Floor Covering Installer Oct-Nov 2011

OCT/NOV 2011

!

L VE WWW.FCIMAG.COM

The Basics of Cracked Tile Prevention p. 8 Moisture Testing p. 18 Installing Flooring Over Lightweight Substrates p. 22

300 sq. ft. of Backerboard

vs.

300 sq. ft. of EasyMat

Two installers unload over 800 lbs. of material

One installer unloads under 30 lbs. of material

– 20 sheets of 1/4" backerboard – 3 bags of thin-set – 6 boxes of screws – Roll of tape

– 1 roll of EasyMat – 1 gallon of Peel & Stick Primer

9:00 am

®

Roll on primer Roll out EasyMat

Begin laying backerboard 10:00 am

Begin setting tile 1/4 of floor prepared 10:30 am

1/2 of floor prepared 11:00 am

Floor fully prepared 12:00 pm Clean up

Begin setting tile 12:30 pm

Faster. Easier. Smarter. ®

EasyMat Tile and Stone Underlayment is revolutionizing floor preparation for tile setting with its lightweight material and peel & stick backing. This versatile, easy-to-install underlayment installs quickly without sacrificing performance. EasyMat provides an exceptionally strong, bonded crack-prevention system that is eligible for a lifetime warranty.

800-272-8786 www.custombuildingproducts.com

´7UX&RORUKDVHOLPLQDWHG WKHSUREOHPVDQGDGGLWLRQDO H[SHQVHVRXUFRPSDQ\DQGFXVWRPHUV ZHUHH[SHULHQFLQJZLWKFHPHQWJURXWIURP PRWWOLQJHIÀRUHVFHQFHDQGPDLQWHQDQFHRI URXWLQHVHDOLQJ7UX&RORUKDVDGGUHVVHGWKHVH ³VWDQGDUG´SUREOHPVW\SLFDOLQFHPHQWJURXWE\ RIIHULQJDSURGXFWWKDWKDVFRQVLVWHQWFRORULV FUDFNUHVLVWDQWDQGQHYHUQHHGVWREHVHDOHG :KHQZHFRPSDUHGWKHFRVWRI7UX&RORUWRWKH FRVWRIFHPHQWJURXWVHDOHUVDQGWKHWLPHDQG VXSSOLHVQHHGHGIRUGHDOLQJZLWKFRUUHFWLQJ SUREOHPVZHIRXQG7UX&RORUWREHDVXSHULRU SURGXFWDQGRYHUDOOEHWWHUYDOXHµ /HQQ\0F&DQOHVV6U2ZQHU /HQQ\¶V&DUSHWDQG)ORRU&HQWHU &ROOLQVYLOOH,/

5HSXWDEOHFRQWUDFWRUVXVHWKHEHVWSURGXFWV7KDW¶VZK\ /HQQ\¶V&DUSHWDQG)ORRU&HQWHUVHOOV7UX&RORUŒ 3UH0L[HG*URXWE\%RVWLNWRWKHLUFXVWRPHUVZKRQHHG FHPHQWJURXW

3UHPLXP7UX&RORUŒ*URXWLVSUHPL[HGDQG UHDG\WRXVH,W¶VDYDLODEOHLQ³FRQVLVWHQW FRORUVHYHU\WLPH´FRORUVÀH[LEOHDQGUHVLVWDQW WRFUDFNVDQGVWDLQVDQGGRHVQRWUHTXLUH VHDOLQJ,W¶VDOVR89UHVLVWDQWDQGIDVWDQG HDV\WRLQVWDOO

)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO\RXUORFDOGLVWULEXWRU RUD%RVWLNFXVWRPHU VHUYLFHUHSUHVHQWDWLYH

™

ZZZERVWLNXVFRP

WRGD\DW 

CIRCLE 23

October/November 2011 ■ Volume 18, No. 5

F eatures

8 13

The Basics of Cracked Tile Prevention

18

Moisture Testing

22

Installing Flooring Over Lightweight Substrates

On the cover: Photo courtesy of Elastilon.

FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER Volume 18, Issue 5 (ISSN 1099-9647) is published 7 times annually, Jan/Feb, Mar/ Apr, May/Jun, Jul, Aug/Sep, Oct/Nov and Dec, by BNP Media II, L.L.C., 22801 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364. Telephone: (818) 224-8035, Fax: (818) 224-8042. No charge for subscriptions to qualified individuals. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in the U.S.A.: $115.00 USD. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in Canada: $149.00 USD (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $165.00 (int’l mail) payable in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2011, by BNP Media II, L.L.C. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. GST account: 131263923. Send returns (Canada) to Pitney Bowes, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C 6B2. Change of address: Send old address label along with new address to FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER, P.O. Box 2149, Skokie, IL 60076. For single copies or back issues: contact Ann Kalb at (248) 244-6499 or KalbR@ bnpmedia.com.

All FCI “How-To” articles are written to provide insight into some of the key steps, tools and accessories required to professionally carry out the subject technique or installation. Be sure to obtain the product manufacturer’s installation/specification manuals and follow the company’s recommendations. More detailed and product-specific information is available through industry training schools, clinics, seminars and certification programs.

4

www.fcimag.com

Cracked tile remains one of the most common problems expressed by consumers considering ceramic tile floors. Dave Gobis explores the history of crack prevention and explains the different products and methods used to address this problem.

Wood Flooring Installation and Framed Construction With framed construction and wood flooring, moisture issues are the primary cause of callbacks and remediations. Mickey Moore offers a detailed case study of moisture problems in a residential wood flooring installation, and offers tips on how to prevent these types of problems.

Problems with moisture in concrete are one of the leading causes of installation failures in resilient flooring, and are preventable when moisture testing is done correctly prior to installation. Christopher Capobianco explains the different methods for moisture testing and details the recent changes to ASTM testing requirements.

Installing any type of flooring over lightweight substrates requires extra precautions in order to prevent costly failures. Jon Namba explains the methods that installers need to utilize when installing any type of flooring over gypsum-based substrates and lightweight concrete.

D epartments 6 12 26 28 30 34 36 37 38 41 42 42

On

Editorial Comment CTEF Tile Tip Resilient Installation Corner Underlayment and Subfloor Preparation Reference Guide A Carpet Installer’s Notebook Green Matters Industry News Products on Display Installation Training Clinics and Schools Advertiser Index/Classifieds Distributor Marketplace Products Spotlight

the Web

Substrate Preparation How well do you know substrate preparation? Find out with this Web-exclusive quiz.

Check out www.fcimag.com for this column, as well as the latest news and products.

October/November 2011

Still the One!

After 30 years, ARDEX K 15® Premium Self-Leveling Underlayment is still the industry standard for self-leveling underlayments and remains the most specified self-leveling underlayment in North America.

When failure is not an option, especially in the most demanding environments flooring professionals turn to ARDEX K 15® more than any other. A highly trusted, fast-track solution for a smooth, flat surface done right the first time…every time!

s Installs over most any substrate sFast-track leveling of floors Walk on 2 to 3 hours Install flooring in just 16 hours sInstall up to 5” with aggregate

YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR INSTALLATION SUCCESS 888-512-7339 CIRCLE 1

www.ardexamericas.com

Editorial

®

by JOHN MOORE

Editorial Staff Diana Brown ■ GROUP PUBLISHER [email protected] Jeff Golden ■ ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER [email protected] John Moore ■ EDITOR [email protected] Dave Foster ■ DIGITAL CONTENT CONSULTANT [email protected] Rick Arvidson ■ SR. ART DIRECTOR Jennifer Allen ■ PRODUCTION MANAGER

Proper Subfloor Preparation Is Critical to Installation Success

Columnists: Michael Hetts, Jon Namba, Mickey Moore, David Gobis, Christopher Capobianco and Ray Thompson.

Publishing & Sales Office 22801 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 115 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Phone: (818) 224-8035• Fax: (818) 224-8042 For advertising sales information, call (800) 835-4398 Keith Parry ■ NORTHERN REGIONAL MANAGER (973) 248-6097 Scott Daniell ■ SOUTHERN REGIONAL MANAGER (770) 788-6377 Dan Lipman ■ WESTERN REGIONAL MANAGER (818) 224-8035 x 2206 Sharon Ward ■ INSIDE/CLASSIFIED SALES MANAGER (847) 405-4017

Corporate Office: 2401 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 700 Troy, MI 48084 Phone: (248) 362-3700 • Fax: (248) 362-0317

BNP Media II, L.L.C.

Corporate Directors John R. Schrei ■ PUBLISHING Scott Kesler ■ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Lisa L. Paulus ■ FINANCE Nikki Smith ■ DIRECTORIES Michael T. Powell ■ CREATIVE Beth A. Surowiec ■ CLEAR SEAS RESEARCH Vincent M. Miconi ■ PRODUCTION Ariane Claire ■ MARKETING Rita M. Foumia ■ CORPORATE STRATEGY DIRECTOR Marlene J. Witthoft ■ HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

BNP Media Helps People Succeed in Business with Superior Information Audience Development Cassandra Haggard ■ AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Kelly Carlson ■ MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST Carolyn M. Alexander ■ AUDIENCE AUDIT COORDINATOR

For subscription information or service, please contact Customer Service at: Tel. (847) 763-9534 or Fax (847) 763-9538 or e-mail [email protected]

BNP Custom Media Group Christopher Wilson (248) 244-8264 • [email protected]

List Rental Postal and Email Contacts: Kevin Collopy, Sr. Acct. Mgr. Phone (800) 223-2194 ext 684 [email protected] Michael Costantino, Sr. Acct. Mgr. Phone (800) 223-2194 ext 748 [email protected]

6

www.fcimag.com

T T

his year marks the eighth anniversary of FCI’s annual Underlayment and Subfloor Preparation Reference Guide, which has proved to be very popular with our readers. While the subject of underlayment and subfloor preparation might seem to be somewhat limited in scope, this is hardly the case. Problems related to improper subfloor preparation continue to multiply each year, with millions of dollars in damage as a result. Sadly, most of these problems are preventable when correct installation methods are followed. In order to prevent these types of failures, installers need to pay careful attention to all aspects of the jobsite prior to starting any installation. Standing water and mold in HVAC systems should raise a red flag that moisture issues are likely. Before starting any installation, it is critical to make sure that the subflooring is ready to have flooring installed over it. There are now countless specialized products to help installers ensure that subfloors are clean, flat and dry enough to install flooring over. However, in order to use them effectively, installers need to take the time to learn about the latest products and installation methods. With that in mind, this special issue of FCI is jam packed with helpful articles to help installers get up to speed on the correct methods of underlayment selection and installation, as well as subfloor

October/November 2011

preparation. Wood flooring is especially vulnerable to moisture issues related to subflooring, a subject that is addressed by FCI’s resident wood expert Mickey Moore in his article, “Wood Flooring Installation and Framed Construction.” Another category of installations that are experiencing numerous failures are those that are done over lightweight concrete and gypsum-based subfloors. Jon Namba explores the best methods for these types of installations in his article, “Installing Flooring Over Lightweight Substrates.” Moisture testing is a perennial issue for installers, as recommended testing methods vary depending upon the type of flooring to be installed. Resilient flooring expert Christopher Capobianco details the latest updates to the calcium chloride test as well as the proper methods for relative humidity testing, and explains how both methods are complementary to ensure the best substrate prior to installation. These are just a few of the highlights of this special issue; be sure to check out all the articles and columns, as well as the Underlayment and Subfloor Preparation Reference Guide, a handy listing of the latest underlayment and subfloor preprelated products and companies. If there is a subject you would like to see addressed in FCI, be sure to email us your comments and suggestions. FCI

\ÊÑߣßÊ® ®ÊҏgÀÊ œ—ÄÍÀÒS͆œ—Ê*Àœ^ÒSÍÄ[Ê—S®

—ÍÀœ^ÒS†—zÊ̓gʏ:ÍgÄÍÊ:^Ø:—Sg”g—Íʆ—ÊzÀœÒÍʨÀœÍgS͆œ—® 5ƒg—Ê̓gʗgÙÊÀœÒÍÊ œœÄÍÊ
^Ø:—Sg^Ê*ÀœÊ†Äʔ†Úg^Êن̓ÊzÀœÒÍʆ—ʨ:SgʜsÊ Ù:ÍgÀÊ:ÍÊ̓gÊ͆”gʜsʆ—ÄÍ::͆œ—[ʜÒÀÊҗ†µÒgʨ:Íg—Í…¨g—^†—zÊSƒg”†ÄÍÀÛ[Ê g—ƒ:—Sg^Êن̓ʔœ^Ê:—^ʔ†^gÙʨÀœ^ÒSÍʨÀœÍgS͆œ—[Ê^g†ØgÀÄʨgÀ”:—g—ÍÊ ÄÍ:†—ÊÀgĆÄÍ:—SgÊن̓ʗœÊÄg:†—zʗgg^g^ʅÊgØgÀ®Ê œÙÊ̓:ͽÄÊ:ÊsœÀ”ҏ:ÊsœÀÊÄÒSSgÄÄq

