Floor Covering Installer articles from March 2006

Floor Covering Installer archives from March 2006

Surfaces seminar a hit with installers.(Editorial)
March 1, 2006... Last month at Surfaces, Floor Covering Installer presented a seminar, "Common Causes of Installation Failures." The seminar was a follow-up to one we presented last year on the same topic; the response was so great that we decided to revisit...

Maximum exposure, extreme flooring conditions (Part 1).(You Make the Call)
March 1, 2006... By the time you read this, the "Big Show" in Las Vegas is history and we're all still trying to sort through the massive amount of information given to us and asking the annual questions: who bought who, they now work for whom, they're making...

Curving stone staircase with a bordered runner.(A Carpet Installer's Notebook)
March 1, 2006... Ha! Here we go again. Another trouble shooting issue. Last year we talked about a steel spiral staircase. This year Jon and I came up with another good one. A stone staircase, 8 straight, 7 curving stairs with stair rods, the carpet a handmade...

Inspection of wood flooring.(NOFMA Tip Sheet)
March 1, 2006... Wood flooring is inspected at every turn. * Manufacturing--Manufacturers inspect their products to determine what parts are defective and what grade/category the product fits into. * Certification--NOFMA Inspectors inspect member...

Moisture in existing concrete: test every slab.
March 1, 2006... Even the most conscientious installer has been caught off guard by moisture. When looking at a job for the first time, be observant and look for signs of past or existing moisture problems. ODOR--Excessive moisture transmission can...

Solid vinyl tile: keys to a successful installation.(Let's Talk Resilient)
March 1, 2006... The words "Vinyl Tile" and "Luxury Vinyl Tile" get thrown around a lot but if you go by industry standards per ASTM, there are only two products in the category of "Vinyl Tile": Vinyl Composition Floor Tile (VCT) and Solid Vinyl Floor Tile...

Ceramic installations over wood structures.(Tile Talk)
March 1, 2006... Can the two very different materials exist peacefully together? Certainly! All you have to do is understand is the needs of each material and then find a compromise. As hard as it may be to imagine, there are still some unknowns concerning the...

Installers get set for Coverings '06.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... More than 32,000 attendees, including tile installers, distributors, retailers and architects are gearing up for Coverings 2006, North America's largest tile and stone show. Set for April 4-7 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando,...

Don't forget your cowboy boots: FCICA event lands in San Antonio.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Members of the Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association are gearing up for "Corral Your Resources," the FCICA's 24th annual convention. Slated for March 16-18 in San Antonio, Texas, the event is designed to help installers and...

In memoriam: Wayne "Smitty" Smith founder of C&F Distributors.(Industry News)(Obituary)
March 1, 2006... Wayne H. Smith, a WWII hero who later established the highly respected Midwestern flooring company C&F Distributors, died Feb. 11, in Tulsa, Okla., due to complications from a stroke. He was 75. A native of Paola, Kan., who was...

Laticrete given thumbs up by GreenGuard Institute.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Laticrete has been certified by the GreenGuard Environmental Institute for products that meet or exceed indoor air quality standards. According to Laticrete, it is the first manufacturer of tile and stone installation materials to be so...

Basic Coatings.(People)
March 1, 2006... Hal Koller has been named the new national sales manager for Basic Coatings. Koller will be responsible for managing the Basic Coatings sales force, as well as developing and implementing sales strategy and programs. Koller holds many years of...

National Association of Floor Covering Distributors.(People)
March 1, 2006... Mariann Gregory has announced that she is retiring as executive director of the National Association of Floor Covering Distributors after 13 years. She will be succeeded by Maurice "Moe" Desmarais, who has 25 years of experience in association...

Specialty Construction Brands.(People)
March 1, 2006... Joe Renzetti has been named president and general manager of Specialty Construction Brands, which manufactures the TEC line of installation products. Renzetti was previously general manager of Adalis, a consulting firm that served several...

Floor Covering Installer and its sister publication National Floor Trends recently hosted the 2005 WFCA Affiliate Association of the Year Awards.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Floor Covering Installer and its sister publication National Floor Trends recently hosted the 2005 WFCA Affiliate Association of the Year Awards. The Chicago Floorcovering Association, Maryland/Northern Virginia Floor Covering Association and...

