Floor Covering Installer articles from September 2006

Floor Covering Installer archives from September 2006

Reader involvement key to FCI growth.(Editorial)
September 1, 2006... Recently, I spent three days immersed in the world of installation, attending the 13th annual CFI Convention in Arlington, Texas. Within five minutes of entering the convention area, an installer came up to me and said, "I really loved your...

Letters to the editor.(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... Editor's note: Following are several letters we received from our readers in response to Dave Gobis' article in the July/August issue of FCI, "Mud Work, a Dying Art." Dave, I was very interested in your last article about "mudwork" in...

Additions--remodeling wood flooring.(NOFMA Tip Sheet)
September 1, 2006... Customer expectations will likely turn out to be the most important part of any project involving a remodel. In most every case you will be working with "imperfect" components of an existing structure. An addition to an existing structure can...

VCT tips from the pros.(Let's Talk Resilient)
September 1, 2006... The largest selling resilient flooring product in terms of square footage is Vinyl Composition Tile or VCT. It's inexpensive to buy and easy to install but like any other flooring product there are ways to do it well and ways to cut corners so...

Ray Thompson's top ten reasons for installation failure.(Resilient Installation Corner)
September 1, 2006... In my travels through the world, looking at installation problems, I have encountered many statements and excuses from installers and flooring contractors. Below is a list of my favorites: 10. "I use a one-size-fits-all trowel." The...

Remodeling with tile.(Tile Talk)
September 1, 2006... We are thinking about remodeling; can we tile our...? That is the question we in the tile business want to hear in remodeling work. The statement is near and dear to the hearts of us all who sell construction products and services. Residential...

Re-stretching carpet with a deadman.(A Carpet Installer's Notebook)
September 1, 2006... A friend of mine who is the owner of a high-end carpet store called for some advice. A job needed a re-stretch. The original installer refused to come back. This one was a little different, and because of the layout his current installer was...

The art of the seam: using seamer down now!
September 1, 2006... There are two concerns for the carpet installer that can make or break his business--call backs and repeat business. Call backs are lost time (and money). Repeat business is the X-factor for a business to grow. Oddly enough, these two opposites...

The good, the bad and the Berber.(You Make the Call)
September 1, 2006... Summer is here and everyone is looking at his or her family rooms and basement areas (high traffic) wanting to replace or upgrade the carpet. For these types of areas the best fiber selection has been polypropylene (Olefin). We typically refer...

An Invitation from FIANA.(FIANA MEMBER SHOWCASE)
September 1, 2006... In January 1995, a group of manufacturers and distributors of floor installation products/sundries met and decided to form an association dedicated to bring together this group in an effort to raise the level of "Professionalism through...

C & C wholesale focused on customer service.(FIANA MEMBER SHOWCASE: C & C Wholesale)
September 1, 2006... In 1975 Blake and Mary Christian started C & C Wholesale Distributors in Dallas, Texas with a borrowed pickup truck and a dream of providing flooring installers and dealers with quality products at a reasonable price. After helping get C & C's...

Quality, professionalism make carpet cushions & supplies a success.(FIANA MEMBER SHOWCASE: Carpet Cushions & Supplies)(Company overview)
September 1, 2006... Carpet Cushions & Supplies was founded by Aaron and Jeff Karsen in 1979. What were and have remained the company philosophy and goals are: 1. To make the installation supplies easily accessible to the installers. In 1979 we saw a trend...

CLARK Flooring Solutions: changing with the times.(FIANA MEMBER SHOWCASE: CLARK Flooring Solutions / CLARK Continental, Inc.)
September 1, 2006... CLARK Flooring Solutions is owned by "D" Clark and his two brothers, Tom and Tim. The "D" stands for Devon. It could also stand for "Dynamic" because that's an apt description of the man who founded CLARK in 1980 and has since built it...

Greenbaum: one of the oldest names in the industry.(FIANA MEMBER SHOWCASE: Greenbaum)
September 1, 2006... The Greenbaum name in distribution is no doubt one of the oldest in the industry. Founded in Sept. 1937, it is now 69 years old. The current owner is Dave Greenbaum, son of the founder, A.L. Greenbaum. The Greenbaum Co. started in a small...

W.J. Grosvenor & Co., Inc.(FIANA MEMBER SHOWCASE)
September 1, 2006... W.J. Grosvenor & Co., Inc. was founded in 1910 by W.J. Grosvenor, as a builder of sidewalks and railroads. The current president and owner, Bernie McHugh's grandfather, began working at W.J. Grosvenor & Co., Inc. in 1912. When W.J. Grosvenor...

Hank's Specialties celebrates 30-year anniversary!(FIANA MEMBER SHOWCASE: Hank's Specialties)
September 1, 2006... In May 1976 Hank Grachek started selling floor covering supplies in an 800-square-foot rental garage. Two years later Hank's Specialties moved its budding operation into a permanent 4,700-square-foot location in New Brighton, Minn. Over...

