Floor Covering Installer articles from April 2005

Floor Covering Installer archives from April 2005

Growth in popularity of wood flooring creates increased demand for skilled installers.(Editorial)
April 1, 2005... This year, as in the past several years, wood flooring has been one of the fastest growing market segments among consumers, and this trend is likely to continue for some time to come. As the number of consumers purchasing wood flooring grows,...

Glue gone bad.(You Make the Call)
April 1, 2005... Adhesive manufacturers don't set out to purposely engineer glue that does not work, contrary to what you may have heard. Exstensive testing is done to insure that the window of application performs in a variety of job site conditions. But as we...

Installing natural fibers, Part II.(Namba's World)
April 1, 2005... In the April 2004 issue of FCI, in my article "Installing Natural Fibers," we looked at several different types of natural fibers, weaves and general installation procedures. In this issue we will go through the installation process of a...

Moisture poses potential pitfall for wood floors.
April 1, 2005... Ask any wood flooring contractor what the number one problem he or she encounters on the job is, and most will answer "moisture." Excess moisture can cause a variety of problems with wood floors, whether the moisture originates from an...

How to develop a plan for wood flooring layout.(NOFMA Tip Sheet)
April 1, 2005... The distributor's truck arrives at a new house in the sunny south with 2,500 square feet of 3/4-inch-by-3 1/4-inch NOFMA Select White Oak flooring. The house has been checked and is environmentally ready for flooring. The flooring is unloaded...

Why are there so many wood flooring complaints?(FROM THE TECHNICAL EXPERT)
April 1, 2005... The number and frequency of wood flooring problems may seem high and costly. However, based on the fantastic acceptance of wood flooring in today's flooring market, the number of complaints may be explainable and not yet unusual. ...

It all moves, so plan for it!(Tile Talk)
April 1, 2005... It seems that no matter how hard we try to drive home the message, restrained movement of tile installations is a continued problem and regular mode of failure. Tile moves, wood moves, metal moves, it all moves; you can count on it. So, why not...

Resilient installation by the book.
April 1, 2005... In the mid 1980s, I was working at my father's retail store, Fred's Carpet, on Long Island, when I received a phone call from Lori Dowling, who was then the New York Area Floor Fashion Center rep for Armstrong, and is now the CEO for Starnet...

Tile industry donates materials and installation training to tile Dyer family home.(Industry News)
April 1, 2005... Members of the tile industry, working through Tile Partners for Humanity, donated tile, setting materials, backerboard, tile spacers, tile cleaner/grout sealer, and installation labor/training to tile the home of the Dyer family last week in...

Habitat Detroit to host Jimmy Carter Work Project.(Industry News)
April 1, 2005... Habitat for Humanity International announces that Detroit has been selected as a host site for the 22nd annual Jimmy Carter Work Project, June 17-24. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn will join 3,000 volunteers in...

NWFA preps for 20th anniversary at annual convention.(Industry News)
April 1, 2005... The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at this year's convention in Honolulu, April 13-16. The NWFA will host a dozen speaker programs and educational sessions, all geared to help attendees improve...

MAPEI holds grand opening at San Bernardino plant.(Industry News)
April 1, 2005... MAPEI Americas Plant Number 14 is now online in San Bernardino, Calif. The 111,000 square foot building will serve California, Nevada, Utah, southern Idaho, Colorado and Wyoming. Dr. Giorgio Squinzi, CEO of the worldwide MAPEI Group; and...

GE names Taylor Tools as its latest Protimeter distributor.(Industry News)
April 1, 2005... GE Infrastructure Sensing has named Taylor Tools of Denver as a master distributor for the company's complete line of Protimeter handheld moisture meters and hygrometers. With this announcement, Protimeter meters will be available through...

Pergo granted patent for SimpleSolutions Four-in-One Molding.(Industry News)
April 1, 2005... Pergo AB and Pergo Inc. were recently granted U.S. Patent No. 6,860,074, guaranteeing exclusive rights to the company's SimpleSolutions Four-in-One Molding. These moldings, which snap together, are being manufactured in a brand new, 60,000...

Coverings 2005 announces new conferences, seminars and workshops.(Industry News)
April 1, 2005... Coverings 2005, taking place May 3-6 in Orlando, Fla., will be packed with speakers, conferences, seminars and workshops designed to address key issues to the industry, according to National Trade Productions, the show management company for...

