Floor Covering Installer articles from July 2006

Floor Covering Installer archives from July 2006

Installers working together to advance installation trade.(Editorial)
July 1, 2006... Recently, I was invited to attend an America vs. Japan installation contest hosted by the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) at its headquarters in Anaheim, California. During the all-day event, the best carpet and resilient installers...

Concrete moisture testing update.
July 1, 2006... No matter where I go and what group I speak to, there is always an interest in concrete problems--how to prevent them, how to test for them and how to fix them when they happen. This year I've been presenting a one hour seminar, "Concrete...

Selecting a species.(NOFMA Tip Sheet)
July 1, 2006... First, what are the species generally available for flooring choices? Temperate hardwood species from the United States and Canadian forests are the most readily available and overall are considered the most environmentally responsible. They...

Mud work, a dying art.(Tile talk)
July 1, 2006... So when is the last time you saw a mud floor? Better yet, when was the last wall mud job you saw? A mud job is tile slang for a mortar work. Prior to the '60s most work done in the tile world was over mortar bed in what was known as a...

Step installation.
July 1, 2006... Twenty-four years experience as a flooring installer has allowed me to discover several time-saving methods during the course of an installation. In this article, I will show several steps that will allow a staircase installation to go fast,...

Radius flash coving.(Namba's World)
July 1, 2006... As if flash coving isn't challenging enough, what do we do when we have a radius to flash cove (Photo 1)? We'll cover a few different techniques that will work for flash coving a radius. Here is a list of items that you will need for flash...

pH testing: is it really necessary?
July 1, 2006... The answer is NO... if you have a lot of time and money. If you have both of those commodities in excess you may not need to read any further, but having been involved in the flooring industry for 37 years I never seemed to accumulate an...

World Floor Covering Association hosts Japan vs. U.S. installation competition.(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) hosted an installation contest which pitted the best carpet and resilient installers from the United States against their counterparts from Japan. The contest, which was held May 9 at WFCA...

Laticrete's golden anniversary: celebrates milestone at Coverings.(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Pictured left to right: David Rothberg, president of Laticrete; and Michael and Manny Magallanes of Aqua Mix were some of the partygoers on-hand at Laticrete's 50th anniversary celebration. The gala event...

Powernail Co.(People)
July 1, 2006... Ed Polnau, head of Powernail Co.'s maintenance department, has celebrated his 50th anniversary with the company. Since joining Powernail on June 6, 1956, Polnau has brought a high level of professionalism to his role. company. Says president...

Tim Stephens has been named product manager of Basic Coatings.(People)
July 1, 2006... Tim Stephens has been named product manager of Basic Coatings. He will be responsible for developing and testing new products, increasing consumer awarness and offering sales support where needed. Stephens brings 10 years of experience in the...

Floor Style Products named top Bona distrib.(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... Floor Style Products was recently named 2005 Distributor of the Year by BonaKemi USA. Floor Style, based in Michigan, operates two other locations in Nevada and Florida, and distributes BonaKemi's full line of equipment, finishes and sundries....

Following 2005 plant fire, MP Global "plans to grow".(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... MP Global Products (formerly Midwest Padding) has resumed manufacturing in a new facility at their corporate headquarters in Norfolk, Neb. Reconstruction began almost immediately after a fire destroyed their fiber pad factory in March 2005. The...

INSTALL Chicago opens new 28,000 sq. ft. facility.(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... Aiming to expand its regional home base for training seminars, the International Standards and Training Alliance (INSTALL) has opened a new center at 1645 Greenleaf Ave. in Elk Grove Village, Ill. The INSTALL Chicago facility features 28,000...

WFCA certification testing to highlight NICFI convention.(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... The National Institute of Certified Floorcovering Inspectors (NICFI) will hold its 7th annual Inspector's Convention and Educational Symposium Oct. 4-6 at the Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center in Dalton. Titled "Hands On--Learn As You...

14th annual CFI convention features seminars, press panel.(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... The 14th annual CFI convention, "Turning Education Into Profits," will feature seminars from respected manufacturers and associations aimed at helping members increase their profits. The event will run August 10-12 in Arlington, Texas. ...

Halex Underlayment: Halex Corp.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Halex enjoys increased sales in plywood underlayments Halex said that sales of its engineered brand underlayments have increased in the ceramic tile market. Halex credits the sales growth to the durability of the product and the residential...

TEC AccuColor XT grout: TEC.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... TEC's AccuColor XT grout protects against dirt, mildew AccuColor XT grout, new from TEC, is designed to resist staining and cracking, as well as mold and mildew. The cement-based grout also repels dirt, the company says. AccuColor XT is...