The PFS team makes the difference.(FIANA MEMBER SHOWCASE: Professional Flooring Supply)
September 1, 2006... Professional Flooring Supply was founded by Jim Lee in 1977. We are committed to providing the floor covering professional with the finest selection of installation tools and materials available. A family business with family values, then and...

Namba named executive director at 13th annual CFI Convention.(Industry News)
September 1, 2006... Dedicated installers from around the nation converged in Arlington, Texas for the 13th annual CFI Convention. Attendees were able to network and attend a variety of educational seminars, as well as learn about the latest installation-related...

Powernail founders enter MFMA Hall of Fame.(Industry News)
September 1, 2006... Pictured are the plaques Powernail Co. founders Edgar and Carl Anstett received when they were inducted recently into the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) Hall of Fame. As co-designers and developers of power nailing and cleat...

Armstrong to emerge from Chapter 11; U.S. District Court OKs modified plan.(Industry News)
September 1, 2006... After nearly six years in bankruptcy as a result of asbestos-related litigation, Armstrong World Industries said it expects to emerge from Chapter 11 protection in the fourth quarter of 2006. The statement came following a decision by U.S....

Engineers recognize KoolGlide with prestigious product award.(Industry News)
September 1, 2006... The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) recently honored Impax Technology Group's KoolGlide Carpet Seaming System with a New Product of the Year Award. "It is almost overwhelming to have our company represented alongside some...

FIANA set for Atlanta, will ponder install issues.(Industry News)
September 1, 2006... An upbeat attitude, greater knowledge of legal issues and a better grasp on showrooms design are among the benefits promised to manufacturers and distributors traveling to the Floor Installation Association of North America's 12th Annual...

Total Solutions: tile contractors set to meet in Vegas this month.(Industry News)
September 1, 2006... A slate of business and technical sessions, a preview of new products and a forum for contractors to relate their best practices will highlight the third annual National Tile Contractors Association's annual meeting set for this month. The...

New FCI sister pub, Site Prep, will target building planners.(Industry News)
September 1, 2006... A new trade publication serving professionals involved in construction site preparation will be formally launched next year by the parent company of Floor Covering Installer, BNP Media. Set to begin regular publication in January 2007 with an...

FCICA mid-year meeting to present educational focus.(Industry News)
September 1, 2006... The Floor Covering Installation Contactors Association (FCICA) is gearing up for its mid-year meeting with the theme "Education: Setting a Course of Success." The Sept. 29-30 event at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Boston will include two...

Commercial Construction offers three big shows in one.(Industry News)
September 1, 2006... Three major construction shows are coming together under one name as the Commercial Construction Show. Combining the Hospitality Construction Expo, Retail Construction Expo and Healthcare Building Expo, the three events will maintain separate...

Bonsal American.(People)
September 1, 2006... Bonsal American has expanded its management and sales teams. Shawn King has been named director of marketing/product development and will be responsible for brand management and product R&D for both the Sakrete and Bonsal brands. Additionally,...

Q.E.P. Co. Inc.(People)
September 1, 2006... Industry veteran Jim Daubs has been named vp business development of Q.E.P. Co. Inc. He will focus on strategic marketing initiatives and strengthening key customer relationships, according to the company.

Intertech Flooring.(People)
September 1, 2006... Intertech Flooring has announced several personnel moves: Carl Schneider has been promoted to vp finance. He had been controller since 1994. Dixon Matlock, a director of production, is elevated to vp of Austin operations. Jonathan Barton, Glenn...

Laticrete.(People)
September 1, 2006... Laticrete chairman and CEO David Rothberg was recently inducted into the Junior Achievement of Southwest New England's Business Hall of Fame. The achievement recognizes Rothberg's commitment to his employees and to the greater Bethany, Conn....

The Jackrabbit Carpet Puller: Marizzaldi Manufacturing.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Jackrabbit Carpet Puller pulls up even difficult jobs Marizzaldi Manufacturing presents the Jackrabbit, a solid steel, lightweight glue-down carpet puller designed for even the most difficult lift jobs. The machine's 4' wide cylinder is...

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

National Hardwood's Castle Flooring Cleats: National Hardwood.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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...

Hardwood Industry's EZ Pro Injector: Hardwood Industry.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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...

Carpet Shims.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Carpet Shims: Discover the underlying difference 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...

TURBO Heat Welding Tool's Master TURBO Groover: Leo Martinez Enterprises.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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...

Synteko sealer and finishes: Syntheko North America.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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...

Potlach's EnStron: Potlach Corp.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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,...

All American Wood Register HVAC diffuser collars: All American Wood Register.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... All American Wood Register develops HVAC diffuser collars 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...

Georgia-Pacific DensShield: Georgia-Pacific.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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,...

Dayton Superior's Sure Finish: Dayton Superior Corp.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 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...

TEC 3N1.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... TEC 3N1 Performance Mortar features three installation benefits TEC introduces 3N1 Performance Mortar. This mortar is designed to be used in virtually any ceramic tile and natural stone installation, the company says. 3N1 combines three key...