.ƒgÊ-”:ÀÍgÀÊ5:ÛÊ͜ÊÀœÒÍ®Ê CIRCLE 30

ÙÙÙ®zÀœÒÍJœœÄÍ®Sœ”

The Basics of Cracked Tile Prevention by Dave Gobis

C C

racked tile remains a concern often expressed by customers considering ceramic tile floors. Many have had or heard of experiences where a few tiles cracked some years after installation and no replacement material could be found, necessitating a complete and costly replacement. The concept of crack suppression goes back to the mid ‘80s and was initiated by several manufactures of sheet products. Tile manufactured at that time was not as durable as the popular porcelains of today are, and cracking of tile was quite common. Having heard the concerns of consumers and necessity being the mother of invention, a new segment of the tile industry was born. Our choices are no longer limited to a few products. There are a plethora of crack isolation aids available today. Increased competition has lead to most individual manufacturers marketing a variety of products with varying performance attributes. This article takes a look at some of the basics of trying to prevent cracks in tile installation and what you should expect. It is nearly impossible, even when trying to keep things simple, to not bring up product and installation standards. If I were a salesperson rather than an installer

About the Author

8

www.fcimag.com

and technical consultant, I wouldn’t bother because it only makes life more difficult. But, fortunately for me, I have never been a sales person and never will be. So before we go into where and when a membrane is appropriate, what should you and your customer expect? There are few if any guarantees by a manufacturer that a membrane will stop tile cracks from occurring. This is spelled

out in the American National Standard Specification for Crack Isolation Membranes for Thin-set Ceramic Tile and Dimension Stone Installation ANSI A118.12- 05 which says the following; “It should be noted that while crack isolation membranes are intended to minimize the potential for crack propagation from the substrate through the finished tile or stone installation, they may not always be

Installation recommendations on liquid products vary widely. Some require full-fabric application, some require pretreatment of cracks prior to fabric application. One even notes that a fabric is only required if the product must meet standards.

David M. Gobis, a third-generation tile setter, is an independent Technical Consultant. He has been in the trade for over 37 years and owned a successful contracting business for many years prior to his current position. Mr. Gobis is an Author of over 100 trade related articles and a frequent speaker at industry events. He is member of the Construction Specification Institute, International Code Council, American Concrete Institute, National Tile Contractors Technical Committee, voting member of The American National Standards for Ceramic Tile Installation and Setting Materials (ANSI A108/118), American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) C-21 Ceramic Whitewares, and Tile Council of America Installation Handbook committees. You can reach Dave via email, [email protected]

October/November 2011

9[X
`R]Q \^YN[RX[ YN[OX[VJWLN JWM ONNU Try it today & experience the difference.

5HEDWH  2IIHUHG prospecfe

atheredge.co m

• Polymer modified, trowelable underlayment • Excellent coverage • Rapid set • Smooth under trowel • Exceptional bond

7X` XOON[RWP J LXW][JL]X[ [NKJ]N

  XOO NJLQ KJP ^Y ]X  See your retailer or visit www.prospecfeatheredge.com for details 9[X
CIRCLE 3

100% effective in preventing all defects in the finished tile.” Most manufacturer warranties are for membrane product replacement. Thus if you follow all industry and manufacturer installation recommendations, in most instances the best you can expect is some replacement material. There are very few exceptions to this statement and those that make that exception have numerous caveats attached to any type of material and labor warranty. One of the more popular uses of a crack isolation membrane is the relocation of concrete control joints to the next nearest grout joint to avoid cutting the tile or disturbing the tile pattern. Things get a little complicated in this area. Many products do not allow for the relocation of control joints, especially liquids, though they are commonly used for that purpose. Those products that do allow for this practice have exacting instructions to make them effective. This is a particularly important consideration as

there are several places where tile industry documents clearly say control joints need to be carried through the installation. Under the ANSI A 118.12 is says “It is particularly important when dealing with a cracked substrate that expansion joints are properly located and filled with a suitable sealant, or prefabricated expansion joint. Movement joints in the substrate shall be carried through the tile installation.” A control joint in the slab is defined as a movement joint by both the tile and concrete industry. Also new in the 2011 edition of the TCA handbook under EJ 171 Movement Joint Guidelines for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone you will find the following “All expansion, control, construction, cold, saw-cut, isolation, contraction, and seismic joints in the structure should continue through the tilework, including such joints at vertical surfaces. If proprietary crack isolation membrane is specified over saw cut joints to relocate a movement joint, Top: Most liquids require several thin coats over a clean and prepared surface to achieve proper film thickness. Still, some are tempted to apply one thick coat over construction soil in which case your membrane looks like this. Complete replacement was required on this large commercial project due to bond failure. Above: Nary a trace of adhesive remains on this membrane after being installed in a residential project over a slab with a high moisture content. Adhesives are moisture-sensitive. You must check the vapor emission or relative humidity of the slab prior to installation.

contrary to EJ-171, the tile contractor is not responsible for cracking in grout joints or tile where tile has been installed over any such relocated movement joints, provided the tile, membrane, and other materials are installed correctly; this includes curling and/or deformation of the concrete occurring after installation of the membrane. Where a tile pattern falls diagonally across a saw-cut joint, relocation of the movement joint is specifically not recommended because of the reduced performance of the sealant CIRCLE 4

10

www.fcimag.com

October/November 2011

changes in moisture and temperature. The most dramatic display is perhaps the buckling of a road we hear about every so often; even sidewalks in Wisconsin buckle if anticipated movement is not properly accommodated. If you’re on a residential slab with no movement joints it begs for the use of a membrane because it is going to crack somewhere, sometime. If the slab is already cracked This product was applied 8” wide over a control joint with an 18” tile straddling the joint. It was also applied at 1/3 the required thickness in a mall food court. The product was not recommended for control joint relocation. Another replacement required after 3 years of service.

when used in a saw tooth or other nonlinear fashion.” With that statement and others made elsewhere, any warranty expressed relative to the relocation of control joints is borne by the manufacturer entirely. You can be quite sure if a problem does occur and a claim is filed, they will be going through the installation products and processes with a fine tooth comb. Think you know enough already and aren’t worried about it? In preparation for this article I read through a series of manufacturer instructions to see what if anything had recently been modified. One recently changed set of instructions by a wellknown manufacturer recommends using only a ANSI A118.11 EGP mortar and requires a 48 hour wait prior to grouting for all their products. I can assure you, you don’t know what you think you know, especially if you have not looked at a data sheet recently. Read the instructions! So what will a crack isolation membrane do for you? When slabs crack there is usually a reason. All concrete slabs require control joints. Concrete is concrete whether a warehouse floor or a residential dwelling. All concrete shrinks as it cures. Control joints control where the cracking will occur. Something I have heard on numerous occasions throughout my career is that once the shrinkage has taken place the joint will not move. That is not a true statement. Concrete, like all building materials, will move with

and there is no vertical displacement (one side is not higher than the other), a membrane will aid in keeping the tile from cracking. If you are tiling direct to a suspended slab, also known as slab on deck, that installation is also an excellent candidate for a membrane. All abovegrade slabs move by design. Tile being a brittle clay-based surfacing material, it is not very forgiving of movement. All

Changing the way you design showers

Schluter®-KERDI-LINE An elegant low-profile linear floor drain t

Three attractive interchangeable grate designs: » Brushed stainless steel closed-design » Brushed stainless steel with square perforations » Stainless steel pan for setting tile inserts t

Available in eight grate lengths ranging from 20" to 48" nom. t

Adjustable brushed stainless steel grate frame accommodates a range of tile thicknesses from 1/8" to 1" nom. (2 frame heights) t

Stainless steel bonding flange with Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing collar laminated to the surface for a secure waterproof connection t

No-hub outlet for easy connection to waste line t

Can be installed adjacent to walls or at intermediate locations t

Floors can be sloped on single plane, enabling use of large-format tile t

Suitable for wheelchair accessible showers

www.kerdi-line.com | 1-800-472-4588 CIRCLE 5

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

11

Tile Tip above-grade installations require some type of deformable installation system to allow for a reasonable amount of distortion in the tile installation system. In my personal experience I am seeing a lot of problems with big tile and small joints in above-grade applications due to lack of deformation abilities. Somewhere along the way the thought process has developed that because you use a membrane movement accommodation joints are not required. Nothing could be

The Fan Is Not Your Friend

A

lthough we are now in a cooler season, this summer was unusually hot for long periods of time in many regions of the country. There is not much we can do about the weather, but the associated heat can wreak havoc on tile installations if the installer is not careful. The installation of thinset mortar on a substrate under normal working conditions and temperatures does not generally experience problems. But as the temperature rises, so do the number of problems encountered. Most likely, the majority of tile installed during the summer season is completed in areas that are not air conditioned. The installer must work in hot conditions which are difficult both for the materials being used to install the tile and for the installer. Tile installers must work faster to get the tile into the mortar before it skins over due to the heat and air movement, while at the same time battling heat-related fatigue. The solution that many installers choose is to place a box fan nearby, which does a great job of moving large amounts of air throughout the room, hence a cooler feeling. The problem is that the air rushing across the setting material pulls moisture from the mortar and causes a skin or fi lm to form on the surface of the recently troweled mortar. When this happens, the mortar does not transfer to the back of the tile for a proper bond, as you can see in the attached photo. Testing the mortar with your dry hand gently resting on the ridges of thinset will prove that the mortar is beyond workability and needs to be replaced with fresh mortar. Another problem created by the box fan on the jobsite is the air movement across newly applied grout. Again, this air movement causes premature drying, which results in the grout curing several shades lighter than the sample selected by the decorator or consumer. There are only two cures for this illness: remove the discolored grout and re-grout or apply a grout colorant to return it to the selected color. The next time tile is to be installed on a hot day, do yourself a big favor and leave the fan in the truck.

12

www.fcimag.com

Tile being a brittle clay-based surfacing material, it is not very forgiving of movement. All abovegrade installations require some type of deformable installation system to allow for a reasonable amount of distortion in the tile installation system.

further from the truth. If an installation is to have the ability to deform that stress must be transferred to someplace. You wouldn’t buy shock absorbers and have them welded together would you? What’s the point of using them at all if they are not going to absorb and transfer energy? That’s what crack isolation membranes do is store energy and transfer it to a different place rather than through the tile surface. That place would be the properly prepared movement accommodation joint. The bigger the tile and/or the smaller the grout joints the greater their importance. Space is getting kind of tight for this issue so we leave you with these additional cautions: • When using liquids make sure to check your application thickness with a film thickness gauge. Most require around

October/November 2011

a 30 mil (.030 or 1/32”) thickness or greater. Any less and it is just colored concrete and incapable of absorbing and transferring movement. • Make sure your selected product is rated for the intended application. Manufacturers make numerous products for varied applications. All are not created equal. • Most membrane adhesives are moisture sensitive and should not be used over a slab with high relative humidity or moisture vapor emission. These limits can vary widely even within a manufacturers own product line. • Anytime one side of a crack is higher than another a membrane is not going to help. • In general, most membranes require a three-tile width of product to be effective in crack suppression or when approved for that purpose, joint relocation. Some require that only one tile be fully supported by the membrane. I am aware of only one exception to this generalization, with which I disagree based on my experiences with that very product. • Membranes have no structural value. Adequate support must be provided by the structure. By virtue of their deformable nature they will accommodate a limited amount of structural deficiency, but you are treading on very thin ice if you chose to use them for that purpose. • Never allow construction traffic over a membrane, they are hard enough to bond to without being soiled. This can and will affect the longevity of the installation. I’m pretty sure I could write a small book about tile, stone, and membranes. The amount of products out there is almost overwhelming as are their varying requirements and performance attributes. Personally I have used three basic types of products consistently over the years. I have never found one that would work universally in every application. Studying the products and getting the best value and performance for a given situation can certainly be a challenge. I hope you take the time to read thoroughly so you can chose wisely. Change is never-ending. FCI

NWFA Tip Sheet

by MICKE Y MOORE

Wood Flooring Installation and Framed Construction

W W

ith framed construction and wood flooring, as with any other installation, moisture affecting the flooring results in most of the issues that create a call-back and/or remediation. The best way to address these issues is to use your moisture meter to assess site conditions. The second item regarding framed construction is to determine that all components of the system are correct so that the flooring installation will perform as expected. The following is an actual situation. The owner of an existing home selected solid 4 1/4” factory finished oak flooring to match other wood flooring for installation after carpet was to be removed. The carpet had been cleaned repeatedly but two weeks after each cleaning staining reappeared. The floor system--23/32” plywood, solid wood joists 16” O.C., over a crawl space and basement. The contractor arrived to assess site conditions and prepare for installation. After pulling back an area of carpet, he checked the subflooring with a needle meter. The readings were 18% and greater. A check of the crawl space showed mildew and mold on joists and exposed

subflooring. Water was dripping from HVAC ducts and mold was also on the duct work. Subflooring moisture readings from the crawl space were mostly at 22%. This was a classic example of excessive moisture as a result of condensation associated with the cooling; little ground cover; and water intrusion from the outside resulting from incorrect rain water management associated with landscaping and guttering. You know that the flooring will surely cup if delivered and installed at these conditions. Cupping almost always assures a call-back. You also know if the flooring is placed in the home to

acclimate it will likely gain too much moisture and be very difficult to fit together, not to mention, cupping, and later shrinkage with related permanent gaps. Fortunately the contractor assessed the system during the spring. If this had been during winter heating, the moisture readings may have been somewhat elevated but not excessive. A check of the crawl space might not have been completed even though the mildew and mold would have been evident. This illustrates the necessity to check all crawl spaces and basements of framed systems for each installation. A winter installation would surely have resulted

Photo 1

Photo 1: Joists and subflooring were scraped clean of the mold. Here is the residual evidence of the mold on joists.

