Floor Covering Installer articles from March 2002

Floor Covering Installer archives from March 2002

The business of show. (Editorial).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... For the last three years, the one constant I've observed in the floor covering installation community is a desire for connection. Maybe this stems from adhesive-transfer envy, I don't know. No matter the state of the world, the state of the...

Shades of gray that matter. (You Make the Call).(fogging on a vinyl surface)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... There is one sure-fire way to spot members of the floor covering industry; they are the ones walking with their head down, eyes locked firmly on the ground. It's a good bet that the saying "you're a pain in the neck" was first used by our...

Letters to the editor.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Ken Knudtzon, in his November/December 2001 article on "Best Job Practices," made an excellent point. He pointed out the desirability of updating installation knowledge and skills of carpet installers. We could not agree more. The United...

CRI 105 for 2002. (Getting Down to Business).(Carpet and Rug Institute's Residential Installation Standard)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The 2002 Carpet and Rug Institute Publication 105 "Residential Installation Standard" has arrived and is waiting for you. And guess what? It's free of charge. That's right. There is no longer a charge to own 105, a document that takes steps to...

Upholstered stairs through spindles. (A Carpet Installer's Notebook).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... One of the problems with upholstered stairs is that every installer approaches them in a different manner. If one member of the crew starts the work, that same crew member needs to finish it. For the average shop that maintains one to six...

Defining light commercial installation for laminate flooring. (Looking at Laminate).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Laminate flooring arrived in the United States in the 1990s, and since then confusion has reigned as the category attempts to cross the threshold into the light commercial arena. Many professionals, including myself, have been uncertain about...

How to install hardwood flooring on a concrete slab: This is the first in a series of "tips & techniques" from the hardwood council.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Hardwood flooring is one of the hallmarks of quality construction. Craftsmanship and materials are clearly exposed to inspection, and few aspects of the home are as high in consumer appeal. That's why experienced builders pay close attention to...

Taking measure of hardwood flooring at surfaces 2002. (From the Technical Expert).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The Surfaces 2002 Trade Show and Convention in Las Vegas was host to many discussions relating to wood flooring problems, and as usual, moisture vapor and topical water led the way. As one distributor pointed out, it is because the repair or...

Going to the wall to "save the birds".(hand-painted ceramic murals in Huntington Beach)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The floor is not the only place to find intricate ceramic tile installations. In 1976, Shea Properties built Seacliff Village, a shopping center in Huntington Beach, Calif. that incorporated representations of California shore birds as a design...

Installation contest at surfaces showcases talent and technique.
March 1, 2002... The World Floor Covering Association's National Installation Contest at Surfaces 2002 showed once again how a single exhibition can appeal to both the professional installation technician and the casual passerby. WFCA Technical Services...

FCICA and UBC renew international agreement. (FCICA News).(Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America recently renewed their collective bargaining agreement through January 2004. The FCICA and UBC have enjoyed a productive...

All Purpose Adhesive Co. (Products Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... A Good Choice For Outdoor Installation is APAC 630 Outsider II APAC's introduces its 630 Outsider II All Weather Outdoor Carpet Adhesive. It is a flammable, high-strength, solvent rubber base adhesive for the permanent installation of outdoor...

TLC Installations. (Products Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The UNIVERSAL LAYOUT BAR, developed with the installer in mind, increases the consistency from job to job, productivity, and overall quality when laying ceramic and marble tiles or brick. Saving the installer time and increase his layout...

Innovatech. (Products Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Due to the growing trend of facility managers refusing to use propane powered machines in their occupied spaces as well as increased safety and liability concerns, Innovatech is proud to introduce the Terminator 2000-e. This unit is a battery...

Sinclair. (Products Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Sinclair is proud to announce the introduction of an advanced line of Planetary Grinders. "DiaLogic" is available in 3 models: 530(21"), 680(27"), 820(32"). Designed for wet or dry grinding of marble, terrazzo, granite, concrete, the DiaLogic...