Orcon's Super Scraper Blade: Orcon's Corp.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Orcon Super Scraper Blade features notched-edge design Orcon presents the Super Scraper Blade, in 5" and 4" sizes (catalog numbers 13309 and 13308 respectively). The blade features a unique notched-edge design and are engineered to last...

Roberts' 10-203 Folding Pocket utility knife: Roberts Consolidated.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Roberts latest utility knife can be folded for safe keeping Roberts Consolidated Industries has taken the wraps off of the 10-203 Folding Pocket Utility Knife. The tool measures just 3 1/2" when folded. When opened via a push trigger, the...

Nuheat applied for a laminate flooring installation: Nuheat.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Nuheat's MatComfort 82F for engineered, laminates Nuheat's electrical floor radiant floor warming system features MatComfort 82F, a programmable thermostat specifically designed for use in engineered wood and laminate flooring...

Warmup kit: Warmup.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Warmup expands line with new wire, mats Warmup has beefed up its floor heating products. The company has introduced a new heater wire made using a thin, dual-core element and designed for easier installation. Additionally, Warmup has...

Bonsal American's B-6000: Bonsal American.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Bonsal B-6000 resists water, dries quickly Bonsal American presents Bonsal B-6000, an advanced polymer-based product that offers both waterproofing and crack isolation properties. B-6000 dries quickly in four hours and can be applied over...

Bullet Tools' Seam Jet iron: Bullet Tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Bullet Tools' Seam Jet iron cools slower for greater control Bullet Tools has unveiled the Seam Jet, a full-featured, fully grooved standard iron that uses new EvnSeam Technology. EvnSeam gives the Seam Jet iron a second, patented heating...

Southern Cross' Gripper Edge tack strip: Southern Cross.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Southern Cross Gripper Edge tack strip carries guarantee Southern Cross Building Products makes Gripper Edge carpet tack strip for the professional carpet installer. The product, which is offered for every type of installation, is...

Porta-Nails nail and staples: Porta-Nails.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Porta-Nails products run the install gamut Porta-Nails offers nails and staples in every size and design for virtually any application. The company's line includes T- and L-shaped nails and staples for both manual and pneumatic guns. For...

Better Tools' new folding carpet knife: Better Tools.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Better Tools' newest knife uses one-button blade change Better Tools introduces its latest folding carpet knife. The tool features one-button blade changes, an easy-grip contoured handle, and a rubber grip that locks open for safety. Better...

APAC's EZ Strip D4 Carpet and Adhesive Remover: All Purpose Adhesive Co.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... APAC's EZ Strip D4 formula removes old carpet, adhesives APAC has developed EZ Strip D4 Carpet and Adhesive Remover. The product is offered in a concentrated form that can be diluted with tap water, and is designed to soften carpet...

Tile Eze Marble Plane: Tile Eze.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Tile Eze's Marble Plane aims to eliminate lippage New from Tile Eze is the Marble Plane, a tool designed to eliminate lippage from installations of marble, stone and granite tiles of any size. The plane enables an installer to set tile in a...

Sinclair's Turbo II stripper: Sinclair Equipment Co.(Products, Tools & Accessories)
September 1, 2006... Sinclair's Turbo II stripper features hand-operated clutch Sinclair Equipment Co. presents the Turbo II stripper, designed to remove commercial carpet, vinyl, VCT, rubber, sports surfaces, ceramic tile and glue-down hardwood. The Turbo II...

The benefits of unionization.(GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS)
September 1, 2006... Last time around, I tackled the topic of the segregated installation situation. Most subcontractors are in business for themselves simply because that is the majority position that retailers or dealers put us in. If you want to better yourself,...

Are you "waivering"?(Namba's World)
September 1, 2006... When we arrive on a job site and see issues that may affect the performance of our installed product, what do we do? Do we walk; or do we work around the issues because we know that this is just how things are in the construction trade? We can...

Quality installations--happy flooring installers and dealers--is it possible?(CFI REPORT)
September 1, 2006... It is extremely important that our customers understand quality installation. Most customers are so excited about their new purchase that the shortcomings of unqualified installers never surface until too late. Our "partners" can outsell ALL...

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

Lees Carpet Institute.(Carpet)
September 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)
September 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...

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

AFS Advanced Flooring Specialists.(Wood)
September 1, 2006... AFS Advanced Flooring Specialists is school that provides training for dealers, distributors, manufacturers and inspectors. For information, contact Fred Gamble at 530-888-1217 or at fggamble@pacbell.net.

Basic Coatings.(Wood)
September 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....

Pergo, Inc.(Showcase)
September 1, 2006... In addition to the long-established Two-Day Training Program, Pergo, Inc has designed a One-Day Test Program for those installers who have years of experience with laminate installation, but do not want to spend two days in a training class....

BonaKemi USA.(Wood)
September 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...

National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).(Wood)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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.

Schluter-Systems.(Wood)
September 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 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 1, 2006... The National Training Center for Stone & Masonry Trades provides training in all aspects of the stone and tile industry, from design and installation to fabrication and restoration and maintenance. For details, call (404) 834-4800.

Amtico International.(Laminate/Resilient)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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...