Innovatech and VIC Intl. team up for Predator line.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Innovatech Products and VIC International have announced a partnership for the new Predator line of four-headed planetary floor grinders. The two companies are teaming up to give customers "a better product and better customer service,"...

BonaKemi plans new N.C. plant: up and running "by end of '06".(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Floor finish maker BonaKemi USA said it plans to open a manufacturing plant in Monroe, N.C. The 87,000 square foot facility will be used to manufacture the company's Bona Environmental Choice System waterborne products. These include the Bona...

Degussa Building Systems' ChemRex LevelPrep: Degussa Building Systems.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 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...

Carpet Shims.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Many shims available from Carpet Shims 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...

Skillers' Holster Pocket Pants: Skillers Workwear.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Holster Pocket Pants hold skillers kneepads 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....

CST/Berger's Stanley Fatmax TLM100 laser tool: CST/berger.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Stanley FatMax laser new from CST/berger 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....

Bullet Tools' Magnum Shears: Bullet Tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Bullet Tools adds new sizes to Magnum Shear cutters Bullet Tools has expanded its Magnum Shear X Series to five sizes. The line includes the extra-large X40" cutter to the compact X9". Other sizes include X13", X20" and X26". Magnum Shear...

Dust Muzzle with attached hose: Dust Collection Products.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Dust Muzzle engineered to fit over 1200 grinders The Dust Muzzle is designed to keep cement dust and other pollutants from floating into the air, according to the company. The product is engineered to fit over 1200 grinders including 4 to...

Noble Company NobleSeal: Noble Company.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... NobleSeal membranes protect ceramic installatons 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...

Lam-Hammer.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 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...

Racatac Products' Master Rac: Racatac Products Inc.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Adjustable Master Rac tool new from Racatac Products 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...

Custom Building Products' SoundGuard Lite: Custom Building Products.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... SoundGuard Lite is Custom's lightweight mat underlayment SoundGard Lite, new from Custom Building Products, is an advanced, lightweight mat underlayment. Designed for setting tile and stone over most subfloors, SoundGuard Lite's patented...

Metropolitan Ceramics by Ironrock: Metropolitan Ceramics.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Metropolitan Ceramics makes full range of slip-resistant tiles Metropolitan Ceramics by Ironrock offers a full range of unglazed ceramic tiles for indoor and outdoor use. Designed for use in areas where slip resistance is required, the...

Sinclair's Duro Stripper: Sinclair Equipment Co.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Sinclair's Duro Stripper can be used for detail work The Duro Stripper by Sinclair Equipment Co. is designed to handle even the most difficult jobs. The manually operated floor stripper is engineered to remove all types of flooring from...

Turbo Heat Welding Tools' Master Turbo Groover: Leo Martinez Enterprises.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Leo Martinez rolls out Master Turbo Groover New to Leo Martinez Enterprises' Turbo Heat Welding Tools line is the Master Turbo Groover. The groover can create circles and curves, as well as groove all the way to the wall, the company notes....

National Hardwood's Castle Flooring Cleats: National Hardwood.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... National Hardwood offers sharp Castle Flooring Cleats National Hardwood presents Castle Flooring Cleats, featuring extremely sharp teeth to help prevent wood splitting. The cleats are offered in 1 1/2", 1 3/4" and 2" sizes. Castle Flooring...

Milwaukee's 3 1/2" clipped heat framing nailer: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Milwaukee introduces new nailers and staplers Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. has taken the wraps off of a full line of professional pneumatic fastening tools and accessories for everyday heavy-duty use. They include framing, roofing and...

Better Tools' Pouch Pack: Better Tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Better Tools' Pouch Pack ensures safe razor handling New from Better Tools is the Pouch Pack, designed for carrying razor blades safely and easily, the company says. The Pouch Pack includes 100 blades packaged 10 per plastic tube. Boxes are...

Schibeci Power Profiler 2500: Kut-Rite Manufacturing.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Kut-Rite distributes new Schibeci profiler Kut-Rite Manufacturing is the newest North American distributor of the Schibeci Power Profiler 2500. Used in tandem with a host machine, the 2500 is designed for bulk removal of concrete, ceramic...

