Floor Covering Installer Dec 2011

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DECEMBER 2011

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Spotlight Showcases

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Cupping Issues in Wood Flooring p. 8 Seam Sealing for Glue-down Installations p. 14 Laminate Flooring Expansion p. 29

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December 2011 Q Volume 18, No. 6

F eatures

On the cover: Photo courtesy of Turbo Heat Welding Tools.

FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER Volume 18, Issue 6 (ISSN 1099-9647) is published 7 times annually, Jan/Feb, Mar/ Apr, May/Jun, Jul, Aug/Sep, Oct/Nov and Dec, by BNP Media II, L.L.C., 22801 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364. Telephone: (818) 224-8035, Fax: (818) 224-8042. No charge for subscriptions to qualified individuals. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in the U.S.A.: $115.00 USD. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in Canada: $149.00 USD (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $165.00 (int’l mail) payable in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2011, by BNP Media II, L.L.C. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. GST account: 131263923. Send returns (Canada) to Pitney Bowes, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C 6B2. Change of address: Send old address label along with new address to FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER, P.O. Box 2149, Skokie, IL 60076. For single copies or back issues: contact Ann Kalb at (248) 244-6499 or KalbR@ bnpmedia.com.

All FCI “How-To” articles are written to provide insight into some of the key steps, tools and accessories required to professionally carry out the subject technique or installation. Be sure to obtain the product manufacturer’s installation/specification manuals and follow the company’s recommendations. More detailed and product-specific information is available through industry training schools, clinics, seminars and certification programs.

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8 14 18 28 32

Cupping Issues in Wood Flooring Cupping is one of the most common problem areas when installing wood flooring. Mickey Moore explores the causes of cupping and offers tips on the best way to handle cuppingrelated customer complaints.

Seam Sealing for Glue-down Installations Improper seam sealing is one of the primary causes of failure in glue-down installations. Jon Namba explains the correct way to seal seams in glue-down installations and reviews the latest CRI installation methods.

FCI Presents – “Spotlight Showcases” FCI magazine is proud to present the latest products from leading companies in the floor covering installation industry. Learn what’s new in the world of flooring installation.

Laminate Flooring Expansion Placement of expansion joints is one of the most important aspects of a successful laminate installation. Ron Starkey explains how expansion affects laminate flooring installation.

Resilient Q&A There are many questions that arise when installing resilient flooring. Christopher Capobianco answers your questions regarding VCT, Cork-Rubber and other resilient materials.

D epartments 6 30 35 36 38 41 41 42

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Editorial Comment Resilient Installation Corner Products Spotlight CTEF Tile Tip Green Matters Distributor Marketplace Advertiser Index/Classifieds Products on Display

L VE Exclusive Running an Installation Workroom Most installers dream of someday running their own installation business. Taking that next step can be very rewarding, but is difficult to do. Dave Garden explains how installers can make the transition from employee to boss.

On the Web Carpet Backings 101 How much do you know about carpet backings? Find out with this Web-exclusive quiz.

Check out www.fcimag.com for this column, as well as the latest news and products.

December 2011

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Having the Right Tools Makes All the Difference

Columnists: Michael Hetts, Jon Namba, Mickey Moore, David Gobis, Christopher Capobianco and Ray Thompson.

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ne of the most important aspects of learning the f looring installation trade is how to select and use the right tools for any type of f looring. While this might seem like a simple proposition, the reality is more complicated. Too often, installers take a one-sizefits-all approach to their tools, and the results can be disasterous. For example, using the wrong size trowel can cause too little or too much adhesive to be applied to resilient f looring, which can lead to costly installation failures. Many installers try to cut corners by using the same trowel for all different types of adhesive installations. For a typical size installation, the cost of buying the correct trowel works out to only a few cents per square foot, but could potentially save you thousands of dollars. Given the current economic circumstances, can you really afford to take those types of risks? In order to prevent costly installation failures, always take the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions on all tools and installation products such as adhesives, fasteners, and seaming tape. Even experienced installers can overlook details when they become overconfident. While many basic flooring installation techniques

December 2011

remain unchanged year after year, the materials used are changing very rapidly. Gone are the days of all-purpose adhesives; there are now separate formulations for every type of flooring. Today’s installers are faced with a bewildering array of choices, so it’s vital to learn the difference between these products. With this in mind, Floor Covering Installer is proud to present the annual Spotlight Showcase issue. In this section, leading manufacturers explain in detail about their latest installation tools and products, giving you the information you need to make the best choices when it comes to your installation jobs. Be sure to check out these showcases, and when you see a product that catches your attention, go try it out in person at your local floor covering distributor. Special thanks to all of the great companies that contributed to this special section. We hope that you enjoy this special section, and that you will find products to help you optimize your installation business. If there’s an installation-related tool or product that you would like to see covered in an upcoming issue of FCI, please email me with your comments and suggestions. On behalf of everyone at FCI, have a safe and happy New Year! FCI

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NWFA Tip Sheet

by MICKE Y MOORE

Cupping Issues in Wood Flooring

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he most frequent questions concerning issues with wood flooring involve cupped flooring. This article reviews excerpts of conversations I have had with homeowners, builders and even flooring contractors about cupping. The primary questions are: “What has caused the flooring to cup?” “Who is responsible for the cupping?” “What is the fi x for the cupping problem?” The answers to these questions involve establishing the history of the flooring and the conditions surrounding the flooring. Assessing the moisture conditions of the flooring system will be a critical component in resolving the cupping. The phone conversation often goes like this: “My flooring “warped,” “buckled,” “cupped,” after I moved into the home. After some months of complaining the flooring contractor looked at the flooring. The contractor said it was from excessive jobsite moisture and was not his fault. I can’t get anyone to do anything about the flooring.” At the root of the inquiry is the perception that there is a serious problem with the flooring. It is defective and cannot be fixed. Also, that

the cupping will affect the value of the home if it is put on the market. The first item is to find out what the owner is actually experiencing. I state that the definition of cupping is where the long edges of the flooring are raised up higher than the center. Further explaining that “buckling” is where the flooring has actually lifted off the substrate or subflooring and is raised above the plane of the flooring. The response is most always that the flooring is cupped, that, “I can see it in the light and can feel it particularly with my bare feet.” Next, I review the three causes of

cupping: 1. Cupping is caused by extra or excessive moisture being absorbed by the back of flooring resulting in the back expanding more than the face to raise the edges. 2. Cupping is caused by the flooring gaining general environmental moisture and expanding. Since there is no space in the flooring for expansion as the flooring tightens it cups. 3. The face of the flooring dries or looses moisture and shrinks more than the back and the edges are pulled up or cupped. This cupping is associated with gapping. The owner is asked, “Is there is gapping in the flooring?” Most often

Photo 1

Photo 1: Moderate cupping when viewed from a standing position. Cupping measures .01” to .02”. This cupping is noticeable even without window glare.

About the Author

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Mickey Moore is an independent wood flooring consultant. Previously he was the technical director of the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA). He is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a degree in wood working technology and biology.

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Photo 2: Moderate cupping of an engineered flooring caused by general acclimation to higher environmental humidity levels. Moisture readings of flooring were at 9-10%, which is the area’s average environmental condition. Repair options are to sand and refinish the flooring.

Photo 2

the response is; “No the flooring is tight with no gaps.” So, I focus on the #1 and #2 causes. The history of the flooring is then established. I ask the following questions: When was the flooring installed, sanded and finished (applicable if not factory finished)? When did you move in or when construction was completed? When was the cupping first noticed? Was there a direct event with water, i.e. a leak or over-flow? Since noticing the cupping

has it gotten worse or better? Is the cupping noticeable everywhere or only in the glare of windows? In the last 3 to 5 months has the cupping changed? Does the cupping get better or worse seasonally in the winter or summer? The answers to these questions allow the home owner to understand the following explanations of their particular situation where minor to moderate cupping with no buckling is involved. Flooring installed in the late fall, winter, or early spring may be dry and expand in the summer as humidity increases. Flooring installed in the summer that cups later, i.e. in the fall and winter, likely has a moisture source affecting

the flooring. Cupping beginning in the summer and subsiding or lessening in the winter is directly affected by the seasonal environmental humidity. Cupping seen only in glare is generally considered minor cupping (.01” and less, cup from board edge to edge). Cupping that has been present throughout a year (complete seasonal change) with only minor differences seasonally, is considered a permanent cup. The owner is also advised that cupping of .01” to .03” edge to edge is generally considered significant likely requiring remediation such as refinishing. With a water event such as an appliance leak the cause of the cupping is obvious. The questions asked then focus on what to do. They ask whether the flooring can be saved and or how much flooring to remove. The answers directly relate to how quickly the event was stopped and the water removed. The quicker and more thoroughly the water is removed, the more likely some or all of the flooring

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December 2011

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can be saved and repaired. The amount of resulting loose flooring and extent of prominent gapping resulting from the event after drying to a normal condition determine if partial or total replacement is required. Another situation encountered with the water event is where replacement flooring also cupped. Most of the time cupping is similar to the minor to moderately cupped floor so I go over those questions and explanations. The one extra condition discussed is that the residual excessive moisture may not have been removed and was available to cause the cupping. Also, remedial over-drying the flooring system and installing too-dry flooring can produce cupping as the flooring adjusts to the normal environment. I report that these situations are directly related to the original repair. For cause #3, cupping as a result of drying, the explanation is that the flooring as installed was at higher moisture than the present environment. This could be caused by handling and storage under too wet/humid conditions or being manufactured and delivered at too high moisture content. The only other condition to be blamed on the flooring is if a significant portion was manufactured too dry (below the 6% to 9% moisture standard). In these cases the owner is advised that in order to determine the specific cause a site inspection would be required. Also samples of the flooring would absolutely be needed for precise measurement and oven drying to determine the condition of manufacture.

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Photo 3: A noticeably cupped wide plank replacement floor. A hot water leak was the cause of the original tear out. Cupping moderate, .02” with occasional pieces to .03”. Moisture readings normal for area, 7-10% flooring, 11-12% subflooring. The cause was flooring acclimated and installed to dry winter conditions and acclimated to wetter normal environment. Repair options are to sand and finish the flooring. Photo 4: Minor cupping .01” and less. There is a basement with elevated humidity, subflooring moisture 13-15%. Cause of cupping was moisture from basement. Repair option: reduce basement moisture and reevaluate after a heating season. Photo 5: Minor to moderately cupped flooring, .01” with the occasional piece at .02”. Crawl space subfloor readings more than 4% greater than flooring readings. Cause: elevated crawl space moisture. Repair: reduce crawl space moisture and reevaluate after heating season. Photo 6: Moderately cupped engineered bamboo flooring, cupped .01” with an occasional .02” and .03”. Cause: dry interior environment conditions.

