Floor Covering Installer articles from January 2005

Floor Covering Installer archives from January 2005

Are your installation costs a problem? Would you like to find a solution to your problem?(Editorial)
January 1, 2005... Are you sick and tired of high installation costs? Are you looking to reduce your labor costs? Are your installers costing you big bucks due to job failures? If you answered "yes" to any of these, look in a mirror. It might reveal that you're...

Rubber tile denial.(You Make the Call)
January 1, 2005... Of all the floor coverings we encounter, rubber tile is one of the most durable, most expensive, and is very costly to repair or replace. There are several different adhesive systems manufactured specifically for the installation of rubber...

How much is your cost of doing business?(A Carpet Installer's Notebook)
January 1, 2005... I was asked to be the speaker at the local CFI chapter meeting in Cleveland in October. I said OK and asked Dan Fredricks Jr., the chapter president, what topic? "Professionalism and cost of doing business," was his response. "A lot of guys are...

Waterborne finishes aren't just a good business decision, they may be the law: industry experts say new VOC regulations will impact future business for wood flooring contractors.
January 1, 2005... It's said that water sustains life. Those words have never rung truer than in today's highly competitive wood floor finishing industry. With the New Year have come stricter air-quality regulations for Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) levels,...

How to fasten a solid wood floor--flawlessly.(NOFMA Tip Sheet)
January 1, 2005... There's nothing as striking as a classic wood floor. It adds warmth, richness and natural beauty to a home. But like a lot of things that go into homebuilding, it's often the things that the homebuyer doesn't see that really count. And this is...

Leaks? Drips? Maybe you made a few errors.(Tile Talk)
January 1, 2005... Installing tile in a wet area? No? Are you sure? Just what is a wet area? The official answer as contained in the Tile Council of America Handbook says, "Tile surfaces that are either soaked, saturated, or regularly and frequently subjected to...

Thin-setting problems.(FROM THE TECHNICAL EXPERT)
January 1, 2005... There are a variety of thin-setting materials, thin-set mortar being only one. Thin-sets are a method for installing, not a product. For example organic adhesives are in the thin-set family, as are epoxy materials. They all have their...

Surfaces 2005 to offer hands-on installation demonstrations.(Industry News)
January 1, 2005... Surfaces 2005 will kick off at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Jan. 26-28. More than 1,000 companies will showcase their products and installation materials, with an increased international presence from China, Italy, Mexico,...

Schluter expands its sales team.(Industry News)
January 1, 2005... Schluter Systems has added Alex Dickman and Dale Kreider to its sales team. Dickman will be working with Great Lakes Territory Manager Eric Williamson to provide field support and education throughout the region. He is relatively new in the...

MAPEI opens San Bernardino, Calif., plant.(Industry News)
January 1, 2005... MAPEI Americas Plant Number 14 is going online in San Bernardino, Calif. The 111,000-square-foot building will initially produce powder products for all MAPEI product lines, including mortars and grouts for tile, cementitious products for...

Industry partners tile wheelchair-accessible home in Decatur, Ark.(Industry News)
January 1, 2005... Members of the tile industry, working through Tile Partners for Humanity, donated tile, setting materials, backerboard, and installation labor/training for a Habitat for Humanity home in Decatur, Ark. Habitat and the homeowner requested the...

National readies full line of floor removal/prep equipment.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... National Carpet Equipment will be introducing new equipment and demonstrating its full line of floor removal and preparation machines. Ride-On removal machines, Self Propelled Strippers, Grinders, Shotblast and the Powered Carpet Puller will...

Schluter shower tray now comes with removable center.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

Innovatech unveils Orbiter grinders and polishers.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

Sinclair introduces new stripper and blade.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

Taylor Tools offers CD and VHS tape detailing its products.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Taylor Tools has released a new CD and VHS tape that details the company's array of floor prep products, including the Dual Head Floor Grinder, Extreme Machine Buffer, VAC-100 Dust Collector, Pneumatic Pogo Scraper, 464 Self-Propelled Stripper,...