Innovatech unveils Orbiter grinders and polishers.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Innovatech introduces its Orbiter line of planetary head floor grinders and polishers. The Orbiter line will complement Innovatech's existing single- and dual-head grinder lines. The Orbiter machines are available in three sizes and power...

Oneida Vac Systems introduces Floor Dust Containment System.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Oneida Vac Systems' compact and portable 110V, 99.9 percent filtered Floor Dust Containment System easily attaches to your machine, the company says. The system uses up to 100 feet of hose, and operates as a sander and edger simultaneously. All...

One CARPET SHIM and two UNIVERSAL SIDE SHIMS installed in a 32" doorway.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... CARPET SHIMS and UNIVERSAL SIDE SHIMS easily eliminate the problem of height differences from carpeted floors to ceramic or hardwood floors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * No more double tack strips. * No more building ramps with...

Tavy Thin-Skin 2-Part Underlayment System.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Tavy Thin-Skin 2-Part Underlayment System allows you to set tile over any sound surface. The Tavy Thin-Skin Underlayment is simply trimmed to size and glued to the existing surface, using Tavy #007 Glue, to create a surface suitable for setting...

Wagner's Rapid RH engineered for moisture testing.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... The Rapid RH is Wagner Electronic's newest moisture tester for concrete floors. The Rapid RH combines a moisture sensor, power supply and display in one small, disposable device which is inserted into the concrete floor slab. According to the...

Turbo offers full line of heat welding tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Turbo Heat Welding Tools offers a full line of products, including the Turbo Caddy, an automatic welding machine. The caddy works with both Leister and Zinzer guns, and welds 13 to 16 feet per minute. When the operator is finished welding...

EZ Pro Injector new from Hardwood Industry.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Hardwood Industry presents the EZ Pro Injector, a heavy-duty injection system designed for hardwood flooring. Glue is formulated to penetrate a 1/16-inch drilled hole, which fills the hollow and eliminates detection, according to the company....

Roberts releases MultiBond tape.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Roberts introduces the new MulitBond Repositionable Double Faced Tape, engineered to provide a superior bond even on rough or uneven surfaces. This specially formulated tape can be used on flooring, baseboards, hardwood, cove base, quarter...

HighPro debuts its AS-4090 pneumatic stapler.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... HighPro introduces the Model AS-4090 pneumatic, tongue-and-groove stapler, designed to staple down 5/16- to 5/8-inch thick engineered and solid flooring. The AS-4090 drives 1-, 1 1/4-, and 1 1/2-inch, 18 gauge quarter-inch narrow crown staples....

MAPEI Planitop 25 is a flowable structural repair mortar.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... MAPEI has designed Planitop 25 as a flowable, cementitious, structural repair mortar. This shrinkage-compensated mortar is flowable and can be poured on slabs. The self-leveling characteristics make it excellent for treating concrete surface...

Delmhorst Instrument Co. presents BD-2100 flooring package.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Delmhorst Instrument Co. introduces the BD-2100 Flooring Package, designed to meet the needs of the flooring professional. The package includes the BD-2100 moisture meter, 26-ES slide hammer and a rugged carrying case. [ILLUSTRATION...

Seam Master Koolglide System by Nexicor.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Seam Master Industries, in partnership with Nexicor, introduces the new Koolglide System for carpet seaming. A seam is made by running the iron on top of the carpet. The tape is heated and the seam is made utilizing Nexicor's patented induction...

SureSeal provides spray and go application.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... SureSeal Grout & Tile Sealer allows for spray and go application, according to the company. Advanced resins in the product are meant to seal damp grout within minutes. According to Sureseal, the Grout & Tile Sealer provides effective protection...

Powernail's Model 50P can use Powercleats nails.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Powernail Co. has released its Model 50P Mallet Actuated Pneumatic T & G Powernailer. It comes in either 125 or 200 nail capacities, operates between 80 to 100 PSI and weights 10.2 pounds with the longer nail channel. The Model 50P can also use...

DTI introduces its Diamond Laser 5000 band saw.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Diamond Tech International (DTI) presents its Diamond Laser 5000 Diamond-Bladed Wet Band Saw. According to the company, cuts made with this saw are comparable to those made with waterjet technology. Circle 346 on the Reader Inquiry Card. ...