These explanations generally diffuse the thought that the flooring is completely defective and requires replacement in all cases. The explanation also qualifies the severity of the condition so the discussion for remediation can proceed. Specific options of remediation are also reviewed with the owner. The options begin with the fi x that can be as simple as living with a minor

Photo 7

Photo 7: Confirming additional high moisture at the slab level using insulated needles. Repair: eliminate the elevated moisture and allow time to re-acclimate. Note that bamboo takes extra time to acclimate; a complete seasonal change may be necessary.

condition, or to refinish significantly cupped flooring, or to changing the environmental conditions of the site. (Remedies for the different levels of cupping were explained in my March/ April FCI article.) We also review that seasonal cupping directly associated with site environment may not be blamed on anyone. With the proper information the owner can then discuss the conditions with the contractor and determine a solution. Part of the contractor’s responsibility is to make a proper moisture assessment of the flooring and flooring system. Moisture readings should be taken with a quality moisture meter. With cupping, insulated needle probes give the best indication of the moisture conditions. One or two readings do not make a proper assessment. For readings that are near average for the geographical area, stating that excessive or elevated moisture is the cause of cupping is incorrect. For instance, flooring readings of 8-9% and subflooring readings of 1112% are pretty normal for my area in the warm season. This is not excessive moisture though the flooring may be cupped. But the readings can point out that normal or average conditions exist. This allows the further explanation that the flooring does not need replacement so that dialogue can continue with the options for repair. FCI

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Seam Sealing for Glue-down Installations by Jon Namba

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have been on several inspections where the installer has sealed the seams yet they still failed. There is evidence of seam sealer and the visible evidence that a seam sealer bottle was dragged through the multi-purpose adhesive. There are even some installers who will slide the second piece into place using the multipurpose adhesive that was troweled onto the substrate, as a seam sealer. Obviously this is a manufacturing concern if there is edge ravel, right? Unfortunately this is not the case. The two biggest issues for glue down failures are not enough adhesive/ improper trowel and, no/improper seam sealing. (Photos 1 and 2) For glue-down installations where seams are involved, two or more breadths (panels) of carpet are dry fit and selvage edges are trimmed for a seam. Carpet is then folded or rolled along the length half the width. Adhesive is spread, allowed to “flash” and then a half breadth is laid into the adhesive. The seam is then sealed with either a universal acrylic, solvent type “honey” colored seam sealer, or a seam sealer recommended by the manufacturer. Once the first panel has been placed back into the adhesive, seam sealer is applied to the edge. This followed by laying the adjacent panel

About the Author

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into the adhesive. The typical seam sealer bottle that is used to apply seam sealer is a plastic bottle with the tip cut at a slight angle (see Figure 1A). The adjacent panel is placed. Installers put the seam together by slightly lifting the edge so as to avoid adhesive and seam sealer from contaminating the face yarns of the second panel, net fit to the first panel then roll with the proper weight roller. There have been some important changes to this process of preparing

seams, the Carpet Rug Institute CRI 104 now states. 13.5 Seam Adhesive (“Sealer”) - For carpet systems that require seam sealing, apply an appropriate seam adhesive in sufficient quantity to seal both edges trimmed for seaming, covering the thickness of the primary and secondary backing without contaminating face yarns (see Figure 1). This insures that all edges trimmed for seaming are protected from edge ravel. Allow seam adhesive to dry before proceeding with the installation

Photo 1

Jon Namba is an independent industry consultant, trainer, and speaker. He recently completed a term as the President of the National Wood Flooring Association, Certifi ed Professionals (CP). His background includes installer, former Director of Technical Services for the World Floor Covering Association, former Executive Director of International Certifi ed Floorcovering Installers Association. He can be reached at [email protected].

December 2011

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December 2011

to prevent transfer to the face yarn. An additional bead of seam adhesive is applied to the cut edge of one side only, after that side is first placed into the floor adhesive. In order to weld the seam edges together, while the seam adhesive is still transferrable, abut the edges to form the seam. Note that the CRI now recommends a double sealing system versus the 1/8” bead application on one side that was recommended for years. One concern with only sealing one time and on one side of the seam is when an installer uses a solvent type of seam adhesive. Multipurpose adhesive, which is water based, is not compatible with oil/solvent-based seam sealers. When placing the second panel to fit at the seam, many installers tend to slide the second panel into the multipurpose and the solvent based seam sealer, causing contamination at the seam. The seam is sealed and will probably maintain its integrity for a while but given time, where the contamination occurred, the potential for seam failure increases. If hot water extraction is used, the surfactants (soap) can potentially start to break down the multipurpose adhesive where it contaminated the seam creating a weaker seam. This is another reason not to rely on multi-purpose adhesive as a seam sealer. When using a universal acrylic seam sealer, even though it is water based just as the multi-purpose adhesive, there are different properties. Acrylic seam sealers dry harder while multi-purpose stays fairly pliable. So, even though they are both water based there are differences and cross contamination can still be an issue. A typical application of seam sealer is where the installer or apprentice seals the entire length of the seam and then the installer will work the seam together. Ever see a seam failure where the installer used a seam sealer and the secondary backing is adhered to the substrate yet, the primary backing and tufts delaminated? Inspect to see if seam sealer is underneath the secondary backing. It could very well be that the seam sealer flattened out which would explain why the secondary backing is adhered so well. The viscosity of the seam sealer can make a difference. A low viscosity seam sealer (runny) will not maintain the 1/8” bead that the industry/manufacturer requires. Remember, seam sealer is designed to seal the edge between the primary and secondary backing. So how does an installer create a properly sealed seam? When applying seam sealers, only apply a few feet in front of you as you are putting the seam together, this will minimize the flow out of the seam sealer. Try not to slide the second piece of carpet in the multi-purpose adhesive when constructing the seam to avoid contamination. Photos 3 and 4 show a seam sealer bottle specifically designed for sealing glue-down installations. The red tip bottle is used for standard backings while the black tip (Photo 5) is used for attached cushion installations. The bottle is placed into the seam between the two panels and the installer pulls and squeezes the bottle. With its attached support plate, it allows for proper sealer placement (Photos 6 and 7). Seam sealer is applied to both edges at the same time, as the bottle is drawn through, the two panel edges are placed straight down rather

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than one seam edge sliding into the other, minimizing seam contamination. Carpet with an attached cushion also requires seam sealing but not with the typical squeeze bottle that is used. Many installers either don’t seal or improperly seal cushion back carpet. The seam sealer is not applied at the base of the attached cushion but applied at the point where the carpet and attached cushion are bonded. The black tip applicator has an extended fin to place the seam sealer at the base of the carpet fibers rather than at the base of the attached cushion. It really does no good to seal the attached cushion as it is the carpet that tends to ravel and with some solvent-based seam sealers, the seam sealer can actually cause swelling of the attached cushion creating a peaked seam. In Photos 8 and 9, can you see where the seam sealer should be applied? Definitely not at the base of the attached cushion. You can also see that this edge was not sealed with seam sealer. Photos 10 and 11 show the result of an installation with no seam sealer. Seam sealing may seem to some a waste of time or a necessary evil, but if it keeps my money in my pocket rather than someone else’s, it’s worth the time and effort to invest to do it right the first time and seal the deal! Seam sealer bottles and seam sealing are a very small investment. A properly sealed seam that does not edge ravel: priceless. FCI Note: Seam sealer bottles courtesy of Beno J. Gundlach.

Go to www.fcimag.com for more information

Install a BL2 and record moisture conditions. At any time you can download the readings to your PC and see what happened while you were gone.

- Use the RH BluePeg sensor with the BL2 to record ambient conditions. - Use the new BL2 Tracker to get a full report: relative humidity nd temperature a r B ew plus 3 wood moisture N measurements. The BL2-Tracker is ideal to investigate some of those sneaky, slow developing moisture problems in wood floors.

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SPOTLIGHT MAPEI By Diane Choate, MAPEI Public Relations

MAPEI Helps Complete the Mansueto Library for Researchers

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t a time when many universities have been turning their collections over to the Google Books mass digitization project, the University of Chicago has opted to build a radical new archive-andretrieval system for researchers at the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library on its campus. Construction workers began by digging a sixty-foot hole in the ground next door to the existing Regenstein Library. In this “underground” area, teams constructed an automated archive and retrieval system that can house nearly 3.5 million books and other printed items. Fifty-foot-tall cranes retrieve the items held in bins set along the shelving that extends five stories below ground. Researchers receive their requested items from librarians who operate the system through the use of bar code technology combined with customized software. A construction problem occurred when 18

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an 8.5-inch thick lightweight concrete slab was poured in place to serve as the base for the single above-ground story of the library. When it came time to install the wooden flooring, the concrete still had readings of 100% RH (relative humidity). Mr. David’s Flooring International consulted with MAPEI to determine how best to reduce the moisture and move the project forward. Planiseal™ EMB epoxy moisture barrier was the answer. It is designed to reduce moisture transmission rates on concrete slabs with up to 25 lbs. MVER (moisture vapor emission rate) and 100% RH when applied in an 18-mil thickness. MAPEI’s Field Technical Consultant trained the Mr. David’s team and certified them in the use of Planiseal EMB. That same day they began coating the entire 15,000 square-foot substrate with Planiseal EMB to greatly reduce the porosity of

December 2011

the slab and bring it within required specifications. Mr. David’s crew then pumped MAPEI’s Ultraplan® M20 Plus over the concrete. This quick-setting, high-compressive strength self-leveling underlayment produced an ultra-smooth surface for installing the wood flooring. As an extra layer of defense against moisture intrusion, Mr. David’s crew installed the soundreduction mats beneath the wood with Ultrabond ECO® 995, a multi-functional eco-friendly wood adhesive that also acts as a moisture reduction barrier. With the help of new products from MAPEI, Mr. David’s Flooring was able to resolve a serious problem and bring the construction of the library to a close, allowing Mansueto Library to open its “automated” doors to researchers on the University of Chicago campus and around the world.

SPOTLIGHT Personna By Bob Senesac VP Marketing, Personna Industrial Division

Innovation Doesn’t Get Any Sharper: Personna Launches Innovative Carpet Tools

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ith a long heritage of making the world’s best carpet blades, Personna now offers a new line of installation tools developed with and for professionals. With innovative designs and features, the Personna Pro line provides installers with the same quality as they’ve come to expect from Personna Carpet Blades. With new ergonomic handles, the Personna Pro Loop Pile and Cushion Back Cutters offer greater hand-to-tool contact for better control, a d-ring tightener to keep the blades securely in place and greater comfort when used to cut long seams. Our cutters are also riveted, not spot welded for better durability. The Personna Pro Smooth and Star Seam Rollers were developed with ergonomic handles which are made with perfectly placed thumb grips for better comfort and added control. The frames are cast, not

welded, for durability and long life. The end caps can be removed for cleaning. The Personna Pro Folding Carpet knife has a unique folding design and blade holding mechanism that keep the blade stiff and rigid for precise cutting. A quick change design also allows the user to change blades or turn blades quickly. The Personna Pro Glue Gun is a Quick Heat design, heating to over 380 degrees in two minutes. With two thermisters, the gun also regulates and holds the heat very precisely to allow for work time after the gun is unplugged. The Personna Pro Glue Gun can dispense four lbs. of glue in one hour precisely where you need it! The Personna Pro Knee Kicker has an extra thick pad to make the tough job of carpet kicking easier. With a simple one hand adjustment mechanism, the length can be changed to accommodate any user.

