Most people focus on appearance when selecting a new floor for their home. However, material is perhaps even more important than looks-an attractive floor can easily be ruined if it’s not suitable for your house or climate. Particular types of floors are more susceptible to climate-based problems than others; we’ve highlighted a few types of flooring to help you understand what does and doesn’t work in the Boston area.

Carpet Flooring

Carpeting is probably the least susceptible to climate issues. Unless you live in an area with extremely high humidity (i.e. not the Boston area), carpet should perform beautifully in your home or office. Do keep in mind that if carpeting in Attleboro or the entire surrounding region is installed below grade, you need to protect it from moisture with an underlayment. For specifics about correct installation and more information about carpet in Mansfield and other area towns, check out your local flooring store.

Hardwood Flooring

Wood flooring can be especially susceptible to humidity. While the Boston area certainly doesn’t have the 90% humidity of the South, summer humidity is consistently in the 70-80% range. High humidity causes hardwood flooring to swell, expanding and sometimes even warping. While wood flooring is generally alright in homes throughout New England, if you live near the water (where humidity levels are the greatest), you may want to consider engineered hardwood floors. For example, we recommend this type of wood flooring in Providence because of the proximity of Rhode Island Sound. Engineered hardwood gives you the same beauty of wood flooring but reduces the vulnerability to humidity.

Tile Flooring

While most tile floors are perfect for indoor use throughout New England, many are not appropriate for outdoor use. Tile installed outside in places like Pawtucket, Wrentham, and the whole region will be exposed to a vicious cycle of freezing and thawing that can cause it to break, crack, and chip. To get the most out of your tile floor in Boston, it should be installed indoors, not as a patio, walkway, or porch. Indoor tile performance can also be enhanced by using a moisture barrier to protect subflooring as well as completely sealing the tile with a penetrating grout sealer.

Laminate and Linoleum Flooring

Laminate and linoleum flooring have a well-deserved reputation for durability, resiliency, and affordability. For the most part, they live up to that fame under all climate conditions. Linoleum can be faded by long-term exposure to bright sunlight, so even in northern regions like New England, you’ll need to use blinds as well as occasionally rearrange the furniture to prevent noticeable discoloration. And not all types of laminate can handle extreme temperatures, so for laminate in Stoughton and the rest of Massachusetts you may want to consider the additional durability of high pressure laminate. No matter what type of linoleum or laminate flooring you select, you should get great results with correct installation and care!

So whether you’re dreaming of luxurious carpet in Foxborough or elegant tile in Mansfield, be sure to consider the appropriateness of the floor you choose. Your local flooring store should be able to offer expert advice on durability and vulnerability to humidity and temperature to help you get a beautiful floor perfect for your area.

Radon gas is an invisible, odorless gas emitted by uranium decaying underground. Harmless outdoors, radon can seep into your home through the ground and accumulate: at high concentrations, this radiation can be extremely dangerous. In fact, radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause in smokers. Protect your home and family from this unseen menace with radon testing and, if necessary, radon mitigation.

Radon Testing

Radon testing is an easy, straightforward process. A charcoal canister is used to collect radon gas from your home, usually over the course of approximately 48 hours. During the radon testing period, it’s important to keep all doors and windows closed for the most precise readings. At the conclusion of the testing period, the canister is sent to a lab to measure the accumulated radon concentration. Simple as that. Do-it-yourself kits are readily available, although you may want to consider having a radon professional administer your test for optimal accuracy. Because your radon test results will be the basis of future action (either none because levels appear safe or an expensive radon mitigation) it’s important to have the best readings possible. That way you’ll be able to make an informed decision about what the next steps should be.

Radon Mitigation

If your home radon test does report unsafe levels of radon, you need to address the problem ASAP. To eliminate the radon in your home, you’ll need to contact your local specialist for radon mitigation. They will be able to design and install the right radon reduction system for your home. Depending on the construction of your home, there are several different ways to mitigate radon gas. The most common are sub-slab depressurization (for homes with basements) and sub-membrane depressurization (for homes with crawlspaces).

