Floor Covering Installer articles from April 2008

Floor Covering Installer archives from April 2008

Installers facing difficult times as U.S. economy continues to slow.(Editorial)
April 1, 2008... According to a recent poll by the Wall Street Journal, more than 70 percent of economists surveyed believe the U.S. economy is now in a full-blown recession. For the past year, it seems that many in the media have been afraid to utter the...

Rumble with the jungle.(Carpet: A Carpet Installer's Notebook)
April 1, 2008... In the last issue I talked about sharpening hook knives. The reason for that article was to lay a base for this article. Jon and I were asked to install a media room for a customer using a face-to-face Wilton with an animal print pattern. Let's...

Solid wood flooring standards.(Wood: NOFMA Tip Sheet)
April 1, 2008... In 1909, the founding members of the Oak Flooring Manufacturers of the United States (NOFMA's predecessor) decided to form an organization for the purpose of "promulgating and administering industry grading rules." Some 12 years earlier, the...

Sound transmission control.
April 1, 2008... Sound control for hard surface flooring applications in multi-family construction can be a confusing and controversial topic. With the large number of multifamily and condo projects built over the last few years and the increased interest in...

Large format tile installation: a growing problem?(Ceramic: Tile Talk)
April 1, 2008... Is tile having a growing problem? This month's editorial calendar called for an article on Large Format Tile Installation. But just what does "large format tile" mean anymore? Historically it was defined as any tile with a size of 8"x 8" or...

Latest tile tools make installation a breeze.(Tool Guide)
April 1, 2008... Like most of you, when it comes to tools, I'm like that proverbial kid in the candy store. I couldn't wait to get to Surfaces, especially the bottom floor, this year! That's where I found some of the most fascinating tools and gadgets I've ever...

Installers see the light--lightweight mortars are the future.
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you're a tile contractor, you're working in an industry not only steeped in ancient tradition but sparked by modern appreciation for tile's beauty and durability. In the thousands of years the tile setting...

Membrane installation tips.
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The use of membranes in tile installations has grown dramatically during the past decade. Reasons for the growth of membrane use include increased awareness, architectural specifications, quality expectations by...

How crack isolation membranes changed the tile industry.
April 1, 2008... Since the development of thin-set mortar in the late 1960s, the tile industry has struggled with the problem of reflective cracking and delamination of ceramic tile and marble floors. Reflective cracking is caused by the transference of...

Berry Floor.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Berry Floor has unveiled its latest finish, Iowa Red Oak. This finely detailed laminate product is an authentic representation of oak wood plank flooring, according to Berry. Available with the innovative HydroPlus...

Better Tools.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Introducing NEW from Better Tools the 3G Extreme slotted blade. With a precision engineered geometry and a proprietary treatment process, the 3G Extreme blade results in "our sharpest and most durable blade ever,"...

Alloc.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Alloc--laminate floors for living introduces Red Sculpted Oak. This advanced-designed laminate is part of Alloc's Domestic line and features embossed-in-register wood texturing in a rich oak finish. The product is...

Custom Building Products.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] High performance, ultra lightweight EasyBoard from Custom Building Products is engineered for strength and backed by Custom's lifetime warranty. Designed to install like other backerboards, EasyBoard weighs only 6...

Bellavita Tile.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bamboo Strips is a new hand brushed series in the Bellavita Tile glass mosaic program. This multi-size linear format is stocked in North America in six colors. For more information please contact:...

Dayton Superior Corp.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sure Finish, new from Dayton Superior, is a polymer-modified feather finish packaged in 10- and 25-pound resealable pails. Sure Finish is designed to provide an exceptionally smooth finish on a wide variety of...

Raimondi Tools USA.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The extremely accurate Gladiator Advanced is the newest addition to the Raimondi Tools USA tile tool line. With its unique features, such as rust free framework and telescopic legs, this saw is "sure to gain the...

MP Global.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MP Global said that its entire family of fiber underlayment products has been certified under Scientific Certification System's Indoor Advantage Gold system. Products including the company's Quiet Walk, Quiet Warmth,...