Midwest padding. (Products Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... TopCoat is a high-strength latex-based compound formulated to isolate existing adhesives and prevent problems associated with vapor emissions. TopCoat will cover old adhesives such as multi-purpose, pressure sensitive, and cutback that could...

Murphy Oil Soap. (Products Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Murphy Oil Soap has been trusted for almost 100 years to clean finished wood floors. Have you heard stories about Murphy's? Stop by booth 208 at the NWFA Convention and see test results proving it's safe on wood. For details circle #101 on the...

Racatac. (Product Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The RACATAC[TM] is a new installer-designed tool that approaches working on your knees in a whole new way. Instead of sitting back on your heels, the adjustable seat provides the support, while taking pressure off knees, ankles and toes,...

ProKnee[R] introduces its new Goof Proof[TM] Wall Trimmer. (Product Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Beginner to professional cuts in glue down carpet, carpet tiles and soft sheer goods in under sixty seconds using standard slotted blades the can be adjusted super quickly for height of cut. It will cut cove base toe and carpet in one pass, and...

Padco: Floor finishing Applicators. (Product Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The Bigfoot[TM] Floor Applicator is the industry standard for applying a wide range of finishes to wood, tile, vinyl, terrazzo, and hard surface floors. Available in light or heavyweight and 12", 18", and 24" widths. Use with oil or water-based...

Sawtec[R] Grinder-Vac. (Product Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Sawtec[R] dust-free Grinder-Vac surface grinding equipment is ideal 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 used...

James Hardie. (Product Literature Guide).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... More durable than wood or glass or mesh backerboards, Hardibacker[R] tile underlayment is non-combustible, resists impacts, and is dimensionally stable. Available in 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick panels, it scores and snaps easily and won't crack...

BurkeMercer develops wall base. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... BurkeMercer Flooring Products introduced ColonialBase at Surfaces 2002. The wall base is designed to simulate a sculpted wood base moulding. ColonialBase is available in 10 colors. Colors to match any decor are available through...

W. W. Henry creates 'green' adhesive. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... W.W. Henry has formulated GreenLine GL62 High-Performance Carpet Adhesive. According to the company, the adhesive provides the lowest level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor in the industry. GL62 delivers 97% less emissions than...

Bonsai makes light backerboard. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Bonsai has developed ProPannel, a product the company claims is the lightest weight backerboard in the industry. A 1/2-inch, 3-by-5-foot sheet of ProPannel weighs eight pounds. The backerboard is 100% waterproof and can be cut with a utility...

Delmhorst moisture meter debuts. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Delmhorst Instrument Co. recently released Accuscan, a pinless moisture meter. Accuscan features an analog readout, 3/4-inch penetration, a carrying case, built-in battery and calibration checks and a one-year warranty. A comprehensive species...

E-Z Cut releases carpet base cutters. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... E-Z Cut has released the BBC-E Carpet Base Cutting/Slitting Machines. The BBC-E Carpet Base Cutting/Slitting Machine allows users to cutup to 10 strips of carper base at one rime. The basic Table Model features nine adjustable circular...

Custom cement board debuts. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Custom Building Products recently released the RhinoBoard, a fiber cement backerboard. RhinoBoard is 1/4-inch thick, measures 4-by-4-feet and weighs less than 1.6 pounds per square foot. According to the company, the backerboard can be used...

Simtec's EZ moves eases furniture moving. (Product, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... EZ Moves Furniture Slides offer work crews an easier way to move heavy furniture and appliances, according to Simtec. EZ Moves feature thick foam padding that conforms to furniture and does not require adhesives. The EZ Moves line includes...

Schluter offers tile underlayment. (Product, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Schluter Systems demonstrated Schluter-Ditra, underlayment for tile and stone, at Surfaces 2002 in Las Vegas. Ditra is a pressure-stable polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square, cutback cavities and a laminated fleece underside....

Mapei unveils Ultratop. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Mapei recently introduced Ultratop, a self-leveling, abrasion-resistant cementitious topping that is poured into place and reaches compressive strengths of 6, 100 PSI. The company recommends Ultrarop for installations such as warehouse floors,...

