A new carpet is an expensive investment, one that requires ongoing maintenance to sustain both appearance and performance. That’s why it’s wise to take proactive steps to protect your carpet from premature wear and tear. Consider these five tips for maximizing your carpet’s lifespan: Read more
Five Ways to Maximize Your Carpet’s Lifespan
Posted on July 21, 2020 by James Florence
Posted in: Flooring, Carpet Cleaning
Tags: flooring, carpet, home maintenance
Understanding Carpet Cleaning Methods
Posted on December 15, 2016 by James Florence
It’s often assumed that all carpet cleaning companies use the same cleaning techniques, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that today’s carpet cleaners employ a wide range of methodologies, each of which utilizes different concepts, sciences and machinery. That’s why, prior to calling a carpet cleaner, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different cleaning methods out there so you can make an informed choice. Here are the four most common carpet cleaning techniques being used by professionals today:
Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning)
The most prevalent method in professional use today, hot water extraction relies on heavy-duty machinery to provide a deep, powerful cleaning. Read more
Low-Impact Floors, Part 2: Recycled Flooring Options
Posted on September 06, 2016 by James Florence
In the previous installment of our “Low-Impact Floors” series, we talked about flooring made from sustainably sourced materials. In this second half, we’ll cover an even more eco-friendly option: recycled flooring. If sustainable flooring ensures that harvesting and manufacturing are performed in an ecologically sound manner, recycled flooring takes things a step further by eschewing the consumption of new materials in favor of reusing existing ones. Here are a few of the top recycled flooring options: Read more
Posted in: Consumers, Home Tips
Tags: flooring, hardwood flooring, carpet
Low-Impact Floors, Part 1: Sustainable Flooring Options
Posted on August 30, 2016 by James Florence
Flooring is a major part of any home—not only does it provide a surface to walk on, it’s also a focal point of interior design. While homeowners were once limited in their flooring options, today there are countless choices available, including a diverse array of both natural and synthetic materials. However, since every home needs floors, it’s easy to see how the materials needed to manufacture them can have an impact on the environment. That’s why many Bay Area homeowners are interested in eco-friendly options that allow them to walk on their floors without leaving an oversized carbon footprint. Read more
Posted in: Consumers
Tags: flooring, hardwood flooring
The Hidden Workhorses: 5 Green Products You Should be Using in Your Home Remodel
Posted on March 15, 2016 by Maria Onrubia
Ready to remodel and interested in sustainability? Of course, you should implement well-known Green building solutions such as using sustainable countertop materials and energy-efficient appliances. But according to Don Knapp, a spokesperson for Build it Green, there are many lesser-known Green materials you can utilize to make your remodeling project more environmentally-friendly. Read more
Posted in: Home Remodeling, Consumers, Home Tips
Tags: flooring, home improvement, energy efficiency, remodeling, bathroom
Green Building: Eight Ways to Make Your Home Improvement Project Environmentally-Friendly
Posted on March 08, 2016 by Maria Onrubia
Last fall, we published a long piece about how to make different types of Bay Area homes more energy efficient (download the free e-book here). This month, we’ve distilled the wisdom offered in that post and added a few more Green tips in honor of March, the greenest of months. Enjoy!
1. Implement a whole-house solution
Richard Hiteshew of A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. says people who want to “Green up” their homes should “reduce before they produce.” Read more
Posted in: Uncategorized, Consumers, Home Tips, Home Improvement, Landscaping Tips
Tags: remodeling, drought, water conservation, flooring, solar, home improvement, energy efficiency
Diamond Certified Experts: Flooring Maintenance Basics
Posted on August 20, 2015 by James Florence
You probably know the importance of having a roof over your head, but another crucial consideration is what’s under your feet. Preferences vary when it comes to flooring, which is reflected in the vast array of products available. From the sleek sheen of hardwood to the natural coarseness of stone to the soft pile of carpet, there’s no shortage of options for consumers with sensitive soles. Along with distinctive aesthetic attributes, however, different flooring styles require different kinds of maintenance, which is why we’ve asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to go over some flooring maintenance basics.
Posted in: Consumers, Diamond Certified Experts, Home Tips
Tags: flooring, hardwood flooring, carpet, home maintenance