Get matched with top epoxy flooring pros in Mallory, WV

As with anything you buy, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Some low-cost flooring products can contain chemicals that release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the form of fumes that can be inhaled or dust that can cause skin conditions.

Even good-quality products can be dangerous for DIY-ers who don’t take proper precautions. Always carefully read manufacturer instructions and wear the recommended protective gear when working with paints and other chemicals. You can also hire a local garage flooring pro with the experience and equipment needed to perform the installation safely with no lingering fumes or debris.

Yes, you can recycle most types of carpet. If you hire a pro to remove your old carpet, ask about their carpet disposal process. Many companies will recycle the carpeting, but if yours doesn’t, you can ask them to take it to a recycling center for you (although there might be an additional fee). Alternatively, you can hire a junk hauling service or contact a carpet recycling organization (like CARE).

Vinyl flooring comes with different warranty lengths based on the thickness of the layers and the quality of the material. Most include a 20-year warranty. However, you’ll need to maintain the floor appropriately and read through the warranty to avoid using any products, tools, or methods that void the warranty. Some warranties, for example, are made void if you use a steam cleaner, even if the floor can withstand the heat and moisture.

Dry rot or severe water damage may warrant a replacement, but you don’t always need to replace damaged subflooring. If your subfloor has warped because it was installed incorrectly, you can sometimes shim the panels (in other words, add a thin, wedge-shaped piece of wood to level the surface). If your subfloor bows upward, you may be able to sand it down at the joist so it’s level, depending on the extent of the damage.