Article

Deteriorating Grout and Its Causes

Living in an older home with tile in need of repair can prove to be quite challenging. One of the most common problems with an existing tile installation is cracked or missing grout. There are a variety of reasons that can cause this including an inferior sub-floor, improper grout installation, and inadequate grout spacing. The first step is to determine what caused the grout failure.

A popular underlayment for tile installations is Durock. It is a water durable, mold resistant panel used in both interior and exterior applications. One misconception installers often have is to simply install the Durock without applying a thin-set bed first.

This crucial step is extremely important when installing floor tile and omitting it will inevitably contribute to the overall poor performance of your installation. Also, one should note that when installing tile on a floor, the overall thickness of the sub floor should be an inch and a quarter. This helps increase the stability of the floor and decreases any flex that ultimately can cause the grout to fail.

Another culprit regarding poor grout performance is using the wrong type of grout for the application or simply utilizing the wrong consistency. In most cases, one would use sanded grout on floor applications or any grout joint over an eighth of an inch.

However, when installing stone or other delicate surfaces that are subject to scratching, unsanded grout is used. In both cases, the proper consistency is crucial to the longevity of the grout performance. Also, there are additives available to help minimize grout shrinkage and aid in keeping the grout looking new.

Stain resistant grout additives offer superior stain protection and actually seal the grout. Being that it is used in place of water while mixing the grout, there is no need to come back and seal.

Finally, it is important to ensure the proper grout joint is used. Bigger grout joints can crack easier, thus utilizing smaller joints typically offer better performance. There are understood guidelines regarding joint width, yet the installer should always refer to the instructions on the grout label. Sanded grout does not crack or shrink as easily as unsanded, and therefore is the preferred grout choice when either grout can be used.

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Guide

Understanding Rug & Carpet Pattern Direction

When shopping online at Home Carpet One, we will always default to running the direction of the pattern that our images show (lengthwise). If you would like to change the direction of the pattern, please reach out to us before making a purchase. Read on for more details about pattern direction! What is pattern direction on area rugs, stair runners, and carpet?The direction of the pattern plays a crucial role in how area rugs, stair runners, and carpets with patterns look in your home. Pattern direction refers to the orientation of the design, such as chevrons or geometric shapes on the carpet. Which direction do patterns typically run? Typically, patterns on a rug, a stair runner, or carpet are aligned parallel to its length. For example, a rug with a linear pattern like Danube (pictured below) has its stripes run vertically or lengthwise. When and why would I want to change the pattern direction? In some cases, it might be preferable to change the direction of the pattern to maximize material, which tends to be more cost-effective, and/or avoid a seam. For example, if you were ordering a 12x15 area rug, it might make sense to change the direction of the pattern to save on material (and cost). What do I need to do in order to request a pattern direction change? If you have any questions about pattern direction, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help!

Guide

Effective Ways to Cleaning Carpet Spills & Removing Stains

As a trusted Chicago carpet provider, we at Home Carpet One know a thing or two about keeping carpet looking its best. Our customers are always asking for the best way to clean up spills and get rid of stains, and the truth is, it depends on what you spilled and how long the stain has had to set. There’s more than one effective way to clean stains, and of course some stains (pet accidents, red wine) are more common than others (Pepto Bismol, for example). When it comes to cleaning carpet stains, trial and error can be risky, and some products that claim to be safe for carpets can end up doing more harm than good. Between Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day, we get lots of customers calling in asking about how to get rid of chocolate stains in carpet, so we thought we’d offer some advice on the subject. One of the best options is to use a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent or spot removal solution. When using a solvent, be careful not to pour it directly onto the carpet. Instead, apply the solvent with a clean cloth, sponge, or gentle brush. If the solvent reaches the backing of the carpet, it can damage the latex that connects the primary and secondary backings, so exercise caution. There are several acceptable solvents out there, including Capture, a brand that we carry at Home Carpet One. If you don’t have a solvent on hand, you can use a solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Use one cup of warm water and no more than a quarter teaspoon of detergent. Using a stronger concentration can damage your carpet. Never use bleach detergents designed for automatic dishwashers, as these will almost certainly leave permanent stains and can destroy fibers. Also avoid laundry detergents. Although it may seem sensible to use laundry detergent on carpet, these detergents often contain fluorescent dyes than can dye the carpet fibers. If you do use a detergent solution, rinse the area thoroughly afterward to remove potentially harmful detergent residues. Another option is to use a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts of warm water. This simple solution is generally effective and is less likely to cause color changes than other common solutions such as ammonia solutions. If none of these methods solves your problem, you can always call a Chicago carpet cleaning professional. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and powerful cleaning products that can remove stains too stubborn for conventional methods. As with any stain, chocolate stains can become more stubborn with time. If you aren’t successful in removing the stain yourself, do not hesitate to bring in the big guns as soon as possible.