About the Author

Mickey Moore is an independent wood flooring consultant. Previously he was the technical director of the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA). He is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a degree in wood working technology and biology.

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

13

Photo 2

Photo 3

Solves virtually all moisture related problems Suppresses moisture in concrete up to 95% relative humidity

Photo 2: Evidence of extensive mold on the HVAC ductwork.

Saves installation time & money!

Photo 3: The permanent dehumidifier in place doing its job.

CALL 800-576-1636 for more info Or see our video installation at www.halexcorp.com Made in USA

CIRCLE 7

14

www.fcimag.com

October/November 2011

minimally in a cupped floor and more likely in a buckled floor. In this case the homeowner was convinced to fi x the conditions and wait for the excessive moisture to be removed. A local service contractor cleaned and sprayed the crawl space framing with borax chemicals to remove the mold and mildew. They closed the vents, placed a ground cover on the earth 100% and glued it to the base of the foundation wall, and installed a permanent dehumidifier connected to the house sanitary system for drainage. Within 1 to 2 months the subflooring and joists checked 12% to 13% moisture content in the crawl space and have remained at those readings for a month. The original installed flooring checked 8% and now had some gapping. Average moisture content for the geographical area is 7 1/2% to 8% (6-7% winter to 8 ½%- 9 ½% summer). The flooring was delivered and after a week, moisture readings are 7 1/2% to 8 1/2% (within the target geographical moisture average). Should installation proceed? Manufacturer’s instructions say for this flooring up to a 2% moisture difference is allowed between the subflooring and flooring. Call the manufacturer for their advice. The conditions in the subflooring have been steady for a month and are likely to not decrease until winter. After 3 months the owners are very tired of the delay in construction and do not want a further 3 to 4 month delay. If we acclimate to raise the m.c. to the 2% difference of 10% to 11%, the flooring may not

Photo 4

Photo 4: Present moisture readings of the crawl space.

go together and with the gain in moisture the winter gapping will be significant along with permanent gapping. At this point the flooring can be installed with confidence that the remaining moisture will not significantly affect the flooring. However, the moisture reduction system

must remain in place to continue its operation to address continuing summer conditions. Also, after the heating season the moisture conditions will likely not return to the 12% to 13% levels. Are the manufacturer’s recommendations followed? Not to the letter. So as the contractor, we have become totally responsible for the installation, even if some unexpected condition causes a failure. The following are basic requirements for installing solid wood flooring over framed construction (as opposed to concrete slabs). Engineered flooring can have much the same requirements but since products are so varied and proprietary to the individual manufacturer, following manufacturer’s instructions is critical to proper installation. Typical subflooring requirements Minimum plywood thickness should be 19/32” (nominal 5/8” thick) code

approved for subflooring application. Since this is a minimum condition, joist spacing should not be greater than 16” O.C. For 23/32” plywood as subflooring, joist spacing can be up to 19.2” O.C. Minimum OSB thickness should be 23/32” (nominal 3/4” thick) code approved for subfloor application. As with plywood, the joist spacing should be no greater than 19.2” O.C. Square-edged boards nominal 1” x 6” placed on a diagonal to joist direction are also considered adequate subflooring; these are mostly found in the southeast. Boards should be SYP or a similarly dense wood. The requirement for the thicker OSB panel comes from the NOFMA testing results that concluded OSB panels do not hold fasteners as well as plywood panels. They can be equally stiff but the greater thickness is required for adequate fastener-to-wood contact. The requirement for the closer joist spacing than the maximum noted

CIRCLE 6

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

15

CTIOA Ceramic Tile Institute of America Inc. 12061 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City, CA Phone 310-574-7800 Fax 310-821-4655 [email protected]

Photo 5

Offers Nationwide Service

Various Consulting Services Include: • Technical Assistance • Specification Review

• Product Development Assistance • Inspection Services • Expert Opinion/Witness • Testing Services • Forensic Research • Field Quality Control • Thermal Imaging • Specification Writing • Educational Services

Photo 5: Present moisture readings of the subflooring within the home.

Contact Your Representative Gray LaFortune Executive Director [email protected]

Jeffrey Pompadur Hawaii and Pacific Dir. [email protected]

Dave Gobis Technical Consultant [email protected]

Ralph Williamson Southwest Dir. [email protected]

Paul Wilson Asst. Executive Director [email protected]

C I R C LE 16

16

www.fcimag.com

October/November 2011

on panels is have a stiffer system that reduces deflection under load. Too much deflection can result in loosening the fastener connection or stressing the tongue-and-groove engagemen, creating movement and noises in the flooring. In addition, most all instructions call for a layer of #15 felt paper (or an equivalent material) to be placed on top of the subflooring before installation of the wood. NOTE: Recent reports suggest OSB thickness has been reduced to .703” thickness for nominal 23/32” thickness and to .609” for nominal 5/8” thickness. What is the recommendation if the system presented is less than the minimum requirement? For too wide joist spacing the primary way to stiffen a system is to add more joists between existing ones. For the too thin subfloor system, adding an additional panel layer can create adequate thickness for subflooring. If adding a layer, the overlay should be of a similar thickness to the existing layer such as 1/2” over 1/2” subflooring or 1/2” over 5/8” subflooring. If a too-thin panel is used, such as 3/8” thickness, there is a likelihood of slipping between the layers, resulting in noisy floors and/or movement between flooring pieces with associated issues. With an overlay, place the new panel 1/2 a sheet down along the length of the existing subfloor and the ends two joist spaces over to break all existing panel edges.

Photo 6: Certification stamp of .703” thick OSB.

Photo 6

Typical site condition requirements No matter what the system, framed or concrete, the subflooring system should be clean, dry, flat, and sound. Clean means all major debris should be removed. Scraping may be required to remove tapping mud etc., which is followed by sweeping. If any adhesive is to be used be sure to check for contaminants such as oils etc. and remove as necessary. Dry means the average moisture conditions of the subflooring should be near occupied conditions. The only way to determine these conditions is to check with a moisture meter. Flat means there are not significant abrupt humps or valleys in the system. With

a framed system, as the system is loaded flatness can change, so all deviation should be gradual. With OSB, edge swell can influence flatness and require edges to be sanded flat before installation. Sound means the system structure and its parts are solid, the plywood/OSB is not delaminated or broken, rests on the supports, and is fastened properly. The moral to the story: do a diligent check of the flooring system, including a site review and moisture readings. If adverse conditions are found, explain the necessity of proper remediation. Inform that where moisture conditions are the issue the fi x may take weeks and even months. If conditions are waived by the owner(s) be sure to issue the proper letter explaining the substandard condition and the ultimate effects on flooring performance. FCI

Thanks to: Mark Brown, Carpet Arts, for information and photos on OSB thickness changes; and to Wayne Lee, Cardinal Hardwoods, for the information and site photos of the high-moisture remediation installation.

CIRCLE 8

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

17

Moisture Testing Ten Years After: Has the White Paper Mattered? by Christopher Capobianco

T T

his month marks the tenth anniversary of the publication of the “Floor Covering Industry White Paper Position Statement on Moisture Emission Testing,” published by ten different trade organizations in October 2001. Despite that excellent document and all that has been written in trade magazines, manufacturer’s instructions, and ASTM, I find it puzzling that many in our industry still are not placing a priority on concrete moisture testing. I would have expected to see it be a more widespread practice by now, especially with millions of dollars in moisturerelated failures still happening every year. While I agree wholeheartedly with the summation of the White Paper that says, “It is therefore our recommendation that concrete moisture vapor emission testing be performed by qualified independent agencies,” I also recommend that flooring installers and project managers become aware of the different test methods and

how to do them correctly. When and where should a concrete floor be tested? Everywhere and always! The industry standard, ASTM F 710, says it all, “All concrete slabs be tested for moisture, regardless of age or grade level,*” and most manufacturers say the same. Do not use qualitative methods such as moisture meters, plastic sheets or a

visual inspection to reach a conclusion that a moisture condition exists, or that a slab is “dry.” These outdated methods are not accepted as a way to determine if a slab is ready to receive a floor. The two qualitative methods that are accepted by the floor covering industry are the Relative Humidity method and the Calcium Chloride test.

If you don’t use a grinder to do a Calcium Chloride test, you are not doing the test correctly and your results are invalid!

About the Author

18

www.fcimag.com

Christopher Capobianco is a fourth generation fl oor coverer, has been in the industry full time since 1978, and has owned his own consulting and sales company since 2004. You can see his past FCI columns, learn more abut him and contact him at his website FlooringAnswers.com.

October/November 2011

Top Far Left: A perfectly prepared moisture test site. The slab is ground clean in a 20”x20” area, the calcium chloride kit is placed and a relative humidity test site is to the left of the calcium chloride dome. Bottom Far Left: Preparing a Relative Humidity (RH) test site; RH testing is gaining in popularity as a more accurate and more easily repeatable method. Photo courtesy of Wagner Electronics. Left: This vinyl plank floor was installed on concrete that had not been tested and quickly failed, and failed badly due to moisture.

Recent Changes to the Calcium Chloride Test ASTM F 1869, “Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride,” is well known in North America and was originally published in the 1950s by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA). It measures the MVER from the top ¾” or so of the concrete. Most floor covering limits for MVER are 3 to 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours (lbs/1,000 ft2/24h), depending on the product and/or the adhesive. Unfortunately the test is often done incorrectly, which makes a lot of the testing that is done invalid. For example, the temperature requirement is often ignored. “The test site shall be at the same temperature and humidity expected during normal use. If this is not possible, then the test conditions shall be 75 +/-10°F (18.3°C - 29.4°C) and 50 +/-10 % relative humidity. Maintain these conditions 48 hours prior to, and during testing.+” If you can’t do the test under these conditions, don’t bother doing the test because this method is very sensitive to ambient conditions and the results are worthless otherwise. The other most common mistake doing the Calcium Chloride test is failure to prepare the concrete correctly. Because of this, ASTM F 1869 has recently been revised to clarify this procedure. The concrete must be cleaned with a grinder and the test must not be done over coatings or patching compounds – it’s designed for “determination of the rate of moisture vapor emitted from…bare concrete floors**.” It also says not to test over patching or leveling compounds, lightweight concrete, gypsum underlayment, moisture mitigation systems or other coatings. It’s for bare naked concrete only. C I R C L E 13

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

19

Quantitative moisture test methods like ASTM F 2170 are preferred to old methods like a plastic sheet on the floor because they give a numerical test result. Photo courtesy of Delmhorst.

even if the F 1869 test results are passable before the floor is installed. That’s a scary thought. Relative Humidity (RH) testing measures “deep down, has been used in Europe for decades, and is now gaining some popularity in North America. It is known here as “ASTM F 2170, Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In Situ Probes.” With this method, holes are drilled to 40% of the slab thickness – usually about two inches down. The hole is vacuumed clean and a plastic sleeve is inserted. After a recommended waiting time, a relative humidity probe is used to determine the equilibrium relative humidity in the

To properly clean the concrete, “Remove floor coverings or coatings. Lightly grind an area 20 by 20 in. (50 x 50 cm) to produce a surface profile equal to ICRI CSP-I to CSP-2. Grinding should remove a thin layer of the finished concrete but not expose coarse aggregate, unless the surface had been abrasively treated previously**.” CSP is the Concrete Surface Profile established by the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI). A light grinding should produce a texture similar to course sandpaper. It is not enough to scrape, sand or wire brush the surface. It must be cleaned by grinding. If a floor covering or coating is present, there is a 24-hour waiting period after cleaning before the kits can be placed. Otherwise, “Concrete floors that have not had floor coverings or coatings within 30 days prior to testing can be ground and tested without this waiting period, provided the [temperature and humidity] conditions have been met. **.” Since some coatings such as curing compounds may not be visible, I prefer to always wait 24 hours, but if you are sure you are dealing with uncoated concrete you can grind and place the kits right away. Relative Humidity Testing While the F 1869 Calcium Chloride test, done correctly, is a good test for surface moisture, it does not measure “deep down” moisture. Since most concrete dries from the top down, this is a serious limitation because the concrete could be dry on top and very damp inside. The F 1869 test won’t “see” that and internal moisture will move to the top after a floor is installed,

20

www.fcimag.com

October/November 2011

Do not use qualitative methods such as moisture meters, plastic sheets or a visual inspection to reach a conclusion that a moisture condition exists, or that a slab is “dry.” These outdated methods are not accepted as a way to determine if a slab is ready to receive a floor.

cavity at the bottom of the hole. Usually a reading of 7080% is acceptable. RH tests are more accurate than Calcium Chloride, take less time and are easily repeated days, weeks or even months after the original test. This test is thought of as being the best way to the future as far as moisture rising to the surface of the concrete. This is truly the latest technology for moisture testing and is very quickly being recognized by flooring manufacturers throughout the world. Another RH method, ASTM F 2420, “The Hood Method” measures RH on the surface of the concrete slab and is a good alternative when drilling is not an option.

