Floor Covering Installer articles from July 2001

Floor Covering Installer archives from July 2001

You've Got to Recognize. (FCI EDITORIAL).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Occasionally, we move forward without taking time to thank those who make our progress possible. FCI continues to enjoy great success in the floor covering installation industry due to the professionalism and pride that its columnists and...

Not-So-Tiny Bubbles In My Floor. (YOU MAKE THE CALL).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... We have all seen, bid on, measured, installed in or inspected one. Some of you may even live in one: a brilliantly designed, beautifully crafted, newly constructed custom home. No track home in a crowded subdivision is this, no sir! We are...

Promoting Safety in the Ranks. (GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS).(Occupational Safety and Health Administration training for flooring installers)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Safety is not just a one-time shot of education that can be injected to provide a lifetime of immunity from hazard. Safety must become a habit for ail segments of an installation operation, developed from continuous learning, upgrading and...

Giving the Client a Helping Hand. (FIANA DOSSIER).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... I recently wrote an article tided "Who's Responsible?" in which the responsibility for both job conditions and substrate moisture was addressed. I received a few replies, most of which were pleas for help. It seems that it is very difficult for...

Installing Resilient Flooring Insets. (STEP-BY-STEP).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Today's architects, designers and end-users are putting more demands on installers to give them multi-colored, custom-designed floors than ever before. Many residential customers are looking for a one-of-a-kind floor to help define their homes....

Tools That Make Customization Simple. (LOOKING AT LAMINATE).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... When I approach this column, I make a deliberate effort to write only about installation methods and materials in the laminate flooring segment that I have personal experience with. The foundation that this knowledge provides is crucial to my...

Trimming the Edge with Aluminum and Vinyl Mouldings. (BEST JOB PRACTICES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... When I became a member of the floor covering installation product community in 1965, the major product being manufactured by the company I worked for was the aluminum moulding used to trim the edges of carpet and resilient floor coverings. The...

The State of Wood Floor Adhesives. (FROM THE TECHNICAL EXPERT).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The landscape keeps changing, yet it appears that wood-flooring adhesive options are beginning to stabilize. The old standby 711 is no longer available, as environmental concerns led to the curtailing of 1.1.1. Solvent-based substitutes...

Transitioning Between Materials at Different Heights. (A CARPET INSTALLER'S NOTEBOOK).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... A situation that regularly rears its ugly head during an installation is dealing with floors of various heights while making the transition from one type of floor covering to another. In the September/October 2000 issue of FCI, I addressed the...

Marley Reproduces Roane Co.'s Logo in Contractor's Corner. (INDUSTRY NEWS).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The Roane Co., a distributor of Marley commercial sheet vinyl, recently utilized a service Marley offers to help enhance the look of its Los Angeles branch. The Floorcraft Precision Cutting System is a computer-aided design service that...

Tca Develops Spanish Version of Official Handbook. (INDUSTRY NEWS).(Tile Council of America)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The Tile Council of America announced the availability of a Spanish translation of the "2000 TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile" at Coverings 2001 in New Orleans. "We have received requests from companies all over the United States for a...

A.C.I.P. Looks to Insulate Installers From Workmanship Error. (INDUSTRY NEWS).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The Armstrong Certified Installer Program (A.C.I. P.) assists its certified residential and commercial flooring installers by providing them with the material and installation products required to correct workmanship errors. Installers...

Coverings 2001: New Tile Backerboard Systems and Technologies. (TREATISE ON TILE).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... For many years, ceramic tile installation was a job reserved for the tile setter who knew how to float mortar beds on floors, walls and countertop surfaces. There are still those in the industry with mastery of mortar-bed skills, but they are...

Fluidmaster releases Wax-Free Bowl Gasket. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... Fluidmaster has developed the Wax-Free Bowl Gasket that, according to the company, fits on any surface in any temperature and can be readjusted during installation. The bowl gasket also fits all drain pipes and has a ten-year warranty. The...

