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AC Rating System Laminate Flooring

AC Rating System: Understanding Your Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring remains to be a very popular choice among homeowners, with reason. Its functionality, resistance to moisture, and easy to maintain quality makes it an excellent flooring option for both residential and commercial spaces. However, there’s more to consider about laminate flooring than just the looks of it. Apart from appearance, one of the most important qualities of any flooring is durability. How well can it sustain foot traffic and stand the test of wear, tear, and time? When searching for the perfect laminate flooring, you’ll want to consider its AC rating, which stands for abrasion class. An AC rating measures the durability of laminate flooring. It indicates how well the laminate can withstand and resist impact, abrasion, stains, moisture, and burns. When shopping for laminate, it is beneficial to understand what each AC rating signifies and how to determine which is best for you home.

AC Rating System

The AC rating system initially began with the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF), and has now become a worldwide standard to measure durability. The AC rating scale divides into two groups or applications: residential and commercial. Each group is broken down into traffic intensity levels. Starting from least to most durable, the levels are moderate, general, and heavy.

Residential

  • AC1: Suitable for moderate foot traffic. This includes bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets.
  • AC2: Suitable for general foot traffic. Typically recommended for dining rooms, living rooms, or kitchens.
  • AC3: Suitable for heavy foot traffic. This rating is durable enough for all areas of your home, especially rooms that receive the most traffic.

Commercial

  • AC4: Suitable for moderate/general foot traffic in commercial spaces. This includes small offices, hotel rooms, cafés, salons, or boutiques.
  • AC5: Suitable for heavy foot traffic in commercial spaces. This type of laminate is most recommended for public buildings, department stores, warehouses, busy offices, etc.)

The higher the AC rating, the more durable the flooring. For this reason, AC1-AC3 laminate are the most recommended for homes. So, you can achieve both durability and comfort with these available options.

Determining AC Rating

In order to determine AC rating, laminate flooring goes through rigorous testing, known as the Taber Test. There are many elements that manufacturers keep in mind when testing the durability of laminate. Conducting the Taber test allows manufacturers to produce high quality flooring that is free from defects and proves to maintain superior performance.

Taber tests involve mounting a flat specimen onto a a platform that rotates at a fixed speed. Depending on the material being rotated, manufacturers are able to determine how well the laminate can sustain itself. The ability for laminate to pass the resistance test will establish its AC rating. Otherwise, if the laminate fails to pass, it will be labeled “unrated.” In other words, it is not a reliable flooring for residential and commercial areas.

Shopping for Laminate

Most homeowners assume that the thicker and more durable the laminate, the better for their home in terms of longevity. However, this is not always true. While there are durability benefits to higher rated laminate, there are also higher benefits to using AC1-AC3 laminate over higher ratings when it comes to your home. The higher the rating, the rougher and harder the texture is on the surface. Tough-standing floors are an excellent option for busy commercial traffic. However, high rated laminate is not recommended in homes, as it will provide discomfort underfoot and throughout the body overtime. For this reason, AC1-AC3 laminate gives homeowners flexibility when choosing the right material, while still being sufficiently durable to last. Have a plan of where you want to install the laminate flooring. This will make the shopping and decision process as smooth as possible

Benefits of Laminate

Laminate flooring is a versatile, environmentally friendly choice that is affordable and easy to maintain. It comes in a variety of styles, such as the simulated look of hardwood, ceramic, and natural stone. Laminate flooring is reusable and offers hassle-free installation. It is able to withstand UV rays, stiletto heels, furniture legs, cleaning solutions, and much more, as the flooring is fade, chemical, burn, wear, impact, and scratch resistant. Additionally, it can resist mold and mildew growth. At Go Mobile Flooring, we can install laminate over any existing flooring with the exception of carpet. 

The Go Mobile Flooring Variety

Every home speaks for itself when it comes to interior design and we have plenty of options readily available to homeowners. We maintain relationships with the best laminate flooring manufacturers in the country, and strive to educate our clients about their flooring options whenever possible. Not only do we believe in having the best laminate flooring manufacturers as partners, but we also believe in educating you in your decision. This process happens in three ways:

You can rely on our team of experts to guide you through your next project. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns regarding your home and are happy to help you reach your renovation dreams. Contact us today to get started!

