Summer Humidity: How It Effects Your Hardwood Floors

It's Getting Hot Out There!

It's Getting Hot Outside!

Cupping and Buckling Floors

Most people are not thinking about their floors when it comes to the heat and humidity associated with the summer months. However, those who have hardwood floors that cup and buckle during the summer months definitely recognize the weather shift in and outside of their home.

 Even the most expertly installed wood floors are subjected to cupping and buckling due to hardwood's relationship with the temperature and moisture of the air surrounding it. Wood is a natural product that expands from moisture and contracts when less moisture is present. Remember, hardwood floors used to be trees living and thriving off of water (moisture).

Throughout the day, the temperature and relative humidity changes in air. In the morning the temperature is lower and the  relative humidity is higher. In most climates, mornings start out cool and humid, dew is on the grass and your wood floors are effected. As the temperature rises, the relative humidity decreases and the air is less moist. Then, when the sun sets for the day, the temperature falls and moisture levels rise in the air. Needless to say, you hardwood floors are subjected to tons of change and you need to prepared so that cupping and buckling does not become an issue with your floors.

Removing Moisture from  Your Home is the most effective way to prevent against cupping and buckling due to moisture in the air. There are a couple methods that work best when removing moisture from your home. Your air conditioner will remove moisture from the air when it is RUNNING. When the Air Conditioner is idle, it is not removing moisture from the air. 

Some things to keep in mind when relying you air conditioner is that your air conditioner does not run as frequently during the night and morning when the relative humidity in the air is highest. This is because the outside temperature is generally lower when the sun is down. Therefore, you home is cooler and the air conditioner does not need to run as long. If you have an air conditioner that you can program, you may want to set it to run every couple of hours for a limited time to remove moisture from your home during the morning and evening hours.

Many homes have air conditioners that are too large for their home. Having an air conditioner that is too large for your home can be effective when it comes to air conditioning your home, but it is a detriment when it comes to removing moisture from your home. Larger air conditioners cool your house faster, meaning less time to remove moisture from the air. Air Conditioning manufacturers have helped this situation by making variable-speed equipment that runs longer. More run time means more water removal.

 The best solution for humidity control is central, or a whole house, dehumidifier. A good quality dehumidifier can remove around 6.5 pints of water per hour, every hour all day long. Portable dehumidifiers can also help, but can only remove around 2 pints of water per hour. Generally, portable dehumidifiers use more energy than a quality whole-house dehumidifier. Keep in mind that portable dehumidifiers are more efficient for single rooms as opposed to the whole house.

Keep Your Floors Beautiful by talking to a StarFloors Professional

A StarFloors professional can discuss all of these factors and more when you are choosing the best flooring for you. Different species of wood respond to these environmental factors differently. As always, we recommend discussing all of your concerns with your StarFloors professional. Our floor professional are the top in the industry and will guide you in making the best choice for you.

You can contact a StarFloors professional today call toll-free (866) 503- STAR or visit us online www.starfloors.com

Consider this our love letter to In-N-Out Burger!

Consider this our love letter to In-N-Out Burger!

In honor of the In-N-Out Burger going in next to our corporate office in Dallas, Texas, we've decided to dedicate today's blog to the hamburger institution that is sure to change our lives... soon enough!

Did you know that there is a whole secret menu you can order off at In-N-Out? If you are familiar with the legendary burgers from In-N-Out then I am sure you know, but for those of us who are just days from getting to taste the awesomeness that is In-N-Out---it's time for an education!

Once you've decided how much meat & cheese you feel like consuming, you can decide the add-ons you want on your delicious burger.

Know that a standard In-N-Out Burger will include the following:

• a spread similar to thousand island dressing.
• one slice of tomato (two if one won't cover the entire bottom bun)
• a portion of lettuce
• Onions are always offered when you order. They come as a fresh slice by default, but chopped and grilled onions are available by request. The amount is constant regardless of the number of meat patties unless you ask for extra or lite of a condiment.

StarFloors and In-N-Out have one major thing in common- customer satisfaction comes first!

 

Keeping customers happy means giving them exactly what they want!