Tarkett shows 2001 'Style'. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(line of commercial and residential floor tile, sheet and laminate products)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Tarkett's 2001 Stylebook showcases its line of residential and commercial sheet, floor tile and laminate products. The full-color catalog features Signature with Nature's Touch, Tarkett's high-end residential sheet flooring line and Stoneworks,...

W.F.Taylor develops new adhesive. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Meta-Tec flooring adhesive)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... The W.F. Taylor Co. has developed a flooring adhesive with a strong elastomeric bond, a waterproof film and low VOC emissions. The new adhesive, known as Meta-Tec, is found in Taylor 2071 Tuff-Lok X-Link and Taylor 2061 Tuff-Grip TPS Wood...

United Technical Products announces new carpeting. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(PosiTile)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... United Technical Products (UTP) introduces PosiTile, a precision-cut carpet product designed to allow a one-to-one fit with Tate Access Flooring's "Building Technology Platform" and with ConCare access floor panels. PosiTile is available with...

Protimeter MMS Moisture Meter features data logging. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Protimeter North America)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Protimeter North America recently developed a data logging function for its MMS Moisture Measurement System. Data from the system can be uploaded to a Windows-based PC. The MMS Moisture Measurement System is a hand-held instrument that detects...

Alto's Encore has extending scrubber. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Alto's Clarke Technology Encore Model 2426 automatic floor scrubber - information on product)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... Alto's Clarke Technology Encore Model 2426 features an automatic floor scrubber that can go from a 24-inch to a 26-inch scrubbing width "in a matter of seconds," according to the company. The battery-powered machine has 20-gallon solution...

PNI offers new nailer. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(PNI's Model 462 16-Gauge Finish Nailer - information on product)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... PNI's Model 462 16-Gauge Finish Nailer features a quick-release nose for clearing jammed nails and a fastener range of 1 to 2.5 inches, and 16-gauge galvanized. The nailer's adjustable depth of drive allows for flush drive or precision...

Wedgehead mallet designed for racking. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(from Powernail Co. - information on product)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... Powernail Co. released the "2AL-Wedgehead" earlier this year. The ergonomic mallet is designed for racking T&G strip flooring. According to Powernail, the mallet's angled rubber head provides greater edge clearance and enhanced wrist comfort....

Surface Shields offers door casing protection. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Entry Shield - information on product)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2001... Designed to prevent damage to door casings, Entry Shield from Surface Shields has an impact resistant polyethylene shell with a soft foam backing to cushion against accidental scratches and dents. According to the company, the molded plastic...

Felker tile saw debuts. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(FTS-150 Portable Production Tile Saw - information on product)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... Felker introduces the FTS-150 Portable Production Tile Saw. The FTS-150 comes equipped with a 10-inch premium blade, stand, table extension, rip guide, 90-degree protractor, a heavy-duty water pump and a wrench. Features of the tile saw include...

TEC develops Web site. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(TEC Specialty Products)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... TEC Specialty Products has developed a Web site (www.tecspecialry.com) that offers design ideas, installation guidelines and application information. The Web site's features include downloadable MSD sheets, a section for frequently asked...

TEC unveils new adhesive. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES ).(TEC Specialty Products Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... TEC Specialty Products, Inc. now offers PolyGlide, a Type II wall and floor adhesive. According to the company, the acrylic-based adhesive is helpful when bonding 6"x6" or 8"x10" tiles to walls, counters or shower areas. For details, circle 343...

USG introduces environmentally friendly underlayment. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... USG's Fiberock Brand Underlayment Aqua-Tough is a new moisture-resistant residential flooring underlayment made from 100 percent recycled gypsum and cellulose. The panels contain no resins, adhesives, solvents or dyes that can stain...

Bonsal develops ProForm Shower Pan. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Bonsal Co. now offers the ProForm Shower Pan, a tile-ready waterproof pan. According to the company, the shower pan will nor retain moisture. Installation requires a glue connection to a standard PVC drainpipe. The pans are pre-sloped to drain....

