September 17/24, 2018: Volume 34, Issue 7 By Marlene Morin It’s a given that a high content of moisture in a concrete slab will damage a floor. But where does the moisture come from? How can it be tested and measured? More importantly, how do you solve a moisture issue? Following are a few answers to these critical questions. Where does moisture come from? Concrete is made of five elements: cement, sand, aggregate, air and...
Read MoreAugust 6/13, 2018: Volume 34, Issue 4 By Jeff Johnson Wood and bamboo flooring are natural products and, as such, are probably the most moisture-sensitive flooring products we deal with in this industry. Moisture problems can literally destroy a perfect wood floor by causing it to cup, buckle and warp, leaving no other solution than to remove and replace it. Following are some dos and don’ts that can help save time and money on wood...
Read MoreMay 14/21, 2018: Volume 33, Issue 24 By David Stowell When it comes to a challenging subfloor, you don’t just need the right team for the job; you also need the right materials and tools. Incorporating the right tools and equipment can make a monumental difference in job productivity, application ease and, ultimately, subfloor quality. Choosing the best tools can be tricky. Luckily, there are some tried-and-true recommendations from flooring industry experts. Stainless steel smoother....
Read MoreBy Paul Pleshek “We are sending an inspector,” are not always the most comforting words an installer or retailer hears. Some are concerned the inspector has a bias for the manufacturer, others don’t have high regard for certain inspectors in their area. Whatever the concern, how can a materially invested party know the inspector will handle the claim in a fair, thorough and neutral way? A commonly expressed concern about inspectors is whether they...
Read MoreNovember 20/27, 2017: Volume 32, Issue 12 By Elliot Gordon Contractors are under pressure to complete projects on ever-shorter schedules with ever-tighter budgets. The imperative to get the job done quickly and efficiently may overshadow the need to fully test concrete slabs to determine whether moisture remediation is required. However, if moisture testing is not conducted and moisture content sneaks up on you in the middle of a project, it can be extremely disruptive...
Read MoreNovember 6/13, 2017: Volume 32, Issue 11 By Dean Cunningham Large format tiles allow consumers to unleash a world of design possibilities and achieve a flawless, minimalist appearance to any residential or commercial space. As the contemporary, modern design trend continues to be a favorite among the consumer as well as installation professionals, large format tiles are creating major advantages in the marketplace. When large format tiles were first introduced to the flooring industry,...
Read MoreAugust 14/21: Volume 32, Issue 5 By Mike Pigeon The flooring industry over the last few years has seen a large demand for a wider variety of wall base options in certain marketplaces. With the growing selection of resilient, carpet, wood and tile offerings, architects and designers are requiring a more appealing finish to a completed flooring installation. The institutionalized look of the standard 4-inch rubber or vinyl base was just not cutting it....
Read MoreMarch 13/20, 2017: Volume 31, Issue 20 By Graham Capobianco President John F. Kennedy once said, “In crisis, be aware of the danger but recognize the opportunity.” This memorable quote is still relevant today, particularly as it pertains to the flooring industry’s well-documented labor shortage (the challenge) vs. the growth of the overall construction market (the opportunity). The construction industry has been one of the fastest growing sectors in the U.S. over the past...
Read MoreJanuary 16/23, 2017: Volume 31, Number 16 By Mike Pigeon Quite a bit of thought is needed when it comes to stair tread selection. One word to keep in mind during this process is “application.” This is a very important concept when it comes to any type of flooring because installing flooring in the wrong application will end up in a failure. The same is true for stair tread applications. The first question you need...
Read MoreNovember 7/14, 2016: Volume 31, Number 11 By Renee Hite In high-traffic commercial structures, flooring is one of the most critical components of an installation, but it’s usually the first thing that is compromised. An entryway is the first line of defense—the ideal starting point for trapping dirt and water. Quick fixes using carpet tiles are often preferred, but they might not be the best, most cost-efficient approach. Too often, less-expensive alternatives only add to...
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