Floor Covering Installer articles from September 2008

Floor Covering Installer archives from September 2008

Subfloor prep is key to avoiding installation failures.(Editorial)
September 1, 2008... Five years ago, Floor Covering Installer launched a new, special issue, the Underlayment and Subfloor Preparation Guide. This special issue was intended to address the myriad issues involved with preparing subfloors prior to installation of...

A time to remember.
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] May 24, 2008; it's a beautiful spring day just before Memorial Day. Please let me stop right here and say thank you, to all of you, both serving and have served in the past that makes it possible for me to enjoy my...

Slabs and wood flooring.
September 1, 2008... Some years back we talked about installing wood flooring on concrete. We reviewed the basics that the slab should be--Clean, Dry, Flat, and Sound. The requirement continues even today, there is no "magic bullet" that allows us to ignore this....

Cement underlayments.
September 1, 2008... Over the years we have spent a lot of time discussing various substrates for bonding tile but often we do not give enough consideration to the actual underlayment material. In this issue of FCI we focus on that wide array of products that fall...

Underlayment and subfloor prep manufacturer directory.(Directory)
September 1, 2008... Editor's note: The manufacturers in this section are those from whom we have received forms; therefore, this section should not be interpreted to be all-inclusive. If you are a manufacturer of underlayment or sublfoor-related products and would...

"Win-Win" warranties for crack isolation membranes/installation.
September 1, 2008... Exactly what should you look for in a crack isolation membrane warranty? There are many answers to this question. By definition, the warranty is the membrane manufacturer's statement that its product(s)... Will be free from any warranted...

Concrete floor preparation.
September 1, 2008... After a concrete slab has been tested for and met the moisture requirements it is time to begin the preparation of the slab to receive the floor covering material. A concrete slab should meet the standards set forth by ASTM F-710 "Standard...

Spec the prep! Specify proper floor preparation with quality materials and be better than your competition.
September 1, 2008... Having written for FCI on resilient flooring now for a number of years, I have written about substrate preparation many times in many different ways. Few issues create more problems and failures on resilient flooring installations than improper...

Subfloor preparation: who is responsible?
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For years flooring installers have blamed concrete substrate headaches on the concrete contractors. So what is the concrete side of the industry doing to address the needs of the flooring installer? Well, there are...

CFI convention celebrates 15 years of success.(Industry News)
September 1, 2008... CFI's 15th Anniversary Celebration was held July 31-August 2, in Kansas City, and by all accounts, the convention was a huge success. Opening the conference, Sam Allman of Allman Consulting and sponsored by MOHAWK Carpet and the World Floor...

NTCA offers updated reference manual in CD-ROM format.(Industry News)
September 1, 2008... The National Tile Contractors Association, the largest tile contractors association in the world, is offering an updated version of its Reference Manual in a new CD-ROM format that will be available for all NTCA members on an annual basis to...

National Applied Construction (NAC) Products.(People on the Move)
September 1, 2008... National Applied Construction (NAC) Products has appointed Nick Duve as manager of marketing and customer relations. In his new role, Duve will develop and oversee all marketing, advertising and promotional initiatives, as well as serving as...

NAC.(People on the Move)
September 1, 2008... NAC has also hired Merideth Peffer as operations manager. In her new role, Peffer will be responsible for building and maintaining vendor relations, budgeting and managing inventory. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Tile Redi.(People on the Move)
September 1, 2008... Tile Redi has appointed Sean Cook as sales manager. In this position, Cook will establish and manage sales in the hospitality, wholesale, installer and retail sales channels for the company's patented line of leak-proof shower pans. ...

Calendar of events.(Industry News)(Conference news)(Calendar)
September 1, 2008... NTCA 2008 Total Solutions Conference National Harbor, MD, Sept. 18-20 (601) 939-2071 www.tile-assn.com 2008 FIANA Convention St. Louis, MO, Oct. 16-19 (817) 326-2615 www.fiana.org

Industry members donate materials, labor to tile 60 homes on Mississippi Gulf Coast.
September 1, 2008... Industry members donated tile, setting materials, tools, and time to help tile a total of 60 homes along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as part of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project (JRCWP) in May. Habitat for Humanity of the...