Sub-slab depressurization entails drilling a small hole in the floor of the foundation slab and excavating a slight cavity below. Then, a pump is connected to the hole and the radon (and any other organic contaminants) is vacuumed out of the ground before it has a chance to leak into your home. These gases are vented outside, where the radon can disperse harmlessly. Sub-membrane depressurization is similar to sub-slab depressurization, but because there is no slab a membrane is installed over the floor of the crawlspace to trap the radon. The gas is extracted in a similar fashion and vented outside, where it dissipates.

Because radon abatement is not a one-size-fits-all process, this really is not a job for DIYers; from targeting the entry point to creating a complete seal, professionals have the knowledge, expertise, and skill to ensure your family will be safe from radon.

Radon Resistant New Construction

If you live in an area with a known radon problem and are building a new home, you may want to consider radon resistant construction. These preemptive measures prevent the radon from ever entering your home, stopping the problem before it begins! The techniques are the same as for radon mitigation, but because your home is not being retrofitted the system can be more efficient as well as unobtrusive. For example, radon venting stacks are installed internally as the building is constructed, hiding this potential eyesore while still completely venting any radon gas. Talk to your contractor about whether radon resistant new construction is needed for your house.

Just like your home isn’t safe without working smoke detectors, if you haven’t tested for radon you’re taking a risk! Let professional radon contractors bring you safety and peace of mind with complete radon testing and mitigation. If you’re looking for a trustworthy radon technician in your area, organizations like the American Association of Radon Specialists and Technologists (AARST) and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) can help you find a qualified professional.

Whether it’s a birthday party or a night on the town, great limo service can really make your event so much more special. Nothing beats the elegance, luxury, and class of a limo! Here are some great ideas of how to make ordinary occasions extraordinary with limo service in Jacksonville.

A Special Date Night

If you’re looking to make a date night exceptional, why not try limo service. Go out to the Jacksonville Symphony, dinner, or just the movies in the cozy elegance of a chauffeured car. Whether you’ve been married for a decade or are just starting out in the relationship, a limousine will score major points with your partner as well as turn your evening into something special. Celebrate an anniversary or just date in style: for important occasions or to spice up an ordinary night out, limo service is just what you’ve been looking for.

Boy’s Night Out

Whether it’s a bachelor party or just a night out with the guys, limo rental is a great idea. You’ll get an automatic designated driver (so everyone can partake of the brews!) and a hot ride. Why not try a Hummer or Escalade stretch limo for the best in style. Head to the bars or a sporting event at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Stadium-with great events like wrestling, boxing, and basketball, there’s sure to be something you and the guys will love. Instead of having a plain old night on the town, turn it into the ultimate boy’s night with a limo!

A Romantic Proposal

Dreaming of proposing to your girlfriend on the beach? Then why not make the night even more romantic with limousine service! Just imagine riding together in the luxury of a limo, arriving at the beach, walking out into the sand and dropping to one knee… It will be an evening neither of you will forget no matter what, but you can make it even better by treating your gal to the romance of a limo!

Special Delivery

The next time you need to pick up a friend or relative at the Jacksonville airport, surprise them with limousine or town car service! Whether you’re trying to impress the in-laws or give your husband a treat, just imagine the looks on their faces when a limo pulls up instead of your car. Simplify your life and provide them with a little luxury at the same time.

Limos are a great for big events like weddings and proms, but they can also help turn your regular date or airport pick-up into an extraordinary event. We’ve listed a few ideas of ways to use limo service in Jacksonville to spice up your life, but the possibilities are endless! Call your local limousine company today to schedule your event.

When it comes to redecorating, sometimes it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the thousands of paint colors, fabric options, flooring materials, and other selections you need to make. Why not take the hassle out of your next remodeling project by working with an interior design consultant? They’ll help you refine your aesthetic vision, provide information about different materials, and all around make your redecorating experience hassle-free!