Tips & Tricks Moving Appliances Without Damaging Your Floors

Tips & Tricks: Moving Appliances Without Damaging Your Floors

There will come a point when you’ll feel the need to rearrange your living space. As new ideas and trends arise, homes are being updated accordingly. Clearly, appliances come in all sorts of different sizes. While smaller equipment is easier to relocate, larger appliances can potentially cause damage if improperly moved. Without necessary precautions, you could unintentionally scratch and dent your walls or flooring. Take these safety precautions into consideration the next time you find yourself wanting a rearrangement.

Measure Your Space

Before you start to move anything, you need to be sure everything will fit nicely. Appliances such as refrigerators and stoves have limited entry space, so it is important to make sure that it will have exact or enough room. Not only should you measure the area in which you plan to secure your appliance, but measure the passageways you might take during the moving process. For example, if you are hauling a unit to your second floor, know if it will be able to fit up the stairs.

Plan Your Route

Moving furniture takes strategic planning. Not all homes have an open floor plan. Especially in tight and narrow passageways, you will want to plan exactly how you will get your appliance from point A to point B. At times, large appliances will have trouble fitting through even the front door. In this case, consider using your sliding door. Also, create more room by moving some of your current furniture out of the way.

Clean The Area

Dirt and dust accumulates in every region possible. You should regularly clean your entire house. But don’t forget about areas hidden under your furniture. Before you place the appliances where they belong, clean the flooring on which they will be placed. Nobody wants to be, much less, live in an environment full of germs and dust. A clean and sanitary home never disappoints.

Gather Your Tools

Once you’ve measured and planned your route, it’s time to engage in the manual labor. Gather all the necessary tools you will need along the way. When you have everything handy, you can avoid running back and forth during the process. Some helpful tools could be dollies, hand carts, carpet squares, or any preferred alternative. Never drag the appliances across your flooring. That is the easiest way to cause scratches and damage. Move at your own pace. As much as you’ll want to get through the process quickly, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Try Go Mobile Flooring

At Go Mobile Flooring, we can install any flooring of your choice form our mobile showroom. If you’re thinking about remodeling your home prior to rearranging your furniture, give us a call or visit our website to see our many selections of hardwood, laminate, carpet, tile, and vinyl. We bring our mobile showroom to homes in Brandon, Clearwater, Land O’ Lakes, New Tampa, Pasco County, Pinellas County, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Wesley Chapel, and are more than happy to guide you through the selection and installation processes. Contact us today.

The Best Flooring for Cold Weather

Best Flooring Options for Cold Weather

Waking up to a cold flooring surface can be irritating. As the cold weather climate approaches, it is important to consider different ways to keep you and your family warm throughout the season. Remembering to stock up on winter apparel is easy. But other factors such as the perfect flooring, however, will only make for a warmer experience at home. Below are some of the best flooring options for cold weather to consider this winter.The Best Flooring for Cold Weather

Carpet

Carpet flooring is perhaps the easiest solution to warming up your home. It will insulate the room from heat loss and help save you and your family from pricy costs related to heating your home. In addition, carpet serves as other benefits such as comfort and style. Carpet will provide a comfy surface to walk, sit, or lay on as opposed to other hard flooring options. Unfortunately, carpet flooring can result in issues with maintenance. Consider investing in comfortable rugs that suit the ambiance of your home as an alternative.

Vinyl

When accompanied by padded underlayment, vinyl flooring presents great insulation and will prevent chilly flooring surfaces. Vinyl can come in tile-like or hardwood-like forms as well as flexible sheets. These types of flooring are water-resistant, durable, and easy to maintain. Due to its variability, vinyl is easily one of the best flooring options for cold weather.

Radiant Below Surface Heating Systems

When paired with the right flooring options, radiant below surface heating systems will guarantee a warm environment against the winter weather climate. The idea of these heating systems is to transmit heat directly onto to your flooring surface as well as in the atmosphere in which it is installed. Tile is a great conductor of heat therefore working well with radiant below surface heating. Check out a previous Go Mobile Flooring article on heated flooring in your bathroom.

Underlayment

Underlayment such as foam, cork, or rubber will not only present better comfort but will also help to insulate heat and sound.  It also provides moisture control which is great against the damage of the rainy and snowy conditions you may encounter throughout the winter. Even though snow in Florida is unlikely, these flooring options for cold weather will be just as beneficial for living conditions up north or in areas prone to snow.