So, beyond the regular menu items, In-N-Out  also has a not-so-secretive menu available on their website

http://www.in-n-out.com/secretmenu.asp

The secret menu is not exactly a "secret," it's just a compelation of some of the most commonly made request by In-N-Out customers.

Below are several off-menu ordering options to keep in mind to make your burger completely your own!

1. First of all you can order up to 4 hamburger patties, per bun! If you want a piece of cheese per hamburger patty call it a 4x4. Change up the hamburger to cheese ratio by calling it a 4x 2 , 3x2, or WHATEVER YOU WANT!

2. In-N-Out cooks the burgers medium-well by default. Ask for medium and enjoy a pink center in your hamburger patty!

3. You can flavor your patties by asking for mustard grilled- you hamburger patty will be grilled with a squirt of mustard so that the flavor is grilled into your burger.

4. You also have tons of options when it comes to onions. You can get the traditional chopped onions. Pump up your burger with grilled onions, chopped or whole! You can also get extra pickles, lettuce...whatever you want!

5. It doesn't stop at onions- you can add some scrumptious chopped chilies to add some heat to your favorite In-N-Out burger! If you really love the chilis- ask for them on the side.

6. We don't know why anyone wouldn't love the melted cheesy goodness of the In-N-Out burger.
However, if you love your cheese cold- as for unmelted.

7. OUR FAVORITE:

Drum roll please.............ANIMAL STYLE!

Animal Style is no secret, unless you've been living in a cave. Order your In-N-Out burger Animal Style and you'll get a delicious burger with double spread, grilled onions, mustard grilled hamburger patties, and extra pickles.

If Animal Style is not for you, Check out these options!

No Meat?

In-N-Out respects the non-carnivorous consumer by offering a grilled cheese. You can deck out your grilled cheese with lettuce, tomato, onions, and sauce.

If you want a lighter choice go with the "wish burger." The wish burger is a toasted bun filled with lettuce, onion, pickles, and spread.

Low Carb?

Skip the bun and get your favorite burger delivered between two leafy bunches of lettuce.

They call this burger "Protein Style"

No Carb?

Order the "Flying Dutchman" and get two meat patties with 2 pieces of melty cheese in the middle. The is is the most Atkins Diet friendly item on the menu!

There are also many options for customizing your fries and milkshakes at In-N-Out.
You'll have to wait for our follow-up blog or you can visit http://www.in-n-out.com/.

It's inevitable that In-N-Out and StarPower/StarFloors Offices will have a long love affair on the Dallas Parkway together. We are confident that our dedicated staff will keep this establishment busy all times of day!

Welcome to Dallas In-N-Out!
We're happy you're here!

Love,

www.starfloors.com

The Great Debate: Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood

Without question Hardwood floors create a feel of elegance and simplicity in your home. Hardwood floors are stunning and can easily create whatever feeling you are hoping to evoke when someone enters into your home.

A hardwood floor will provide decades of beauty in your home, but when it comes to budget, many people for-go a solid hardwood floor and opt for the more economical choice of engineered hardwood floors. However Solid hardwood floors can be refinished for changing tastes or excessive wear. It may initially cost more, but as trends evolve, your floors can too.

StarFloors hopes to help you make an informed decision about whether solid or engineered hardwood floors are best for you.


Types of Hardwood Finishing:

Pre-Finished Wood- Pre-Finished solid hardwood flooring is just that- Pre-finished hardwood is already sanded and sealed, by the manufacturer, with at least four coats of ultraviolent-cured urethane resin. This finish offers consistent quality, quicker installation and immediate gratification, meaning you can walk on it as soon as it is laid. Installation is quick and easy and you can live in your home while the installation takes place.

Unfinished Hardwood Flooring- Unfinished solid hardwood flooring must be sanded and sealed on-site. While it does offer more color choices, it requires a lot of preparation. The sanding process is messy; significant drying time is required after each sealing application requiring up to five days for completion. Often times occupants of the home will have to move our during the installation process.



Engineered Flooring- Consisting of a plywood base that’s covered with 1 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick layer of wood, works well in bathrooms and basements where light moisture might be a concern. Engineered flooring is pre-finished and because the wood layer is so thin it can usually only be sanded and refinished once.