Coherent, Attractive Interior Design

Perhaps the most important role of an interior designer is helping you create an attractive, unified vision for your decorating project. Whether it’s an entire house or a single room, your space will look best if it has some overall coherency. That’s not to say that it has to be matchy matchy, but too many different looks, colors, and clashing fabrics can create a jarring, chaotic appearance. An interior design consultant will help you define the look you’re aiming for so you can achieve the best look for your space, essentially using their expertise to bring your vision to life.

Material Selection

After you’ve created the overarching ideas for your space, the next step is to select materials. Your interior designer will also be invaluable in this stage, helping you take the guesswork out of decorating with their professional experience and expertise. They’ll be able to knowledgeably recommend materials based on durability, performance, and appropriateness, facilitating a simple, stress-free redecorating experience. You won’t have to spend hours researching materials, which is great for today’s busy lifestyles. Choosing a color scheme, fabrics, window treatments, and flooring materials is a breeze with the assistance of an interior design consultant.

And, if you choose to work with an interior design professional affiliated with a paint store or home improvement outlet you can even eliminate the hassle of dealing with a middleman; you’ll be able to purchase products directly from your interior designer for easy, one-stop home decorating.

Interior Design for the Outdoors

Don’t forget, interior designers aren’t just for indoors anymore. One of the hottest trends in decorating today is creating an outdoor room by turning your porch, patio, or deck into a comfortable living space. If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space into an open-air lounge or dining room, an interior designer can really help! From assisting you with selection of appropriate outdoor fabrics to suggestions on durable furnishings, a design professional is practically a must for designing an outdoor living space.

Commercial Interior Design Services

Interior design services can also be great for commercial properties. Whether it’s a restaurant, apartment building, or doctor’s office, when you’re remodeling the look of your commercial space, why not use an interior designer. They’ll be able to handle all of the mundane details of decorating, leaving you free to run your company! From helping you create a coherent look to the nitty-gritty of selecting upholstery fabrics, design consultants can help you achieve an attractive, professional look with little to no hassle.

Embark on your next decorating project with the help of an interior design consultant. They’ll take the hassle out of redoing your décor and help you get the look you’ve been dreaming of!

Cracks in your foundation are much more than simply an aesthetic issue. Whether they’ve been caused by hydrostatic pressure, soil setting, or routine shrinkage, these fissures need to be fixed immediately. The longer the breaks persist the more likely it is that your foundation will develop structural damage. Water may also seep (or gush!) into your basement through the crack, creating the possibility of mold growth, water damage, and additional structural problems!

If you have a crack, fissure, break, fracture, crevice, or other void in your foundation, it’s time to repair the damage (and preclude additional injury to your basement, foundation, and house). Depending on the nature and severity of your foundation problems, there are a number of solutions:

• Poured concrete
• Injected epoxy
• Vinyl board
• Crystalline waterproofing agents

One innovative solution is the A-1 Foundation Crack Repair method. This state-of-the-art technique was initially developed from a US Army Corps of Engineers’ dam repair process: holes are drilled into the crack at 45 degree angles along both sides and a closed cell polymer resin is sprayed into the holes. Appropriate for both structural and nonstructural repairs, this process completely seals the crack with a dynamic material able to expand and contract as needed, ensuring a long-lasting repair.

Regardless of which foundation repair method you select, it’s important to keep in mind that each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some create more mess than others; some require excavation around your foundation, etc. Also, you’ll want to keep in mind climate issues: if you live in an area with extreme seasonal temperatures, your foundation is constantly expanding and contracting. Any basement repair technique you choose will also need to be dynamic–able to fluctuate along with the foundation. If the material used to mend the foundation crack is not able to expand and contract, the patch won’t hold and you’ll be back where you started!

To learn more about what repair methods are best for your area and your house, contact your local foundation contractors. They’ll be able to provide information and make expert recommendations regarding the ideal solution for your foundation problems. Don’t forget, you need to fix basement leaks and foundation cracks immediately, so don’t wait. Call your foundation specialist today!

With energy costs on the rise, more and more homeowners are looking at ways to save money on heating and cooling. Reducing energy usage is also a high priority for many as environmental issues are moving to the forefront of media attention. If you’re looking to cut back on energy costs and usage, replacing your older, leaky windows is actually one of the most efficient solutions!