Guide

Carpet Pad 101: Picking the Perfect Carpet Pad for Your Floors

When it comes to installing new carpeting, area rugs, or stair runners, the carpet pad (also known as carpet cushion) you choose can make a big difference in comfort, durability, and overall performance. There are several types of carpet pads available, each with their own unique benefits and best use cases. In this article, we'll explore some of the top carpet pad options to help you select the right one for your home. Healthinex Memory Foam Pad Description: The Healthinex Memory Foam Carpet Pad is a 3/8 inch thick, 10lb high-density foam pad that conforms to the shape of your feet for incredible comfort. It has a breathable moisture barrier and built-in anti-microbial protection. It’s our most popular carpet pad at Home Carpet One Use cases: Wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners of any construction Benefits: Incredibly comfortable, waterproof, sound absorbent, and lowest VOC emissions of any pad Example product for this pad: Hera Carpet Healthier Choice Memory Foam Pad Description: The Healthier Choice Memory Foam Carpet Pad is a 1/2 inch thick, 10lb high-density foam pad that conforms to the shape of your feet for incredible comfort. It has a breathable moisture barrier and built-in anti-microbial protection. It is a thicker option than Healthinex, but isn't suitable for looped or woven carpets Use cases: Wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners that aren't looped or woven Benefits: Incredibly comfortable, waterproof, sound absorbent, and lowest VOC emissions of any pad Example product for this pad: Hera Carpet Ultra Magic Pad Description: Ultra Magic Pad is a 3/8 inch thick, 8lb bonded foam pad that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Wall-to-wall carpet that is not machine woven or hand loomed Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and made from 100% recycled materials Example product for this pad: Favorite Path Carpet Luxury Pad Description: Luxury Pad is a 7/16 inch thick, 6lb bonded foam pad that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Plush wall-to-wall carpet Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and made from 100% recycled materials Example product for this pad: Jazzy Carpet Felt Pad Description: Felt Pad is made from compressed wool or synthetic fiber that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation. It has a firm feel that is required for woven carpets, stair runners, and commercial projects Use case: Hand loomed and machine woven wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners Benefits: Comfortable, durable and mold-resistant Example product for this pad: Addington Carpet Super Move Not Pad Description: Super Move Not Pad is made of synthetic fibers with rubber, non-slip backing that extends the life of area rugs while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Area rugs Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and no slip Example product for this pad: Ashford Area Rug Tred Mor Pad Description: Tred Mor Pad is a 1/4 inch thick, dense pad made from compressed synthetic fibers that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Commercial or high traffic carpet Benefits: Extremely durable, resists mold and moisture, and long-lasting Example product for this pad: Grand View Carpet Recap No matter if you're installing carpet in a high-traffic living room, creating a custom rug for a cozy bedroom, or covering your stairs, the right carpet pad can make all the difference. From supportive memory foam to water-resistant rubber, there are plenty of options to meet your needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions as you review the different carpet pad choices available.

Read related stories

Understanding Rug & Carpet Pattern Direction

Effective Ways to Cleaning Carpet Spills & Removing Stains

Carpet Pad 101: Picking the Perfect Carpet Pad for Your Floors

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