'Did you know' is a weekly feature where we post industry information bytes....

Laminate flooring in Kitchens? Not a good idea unless you confirm the products core is water resistant. Don't just rely on the AC (Abrasion Class) rating system to guide you on this. To avoid a dissatisfied customer.... test the core with a drop of water to see if it soaks in before you commit to a purchase. In this photograph a bead of water is placed on the locking joint of a laminate floor, after ten minutes the water had not soaked in. Other products tested saw full absorption of the water within 60 seconds which could lead to bubbling of the laminate surface.
Master Floor Covering Standards Institute.
Master Floor Covering Standards Institute.

Did you Know?...
Excessive Moisture in Substrates causes millions of dollars in failures each year!
In fact, Moisture issues and remediation is the last thing on everyone’s mind when preparing a budget!
So what do you do now? How do you approach the issue? What if you lose the project because you’ve discovered a potential problem? Understandably, no one wants to slow down the schedule by conducting moisture tests in substrates however, ignorance is negligence and our industry is changing for the better! Be the leader!
Learn to recognize it…educate the client…educate yourself…refer to the Floor Covering Reference Manual and or ask the pro’s!
NFCAC Reference Manual – Part A10
Don Brletic
Ardex Americas
Excessive Moisture in Substrates causes millions of dollars in failures each year!
In fact, Moisture issues and remediation is the last thing on everyone’s mind when preparing a budget!
So what do you do now? How do you approach the issue? What if you lose the project because you’ve discovered a potential problem? Understandably, no one wants to slow down the schedule by conducting moisture tests in substrates however, ignorance is negligence and our industry is changing for the better! Be the leader!
Learn to recognize it…educate the client…educate yourself…refer to the Floor Covering Reference Manual and or ask the pro’s!
NFCAC Reference Manual – Part A10
Don Brletic
Ardex Americas

Did you know…….”Something as simple as a clean washed adhesive trowel can mean the difference between a successful flooring installation and a failure! A specific notched trowel isn’t just a way to get adhesive to the substrate, it’s also a metering device to put down a specific amount of adhesive for the product that is being installed. When those trowel notches get filled with dirt and debris you are limiting the amount of adhesive going onto the substrate, in many cases much less adhesive than is required to get the recommended bond. Every time a significant amount of adhesive is applied it’s imperative that the trowel is washed and cleaned or a new trowel is used. A simple bucket of water that the trowels can be put into to soak so they are clean and ready for re-use will go a long way to ensure enough adhesive is going on the substrate. The result.... a greater chance for a successful installation and a happy customer.
Mark Plausteiner
Forbo Flooring Systems
Mark Plausteiner
Forbo Flooring Systems
Did You Know? Before you can teach an old dog new tricks, you must know one thing........
More than the dog!
Although consumers today spend a lot of time shopping on line, their
purchases, when it comes to flooring, are usually done at a flooring
retailer?
A consumer appreciates the "touch and feel" of the flooring they will
purchase, as it will reflect their lifestyle for many years to come.
Developing a relationship, sharing experiences, information, and
needs,exhibits confidence to a consumer, and will win them over. Knowledge
should be shared, 80% of consumers depend on the guidance of a sales
person to help with their purchase decision when it comes to flooring.
Scott Cooper,
Director, Stanley Cooper Timber & Stone ltd.
More than the dog!
Although consumers today spend a lot of time shopping on line, their
purchases, when it comes to flooring, are usually done at a flooring
retailer?
A consumer appreciates the "touch and feel" of the flooring they will
purchase, as it will reflect their lifestyle for many years to come.
Developing a relationship, sharing experiences, information, and
needs,exhibits confidence to a consumer, and will win them over. Knowledge
should be shared, 80% of consumers depend on the guidance of a sales
person to help with their purchase decision when it comes to flooring.
Scott Cooper,
Director, Stanley Cooper Timber & Stone ltd.

Did you know... If you don't maintain a consistent relative humidity level of between 35 and 55% year round in your home, you may experience problems with your hardwood flooring. Check the product installation guide lines and if there are no guide lines... DON"T BUY THE PRODUCT!
Chris Maskell - Technical Coordinator, Master Floor Covering Standards Institute.
Chris Maskell - Technical Coordinator, Master Floor Covering Standards Institute.