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 FAQ 

Our Family is always here to help assist you with questions, preparation or decision making when it comes to managing your next project. Check out the following frequently asked questions or feel free to contact our experts at 905-428-6000 (Monday - Friday 10am - 7:30pm EST) or email info@exelflooring.com.

  • How do I prepare for flooring installation?
    Remove all small items from the surfaces of any furniture needing to be moved and remove bedding or other items from bed in events these need to be shifted. Our teams will do the heavy lifting but require your assistance with smaller items prior to install dates. All closest within installation zones should be cleared of items off of floor and moved onto higher shelves or other storage areas of your preference. If flooring occurs in spaces with gas or electrical appliances please contact a specialist to have them safely disconnect appliances prior to installation and reconnect subsequent to completion. Ask our team if the temperature or humidity of the installation zones need to be adjusted to help your new product acclimate to your home. In some cases, product will require a space to be stored on-site prior to installation for a minimum of 24 hours ensure appropriate acclimation.
  • What to expect during Installation?
    Installation can not only be dangerous with subfloor conditions being exposed but it can also result in aggravating allergies and asthma while subfloors are being cleaned and prepared. It is therefore recommended that clients keep the construction site and installation zones clear of hazards and persons. Our team will professionally shift larger items from room to room or take items offsite if specifically requested/required, it is the responsibility of the client to clear smaller items in preparation for installation dates. In some instances, unforeseen circumstances may result such as mold being present in subfloor or needing additional materials to level uneven surfaces that were previously inaccessible. It is impossible to predict all scenarios while quoting so in the event that circumstances may change you can expect the installation or management team to contact you immediately to discuss your options.
  • What is AC Ratings?
    Abrasion Criteria (AC) rating is a term used to indicate durability and wear resistance level of laminate flooring scale from 1 to 5. The higher the AC rating, the higher the durability.
  • What are IIC and STC ratings?
    IIC is for impact noises such as footsteps or moving furniture and STC is for airborne sounds such as voices or music; most solid surfaced floors fall within a range 68 - 74 and Carpet products fall within a range of 75 - 85. It should be noted that some condominiums or townhomes require a minimum IIC rating which the owner/renter should look into prior to purchasing material.
  • What materials work best in bathrooms and kitchens?
    Waterproof flooring is always your best option when it comes to high moisture areas which is why we personally recommend a Luxury Vinyl Plank or Vinyl Tile option - see our Luxury Vinyl Flooring Guide here (link). Having said that we do carry engineered hardwood products or laminates that have water resistant qualities which we are happy to discuss for kitchens or other areas prone to spills.
  • What flooring product is pet-friendly?
    See our Pet Friendly Flooring Guide Here for further details (link).
  • Is carpet frowned upon in modern homes?
    People often hold negative views towards carpets because they automatically think about the classic pink rugs in 1960 homes or original builder grade Carpet with completely degraded underpad that has turned to dust. Carpet in its modern manufacturing has endless designs and styles that can help you achieve a new look in your home without compromising comfort. New carpets have many benefits that we can all appreciate - see Carpet flooring guide here for more information (link).
  • Are carpeted or hardwood stairs preferable?
    This boils down to the current condition of your stairs and personal preference; hardwood options will always help to add future resale value to your home, however updated carpet will be a budget friendly option still obtaining an updated but unobtrusive process. Contact our Experts to get a home visit to discuss your options and be sure to check out our media where you can find recent stair projects we’ve managed.
  • What is the best way to spruce-up my flooring without breaking the budget?
    The easiest way to alter the appearance of a room if you’re bored of looking at the same flooring you’ve had over the last few decades but remains in decent condition would be to purchase a custom area rug. Visit our showroom to see the premium Stanton carpets and other brands we have to manage your next face lift project.
  • Can I purchase material to install myself?
    It is always recommended that you have professionals install your flooring seeing as it lays foundation for your home and it’s future value; additionally, manufacturers will not honor most warranties unless installed professionally. Quality flooring teams and their respective installers will not only provide you with the best advice on best products to use, but can also ensure your floor looks to the best of its quality with no gaps, uneven surfaces or other imperfections.