The speed turn knob extends and retracts the pins quickly and easily. Powder coated for durability. The Personna Pro Heat Bond Iron has a specially designed bottom to allow the end user to put adhesive where it is needed most, in the center of the seam. The coated bottom is grooved for superior performance. The iron also has a thermostat system that regulates the heat to a range of 30 degrees. With four separate settings, you can find the temperature you need and keep it there. Personna stands behind all of our new tools. All tools in the Personna Pro line come with a three Year Warranty. Make sure to check out the entire line up of Personna Pro Carpet Tools at your local Personna Dealer or call (800) 336-4061 to find a dealer near you. www.personnablades.com

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SPOTLIGHT Wagner Meters By Jason Spangler, Product Sales Manager-Rapid RH.

Wagner Meters Offers Complete Line of Moisture Testing Products

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agner Meters has over 45 years’ experience with moisture-sensing technology in the wood and concrete industries. Their moisture meters are developed with the latest technology and industry standards in mind, and they have been key in setting new standards as technology advances. Wagner Meters understands the balance in providing continuingly innovative products that meet the expectations of the job-site experience. From the beginning, Wagner Meters’ dedication to customer service meant their products provided their customers with the best possible tools for their practical industry needs with accuracy

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and economy at the forefront of their innovative designs. Their focus on providing expert advancement in technology along with a deeper understanding of the wood and concrete industries has made Wagner Meters’ products the worldwide standard for accuracy and reliability. With the appearance of relative humidity (RH) testing for concrete slabs in the mid-1990s, Wagner Meters once again led the field with their original Rapid RH®. Unique to Wagner Meter’s RH test method, their patented Smart Sensor remains installed in the concrete slab, meaning testing with the Rapid

December 2011

RH® does not require re-equilibration time between readings. It’s technologically advanced design quickly raised the bar for testing concrete for moisture content as the accuracy and reliability of their Rapid RH® revolutionized the way the floor covering and building industry conducted their testing. In fact, the RapidRH® was named Most Innovative Product at World of Concrete in 2006. With the introduction of the RapidRH® 4.0 with the Easy Reader, Wagner Meters once again offers professionals in the concrete and flooring industries unparalleled accuracy, economy and innovation. Wagner’s proprietary Touch-n-Sense™ technology means the Easy Reader goes to work on contact with any Wagner 4.0 Smart Sensor. Readings became practically instantaneous, while the accuracy and cost-effectiveness remain second to none. With continuing research into the science and business of moisture detection and measurement, Wagner Meters offers a complete line of moisture testing products and unparalleled customer service for professionals in the flooring, construction and production industries. Learn more about their complete line of products at www.wagnermeters.com.

SPOTLIGHT Custom Building Products

Custom Building Products unveils CUSTOM Technical University. More than just a new facility, a new concept for the industry.

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ustom Building Products, a leading manufacturer of tile and stone installation systems in North America, plans to unveil a new facility, CUSTOM Technical University (CTU), in Q1 2012. The 12,000 square-foot-plus facility, based in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., will offer a wealth of information resources and host a broad range of events, including industry committee meetings, trade association events and trade technical presentations developed specifically for the contractor. CTU will also provide Continuing Education Seminar (CES) programs for accrediting members of the architectural community. CUSTOM Technical University will be a unique venue for discussions, lectures and training programs. David deBear, Manager of Construction Services has been a long time proponent of the field

training programs for Custom Building Products and has been a key player within CBP’s training development team to foster proper curriculum structure and information integration for our valued contractors. The experienced team of Architectural Consultants and Technical Service Representatives along with Mike Micalizzi, CBP’s Technical Services Director developed customized content that will focus on the latest industry standards, guidelines, installation techniques, new products and best practices for the contractor, distributor, architect, design and engineering communities. The new facility, designed by Ware Malcomb, a renowned architectural firm and winner of two of the 2011 SMPS awards, will house state-of-the-art facilities, including a product applications room where attendees will have the op-

portunity to use and apply materials and methods discussed in the various programs. Laboratory tours of Custom Building Products’ Research & Development facility will also be available, affording guests the opportunity to ask questions and interact with some of the brightest chemists in the industry. “CTU will be a networking environment where visitors can share and gain insight, keep track of the latest and greatest technology, standards, techniques and best practices. It’s about learning from one’s colleagues.” says White. “This is an industry that’s constantly changing, and CTU will be a place where you can stay informed and connected.” For more information on the company’s broad family of quality tile and stone installation products, call (800) 272-8786 or visit www.custombuildingproducts.com.

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SPOTLIGHT WF Taylor

Taylor Introduces Meta-Tec® MS-Plus Resilient MBA™ (Moisture Barrier Adhesive) for Resilient Flooring

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apitalizing on the tremendous success of Taylor’s Meta-Tec® MS-Plus Advance Wood Flooring Adhesive in replacing archaic urethane adhesives, Taylor now introduces Met-Tec® MS-Plus MBA™ Resilient Adhesive, a true environmentally safe 100% solids solvent & isocyanate-free onecomponent modified silane polymer moisture barrier adhesive to replace two part urethanes and epoxies in the resilient flooring market. MS-Plus Resilient MBA™ is designed to efficiently install a broad range of vinyl, rubber, fiberglass and polyolefin backed resilient flooring products, as well as recycled content products, over both porous and nonporous surfaces. MS-Plus Resilient MBA™ , a Class 1 22

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vapor barrier, features lower permeability by far than any urethane adhesive on the market, with perm ratings ranging from 2 ½ to over 5 times lower than the leading urethane products. MS-Plus Resilient MBA™ withstands maximum moisture levels of 10 lbs and 90%RH and is unaffected by concrete slab alkalinity. Following Taylor’s well established path of safe environmentally focused products, Meta-Tec® MS-Plus Resilient MBA™ uses Bio-Renewable raw materials and is GREENGUARD® certified for low VOC content, ensuring good indoor air quality. MS-Plus Resilient MBA™ also contains MetaSept® , a proprietary anti-microbial agent that protects against the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi.

December 2011

Elimination of the need to mix two components and no unused mixed adhesive discards makes MS-Plus Resilient MBA™ an easy to use, time and money saving choice. Since the adhesive is self-leveling, back rolling of the adhesive is not necessary, thus giving smooth installations of all types of resilient sheet goods. Rapid strength build, excellent plasticizer migration resistance and a waterproof cured bond provide speedy and secure installations. MS-Plus Resilient MBA™ is available in convenient two gallon pails. Contact your nearest Taylor Distributor or call (800) 397-4583 or (800) 868-4583 for sourcing. To learn more about MS-Plus Resilient MBA™ , go to our web site www.wftaylor.com.

SPOTLIGHT ProKnee®

ProKnee® Unveils New Kneepad Insert Protection and Its Latest Tool Treadman™ The Mulit-Angle Stairtread Cutting System

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roKnee® has introduced Flexible Polymer Insert Protection for its kneepads, and has unveiled its new patent pending Multi-Angle Stairtread Cutting System called Treadman™. ProKnee® was originally developed and patented in 1989 and is still the only kneepad of its kind. Over 17 years of customer feedback and actual field testing led to the now patented Model 07 kneepad that is filled with improvements and new innovations. Being offered in a 5/8” or 1” thick insert cushion with 17 sizes in each thickness assures you the comfort level you desire.

New Process Developed Five years after the introduction of the Model 07, ProKnee® is now ready to unveil its latest kneepad innovation in which the complete edge of the insert

cushion has been coated with a specially formulated Flexible Polymer Resin. This two-step process gives you a coating which allows the edges of the insert to become much more abrasive resistant when put through the demands of everyday use. Our intentions are to give you the benefits and performance in our kneepads that you will not find in any other kneepads on today’s market. Also new from ProKnee® is the Treadman™, the multi-angle stairtread cutting system. This tool offers you the ability to easily set then cut all dimensions from step to stairtread whether they are the newer 1 pc Step/Riser treads or the standard treads. With all of its accessories, Treadman™ is sure to make a pro out of anyone. Features include a self-lubricating

adjustment bar attached to an aluminum frame using a positive lock mechanism to secure any width needed. Automatic spring loaded plate adjustment guarantees locked in finely tuned angles. Ergonomic knob layout is easy for all size hands. Machine quality plates with sure grip surfaces assure accuracy every time. Even the optional tool box has a job. In seconds this box goes from Treadman™ storage to blade-loving cutting surface. Treadman™ and all of its accessories offer you the standard unit widths from 35 ¼” to 61 ½”, Extension Kit 1 widths from 4’ 8 7/8” to 6’ 11”, Extension Kit 2 widths from 6’ 10 3/8” to 9’ ½”, Extension Kit 3 widths from 22 ½” to 36”. Please note that all extension kits use parts from the standard unit. The 1 pc Step/Riser Template Kit includes 1- 2”x5” machined scribing bar, left and right peel ‘n stick templates and 1 roll of 2” low tac tape. Complete instructions for use of the Treadman™ and its accessories can be viewed at www.proknee.com. Questions about ProKnee® insert innovations or Treadman™ can be answered by calling ProKnee Corporation at (800) 549-5018.

December 2011

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SPOTLIGHT Stauf By David Ford, Vice President, Sales and Marketing

It’ll Grab You and Won’t Let Go!

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tauf WFR-930 Solva-Mastic is the only wood floor adhesive that has the instant grab and permanent bond installers need to successfully install wood floors! Created long before the EPA-banned the Tri-Chlorinated solvent adhesives that every installer used (think Bruce LP or Brink 101), Stauf removed their harmful environmental and cancercausing ingredients and created a glue that works just like the original, superior

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adhesives. And it meets all health and environmental requirements in the U.S. and Europe. Installers choose it for its quick grab, its permanent bond and shear strength, its easy spread and clean-up, and the fact that it doesn’t etch the floor’s finish. But installers will swear by it because it virtually eliminates hollow spots. No more expensive, irritating call-backs! Stauf offers a full performance warranty, not just the typical ‘This

December 2011

product is warranted to be good stuff when we ship it’ type product warranty. WFR-930 comes in a metal, re-sealable pail that means installers can use ALL the glue, even next week or next month, without having to throw away the ‘frisbee’ that forms in the pail. Installer glue cost is thus a lot less. Stauf WFR-930 Solva-Mastic- What all wood floor adhesives wish they could be! www.staufusa.com (901) 820-0007

SPOTLIGHT APAC By Jeffrey B. Johnson, MAPEI Business Manager for Floor Covering Systems

APAC Brand Is Making Great Strides in the Flooring Market

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he new branding of the APAC product line has been an outstanding success, resulting in new distributors signing on as well as existing customers significantly increasing their sales. They all report that the value proposition the APAC product line brings to the market is much needed and easy to communicate to contractors. This fact was solidly reinforced when APAC products were accepted into the Starnet commercial flooring contractor organization, highlighting their value to this customer base.