Ligno-DuoTec BW meter offers RH and scan modes: Lignomat USA, Ltd.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... New from Lignomat, the Ligno-DuoTec BW meter is a dual-mode meter, with a non-invasive scan mode and RH mode, the company says. The non-=invasive scan mode can be used to check moisture in flooring, while the RH mode is used for testing...

Bona Kemi DCS features hospital-grade HEPA filter: Bona Kemi USA, Inc.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Bona Portable DCS is the most advanced dust containment system available, according to the company. The Portable DCS system combines a Bona exclusive two-step cyclonic intake system with a hospital-grade HEPA...

Arrow Fastener Company introduces ET155 ProShot 3 staple gun: Arrow Fastener Company Inc.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Arrow ET155 ProShot 3 electric narrow crown staple gun packs 12 amps of powers without the need for a cumbersome air compressor and hose, according to the company. The ET155 fires 3/16-inch width narrow crown...

Delmhorst introduces Total Check moisture meter: Delmhorst.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Total Check 3-in-1 moisture meter integrates pin mode, pin-less scan mode, and thermo hygrometer into a fully featured meter for flooring installers. Total Check identifies problem areas in building materials...

MAPEI incorporates new DustFree technology into Ultraflex 2: MAPEI Corp.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... MAPEI's flagship mortar, Ultraflex 2, now touts dust-free technology. The LEED-compliant thin-set features up to 90% less dust production during pouring, mixing and installation, the company says. www.mapei.com. Circle 357 on the Reader Inquiry...

USG Levelrock CSD Early Exposure underlayment pourable before window installation: USG.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... USG has announced that its Levelrock CSD Early Exposure floor underlayment can be poured up to 60 days before the building's permanent windows and doors are installed. Designed for use in buildings with light-gauge steel frame construction,...

TURBO Plane trims rod in one pass: TURBO Heat Welding Tools.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The TURBO Plane's exclusive design trims weld rod in one pass, according to the company. Simply push the TURBO Plane forward and it makes your first and final trim cuts at one time. Adjusting feature guarantees a...

TURBO Tip handles both flat and flash coving work: TURBO Heat Welding Tools.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... With a single 180[degrees] twist, the versatile TURBO Tips handle both flat and flash coving work. This feature will eliminate the cost of investing in various conventional speed tips. Optimize your time! The TURBO Tips are designed to be...

Schluter-DITRA designed for tile and stone installations: Schluter Systems.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installations, Schluter-DITRA serves as an uncoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, and vapor management layer that accommodates moisture from beneath the...

Master TURBO Kit offers lifetime warranty: TURBO Heat Welding Tools.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Master TURBO kit is a top-of-the-line kit for heat welding, the company says. These tools are user friendly and they can be used by a pro as well as an apprentice. When using these TURBO tools, TURBO guarantees...

Sound Shark rubber underlayment new from Sound Seal: Sound Seal.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sound Seal has completed a new series of acoustical tests for glue down engineered hardwood flooring, the company says. Independent testing shows an IIC rating of 57 and 60 over concrete and wood construction using...

APAC adds new line of ultra premium adhesives: All Purpose Adhesive Company.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] APAC's Vapor Master adhesives give installers and contractors an edge over moisture emission problems, according to the company. These adhesives eliminate the need for moisture correction on concrete slabs with high...

Chapco's Defender formulated for new concrete: Chapco Adhesive Products Co.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... Chapco's Defender is the proven moisture vapor barrier for the installation of floor coverings, tile, stone and concrete toppings, the company says. Defender is a low-viscosity, high- penetration, two-part 100% solids epoxy that is specially...

Wagner Rapid RH speeds up humidity testing: Wagner Electronics.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wagner's Rapid RH is the fastest concrete relative humidity test, the company says. The Rapid RH fits beneath the surface of the concrete; does not impact ongoing construction; allows for rapid initial readings and...

BASF CHEMREX CX-100 formulated for interior installation: BASF.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BASF's CHEMREX CX-1000 is a solvent-free, zero VOC, 100 percent solids formulation for interior installation, according to the company. CX1000 offers over an hour of open time, superior clean-ability and a tenacious...

Taylor Introduces Taylor #901 Odyssey Type 1 Premium Ceramic Tile Adhesive: W.F. Taylor Co., Inc.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] W.F. Taylor Co. has introduced W.F. Taylor Co. has introduced Taylor #901--Odyssey Type 1 Premium Ceramic Tile Adhesive, which is designed for the interior installation of ceramic wall and floor tile on vertical or...