ThermoSoft.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ThermoSoft offers its latest electric radiant floor heating mat. The UL listed system features zero EMF and offers a lifetime warranty. ThermoSoft's 1/8" contractor-grade heating mats are designed to minimize floor...

Bostik Inc.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Durabond Webcrete Ultra Finish is a fast-setting, latex-fortified, Portland cement-based patch for interior use. This product may be used to skim coat or featheredge up to 1" deep in one application. Floor covering...

Lignomat.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Ligno-VersaTec is designed to detect, measure and monitor moisture in wood, concrete, sheetrock and other building materials. The meter features a pin mode, scan mode with selectable measuring depth and...

ProKnee.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] pocket shape and full-length custom laminated foam inserts. The Product offers custom fit sizes with four layers of lightweight, heavy-duty construction. For details, circle xxx on the Reader Inquiry Card. 137...

Zamma Corporation.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Zamma's custom laminate stair tread program features 400 colors and matches many name brand laminate flooring lines, the company says. The treads feature one-piece construction for simple, hassle free installation....

Primatech.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Primatech Q-550 tool is designed to offer the most advanced technology available. With its adjustable base plate, it perfectly matches the product thickness and tongue length, the company says. The front base...

Wil-Gil.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wil-Gil presents Squeez-EZ, a tool that allows installers to avoid having to squeeze sponges. The tool allows them to "finish the grouting job in just a few minutes with little to no haze." The product can also be...

Lam-Hammer.(FLOORINGINSIDER: Surfaces New Product EXTRAVAGANZA!)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lam-Hammer introduces an installation tool for laminate or engineered floors. Designed to help "retailers thwart problems before they occur while reducing installation time by 25 percent," the Lam-Hammer can...

Moisture testing update: new documents will clarify confusing standards: a brief tour of the new ASTM F 710-08.(Resilient: Let's Talk Resilient)
April 1, 2008... This is the first column I have written since Surfaces 2008. I spent some time at the NFT/FCI space, walked the aisles and attended seminars and found that our readers were everywhere! Thank you those of you who said hello, thanked me for my...

Crack isolation waterproof membranes under tile: Compotite.(Products & Literature on Display)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Use our 50 mil COMPOSEAL WHITE GOLD for extra sound protection above grade; our 40 mil COMPOSEALGOLD for thin-set moisture and crack protection; our 40 mil COMPOSEAL BLUE sheet membrane for shower floors. Available...

Bond products introduces new PBB Portable Bobbinless Binder: Bond Products.(Products & Literature on Display)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bond Products has introduced its all-new Model PBB Portable Bobbinless Binder, a powerful, high-speed binding machine that does not require a bobbin, according to the company. The PBB also features an adjustable...

Lam-Hammer introduces new installation tool: Lam-Hammer.(Products & Literature on Display)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lam-Hammer introduces an installation tool for laminate or engineered floors. Retailers--thwart problems before they occur while reducing installation time by 25%! Provide your installers with the Lam-Hammer--it...

Lignomat.(Products & Literature on Display)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Ligno-VersaTec is designed to inspect, detect, measure, evaluate and monitor moisture in wood, concrete, sheetrock and other building materials. The features included with the meter are pin mode; scan mode with...

Squeez-Ez: Wil-Gil.(Products & Literature on Display)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Imagine, never having to squeeze a sponge again, finishing your grouting job in just a few minutes with little to no haze. With SQUEEZ-EZ, you're letting the machine do most of the painful work for you! It is almost...

XL Brands.(Products & Literature on Display)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] XL Brands has launched a line of high-moisture/high pH resistant adhesives. The company states that the "Dynamix" line of adhesives will dramatically change the scope of flooring installations in the future! These...

Distributors to bring busloads of customers to Coverings.(Industry News)
April 1, 2008... Busloads of Florida architects and designers, contractors and dealers will receive a free trip to Coverings 2008 thanks to some forward-thinking distributors who are hosting day-long excursions for their customers to the international tile and...