Go Mobile Flooring Showroom

Visit our website or contact Go Mobile Flooring today for more information on flooring options for cold weather. Explore our varieties and find out what best suits your home. We will gladly bring our mobile showroom to neighborhoods in the Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco county areas.

 

Manufacturer Spotlight: Tarkett

Manufacturer Spotlight: Tarkett

Go Mobile Flooring serves the greater Tampa Bay area with the latest in home flooring solutions. Today, we’d like to introduce you to one of our many manufacturing partners, Tarkett. Tarkett is a world-renowned leader in sustainable flooring design. As a result, it brings the latest in flooring options and sustainability to Tampa Bay.

Manufacturer Spotlight: Tarkett

Multiple Options, Multiple Solutions

In total, Tarkett has over 260 design options to offer among 13 distinct collections. These options range from luxury vinyl tile and planks to vinyl sheets and laminate. As a result, by combining different colors, looks, and textures, Tarkett and Go Mobile Flooring can deliver customers a truly unique flooring choice.

Award-Winning Design From Tarkett

In 2017, the company earned the Red Dot Award for its iD Mixonomi flooring collection. This prestigious award recognized Tarkett for a truly innovative collection that gave consumers the ability to create personalized flooring options. More information regarding the iD Mixonomi flooring collection can be found here.

Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly

In addition to its award-winning designs, the company has worked to reduce its environmental impact. In fact, it has reduced waste-to-landfill contribution by 16 percent year over year. Similarly, Tarkett designers are constantly looking for ways to reduce the amount of energy and water needed to create their products. The company has also received certification from The Asthma and Allergy Foundation for its use of products that promote good health. Further, Tarkett is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. This is all part of the company’s mission to “design for life.”

Trusted Tampa Partner

Go Mobile Flooring is proud to serve the Tampa Bay community. By offering outstanding solutions from partners like Tarkett, Go Mobile Flooring provides the latest in design and innovation to customers. Our mobile showroom is the best way to experience all we have to offer. By bringing all of your flooring options to your front door, we let you weigh the choices right in the comfort of your home.

For more information about Go Mobile Flooring and our partners, like Tarkett, please contact us today. We are excited to bring our mobile showroom to your area, whether you are in Tampa, Brandon, Clearwater or Land O’ Lakes.

How Can Your Floors Maintain Good Quality Throughout Rainy Weather Climate?

Ways to Maintain Flooring Quality Throughout Rainy Weather Climate

Hurricane season is here again, and that means wind and rain and all the trouble that comes with it. Even without a storm, summer rain showers in Florida are so regular you can set your watch by them. This type of moisture can wreak havoc on floors of all types. Plus, kids and pets can track mud and debris inside, causing long-lasting stains that may be hard to get rid of. Below are some of the best ways to maintain flooring quality even during the rainiest weather.

How Can Your Floors Maintain Good Quality Throughout Rainy Weather Climate?

Designate An Indoor Area

Having a mudroom or small vestibule inside your entryways is one of the best ways to maintain flooring quality; essentially, keeping this dirt, mud, and moisture contained in one area. You can also limit the number of entries into your home; when the kids are playing outside and it’s rainy, have them come back inside through a single entry. The same for pets. Once again, this keeps the extra water and mud from being tracked across your floors.

Designate An Outdoor Area

Installing an outdoor awning will make it easier for guests and kids to remove their shoes and keep the water outside. Also, having a gutter near your doorway will help to siphon water away from your welcome mat. It’s important to keep gutters clear though so that they work properly.

Prep for Wet Weather with Household Supplies

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Keep towels by doorways to wipe down pet paws and pat down wet clothes in the case of a storm. Outdoor mats to wipe off shoes and interior rugs will further keep mud and water at bay.

Install Waterproof Flooring

The best way to prevent warping and cracking of your flooring is to use a waterproof material such as laminate flooring. For wetter climates like Florida, this solution might be one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to maintain flooring quality. Laminate flooring ranges in cost from fairly cheap to expensive, so it’s best to examine all options in determining the best choice for your home. Go Mobile Flooring is happy to bring our mobile showroom to you, so you can easily evaluate the best laminate flooring for your needs.

For more information about waterproof laminate flooring please contact Go Mobile Flooring today. Our mobile showroom serves the Tampa Bay area including Pinellas and Pasco counties, Brandon, Land O’ Lakes, South Tampa, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Clearwater.