Reduce installation costs with new Novoplan[R] Easy: MAPEI.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MAPEI has included its "reduced surface preparation technology" into the Novoplan line of levelers. Novoplan Easy--MAPEI's new easy-preparation, self-leveling underlayment--offers superior mixing and self-smoothing...

Custom Building Products introduces MegaLite Rapid Set Crack Prevention Mortar: Custom Building Products.(Products on Display)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Custom Building Products has introduced its new MegaLite Rapid Set Crack Prevention Mortar, which is ideal for time-critical installations, the company says. This premium, lightweight, rapidsetting mortar allows...

International Certified Floor Covering Installers Association (CFI).(Carpet)
September 1, 2008... International Certified Floor Covering Installers Association (CFI) and the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) educational programs include certification for carpet installation professionals, and installation training for dealers,...

Lees Carpet Institute.(Carpet)
September 1, 2008... Lees Carpet Institute ensures that installers get personal trarequires students to have five years of experience before being accepted into the program. Training adheres to CRI standards. For details, call (800) 443-2241.

National Carpet Equipment.(Carpet)
September 1, 2008... National Carpet Equipment conducts a variety of custom training courses to fit the student's needs. Handson training cover all phases: rug design, carpet carving, sculpting, bas-relief, binding, hand tufting, fiber optic and more. For details,...

ORCON.(Carpet)
September 1, 2008... ORCON's installation training workshops offer hands-on trainings, visual education on carpet types and current carpet industry innovations. Call Deb Brothers at (510) 476-2163 for information.

Amtico International.(Laminate/Resilient)
September 1, 2008... 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, 2008... 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, 2008... Forbo Installation Training includes an Associate and a Master Mechanic curriculum. For further details or to obtain an application, go to www.forboLinoleumNA.com or contact Forbo Technical Services at (800) 342-0604.

Northern Industries.(Laminate/Resilient)
September 1, 2008... 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, Inc.'s Endorsed 2-Day Training Program.(Laminate/Resilient)
September 1, 2008... Pergo, Inc.'s Endorsed 2-Day Training Program includes installation topics and techniques, as well as Pergo provides the training facility, all tools and materials. Classes are limited to six students and are filled on a first-come,...

Tarkett Commercial.(Laminate/Resilient)
September 1, 2008... Tarkett Commercial offers a range of installation training opportunities ranging from job start-ups, local area contractor seminars to comprehensive training courses conducted at its training facility in Houston, TX, or at approved field...

TOLI International.(Laminate/Resilient)
September 1, 2008... TOLI International offers a daylong class, titled "Everything You Need to Know About installing TOLI." For more information, call (888) TRY TOLI (1-888-879-8654).

Best Flooring Installers.(Multiple Subjects)
September 1, 2008... Best Flooring Installers is training Spanish-speaking individuals to install carpet, vinyl, laminate, and luxury vinyl tile and plank. For more information, visit www.bestflooringinstallers.com or call (302) 545-0444.

Crain Cutter Co.(Multiple Subjects)
September 1, 2008... 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.

Flooring Consultants and Inspection Training Services (FCITS).(Multiple Subjects)
September 1, 2008... Flooring Consultants and Inspection Training Services (FCITS), offers certification classes for Carpet and Hard Surface flooring inspectors. IICRC CEU's are also available. For information visit www.fcits.org or call (800) 462-2151.

The Floor Covering Institute.(Multiple Subjects)
September 1, 2008... The Floor Covering Institute offers training on resilient and wood flooring installation, floor preparation and moisture testing. Current course offerings include a basic five-day resilient installation school, five-day commercial and advanced...

F.I.T.S. (Flooring Inspection Training Services).(Multiple Subjects)
September 1, 2008... F.I.T.S. (Flooring Inspection Training Services) classes cover manufacturing, installation, maintenance, specifications, claims-handling report writing, communication skills, marketing and more. More information is available online at:...

Flooring Technology Institute (FTI).(Multiple Subjects)
September 1, 2008... Flooring Technology Institute (FTI) presents a one-day course on field moisture testing and investigations of concrete and other substrate/subfloors. The Moisture Testing and Investigation course is $300. For more information, contact:...