Thank You This column marks the start of my 9th year writing “Let’s Talk Resilient” for FCI, and a lot has happened since my first column in October, 2003. I’d like to thank John Moore, FCI Editor for being great to work for and also thank you, my readers, for your many positive comments, great questions and generous compliments over the years. FCI

Which Test? I am not alone in recommending both Calcium Chloride and RH tests be done together because they measure different things. If F 2170 results are low and the F 1869 test is high, that may mean the slab is dry, but the surface became wet because of a flood or other source of moisture. So, dry out the surface and you are good to go. However, if the results are opposite and the F 1869 test is low and the F 2170 test is high, that indicates that the slab is drying from the top down, but there is still a lot of moisture inside waiting to come up. Many people use a combination of moisture meters, calcium chloride and relative humidity testing to determine if the concrete is ready for a floor covering installation, and these methods are also used to troubleshoot a floor that has failed because of moisture. Regardless of which test method is used, it is imperative that the test protocol be followed to the letter.

References and resources Listing of IICRC Schools offering ISSI at www.IICRC.org/schools ICRI Concrete Sab Moisture Testing Program www.icri.org # Floor Covering Industry White Paper Position Statement on Moisture Emission Testing, (available at www.FlooringAnswers.com)

How to Learn Testing There are two excellent certifications I’d recommend for people who want to learn more about concrete and how to test. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers “Introduction to Substrate/ Subfloor Inspection (ISSI)”, a two-day course. Also, International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) offers a two day Moisture Testing Certification that includes a “hands on” portion for moisture testing technicians.

* ASTM F 710 Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring (ASTM International, www.astm.org). + ASTM F 1869 Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride (ASTM International, www.astm.org). ** ASTM F 1869, “Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride,” (ASTM International, www.astm.org)

Moisture Measurement in Concrete Slabs webinar

®

Wagner Meters is proud to offer, “Moisture Measurement in Concrete Slabs,” a webinar presented by Howard Kanare of CTLGroup. Kanare speaks about breakthrough VFLHQWLÀFGDWDWKDWVHULRXVO\FKDOOHQJHV what we have believed regarding traditional methods for moisture testing of concrete slabs. This free presentation was created to bring you the most current information on accurate moisture testing of concrete slabs.

Now more than EVER!

®

www.RapidRH.com

1-800-207-2486

10 Times Faster Lowest Cost per Test Simplest to Use Easiest to Comply with ASTM F2170

When: For times and dates please visit: www.moisturewebinar.com or email [email protected] or call 541.582.0541. Registration: This webinar is available by invitation only and online seating is limited. Please contact Wagner Meters today to reserve your seat for this ground-breaking presentation.

U.S. Patent 7,231,815. Additional patents pending

C I R C L E 12

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

21

Installing Flooring Over Lightweight Substrates by Jon Namba

W W

hether you’re an installer, retailer, or sales associate you’ve more than likely been asked to install over lightweight concrete, or a gypsum based substrate/subfloor (Photo 1). And more than likely, you either sold or installed product that was adhered directly to these types of substrates. Installing any type of flooring product to lightweight substrates requires extra precautions. I don’t know of one manufacturer that advocates a gluedown or thin-set “direct bond” over a gypsum-based substrate, yet thousands of square feet of flooring is installed on a daily basis in this manner. And so starts the roulette game. Some installations will be successful while others fail. Lightweight substrates are typically utilized in above-grade installations such as multifamily housing, condominiums, hospitality, and radiant systems. So why does the industry use a lightweight substrate? Weight is a major factor, along with sound dampening properties and fire ratings. The industry has labeled gypsum-based pours as “Gypcrete”, much like Formica for laminate countertops. Gypcrete is actually a brand of gypsum and a registered trademark of the Maxxon Corporation. Gypsum pours do not have as high of a compressive PSI (pounds per

About the Author

22

www.fcimag.com

square inch) rating as concrete substrates. On average, a gypsum-based substrate will attain a compressive psi up to 2,000, while concrete will average compressive psi of 3,000 and up. Manufacturers of gypsum-based substrates state that a 3/4” pour will have a dry time of 5 to 7 days and a pour of 1 ½” will have a dry time of 14 days. Low temperatures or high humidity will lengthen the dry time. I have spoken with several installers who went by these numbers only to have a failure. To this I always ask, did you do any type of

moisture testing? The usual answer is no. Keep in mind that moisture testing of a gypsum substrate is different from that of concrete. A calcium chloride test (ASTM 1869), is not considered a quantitative test. The in-situ relative humidity test (ASTM 2170) is the test procedure the industry looks to for moisture testing of these substrates. If using an electronic meter to get a qualitative reading, make sure it’s one that is recommended by either the supplier of the gypsum-based pour or the flooring manufacturer.

Photo 1

Jon Namba is an independent industry consultant, trainer, and speaker. He recently completed a term as the President of the National Wood Flooring Association, Certifi ed Professionals (CP). His background includes installer, former Director of Technical Services for the World Floor Covering Association, former Executive Director of International Certifi ed Floorcovering Installers Association. He can be reached at [email protected].

October/November 2011

CIRCLE 11

The best installation method for a gypsum-based substrate is a floating type of installation but, since we all know that flooring is being directly adhered to a gypsum substrate, what are installers doing to achieve the best bond? Gypsum substrates are very porous and if a water-based adhesive is used to install flooring, the moisture can be absorbed into the substrate and the adhesive sets to quickly, creating a weak bond. There are manufacturers that have primers that can be applied to the surface of the gypsum substrate. Now, keep in mind that these products do not absorb the entire depth of the gypsum substrate, but only the surface or slightly under. And, if the adhesive and product have more strength and pull (shear strength), there will be potential to fail where the primer and the gypsum interface. So here are some pointers when dealing with a gypsum-based substrate. • First, try to install as a floating installation. • Run a screwdriver or nail across the surface to see how deep or how easily the tip will penetrate to give you an idea of what you are faced with. If the surface gouges/flakes easily, your only option may be a floating installation. • If glue-direct is the way the installation is headed, contact the manufacturer of the flooring product to determine best course of action. Let them make the call whether or not they feel their product will be suitable for this type of installation and follow manufacturer’s recommendations. · If the manufacturer states no to this type of installation, just remember you are on your own if there are potential issues.

Photo 2

Photo 3

C I R C LE 10

24

www.fcimag.com

October/November 2011

C I R C L E 11

Photo 4

• Conduct proper moisture testing and don’t rely on the 14-day dry time. • If floor patching is required, use a gypsum (white) patching compound. Gypsum substrate and white gypsum patch are compatible. Portland based (gray) patching compounds are not recommended directly over a gypsum substrate. The same goes if a selfleveling underlayment is required. There are gypsum-based self leveling products suited for installation over a gypsum based substrate with much higher compressive strength than normal gypsum subfloors. • Use a recommended primer that will be compatible with the flooring being installed. • If installing tile or stone you can refer to F180-11 of the TCNA handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation. • Document the condition of the substrate prior to initiating work with photographs. • If you are bidding on removal of flooring over a gypsum substrate, you may encounter extensive damage from removal which could lead to a complete re-pour or the use of selfleveling underlayment so bid carefully. (Photos 1-4) Lightweight concrete is different from gypsum in that appearance wise, Gypsum is white while lightweight concrete looks from all appearances, the same as concrete. Lightweight concrete can also achieve psi of 3,000 or higher. If it looks like

concrete, is hard like concrete, what are the differences? It is called lightweight concrete because it uses different aggregate than concrete. Lightweight concrete can consist of several aggregate materials depending on the specification requirements and availability. Expanded clay, slate, shale, crushed brick, volcanic materials such as perlite, pumice, and fiber reinforcing are some of the products used. The aggregates used in lightweight concrete are porous, allowing for absorption of up to 20 percent while normal weight aggregate used in concrete will have absorption rates less than 5 percent. Being lightweight reduces the dead load weight in structural applications enabling less material to be used for the structure. Lightweight concrete averages 90 to 120 pounds per cubic foot. Normal weight concrete is typically 135 to 150 pounds per cubic foot. So what are the concerns and issues with lightweight concrete with flooring? Moisture; lightweight aggregate is kept saturated

prior to being mixed with cement, so at that time, it has absorbed as much moisture as it can hold. When placement is done, the moisture in the aggregate starts to absorb into the concrete as it hydrates and slowly evaporates. With the inherent higher moisture content, it’s this factor that causes issues for the installation of flooring. Lightweight takes longer to dry, and that is why moisture testing is so critical. Also remember that calcium chloride testing (ASTM 1869) is not recognized as a test method for determining moisture content for lightweight concrete. In-situ relative humidity testing (ASTM 2170) is the recognized test method. Here are some points to remember with lightweight concrete. • Conduct proper moisture testing. • If you don’t know what type of concrete, ask. • On new construction, make sure the lightweight concrete meets the flooring manufacturer’s requirements. FCI

RECYCLED RUBBER PRODUCTS LEADER SINCE 1985 RB Silent-Tread™ Acoustical Underlayment • Superior noise reduction • Environmentally responsible • 20 year limited warranty • Easy and fast to install

RB Zip-Tile™ • The non skid surface is easy to clean and maintain • Zip-Tile™ is manufactured in the USA from recycled scrap tires • Installation is as easy as aligning tabs and pressing together

ISO 9001:2000 FM 96378

800-525-5530 • www.rbrubber.com • National Distribution Centers C I R C L E 14

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

25

Resilient Installation Corner

by RAY THOMPSON

Concrete Surface Preparation

he majority of the failed installations of self-leveling underlayments and moisture mitigation treatments which have I have observed were directly a result of poor substrate preparation. The lack of proper surface preparation causes 90% or more of failures of overlays of underlayments or other bonding issues. Photos 1–4 – CSP Profiles: For proper bonding of concrete overlays and coatings, it’s important to give surface the correct concrete surface profile, or CSP. To help contractors make this assessment, the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) has developed benchmark guidelines for CSP—a measure of the average distance from the peaks of the surface to the valleys. They range from CSP 1 (nearly flat) to CSP 9 (very rough). As a general rule, the thicker the overlay or topping, the more aggressive the profile needs to be. A skim coat, for example, may require a light CSP of 2 to 4. For thicker selfleveling or polymer overlays, acceptable profiles generally range from CSP 4 to 6. Achieving surface profiles in the higher ranges often requires roughening by shotblasting or scarifying. Photo 5 – Floor sanding or buffing: Most flooring contractors rely on sanding or buffing the concrete surface

About the Author

26

www.fcimag.com

with a 16 to 24 grit open coat sandpaper. This works well for removing a light laitance, but does little to remove curing compounds or sealers. Curing compounds and concrete sealers are sometimes very hard and difficult to remove. They also do little to open up the pores of the concrete which is necessary for some types of flooring installations, especially those done with epoxies. Photo 6 – Shotblasting: Most shotblasters use a wheel with paddle-

type blades that propel steel shot at the surface at a high velocity using centrifugal force, fracturing off the surface layer of the concrete along with any dirt, coatings, paint or other contaminants. The entire process is confined in an enclosed blast chamber that recovers and separates the dust from the spent steel shot. The removed debris is sent to a separate dust collector while the reusable abrasive is recirculated. The depth of surface removal is controlled by a combination of factors, including the

Photo 1

Photo 3

Photo 2

Photo 4 Photos courtesy of ICRI.

T T

Ray Thompson, Jr. is a renowned installation expert and president of the Ray Thompson Floorcovering Institute in Easton, WA. A veteran of the flooring industry for more than 42 years, Ray conducts resilient, hardwood and concrete moisture training programs for installers, retailers, distributors, and industry associations. He also serves as a consultant and operates his own inspection service. He can be reached at [email protected].