Nora Technical Academy teaches latest installation techniques.(Industry News)
April 1, 2008... Nora Technical Academy recently opened is doors to floor covering installers seeking the latest installation techniques and updates to industry standards. During intensive training sessions, attendees received a mix of classroom...

FITS Certified, Inc. to present workshop for installers, inspectors.(Industry News)
April 1, 2008... FITS Certified, Inc., in association with the Floor Pro Community, will present a two-day symposium for installers and inspectors May 9-10, at the Tulsa Technology Center in Tulsa, Okla. The workshop, "Building Bridges, Not Walls," will feature...

LATICRETE.(People on the Move)
April 1, 2008... LATICRETE has appointed Gary Jones to the position of technical sales representative for the central Pennsylvania territory. Jones has more than 20 years of experience in the building industry, most recently with Bradco Supply/ Wickes Lumber...

ParexLahabra.(People on the Move)
April 1, 2008... ParexLahabra, the parent company of Mer-Krete, has added to its sales force with Charlie Bailey and Jonathan Harris. Bailey will cover Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, while Harris' territory includes Utah and Arizona. [ILLUSTRATIONS...

Argo Fine Imports.(People on the Move)
April 1, 2008... Argo Fine Imports has unveiled it newly formed underlayment sales team. Pictured are (from left): Don MacMaster, president of AFI and past president of the International Wood Products Association; Steve Safrin, sales representative for Eastern...

TEC launches revamped website.(Website overview)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Specialty Construction Brands, Inc.'s newly redesigned website (www.tecspecialty. com) sports a new look and enhanced functionality, in-depth product information, and navigation system that "is tailored to...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
April 1, 2008... NKBA/KBIS 2008 Chicago, April 11-13 (800) 843-6522 www.nkba.org Coverings 2008 Orlando, Fla., April 29-May 2 (866) 285-3691 www.coverings.com

Four different blade sizes with TURBO's Master TURBO Groover.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2008... 363 TURBO Heat Welding Tools TURBO'S MASTER TURBO GROOVER [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TURBO Heat Welding Tools says that their Master TURBO Groover is THE ONLY GROOVER IN THE WORLD that can groove all the way to the wall, groove...

Doing heat welding has never been easier.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2008... 364 TURBO Heat Welding Tools TURBO'S AUTOMATIC CADDY [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Our automatic TURBO Caddy welds approximately 10- to 14-ft. per minute giving strong welds every time. It welds Linoleum/Marmoleum products with no mess...

TURBO's Super TURBO Nozzle packed with pre-heating jets.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2008... 365 TURBO Heat Welding Tools TURBO'S SUPER TURBO NOZZLE [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TURBO Heat Welding Tools' Super TURBO Nozzle welds approximately 10' per minute, three times faster than conventional speed tips, the company says....

MAPEI incorporates new Dust-Free technology into Ultraflex 2.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2008... 366 MAPEI Corp MAPEI'S ULTRAFLEX 2 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MAPEI's flagship mortar, Ultraflex 2, now touts dust-free technology. The LEED-compliant thin-set features up to 90% less dust production during pouring, mixing and...

AcoustiCORK 'green' underlayment suitable for all floors.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2008... 367 Amorim Solutions AMORIM'S ACOUSTICORK [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Amorim's AcoustiCORK[TM] products have been designed to provide the thinnest profile, and the lowest total installed cost per sq. ft. in sound control underlayments...

Multiple turnkey options available from The Master's Touch.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
April 1, 2008... 368 The Master's Touch THE MASTER'S TOUCH [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Master's Touch has developed its line of tools and power units for tile and grout restoration. The company's restoration tools can help end-users achieve the...

Mistakes that kill your reputation.(Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association)
April 1, 2008... Whether you're an independent installer or an employee of a large flooring contractor, your success will be measured as much by your personal conduct and reputation as your technical expertise. The following are common mistakes that can kill...