Floor Covering Installer articles from July 2005

Floor Covering Installer archives from July 2005

Training is key in avoiding installation failures.(Editorial)
July 1, 2005... Every week, I get calls from FCI readers looking for information on installation training for themselves or for their employees. It's always informative talking to them, as it gives me a chance to find out what's on the minds of those of you...

A couple of staircase runner tricks.(A Carpet Installer's Notebook)
July 1, 2005... The staircase was pretty easy; straight stairs from the basement to a landing, then a flight to the first floor. We cut the landing in a U shape, as you can see in Photo 14. The runners were just straight cuts. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Color -- staining wood flooring.(NOFMA Tip Sheet)
July 1, 2005... As a wood flooring contractor, you should always be looking for ways to satisfy your customers' needs as well as add to your bottom line. Stains are great up-sell items that allow homeowners to customize the color of their floor--possibly to...

One step at a time: a brief guide to stair tread installation.(Let's Talk Resilient)
July 1, 2005... Stair treads have been around for a long time, and are a tough, durable and safe covering for stairs from heavy duty to light usage. There are two types (rubber and vinyl), two shapes (round nose or square nose), two different constructions...

Grouting magic!(Tile Talk)
July 1, 2005... Did I get your attention? Sorry, there is no magic grout available despite some claims to the contrary. But, there are many new and improved versions of this centuries-old product. Products and methods used for installation are almost as varied...

Questionable substrates for ceramic tile and dimensional stone.(FROM THE TECHNICAL EXPERT)
July 1, 2005... As basic as it may appear, the installer's acceptance of a substrate for installing ceramic or stone tile continues to present problems for the trade and subsequently for the industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It appears that many times...

Q.E.P. acquires Capitol USA adhesives, drops Roberts seaming tape business.(Industry News)
July 1, 2005... Flooring tools and accessories maker Q.E.P. Co. Inc. said it has entered into an agreement with Halex Corp. to purchase Halex's Capitol USA adhesives division. In exchange, Q.E.P. paid cash, entered into a four-year promissory note and...

APAC.(People)
July 1, 2005... APAC has hired floor covering sundries / adhesives veteran Keith Hodson as Western States technical sales manager. He will be responsible for growing APAC's line of floor covering adhesives, specialty coatings and Premier brand carpet seaming...

Armstrong Flooring Products--Americas.(People)
July 1, 2005... Paul Murfin has named vp of sales, Armstrong Flooring Products--Americas. Murfin will be responsible for all independent channel residential and commercial sales in North America. He comes to the company from Beaulieu of America, where he was...

Lenox.(People)
July 1, 2005... Lenox has promoted Rich Wuerthele to president of sales. Wuerthele joined Lenox in 2002 as vp of sales after the acquisition of the company by Newell Rubbermaid. In his new position, he will be responsible for expanding sales globabbly and...

Smith Flooring.(People)
July 1, 2005... Smith Flooring sales manager, James "Mack" Pearson, has retired after 42 years with the company. Starting out as a lumber buyer for the company in 1963, Pearson has spent the past 18 years as Smith's sales manager. He is succeeded by Kevin...

A feather in its cap: Flintile awarded Flexco's 2004 Distributor of the Year.(Industry News)
July 1, 2005... A nearly 30-year-old company reached a new milestone this year, when Portland, Ore., distributor Flintile Inc. was named Flexco's 2004 Distributor of the Year. The six-person firm has distributed Flexco products since 1977. While Flintile has...

Addendum.(Correction Notice)
July 1, 2005... The following distributors were inadvertently left out from the BonaKemi USA manufacturer listing that appeared in the 2005 FCI Annual Directory and Buying Guide. Custom Wholesale Floors Inc 6950 Phillips Highway, Ste 37 ...

Jim Walker takes his expertise to South Africa.(Industry News)
July 1, 2005... Jim Walker, founding president of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Associations (CFI), recently made a 10-day excursion to South Africa to teach installers and sales representatives there the tools of his trade. More than...

RFCI rolls out FloorScore certification for air-friendly resilient floor makers.(Industry News)
July 1, 2005... Following a four-year review by resilient flooring makers on the importance of instituting a program that measures a product's air quality, The Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) has launched FloorScore. The voluntary program certifies...

Custom Building Products sells a "significant stock interest" to N.Y. firm.(Industry News)
July 1, 2005... Tile and stone installation products maker Custom Building Products said it has entered into an agreement with private equity investing firm Kelso & Co. of New York. By the terms of the agreement, affiliates of the New York firm will purchase...

BonaKemi AdvantEdge edger can be used with DCS system.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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 360 on the Reader Inquiry Card....

Tramex's CRH moisture meter combines four testing modes.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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...

Custom Building Products unveils its new Prism Sure Color Grout.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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...

Orcon rolls out its Tool Box with Wheels.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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...

SureSeal aims to provide spray and go application.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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...

Powernails' Model 50P can fit up to 200 nails.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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...

Lignomat offers its new Professional Package P-6.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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...

USG intros new Durock products.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... USG introduces a new family of Durock Brand mortars, mastics, grouts and accessories developed specifically for use with the company's Durock Brand cement board and Fiberock Brand Aqua-Tough tile backerboard. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Sinclair redesigns the SM800 Junior Groover.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Sinclair Equipment Co. introduces its redesigned SM800 Junior Groover, designed for grooving homogenous roll and tile goods. The user-friendly handle is engineered to make operation more comfortable. The Junior Groover includes a 12-tooth...