Synteko sealer and finishes: Synteko North America.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Synteko presents finishes and sealers for wood floors Synteko offers three high-quality waterborne wood finishes: Synteko Sealmaster, Extra and Best. Sealmaster is a one-component sealer; Extra is a one-component floor finish; and Best is a...

Bullet Tools' Super Blade: Bullet Tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Bullet Tools' Super Blade designed to slice solid wood New from Bullet Tools is the Super Blade, made of extra-strength steel to give extra cutting power. Available for the X13, X20 and X26 models of Magnum Shears, the blade can cut through...

Porta-Nails' Hammerhead TL Nailer and S Stapler: Porta-Nails Inc.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Porta-Nails adds two new Hammerheads Porta-Nails Inc. has added two new hammer-actuated pneumatic tools to its Hammerhead line. The Hammerhead TL nailer can use both "T" and "L" nails. The Hammerhead S stapler is designed to fire 1/2"...

CleanForce International System: CleanForce International.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Multiple turnkey options available from CleanForce 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...

Knee Blades by Knee Blades Inc.: Knee Blades Inc.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Knee Blades kneepads fit knees' natural contour Knee Blades is a high-quality kneepad and lightweight wheel assembly that aims to reduce back and leg strain when used by installers. The kneepad features a one-strap, Velcro-fitted design...

Carpet Shims.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Many shims available from Carpet Shims Carpet Shims are available in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" x 8" x 32", and 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2"x 12" x 48". Add a Universal Side Shim to each end of the installed Carpet Shim to eliminate the drop off, which...

TURBO Heat Welding Tools' Master TURBO Groover: Leo Martinez Enterprises.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Master TURBO Groover from TURBO Heat Welding Tools According to the company, the Master Turbo Groover is the only groover in the world that can groove all the way to the wall, grooves circles and curves and has 4 blade sizes. To see a...

MoistureBloc: Vexcon.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... MoistureBloc reduces moisture in concrete Reduce moisture vapor to 3 lbs. or less with a single coat of MoistureBloc One Step. This product is easy to apply, has minimal odor and a low per-square-foot-cost. MoistureBloc One Step has the...

All American Wood Register HVAC Diffuser Collars: All American Wood Register.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... All American Wood Register develops HVAC diffuser collars All American Wood Register makes High Velocity HVAC Diffuser Collars. Offered in 56 wood species in unfinished surfaces, the collars are designed to caulk to standard plastic...

Stauf USA's SMP-940 Superior: Stauf USA.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Stauf's SMP-940 adhesive contains no solvents Stauf USA unveils SMP-940 Superior. Superior is a polymer based adhesive that contains no isocyanates, water or solvents. It has a high shear strength and it is a moisture cured adhesive. It is...

Rug Runner's Power Slicer.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Rug Runner introduces Power Slicer carpet tool Rug Runner has taken the wraps off the Power Slicer, a tool designed to pre-cut carpet into even widths from 10 to 16 inches. The Power Slicer runs on a 110 electric outlet, and is designed to...

Noble Co.'s Pro-Slope: Noble Co.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Noble Pro-Slope product includes weep protector Noble Co. offers Pro-Slope, a preformed composite designed to create a Uniform Plumbing Code-required slope needed under shower pans. Pro-Slope is sloped in all directions to the center, can...

National Carpet Equipment's #6280-HD Hydraulic Panther: National Carpet Equipment.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... National intros #6280 HD Panther machine National Carpet Equipment debuts the #6280-HD Hydraulic Panther. The self-propelled floor removal machine features a unique swivel head to keep the blade in contact with the floor, the company says....

Degussa Building Systems' ChemRex LevelPrep: Degussa Building Systems.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... ChemRex LevelPrep new from Degussa Degussa Building Systems recently launched ChemRex LevelPrep, a polymer-modified, Portland cement-based finishing underlayment designed with a creamy consistency and improved trowelability. ChemRex...

Dayton Superior's Sure Finish: Dayton Superior Corp.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Dayton's new Sure Finish: exceptionally smooth results 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...

Orcon XU-90 tape: Orcon Corp.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Orcon XU-90 seaming tape for universal applications 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...

Potlach's EnStron: Potlach Corp.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Potlach's EnStron: new underlayment Potlach Corp. presents EnStron, a particleboard flooring underlayment made from 100 percent recycled wood fiber. The product offers builders an economical, solid-core panel that will not delaminate,...