Lignomat offers its Professional Package P-6.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Lignomat USA Ltd. now manufactures a Professional Package P-6 which includes a pinless meter for quick-scan of large areas, a pin meter to locate the source of the problem, two types of electrodes (to measure building materials and the...

Schluter shower tray now comes with removable center.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... The Schluter Kerdi-Shower-ST prefabricated, pre-sloped shower tray now features a detachable center section that can be placed below the bonding flange to dry fit the company's Kerdi-Drain to the appropriate height. This method is designed to...

Orcon rolls out its Tool Box with Wheels.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Orcon presents the Tool Box with Wheels, the company's newest addition to its carpet installation tool line. The 27-pound tool box is fitted with non-marring wheels a pull-handle for easy rolling, and features a built-in vented seam weight on...

AdvantEdge edger new from BonaKemi.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... BonaKemi's AdvantEdge edger is designed to offer smooth operation, efficiency and easy maintenance, according to the company. The AdvantEdge machine is meant to be used with BonaKemi's DCS system or bag. Circle 341 on the Reader Inquiry Card....

Sinclair introduces new stripper and blade.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Sinclair Equipment Co. introduces the Extro Stripper, a self-drive machine equipped with the company's new Pull-Back-System--designed to automatically disengage the wheels as soon as the handle is pulled back. A 1/4-inch thick, 14-inch heavy...

Fluid Forms introduces Patella Pockets for kneepads.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Fluid Forms Inc. presents its Patella Pockets gel inserts, designed to give life to old kneepads. Patella Pockets are advanced inserts using patent-pending bubble gel to provide exceptional comfort, according to the company. Patella Pockets fit...

Custom Building Products unveils its platinum notch trowel.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Custom Building Products has released its new platinum notch trowel, featuring a patent-pending notch pattern allowing for greater contact while requiring less pressure, according to the company. The notch pattern also provides a more...

Mark E. release shower base installation products.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Mark E. Industries designs "Goof Proof" products to speed the construction of shower floors and curbs. Quick Pitch is a float stick system that creates the 1/4-inch/per ft. slope needed for proper floor drainage quickly and easily. Reliable in...

Thermosoft offers its radiant floor heating mat to installers.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... The system has zero EMF and offers a lifetime warranty. Thermosoft's 1/8-inch, contractor-grade heating mats are designed to minimize floor height and lay flat for quick installation. Mats can be cut and turned to fit any space. The 1/2-inch...

Leica Geosystems unveils its Leica DISTO Special 5.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Leica Geosystems has unveiled its Leica DISTO Special 5 laser-distance measuring device. This special model, limited to 1,600 pieces, bears a brilliant Leica red color. The device can measure from 0.7 to 650 feet to within 1/16th of an inch,...

Degussa Building Systems introduces ChemRex LevelPrep underlayment.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Degussa Building Systems recently launched CheRex LevelPrep, a polymer-modified, Portland cement-based finishing underlayment designed with a creamy consistency and improved trowelability. ChemRex LevelPrep can be applied over virtually any...

National Carpet Equipment's #3425 Edger/Grinder uses built-in leveling system.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... The #3425 Edger/Grinder, new from National Carpet Equipment, is a high-volume grinder that is also agile enough to work in confined areas, the company says. A built-in leveling system with adjustable wheels allows pressure to be applied at any...

Space-It-Right tile gauging tool is available in multiple sizes.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Space-It-Right is a multipurpose tile gauging tool. By simply attaching the device to an index finger, users can set the grid for a job, space tiles evenly and quickly, and remove excessive adhesive in joint lines, according to Space-It-Right....

DeWalt releases new line of sanders featuring enhanced power.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... DeWalt has introduced its new line of palm grip sanders, including random orbit (D26450, D26451, D26451K, D26453, D26453K) and 1/4 sheet models (D26441, D26441K). These new sanders feature increased power, improved ergonomics and improved...

Custom Building Products unveils its new Prism SureColor Grout.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2005... Custom Building Products introduces Prism SureColor Grout, a polymer-modified grout incorporating unique technology and a creamy consistency. The grout's CustomLite technology makes the product suitable for joints ranging in size from a...

