Floor Covering Installer articles from September 2005

Floor Covering Installer archives from September 2005

Pride and professionalism.(Editorial)
September 1, 2005... Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the 11th annual CFI Convention in St. Louis, and it was a tremendous learning experience for me. From the hands-on seminars to the product demonstrations and manufacturer panel discussions, every hour...

Walking the plank.(You Make the Call)
September 1, 2005... All hands on deck; it's time to check your sea legs. OK, so I'm not a pirate, but in the following photos it is easy to see why the homeowner is upset and wants someone to walk the plank. Being called a scurvy dog for this installation is not...

A Serpent Edge saves the day.(A Carpet Installer's Notebook)
September 1, 2005... At first glance it looked like a solid color carpet. After the first seam I knew something was amiss. The seam was cut perfect, down the row, sealed, well constructed, but it was off. I could see a line, not a seam line, but a color line, like...

Refinishing a wood floor.(NOFMA Tip Sheet)
September 1, 2005... When we say we're going to refinish a wood floor, what do we mean? Refinishing means to remove the existing finish to bare wood and then apply a new finish system. This is totally different from screen/pad and recoat, or abrading the existing...

The art of customized wood floors.
September 1, 2005... Many of today's homeowners with hardwood floors are looking for that one-of-a-kind design to make their floor unique. The industry has come a long way in achieving creative and colorful designs, accents and special effects using glazes, paints,...

Rubber flooring installation: tips from the pros.(Let's Talk Resilient)
September 1, 2005... Rubber flooring is one of the oldest types of resilient flooring--it's been around for generations. It is generally used in commercial environments, and with improvements in colors and visual appearance, is experiencing a growth in sales in...

Proper adhesive selection for resilient flooring.
September 1, 2005... As listed by the FCICA in their most recently published FIT reference manual, resilient flooring is linoleum, cork, asphalt tile, vinyl asbestos tile/VAT, vinyl tile and sheet goods, and rubber flooring. As stated in their manual, asphalt tile...

Layout: time to be a visionary.(Tile Talk)
September 1, 2005... The tile is selected, the owner now has a vision, and now it is your job to make it all come true. My personal feeling is that of all the challenges faced by installers, layout has to be the biggest mental challenge we face. For all other areas...

BNP Media volunteers pitch in to build sponsored Habitat for Humanity home.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... BNP Media employees were greeted by nothing more than a foundation and floor base on their first day of work on a BNP Media-sponsored Habitat for Humanity house in Detroit this past June. On the first day of work, volunteers raised the walls,...

W.J. Grosvenor opens two New England stores.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... North Billerica, Mass.-based W.J. Grosvenor recently opened two new locations in New England: one in Springfield, Mass., and one in Warwick, R.I. Several Hooters girls were on-hand to celebrate the grand openings in style. "We were...

Surfaces '06 sign-ups reach record numbers.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... Organizers of the annual Surfaces trade show said 90 percent of the exhibit space at next year's meeting has already been claimed by 640 companies. The pace of sign-ups for the show, scheduled for Feb.1-3, 2006, at the Sands Expo & Convention...

NWFA adds three new categories to Wood Floor of the Year contest.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... The National Wood Flooring Association has begun accepting entries for its 2006 Wood Floor of the Year Contest, which will feature three new categories: Best Factory Finished, Best Limited Species and Best Reclaimed. The trade organization said...

Trowel of Excellence certification developed by TCAA, IMI, BAC.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... The Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA) has announced that it will unveil a new certification program for trained tile contractors, timed to coincide with the start of its annual convention taking place in October in San Juan, Puerto...

Farnsworth promoted at BonaKemi as part of management restructure.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... As part of a management restructuring program by the company, BonaKemi USA recently promoted Enos Farnsworth to vp sales and marketing. Previously director of sales, Farnsworth will be responsible for sales and marketing programs including...

FITS announces dates for 2006 tech symposium.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... Flooring Inspection Training Services (FITS) has announced that it will hold its 2006 FITS Technical Symposium March 23-24 at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, Ga. Aiming to cover all phases of the flooring industry...

NOFMA report: shipments in June still high for hardwood.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... NOFMA: The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association recently announced its latest report on hardwood flooring shipments. According to the report, shipments were down by 1 percent in June over the previous month, and down 2 percent in the first...

Retailers visit Virginia Hardwood open house at California HQ.(Industry News)
September 1, 2005... Virginia Hardwood held an open house at its Azusa, Calif., headquarters this past July, drawing the attention of manufacturers and retailers alike. More than 450 retailers were on hand for to the event, while representatives from companies...

BonaKemi USA.(People)
September 1, 2005... BonaKemi USA has named Dan Lipman regional distribution manager for the western region. An 11-year veteran of the flooring industry, Lipman was most recently publisher of Floor Covering Installer magazine by BNP Media, the same company that...

Expanko.(People)
September 1, 2005... Expanko has announced that Christopher Capobianco of Flooring Answers will be providing technical services to the company. As a fourth-generation floor covering specialist, Capobianco brings a wealth of experience to his role. He is also a...

