Why does Skandia Floors only use waterborne polyurethanes?

To facilitate safety and convenience for both customers and employees. Solvent and lacquer-based finishes are extremely hazardous to your health because of their high VOC content. Furthermore, solvent-based finishes usually take 8-10 hours to dry. Lacquer-based dry quickly, but are extremely flammable making them responsible for numerous fires on jobsites. Waterborne polyurethanes are safe to use, VOC complaint, nonflammable, fast drying and virtually odorless. But these benefits do come at a price; in general they are 3 to 5 times more expensive per gallon. Overall the price difference is usually between $.30 and $.50 more per square foot.

Why should I care about VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds are substances containing carbon and different proportions of other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, sulfur, or nitrogen; these substances easily become vapors or gases.

Overexposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

(Source: Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html)

Wood floor varnish (finishes) have a maximum allowable limit of 450 g/l (grams per liter) and wood floor sanding sealers have a maximum VOC limit of 550 g/l (grams per liter.) Our most popular finish, BonaKemi Mega contains less than 250 grams per liter, therefore making it a very safe alternative to traditional oil modified polyurethanes which often stretch the VOC compliancy limits.

How much dust does the sanding/refinishing process produce?

Up until a few years ago, sanding produced an extensive amount of very fine dust. Because our machines are equipped with the latest in dust collection technology, very little dust is produced (approximately 95% less then non-equipped machines).

How soon can I walk on the floors after they have been coated?

With socks only, 2-3 hours. With shoes, 24 hours. Finish is 75% cured after 24 hours, and 100% cured after 7 days. During this time, you should not use cleaners or water on the floor. Furniture may be moved back before curing is complete if you are extremely careful when making contact with the floor.

How long will the finish on my floors last?

If properly maintained, our polyurethane finishes will last a lifetime. Proper maintenance includes keeping the floors free of dirt and periodical re-coatings. Once high traffic areas begin to show signs of wear, they should be screened and recoated to prevent sanding and refinishing.

Can pet and water stains be sanded out?

90% of the time the answer is no. Usually these types of stains permeate the wood, and extra sanding will only create a dip in your floor. A normal sanding process will at least lighten the area so it is not as prominent.

Will my new floor be glossy?

When having a floor refinished you may choose either satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. There are a few exceptions for different types of finishes and pre-finished floors. For example, BonaKemi Traffic is only available in satin and semi-gloss.

Does the floor molding have to be removed before sanding or installing a floor?

It does have to be removed before installing a new floor. It does not if the floor is only going to be sanded. By using a machine called an "edger sander", we are able to sand close enough to the moldings without removing them.

Will the new wood used to make repairs match my existing floor?

Not exactly. Factors such as the age and the cut of the wood affect the coloring. We will make every attempt to match the existing floor using stains and dyes. Very few repairs are discernible after the finish ages a few years.

If my house is undergoing other renovations besides flooring, what should be done last?

As a general rule: flooring and painting should be done last. The walls and moldings can be prepared and primed before the flooring project starts, and then completed after the flooring project is done. Do not forget to calculate minor touchups to your walls and moldings after the floors are done.

What is a laminated floor?

Laminated flooring is made with layers of components which are bonded together under extreme heat and pressure. The wear-resistant surface is made of a very durable melamine laminate which is the essence of a laminate floor and provides great strength and durability. The decorative layer simulates wood grains, marble, or stone. Laminated floors are specially designed to provide an extremely stable foundation with minimal expansion and contraction, making them ideal for below grade or concrete sub-floor installations. They are also popular in kitchens and bathrooms because they require very little maintenance. In most cases, these types of floors can go directly over your existing flooring, eliminating the cost of removal.

Is Skandia Floors fully insured?

Yes, our policy includes commercial general liability underwritten by Northern Insurance Company of New York, and workers' compensation underwritten by State Workers' Insurance Fund.

Are references available?

Yes, many of our customers would be happy to share their experiences with you.

Professional Hardwood Floor Refinishing
and Installation Service
Serving Philadelphia & Delaware County
Phone: 610-690-7526
E-mail: info@skandiafloors.com