Bona USA Sand & Finish Training.(Showcase)
April 1, 2005... Bona USA Sand & Finish Training offers comprehensive class work and hands-on training in sanding and floor preparation, staining, sealing and finishing, troubleshooting problem floors, sales and customer relations, and also machine operation...

Dupont and Mohawk.(CARPET)
April 1, 2005... Dupont and Mohawk are sponsoring CFI Certification seminars nationwide. For details, call (800) 248-8582, ext. 239.

Lees Carpet Institute.(CARPET)
April 1, 2005... Lees Carpet Institute ensures that installers get personal training to receive Lees' highest level of certification. Students are required to have five years of experience before being accepted into the program. Training adheres to CRI...

National Carpet Equipment.(CARPET)
April 1, 2005... National Carpet Equipment conducts a variety of custom training courses to fit the student's needs. Hands-on training cover all phases: rug design, carpet carving, sculpting, bas-relief, binding, hand tufting, fiber optic and more. National...

Orcon Installation Center.(CARPET)
April 1, 2005... The Orcon Installation Center offers training on estimating, seam placement, specialty installations, pattern matching, and much more. For details, call (510) 430-8865.

AFS Advanced Flooring Specialists.(WOOD)
April 1, 2005... AFS Advanced Flooring Specialists is a school that provides training for dealers, distributors, manufacturers and inspectors. For information, contact Fred Gamble at 530-888-1217 or at fggamble@pacbell.net.

National Wood Flooring Association.(WOOD)
April 1, 2005... The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) offers the most-comprehensive training for wood flooring professionals in the industry. Training focuses on five specific skill sets and experience levels: Introduction to Wood Flooring...

Professional Sand & Finish School.(WOOD)
April 1, 2005... The three-day Professional Sand & Finish School, sponsored by Basic, 3M, Clarke and OshKosh Flooring Design, provides the opportunity for hardwood floor professionals to become certified as mastering professional sanding and finishing...

Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association.(WOOD)
April 1, 2005... The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA) along with the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) and the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) jointly sponsor a five-day Wood Flooring School. The course covers installation...

Armstrong Wood Products National National Training Center.(WOOD)
April 1, 2005... Armstrong Wood Products National National Training Center offers a four-day installation workshop designed for beginning or intermediate installers. For details, call (800) 526-0308, ext. 2532.

Aqua Mix.(TILE & STONE)
April 1, 2005... Aqua Mix has announced the 2003 schedule for the Independent Care & Maintenance Applicator program. The program will offer a wide range of training and techniques to its students. Upon completion of the course, the trained applicators will be...

Ceramic Tile Education Foundation.(TILE & STONE)
April 1, 2005... 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 taught comply with nationally recognized installation guidelines...

HG Maintenance Systems.(TILE & STONE)
April 1, 2005... HG Maintenance Systems offers one-day, hands-on seminars for natural stone restoration and maintenance, including instruction on leveling, grinding and polishing of various calcareous stone surfaces. For details, call (888) 615-2128.

MAPEI Technical Institute.(TILE & STONE)
April 1, 2005... The MAPEI Technical Institute offers courses in four different disciplines. 1. Tile & Stone Installation Systems (TSIS) -- Classroom instruction and hands-on training that covers the basics from surface preparation to grouting for tile and...

NTCA.(TILE & STONE)
April 1, 2005... The NTCA Training and Education program is administered by Justin Woelfel, Jr., NTCA Director of training and education. The course, called Workshop+, is a three-day training school costing attendees $295 for the entire three days. Customized...

National Training Center for Stone & Masonry Trades.(TILE & STONE)
April 1, 2005... The National Training Center for Stone & Masonry Trades provides training in all aspects of thestone and tile industry, from design and installation to fabrication and restoration and maintenance. For details, call (404) 834-4800.

Schluter-Systems' Innovation Workshop.(TILE & STONE)
April 1, 2005... Schluter-Systems' Innovation Workshop provides a valuable educational experience for hundreds of North American tile installers. By providing the solutions for the installation of tile coverings on virtually any surface, today's installation...

Amtico International.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
April 1, 2005... Amtico International conducts a Floor Installation Training School. Classes are limited to 14 people per session. For details, call (404) 267-1900.