Flooring Transition Tips And Tricks

Flooring Transition Tips And Tricks

Chances are you’re not going to use the same type of flooring throughout your house. Even with an open floor plan, different rooms call for different aesthetics. And, some flooring types are not necessarily the best for all uses. Carpet in the kitchen probably isn’t the smartest idea. So, what’s the best way to transition from one flooring type to another? Below are a few ways to achieve a clean and unified look through your flooring transition.

Flooring Transition Tips And Tricks

Look for Obvious Start-Stop Points

There are often natural transition points throughout your house. An entryway or hallway offers a clean stop and start point for a flooring transition. So do the architectural lines of your house. Line up different flooring types with the edge of a wall or elevation changes. If your living room or kitchen has a step or two in between, this creates a natural start and stop point.

Make Transitions Part of the Design

With such beautiful and cost-effective flooring options available today, it’s easy to use different flooring types as part of your design. Even a darker or lighter shade of the same flooring or a different type of grain can be used as a purposeful design choice. Consider lining hallways with a different flooring type to create a unique look; or outline your entryway with tile that might hold up better under frequent foot traffic.

Use Transitions to Define Your Space

In a truly open floor plan, the above options may not be available. In that case, take the opportunity to use your flooring transitions to define your space. If your living room and dining room flow into each other, where would a natural stop and start point be? What about your kitchen or entryway? If you are not working with a contractor or interior designer, considering sketching out your options first, by looking at your floor plan as a series of geometric areas.

However you decide to treat flooring transitions in your home, Go Mobile Flooring can help. To find out how to bring our mobile showroom to your home, please contact us today. Serving Tampa Bay and the surrounding neighborhoods, we’re happy to bring our full selection of hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet and vinyl flooring to your doorstep.

Decorating Trend: Flooring Accent Wall

Decorating Trend: Flooring Accent Wall

If you’re looking for a new way to spruce up your home, check out the newest decorating trend: a flooring accent wall. Using flooring as a wall accent can add unexpected depth and warmth to any room. It also offers an easy-to-clean surface, a protective and durable surface that will hold up to wear and tear. Here are some other tips and tricks relating to a flooring accent wall in your home:

Quick and Easy Installation

Most of the engineered wood flooring is tongue and groove, which makes installation very easy. Also, in most cases, it doesn’t require the use of nails; wood flooring can be screwed directly into the drywall.

Lots of Options

Engineered wood flooring is manufactured to look like natural wood, giving you plenty of finish options. From natural colors to darker finishes, chances are you can find the flooring accent wall that fits your home the best. There’s also the option of engineered tile, which looks terrific in bathrooms and kitchens. Finally, a wood-look laminate is another choice (and it’s not your parents’ wood paneling). This is a great option for accent walls and is a cheaper alternative than some other types of flooring.

Decorating Trend: Flooring Accent Wall

Durable and Long-Lasting

Flooring is durable and made to last. This means you’ll get the same timeless benefits from a flooring accent wall. Some of the key features of flooring or engineered tiles are the ability to withstand high temperatures, resist fading, and stay “new-looking” for years to come.

Versatile Choice for Many Rooms

Flooring accent walls have been used in just about every room of the home. Some examples include an accent wall behind the headboard in the bedroom; a backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom; or an accent to warm up a cold basement. Additionally, wood flooring comes with a variety of moldings and trim options. This affords you the ultimate choice on how to set your wall apart.

For more information about accent walls or the chance to view our mobile flooring showroom, please contact Go Mobile Flooring today. Our team of flooring experts can help you find the right look and feel for the floors – and walls – of your home.

Manufacturer Spotlight: Indusparquet
Manufacturer Spotlight: Indusparquet

Go Mobile Flooring is proud to partner with the best manufacturers of quality flooring in the business. One of our partners is Indusparquet. Founded in 1970 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Indusparquet is a family business with over 4 generations working at the company. In fact, many of the original employees are still there. Below is an overview of Indusparquet and the type of premium hardwood flooring they offer. And of course, if you’d like to see examples up close, please contact us; we’ll be happy to bring our mobile showroom to your front door.