Solids vs. Engineered

Solid Wood:
Solid wood floors are manufactured as one complete piece of solid wood, generally 3/4" thick and board widths are generally 2 1/4" and 3 1/4" wide. The length of the boards may vary from 9" to 72", with an average of 32" long. Solid wood floors react to the environment in which it is placed. In the winter heating months, the moisture content of the wood reduces causing the floor to contract or leave gaps between each board. In the summer months when humidity enters the wood, it will cause the wood to expand and if there is too much moisture, it can cause the floor to cup. Solid wood floors are most commonly installed by nailing down to a wood subfloor.

Solid hardwood flooring comes in many different wood varieties, including exotic woods. It's slightly more expensive than an engineered wood flooring, but if you are a diehard wood enthusiast, then you may want to stick with a solid hardwood flooring.

Solid hardwood can't be installed (or isn't recommended) in high moisture rooms, like the kitchen, bath and basement. This is because the higher moisture content in the air -- or even on the floor -- can cause the wood to ripple or buckle, which will destroy the flooring.

Because you can refinish a solid wood floor more times than you can an engineered wood floor, this flooring type lasts longer, helping balance some of the environmental problems associated with some wood floors.

If you have children or pets, then you may want to consider the durability factor of solid hardwood flooring in your decision. Most solid hardwood flooring will need to be professionally installed, so if you are a do-it-yourselfer, then this is something that you will want to keep in mind.

Deciding between engineered vs solid hardwood flooring is a decision that should be made carefully. In some cases, your budget will be the determining factor, but if at all possible, it is better to let other considerations make your decision for you. Consider the rooms that you will be installing the flooring in, the people who will be walking on and enjoying the floors, and what your dream flooring is to help you determine the winner between engineered vs. solid hardwood flooring.

Engineered Wood:

If you’re not sure hardwood flooring is best option for you, consider engineered hardwood. It is just as beautiful as natural hardwood, but it will maintain its shape much better.

ed wood floors refer to products that have multiple layers of wood veneer glued and pressed together. Engineered wood floors have layers of wood veneer that are cross-laminated for dimensional stability. These floors will be less affected by moisture than solid wood floors. Engineered wood floors can be installed on grade, below grade, or above grade in almost any room in the home. Engineered wood floors have several options of installing; nail down, staple down, glue down, and some can even be floated.

Engineered hardwood flooring is less expensive than solid hardwood. It made of a wood layers, but the layers below the surface are often composed of less expensive, stronger wood layers. The top layer is the decorative wood you have chosen for your home or office. Engineered hardwood flooring is also more environmentally friendly than solid hardwood floors because the sub-surface layers are made from "junk" or "scrap" wood, not the ornamental wood. This approach saves more forests because each tree of the desired ornamental wood can go further than it does with solid wood flooring.

Unlike solid hardwood flooring, engineered flooring can be installed in any room that you choose, even a basement, because it can withstand moisture due to the layers of flooring that withstand buckling and rippling. Engineered flooring can also be installed over radiant floor heating, which can keep your feet warm during those cold winter months. It's also easy to install and looks just as beautiful as hardwood flooring at a much better price that will fit almost anyone's budget.

You'll be able to get three to four resurfacings from most engineered hardwood floors. So it's not as long lasting as solid wood flooring, but it's a durable floor during its lifetime.


Request a quote instantly at http://www.starfloors.com



StarFloors primary manufacturers for hardwood floors are: Mohawk, Mannington, Anderson, and Trinity Hardwood. However, StarFloors can get any hardwood you desire.

Thank you Anderson for the stunning pictures in today's blog!

Call a StarFloors Professional Today!

Toll-Free: (866) 503-STAR (7827)

Which Home Repairs Result in the Greatest Return?

Are you trying to sell your home and not seeing success? Perhaps you know that selling your home is on the horizon and you want to know how to prepare.

Either way it’s tough in this market to know what buyers want. You work hard for your money, so knowing how to invest in your home is tricky. It’s important that you make strategic decisions that will get you the highest return on your investment and appeal to potential buyers.

