FAQ
General
At Solathèque, we offer a 1-year installation warranty on all our projects. We also guarantee the performance of materials according to the standards set by the manufacturers. These warranties can range from 10 to 25 years, depending on the type of product and its use.
Solathèque has been providing and installing flooring and ceramic since 1994. We are members of the FQRS (Fédération Québécoise des Revêtements de Sol Souple) and the Starnet Commercial Flooring Cooperative, which ensures professionalism and reliability. We employ over 50 installers trained and accredited by the top manufacturers in the industry. Visit our “About Us” page to learn more!
No project is too small or too large for us. We carry out projects of all sizes. Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to assist you, no matter the scope of your project!
It’s easy! Just reach out to us to get all the samples you need, completely free of charge!
Yes! We cover the entire province of Quebec, without exceptions!
Ceramic
Durability, strength, and longevity are the main advantages of ceramic flooring, not to mention the aesthetic appeal it brings to your space. Ask us for advice to see if this type of flooring is suitable for your project!
Epoxy grout is resistant to grease, oil, mild acids, and detergents. It is particularly recommended in areas such as commercial kitchens. Saunas and steam baths are also places where epoxy grout is favored for its waterproof properties. However, its application is more expensive than cement-based grout with polymer additives, which is often sufficient for most needs. For more information on choosing the right grout, contact us today!
The choice always depends on the intended use, as well as the existing conditions. Larger formats (like a 24" x 24" tile, for example) have fewer grout lines, making them easier to maintain. However, they require level surfaces for installation, which may result in additional preparation costs if the surface is uneven. Smaller formats (such as mosaics) do not require perfectly level surfaces and are more slip-resistant, but maintaining the grout lines can be more challenging. Let us help you choose the right products for your project!
Yes, it is possible to install new ceramic tiles over existing ones if certain conditions are met, particularly if the old tiles are well-adhered and a synthetic resin-based primer is used. Ask a Solathèque specialist whether this type of installation is possible for your situation!
Carpet
Comfort and acoustic properties are the main advantages of carpet flooring. In addition, carpet tiles can be replaced very easily without having to redo the entire floor. Ask one of our specialists to find out if this is the right flooring option for your project!
Nowadays, carpet tiles are generally preferred over broadloom rolls. They make installation much easier in most cases and allow the end user to replace individual tiles in the future if needed. Broadloom carpet, however, can still be a good option in certain areas, such as staircases. For more information, get in touch with us today!
Not at all! Thanks to our technicians and our patented Liftman and Levitate technologies, we can replace your carpet without you having to worry about moving the furniture. Learn more today about our shelving relocation and furniture lifting solutions!
Entrance mat
- Vestibule: a scraper mat to remove most dirt and snow.
- Lobby / main entrance: a combined scraper / absorbent mat to scrape and wipe at the same time.
- Indoor areas: an absorbent mat is enough to keep floors clean and dry.
- Vestibules: to stop dirt right at the door.
- Entrances and lobbies: high-traffic areas where protecting your floors is key.
- Elevators: handy to catch dust and moisture traveling between floors.
- Garage airlocks / mudrooms: blocks sand, salt, and snow before it reaches indoor floors.
Yes, and it’s recommended!
Keeping a mat all year helps prevent dirt from spreading throughout the building. Plus, it’s safer: floors stay drier and there’s less risk of slipping.
- Regular vacuuming: removes dust and small debris daily or several times per week.
- Deep cleaning in winter: removes salt, melted snow, and mud that accumulates.
- Workshop cleaning in summer: refreshes the mat so it stays effective all year long.
It depends on several factors:
- Traffic level: the more people walk on it, the faster it wears out.
- Type of mat: some materials are more durable than others.
- Regular maintenance: a well-cleaned and cared-for mat will last much longer.
Vinyl or Linoleum
Vinyl and linoleum sheet flooring are ideal for spaces where hygiene and easy maintenance are a priority. Ask our experts to see if this type of flooring is right for your project!
Environments that require strict hygiene or must meet sanitary regulations should ideally include coved baseboards. They are also highly recommended in humid areas or spaces subject to frequent heavy cleaning.
Antistatic vinyl flooring (also known as ESD flooring – Electrostatic Discharge) is designed to dissipate or control static electricity. It is commonly used in technology, electronics, and in chemical or explosive industries.
It depends on your needs, desired maintenance level, and budget. Linoleum is eco-friendly and highly durable, while vinyl is easier to maintain and performs better in humid environments.
If hygiene is a concern, sheet vinyl is the better option since it has fewer seams and can be heat-welded. If budget is the priority, vinyl tiles are usually more cost-effective and provide a warmer, more versatile look.
Floor preparation
Not necessarily. It depends on several factors, such as the type of existing flooring, the new material being installed, and the intended use. Some manufacturers provide solutions that eliminate the need to fully remove the old floor. Contact us to learn more about your options!
Not always. It depends on the type of adhesive residue and the flooring being installed. Many manufacturers require all contaminants, including adhesive residues, to be removed beforehand. However, some companies offer alternative solutions to bypass this step. Ask us today about the options available for your project!
Not necessarily. It depends on the product and the existing conditions. For example, large-format ceramic tiles require a very flat subfloor, while carpet is more forgiving of minor unevenness. Each project is different—ask our experts whether floor leveling is needed for your installation!
Yes, as long as there is no hydrostatic pressure under the slab. Solutions such as external vapor barrier membranes can be applied to address moisture problems before installing flooring. These barriers are applied directly prior to installation. Contact us to explore the options available for your project!