Wagner Electronics' Rapid RH moisture test: Wagner Electronics.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Wagner's Rapid RH recognized at show Wagner Electronics, manufacturer of the Rapid RH moisture meter, has been recognized as the 2006 MIP Attendees' Choice award winner in the Building Systems and Materials category. The Rapid RH meter...

Hardwood Industry's EZ Pro Injector: Hardwood Industry.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... EZ Pro Injector new from Hardwood Industry 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...

Georgia-Pacific DensShield: Georgia-Pacific.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Georgia-Pacific DensShield tile backer in 1/4" format Georgia-Pacific presents new high-density 1/4" DensShield Tile Backer. With a compression rating greater than 1500 psi, the product ensures the strength and durability of tile floors,...

Better Tools' Ultimate Scraper Blade: Better Tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Ultimate Scraper Blade new from Better Tools Available in three sizes, Better Tools' Ultimate Scraper Blade features a patented skirted design to deflect flooring materials from entering the blade clamp. Made using premium grade stainless...

Lam-Hammer.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Lam-Hammer introduces new installation tool 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...

Safety Seal Products' Grip On: Safety Seal Products Corp.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
July 1, 2006... Grip On Anti-Slip Solution new from Safety Seal Products Safety Seal Products Corp. introduces Grip On Anti-Slip Solution. The topical treatment aims to markedly increase slip resistance without changing the appearance of the floor,...

Can installers unite?(GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS)
July 1, 2006... There is no doubt that the floor covering installer's job is a lot easier now than it was just a few short years ago. Take patterned carpet for example. A hundred percent of the product we receive simply unrolls and matches perfectly. Well...

Installation is a great adventure.(CFI REPORT)
July 1, 2006... Napoleon Hill wrote, "Life is like a checkerboard and the player opposite you is TIME. If you hesitate before moving or neglect to move promptly, your men will be wiped from the board of TIME. You are playing against a partner who will not...

Dupont and Mohawk.(Carpet)
July 1, 2006... Dupont and Mohawk are sponsoring CFI Certification seminars nationwide. For details, call (800) 248-8582, ext. 239.

National Carpet Equipment.(Carpet)
July 1, 2006... 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...

Basic Coatings.(Wood)
July 1, 2006... Basic Coatings has joined with industry leaders to establish one of the most comprehensive wood floor schools in the industry. The school consists of one day of installation and three days of safety, repairs, sanding, and finishing techniques....

BonaKemi USA.(Wood)
July 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 will again offer...

ORCON.(Showcase)
July 1, 2006... ORCON's installation training clinics are designed to help you and your installation crews reach a higher level of performance, both technically and professionally. Their one- or two-day workshops offer hands-on trainings, as well as visual...

National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).(Wood)
July 1, 2006... 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, 2006... 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...

Schluter-Systems.(Wood)
July 1, 2006... Schluter-Systems will now be offering an Innovation Workshop in Anaheim, CA at the World Floor Covering Association. As with the other Innovation Workshops that Schluter offers, this 2 1/2-day course will include both classroom discussions...

Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA).(Wood)
July 1, 2006... 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:...

MAPEI Technical Institute.(Tile & Stone)
July 1, 2006... The MAPEI Technical Institute offers courses in four different disciplines: Tile & Stone Installation Systems (TSIS); Concrete Restoration Systems (CRS); Surface Preparation & Waterproofing (SPW); Floor Covering Installation Systems (FCIS). ...

Pergo, Inc.(Laminate/Resilient)
July 1, 2006... Since 1997, Pergo, Inc. has conducted Pergo Endorsed Installer training classes for installers interested in enhancing their Pergo installation skills and furthering their knowledge of Pergo products. Classes are held monthly at four...

Roane Company.(Laminate/Resilient)
July 1, 2006... 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, 2006... 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...

Dependable Floor Products.(Underlayment/Subfloor)
July 1, 2006... 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, 2006... 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, 2006... 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.

Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI).(Multiple Subjects)
July 1, 2006... 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...

INSTALL.(Multiple Subjects)
July 1, 2006... 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...

Regional Installation Training and Education (RITE).(Multiple Subjects)
July 1, 2006... The Regional Installation Training and Education (RITE) program that the World Floor Covering Association sponsors with the Certified Floor Covering Installers Association, National Wood Flooring Association, and Ceramic Tile Education...

Problem solving.(FCICA)
July 1, 2006... Pay close attention to these issues and the manufacturer's recommendations, and pass along any concerns you might have to the customer, general contractor, or architect. They may not change products, but if they know you have concerns, and...