation in Twin Lakes, WI

You cannot tell by looking unless it is labeled. Older vinyl floor tile, the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and the adhesives under them may contain asbestos. EPA says intact material is generally not a hazard, but it warns against sanding, scraping or sawing it, and advises a trained, accredited professional to inspect before remodeling. We flag suspect floors early so there are no surprises.

Sometimes, depending on both floors. If the old floor may contain asbestos, EPA's advice is not to sand or level it, and to cover it if possible. Otherwise the surface has to be solid, dry and flat. NWFA allows about 1/4 inch in 10 feet on a wood subfloor, and glued floors and thin vinyl are less forgiving. We check before promising anything.

Often not solid hardwood. NWFA says solid wood should not go below grade (a subfloor 3 inches or more below ground) unless the maker recommends it, while engineered wood can generally go above, on or below grade. Over a slab, NWFA calls for moisture testing and strongly recommends a vapor retarder. EPA adds that leaks and damp soil get fixed first. Vinyl plank made for damp rooms is another option.

Heating dries the air, and wood gives up moisture and shrinks, so small gaps can open between boards in winter. The woodfloors.org site says gaps that open in dry months and close in humid ones are seasonal and usually fine, and it suggests 60 to 80 degrees F and 30 to 50 percent humidity all year. Gaps that stay large when humidity rises deserve a professional's look.

Often, but the maker's directions come first. NWFA asks that heating, cooling and humidity controls run at least 5 days before wood is delivered, that wet work like drywall and paint be finished and dry, and that conditions stay steady during and after the install. It also says to avoid propane heaters, which add a lot of moisture to the air.

Laminate often has a composite wood core, and EPA regulates formaldehyde from composite wood products. It recommends buying products labeled TSCA Title VI compliant, and says ventilation and moderate heat and humidity help lower emissions, which tend to fade as products age. Ask to see the label on any composite product we quote you.