Old single pane windows are surprisingly inefficient. Because they are not insulated and typically aren’t treated with heating-reflecting or low-E coatings, they allow a great deal of heat transfer in and out. Meaning whether you’re cooling or heating your home, some of your energy is escaping through the thin glass of your windows. And, if your windows are broken or damaged, they’re probably leaking, regardless of whether they’re single or double paned.

To make your home more energy efficient, you need replacement windows. In fact, according to a Consumer Reports October 2007 article, double pane replacement windows can save you between 10% and 25% on energy costs annually (vs. single pane windows). You’ll want to select new windows with insulating features for the greatest energy savings; options include heat-reflecting film, double panes, low-E coatings, and argon gas filled windows. Many windows include more than one of these elements for superior energy retention. More than 50% of replacement windows in the U.S. are vinyl: these windows are relatively inexpensive and low-maintenance as well as frequently including energy efficient features.

Replacement windows are available in practically every size and style, from double-hung windows to picture windows, so no matter what type of windows you have in your home, a replacement is likely available. Custom sizes do tend to have higher price tags, but don’t forget that energy savings will eventually offset the cost of window replacement.

Ideally, you’ll want to replace all of the older windows in your home, but you’ll also see impressive energy savings by simply replacing damaged windows or even doors. You’d be amazed at how much warm air a cracked window or a door with crumbling weatherstripping can let in or out!

Your windows and doors are more than just aesthetic elements of your home: they also protect you and your family from wind, precipitation, and storms. Quality, energy-efficient replacement windows are the best way to safeguard your family and decrease your energy costs at the same time. Contact your local window contractor today to learn more about replacement window installation in your home!

While expensive materials like granite tile stand up to years of abuse, sometimes you’re looking for a more affordable flooring solution for high traffic areas. Whether you’re a business owner looking to cover your waiting room floor or a homeowner concerned about the durability of the kitchen floor, there are a number of inexpensive, attractive materials that will stand up to the abuse! Read on to learn how laminate, linoleum, or commercial carpeting can serve your high-traffic flooring needs.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is a durable, beautiful, affordable material suitable for areas with heavy traffic. The increasing popularity of laminate in recent years has broadened the number of styles and patterns available. The most popular today include wood laminate and tile laminate, giving you the appearance of hardwood and ceramic/stone tile, respectively, but at a greatly reduced cost.

Many homeowners and property managers turn to the attractive, long-lasting appearance of wood laminate where hardwood isn’t appropriate due to constant wear and tear. Laminate installation is a fast, relatively hassle-free process, unlike some other flooring materials. In fact, most laminate floors can be installed as floating floors (where the laminate is installed over your existing floor) for a super-quick, super-easy installation.

Linoleum

Linoleum is one of the most cost-effective, durable flooring materials on the market today. It is long-lasting, low maintenance, inexpensive, and attractive, making it ideal for high traffic areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, hallways, and commercial spaces. And, even though some of us may remember our mothers waxing the high-maintenance linoleum of the past, today’s vinyl linoleum floors are extremely low maintenance. All it takes to keep your vinyl linoleum floor looking great is sweeping and the occasional mopping. Today’s linoleum even looks better: while older types look like plastic, modern linoleum is tasteful and attractive. Available as linoleum tile or sheet vinyl, this flooring material is fast and simple to install. When you’re looking for a lightning-quick renovation of your home or office, linoleum is the ideal flooring for your high traffic areas!

Commercial carpeting

You may not think of carpeting as an extremely durable flooring material, but commercial carpeting is extremely sturdy, resilient, and long lasting. Unlike cut pile plush, commercial carpeting is made up of short, tight loops. This makes the carpeting dense, tough, and able to combat years of wear and tear. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, commercial carpeting is ideal for waiting rooms, hallways, lobbies, and other business applications.

Laminate, linoleum, and commercial carpeting are all low-cost, high-performance flooring options for high traffic areas in your home or business. Contact your local flooring contractor to learn more about particular brands available in your area and to find out more about which of these durable flooring solutions is ideal for your needs.