According to Jeff Johnson, Business Marketing Manager for Floor Covering Installation Systems, “the APAC brand is robust enough to stand as either a distributor’s premiere product offering or a value-added secondary lineup, and it offers a unique positioning strategy that clearly differentiates APAC from the rest of the field.” The APAC product line brings to market high-performance products for virtually every floor covering installation requirement, including products for subfloor preparation and moisture control;

adhesives for carpet, resilient and wood, as well as a variety of flooring installation accessories. APAC has built its reputation on products like APAC 440 Supreme Multipurpose Carpet Adhesive, APAC 610 Pressure Sensitive Carpet Tile Adhesive, APAC 750 Cove Base Adhesive, APAC 530 Clear Thin Spread Vinyl Composition Tile Adhesive and APAC 999 3-in-1 Urethane Wood Flooring Adhesive. APAC is also well known for its four technology icons that support its product portfolio: 1. ECOlogical (for low VOC, CRI Green Label Plus-certified products) 2. ECOprotek (APAC’s proprietary mold and mildew preventative) 3.VAPORmaster (for products designated for use over high-moisturecontent concrete substrates) 4. CLASSIC (for products that contain a slight amount of solvent but are still compliant with South Coast Air Quality Management District guidelines). Promotional support of the brand this year includes the APAC Classic Performance Sweepstakes, in which contractors register game pieces online for a chance to win great prizes including the Grand Prize of a custom classic performance motorcycle created by Demon’s Cycles of Pompano Beach, Florida. The motorcycle winner will be announced at Surfaces 2012, where both the winner’s name and the motorcycle will be on display at APAC’s booth #B3355. Make sure to put APAC on your “must see” list for Surfaces 2012.

December 2011

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SPOTLIGHT Turbo Heat Welding Tools.com By Leo Martinez

We Know Heat Welding Turbo Plane Our exclusive design cuts weld rod in one pass. Simply push the Turbo Plane forward and it makes your first and final trim cuts at one time. Its adjusting feature guarantees a smooth and flush finish every time. DO NOT USE ON WARM MATERIALS! Our Turbo Plane can now be operated in a walking position by simply using our optional handle.

USA Pat.# D639835 Europe Pat.# 1267173 China Pat.# ZL200710001879.1

USA Pat.# 6,640,446 Europe Pat.# 1321251

Sports Turbo Groover Grooving materials with a cushion backing has been a real problem for all installers up to now. Our new Sports Turbo Groover brings a much needed solution to this problem. The new specialized Sports Turbo Groover will groove these sports flooring materials easily. The installer can apply a lot of weight or very little weight on the groover and the Sports Turbo Groover will still make the same uniform cut every time. L Welding System Introducing a new welding system that works by simply turning your wrist. With our new and exclusive L pencil tip and detail nozzle, you can now weld flash coving and toe kicks with ease. Our detail nozzle is very user friendly and it allows you to weld coving slowly with out scorching the flooring surface. Thanks to our new L pencil tip you can even weld under a suspended cabinet from the floor by about 5”. See these tools in action at Surfaces 2012, Booth B4193. For more information, call (714) 522-4290 or visit www.turboheatweldingtools.com.

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December 2011

SPOTLIGHT Floor Dot Corp.

Floor Dot Corp: Your Source for Professional Blades and Knives

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loor Dot Corp. competitively offers the highest quality blades and knives for the most demanding flooring installer. By using high-carbon steel, Swiss sharpening techniques, and safety dispensers, a premium product is offered to the professional trades. Independent cutting tests have shown that Floor Dot Blades will last 30-50% longer than any other blades cutting Action Back Carpets.

Floor Dot Corp. also offers German steel forged scissors to the professional carpet installer at competitive prices. Italian craftsmanship and high-carbon steel guarantee a superior and longer lasting scissor for carpet cutting and seam trimming. For more information on Floor Dot blades, knives and scissors, please contact your local distributor, and also visit us at www.floordot.com. December 2011

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Laminate Flooring Expansion By Ron Starkey

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ne major issue which I consistently note during laminate flooring inspections is improper expansion space factored at the time of the floors’ installation. “What’s the big deal?” the installer might question. “I left expansion space everywhere and the inspector reports that there is improper expansion space.” This question is always followed by a second one, “How can it now be locked in or pinned against the walls or door jams?” Expansion space means consistent expansion space: not 1/8” on one plank and 3/8” on the next (Photo 1). Something that would nullify correct and consistent expansion space in an installation is a shoe mold (or quarter round) installed with nails that are driven at such an angle that they either enter the floor or touch the edges. In either case, the floor will not expand correctly (Photo 2). Another cause of a floor not expanding as needed is improper installation of transitions. Here is an easy way to

avoid problems: Read and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and know the requirements for the laminate flooring that you are installing. (1) Do you need a transition in every doorway or just the ones under a certain length? (2) What is the maximum length the floor can be installed without a transition?

Gluing the transitions down sometimes is required. However, make sure the adhesive you are using does not fill the expansion space between the floor and the transition molding or its track. Lack of proper expansion space will cause issues depending on the type of laminate floor and the manufacturer’s locking system. Some floors will buckle or “tent-up” from the sub-floor and

Photo 1: Inconsistent expansion space

About the Author

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Ron Starkey has worked in the fl ooring industry for more then 40 years and boasts 16 years experience in laminate. He is a certifi ed NALFA fl ooring installer and has been an independent fl ooring inspector since 1994. Prior to that, he held positions as claims manager for Pergo and Home Depot, has trained over 150 Pergo inspectors and has written both claims and installation manuals for Pergo.

December 2011

Photo 2: Improper expansion and shoe molding nails driven into edge of floor

Photo 3: Improper expansion space

Photo 4: Improper expansion space

some will have raised end seams or joints while some others might have gaps (Photos 3 and 4). Every manufacturer requires that the installer use a sealant to fill expansions spaces in bathrooms and wet areas such

as laundry rooms and around appliances in these rooms. Using 100 percent silicone sealant is a must because a caulking-type sealant will harden. This causes the proper expansion space to disappear resulting in the floor

becoming locked or pinned. Expansion is indeed a very “Big Deal.” Do you really want to take the chance that there will not be issues with a floor installation without proper expansion? FCI

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Resilient Installation Corner

by RAY THOMPSON

Moisture Mitigation in Severe Situations

ith Fast-track construction there are more moisture issues than ever before. The failures are caused not only from Fast-track construction, but from improper moisture testing, lack of moisture retarders and just plain negligence. I have encountered many situations where the moisture levels are in the high ninety percent range, and the solution is to use a premium mitigation system. While there are only a few premium coatings on the market these require a lot of attention to detail and in most cases an applicator that is trained by the moisture mitigation coating manufacturer. In some cases the manufacturer will require a specified number of tests to be run to rule out problems that might cause a future failure. These can be tests for Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR), which is the most common, or other similar conditions. Photo 1 – Shot blasting: The most common mistake is not cleaning the concrete well enough. The best way is to shot blast the surface of the concrete. The degree of shot blasting is determined by whatever was on the concrete prior to the shot blasting. But it is necessary to completely remove all traces of adhesive and open up the pores of the concrete. Sometimes this

About the Author

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will require the concrete to be abraded to a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of CSP4 and in some severe cases where a penetrant-type mitigation treatment was used, a CSP5. Photo 2 – Treatment of cracks and control joints: After the shot blasting it is necessary to take care of all cracks

and dormant control joints. These must be filled with epoxy joint filler, which in some cases are mixed with sand to help bridge the gap. Most cracks must be chased with a diamond cutting tool to open up the crack to allow proper penetration of the epoxy filler. Any joints that are active must be honored.

Photo 1

Photo 3

Photo 2

Photo 4 Photos courtesy of Ardex.

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Ray Thompson, Jr. is a renowned installation expert and president of the Ray Thompson Floorcovering Institute in Easton, WA. A veteran of the flooring industry for more than 42 years, Ray conducts resilient, hardwood and concrete moisture training programs for installers, retailers, distributors, and industry associations. He also serves as a consultant and operates his own inspection service. He can be reached at [email protected].

December 2011

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

Photo 3 – Primer coat: Once all of the cracks and joints are taken care of it will be necessary to thoroughly vacuum the concrete surface to remove all foreign matter and fine dust. Once completed it is necessary to prime the surface of the concrete to ensure a good mechanical bond of the moisture control coating to the concrete. Photo 4 – First coat: After the primer has dried it is time to mix the coating for the first coat. The mixing is done with the used of a power mixer after the two components are combined. When the power mixing is complete it will be necessary to pour out some continuous puddles of the coating about 6 – 8 inches wide. Wet out a medium nap paint roller with the coating and apply the first coat coating thoroughly to the surface of the concrete.

Photo 5 – Broadcasting sand into first coat: With this treatment the manufacturer recommends a layer of sand to be broadcast into the wet coating. This layer of sand is to enhance the bond of the second coat which will be applied after this coat has dried. Photo 6 – Second Coat: After the first coat has dried it will be necessary to thoroughly sweep and then vacuum the entire area to get up all of the loose sand. Keep the sand clean in a clean container so it can be used after the next coat. Once cleaned up it is necessary to mix and apply the second coat, just like the first. The reason for the second coat is to totally coat the concrete. The first coat may have pinholes that will not control the moisture and allow for the start of a potential problem. Also note, the coating is a different color. This is to prevent areas that might be missed. Care must be taken not to damage the first coat when working over it. Photo 7 – Broadcasting sand into second coat: Immediately after application of the second coat it will be necessary to broadcast sand just like you did after the first coat. This will ensure a good bond of the self-leveling underlayment that will be applied after this coat has dried. Moisture is a major problem to our industry and the costs of mitigation are expensive. In severe cases of high moisture, it is necessary to follow every infinite detail so that once completed there will be no problems. FCI

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Resilient Q&A by Christopher Capobianco

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get a lot of questions about resilient flooring from you, my readers, from people who find me on my website FlooringAnswers.com, from students in my seminars and just in the course of conversation when people find out I am in the floor covering business. Here are some that are specific to installation that I though you’d find of interest.