October/November 2011

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

What shotblasters can’t do effectively is remove rubbery mastics or heavy elastomeric coatings, because the steel shot will just bounce off the surface. Tips for Best Results When Shotblasting The hardness of the concrete and the presence of a previous coating can affect production rates and the depth of material removal. When removing thick coatings, you may need to make multiple passes with the shotblaster or consider a more aggressive removal method, such as a scarifier. Shotblasters can leave “cornrows” where successive passes overlap, and these paths may be visible if you plan to cover the prepared surface with a clear coating or thin overlay. Some larger shotblasting machines have horizontally fed rather than center-fed blast wheel configurations that distribute the shot more evenly and minimize the “cornrow” effect. Smaller steel shot provides better coverage and higher production rates. Use the smallest steel shot size possible to achieve the desired results. If the slab has areas of softer and harder concrete, vary the travel speed of the machine to get more consistent results. A slower speed tends to remove more material. Shotblasting equipment is expensive, but is worthwhile to cut the costs of concrete preparation. Improper concrete preparation can be expensive as well. FCI

For ASTM F2170, size of the shot and concentration used, the rate of machine travel, shot impact force and whether you need to strip away an existing coating. Shotblasters are typically walk-behind or ride-on units, with blasting paths ranging from 4 to 32 inches and removal rates from about 200 to over 3,000 square feet per hour. Smaller models are good for working in tight areas, such as around equipment and obstructions and next to walls, and for preparing residential garage floors or balconies for decorative coatings. The most common power options are electric, diesel and gasoline. Photo 7 - Concrete surface before and after: Shotblasters can perform surface preparation tasks ranging from very light etching to more aggressive removal of surface mortar down to coarse aggregate. They also are a cost-effective method for removing dirt, grime and chemical contaminants from large areas and for prepping substrates for self-leveling or polymer overlays, epoxy toppings and most coatings. Another big advantage of shotblasting is that it produces very little airborne dust or debris, making the method a good choice for floors in sensitive areas, such as food preparation facilities or manufacturing plants.

Total Check For Total Quality

877-DELMHORST (335-6467) www.delmhorst.com

C I R C L E 15

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

27

U U nderlayment and Subfloor Preparation Reference Guide nderlayment and Subfloor Preparation Reference Guide

Editor’s note: The listings in the Underlayment and Subfloor Preparation Guide are all sponsored listings. Please contact editorial director, Jeff Golden at (818) 224-8035 x 2218 or your representative to be part of this feature online at www.fcimag.com

ARDEX Americas 400 Ardex Park, Aliquippa, PA 15001 (724) 203-5000 URL: www.ardexamericas.com Email: [email protected] Contact: Russ Gaetano Underlayment Products/Descriptions: ARDEX K15 ® Premium Self-Leveling Underlayment - A fast-track solution even for the most demanding environments. ARDEX K 55™ Microtec ® Premium High-Flow Self-Leveling Underlayment. Flows like water and double the coverage. Install at just 1/8”over most substrates. ARDEX Feather Finish® Self-Drying Cement Finishing Underlayment - For skimcoating and patching a substrate. ARDEX V 1200™ Self-Leveling Underlayment - For smoothing and leveling large jobs over concrete. Fast, durable and easy to work with. ARDEX Forti Finish™ High-Strength, SelfDrying Finishing Underlayment - A very strong skimcoat patch designed to resist indentations in vinyl flooring caused by heavy loads and hard wheel traffic in hospitals and institutions.

Bostik, Inc. 211 Boston St., Middleton, MA 01949 (978) 750-7321 URL: www.bostik-us.com Email: [email protected] Marketing Communications Mgr: Chrstine Krisko Underlayment Products/Descriptions: Bostik ® UltraFinish™ — A fast-setting, latiexfortified, Portland cement-based patch for interior use. Bostik ® SL-150™ Self Leveling Underlayment — It is used to repair, smooth and level concrete. Bostik ® GoldPlus™ — A ready-touse, roller-applied, latex waterproofing and antifracture membrane for use beneath tile surfaces. UltraSet ® SingleStep™ — A one-part, trowel-applied, tacking moisture-cure urethane adhesive & moisture vapor protection membrane. Durabond ® D-250™ Moisture Vapor Barrier Coating — A two-component, water-based, penetrating epoxy.

28

www.fcimag.com

Custom Building Products 13001 Seal Beach Blvd., Ste. 200, Seal Beach, CA 90740 (562) 598-8808 URL: www.custombuildingproducts.com Email: [email protected] Underlayment Products/Descriptions: EasyMat ® Tile & Stone Underlayment — Versatile underlayment that’s 25 times lighter and 4 times faster to install than backerboard. RedGard® Waterproofing and Anti-Fracture Membrane — Quick dry formula. Ready to use. Meets ANSI A118.10 & A118.12. CrackBuster ® Pro Crack Prevention Mat Underlayment — Designed to reduce crack transmission in extra-heavy duty commercial installations. LevelLite ® Self-Leveling Underlayment — 40% lighter than other self-levelers. SpeedFinish™ Patching & Finishing Compound — Cement compound provides a smooth finish.

H.B. Fuller Construction Products, Inc. 1105 S. Frontenac St., Aurora, IL 60504 (800) 552-6225 URL: www.chapco-adhesive.com Director of Marketing: Rachel Gibbons Underlayment Products/Descriptions: CHAPCO SmoothFinish –- A super-smooth, ultra-fast setting cement-based compound used to patch from ½” down to featheredge. CHAPCO MP — Acrylic latex-based multi-purpose primer. CHAPCO’S Defender — Low viscosity, high penetrating, two-part 100% solids epoxy to reduce moisture vapor emission. CHAPCO QDP Plus — Cement-based underlayment designed for deep fills, ramping, and leveling concrete and plywood subfloors up to 1-1/2”. CHAPCO Extreme Fiber — Pumpable, pourable, fiber-reinforced cementbased self-leveling underlayment used over substrates from 1/16” up to 1½”.

October/November 2011

H.B. Fuller Construction Products, Inc. 1105 S. Frontenac St., Aurora, IL 60504 (800) 552-6225 URL: www.tecspecialty.com Director of Marketing: Rachel Gibbons Underlayment Products/Descriptions: TEC ® PerfectFinish Skim Coat — A supersmooth, ultra-fast setting cement-based compound used to patch from ½” down to a featheredge. TEC ® MultiPurpose Primer — Acrylic latex-based multi-purpose primer. TEC ® The LiquiDAM — Low viscosity, high penetrating, two-part 100% solids epoxy to reduce moisture vapor emission. TEC ® Fast-Set Deep Patch — Cement-based underlayment designed for deep fills, ramping, and leveling concrete and plywood subfloors up to 1-1/2”. TEC® Smooth Start Self-Leveling Underlayment — Cement-based pumpable and pourable self-leveling underlayment used for large areas.

LATICRETE One LATICRETE Park Road, Bethany, CT 06524 (800) 243-4788 URL: www.laticrete.com Email: [email protected] Director of Technical Services: Art Mintie Underlayment Products/Descriptions: LATICRETE® 125 Sound & Crack Adhesive — Crack suppression, sound control and thin-set, all in one. LATICRETE® Hydro Ban® Waterproofing Membrane — No fabric required, bonds directly to PVC plumbing fixtures, 2 hour flood test after final cure. LATICRETE® 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat — Sound reduction while simultaneously providing anti-fracture protection. LATICRETE® 84 and LATICRETE® 86 LatiLevel™ Self Leveling Underlayments — From feather edge to 1” thickness in one pour; with rapid dry time. LATAPOXY® 312 Vapor Reduction Membrane — Reduces the vapor transmission from concrete slabs through to a finished floor surface. DRYTEK® 3000 - A fast drying extremely lightweight underlayment substrate ideal for deep fills; cap with DRYTEK® 7200/7400. DRYTEK® 4000 — A self-leveling underlayment providing a fresh surface for finished floor goods. DRYTEK® 7200 - A self-leveling underlayment providing a highly smooth surface for finished floor goods. DRYTEK® 7400 - A fast drying self-leveling underlayment which can also be used as an interior wear surface. DRYTEK® 7600 — A fast drying self-leveling underlayment with reinforcing fibers; ideal for radiant heating systems. DRYTEK® 9400 — A fast drying self-leveling interior wear surface with superior abrasion resistance; can be integrally tinted.

Lignomat USA, Ltd. 14345 NE Morris Ct., Portland, OR 97230 (800) 227-2105 URL: www.lignomat.com Email: [email protected] Vice-President: Grete Heimerdinger Underlayment Products/Descriptions: Ligno-Tec RH/RH Blue Peg — Measures moisture in concrete; conforms to ASTM 2170 RH Kit with RH Ligno-Tec meter. BL2 Memo-Chip/RH BluePeg — Saves readings in pre-set time intervals and can be downloaded to a PC. CMS/RH BluePeg — Saves readings and sends the readings over the Internet to a Web browser. LignoVersaTec — Measures RH and can be used as a pin meter or a pinless meter. Mini-Ligno DX/C — Pin moisture meter for wood to measure subfloors and other underlayments.

MAPEI Corporation 1144 E. Newport Center Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 (888) US-MAPEI (888-876-2734) URL: www.mapei.com Email: [email protected] Contact: MAPEI Customer Service Underlayment Products/Descriptions: Planitex™ SL 35 — Engineered gypsum self-leveling underlayment. Ultraplan® Easy — High-performance, easy prep, self-leveling underlayment. Novoplan® Easy — Easy prep, self-leveling underlayment. Planiseal™ EMB – Premium epoxy moisture barrier for concrete substrates. Planiprep™ FF — Premium skimcoating and patching compound.

Maxxon Corporation 920 Hamel Rd., Hamel, MN 55340 (800) 356-7887 URL: www.maxxon.com Email: [email protected] VP Technical R&D: Pat Giles Underlayment Products/Descriptions: Gyp-Crete 2003/3.2K Floor Underlayment — For use over wood subfloors in a single-family, light commercial and multifamily construction, as well as renovation projects. Therma-Floor — Underlayment for radiant floor heat that provides a smooth, tough surface and enhanced heating system responsiveness. Dura-Cap Floor Underlayment — For precast and cast-in-place concrete and corrugated steel deck. Dura-Cap also smooths old or uneven concrete floors. Commercial Topping — For a strong, smooth finish over concrete, precast, steel deck and wood frame. Maxxon DPM (Damp Proof Membrane) — Prevents the passage of water vapor and moisture through concrete floors.

MP Global Products, LLC P.O. Box 2283, Norfolk, NE 68702-2283 (888) 379-9695 URL: www.quietwalk.com Email: [email protected] Dir. Marketing & Sales: Jack Boesch Underlayment Products/Descriptions: Ultralayer Peel and Stick — Insulates, deadens sound and suppresses lateral cracks. QuietWalk — Premium underlayment for laminate wood flooring. Insulayment --Underlayment for glue-down or engineered wood floors. FiberBacker — Underlayment for ceramic or porcelain tile floors. DuoFoam — Polyethylene foam with special moisture resistant film on both sides.

NAC Products, Inc. 3200 South Main St., Akron, OH 44319 (800) 633-4622 URL: www.NACproducts.com Email: [email protected] Marketing Manager: Nick Duve Underlayment Products/Descriptions: ECB Classic Anti-Fracture Membrane — ANSI 118.12 rated crack isolation membrane. 3/8” crack isolation. Stratafl ex Waterproofing Membrane — Self-adhering membrane for decks, bathrooms, balconies & other wet areas. ECB Green Anti-Fracture Membrane — Green self-adhering crack isolation membrane; certified through SCS. SubSeal Liquid Waterproofing Membrane — Ready-to-use membrane functions as a sealant, waterproofer, crack suppressant & moisture barrier for under hard surfaces flooring. Marmox-NACbacker Construction Brands — Light-weight, fully waterproof, easy to cut & install.

National Flooring Equipment 9250 Xylon Ave., North, Minneapolis, MN 55445 (800) 245-0267; (763) 315-5300 URL: www.nationalequipment.com Email: [email protected] Underlayment Products/Descriptions: Panther walk behind floor removal machines — Variety of machines in manual & self-propelled operation. Panther ride-on floor removal machines — Removes carpet, VCT, ceramics, hardwood, rescrape, coatings, etc. in battery and propane operation. Planetary Grinders & floor preparation machines — Grind, prep, profile, scrape, polish and sand all with one machine. Variety of magnetic diamonds & tooling.

ProSpec 8201 Arrowridge Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273 (800) 738-1621 URL: www.prospec.com Company Contact: Kirk Kazienko Underlayment Products/Descriptions: Level Set 300 Premium Self-Leveling Underlayment — Superior flow with no troweling required. Level Set LW-60 Lightweight Self-Leveling Underlayment — 50% lighter than conventional cement gypsum systems. Level Set Deep Pour 3 Self-Leveling Underlayment — Applications from feather edge to 3”. Feather Edge Premium — polymer modified, rapid setting, trowelable finishing underlayment. Level Set Wear Topping — High strength, abrasion-resistant wear surface, designed for commercial use.

RB Rubber Products, Inc. 904 NE 10 th Ave., McMinnville, OR 97128 (800) 525-5530 URL: www.rbrubber.com Underlayment Products/Descriptions: RB Silent Tread and RB Silent Tread XL – (vapor barrier) incorporates an anti-microbial that helps to prevent the growth of harmful mold, mildew and bacteria.