Before you get overwhelmed, take a deep breath and find relief that HomeGain has done the hard work for you and StarFloors is here to help!

In a list of the top 12 Home Improvement Projects you can do to improve the value of your home AND get the highest return on your investment, flooring ranked twice!

According to a 2009 national survey replacing or professionally shampooing your carpets can increase the value of your home by $1,000 - $1,500 and gives you an average return on your investment of 295%. In addition, 97% of agents recommend this home improvement to their homeowners. WOW!

Replacing damaged floors such as hardwood, vinyl, laminate, tile, etc. rank 9^th out of 12 and can give you a %250 return on your investment. Depending on your region, neighborhood, and the price of the average home in your area will affect home much you should spend updating your floors.

The results for all 12 Home Improvement Projects are listed below:

Some additional tips when thinking about your floors:

1.       If you are selling your home and you have pets, hire a professional, like StarFloors, to deodorize your carpets.

2.       Replace worn carpet

3.       In you do replace your worn carpet- install new neutral-colored carpet with thick padding so prospective buyers feel comfortable as they walk on your floors.

4.       Make sure carpets are secure- stretch and tack down any loose or curling carpet.

5.       Vacuum your carpets. Make sure they are free of any pet hair.

6.       If you decide to replace linoleum floors, choose a neutral color. StarFloors has plenty of options to fit your needs.

7.       Replace worn out vent covers.

8.       If your home has hardwood floors, get the hardwood into its best condition. A StarFloors professional can help you decide what method would be best on your floors.

With StarFloors Your Home will be "The Best in Show and The First to GO!"

For more information visit us at www.starfloors.com or call toll free 866-503-STAR (7827)

Find us on facebook.com/starfloors

Statistics and survey information provided by: HomeGain
http://www.homegain.com/sellertools/tips/carpet_floors

Caring for Your Hardwood Floors

If you have dogs, then you probably know what it’s like to come home from work and finding an unpleasant surprise on your hardwood floors.
StarFloors knows what you go through in cleaning your floors and that's why we're providing you with this blog: Caring for Your Hardwood Floors!

Whether its pet mess, dirt, juice, baby food, or dust---cleaning your hardwood floors can be a scary process.

Although StarFloors highly recommends speaking with one of our flooring professionals before cleaning your hardwood for the first time, we wanted to provide you with some tips…just in case!

Keep you Hardwood Floors Clean and Beautiful by doing the following:

1. Vacuum and sweep your hardwood floors regularly. General cleaning once every week is recommended.

2. Lay down good quality door mats. These mats will help collect dirt, grit, and other substances such as oil. Do not use rubber or foam backed plastic mats as they may discolor the flooring. To prevent slipping, use a rug underlay.

3. Use protective pads or caps to put on the feet of furniture.

***Use Grandpa’s Money Saving Trick: Take an old piece of carpet and cut it into small squares. Then attach the carpet pieces to the feet of your furniture using Velcro. Now your floors are protected against your furniture and you can easily glide furniture across the floor if needed. Thanks Grandpa!!***

Cleaning Tips

1. Remove spills promptly. Use a quality floor cleaner and cloth

2. Don’t let sand, dirt, or grit build up on your wood floor. They can act like sandpaper on your floors and will damage and dull your floor’s surface.

3. Avoid using a mop on your wood floors. Too much water can cause the wood to swell and warp.

4. Have pets? Clean up pet messes quickly. The ammonia in urine will take off the finish on your hardwood.

5. Avoid allowing sharp objects to touch your floors: high heels and pet claws are two things that most commonly scratch and hurt your floors. Take off your shoes when walking on hardwood and keep your pet’s claws trimmed.

6. Don’t use wax, oil soap, or other household cleaners on polyurethane finished wood floors. They can dull hardwood floors and ruin the finish, making refinishing difficult.

Other Tips:

1. For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum- rub the spot with ice to harden the stain. Then gently scrape with a plastic scraper.

2. Do not use any type of buffing machine.

3. For hard stains, look up the best floor cleaner for you specific type of hardwood or contact a flooring professional at StarFloors for more information.

www.starfloors.com

866-503-STAR(7872)