Floor Covering Installer articles from January 2006

Floor Covering Installer archives from January 2006

Having the right tools can make a big difference in your installations.(Editorial)
January 1, 2006... With all of the ongoing changes in flooring products, it is vital for installers to have the right tools to install these products. Something as simple as having the correct trowel size can make the difference between a lasting installation and...

Reading between the lines (and wrinkles).(You Make the Call)
January 1, 2006... So here's the deal: it's a week before Thanksgiving and a customer wants a re-stretch done before the out of town guests arrive. It is a five-year-old installation of carpet that has been restretched once maybe twice. The customer complains...

Fixing carpet for the holidays.(A Carpet Installer's Notebook)
January 1, 2006... Bill Baxley and I have been pretty good pals for about 15 years, so when he called and said, "The old man (his dad, and a friend as well) has a problem with his carpet can you help me fix it?" I said sure. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bill...

Tools you should know about.(Tool Guide)
January 1, 2006... I should have probably have written this before Christmas so you could have asked Santa to bring you some of these tools. But, you probably weren't good enough boys anyway and he already had your lumps of coal picked out. Well, we will...

The unexpected culprit--moisture.
January 1, 2006... MOISTURE. In the flooring industry, few words cause as much anguish. On many projects, no one has properly prepared to analyze or solve the problem. Just like the old commercial, if you want to catch someone's attention, mention high moisture....

Communicating with the builder.(NOFMA Tip Sheet)
January 1, 2006... In the FCI Jan-Feb '04 issue I discussed "Managing and Meeting Customer Expectations Through to the Final Inspection." The primary theme was clear communication. Clear and effective communication is especially important with builders. As wood...

A new era for thinset has arrived.(Tile Talk)
January 1, 2006... Back when this article was scheduled in the early part of 2005, I was sure that by this time of the year I would have had time to use all the new products introduced. A funny thing happened along the way: they kept introducing new products and...

Wagner's Rapid RH engineered for moisture testing.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... 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...

Tavy Thin-Skin 2-Part Underlayment System.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... 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...

Tramex's CRH moisture meter combines four testing modes.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... 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...

Predator 2400 grinder beefs up Innovatech line.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... New from Innovatech, the Predator 2400 is a 24-inch, four-headed planetary grinder. Designed to polish wet or dry concrete as well as remove coatings, thin set, sealers and adhesives, the Predator 2400 is engineered to operate efficiently and...

Orcon XU-90 seaming tape for universal applications.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... 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 358 on the...

Seam Master Koolglide made for easy seaming.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Seam Master Industries presents the Koolglide System for carpet seaming. The system incorporates an iron and seaming tape. According to Seam Master, the Koolglide System iron will become hot enough to melt the seaming tape, but remain cool...

Porta Serge machine new from National.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... National introduces the Porta Serge, a portable serging machine designed for use in all types of carpet, rugs, mats, vinyl, rubber backings and sisals. The machine wraps yarn evenly, according to National, and also works on inside corners and...

New Cleanup Solvent 22 removes gum and grease.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Titan Laboratories debuts Cleanup Solvent 22. The clear liquid cleaning agent is formulated to remove adhesives, grease and black marks from carpet, wood flooring, baseboards and equipment. Cleanup Solvent 22 is packaged in plastic bottles as...

ChemRex LevelPrep new from Degussa.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Degussa Building Systems recently launched ChemRex 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...

Marizzaldi's Jackrabbit pulls up even difficult jobs.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Marizzaldi Manufacturing presents the Jackrabbit, a solid steel, lightweight carpet puller designed for even the most difficult jobs. The machine's 4-foot wide cylinder is engineered to pull up from 75 to 100 yards an hour, Marizzaldi says. The...

SASE's Floornado scraper offers speedy floor removal.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Designed for floor removal in small offices, hospitals and homes, the Floornado from SASE Co. Inc. is a compact, 43-inch long by 22-inch wide scraper. Moving at speeds of up to 220 feet per minute, the battery-powered machine provides the...

Many shims available from Carpet Shims.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Allow enough gap (check with flooring manufacturer for specifications) between the Carpet Shim and Tack Strip and the hard surface to tuck your carpet. Add a Universal Side Shim to the end of your installed Carpet Shim to eliminate the drop...

Stauf PUK-445 adhesive features long open time.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Stauf USA unveils PUK-445, a two-component polyurethane adhesive. Designed to reduce tension and offer a durable, elastic bond, PUK-445 is an ideal choice for wood installation professionals, Stauf says. The adhesive is also quick-setting, and...

Lam-Hammer introduces new installation tool.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... 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 makes damaged drywall and dented...

NobleSeal Membranes protect ceramic installatons.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... The Noble Company produces NobleSeal Sheet Membranes to protect thin-set ceramic and stone tile installations [Waterproofing, Crack Protection and Sound Control]. These sheets are time tested and guaranteed to last. Circle 347 on the Reader...

Adjustable Master Rac tool new from Racatac Products.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Racatac Products Inc. presents the Master Rac, a rolling tool for installers that features three configurations. The Master Rac features double-padded, adjustable kneepads that are only 3/4-inch off the ground on an aluminum frame with seven...