MAPEI Americas.(People)
September 1, 2005... President of MAPEI Americas, Nick Di Tempora has been named to the Dean's Executive Council at the Florida Atlantic University School of Business. As the senior executive of MAPEI, which is based in South Florida, Di Tempora will relate his...

Aqua Mix's Eff-Ex inhibits efflorescence.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... Aqua Mix introduces its efflorescence remover, Eff-Ex. The cleaning and inhibiting product comes in a non-acidic, neutral pH solution designed for use on most polished and unpolished stone, tile, masonry and clay surfaces. Eff-Ex incorporates...

Inside Edge designs Fast Jax to move three types of fixtures.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... Inside Edge Commercial Interior Services presents the Fast Jax fixture moving system, which now includes Pallet Rack Jax and Library Jax in addition to the existing Gondola Jax. Fast Jax is designed to quickly lift and move shelving systems....

Crain's Seam Steamer can help reduce peaking.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... Crain Cutter's Seam Steamer is designed to gently reheat a seam area. When reheated, the seam becomes pliable and may be pressed flat to reduce peaking, according to Crain. Compact and light-weight, the unit can also be used to help remove roll...

Johnsonite adds five textures to line.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... Johnsonite unveils five new textures to its rubber flooring line: Bamboo, Chopped Bamboo, Pebbles, Artistic Square and Cubis. The textures come in solid colors or in a variety of Speckled, Marbleized and Olio patterns. Johnsonite rubber...

Crain diamond blades unveiled for two saws.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... Crain Cutter now makes diamond blades for its No. 812 Super Saw and 820 Undercut Saw, which are designed to cut tile, stone and masonry. The Toe-Kick Saw blade can be used to remove field tiles for repair and make cuts under toe spaces when...

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

Rolling carrying case available from Crain.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... A rolling carrying case is now offered by Crain for its vinyl roller units. The case not only makes the roller more portable, but protects the fragile rolling sections from damage, Crain says. The case is engineered to be lightweight and easy...

Better Tools blade dispenser designed for safer handling.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... Designed to limit handling of sharp blades, the Purple Pack Safety Slide carpet blade dispenser from Better Tools is made to quickly and safely release a new blade. The Purple Pack also houses used blade storage. The dispensers come in round...

APAC 564 adhesive for resilient installs.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... APAC rolls out its 564 White Universal Resilient Flooring Adhesive. A specialized product, 564 is designed for installation of vinyl tile, homogeneous sheet vinyl, rubber tile, stair treads and vinyl tile plank. It can be used over both porous...

Stone & porcelain sealer new from SureSeal USA.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... SureSeal introduces Polished Stone & Porcelain Sealer, specifically formulated to help seal and protect all polished stone surfaces including granite, marble and porcelain. SureSeal says its sealer also works in preventing oil and water-based...

BonaKemi AdvantEdge edger can be used with DCS system.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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 350 on the Reader Inquiry Card....

Sinclair redesigns the SM800 Junior Groover.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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...

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

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

Lam-Hammer introduces installation tool for laminate or engineered floors.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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...

Q.E.P.'s newest tile saw can be used in large jobs.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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)
September 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...

MAPEI Planitop 25 is flowable.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... MAPEI has designed Planitop 25 as a flowable, cementitious, structural repair mortar. This shrink-age-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)
September 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...

Tavy Thin-Skin 2-Part Underlayment System.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... Tavy Thin-Skin 2-Part Underlayment System allows you to set tile over any sound surface. The Tavy Thin-Skin Underlayment is simply trimmed to size and glued to the existing surface, using Tavy #007 Glue, to create a surface suitable for setting...

RACATAC Products introduces chest support attachment for RACATAC.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2005... Racatac Products, Inc. has introduced a new chest support attachment for the RACATAC, which will allow you to work in a supported leaning over position while sitting and kneeling on the RACATAC. The webspring cushion is amazingly comfortable...

Lenox rolls out the CXT truck.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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] ...

Innovatech unveils Orbiter grinders and polishers.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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)
September 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...

12th Annual CFI Convention a huge success.(CFI REPORT)
September 1, 2005... CFI members and guests arrived from many states and two foreign countries to make this year just as exciting and educational as conventions in the past. A total of 274 representatives from the flooring industry took advantage of another...

Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association.(Showcase)
September 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:...

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

Lees Carpet Institute.(CARPET)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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.(WOOD)
September 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)
September 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...

Armstrong Wood Products National National Training Center.(WOOD)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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.

Forbo Installation Training.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
September 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...

Northern Industries.(LAMINATE/RESILIENT)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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...

FITS.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
September 1, 2005... FITS CLASS SCHEDULE FOR 2005 The classes will be taught by Tim Smith and/or Tandy Reeves. In addition, experts from various areas of the flooring industry will occasionally make presentations. WOOD -- Sep 26-Sep 30 HARD...

Forbo Linoleum, Inc.(MULTIPLE SUBJECTS)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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...