Q: I have to do a job where 12” x 12” resilient tile is down that was installed around 1990. My customer is worried about asbestos and wants me to go over it with new VCT instead of ripping up the tile. Is it true that only 9” x 9” tile contained asbestos? When did they stop making it? How can I tell? A: Both 9” x 9” and 12” x 12” tile contained asbestos; don’t make that common assumption about 9” x 9” tile. Asbestos was also contained in tiles of other sizes, in backings on a lot of sheet goods and many adhesives. Many of

those floors are still in use today so you may have to answer these questions, and be asked to deal with the old floors. It is not a good idea to tear them up unless you are sure they do not contain asbestos because many local and state laws prohibit removal except by certified abatement contractors. There is a lot of misinformation about the dates with regard to Asbestos floors. The Federal law banning asbestos building materials was passed in the late 1970s, BUT the products could still be manufactured until 1990 and sold until

1992. The actual language from the law says: “Manufacture, importation and processing must cease by August 27, 1990” and “The ban on distribution in commerce …will become effective on August 25, 1992.” Most manufacturers stopped using asbestos in floor coverings well before these dates but it was still legal to sell them so when dealing with a floor installed in 1993 or before, there is a chance that it contains asbestos. The only way to tell is to have the tile, sheet goods and/or adhesive tested by an independent lab.

9 x 9 size tiles were not the only ones containing asbestos. Many tile and sheet goods floors and adhesives installed before 1992 should be tested if you are not sure.

About the Author

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Christopher Capobianco is a fourth generation fl oor coverer, has been in the industry full time since 1978, and has owned his own consulting and sales company since 2004. You can see his past FCI columns, learn more abut him and contact him at his website FlooringAnswers.com.

December 2011

and there are some very confusing marketing terms being tossed around. These materials have become popular because of their unique look and because of the “green” attributes of cork, which is “rapidly renewable” and “recycled.” I have seen products claiming to be 60% cork; true when calculated by the overall volume but by weight they are less than 10% cork because cork is lighter than rubber. US Green Building Council “LEED” standards call for “recycled” or “rapidly renewable” content to be calculated by weight, not volume. So the proper term should be Rubber-Cork, which is rubber flooring with cork in it. Not the other way around, which is good news for installers who get nervous about cork. Several products being marketed with cork content are said to have added slip resistance. This is technically correct since cork swells slightly when it’s wet, providing extra grip. However, if left unfi nished the cork can get dirty faster than the rubber, so most rubber-cork products are coated with a floor fi nish after being installed, just like other resilient floors, meaning that in actual use the slip resistance is no different than any other resilient floor with floor fi nish on it. As far as installation, rubber-cork floors get installed like a rubber floor, usually with a wet set adhesive that is spread on the floor, not by using contact adhesive as you would on cork tile. Then again, if you were installing on a wall, you probably would use contact.

To test this plank solid vinyl floor tile for shrinkage, use the appropriate ASTM test method, but also look at variables like temperature at the time of installation and the type of adhesive that was used.

Q: I am bidding on a “cork-rubber” tile job. What is this product? Is the same as rubber-cork? Is it installed like cork or like rubber? A: There are a number of products that mix rubber and cork

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December 2011

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“Dry set” or “pressure sensitive” adhesive is the most common choice for VCT, but other types of resilient tile like solid vinyl or rubber may be better with a “wet set.”

Q (from an inspector): I have to inspect a Luxury Vinyl plank floor that is gapping. What ASTM standards apply to these products? Is it shrinking tile or an installation-related failure? A: First, let’s get our terminology right here. In my January 2011 “Let’s Talk Resilient” column on vinyl tile,

I pointed out that “Luxury Vinyl Tile” (LVT) is not a separate category; it’s a marketing term. There are only two ASTM Standard Specifications in the category of “Vinyl Tile” - F 1066 Vinyl Composition Floor Tile (VCT) and F1700 Solid Vinyl Floor Tile (SVT). So, the answer to the fi rst question is to refer to the manufacturer’s literature and see which standard their product is manufactured to. Is it VCT or SVT? From there, you can do testing on the actual tile for dimensional stability, size, squareness and so on to see if the material is up to standard. The answer to the second question is “maybe.” If everything is done “by the book” and the tile shrinks – it could be a manufacturing problem, which laboratory testing for dimensional stability can detect. Otherwise, I have seen three different causes for vinyl plank gapping that are installation related. One is temperature – if the product and/or the space is very warm at the time of installation the planks can “grow” or be stretched during installation, just as I’ve seen in vinyl cove base and vinyl edgings. When the building cools to normal “in use’ conditions, vinyl will “relax” back to its original size, creating gaps at the ends. Two can be the wrong adhesive, like when VCT adhesive is used on SVT and there is not enough holding power – the edges can curl or the tile develops gaps. The third gapping scenario I have seen is substrate related. Adhesive can break down on a concrete slab where excess moisture and alkalinity are present – as we have covered many times here. Another substrate issue is an overly porous substrate where the water in the adhesive is absorbed and there is no holding power. This could be on a gypsum underlayment that was not primed or over porous patching compound or concrete that was not properly mixed. Q: I hear terms like “wet set” and “dry” resilient floor adhesives ad recently someone told me I have to lay into a “tacky” set adhesive. What’s it all about? A: “Dry” set adhesives, also known as “pressure sensitive” have long been a preferred product for resilient floor installers and are most often used on Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT), although there are other products also being installed this way. The adhesive is spread and allowed to completely dry – this can take 45 minutes to an hour depending on temperature and humidity. The adhesive will be very “sticky” and clear when ready and if you touch it with a fi nger there will be no transfer. The down side of this method is a long open time waiting for the adhesive to be ready and the inability to shift tiles once they are set into adhesive. The up side is that once it’s ready there is a very long working time for the installer to lay the floor – often many hours. Also, the installer can work on top of the newly installed floor without fear of shifting material, adhesive oozing between the joints or indentations from kneeling on the floor. “Wet” adhesives tend to be a harder setting and stronger bonding method and are often used for rubber,

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December 2011

solid vinyl, linoleum and other products where a hard set and strong bond are preferred. The adhesive is spread, and after a short open time (typically 10-15 minutes) to allow some of the water to “fl ash off,” the material is set into adhesive while still wet. If you touch the adhesive and get a “smudge” on your fi nger, then it is still wet. The advantage of working with wet adhesive, in addition to the bonding characteristics, are being able to move flooring material and even pick it back up to get things set properly. The down side is that they may not work well on non-porous substrates and only small areas can be done at a time. Also, one needs to take care if working on top of flooring set into wet adhesive. You can prevent shifting, oozing or denting of the material by working backwards so you never are on top of the new floor or using a board to kneel on. “Tacky” adhesives are increasingly being used as an alternative to wet set adhesive because they still have a fairly strong bond but are not quite as sensitive as a true wet set and tend to work better over less porous substrates. You could call it a modified wet set.

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Master TURBO Kit offers lifetime warranty The Master TURBO kit is a top-of-the-line kit for heat welding, the company says. These tools are user friendly and they can be used by a pro as well as an apprentice. When using these TURBO tools, TURBO guarantees that your productivity will increase by at least 50% if not, TURBO commits to refund the full purchase price. TURBO has so much confidence in their tools, that they even brag about their lifetime warranty plus a 30 day money back guarantee. www.turboheatweldingtools.com

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December 2011

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35

Tile Tip Does Anyone Know What the Word “SLAKE” Means?

Photo courtesy of Laticrete.

T

he English language contains many unique and seldom-used words. The tile industry has one such word which has been listed on many bags of mortar and grout for years. The unfortunate situation is that many tile installers don’t know the meaning of this word nor do they take the time to read the back of the bag. Actually reading the back of the bag or box is in itself a problem. For the most part, people do not take the time to read the instructions provided. Manufacturers spend significant amounts of money developing new and improved products and they understand the procedure necessary to receive the desired result. If the instructions are read and understood, the product being used will perform as designed. The difficult part is that we need to READ the instructions. If the instructions are read, all the words contained need to be recognized and understood. Often when a word is seen in a sentence that is not recognized, the reader overlooks the word and continues on. In the case of cementitious mortars and grouts, many manufacturers include the word” SLAKE” in their mixing instructions. According to the Tile Glossary contained in the Reference Manual produced by the National Tile Contractors Association, the word “slake” means; “Allowing the mixtures of mortar, thinset mortar or grout to stand for a brief period of time after the ingredients have been thoroughly combined and before the final mixing occurs.” Slaking is the period of time recommended by the manufacturer where the mixed powder and liquid is allowed to sit or rest in the bucket for the amount of time shown on the bag and then remixed. This slake time is very important to the quality and performance of the product. The end result is a smoother and more consistent product which is obtained using less liquid which also yields a stronger mortar or grout. Current trends in mixing instructions seem to be moving away from using the word slake and providing pictures to instruct the user how to properly mix thinset mortar and grout. Whether it is a group of words or a group of pictures (as shown in the photo above), the way the instructions are given doesn’t really matter as long as the method includes; mix, wait and remix.

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After spreading, there is a specific open time that is usually longer than a wet set - typically 30 minutes or so. When you touch the adhesive, a “smudge” means it’s not ready and no transfer at all means it’s been too long. If you touch and see lines on your finger that follow the lines from the adhesive trowel, the adhesive is ready. I’d recommend that the first time you do a floor this way that you call the adhesive and/or flooring manufacturer, tell them exactly what you are installing and over what, and get some advice on how to best handle it. Q: After many years installing I have been thinking of moving off my knees. A friend suggested getting certified as an inspector. How can I do that? A: The term “Inspector Certification” gets people talking and not everyone agrees with what “certified” means or if there is any value to a “certification.” I agree that what is most important is what you know, and your ability to provide unbiased information in an easy to understand report of findings. If you are good, you will have work as an inspector. That being said, there are some excellent training certification programs being rolled out in the industry that I recommend if you are serious about inspecting. If you are working as an installer now, start with the resilient flooring manufacturer’s installer training programs. The resilient industry still does a very good job in that regard. I’d also recommend learning how to do concrete moisture testing, since so many floor covering failures are related to moisture. Learn the Calcium Chloride test (ASTM F 1869) and the Relative humidity Test (ASTM F 2170). Once you have some experience, the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) offers a “hands on” certification for moisture testing technicians. Finally, the most intensive inspector training and certification comes from The Clean Trust, formerly IICRC. Well known for their Industry Standard certification programs for carpet and upholstery clearers, smoke, water damage and mold remediation, The Clean Trust has introduced a complete

December 2011

Rubber-cork tile, often incorrectly called cork-rubber tile, is installed like a rubber floor, usually with a “wet set” adhesive, and not with contact adhesive like a traditional cork floor.

program of certifications for hard surface floor covering maintenance technicians and inspectors in ceramic tile, stone/marble, wood/laminate and resilient flooring. The prerequisite for the inspector certifications is the The Clean Trust “Introduction to Substrate/ Subfloor Inspections” (ISSI) class, which covers issues related to wood and concrete including moisture testing. The Clean Trust is a 30-year-old non-profit, volunteer operated certification body and is an ANSI Accredited Standards Development Organization (SDO). You can find more information at www.iicrc. org/courses. More questions? Please feel free to contact me – I’d enjoy hearing from you and helping point you in the right direction for unanswered questions, and maybe even use your questions and answers in my next “Resilient Q&A column! FCI