INSTALL (International Standards and Training Alliance).(Multiple Subjects)
September 1, 2008... INSTALL (International Standards and Training Alliance) is an alliance of mills, manufacturers, contractors and the floor covering arm of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Content includes, but is not limited to,...

The MAPEI Technical Institute.(Multiple Subjects)
September 1, 2008... The MAPEI Technical Institute offers courses in four different disciplines: Tile & Stone Installation Systems (TSIS); Concrete Restoration Systems (CRS); Surface Preparation & Waterproofing (SPW); and Floor Covering Installation Systems (FCIS)....

The Painters and Allied Trades (LMCI).(Multiple Subjects)
September 1, 2008... The Painters and Allied Trades (LMCI) is an industry resource for leadership education, knowledge exchange, and networking to improve the capabilities of the unionized finishing industry's workforce. For details, visit www.LMCIonline. org or...

Aqua Mix.(Tile & Stone)
September 1, 2008... Aqua Mix offers the Independent Care & Maintenance Applicator program. The program will offer a wide range of training and techniques to its students. For more information, call (800) 366-6877, ext. 3056, or e-mail mikem@aquamix.net

Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF).(Tile & Stone)
September 1, 2008... 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 comply with nationally recognized installation guidelines and...

NTCA.(Tile & Stone)
September 1, 2008... The NTCA Training and Education program is administered by Justin Woelfel, Jr., NTCA Director of training and education. The three-day course, called Workshop+, costs $295. Customized courses can be designed for interested parties. The intent...

National Training Center.(Tile & Stone)
September 1, 2008... 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.

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.(Underlayment/Subfloor)
September 1, 2008... 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. The comprehensive two-day training...

Dependable Floor Products.(Underlayment/Subfloor)
September 1, 2008... 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, 2008... 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)...

Armstrong Wood Products National Training Center.(Wood)
September 1, 2008... Armstrong Wood Products National Training Center offers a four-day installation workshop designed for beginning or intermediate installers. For details, call (800) 526-0308, ext. 2532.

Basic Coatings.(Wood)
September 1, 2008... Basic Coatings has joined with industry leaders to establish one of the most comprehensive wood floor schools in the industry. The school consists of one day of installation and three days of safety, repairs, sanding, and finishing techniques....

BonaKemi USA.(Wood)
September 1, 2008... BonaKemi USA Training Team presents a four-day sanding and finishing schools for professional hardwood flooring contractors, floor covering dealers and salespeople. For more information, contact Betty Jo Hargrave at (303) 923-6632, or...

Clarke American Sanders Sales Institute (CSI).(Wood)
September 1, 2008... Clarke American Sanders Sales Institute (CSI) is a detailed 3.5 day course that focuses on product knowledge of the Clarke American Sanders equipment. This is a special class, opened to qualified Clarke American Sanders distributor sales...

Decorative Flooring.(Wood)
September 1, 2008... Decorative Flooring offers three curriculums (Basic, Specify/Marketing, Custom Installations). Led by industry veterans, and sponsored by Bostik, Pro-Coat, Powernail Co., and Festool, the courses range from one- to 2-1/2 days. For more...

Professional Sand & Finish School.(Wood)
September 1, 2008... 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 in mastering professional sanding and finishing...

NOFMA along with the NWFA and the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) jointly sponsor a five-day Wood Flooring School.(Wood)
September 1, 2008... NOFMA along with the NWFA and the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) jointly sponsor a five-day Wood Flooring School. The course covers installation of both unfinished and factory finished solid strip, engineered, and parquet...

Schluter-Systems.(Wood)
September 1, 2008... Schluter-Systems offers an Innovation Workshop in Anaheim, CA, at the World Floor Covering Association. This 2-1/2 day course includes classroom discussions and valuable hands-on workshops that will provide attendees with innovative ceramic and...

New!! Lam-Hammer Jr.: Lam-Hammer.(Products SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lam-Hammer is pleased to announce the latest addition to the Lam-Hammer line of quality interlocking floor installation tools. Throw away your pull bars and pry bars! The Lam Hammer Jr., designed and priced...

ECORE International.(Products SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] QT is made from 100% resilient recycled rubber and designed to solve almost any impact sound problem. Manufactured by ECORE International, QT can be used in any multi-level building--offices, high rises, multi-family...