StoneSpecific provides optimal care for stone.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... StoneSpecific, a comprehensive line of premium products from Custom Building Products, is formulated exclusively for the care and maintenance of the most popular types of stone and stone finishes. The result of intense research and rigorous...

Easy-Pull Tile Spacers use patented pull-tabs.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... The Easy-Pull Tile Spacer is designed to eliminate the need for a spacer removal tool. The spacers incorporate a patented pull tab, which aims to provide fast and easy removal. Easy-Pull spacers are engineered to help installers clear a floor...

Knee Blades kneepads fit knees' natural contour.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Knee Blades is a high-quality kneepad and light-weight wheel assembly that aims to reduce back and leg strain when used by installers. The kneepad features a one-strap, Velcro-fitted design shaped to fit the contour of the knee. Air pockets...

Sinclair's new Leister kit designed for heat-welding.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... New from Sinclair Equipment Co. is the Leister Professional Kit. Designed for use in heat-welding homogenous vinyl floor and wall coverings, the kit features a welding gun, high-speed and pencil tips, feed roller, pull groover, quarter-moon...

Exclusive Hot Melt Technology a drawing card of Premier Tapes.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Carpet seam tapes by Premier Tape Products feature Exclusive Hot Melt Technology. This technology incorporates an extra -heavy beaded hot melt for improved performance. Exclusive technology also ensures extremely low VOCs and odor, and...

Stanley FatMax laser new from CST/berger.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... CST/berger introduces the Stanley FatMax TLM100, a laser measuring product featuring a low price point. The TLM100 provides plus or minus 1/4-inch accuracy at 100 feet, according to CST/berger. Stepped-up products include the TLM200 and TLM300...

Delmhorst's TotalCheck meter features three-in-one function.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... New for flooring installers, general contractors, home inspectors and IAQ specialists is TotalCheck, Delmhorst Instrument Co.'s latest moisture meter. TotalCheck is a three-in-one meter, integrating pin and pin-less technologies, and adding a...

New Bullet Tools' saw can be bucket-mounted.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... The Bucket Saw is new from Bullet Tools. Designed to be used in conjunction with the company's Magnum Shear cutters, the Bucket Saw can be used to create rip cuts and inside corner cuts. The saw can be mounted to any standard bucket, the...

Better Tools dispenser for company's blades.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Better Tools has released a safety dispenser for both round and square corner slotted razor blades. The dispenser incorporates a used storage blade unit for greater safety. Better Tools also offers a wide selection of blades and hand tools,...

APAC's TacAbate coating can be used to reduce tack.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... APAC's new TacAbate is a solvent-free, polymer-based tack abatement coating. TacAbate is compatible with a wide range of adhesives, including acrylic and SBR base products, APAC says. The product can also aid in the installation of carpet tiles...

Scorpion Stair Stretcher new from Bullet Tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... The Scorpion Stair Stretcher from Bullet Tools is engineered to help stretch carpet onto stairs, from bottom to top. The Scorpion features a hardened steel Stinger and knee-kicker shark's teeth. Circle 335 on the Reader Inquiry Card. ...

Multiple turnkey options available from CleanForce.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... CleanForce International has revamped its line of tools and power units for tile and grout restoration. The company's restoration tools can help end-users achieve the cleaning of from 500 to 1,000 square feet of flooring an hour, the company...

Bona Blue abrasives line features zirconia materials.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... BonaKemi USA introduces Bona Blue, an abrasives line featuring 8-, 10- and 12-inch sanding belts. Combining grit materials including zirconia, one of the world's hardest substances, Bona Blue offers contractors aggressive performance without...

Holster Pocket Pants hold Skillers kneepads.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
January 1, 2006... Skillers unveils its latest innovation, Holster Pocket Pants. These pants feature holster pockets for tools, screws and nails, as well as kneepad pockets for Skillers line of patented kneepads. The pants also include a cargo pocket, a phone...

Joe Grady: FCI columnist was a highly regarded flooring expert.(In memoriam)
January 1, 2006... Joe Grady, an internationally recognized authority on flooring installation issues, and a long-time columnist for National Floor Trends and Floor Covering Installer magazines, died Friday, Dec. 9, following a prolonged battle with respiratory...

Spectrum Awards and retail science to be featured at Coverings 2006.(Industry News)
January 1, 2006... Coverings 2006, the industry's dedicated tile and stone show, will take place April 4-7 in Orlando, Fla. The huge event will draw more than 1,200 exhibitors from 50 countries. Show organizers say they plan to welcome more than 32,000 attendees...

Surfaces 2006: installers get set for latest products, opportunities.(Industry News)
January 1, 2006... Installers will possibly have more to do and see at Surfaces 2006 than any Surfaces show in recent memory. This year's show is shaping up to be the largest gathering in Surfaces' history, with close to 40,000 people set to attend. More than...