Orcon rolls out Tool Box with Wheels.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

ProblemSolver URA is AAT's newest adhesive.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Advanced Adhesive Technologies Inc. (AAT) presents ProblemSolver URA, a high-solids, water-resistant, patented tripolymer adhesive formulated to minimize cupping, end life, shrinkage and hollow spots in the installation of engineered plank,...

Wagner Electronics releases MMC/MMI moisture meters.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Wagner Electronics announces the release of their MMC/MMI Series moisture meters. This new line of handheld meters was designed for use by flooring professionals, wood product manufacturers, serious woodworkers and hobbyists, and anyone who...

RedGard membrane is Custom Building Products' latest.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Custom Building Products introduces RedGard Waterproofing and Anti-Fracture Membrane. RedGard is a water-based, elastomeric membrane that is applied with a roller, trowel or sprayer. RedGard membrane is formulated to produce a continuous...

Wagner's Rapid RH engineered for moisture testing.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

Taylor Adhesives presents its Lockdown series.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Taylor Adhesives' Lockdown series of products is designed to abate high moisture emissions in concrete slabs. The system enables an earlier installation and provides a waterproof adhesive bond for most types of flooring including resilient,...

AdvantEdge edger new from BonaKemi.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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 343 on the Reader Inquiry Card....

Custom Building Products introduces ultra-lightweight backerboard.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Custom Building Products recently debuted EasyBoard Ultra Light Backerboard which, as its name implies, is an ultra-lightweight backerboard. Each 1/2-inch sheet consists of a thin, lightweight synthetic core, mesh reinforcement and a...

National develops battery-operated binders.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... National Carpet Equipment now offers battery-operated binders. Battery operation allows for the machines to be portable without any cords getting in the way, according to National. The company's complete line of binding equipment will be...

Turbo offers full line of heat welding tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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)
January 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....

Oneida Vac Systems introduces Floor Dust Containment System.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

Leica Geosystems introduces new DISTO handheld laser distance measuring tool.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Leica Geosysystems has introduced the DISTO Classic, a high-precision laser measuring tool that features a totally new ergonomic design, extended range, additional measuring functions, a built-in telescopic viewer and other new features,...

Roberts releases MultiBond Repositionable Double Faced Tape.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

Tramex's CRH moisture meter combines four testing modes.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Tramex's CRH moisture and relative humidity meter combines four testing modes: moisture content; internal relative humidity in concrete to ASTM F2170; surface relative humidity; and ambient relative humidity, temperature and dew point. The CRH...

HighPro debuts its AS-4090 pneumatic stapler.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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-, 11/4-, and 11/2-inch, 18 gauge quarter-inch narrow crown staples....

Two new Novatek catalogs.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... One catalog covers Surface Preparation tools for removing paint, rust and coatings from steel and concrete surfaces. The other features shrouded tools, air cleaners and vacuum systems for Dustless surface preparation and remediation work....

MAPEI Planitop 25 is a flowable structural repair mortar.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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)
January 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. The BD-2100 moisture...

Dependable presents new line of hot-melt carpet seam tapes.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Dependable Chemical Co. presents a new line of hot-melt carpet seam tapes produced in 3- and 4-inch widths. These new tapes feature smoke-free and nearly odorless hot-melt technology, according to the company. High-performance knitted...

Seam Master's Koolglide System by Nexicor.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

Carpet Shims and Universal Side Shims available.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Carpet Shims manufactures Carpet Shims and Universal Side Shims, which are designed to eliminate height differences from carpeted floors to ceramic or hardwood. Carpet Shims and Universal Side Shims are available in a wide range of sizes....

SureSeal provides spray and go application.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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)
January 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...

Basic 2K Select offers improved technology.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Basic 2K Select now features new and improved two-component technology, with easy application and a depth of gloss like oil, according to Basic Coatings. Basic 2K Select is available in four sheens, and is designed to handle light traffic 24...

DTI introduces its Diamond Laser 5000 Band Saw.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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 325 on the Reader Inquiry Card. ...