Schluter-Systems 194 Pleasant Ridge Rd., Plattsburgh, NY 12901-5841 (800) 472-4588 URL: www.schluter.com Contact: Erin Malone Underlayment Products/Descriptions: Ditra – An uncoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, vapor management layer and load distribution for tiled floors Ditra-XL – Same 4 functions as DITRA, but is 5/16” thick instead of 1/8” Bekotec – Modular screed system for hydronic heating; provides thermal insulation, reduces thermal mass, no fasteners.

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

29

Meet Your Industry’s Buzz

Stauf USA 6055 Primacy Pkwy., Ste 428, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 820-0007 URL: www.staufusa.com Email: [email protected] Director of Operations: Frank Potter Underlayment Products/Descriptions: SMP-960 One-Step Wood Floor Adhesive — Provides adhesion, moisture and sound protection in one step; won’t etch floor. LEED qualified. ACS210 True-Seal Acrylic Sub Floor Sealer — Dries quickly, spreads easily, protects up to 8# moisture pressure. Contains no solvents, VOC’s. ERP-270 Perma-Seal Epoxy Sub Floor Sealer — 2-part epoxy protects up to 18# moisture pressure. Contains no water, solvents, VOC’s. AQP-200 EcoPrime PVA Dispersion-Based Primer — Create dust-free surface for floor adhesives; contains no solvents, VOC’s. LEED qualified. QFP-520 Quick Floor Patch (Concrete) - Sets quickly; fills holes and cracks; builds ramps. LEED qualified.

USG Corporation 550 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661 (800) USG-4YOU URL: www.usg.com/tileandflooring Email: [email protected] Contact: Rich Willett Underlayment Products/Descriptions: DUROCK® Cement Board Next Gen — Offers improved fastening, cutting and 20% faster installation. FIBEROCK® Aqua-Tough™ Underlayment Panels — Unique, fiber-reinforced gypsum product for use under tile or vinyl flooring DUROCK™ Tile Membrane & Adhesive — A thin, waterproof, and vapor-permeable underlayment and tile backer for floor and wall applications. DUROCK™ Quick Dry Self-Leveling Underlayment — Provides smooth surface up to 6,000 psi over concrete at a thickness from featheredge to 3”. DUROCK™ Multi-Use Self-Leveling Underlayment — Provides an economical way to level floors in a residential and light commercial construction.

eNewsletter The TalkFloor formation in u provides yo y’s to thrive in toda ronment. vi en ed ac fast-p ed up rv se TalkFloor is weekday ch ea ot piping-h ,000 morning to 15 sionals. es of pr g rin oo fl dustry Become an in ing up to leader by sign lkFloor Ta e receive th day at to r te et eNewsl oor.com www.talkfl

Fe atu rin g

int erv iew s

Brought to you

a29

Fl oo rR ad Fo st er of by Da ve

io

by BNP MEDIA

www.fcimag.com

October/November 2011

UFLOOR Systems, Inc. 14705 E. 33rd Place, Unit D, Aurora, CO 80011 (866) 505-4810 URL: www.ufloorsystems.com Email: [email protected] Marketing Director: Kirk Francis Underlayment Products/Descriptions: UZIN NC 170 LevelStar Leveling Compound — Premium self leveling compound, extremely smooth finish with Level Plus Effect and no depth restrictions. UZIN NC 110 Leveling Compound — Gypsum modified self leveling compound with high performance flow technology for filling and leveling substrates. UZIN PE 480 Moisture Barrier/Primer — 2-component epoxy resin moisture barrier/primer. No limit on moisture. UZIN PE 414 Primer/Moisture Barrier — 1-component reaction resin primer/moisture barrier. For MVER up to 7lbs/90%RH. UZIN NC 888 Turbo Patch & Smoothing Compound — High versatile fast-setting patching & smoothing compound. Excellent surface finish. No primer required.

Wagner Meters 326 Pine Grove Road, Rogue River, OH 97537 (541) 582-0541 URL: www.wagnermeters.com Email: [email protected] Contact: Jason Spangler Underlayment Products/Descriptions: Rapid RH — Wagner Meters’ Rapid RH ® with its Touch-n-Sense™ Easy Reader, provides accurate, “automatic” RH testing.

Chart Your Course to Real

SUC CESS At Clear Seas Research we develop customized research solutions to identify:

The outlook for new/existing products Customer needs and expectations Optimal product price points Marketing messages with impact Your position in the industry Areas of customer satisfaction Opportunities for new solutions/products . . . and much more

CLEAR SEAS RESEARCH. Making the Complex Clear.

Find out how we can customize a research solution to help your bottom line. 248.786.1683 [email protected] www.clearseasresearch.com

An industry-focused market research company

As a CASRO member, we subscribe to the Code of Standards and Ethics for Survey Research established by the Council of American Survey Research Organizations.

A Carpet Installer’s Notebook

by MICHAEL HET TS

Questions from a Young Installer

YY

up, it’s midsummer, Janet’s garden a bloom with a riot of growth, the Gazebo in place, radio playing, I’m settled in with an icy cold adult beverage, and a nice smoke. You know what that means… A young installer who I met at a CFI certification 5 or 6 years ago here in Pittsburgh contacted me recently with questions on what he could do to improve our industry. He told me his experience at the certification had changed his view of the industry. In his area of central Pa it seems is hard to get the installers on board with CFI or any other industry training. He has through his efforts developed the one of the best reputations in his area for installation. People know if they come to his shop they will get proper high-quality installation. He goes the distance to assure customer satisfaction and doesn’t understand why some people still shop with those that don’t vacuum or clean up after themselves. “It makes us all look bad by association,” he says. He closes with, “Any ideas of what I can do to help clean up this mess?” We need more guys like this in our trade. Not only has he set a high bar of quality installation and customer satisfaction for himself, but wants

About the Author

30

www.fcimag.com

to assist others to reach his level of professionalism. Bravo! I responded to him thusly: “Well, my friend you have put your finger right on it. There is no real reason for guys to go for extra training or certification, other than pride, caring about their industry, and wanting to become a better craftsmen, like the reasons driving you. There is no negative consequence for their lack of

ongoing training and certification. No manufacturers insisting on qualified installers to support their warranties. The residential portion of our industry has been abandoned by the Union with its training programs and benefits. What’s a guy to do? You on the other hand are a light in the dark and I do believe you will make a difference. How? Well first and most importantly, keep true to yourself

Michael Hetts is a CFI Certified Master Installer who has worked in the carpet installation field since 1970. He is currently serving as northeastern sales representative for Crain Cutter Co.; previously he served as a technical manager for Roberts Consolidated Industries.

October/November 2011

WE WANT TO PUT YOU IN THIS PICTURE ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS... 5

Peel It

5

Register It

5

Win It

Peel off your game pieces from the lids of select APAC products

Go online and register your game piece at www.apacadhesives.com

See website for complete APAC Classic Performance Sweepstakes game rules

Sweepstakes end 12/31/11

Rebuilt with more horsepower Nothing beats the high performance of APAC floor-covering installation products… except the chance to win this APAC custom chopper. Visit us on the Web at www.apacadhesives.com to see our completely new product portfolio and learn how you can win this chopper!

CIRCLE 36

and the level of professionalism you demand from yourself. Make sure that you, or whoever is selling the job, is selling you as well! Tell the customer what you are going to do that separates you from the other installers, justify why your price is higher and that your price should be higher. When I went out to quote a job for Jon and I, it was more than just measure and flop out a price. First I took off my shoes at the front door, unless they said “No, no leave them on the whole place is a mess.” Now bear in mind Jon and I charged for everything; furniture, stairs, seams, pull up, haul away, concrete, patterns, walking the dog, etc. We ended up being much higher than anyone around us. Each job had to be sold, not just measured. This is what I mean by sold; I told the customer in detail everything we were going to do for them so they knew exactly what they were paying for. For example, on a

typical job the conversation would go something like this: “When we come to do the installation I would like you to remove all of the small breakable items, lamps, pictures, dishes in china cabinets, and disconnect all the electronics; please remove the ones you can,. On your quote there will be a line for furniture moving which we can deduct if you prefer to move the furniture yourselves. We will be moving all the furniture completely out of the room. The reason for this is, if we leave furniture in the room we will have to move it a minimum of six times. If we move it out we only have to move it twice, once out, once in, much safer and less chance of any damage to your property. It would be best if you vacuum the carpet one last time before we remove it, as this will lessen any dirt and dust getting into the air. When we pull up the carpet we will do it carefully, again to

CTEF Certification It’s the Real Deal!

Let potential customers know that you and your installers have what it takes to do the job right the first time. For more information, call 864-222-2131 or visit www.tilecareer.com $FSUJĕDBUJPO
QSPWJEFE
CZ

IT PAYS TO BE CERTIFIED! Signature Level Sponsors: t
"4$&3
t
$FSBNJD
5JMFT
PG
*UBMZ
t
$PWFSJOHT
t
$SPTTWJMMF
t
$5%"
t
%BMUJMF
t
'MPSJEB
5JMF
t
-BUJDSFUF
t
/5$"
t
4DIMVUFS
4ZTUFNT
t
5$/" 1MBUJOVN
-FWFM
4QPOTPST t
'MPSJN
64"
t
.BSB[[J
64"
t
1PSDFMBOJUF-BNPTB
t
6OJUFE
4UBUFT
(ZQTVN
$PNQBOZ
64(

32

www.fcimag.com

October/November 2011

protect your indoor air quality. On the quote there is a line for hauling away the old carpet and pad. If you prefer we can cut the carpet and pad into three foot strips, tape it closed, (we used strapping tape) and place it at the end of your driveway for your local rubbish service to remove. Once we have removed your old carpet and pad, scrapped up the old pad staples, we will inspect the old tack strip for proper placement and condition, if necessary; we will remove and replace

There is no real reason for guys to go for extra training or certification, other than pride, caring about their industry, and wanting to become a better craftsmen, like the reasons driving you.

with new. We will sweep the floor, and vacuum under the raised baseboards. Then the new strip goes down or the old, if acceptable, re-inforced to handle a proper stretch. One more final sweep then a complete vacuum to get every bit of dust or debris we can before installing your new carpet and pad. During the installation process we will be following and exceeding the manufacturer’s installation specifications as outlined in the Carpet and Rug Institute’s manuals 104 & 105. All seams will be sealed and the carpet properly power stretched. By exceeding the specifications for example we will put a strip of duct

tape on the top of the pad at the nose of each stair to reinforce the padding, extending the wear and life of your stair carpet. The reason for this is that no manufacturer warrantees carpet on stairs because of the excessive wear stairs receive. After the installation is complete, all scraps removed and the entire area vacuumed we will replace all furniture we removed.” It’s all just sales brother; everyone is sales, most just don’t realize it. I have done seminars and asked a room

Each job had to be sold, not just measured. This is what I mean by sold; I told the customer in detail everything we were going to do for them so they knew exactly what they were paying for.

the trade, Michael Isberian told me, “You are my last salesman. My mother or I may only have an hour or two on the sales floor with our customer, but you may be in their home for two days. You are their last contact with, and impression of our store, make sure it’s a good one, for all of our sakes.” See what I mean; it’s all sales. Re-read “Selling You” March 21, 2005 issue of FCI on the web-site just put selling you in the search box or my name, if you want to expose yourself to more of my babblings. Ok, but what can you do besides the above mentioned? I would say start a local CFI Chapter. I know, I know, you don’t know how to do that, have never done that, yada, yada, yada. Start one you will have more help than you can imagine. People will come to do presentations at your chapter meetings; I’ll come up. Roland Thompson, president of the Delmarva Chapter,

will help you; he doesn’t even know I am volunteering him, but he won’t care. I did call him later; he said, “Of course I will, you know you didn’t need to ask.” Get the installers in the area to come to the meetings; they don’t have to be certified to come. Let them learn better installation techniques and practices, learn their real cost of doing business. Then they may raise their prices to a realistic level. Not to mention improving the quality level in your area. It might not occur to you, but the mills will appreciate it. Without proper installation, people have a bad experience and shy away from carpet the next time. That happens enough; the mills lose business and without carpet being sold…Who needs carpet installers? It’s been said a rising tide lifts all boats. Will it work? Won’t know until we try, will we? Let me know how I can help. FCI

of 60 people, “How many of you are in sales?” and maybe three or four hands go up. Then I’ll ask, “How many of you are yardage installers?” and the rest of the hands go up. “Y’all should have raised your hand the first time!” I would say. I always taught my sons, even when they were little boys, “You are always in sales no matter what you are doing. Trying to flim-flam your mom and I into one of your harebrained schemes. Flipping burgers at Mickey Dee’s, selling yourself and job performance to the boss. It’s all sales.” When I went to work at Leon Beloian Rug Co. in Chicago the owner, my first teacher in CIRCLE 9

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

33

sponsored by:

green matters

Shaw’s Eco Solution Q fiber contains 45% recycled content

S

Shaw Contract Group’s On the Edge features both Eco Solution Q fiber and EcoWorx backing.

haw Industries Group has increased the recycled content in Eco Solution Q, the company’s branded Cradle to Cradle Silver-certified carpet fiber, to 45 percent. Eco Solution Q now contains a total of 20 percent preconsumer recycled content and 25 percent postconsumer recycled content, recovered through Shaw’s Evergreen Nylon 6 Recycling facility in Augusta, Ga. “Combined with EcoWorx [carpet backing], the increased recycled content in Eco Solution Q means a typical 18 oz. carpet tile will now contain an average of 44 percent total recycled content,” said Paul Murray, Shaw vp sustainability. “Because our EcoWorx products with Eco Solution Q are backed by a global environmental guarantee, we’re also committed to reclaiming and recycling the product back into new carpet at the end of its useful life, at no cost to our customers.” Shaw offers 775 running line products made with Eco Solution Q through the Shaw Contract Group, Patcraft, Shaw Hospitality Group and Philadelphia Queen Commercial brands.