Domco.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
April 1, 2005... Domco provides a number of training methods to provide education on installation of all its resilient product offerings. For details, call (800) 227-4662.

Northern Industries.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
April 1, 2005... 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.

Pergo.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
April 1, 2005... Pergo's "Installer's Edge" seminars will be held in various markets across the country. Participants receive expert instruction and personalized guidance from the company's installation specialists. The field-based "Installer's Edge"...

Roane Company.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
April 1, 2005... The Roane Company is offering monthly Witex installation clinics. Also available: Witex installation and repair videos. For more information, call (800) 273-6499 (CA, AZ and NV only) or (562) 404-3464.

Tarkett Commercial.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
April 1, 2005... Tarkett Commercial offers a range of installation training opportunities ranging from job start-up's, local area contractor seminars to comprehensive training courses conducted at our training facility in Houston, TX, or at approved field...

TOLI International.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
April 1, 2005... TOLI International has begun their third year of the TOLI Installation School. The day-long class, titled "Everything You Need to Know About Installing TOLI," is an overview of commercial resilient flooring installation. Created for installers,...

Ardex Training Programs.(UNDERLAYMENT/SUBFLOOR)
April 1, 2005... Ardex Training Programs have set a well-known standard, providing up-to-date technical information and installation techniques that are foremost in keeping flooring professionals competitive and profitable. Ardex training combines a...

Dependable Floor Products.(UNDERLAYMENT/SUBFLOOR)
April 1, 2005... Dependable Floor Products offers two-day 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...

Laticrete International.(UNDERLAYMENT/SUBFLOOR)
April 1, 2005... 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)...

MAPEI Corporation.(UNDERLAYMENT/SUBFLOOR)
April 1, 2005... MAPEI Corporation offers seminars on adhesives, repairing and patching, floor leveling, double-glue carpet installation, ceramic tile installation and more. For details, call (800) 42-MAPEI.

Scofield Institute.(UNDERLAYMENT/SUBFLOOR)
April 1, 2005... The Scofield Institute offers hands-on workshops combining practical demonstrations with opportunities for participants to improve their skills in cementitious overlays and decorative concrete finishing. For details, call (800) 800-9900.

Certified Floorcovering Installers.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
April 1, 2005... Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI) presents two, two-day courses: an estimating and measuring course and an installation-for-the-inspector course. The first course is designed to provide entry-level training for those interested in...

Crain Cutter Co.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
April 1, 2005... 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.

Floor Covering Institute of Technical Services.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
April 1, 2005... The Floor Covering Institute of Technical Services offers three courses for inspectors. The Certified Carpet Claims Inspectors school is a six-day course with in-depth coverage of carpet claims. The Resilient/Hard Surface Inspectors Class...

Forbo Linoleum, Inc.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
April 1, 2005... Forbo Linoleum, Inc. offers an array of installation training opportunities ranging from local dealer installation clinics and moisture limitor training to comprehensive training courses conducted in our training facilities. Regional...

Install.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
April 1, 2005... INSTALL -- the International Standards and Training Alliance--offers a four-year training program based on a curriculum reviewed and refined by technical and education experts from several major mills and manufacturers. Content includes theory...

Mannington Floors.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
April 1, 2005... Mannington Floors offers week-long installation training courses. The Basic Residential Resilient Training Class features Mannington's residential full-spread and perimeter installed products. Also available is a Laminate/Wood Installation...

Mohawk University.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
April 1, 2005... Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." For floor covering installers, repeating the same mistakes can make or break a business. People need education to help...

World Floor Covering Association.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
April 1, 2005... The World Floor Covering Association conducts training seminars in all aspects of flooring. From basic to intermediate and advanced, individuals seeking the most up to date techniques will learn from professionals that have years of experience...

New carpet seaming methods.(CFI REPORT)
April 1, 2005... Installers are creatures of habit. When the seaming iron was first introduced to me, I took it back to my distributor telling him that hand-sewing was the best choice and the tool would never last. I was wrong then, but after recently using two...

Networking for problem solving and profit.(FCICA NEWS)
April 1, 2005... Whether you're an installer working for yourself, a larger company, or have your own company and multiple crews, you can excel at handling problems and drive profit to your bottom line by networking with others in your field. If your...