Concord 2000 tape new from Modern Carpet Tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Modern Carpet Tools Ltd. introduces its Concord 2000 peakless seam tape, a patented, premium-quality, 3-inch carpet tape designed to eliminate seam hinging. Flat steel bars are spaced every 4 inches throughout the roll. Circle 315 on the Reader...

Lenox Gold utility knife available in two versions.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... The Lenox Gold utility knife features a titanium-coated stainless steel nose. Available in retractable and fixed versions, Lenox's patented, one-piece fixture is engineered to eliminate spreading. Circle 323 on the Reader Inquiry Card. ...

VIC presents its Floormate 280 diamond concrete grinder.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... VIC International's new Floormate 280 diamond concrete grinder is designed for surface preparation, coatings removal, and glue and mastic stripping. The weight-to-diamond ratio is adjustable by adding or removing segments. An adjusting handle...

BonaKemi reformulates Traffic.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... BonaKemi's new Traffic waterborne floor finish is safer to use than the original formula, with a lower VOC of 240 g/l (a 30 percent decrease), improved flow and leveling and one hardener for all sheens. Circle 293 on the Reader Inquiry Card....

Basic releases Finishing Techniques DVD.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Basic Coatings has just released its Finishing Techniques DVD, which provides information on selecting the proper finish system, plus sections on floor prep, staining, application, maintenance, troubleshooting and recoating. Circle 287 on the...

Orcon XU-09 seaming tape for universal applications.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Orcon offers XU-90, a universal application seaming tape. The product has been tested and endorsed by Mohawk Group Field Services for superior performance whenever a thermoplastic seaming tape is required, according to Orcon. Circle 301 on the...

James Hardie's Hardibacker designed to resist moisture.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... James Hardie's Hardibacker fiber-cement backerboard is designed to resist moisture and mold. Hardibacker board is easy to install, according to the company--just score and snap. Hardibacker backerboard is 1/4-inch thick. Circle 283 on the...

SI Flooring Systems manufactures SoftBac Platinum backing.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... SI Flooring Systems manufactures SoftBac Platinum backing for residential carpet. According to the company, the double-built foundation SoftBac Platinum system is designed to make carpet look better and last longer. Circle 281 on the Reader...

Lignomat offers its Professional Package P-6.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

SureSeal Stone Sealer is environmentally friendly.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2005... SureSeal Stone Sealer is a water-based, environmentally friendly sealer designed to provide superior protection to all types of stone, marble, granite and slate. SureSeal Stone Sealer can help prevent oil- and water-based stains, moss,...

TAVY Thin-Skin 2-Part Underlayment System.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 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...

The carpet installation checklist.(CFI REPORT)
January 1, 2005... We appreciated your comments from the last issue. This article presents additional information that you should be aware of when confronted with an inspection of carpet that you installed. It is important that you are prepared to understand that...

Math basics for installers.(Namba's World)
January 1, 2005... As installers we use math on an everyday basis. We may not understand the mathematical formulas that we use everyday but we achieve the same end results. Installers layout their installations using one or more mathematical formulas; here are...

Questions answered: ASTM standards at work.
January 1, 2005... As a technical support manager for a resilient flooring manufacturer, I was asked to serve on ASTM Committee F.06 on resilient flooring. Almost 12 years later I left the manufacturer side of the industry and went back to retail, but I continue...

Mohawk University installation training guarantees professionalism.(Showcase)
January 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...

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

Lees Carpet Institute.(CARPET)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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.

BonaKemi USA, Inc.(WOOD)
January 1, 2005... BonaKemi USA, Inc. Sand and Finish Schools offer the professional a variety of training and education opportunities on all aspects of the hardwood floor finishing industry. Class agenda includes all aspects of sanding, finishing and...

National Wood Flooring Association.(WOOD)
January 1, 2005... The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) offers the most-comprehensive training for wood flooring professionals in the industry. In 2004, the NWFA will host 17 schools throughout North America, focusing on five specific skill sets and...

Professional Sand & Finish School.(WOOD)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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.

TOLI International.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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.