Mohawk Industries releases sustainability report

M

ohawk Industries has published a comprehensive report that shows improvement and excellence in nearly every measure of sustainability for 2010, the company said. The interactive report, available exclusively online at www.mohawksustainability.com, details the company’s commitment to finding sustainable and innovative solutions in every business segment throughout the world with regards to people, places and products. “Our shareholders, our customers, our consumers and the men and women around the world who make, deliver, sell and support our products are this Company’s inspiration for becoming better every year,” said Jeff Lorberbaum, chairman and ceo of Mohawk Industries.

34

www.fcimag.com

“As our sustainable practices evolve each year, we continue to lead the industry in making positive changes that impact our organization, our communities and our world.” Mohawk’s sustainable practices are evident worldwide through expansions into new markets that will lower energy costs associated with transporting materials over long distances; through health and wellness initiatives that will ensure a more sustainable workforce; and through recycling efforts that will save millions of gallons of clean water and thousands of trees worldwide. “From our corporate board room to every individual on the plant floor, this report is really about people working together for a common goal,” said

October/November 2011

William Kilbride, chief sustainability officer of Mohawk Industries. “Our goal is to make sure that everyone benefits from our sustainable practices in the long run - not only our shareholders but our people, our customers and the consumer, as well.” “This is the most comprehensive and complete sustainability report that we have released yet,” said Jenny Cross, global sustainability director of Mohawk Industries. “As a company, we are committed to reporting more information this year, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. Not only is this report more complete, but it is also more personal, with video, interactive stories and a variety of new information that can be found on our website.”

SURFACES is

your

Stay on top of

take your

best floor covering resource...

market

place

developments and

at the head of the pack.

Opportunities intersect at SURFACES, the one and only floor covering event that brings it ALL together for you. See the latest trends. Find the newest products. Get what you need from all the top suppliers and key players, and discover all the best new ways to profit–only at SURFACES,

Official Sponsor:

co-located with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas to strengthen your success.

Register Now for FREE education and discounted registration: www.Surfaces.com. Reg Code: D02

Exhibits: January 24-26, 2012 Education: January 23-26, 2012 Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada USA CIRCLE 100

II ndustry News ndustry News Education Takes Center Stage at CFI Convention

FCICA announces date for 2012 convention

F

Winners of the 2011 Charlie Gress Award (L to R) : Past CFI president Bob Gillespie, Nate Hall, Roy Lewis and Jonathan Varden.

I

nstallers from across the nation returned to Kansas City, Mo. for the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association’s 18th annual Convention, held August 11-13. The convention started off with the board of directors meeting, followed by certification team meetings, in which the organization’s trainers reviewed the latest installation techniques for carpet, resilient and ceramic tile. Thursday evening, the WFCAsponsored Leadership Conference & Dinner officially opened the convention with an introduction by World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) ceo D. Christopher Davis, who welcomed the installers and thanked the event’s sponsors. “We’ve always been a big believer in CFI,” Davis said. “What has impressed me the most about this organization is their dedication and commitment to excellence.” Davis was followed by the return of keynote presenter Dennis Brown, “Mr. Attitude is Everything!” Brown inspired the group with his dynamic presentation, stressing the importance of attitude in every aspect of life. “When you’re installing floors, you should also be installing a better attitude in yourself,” Brown advised. “The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude.”

36

www.fcimag.com

On Friday morning, the annual Charlie Gress Awards were announced by past CFI president Bob Gillepsie. This year’s winners were Nate Hall, Roy Lewis and Jonathan Varden. Following the awards, several key manufacturer’s representatives addressed the audience. “With all of the new laws going into effect, we’re going to have a shortage of qualified installers,” said James Mullins of Shaw Industries. Mullins highlighted the progress that has been made recently to develop ANSI standards for floor covering installation. “ANSI 600 has moved along well; this year you will see significant changes in our industry.” The remaining two days of the convention were filled with installation seminars and presentations from manufacturers on the latest floor covering installation products. This year’s CFI Convention was a hit with both attendees and presenters, and the organization is now preparing for next year’s convention. “My wife and I are attending our fi rst CFI Convention, and it is everything we were told it would be,” said installer Jay Zurn of Precision Surfaces, Hartford, Conn. “We will certainly return next year.” The 2012 CFI Convention is set for August in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.cfiinstallers.com.

October/November 2011

CICA, the flooring contractors association, has announced that its 2012 Convention will take place at the Mulberry Inn in Savannah, Ga., March 11-14, 2012. This marks the 30th anniversary of the association, which it will celebrate in 2011-2012. FCICA will release its industry-dictated educational session topics at a later date. “I have asked the education committee to focus on experiential sessions that are ‘back to the basics’,” said Gerry Swift, chairman of the board of directors for FCICA. “This means you will see more hands-on technical presentations and demonstrations.” Additional highlights of the 2012 FCICA convention include attendees’ choice of a golf or segway tour, welcoming reception, optimal member networking, table top (vendor and manufacturer) trade shows, committee and board of directors’ meetings, a 30th anniversary gala, an optional pub crawl as well as an optional FCICA Adventure Day in Tybee Island. “FCICA has become known to offer one of the best convention venues for commercial flooring contractors,” said Kimberly Oderkirk, executive vp. “This year will be another great one!”

Calendar of Events NICFI Convention/Conference Chicago, Ill., Oct. 10-12 www.nicfi.org Total Solutions Plus 2011 Phoenix, Ariz., Nov. 9-12 (601) 939-2071 www.tile-assn.com NAFCD/NBMDA Distributor Marketplace Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 8-10 (312) 321-6836

Products on Display RB Rubber Products  RB Silent-Tread reduces noise transmission RB Silent-Tread is an acoustical underlayment designed to dramatically reduce room-to-room and in-room ambient noise. RB Silent-Tread is designed for use in high-rises, office buildings, hotels, multi-family units and single-family homes. www.rbsilenttread.com For details, circle 198 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

Tramex  Tramex CMEXpert2 measures moisture and humidity New from Tramex, the CMEXpert2 is a complete kit for moisture testing of concrete flooring, hardwood flooring, wood subflooring and environment monitoring. It also allows the user to measure humidity for all types of concrete and flooring. www.tramexltd.com For details, circle 156 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

 Wagner Meters Wagner’s Rapid RH 4.0 simplifies concrete moisture testing The Rapid RH 4.0 from Wagner Meters combines the company’s patented Smart Sensor and redesigned Easy Reader with Touch-n-Sense technology for accurate, “virtually automatic” relative humidity testing in concrete slabs, the company says. www. wagnermeters.com For details, circle 200 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

 Lignomat Lignomat introduces Ligno-Duo Tec BW moisture testing kit Lignomat’s Ligno-DuoTec BW kit allows scanning wood and concrete with a pinless, dual-depth meter with calibrations for hardwoods, bamboo and laminate floors. The BW kit with RH BluePeg allows measurement of ambient relative humidity, temperature and in-depth RH testing of concrete. www.lignomatusa.com For details, circle 188 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

 BASF

Halex Corp.  BASF rolls out MV-Block moisture mitigation system

Halex’s Versashield suppresses moisture in concrete

BASF’s Construction Chemicals Division has introduced MV-Block, a moisture mitigation and surface consolidation solution specifically engineered for application over concrete substrates. MV-Block is a high-build epoxy coating that is simple to apply and reduces labor, material and rework costs, the company says. www.buildingsystems.basf.com For details, circle 194 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

VersaShield is a moisture suppression system for floors that saves installation time and money; it also suppresses extreme moisture levels in concrete up to 95% RH. Versashield is quick and easy to install – just roll it out and tape it down. www.halexcorp.com For details, circle 186 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

37

II nstallation Training Clinics & Schools nstallation Training Clinics & Schools 2011 Locations & Dates

Basic Carpet Installation (2 Days) $499 You will learn the history and construction of carpet; the Standards of Installation (CRI 104 and 105); site analysis and preparation: how to plan, measure, and estimate a residential installation (seam placement); how to interact professionally with customers in their homes; power stretching; glue-down installation; stair installation and pattern matching; and much, much more! Qualified installers will also receive a 1 year CFI Certification (R1) upon completing certification process. (Carpet mill tour included for Dalton, GA class only)

Basic Ceramic Tile Installation $499 You will learn about the construction of ceramic tile flooring; how to measure and lay out a residential installation; how to determine installation material required; floor and wall installation methods; corrective action for problem substrates; and TCNA and ANSI standards. (Ceramic mill tour included for Dallas, TX class only.)

Basic Wood and Laminate Installation $499 You will learn about the construction of wood and laminate flooring; how to measure and lay out a residential installation; how to do site analysis and moisture tests; how to prepare and look for problems in the sub-floor; how to interact professionally with the customer in their home; how to install above and below grade; about glue-down or floating; and how to install wood or laminate on stairs. (A tour of the wood and laminate manufacturing facilities is included in this course for the Danville, VA seminar only.)

Carpet International Certified Floor Covering Installers Association (CFI) and the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) educational programs include certification for carpet installation professionals, and installation

Editor’s Note:

38

www.fcimag.com

Lees Carpet Institute ensures that installers get personal training. Lees requires 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 conducts a variety of custom training courses to fit the student’s needs. Hands-on training covers all phases: rug design, carpet carving, sculpting, bas-relief, binding, hand tufting, fiber optic and more. For details, call 245-535-8206.

Laminate/Resilient The Altro Training Academy instructs professionals in the latest installation techniques of Altro products. Graduates will be able to become part of a select group of North American installers certified to install Altro floor and wall products. The academy offers courses in flooring and wall installation as well as instruction on integrating both into a single, seamless, watertight, hygienic system. For more information please call (800) 377-5597 or visit www.altrofloors.com.

Upcoming Installation Classes Basic Carpet Installation/CFI Certification October 25-26; Dalton, GA

Amtico International conducts a Floor Installation Training School. Classes are limited to 14 people per session. For details, call (404) 267-1900. Domco provides a number of training methods to provide education on installation of all its resilient product offerings. For details, call (800) 227-4662.

Wood and Laminate Installation October 25-26; Teterboro, NJ

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.

®

For more information, visit www.mohawkuniversity.com or call (800) 664-2958

training for dealers, inspectors, in-house staff, and train-the-trainer programs. Certification is offered in residential, commercial (levels I and II), and Master levels. For more information, visit the CFI website at www.CFIinstallers.com, or call (816) 231-4646.

The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA), the only trade association dedicated solely to the laminate flooring industry, offers a two-day Installer Certification Class available throughout the year. The comprehensive training curriculum covers all aspects of a quality laminate installation and will give the attendees the skills necessary to perform installations to high standards and craftsmanship in the field. To register or for more information, please call (202) 785-9500, visit www.nalfa.com. nora systems, Inc. offers a 2 1/2-day training seminar at its U.S. headquarters in Lawrence, MA. The nora Technical Academy provides training in the most recent industry developments. Attendees learn about the latest installation techniques, industry standards - including new moisture testing methods, equipment and subfloor preparation, and participate in extensive hands-on training. Contact your local nora representative at 800-332-NORA to register for an upcoming class. Northern Industries offers a three-day seamless flooring and waterproofing installation course.

These training clinics and schools cover a wide variety of floor covering installation subjects. Phone numbers are provided for you to get more information on schools in which you are interested. Also, be sure to check with your distributors for upcoming schools/clinics. Do you have a training program or clinic that you would like to include in this section? If so, please e-mail [email protected] or call (818) 224-8035 ext. 2208.

October/November 2011

Course fee of $175 includes hands-on training and certification. For details, call (401) 821-2121. Pergo, Inc.’s Endorsed 2-Day Training Program includes installation topics and techniques, and Pergo provides the training facility, all tools and materials. Classes are limited to six students and are fi lled on a fi rstcome, fi rst-served basis. Call (800) 249-0042 or [email protected]. 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 locations. Additional training seminars are available for Inspectors, Specifiers and Estimators. Call (800) 366-2689, ext. 2709, or e-mail [email protected]. 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).