Manufacturer Spotlight: Indusparquet

All in the Family

Started in 1970 by Kiko Uliana and Jose Antonio Baggio, the two worked in the family’s sawmill from a young age and were creating and installing parquet floors on the weekend in their late teens. Since then, they take great pride in their organization, which has become known globally as a quality source of premium hardwood. They are also known for being committed to ethics, sustainability, and technology throughout its manufacturing process. Over 4 generations of their family have worked at Indusparquet.

Over a Century of Experience

Their family-owned sawmills have been operating in Brazil for more than 100 years, which means Indusparquet brings a century of experience to their process. However, the company has worked hard to stay at the forefront of technology. Over 500 employees use their technical skills and knowledge every day to export quality goods to 5 continents. They believe in using ethically-sourced and sustainable materials. All of their raw materials must have forest management certification from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Resources.

Enhance Your Home

Indusparquet offers the following collections:

  • Brazilian Cherry
  • Santos Mahogany
  • 3/8″ and 1/2″ Engineered Flooring
  • Coterie Collection with designs by Kiko Uliana

Each of these collections have rich colors that will enhance the look of any home. So, no matter which option you choose, Indusparquet flooring will give your home an air of sophistication; and you’ll be using a quality product that’s meant to last.

Mobile Showroom

Go Mobile Flooring serves Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas, including Pasco and Pinellas counties, Brandon, Clearwater and Land O’ Lakes. To see Indusparquet flooring for yourself or for a free in-home consultation, please contact Go Mobile Flooring today.

Steam Floor Mops - Do's and Don'ts

Steam Floor Mops – Do’s and Don’ts

Steam Floor Mops - Do's and Don'ts

Steam floor mops are a terrific in-home tool to use in fighting grime. For just a few hundred dollars, you can use one of these super-powered mops to provide your hardwood, tile or linoleum floors with a deep clean. However, using steam floor mops requires a bit more care than a standard mop. The addition of steam means the mops can get very hot and cause problems if not handled correctly. Below are some guidelines for how to use a steam floor mop correctly:

What To Do:

  • Prep the floor first.
    A mop that uses steam to clean isn’t meant to treat heavily soiled floors. If this is your first time using one, make sure to clean your floors as you normally would and then use the steam mop for maintenance. By cleaning the floors more frequently, you’ll have less build up of dirt and grime and be able to use the mop to its fullest potential.
  • Invest in mop pads.
    The mop pad will absorb dirt. However,  reusing a dirty mop head with steam might result in the dirt smearing across other surfaces. The good news is steam mop pads are generally washable and hold up nicely. A few good mop pads should last you for a while.

What Not To Do

  • Don’t allow the mop to idle.
    Once the mop has been plugged in, it’s really best to keep it moving. The heat generated from a steam mop can  build up quickly and cause damage to flooring if left in one place for too long.
  • Don’t use on unsealed floors.
    Steam floor mops are great for a variety of surfaces, but can easily warp an unsealed floor. If you’ve been advised not to use hot water on the floor or if the tiles are adhesive and appear to be lifting, don’t use a steam mop.
  • Don’t plug it in before attaching the mop head.
    Most steam mops heat up fast. So, if you wait to attach the mop head, chances are it’ll be too hot to handle.

For more information about steam floor mop do’s and don’ts, check out this article. And if you’re looking to upgrade the floors in your home, contact Tampa Flooring Company today.

Financing Is Now Available Through Go Mobile Flooring

We are pleased to announce to our customers that financing is now available at zero percent through Go Mobile Flooring! This is good news for your flooring plans. You can now decide when you upgrade your flooring. There’s no reason to wait because we will finance your project today.

You will be issued your own credit card that you can . . .

  • USE
    Pay for your flooring and also qualify for special promotions.
  • VIEW
    Your information can be reviewed and managed online. Detailed billing statement are at your fingertips and on your screen.
  • MANAGE
    You have 24/7 access to control your account at your own discretion. If you enroll in eBill, you are allowed to view statements at any time.
  • SAFE
    For your protection, all personal information will be encrypted with Transport Layer Security (TLS) technology.
  • WHAT’S NEXT?
    You can also use your card at other merchant outlets that accept it.

As always, the team here at Go Mobile Flooring put the interests of our customers FIRST. We truly want you to enjoy the comfort and beauty of amazing floors. And we want you to increase the value of your home in the process.

If you would like to apply, click her and you will go to our simple application form.

Please call us today at (813) 605-1849 for more information. Our specialists would love to help you make your dream home a reality.