  • How to Care for my newly installed products?
    See our Flooring Care Guides hosted below or visit the manufacturer website for specific details
  • General Vinyl Info
    Accounting for the majority of our current sales, there is a reason why everyone is falling in love with Engineered Luxury Vinyl Products. Not only cost-effective, but luxury Vinyl comes in different styles and appearance which all have the common properties of durability, ease of maintenance, waterproof and dent-resistance. Installed by experts, Luxury Vinyl is watertight and can be installed in virtually any room of your home allowing you to have transition free flooring throughout living, kitchen and bathroom spaces. Most quality Vinyl flooring is constructed with a durable top layer which will vary in thickness (mm); higher-quality floors have thicker wear layers constructed majorly from Urethanes which help specifically with stain and dent resistant qualities; whereas lower-cost vinyl flooring often have PVC wear layers which help protect the patterned print from being damaged over time. Additionally, all of our click Vinyl products come with a built in underpad, whether that be cork or foam resulting in more comfort, sound performance, and moisture protection.
  • Vinyl Types and Appearances
    Vinyl Planks: Most common types of Vinyl Planks have the appearance of hardwood floors which makes them a more cost-effective and maintenance friendly alternative to wood products with all the benefits of Vinyl products. Alternatively, Vinyl Planks can also come with the appearance of stone, marble or other patterns printed onto the plank format.It should also be noted that vinyl planks are now available in herringbone or alternative orientations. Luxury Vinyl Tile: Traditional Tiles can often feel cold, be extensive to install and are not the easiest to replace down the road if required. Vinyl Tiles provide a similar look and texture to a traditional tile, but are often warmer, less messy to install, easily repairable and maintenance friendly. Additionally, Vinyl Tiles can minimize risk of slips or falls and feel softer / warmer (radiant heating compatible) under your feet which can help make a difference in high foot traffic areas such as kitchens or bathrooms. Available in various styles and sizes, our showroom would be the best place to explore your options.
  • Luxury Vinyl After-Care
    Being one of the most durable and maintenance friendly products carried in our showroom, after-care for luxury vinyl is fairly headache free! Being 100% waterproof most cleaning approaches and applications will be compatible with Luxury VInyl, however if you clean often with a vacuum or broom only occasional mops will be required with mild cleaners such as Pinesol, Mr. Clean etc. In the event that your floor does become stained try utilizing Dawn Soap or Shampoos to remove stains from bathroom floors rather than harsher chemicals products.
  • General Hardwood Info
    Across the industry, Hardwood is considered to be the pinnacle of flooring aesthetics helping to increase the value of your home for decades to come as a timeless beauty. Hardwood floors are constructed with quality materials, are thicker than most flooring products helping with warmth and sound properties and have an elegance within the character and uniqueness of each plank. Hardwood, whether solid or engineered, is not recommended for high moisture areas such as kitchens, bathrooms or mudrooms but are commonly found in living, dining, and family rooms. Like all great things, hardwood requires TLC for maintaining relative humidity, temperatures, and general care and cleanliness. Being a natural wood product, Hardwood requires a zone of approx. 30-50% relative humidity, and between 20-22 Celcius to keep its integrity. Hardwood comes in various styles and can be installed in different orientations - see more information below or visit our showroom for further details.
  • Hardwood Types and Appearances
    Solid Wood Plank: Made from milled lumber solid hardwood can last decades while also providing the options of future sanding and restaining giving you flexibility through the years. Solid floors can be produced from endless tree species available in today’s market including maple, white and red oak, black walnut, brazilian cherry and hickory Finishings: Hardwood is offered in semi-gloss (shiny, slick look); satin (subtle sheen); or Matte (matte withstands scratches/scuffs better) options along with normal or wire brushed finishings. Depending on the type of wood utilized, there can be an appearance of high knots and variations such as Hickory, or smooth grains with low variations such as Hard Maple. Generally, Red Oak is recognized for its hardness and durability, while White Oak stands out for its beauty with large annual growth rings. For design considerations, lighter shades can help brighten and enlarge enclosed spaces or rooms in your house with low natural light. Engineered Wood Plank: Engineered wood provides the same aesthetics as hardwood but is delivered in a manufactured format by blending real wood with high-density fibreboard or plywood; it is available in many more shapes, sizes and colors. Engineered wood also comes at a more reasonable cost to the buyer while providing a more resilient product that can stand up better to water damage or humidity fluctuations. Orientations: Both Engineered and Solid Hardwoods are available in both Chevron and Herringbone Patterns. These orientations are popular but may only be compatible in certain spaces of your home; they also require additional wastage to be added when ordering material so expect higher material and installation costs when considering your options.