Tile-Vac cuts out tile. (Product, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Sawtec's recently released Tile-Vac is a hand-held electric unit that cuts out tile, mortar and grout joints virtually dust-free, according to the company. The Tile-Vac includes a 7,000 to 10,500 rpm 12-amp electric grinder, vacuum housing, a...

NAC develops Strataflex. (Product, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... National Applied Construction Products Inc. recently developed a new method of sealing with the release of Strataflex waterproofing membrane. Strataflex can be sealed by pressing the lap joint together, without the use of glue, solvents or...

Ardex, Henry offer SystemOne. (Product, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Ardex and W.W. Henry have developed SystemOne, a flooring installation and technical support system. SystemOne is a combination of compatible products, technical service support and a comprehensive warranty. SystemOne was designed as a method...

Flexco introduces new profiles. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Flexco has introduced Weave and Radial III, two new profiles. The Radial raised design rubber tile line includes Radial, Radial II, Square, SpexTones, Weave, and Radial III. According to the company, the rubber tiles are durable in...

Laticrete grout scores high on ISO. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Larapoxy SP-100 Stainless Epoxy Grout from Laticrete was recently tested according to the ISO 1054514, Ceramic Tiles Determination of Resistance to Stains. The grout was covered with staining agents including red and green pigment pastes,...

Mapei debuts "fast" new adhesives. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Mapei Corp. has released the Mach 4 and Mach 6, two fast-grab adhesives. Mach 4 is a medium-grade, multi-purpose adhesive. Mach 6 is a high-tack carpet adhesive. Both products have modified acrylic properties that give, them up-front quick grab...

Johnsonite creates wall base lines. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Johnsonite recently expanded its product line with the introduction of two new wall base collections. Millwork is a contoured wall base imitating the look of milled wood. The line features a smooth non-fading surface, and is available in a 4...

Custom releases versatile adhesives. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Custom Building Products has developed a new line of adhesives that includes OmniGrip Ultimate Tile Adhesive and TripleGrip Premium Tile Adhesive. The new adhesives are available in three grades: premium, professional and commercial. ...

Driflor reduces chill. (Product, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Driflor, a system designed to reduce the chill created by cold concrete floors, was recently launched at Surfaces 2002. According to the company, Driflor is ideal for basements or rooms built over concrete slabs and can be used under virtually...

Aqua Mix releases stone sealer. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Aqua Mix has introduced Pro-Solv 10 and Pro-Solv 10 Stone Sealer. Pro-Solv 10 is a sealer that can be used for unglazed clay tiles, porcelain, grout, quarry and saltillo. The sealer repels stains from food preparation and is water- and...

KneePoc offers padded pants. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... KneePoc has released KneePoc pants, jeans with built-in kneepads The pants contain pockets for removable custom kneepads. According to the company, they offer comfort and ease of movement by eliminating the need for straps. For details, circle...

Roberts releases new stretcher. (Product, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Roberts Consolidated Industries has released its new commercial-grade 10-222 Super Senior Power Stretcher. The stretcher features a removable 24-inch cast aluminum swivel head and long extension tubes. The stretcher also comes with an...

CST/Berger introduces LaserMark. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... CST/Berger introduces LaserMark, a collection of measuring instrument designed to make leveling, plumbing and alignment easier for the trade professional. For details, circle 150 on the Free Information Card.

VPI's TPR wall base makes for easier installation. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) wall base from VPI is designed with extreme flexibility for easier installation. Available in 41 standard colors as well as custom color matching, the company says TPR wall base's durability prevents fading, curing...

Powernail releases parts kits. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Powernail Co. Inc. recently released its new line of Powernailer Replacement Parts Kits. Each kit is nailer- and task-specific. The company created 10 tune-up kits, 12 overhaul kits and four miscellaneous kits for all current Powernailers and...

Carpet Shim debuts. (Products, Tools & Accessories).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Carper Shims, Ltd. has released the Carpet Shim. The Carpet, Shim is designed to eliminate double tack-less building ramps and sharp edges of tile and hardwood. According to the company, the new product virtually eliminates the need to use...