Moisture in Concrete Slabs Methods of Moisture Testing for Concrete Video. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Designed to prevent costly floor covering failures by understanding the causes of moisture in concrete slabs, PCA's video uses real-world examples to review available test methods - including an in-depth look at the new ASTM standard on calcium...

Sawtec Grinder-Vac takes the dust away. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Sawtec's dust-free Grinder-Vac surface grinding equipment is designed for concrete cleaning, planing or thin coating removal when used with dry diamond cup wheels, and for removal of mastics, epoxies, urethane, paint and thick coatings when...

Dependable Chemical Co. offers Vaporseal. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Dependable Chemical Co. offers Vaporseal, a two-component, moisture tolerant, epoxy-based product that Dependable says blocks liquids and alkalinity while retarding the transmission of moisture, odor and other elements through concrete slabs....

Bostik Findley develops latex modified mortar. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Bostik Findley recently developed and released Hydroment Big Tile & Stone, a latex-modified single-component medium bed mortar. The mortar is available in gray or white formulations and exceeds American National Standards Institute...

Ardex unveils water-resistant powdered mastic. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Ardex has developed Ardex S-48 CeMastic, a powder blend of white Portland cements with synthetic polymers. Ardex S-48 can be used for all interior installations of any type of ceramic, quarry and fully vitrified tiles over all common...

Powers releases Wedge-Bolt Block Plugs. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Powers Fasteners, Inc. has unveiled two sizes of Wedge-Bolt Block Plugs to use in C-90 hollow block applications. The new plugs are offered in 1/4" and 3/8" diameters and can be used before a Wedge-Bolt is installed to tighten an installation....

TDR Collector reduces dust. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(TDR Enterprises)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... TDR Enterprises now offers the Atomic Dust Collector, a truck-mounted dust-containment system. According to TDR, the dust collector creates a dust-free environment for sanding or refinishing hardwood flooring without the use of masks or...

Musson offers carpeting For high-traffic areas. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Musson Rubber Co.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Musson Rubber's Hi-Traffic matting has a coarse, ribbed surface that fulfills the "wiper/scraper" function that, according to the company, most high-traffic areas need. Made from 100 percent polypropylene fiber, this carpet matting can be...

SurfaceGard Sealer now contains Teflon. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Custom Building Products product information)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Teflon Surface Protector was recently added to Custom Building Products' SurfaceGard Penetrating Sealer. SurfaceGard is designed to penetrate deeply into any tile or natural stone surface to protect it from oil and water-based stains. The...

Sinclair improves UltraSaw. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Sinclair Equipment Co.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Sinclair Equipment Co. has released an improved version of the company's UltraSaw. According to the company, the saw can perform tasks ranging from door to door jamb cuts to bevel cuts. The saw features a rack-and-pinion blade-height adjustment...

Bon Tool announces new line of tile cutters. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Bon Tool recently released a new line of tile cutters with die cast construction and carbide cutting wheels. Features include a protractor for angle cuts, a circle scriber and smooth ball bearing runners. The cutters are available in sizes...

Schluter introduces Rondec-Step profile. (PRODUCTS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Schluter Systems has introduced the Rondec-Step to its profile series. The Rondec-Step is a finishing and edge-protection profile that can be used on stairs and countertops. On stairs, the product acts as a stair nosing. On countertops, the...

Want To Get Fit? (FCICA NEWS).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Training efforts in the floor covering installation industry are increasing as manufacturers, dealers and contractors are making decisions to secure their future. They are reaching out to find the people who sincerely want to "raise the bar,"...

"Stars of the Century" Here and Now. (CFI REPORT).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... CFI arrives at the Marriott Airport Hotel in Los Angeles as "The Stars of the Century," looking to paint the town burgundy for the eighth annual CFI Convention, July 25-29. Billed as the educational event of the year for the installation...