Multiple Subjects 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) 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 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 classes, as well as classes on floor preparation and wood flooring installation. There will also be oneday seminars covering moisture in concrete and moisture testing. For more information, contact Ray Thompson, [email protected], or call (509) 674-1565. 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: www. fits4.org or call Tandy Reeves (888) 440-0699. All classes are accredited for continuing education. 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: Claudia@inspectionstoo. com, or www.inspectionstoo.com; (281) 2865197 (cell) or (281) 286-5197 (office); fax (281) 286-5198; 133 N. Friendswood Dr., Suite 158, Friendswood, TX 77546. 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, classroom and on-the-job instruction in

the theory and practice of proper floor preparation, installation and finishing procedures in all types of floor covering. For more information, visit www.installfloors.org or contact John McGrath, Director, at (215) 582-4108. The MAPEI Technical Institute offers courses in three different disciplines: Tile & Stone InstallationSystems (TSIS); Concrete Restoration Systems (CRS); and Floor Covering Installation Systems (FCIS). Participants pay $300 to attend the courses, and then receive a $400 rebate coupon toward the purchase of MAPEI products. MAPEI provides free lodging and meals during the seminar. For more information on the MTI schedule or other details, please contact Sophia D’Amico at 954246-8555. The Finishing Trades Institute Floocovering Installation Network (FTI-FIN) is a partnership of contractors, installers, trainer, and product mills & manufacturers dedicated to professionalism and high standards in floorcovering contracting and installation through the development and delivery of basic and continuous advanced skills training & certification programs. Serving its partnerships through training facilities across the United States and Canada, they specialize in all aspects of carpet & resilient, prefinished & engineered wood, synthetic turf, and rubber sports flooring installation. Visit them online at www.ftifloorcovering.com for more information. Tile & Stone 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 [email protected]. 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 will be presented in non-proprietary fashion. Both introductory and advanced courses are available. For more information, visit www. tileschool.org or call (864) 222-2131. The NTCA Training and Education program is administered by Justin Woelfel, Jr., NTCA Director of training and education. The threeday course, called Workshop+, costs $295. Customized courses can be designed for interested parties. The intent is to provide hands-on training opportunities for tile contractors. For details, call Justin Woelfel Jr. at (601) 939-2071. 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.

Underlayment/Subfloor 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. Registration forms, as well as additional course details are available on our website, www.ardex.com. If you have any questions, e-mail [email protected] or call (888) 512-7339.

Dependable Floor Products offers twoday 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 details, call (800) 227-3434. 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) 243-4788, or visit www. LATICRETE.com Wood Armstrong Installation School offers a three-day installation workshop designed for beginning or intermediate installers. For details, call (800) 356-9301, ext. 5376, or visit www. floorexpert.com/installertraining. Basic Coatings offers the most comprehensive training program in the industry. With subjects ranging from basic product knowledge to advanced fi nishing, sanding, and installation techniques, Basic training programs are an essential asset for both the novice and the advanced flooring professional alike. Call Kellie Smithson at (800) 247-5471 ext. 3798 for more information about trainings offered at Basic’s 7,500 sq. ft. training facility and other trainings across the country. 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 [email protected]. Clarke American Sanders Sales Institute (CSI) is a detailed 3.5 day course that focuses on product knowledge of the Clarke American Sanders equipment. For more information, call (479) 7508433 or visit www.americansanders.com. 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 information and to reserve your space, call Jim Garth at (877) 229-7720, or visit www.decorativeflooring.com. NWFA and the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) jointly sponsor a five-day Wood Flooring School. The course covers installation of both unfi nished and factory fi nished solid strip, engineered, and parquet flooring; sanding and fi nishing of these products; repair and refi nishing; trouble shooting; and other related subjects. For details, call NWFA at (800) 422-4556 or visit www. nwfa.org 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 stone tile installation systems and methods. For more information and to receive a list of dates and locations, call (800) 472-4588 (USA); (800) 667-8746 (Canada); or visit www.schluter.com.

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

39

FREE L!VE SUBSCRIPTION & READER INFORMATION CARD Please answer all questions to qualify and fax back to 630-739-9700 for your free subscription to FCI. Oct/Nov 2011 • expires: January 15, 2012 • 110RAC

1 2

Would you like to receive a FREE L!VE digital subscription to Floor Covering Installer? Please check your preferred format:

❏ Free Digital Version of FCI*

($35yr/US; $75yr/Foreign)

❏ YES!

Would you like to receive FCI’s FREE eNewsletter?

Signature (required) _________________________ Date ___________

❏ no

❏ Print Version of FCI

*(Your e-mail address must be provided in the field noted “E-mail Address”)

3

❏ YES!

❏ no

Print version payment information 1 year subscription: $35 (7 issues) Payment in US funds and must accompany order

Print Name ____________________ Title ________________________

Visa

Mastercard

AMEX

Company __________________________________________________ Signature

Date

Address ___________________________________________________ Credit Card #

City __________________________ State _______ Zip _____________ Work Phone ____________________ Work Fax ___________________

Expiration Date

E-mail* (required) ___________________________________________

Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe or or Renew or Renew Renew Online Online Online FREE FREE FREE

*If you provide your email address, it may be used by our advertisers to provide you with the information you’ve requested. • By providing your fax number, you’re giving us permission to fax subscription offers to you. • You will receive subscription and renewal notices from BNP Media via e-mail.

4

What is your primary business? (select ONE only) 04 ❏ Distributor and their 01 ❏ Self-Employed Personnel Installation Professional 02 ❏ Installation Contractor/ 05 ❏ Manufacturer and their Personnel Workroom 06 ❏ Other (specify) 03 ❏ Retailer/Contractor

5

What is your primary job title? (select ONE only) 05 ❏ Buyer/Purchasing 03 ❏ Installer/Technician 06 ❏ Sales/Marketing 04 ❏ Certified Installer 07 ❏ Other (specify) 01 ❏ President/Owner 02 ❏ Supervisor/Manager

6

What type of products do you install, sell, distribute and/or manufacture? (select ALL that apply) 09 ❏ Residential Ceramic 01 ❏ Residential Carpet Floors 02 ❏ Commercial Carpet 10 ❏ Commercial Ceramic 03 ❏ Residential Resilient Floors 04 ❏ Commercial Resilient 12 ❏ Laminate Floors 05 ❏ Pre-Finished Wood 11 ❏ Other (specify) 06 ❏ Unfinished Wood 07 ❏ Residential Rubber 99 ❏ None of the Above Floors 08 ❏ Commercial Rubber Floors

7

How many employees are in your company? (select ONE only)

01 ❏ 1-5 employees 02 ❏ 6-20 employees

03 ❏ 21-50 employees 04 ❏ 51 or more employees

www.SubscribeForFree.com www.SubscribeForFree.com www.SubscribeForFree.com For free information on products or services in this issue, simply circle the respective reader service number below. READER SERVICE NUMBERS 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025

026 027 028 029 030 031 032 033 034 035 036 037 038 039 040 041 042 043 044 045 046 047 048 049 050

051 052 053 054 055 056 057 058 059 060 061 062 063 064 065 066 067 068 069 070 071 072 073 074 075

076 077 078 079 080 081 082 083 084 085 086 087 088 089 090 091 092 093 094 095 096 097 098 099 100

101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125

126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150

151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175

176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200

Please fill out this card and MAIL it to: 440 Quadrangle Drive Suite E Bolingbrook, IL 60440 Or FAX to: 630-739-9700 For faster service, go online to: www.cdsreportnow.com/get?fci

A d Index Use the Reader Inquiry Card on opposite page to receive free information about products and/or services mentioned in Floor Covering Installer. Find the Reader Inquiry Number at the bottom of the ad or editorial item and circle the corresponding number on the Reader Inquiry Card.

Company Name

Pg No. RS No.

APAC .....................................................................31 (800) 747-2722 • www.apacadhesives.com Ardex Engineered Cements.....................................5 (888) 512-7339 • www.ardexamericas.com Bostik ......................................................................3 (800) 7BOSTIK (726-7845) • www.bostik-us.com CTEF .....................................................................32 (864) 222-2131 • www.tilecareer.com CTIOA ..................................................................16 (310) 574-7800 • www.ctioa.org Custom Building Products .....................................2 (800) 272-8786 • www.custombuildingproducts.com Delmhorst Instruments ........................................27 (973) 334-2557 • www.delmhorst.com Grout Boost.............................................................7 (866) 614-7688 • www.groutboost.com Lignomat USA.......................................................19 (800) 227-2105 • www.lignomat.com MP Global Products .............................................16 (888) 379-9695 • www.quietwalk.com NAC Products .......................................................24 (800) 633-4622 • www.nacproducts.com National Flooring Equipment ..............................17 (800) 245-0267 • www.nationalequipment.com Pearl Abrasive Co. .................................................10 (800) 969-5561 • www.pearlabrasive.com

36 1 23

15 30 13 16 10

Company Name

Pg No. RS No.

Proknee .................................................................15 (800) 549-5018 • www.proknee.com Prospec ....................................................................9 (800) 738-1621 • www.prospec.com RB Rubber Products .............................................25 (800) 525-5530 • www.rbrubber.com Schluter Systems ...................................................11 (800) 472-4588 • www.schluter.com Sinclair Equipment Co. ........................................33 (800) 624-2408 • www.sineqco.com Stauf USA ............................................................. 44 (866) GLUEUSA • www.staufusa.com Surfaces 2012 ........................................................35 (800) 547-3477 • www.Surfaces.com TEC .......................................................................23 (800) 832-9002 • www.tecspecialty.com Tramex, Ltd...........................................................24 (303) 972-7926 • www.tramexltd.com Turbo Heat Welding Tools ...................................43 (714) 522-4290 • www.turboheatweldingtools.com Wagner Electronic Products .................................21 (800) 207-2486 • www.RapidRH.com

6 3 14 5 9 64 100 18 18

12

8 4

Editor’s Note:

The Advertiser’s Index is provided as a service to our readers. No liability is created by nor accepted for any inadvertent errors or omissions.

C lassified Classified Sales Contact Sharon Ward For More Information call: 847-405-4017

October/November 2011

www.fcimag.com

41

P roducts SPOTLIGHT Tools 4 Flooring®

Turbo Heat Welding Tools Master TURBO Kit offers lifetime warranty 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 that your productivity will increase by at least 50% if not, TURBO commits to refund the full purchase price. TURBO has so much confidence in their tools, that they even brag about their lifetime warranty plus a 30 day money back guarantee. www.turboheatweldingtools.com

The Professional’s Choice – Worldwide Largest Selection of Flooring Tools, Installation Products and Accessories • Most orders ship within 24 hours • Free shipping available • All major credit cards accepted • Secure on-line ordering • Lease-To-Own financing available Check out our Exclusive POWER BUYS! Call us toll-free 866.634.1189 www.tools4flooring.com Circle 118 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

Mapei

MP Global

Outstanding lightweight crack-isolation membrane is a snap to install

MP Global’s QuietWarmth debuts eco-friendly radiant heating

Mapeguard™ 2 is a “peel-and-stick” membrane that is 35% lighter than previous generations and offers high-performance, in-plane crack isolation up to 3/8” (10 mm). This semi-rigid sheet easily cuts to size and positions without losing its form. This membrane is the ideal solution for crack isolation in flooring installations for high traffic, commercial settings and multi-story buildings. Mapeguard 2 helps prevent existing or future inplane floor cracks (with movement up to 3/8” [10 mm] wide) from transmitting through grout, ceramic tile or natural stone. It also reduces impact sound (footsteps, dropped objects, etc.) and airborne sound (voice, TV, etc.) transmission through floors when installed under ceramic tile, stone or wood floor coverings. www.mapei.com Circle 111 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

MP Global Products’ ecofriendly QuietWarmth® is an acoustical and insulating underlayment and supplemental heating system incorporating non-metallic electric radiant heating elements. Composed of 77% post industrial/ pre-consumer fibers, the underlayment is offered in two on-the-shelf sizes - 3’ x 5’ and 3’ x 10’ – and two special order sizes of 1.5’ x 5’ and 1.5’ x 10’. Circle 142 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

D istributor Marketplace Distributor Marketplace

Sales

MOUNTAIN TRADE SUPPLY INC.

Denver 4840 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 294-0226 2561 West 8th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 722-2097

Colorado

Colorado Springs 3555 New Nichols Heights, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 528-8775

1- 8 0 0 - 8 4 8 -7 9 11

■

www.mountaintradesupply.com

visit us online www.fcimag.com

42

www.fcimag.com

October/November 2011

Contact Sharon Ward For More Information call: 847-405-4017

Reprints: Contact Jennifer Allen For More Information call: 818-224-8035 x 2214

URETHANE. PERFECTED.

*

Patent Pending

Introducing a totally new and improved type of urethane wood flooring adhesive, Stauf’s one-of-a-kind PUM-950. No special solvents

*

required for clean-up and no problem cleaning up after it’s cured. No etching and wasted time dealing with call-backs. No isocyanates to harm the planet, making it safer for installers too. And nobody else has it. No wonder so many installers stick with Stauf. CIRCLE 64

www.staufusa.com

|

866.GLUEUSA