  • Hardwood After-Care
    If you’ve had a recent hardwood installation it is best to follow the specific manufacturer recommendation on after-care and cleaning which can often be found on their respective websites; when unsure feel free to reach out to our showroom experts. See Manufacturer's instructions for relative humidity and temperature ranges specific to your hardwood. Regular cleaning to avoid surface abrasions should be sought along with utilizing the correct vacuum attachments to avoid scratches. Similar for all floors, but especially relevant with softer surfaced hardwood floors it is recommended to protect your flooring surfaces from your furniture items utilizing felt padding on the feet or bottom of furnishings. If moving furniture is required, felt moving pads can be purchased at any local home stores allowing you peace of mind during the moving process.
  • General Laminate Info
    For individuals on a tight budget or seeking a thicker flooring product that will help with sound optics alongside their associated required underpadding, laminate may be the best bet for your upcoming project. As the most affordable alternative wood product, there are various options in laminate, some of which can be more dent resistant or water resistant than others. As a synthetic product there is no shortage of options when it comes to thickness which typically ranges from 8MM to 14MM, or wider planks with endless color options to choose from. Generally, the thicker the wear layer the more durable a laminate surface will be and should maintain a better fade and stain resistant surface; similarly, thicker laminate should help to hide small imperfections in subfloors.
  • Laminate After-Care
    Like all floors, laminate should be vacuumed, dust mopped and occasionally damp mopped with the appropriate cleaning clearing products. Excessive moisture should be avoided at all costs given that water can seep into seams of laminate and compromise the synthetic materials used within the core of the product leading it to bubble, buckle or unclick. Generally, care for your floors once or twice per week to keep them in prime condition. Majority of Laminate products should be kept in temperatures between 17 - 23 Celcius with a relative humidity between 35-55%. High swings in temperatures or humidity or a drop below 30% relative humidity will often result in gapping or other issues
  • General Carpet Info
    Looking for warmth, comfort, durability and sound performance look no further; Carpet comes in a variety of installation types from traditional Broadloom rolls, to carpet tiles which are more commonly found in commercial applications for the ease of repair and durability. Additional to the traditional installations of carpets throughout bedrooms or other living spaces, we commonly supply and install carpet runners on stairs or custom area rugs for your home. The three main types of carpets include Polyester, Nylon and BerBer with Polyester being the most popular and cost efficient with the modern benefits of stain resistance, hypo-allergenic and flame-resistant. Additionally, we have various grades of underpad that have different benefits such as stain-master under padding or higher density for your comfort. It should be noted that carpet rolls only come in 12 foot wide sizes and therefore an expert should always measure for your carpet requirements to ensure proper quantities.
  • Carpet After-Care
    You should always consult your carpet installer or our showroom experts on whether there are specific care considerations when it comes to your recently installed carpet. For example, Berber carpet may not be the most pet-friendly option given their loop threads and only specific vacuum attachments should be used to protect their longevity. Polyester Carpets are the easiest to keep clean without deep pockets to trap dust and pet dander
  • Pet Friendly Flooring General Info
    Furry friends add tremendous value and love within our homes but most of us are familiar with the difficulties of puppy stages, accidents or just increased general maintenance with animals being a part of our homes. Choosing a pet-friendly option such as Luxury Vinyl, Cork Products or Torlys Smart Floors will help make your life much easier for maintenance and help protect the longevity of your floors and value of your home. These options generally can resist stains, water damage and odors that pets may cause - explore the associated flooring resources we host to dig deeper.
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