PFS moves to bigger HQ, opens two new branches.(Industry News)
January 1, 2006... Ft. Worth, Texas-based distributor Professional Flooring Supply has moved its main office and showroom to a larger facility. In addition, the company has opened two new branches, giving the distributor 10 branches in four states. ...

Tile Partners for Humanity calls on industry to help rebuild Gulf Coast.(Industry News)
January 1, 2006... With so many hurricane-ravaged homes needing to be torn down and rebuilt along the Gulf Coast, Tile Partners for Humanity is urgently seeking help from the industry. The non-profit organization is asking concerned members of the construction...

BonaKemi's "dramatic growth": finish maker to open U.S. plant.(Industry News)
January 1, 2006... Swedish floor finish maker BonaKemi says it plans to open a manufacturing facility in the United States, likely somewhere in the Southeastern region. Once a final location is settled, plans call for the plant to be fully operation in a year's...

MAPEI to provide materials for River Walk installation.(Industry News)
January 1, 2006... MAPEI plans to help install a historic mural along San Antonio's River Walk. The 70-year-old mural, which was rescued from a house set for demolition, depicts colorful scenes of a Mexican village. MAPEI will supply all surface preparation...

W.J. Grosvenor goes to Rockland: location is 11th New England store.(Industry News)
January 1, 2006... Floor covering tools and supply distributor W.J. Grosvenor & Co. has opened a new branch in Rockland, Massachusetts. With this addition, the N. Billerica-based distributor now operates 11 stores in the New England area. Located at 273 Weymouth...

Tarkett to purchase Johnsonite; will retain name, management.(Industry News)
January 1, 2006... Commercial flooring giant Tarkett has agreed to acquire Johnsonite, a manufacturer based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, that is best known for its specialty rubber floors and wall bases. The deal stands to significantly extend Tarkett's distribution...

Custom resilient installations: careful planning and extra time equal beautiful floors and big paydays.(Let's Talk Resilient)
January 1, 2006... It seemed ironic that as I was starting to work on this column, my 18-year old daughter Elizabeth, who loves jigsaw puzzles, was tackling a particularly tough one and saying, "This puzzle is going to be the death of me." I am sure that many...

Documentation, documentation, documentation.(Namba's World)
January 1, 2006... With so much litigation occurring in the construction trades it is vital for documentation of installations prior to, during, and post installation. Remember the old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Well, that saying holds so true...

Howard Olansky 50 years and counting.
January 1, 2006... Howard Olansky has been deeply involved in all aspects of the floor covering industry since 1955 when he joined Western Floors magazine as managing editor. He later became co-owner, editor and publisher of Specialist Publications--Western...

The Olansky files 50 years of passion from the subfloor up.
January 1, 2006... I am fortunate to have been a part of this industry for the most exciting years in the history of floor coverings. It has been 50 years marked by a multitude of dramatic events that impacted on the industry and its people. By the way a great...

The Olansky files 50 years of passion from the subfloor up.
January 1, 2006... Editor's Note: The following comments were submitted by people in the industry who have been inspired by Howard Olansky over the years. Those participating are also active supporters of the Floor Covering Industry Foundation and have made...

How the FCIF helped one family touched by tragedy.
January 1, 2006... There is not the slightest hint of bitterness or anger as Barbara Tedrowe recalls her heartbreak: Her son Darrin--a star athlete, a college student and a newlywed--was critically injured in a 1983 motorcycle accident that rendered him a...

Carpet.(Installation Training Clinics & Schools)
January 1, 2006... Dupont and Mohawk are sponsoring CFI Certification seminars nationwide. For details, call (800) 248-8582, ext. 239. Lees Carpet Institute ensures that installers get personal training to receive Lees' highest level of certification....

BonaKemi USA announces 2006 Sand & Finish School schedule.(Showcase:)
January 1, 2006... BonaKemi USA, the world leader in hardwood floor finishing and floor care, recently announced dates for the 2006 Bona Sand & Finish School, a series of four-day training courses for hardwood floor finishing professionals. Bona's staff of...

Wood.(Installation Training Clinics & Schools)
January 1, 2006... 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. The National Wood Flooring...

Tile & Stone.(Installation Training Clinics & Schools)
January 1, 2006... Aqua Mix offers 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 armed with the tools and...

Laminate/resilient.(Installation Training Clinics & Schools)
January 1, 2006... 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...

Underlayment/subfloor.(Installation Training Clinics & Schools)
January 1, 2006... 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., near Pittsburgh. Our comprehensive...

Multiple subjects.(Installation Training Clinics & Schools)
January 1, 2006... 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...

The importance of tackstrip to achieve a professional carpet installation.(CFI REPORT)
January 1, 2006... Installers use it daily and the choices are many to achieve the finest installation for our customers. According to information published by the Halex Corporation, until tackstrip was developed in the 1930s, most residential floors were made of...

The importance of the trowel.(FCICA NEWS)
January 1, 2006... With today's technology, sub-floor preparation products, flooring products, adhesives, and installation techniques are changing at a rapid pace. As an integral part of the flooring system, adhesives are formulated for specific floor coverings...