Ask the Flooring Expert

May 2012 Article

Did you know you can schedule a Personal Selection appointment any weekday evening between 5:30 and 8 pm, where you can have the showroom, and our Interior Designer, to yourself?

Wondering if cork is a good option for your home? Cork has several characteristics that make it a great option for basements or exercise rooms. Since cork is made up of millions of tiny air pockets, it has the ability to take on its original shape after being subject to high impact or pressure. These air pockets also act as shock absorbers, which helps to alleviate some of the pressure felt by accidental falls. When working out on the floor, you will feel comfortable and warmer on natural product then alternative rubber matting. Cork is a natural insulator, which allows it to hold in warmth, and is naturally moisture resistant due to a waxy component called Suberin.  Although it has a moisture resistant nature, it is  still recommended that you avoid excess amounts of water when cleaning. All cork is not equal, some cork flooring on the market can damage quickly – be sure to do your research before selecting your cork product.

Looking for an affordable way to give your house an update? Why not choose something from our large selection of linoleum and vinyl sheet flooring. Trust in a product that has the ability to be updated to stay with trends and still within a budget. Linoleum has been a staple product in homes for years because of its durability and versatility. There are so many design styles available, that if you have a specific look you wish to achieve, there’s a good chance you can find it. You will see anything from a traditional look to something more contemporary. Linoleum manufacturers have worked long and hard over the years to achieve realistic looking designs with advance technology. Add a bonus to vinyl sheet flooring; for anyone who is thinking environmentally friendly, most linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, recycled wood flour, and limestone. These characteristics are also what makes most vinyl sheet flooring antibacterial and biodegradable. Come visit us at the showroom and see why this flooring has earned its reputation as such a reliable classic.

April 2012 Article

Hardwood Q & A

Q: I want hardwood flooring in my basement, but I’ve been told I can’t put hardwood below grade. Is this true?

A: Solid hardwood is not recommended to be installed below grade. However, engineered hardwood can be installed in basements as long as you do not have an existing moisture problem.

Q: I want hardwood in my laundry room as well as my kitchen. Is this okay?

A: Generally speaking we do not recommend hardwood being installed in areas where there is an enhanced likelihood of contact with flowing water. That being said, it is commonly installed in powder rooms with a toilet, so it can be done in a laundry room or kitchen too, as long as you understand the risks.

Q: Do I need to have a humidifier installed if I purchase a hardwood floor?

A: Yes. Hardwood flooring expands and contracts due to changes in temperature and relative humidity. Having adequate levels of humidity in the home will help minimize gaps and popping, so your floor looks beautiful. Manufacturers will not honour a warranty if a humidifier is not installed. It is very important to ensure a humidifier is working properly. We suggest you monitor your home’s humidity levels with a Hygrometer (we sell them here at Omega Flooring).

Q: Should I purchase a pre-finished hardwood or a finished-on-site hardwood for my home?

A: The advantage of a good pre-finished hardwood is that the finish is applied in a controlled environment and it generally has a suspended metallic in the finish. This gives the finish extraordinary wear characteristics compared to finished-on-site products. Finished on site hardwood can sometimes be more expensive, take longer to complete, and have lasting odors affecting indoor air quality – depending on the finish product being used.

Q: I have a large dog. Is hardwood or laminate a good choice for me?

A: Most quality laminate flooring is considerably more scratch resistant than hardwood flooring, but it still scratches and wears when exposed to pet nails, as does hardwood. If your area is expected to get rough wear with large running or sliding dogs, you may want to consider DuraPlank by Congoleum. This is a Limestone and polymer product that is very durable – almost like tile, yet looks very much like wood, is warmer than tile, and is priced similarly to a good hardwood. This product is also approved for use in areas that will come in contact with water, such as kitchens, laundry rooms, mud rooms and bathrooms.

February 2012 Article

Making your dreams become a beautiful home environment is at the essence of Omega Flooring’s fine craftsman installations. Allow our Interior Designer to create a uniqueness all your own, with quality and a service assistance warranty that lasts as long as you own your product. When you choose Omega Flooring, you can be assured there is a perfectionist reviewing your job and an owner who cares about your project. We want to build a relationship with you for this venture…and the next.

Omega Flooring is now open for retail business after spending years serving Lethbridge New Home Builders. We offer all of your flooring needs, in addition to affordable quality window treatments and featuring El Dorado Stone “Gemstone Walls”.

Through this monthly article, we’re looking forward to giving you lots of tips and advice about hardwood, carpet, laminates and tile. In fact, if you have a specific question you’d like us to answer, give us a call and we’ll put it on our list.

Come visit our showroom to experience that small town feeling of doing business.