Better Tools' Quick Change carpet Knife: Better Tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Better Tools' Quick Change the knife for carpet jobs The Quick Change Carpet Knife from Better Tools can be fit with regular or heavy-duty slotted blades. The knife features a push-button handle, an overlap nose, a thumb-notch, and a...

Ideal Industries' Mini Magnetic Laser Level: Ideal Industries Inc.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... New Mini Magnetic Level features 'ideal' laser light Ideal Industries has unveiled the Mini Magnetic Laser Level, featuring an ultra-bright 635nm diode. The company says the laser level has a workin range of 650 feet indoors, 325 outside,...

Easy-Pull Tile Spacer: Easy-Pull Tile Spacer.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Easy-Pull Tile Spacers use patented pull-tabs 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...

Knee Blades by Knee Blades Inc.: Knee Blades Inc.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 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...

CleanForce International System: CleanForce International.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 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...

Wagner Electronics' Rapid RH moisture test: Wagner Electronics.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Wagner's Rapid RH engineered for moisture testing 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...

Innovatech's Predator 2400: Innovatech.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
March 1, 2006... Predator 2400 grinder beefs up Innovatech line 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...

Installation of patterned carpet on stairs.(CFI REPORT)
March 1, 2006... 1. It is the estimator's responsibility to: 1. Determine the proper layout for patterned carpet on stairs prior to the installation. 2. Provide a detailed diagram or detailed instructions on the blueprints. 3. State if the pattern...

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

Lees Carpet Institute.(CARPET)
March 1, 2006... 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)
March 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...

AFS Advanced Flooring Specialists.(WOOD)
March 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.

BonaKemi USA.(WOOD)
March 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...

Schluter-Systems expands their Innovation Workshop to California.(Showcase)
March 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...

The 2006 Training School schedule.(WOOD)
March 1, 2006... The 2006 Training School schedule: Sand & Finish 4-Day School, Anaheim, CA April 18-21; Beginner's Only 5--day School, Aurora, CO July 24-28; Sand & Finish 4-Day School, Aurora, CO August 15-18; Sand & Finish 4-Day School, West Coast/TBA...

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).(WOOD)
March 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)
March 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...

Armstrong Wood Products National National Training Center.(WOOD)
March 1, 2006... 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.

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.(WOOD)
March 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:...

Aqua Mix.(TILE & STONE)
March 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...

Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF).(TILE & STONE)
March 1, 2006... 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)
March 1, 2006... 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)
March 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). ...

NTCA.(TILE & STONE)
March 1, 2006... 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)
March 1, 2006... 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.

Amtico International.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
March 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.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
March 1, 2006... Domco provides a number of training methods to provide education on installation of all its resilient product offerings. For details, call (800) 227-4662.

Forbo Installation Training.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
March 1, 2006... 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...

Northern Industries.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
March 1, 2006... 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.

Roane Company.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
March 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)
March 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...

TOLI International.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
March 1, 2006... 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 Engineered Cements.(UNDERLAYMENT/SUBFLOOR)
March 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...

Ardex Training Programs.(UNDERLAYMENT/SUBFLOOR)
March 1, 2006... 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)
March 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)
March 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)
March 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.

Scofield Institute.(UNDERLAYMENT/SUBFLOOR)
March 1, 2006... 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)
March 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...

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

Crain Cutter Co.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
March 1, 2006... 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)
March 1, 2006... 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. ...

F.I.T.S.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
March 1, 2006... F.I.T.S. (Flooring Inspection Training Services) classes cover manufacturing, installation, maintenance, specifications, claims handling report writing, communication skills, marketing and more. Schedules, prices, further information and other...

Forbo Linoleum, Inc.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
March 1, 2006... 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)
March 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...

Mannington Floors.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
March 1, 2006... 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)
March 1, 2006... 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...

Regional Installation Training and Education (RITE).(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
March 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...

Successful laminate installation.(FCICA NEWS)
March 1, 2006... Proper installation is critical to any successful flooring installation, and laminates are no exception. To make sure that happens, first determine if the installation is suitable for the product that is going to be installed. Is the...