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Running an Installation Workroom By Dave Garden

O O

ne of the first things I learned as a carpet installer is that I could not last forever on my knees. This trade can take a serious toll on your body. Most installers dream of someday becoming the “boss.” Taking that next step can be very rewarding, but is incredibly difficult to do. Many circumstances must fall into place to even get the opportunity to expand into a workroom. The industry is turning this way so the opportunities are out there. What we need to understand is that there are fewer “Mom and Pop Shops” supplying the work. The industry is moving toward regional or national chain type stores or box stores. If you managed a corporation, would you want to deal with 50 to 100+ installers every day? Liability is too great for this. The corporation would have to track licensing (where it applies) and insurances, as well as training. Instead you would select several workrooms that you could hold responsible for taking care of this for you. These workrooms become a corporation’s buffer. It becomes the workroom that takes on all liability for anything that happens on a jobsite or on the way to a

jobsite. Large corporations may have several different workrooms managing responsibilities for them and it makes fiscal sense for a corporation to do this. Also, corporations alleviate inventory issues by having their goods shipped to an outside source or workroom. For me this “dream” became a reality. I have learned much about what to do and what not to do when establishing and operating an installation company. As the owner of a workroom, I learn much about what to do and what not to do on a daily basis. Our trade needs more and better workrooms. There are opportunities out there; you just have to know where to look. Of course, you must also be willing to put a lot of

effort into making this happen. If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to start up a workroom, there are a few things you must review. The first thing to ponder is “Why?” Why would you want to take on the responsibility for someone else? If you own a workroom, you are responsible for all the materials that you store, as well as all the work that is done by the installation teams that represent the business. If you decide to measure or sell a company’s products, you also have additional responsibility for this. I was somewhat fortunate; I recognized an opportunity and walked through the door. However, operating a business such

Right: Hiring the right people is important. You must find intelligent people who understand their jobs.

About the Author

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David S. Garden Is a CFI Master II certified carpet installer. He is also certified by the NWFA for Hardwood and Armstrong for laminate. Dave is also a certified inspector through FCITS. Dave is currently working as the Operation Manager for Installation Services, which serves the Detroit market.

December 2011

A friendly voice is important to have when scheduling work.

Keep your office organized. Your customer service will suffer if you are not.

as this is nothing like I had expected. When I embarked on this journey, I thought I could correct all that was wrong with the flooring trade. Never again would I have to work a Saturday. There would be absolutely no work on evenings or Sundays for me. The Monday after the Super Bowl would be a holiday! I would be able to charge what I decided was best and take the occasional Tuesday off to catch a ballgame. Unfortunately, that did not leave much time to actually conduct a business. I found out right away that what I actually became, was a charismatic flooring installer with big ideas. Basically, I work a minimum of 50 hours a week at the office and continue to install also. I did get one thing from my initial plan; I do not work Sundays. That day is for my family; I call it “Father Time.” I know a lot of fantastic flooring installers. Very few of us can work into our fifties. I have found out that if you can find one still working at that age; he is good, so keep him around. There are many unique aspects to our trade. One of them is the pay. Most areas pay by the square foot or square yard installed. This pay scale is tailored to an installer who can physically install more flooring than the next guy. The bulk of your income is made from your mid twenties to your mid thirties. As you get older, you can no longer work as hard or as long as you could when you were younger. There are exceptions to the rule of course; but not many. Right now, my top crews have either worked with me when I was younger or they helped train me as a youngster. This is a way to stay involved with an industry that you know and love, while maintaining a pay scale that allows you to provide for your family as you grow older. If you are considering this opportunity, make certain that you love your job. I have seen many people attempt and then fail to operate a business, mainly because they established them for the wrong reasons; the biggest being money. Everyone wants to make more money. From the time we are children through adulthood, we dream of being “rich.” Heck, even Donald Trump wants more money. However, if you are not doing something that you love, your heart will never be completely into it. Therefore, you will never do the job correctly. If you are

just trying to make money, you will fail. A service company, which is what a workroom is, has to be about the installation and not the cash. Of course, without finances you cannot keep your doors open and no job should be installed for free, even though it may be “sold” in this manner by another entity. Do not misunderstand me. As your responsibility and liability grows, so should your financial situation. Just do not lose sight of what a successful service company is all about: SERVICE! Our trade lacks leaders. Some people would say society lacks leaders. So what makes us any different? Some guys need to be in charge. At times, I must admit, I have been accused of this. From the time I was 20, I was always in charge of my jobsites. A lot of guys are like this. Leadership is natural to some, while others have to learn how to become leaders. The older I get, the more I understand that I was the latter group. Personally, I have learned a lot about leadership and make certain that I continue to learn every day. The second thing you need to ask yourself is, “Who would want me?” Every business must have clients. Without them, you would not have a purpose. Most people open this type of business to serve one particular client. They have a customer waiting for their services. Unfortunately, if you have only one customer, whether it is a chain store, a box store, or one large retailer, you limit your growth potential. Some people are comfortable with this and that is fine. There are different business models that suit different people. You have to remember what your job becomes; it is not being the installer anymore. Now you are in charge of finding work for others. Initially, I had trouble making this transition. You need to be aware of your role in your business. If you are going to be in charge, you need to understand how to be in charge. Hiring other people to perform the daily duties to help you out can be very tricky. This is also a very important factor that leads to the success or failure of your company. There are two ways of doing this. You can either hire people from inside the business that you know and trust, but this can be very dangerous. Not every installer “buddy” is fit for an

December 2011

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It will not matter how good you are. If your crews do not perform, you will be out of business.

office. By placing people who may lack the ability to truly help your business grow, you are doing both them and yourself a disservice. The second way is to interview and hire people that you do not know based on an advertisement in a local paper or from someone inside the industry who was highly recommended. You may be spending a little more this way, but inside assistance is important. It is also very important that you trust the people you hire, so whatever method of hiring you use, bear this in mind. The most difficult part of the business is hiring the flooring installers. Every jobsite that you are entrusted with is an extension of yourself. Basically, you are asking somebody else to be “you.” This is tougher to do than you might think. The reason you are in this position is because somehow you have already made the decision to set yourself apart. Usually, you do this by expecting more from yourself than others do. Now, you have to find a way to draw out of others what you have been giving all along. Most companies hire installation crews with which they are familiar. This can be very dangerous. When you find out that your “buddy” is not the installer you thought he was, what do you do? Short cuts are out there and installers take advantage of them every day. I

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If you do not believe in yourself, no one else will either.

have learned more deceptive installation practices since I started my business than I care to relate in this article. You have to remember that it is YOUR company name that is being destroyed by using incorrect installation habits; not theirs. When your client decides to use another workroom due to poor installations, the installers just go to work for the next guy, leaving you holding the responsibility to cover their poor jobsite decisions. The obvious solution is to hire the best installers available. The problem is that the best installers are often not available. Just like you, if they are good at what they do, their current workplace wants to keep them. Your reputation with your colleagues is very important. If you have been an honest person in your previous situation, this is known to others. Of course, the bottom line is the work. If you have work; installers will find you. Yet another trick is making certain that the crews are qualified. When I started, I made certain that anybody I hired would have to spend time on their knees with me. I thought this way I would be able to find out whether they knew what they were doing or not. As my business and reputation grew, I found that the best installers were seeking my company to work for rather than me seeking them. I also found that not all experienced

December 2011

installers appreciated an intruder on their jobsites. However, it is important to know how the flooring for which you are responsible is being installed. We all know that installer who can really “sell” himself, yet be “kicking” in the flooring. I firmly believe in training. I strongly suggest any installer that represents my firm, participate in an installation training or certification program. As the mills change their manufacturing process, newer installation techniques are developed. CFI is a perfect fit for this. By hosting a training or certification, you discover exactly how willing the installers are to learn new techniques which may ultimately be required by the industry. Their installation skill set is readily apparent. When I use the services of an installer, this is understood from day one. One of the most overlooked expenses in any business is insurance. An installation company is no different than any other business; you MUST have adequate insurance coverage. You must insure your warehouse and what its contents. This includes products as well as computers and equipment. Make certain that your insurance covers whatever situation may arise. You must remember that you are responsible for the material after it leaves your warehouse until it is inside

Be prepared to learn all facets of your business.

the customer’s home or facility. This is why it is equally important to make certain that the installers who represent your firm also have the proper coverage. The responsibility for the material on their trucks becomes theirs. Why should your premiums rise because installers do not maintain their trucks, causing them to catch fire on the interstate or get stolen at the gas station on the way to the jobsite? One of the first lessons I learned was to get it in writing. There needs to be an “agreement” signed by both you and the installers that designates the responsible party for all situations. This should cover everything from payday and pay amount to responsibilities and work ethic. The contractors or employees should understand both what to expect from you and your company. It is your responsibility to make clear what is expected from them. If your company policies are in writing and signed, there will be less discussion over them. Make certain that you provide the installers with a copy, but retain the original documents. Our company requires new agreements every year. When starting a business, you must have sufficient money set aside for startup costs. This includes computers with software, a warehouse and a forklift. When selecting a place to store the

If you have work, you will fi nd installers.

received materials, location is the most important aspect, but price can be an issue. The perfect location always works out to be the most expensive location. You can save money by compromising location, but you must weigh security issues also. It doesn’t make sense to have a warehouse that is “emptied” before you have the opportunity to deliver. The size of the warehouse is also important. If you select a smaller warehouse, this may require a cutting machine. Make sure you have enough room to store cushion, supplies and all types of flooring. A sound rack system is important for storage. Next, it is very important to determine how the flooring will be moved on and off the racks without putting yourself in traction. This means you need to purchase a forklift with a carpet boom. Under no circumstances can that forklift leak; whether it is oil or hydraulic fluid, it can never be on the warehouse floor. Once it gets on the floor, it can easily get into the customer’s flooring. This can happen by either walking through it or rolling carpet over it. Either way it is your fault. Just like your work truck, if your forklift falls into disrepair, it will cause more frustration than you ever expected. The day of living in the past, using old methods, is over. Today, everyone has a computer for social networking, as well as media technology. This is essential if

you plan on owning a business. Along with the required technology and computer costs, there are accounting program expenses. There are programs written specifically for flooring. They range in price as some are more expensive than others. Some perform different functions for you than others. I did a lot of research before I selected the one we use. It is important that the program works best for your business, so do not be afraid to do the necessary research. Although starting your own installation company may not be as simple as you think, it can be very rewarding. As long as you stay organized and are willing to put in the time; it becomes a rewarding venture. Remember, our industry actually needs workrooms that are run correctly. Keep in mind that it will always be about the customer, so put service first, then the money. If this is followed, you will find that your financial needs come easier. Also, do not forget that the last person the customer sees is the installer you placed on the jobsite. Make absolutely certain, that the installers represent your company properly, share your same goals of customer satisfaction and most of all; make certain they are happy to work for you. It makes all the difference in the world. Good luck and good hunting. FCI