Q.E.P.'s newest tile saw can be used in large jobs.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Q.E.P. Co. Inc.'s 16-inch Professional Drive Tile Saw (#60016) is meant for those jobs where the user needs the power of a large tile saw, yet the portability of something smaller. The #60016 saw boasts a newly designed 1 HP induction motor,...

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

Lam-Hammer introduces installation tool for laminate or engineered floors.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... 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...

AS-4090 is HighPro's latest.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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 flowable.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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...

Wagner Electronics presents MMC/MMI moisture meters.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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...

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

Diamond Tech launches premier glass tile line.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Diamond Tech Glass Tile launches its premiere glass tile line, inspired by cathedral glass windows. The Stained Glass Series made its premiere debut at the Coverings 2005 show in Orlando. The Stained Glass Series offers an assortment of 24...

Seamer Down aims to offer faster power stretching.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Seamer Down is a new invention and process that allows carpet installers to power stretch within 20 seconds by instantly extracting the heat from the carpet seam. It extracts moisture, solving blooming problems, and also solves dimpling...

APAC 631 adhesive made for indoors and outdoors.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Aiming to make indoor-outdoor carpet installation easier, APAC introduces the 631 Outsider I indoor-outdoor carpet adhesive. The latex-based product is especially formulated for outdoor areas including patios, screened-in porches and open...

Eflection technology provides accuracy.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Eflection Inc. uses a patent-pending laser measuring technology that generates a 3D AutoCAD file of each room. These files aim to provide a plus or minus 2 mm accuracy, the company says. Circle 336 on the Reader Inquiry Card. [ILLUSTRATION...

Lenox rolls out the CXT truck.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Power tool, hand tool and saw blade maker Lenox has driven its brand in new directions with the introduction of the International CXT, a production pick-up truck created by International Truck and Engine Corp. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Delmhorst intros MoistureCheck.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Designed for flooring installers, general contractors, home inspectors and IAQ specialists, MoistureCheck is new from Delmhorst. The 2-in-1 combination meter features full on-screen reading recall with date and time stamp, job grouping,...

Innovatech unveils Orbiter grinders and polishers.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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...

Carpet Shims come in many sizes.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 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 Enterprises introduces colored tile spacers.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... TAVY Enterprises, LLC, has added a line of colored top-set tile spacers available in 7 color coded sizes: 1/32-inch lemon yellow, 1/16-inch celery green, 3/32-inch plum purple, 1/8-inch snow white, 3/16-inch sky blue, 1/4-inch citrus orange and...

Behr CLAWS carpet stretching tool available.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Behr CLAWS (Carpet Layers Advanced Wall Stretcher) is a new carpet stretching tool for use with any power stretcher head, enabling precise stretching of carpet of concrete or wood without the need for poles, according to Behr Innovations. The...

Rollercart new from Carder Industries.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Carder Industries' Rollercart is designed to cart tool boxes, adhesive pails and carpet around the job site, and can also be used as a weighted roller for finished goods, according to the company. In addition, the cart can be flipped over in a...

Better Tools releases the Ultimate Scraper Blade.(Products, Tools & Accessories)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The Ultimate Scraper Blade's patented skirted design deflects flooring materials from entering the blade clamp, which prevents damage to the tool. Made from premium grade stainless steel, 0.040-inch thick, hardened, and tempered for maximum...

Forbo Installation Training.(Showcase)
July 1, 2005... Forbo Installation Training includes an Associate and a Master Mechanic curriculum. The Associate Mechanic program consists of product knowledge training and general installation topics including substrate evaluation and preparation, moisture...

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

Lees Carpet Institute.(CARPET)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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 (NWFA).(WOOD)
July 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)
July 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 (NOFMA).(WOOD)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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.

Bona USA Sand & Finish Training.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
July 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...

Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI).(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
July 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)
July 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.

FCITS.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
July 1, 2005... Flooring Consultants and Inspection Training Services, FCITS, offers a variety of classes for flooring inspectors. Based in Dalton, GA, FCITS has been certifying inspectors since 1988 and is recognized throughout the flooring industry. The...

Forbo Linoleum, Inc.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
July 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)
July 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)
July 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)
July 1, 2005... At Mohawk University, we are committed to teaching the correct and most up to date techniques of installing today's floor covering. If you are interested in attending Mohawk University or to learn more about the program, call 1-800-664-2958...

World Floor Covering Associations.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
July 1, 2005... The World Floor Covering Associations Regional Installation Training Education program (RITE), based in Anaheim, California, is under way for the 2005 year. Basic as well as intermediate to advanced classes are being offered to assist all...

Dry, clean and smooth subfloors.(CFI REPORT)
July 1, 2005... The Architect Specification Manual states in the floor covering section "that subfloors are to be dry, clean and smooth." General contractors assume flooring installers are aware of the Architect's Specifications and they want flooring...

OCIP: what is it?(FCICA NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Sooner or later, if you are doing business as a flooring contractor, you will have no choice but to be part of an OCIP. So, what is it? OCIP is an Owner (of the building) Controlled Insurance Program. OCIP is also called a "Wrap Up" and has...