December 2011

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sponsored by:

green matters

Consolidated Carpet completes installation of solar panels at N.J. warehouse

C

onsolidated Carpet recently completed the installation of a solar photovoltaic system at their Carlstadt, N.J. warehouse and office location, furthering the organization’s goal of increasing sustainable energy practices. The system is affixed to the roof of their state-of-the-art 100,000 squarefoot warehouse. The newly updated roof, consisting of white thermoplastic (TPO), will also aid in the reduction of energy usage by virtue of its high reflectivity which reduces HVAC requirements. The solar array features 16,000 square feet of traditional hard

panel photovoltaic cells. Consolidated anticipates that more than 90% of the energy used in the warehouse and office will be supplied by the renewable energy generated by the solar panels. In addition to the solar panel installation and roof replacement, Consolidated is installing new energy efficient lighting fixtures in the warehouse with motion sensors to turn lights off when they are not needed. In the first year alone, emissions reductions will amount to 317,930 kWh, equivalent to 466 barrels of oil or the amount saved by keeping 44 cars off of the road for the year. It

is projected that the annual electrical savings, tax credits, state incentives, and Renewable Energy Credits will provide a return on the investment of the Solar Photovoltaic System during the fourth year after installation. Consolidated Carpet established a commitment toward sustainability over 30 years ago. As one of the nation’s largest full-service floor covering contractors, Consolidated Carpet leads the industry in their environmentally conscious programs and is committed to providing innovative sustainable and reclamation services for every project.

GBCI certifies 10,000th LEED commercial project

T

he Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has certified the 10,000th LEED commercial project. GBCI administers the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED building certification program for commercial projects seeking third-

38

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party verification of compliance. The Live Oak Family Resource Center, a community center in Santa Cruz, Calif., is the milestone project earning the 10,000th LEED certification. The center was awarded LEED Platinum by GBCI.

December 2011

“It seems an appropriate reflection of USGBC’s mission of green buildings for everyone within a generation that a LEED Platinum community center providing support services to local families would earn this special distinction,” said Peter Templeton, president, GBCI.

WAKOL PU 280 Moisture Barrier – the fastest problem solver Single component Polyurethane based waterproofing primer · 100 % active substance · Water Free, solvent free, zero VOC · AirQuality Seal, Emicode EC1 PLUS R · No odor

Versatility in application · Blocking of residual moisture concrete and other non-moisture-sensitive subfloors · Encapsulates old adhesive residue

Super fast working steps Install flooring 40-50 minutes after application of WAKOL PU 280 Moisture Barrier even under difficult construction site conditions. No other method is as fast.

Blocks moisture reliable and fast One coat of WAKOL PU 280 Moisture Barrier blocks up to 12 lbs / 1000 sq ft / 24 hrs (CaCl Test Method) or up to 90 % rH (in situ Test Method). Two coats of WAKOL PU 280 Moisture Barrier blocks up to 18 lbs / 1000 sq ft / 24 hrs (CaCl Test Method) or up to 95 % rH (in situ Test Method).

Flooring can be installed just 40-50 minutes after the last application of WAKOL PU 280 Moisture Barrier. No waiting required. Ask your Wakol representative for more details.

Prime concrete subfloors lightning fast WAKOL PU 280 Moisture Barrier penetrates the concrete and solidifies weak concrete subfloors and strengthens them from within. It doesn’t get any easier.

Flexible and economical With a coverage of approximately 400 sq ft / gal per coat WAKOL PU 280 Moisture Barrier is an extremely economical high performance waterproofing primer. Less trips to the jobsite and less waiting time reduces the overall job cost. In other words, even remote construction sites pay off and scheduling becomes more reliable.

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WAKOL PU 280 Moisture Barrier is a single component product and therefore ready for immediate use. No mixing or special tool required. Mixing errors are fully ruled out. After use, the container can be simply sealed again and stored for the next use.

Two coats of WAKOL PU 280 Moisture Barrier blocks also up to 6 lbs / 1000 sq ft / 24 hrs (CaCl Test Method) or up to 85 % rH (in situ Test method) over radiant heat.

D 9904502 08/11 99211402

Simple and economical

Loba-Wakol LLC. 9600 B Southern Pine Blvd NC 28273 Charlotte, USA Tel. +1 704 527 5919 Fax +1 704 527 5922 www.loba-wakol.com

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What is your primary business? (select ONE only) 04 R Distributor and their 01 R Self-Employed Personnel Installation Professional 02 RInstallation Contractor/ 05 R Manufacturer and their Personnel Workroom 06 ROther (specify) 03 R Retailer/Contractor

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What is your primary job title? (select ONE only) 05 R Buyer/Purchasing 03 R Installer/Technician 06 R Sales/Marketing 04 RCertified Installer 07 ROther (specify) 01 R President/Owner 02 RSupervisor/Manager

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What type of products do you install, sell, distribute and/or manufacture? (select ALL that apply) 09 R Residential Ceramic 01 R Residential Carpet Floors 02 RCommercial Carpet 10 R Commercial Ceramic 03 R Residential Resilient Floors 04 RCommercial Resilient 12 R Laminate Floors 05 R Pre-Finished Wood 11 ROther (specify) 06 R Unfinished Wood 07 R Residential Rubber 99 RNone of the Above Floors 08 R Commercial Rubber Floors

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A d Index Use the Reader Inquiry Card on opposite page to receive free information about products and/or services mentioned in Floor Covering Installer. Find the Reader Inquiry Number at the bottom of the ad or editorial item and circle the corresponding number on the Reader Inquiry Card.

Company Name

Pg No. RS No.

American Safety Razor .....................................3, 19 (800) 336-4061 • www.personnablades.com

30

APAC ...............................................................15, 25 (800) 747-2722 • www.apacadhesives.com

5

CTEF ...............................................................35, 36 (864) 222-2131 • www.tilecareer.com Custom Building Products ...............................5, 21 (800) 272-8786 www.custombuildingproducts.com

Company Name

Pg No. RS No.

National Flooring Equipment ..............................29 (800) 245-0267 www.nationalequipment.com

7

Proknee .......................................................... 22, 23 (800) 549-5018 • www.proknee.com

11

RB Rubber Products .............................................13 (800) 525-5530 • www.rbrubber.com

4

Stauf USA ....................................................... 44, 24 (866) GLUEUSA • www.staufusa.com

Floor Dot Corp .................................................9, 27 (404) 592-1230 • www.floordot.com

42

Surfaces 2012 ........................................................37 (800) 547-3477 • www.Surfaces.com

Lignomat USA.......................................................17 (800) 227-2105 • www.lignomat.com

6

Turbo Heat Welding Tools ............................ 43, 26 (714) 522-4290 www.turboheatweldingtools.com

Loba-Wakol USA ..................................................39 (704) 527-5919 • www.loba-wakol.com

38

MAPEI Corp. 2,18 ................................................34 (954) 246-8888 • www.mapei.com MP Global Products .............................................13 (888) 379-9695 • www.quietwalk.com

3

NAC Products .......................................................34 (800) 633-4622 • www.nacproducts.com

9

C lassified

100

Wagner Electronic Products .....................10, 33, 20 (800) 207-2486 • www.RapidRH.com

2, 8

WF Taylor ......................................................... 7, 22 (951) 360-6677 • www.wftaylor.com

1

Editor’s Note:

The Advertiser’s Index is provided as a service to our readers. No liability is created by nor accepted for any inadvertent errors or omissions.

D istributor Marketplace MOUNTAIN TRADE SUPPLY INC.

Denver

Distributor Marketplace & Classified Sales

■

Colorado

4840 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 294-0226 2561 West 8th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 722-2097

Colorado Springs 3555 New Nichols Heights, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 528-8775

1- 8 0 0 - 8 4 8 -7 9 11

www.mountaintradesupply.com

Contact Sharon Ward For More Information call: 847-405-4017

December 2011

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II nstallation Training Clinics & Schools nstallation Training Clinics & Schools Lees Carpet Institute ensures that installers get personal training. Lees requires students to have five years of experience before being accepted into the program. Training adheres to CRI standards. For details, call (800) 443-2241.

Basic Carpet Installation (2 Days) $499 You will learn the history and construction of carpet; the Standards of Installation (CRI 104 and 105); site analysis and preparation: how to plan, measure, and estimate a residential installation (seam placement); how to interact professionally with customers in their homes; power stretching; gluedown installation; stair installation and pattern matching; and much, much more! Qualified installers will also receive a 1 year CFI Certification (R1) upon completing certification process. (Carpet mill tour included for Dalton, GA class only)

Basic Ceramic Tile Installation $499 You will learn about the construction of ceramic tile flooring; how to measure and lay out a residential installation; how to determine installation material required; floor and wall installation methods; corrective action for problem substrates; and TCNA and ANSI standards. (Ceramic mill tour included for Dallas, TX class only.)

Basic Wood and Laminate Installation $499 You will learn about the construction of wood and laminate flooring; how to measure and lay out a residential installation; how to do site analysis and moisture tests; how to prepare and look for problems in the subfloor; how to interact professionally with the customer in their home; how to install above and below grade; about glue-down or floating; and how to install wood or laminate on stairs. (A tour of the wood and laminate manufacturing facilities is included in this course for the Danville, VA seminar only.) For more information, visit www.mohawkuniversity.com or call (800) 664-2958

Carpet

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Laminate/Resilient The Altro Training Academy instructs professionals in the latest installation techniques of Altro products. Graduates will be able to become part of a select group of North American installers certified to install Altro f loor and wall products. The academy offers courses in f looring and wall installation as well as instruction on integrating both into a single, seamless, watertight, hygienic system. For more information please call (800) 3775597 or visit www.altrof loors.com. Amtico International conducts a Floor Installation Training School. Classes are limited to 14 people per session. For details, call (404) 267-1900. Domco provides a number of training methods to provide education on installation of all its resilient product offerings. For details, call (800) 227-4662. Forbo Installation Training includes an Associate and a Master Mechanic curriculum. For further details or to obtain an application, go to www.forboLinoleumNA.com or contact Forbo Technical Services at (800) 342-0604. The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA), the only trade association dedicated solely to the laminate flooring industry, offers a two-day Installer Certification Class available throughout the year. The comprehensive training curriculum covers all aspects of a quality laminate installation and will give the attendees the skills necessary to perform installations to high standards and craftsmanship in the field. To register or for more information, please call (202) 785-9500, visit www.nalfa.com.

®

International Certified Floor Covering Installers Association (CFI) and the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) educational programs include certification for carpet installation professionals, and installation

National Carpet Equipment conducts a variety of custom training courses to fit the student’s needs. Hands-on training covers all phases: rug design, carpet carving, sculpting, bas-relief, binding, hand tufting, fiber optic and more. For details, call 245-535-8206.

training for dealers, inspectors, in-house staff, and train-the-trainer programs. Certification is offered in residential, commercial (levels I and II), and Master levels. For more information, visit the CFI website at www.CFIinstallers.com, or call (816) 231-4646.

nora systems, Inc. offers a 2 1/2-day training seminar at its U.S. headquarters in Lawrence, MA. The nora Technical Academy provides training in the most recent industry developments. Attendees learn about the latest installation techniques, industry standards - including new moisture testing methods, equipment and subfloor preparation, and participate in extensive hands-on training. Contact your local nora representative at 800-332-NORA to register for an upcoming class.

These training clinics and schools cover a wide variety of floor covering installation subjects. Phone numbers are provided for you to get more information on schools in which you are interested. Also, be sure to check with your distributors for upcoming schools/clinics. Do you have a training program or clinic that you would like to include in this section? If so, please e-mail [email protected] or call (818) 224-8035 ext. 2208.

December 2011

Northern Industries offers a three-day seamless flooring and waterproofing installation course. Course fee of $175 includes hands-on training and certification. For details, call (401) 821-2121. Tarkett Commercial offers a range of installation training opportunities ranging from job start-ups, local area contractor seminars to comprehensive training courses conducted at its training facility in Houston, TX, or at approved field locations. Additional training seminars are available for Inspectors, Specifiers and Estimators. Call (800) 366-2689, ext. 2709, or e-mail [email protected]. TOLI International offers a daylong class, titled “Everything You Need to Know About installing TOLI.” For more information, call (888) TRY TOLI (1-888-879-8654).

Multiple Subjects Crain Cutter Co. conducts complete floor covering installation clinics at distributor locations. For details, contact the distributor listed in your area or Crain Cutter at (408) 946-6100. Flooring Consultants and Inspection Training Services (FCITS) offers certification classes for Carpet and Hard Surface flooring inspectors. IICRC CEU’s are also available. For information visit www.fcits.org or call (800) 462-2151. The Floor Covering Institute offers training on resilient and wood flooring installation, floor preparation and moisture testing. Current course offerings include a basic five-day resilient installation school, five-day commercial and advanced classes, as well as classes on floor preparation and wood flooring installation. There will also be oneday seminars covering moisture in concrete and moisture testing. For more information, contact Ray Thompson, [email protected], or call (509) 674-1565. F.I.T.S. (Flooring Inspection Training Services) classes cover manufacturing, installation, maintenance, specifications, claimshandling report writing, communication skills, marketing and more. More information is available online at: www.fits4.org or call Tandy Reeves (888) 440-0699. All classes are accredited for continuing education. Flooring Technology Institute (FTI) presents a one-day course on field moisture testing and investigations of concrete and other substrate/subfloors. The Moisture Testing and Investigation course is $300. For more information, contact: Claudia@inspectionstoo. com, or www.inspectionstoo.com; (281) 2865197 (cell) or (281) 286-5197 (office); fax (281) 286-5198; 133 N. Friendswood Dr., Suite 158, Friendswood, TX 77546. INSTALL (International Standards and Training Alliance) is an alliance of mills, manufacturers, contractors and the floor covering arm of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Content includes, but is not limited to, classroom and on-the-job instruction in the theory and practice of proper floor preparation, installation and finishing procedures in all types of floor covering. For more information, visit www.installfloors.org or contact John McGrath, Director, at (215) 582-4108.

The MAPEI Technical Institute offers courses in three different disciplines: Tile & Stone InstallationSystems (TSIS); Concrete Restoration Systems (CRS); and Floor Covering Installation Systems (FCIS). Participants pay $300 to attend the courses, and then receive a $400 rebate coupon toward the purchase of MAPEI products. MAPEI provides free lodging and meals during the seminar. For more information on the MTI schedule or other details, please contact Sophia D’Amico at 954246-8555. The Finishing Trades Institute Floocovering Installation Network (FTI-FIN) is a partnership of contractors, installers, trainer, and product mills & manufacturers dedicated to professionalism and high standards in floorcovering contracting and installation through the development and delivery of basic and continuous advanced skills training & certification programs. Serving its partnerships through training facilities across the United States and Canada, they specialize in all aspects of carpet & resilient, prefinished & engineered wood, synthetic turf, and rubber sports flooring installation. Visit them online at www.ftifloorcovering.com for more information.

LATICRETE International offers several seminars designed specifically for distributors, dealers, and others directly involved in the ceramic tile and stone industry. Attendees qualify for AIA/CES Learning Units. For details, call (800) 243-4788, or visit www. LATICRETE.com Wood Armstrong Installation School offers a three-day installation workshop designed for beginning or intermediate installers. For details, call (800) 356-9301, ext. 5376, or visit www.floorexpert.com/installertraining. Basic Coatings offers the most comprehensive training program in the industry. With subjects ranging from basic product knowledge to advanced finishing, sanding, and installation techniques, Basic training programs are an essential asset for both the novice and the advanced f looring professional alike. Call Kellie Smithson at (800) 247-5471 ext. 3798 for more information about trainings offered at Basic’s 7,500 sq. ft. training facility and other trainings across the country.

Tile & Stone Aqua Mix offers the Independent Care & Maintenance Applicator program. The program will offer a wide range of training and techniques to its students. For more information, call (800) 366-6877, ext. 3056, or e-mail [email protected].

BonaKemi USA Training Team presents a four-day sanding and finishing schools for professional hardwood flooring contractors, floor covering dealers and salespeople. For more information, contact Betty Jo Hargrave at (303) 923-6632, or [email protected].

The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) currently has over 30 educational and training courses available covering all facets of tile and the installation process. All methods comply with nationally recognized installation guidelines and will be presented in non-proprietary fashion. Both introductory and advanced courses are available. For more information, visit www. tileschool.org or call (864) 222-2131.

Clarke American Sanders Sales Institute (CSI) is a detailed 3.5 day course that focuses on product knowledge of the Clarke American Sanders equipment. For more information, call (479) 750-8433 or visit www.americansanders.com.

The NTCA Training and Education program is administered by Justin Woelfel, Jr., NTCA Director of training and education. The threeday course, called Workshop+, costs $295. Customized courses can be designed for interested parties. The intent is to provide hands-on training opportunities for tile contractors. For details, call Justin Woelfel Jr. at (601) 939-2071. The National Training Center for Stone & Masonry Trades provides training in all aspects of the stone and tile industry, from design and installation to fabrication and restoration and maintenance. For details, call (404) 834-4800.

Underlayment/Subfloor Ardex Engineered Cements and the W.W. Henry Company offer installation training for installers, architects, construction managers and other professionals at The Ardex Technical Center in Aliquippa, PA. Registration forms, as well as additional course details are available on our website, www.ardex.com. If you have any questions, e-mail [email protected] or call (888) 512-7339. Dependable Floor Products offers twoday training seminars on sub-floor preparation and Dependable products. Training includes classroom instruction and hands-on training with trowelable, moisture treatment, and self-leveling products. For details, call (800) 227-3434.

Decorative Flooring offers three curriculums: Basic, Specify/Marketing, Custom Installations. Led by industry veterans, and sponsored by Bostik, ProCoat, Powernail Co., and Festool, the courses range from one- to 2-1/2 days. For more information and to reserve your space, call Jim Garth at (877) 229-7720, or visit www. decorativef looring.com. NWFA and the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) jointly sponsor a five-day Wood Flooring School. The course covers installation of both unfi nished and factory fi nished solid strip, engineered, and parquet flooring; sanding and fi nishing of these products; repair and refi nishing; trouble shooting; and other related subjects. For details, call NWFA at (800) 422-4556 or visit www. nwfa.org Schluter Systems offers an Innovation Workshop in Anaheim, CA, at the World Floor Covering Association. This 2-1/2 day course includes classroom discussions and valuable hands-on workshops that will provide attendees with innovative ceramic and stone tile installation systems and methods. For more information and to receive a list of dates and locations, call (800) 472-4588 (USA); (800) 667-8746 (Canada); or visit www.schluter.com.

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Products on Display Lignomat  Lignomat introduces Ligno-Duo Tec BW moisture testing kit Lignomat’s Ligno-DuoTec BW kit allows scanning wood and concrete with a pinless, dual-depth meter with calibrations for hardwoods, bamboo and laminate floors. The BW kit with RH BluePeg allows measurement of ambient relative humidity, temperature and in-depth RH testing of concrete. www.lignomatusa.com For details, circle 188 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

 National Flooring Equipment, Inc. National’s 5700 floor removal system offers long battery life National’s 5700 All Day Battery Ride-On floor removal and preparation system is designed to operate up to 12 hours on a single charge, ensuring that your eight hour work day will not be interrupted by an exhausted battery, the company says. Without the omission of harmful fumes, the 5700 is allowed to be used on almost any jobsite. www.nationalflooringequipment.com For details, circle 190 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

 Halex Corp. Halex’s Versashield suppresses moisture in concrete VersaShield is a moisture suppression system for floors that saves installation time and money; it also suppresses extreme moisture levels in concrete up to 95% RH. Versashield is quick and easy to install – just roll it out and tape it down. www.halexcorp.com For details, circle 186 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

 MP Global Products LLC Eco Ultimate Silencer underlayment earns LEED credits Eco Ultimate Silencer can be used with floating, glue down, and nail down installations of laminate, wood, LVT, and vinyl plank flooring. Made of high density polyurethane foam and blended with 20% post consumer recycled granulated rubber, it qualifies for up to 6 LEEDS credits. www.foamproducts.com For details, circle 184 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

Healthier Choice   Blastrac

Healthier Choice introduces Sound Solution Premium Acoustical Underlayment Blastrac’s 500E Global Shot Blaster offers increased power New from Blastrac, the 500E Global portable shotblast cleaning system is designed to blast horizontal steel surfaces and break down to fit through a 24” access opening. Updated with a 35hp motor, this latest design is 20% more productive than previous models, reducing labor costs, the company says. www.blastrac.com For details, circle 180 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

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Sound Solution Premium Acoustical Underlayment is designed for use under laminate, wood and resilient floors. Its unique memory foam technology eliminates hollow sounds, silences noisy floors and is extremely effective in lowering noise transmission from floor to floor in multi-story buildings, the company says. www.healthierchoice.com For details, circle 182 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

URETHANE. PERFECTED.

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Patent Pending

Introducing a totally new and improved type of urethane wood flooring adhesive, Stauf’s one-of-a-kind PUM-950. No special solvents

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required for clean-up and no problem cleaning up after it’s cured. No etching and wasted time dealing with call-backs. No isocyanates to harm the planet, making it safer for installers too. And nobody else has it. No wonder so many installers stick with Stauf. CIRCLE 64

www.staufusa.com

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866.GLUEUSA