Flooring Magazine Feb/March 2020 by Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd

February / March 2020

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

100 Years of Relationships & Synergies

Celebrating 100 Years 1920 - 2020

Contents

vol 38 no1

News

Editor’s Note

Gibbon Group – celebrating 100 years

Technical Bulletin 20

Concrete expansion joints and resilient flooring

Feature 23

2020 Adhesives Guide

Welcome to the February / March 2020 issue of Flooring Magazine. Inside this issue you will find the 2020 Adhesives Guide. The lift-out section has been designed to be used as a reference point, providing flooring industry professionals insight into the various adhesive products available in today’s marketplace. For this issue we pay our respects to fallen industry Icon, Mike Dunn. Mike is remembered as a true leader whose approach to life and business was to always display honesty, integrity, trust and respect.

Icon 40

Mike Dunn

Software 44

Employ for attitude, train for skills

Safety 50

AS 1428.1 compliant stair nosings

Please feel free to contact me directly regarding any industry relevant news or events, or if you know of a person worthy of Icon status, by email at michelle.cammiade@ elitepublishing.com.au Don’ forget to join our online community and visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Pintrest.

Overseas News 53

DOMOTEX 2020 – end of show report

Until next time, enjoy your read!

Michelle Cammiade Editor

Flooring Magazine is now on:

Front Cover

@flooringmagazineaustralia

Gibbon Group www.gibbongroup.com.au

@flooringmagazine @flooringmagazine

Flooring February/March 2020

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News Airstep introduces new online portal

Floorworld Nowra – Open for business

Airstep Australia is pleased to announce the launch of their new online ordering portal where customers can order both Airstep underlay products and Imagine Floors by Airstep hard flooring products, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After months of hard work and dedication, the team at Airstep are delighted to officially announce the new portal is available and ready. Customers can now register for an account via the link attached https://eorder.airstep.com.au/Account/ RegisterAir The goal with the new portal is to provide retailers an easy, convenient way to order products, especially on weekends or outside normal business trading hours. This means retailers can select products based on their own requirements with ease. The portal has been designed to offer the ultimate user-friendly experience with easeof-navigation, functionality and design. For more information, please contact your Airstep Account Manager.

Floorworld’s newest store in NSW is now open at 10 Princes Hwy, South Nowra. Glenn and Nadine Jeffcoat are generational in the flooring industry with their son Brendan now in the family business. The team at Nowra Floorworld are excited about Floorworld’s ‘can do attitude’, delivering what has been promised and being smart in the rapidly growing digital space.

Floorworld’s preferred supplier base which includes products from Australia’s biggest brands in floor coverings provides a strong, consistent core range of products that suits both residential and commercial markets.

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR announces postponement “The DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR team has been closely monitoring the latest developments concerning the coronavirus outbreak in several Chinese provinces. “Having studied and evaluated the news and information from the relevant national authorities, we regret to announce the postponement of DOMOTEX asia/ CHINAFLOOR 2020, which was originally scheduled to run from 24 to 26 March.

Flooring February/March 2020

Nowra Floorworld specialises in selling and installing an extensive range of floor coverings: carpet, carpet tiles, hybrid, vinyl planks, laminate and timber flooring.

“At this critical moment, our primary concern is to protect the health and safety of all parties involved. “We would like to thank all of our exhibitors and visitors for their continued support and participation over the past 22 years, and will announce a new date as soon as possible. We thank you for your understanding!” Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of DOMOTEX

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News

Gibbon Group - 100 years of relationships & synergies 100 years and five generations of the Gibbon family have resulted in the Gibbon Group of today – a Wholesale Distributor of best-incategory commercial carpets, along with superior flooring installation accessories for the flooring trade. Gibbon Group is proud to be Australian-owned, managed by Ainsley Gibbon, 4th generation, with her two daughters Georgia and Celia actively involved in the business. For the Gibbon family, business has always been about relationships, being ethical and about finding synergies. Gibbon Group today is a different business from its start in 1920. The one constant has been the importance placed on client and supplier relationships and how to become that trusted partner - a factor they believe has contributed to their longevity.

Introducing sheet vinyl flooring, nylon tufted carpets, wallpapers and rugs to Queensland carpet retailers, Gwynn also established a flooring installation trade depot with Roberts as the key brand – and C&HW Gibbon was on a new journey. The company grew rapidly, servicing carpet retailers in Queensland and Northern NSW. Gwynn and his team established strong client relationships (often friendships) which continued long after his early death in 1975 through his great friend and 2IC, Nigel Cutmore, who ran the business until the late 1980s. It was then rebranded to Gibbon Group, representing brands such as Domco, Peerless and Sommer – each for many years. The Trade Depot Accessories products would become household names (Roberts Smoothedge) built with the assistance of the Gibbon company.

national distribution rights in 1995 for the uniquely-constructed Irish goat hair carpet, Tretford Cord Carpet. Tretford’s principal at the time, Hugh Kelly, spoke warmly of Gibbon Group and of Ainsley Gibbon. “When we approached Gibbon Group, we were looking for national distribution,” Kelly says. “Ainsley inspired and convinced me that she was right for us nationwide and she set it up. Ainsley is a natural leader and has an astute business mind which she combines with an incredible passion for design.” If business was about relationships and synergies, the relationship forged with Tretford’s Irish principals would provide a springboard for a new approach to business dealings. Ainsley had found that, “carpet retailers didn’t see a market for Tretford,” she says, “but I knew that its unique look

Above: Gwynn Gibbon Originally C&HW Gibbon, it was founded by Charles Gibbon and his son Harold as Wholesale Leather Merchants in 1920. The company survived the Great Depression, WWI and WWII, only to find in the 1960s that the removal of tariff protection meant the deathknell for Australian-made leather goods, so C&WH Gibbon needed to look elsewhere fast or not survive. It was the entrepreneurial thinking of grandson, Gwynn Gibbon, who had come into the business after WWII, that took the company into new territory – flooring.

Flooring February/March 2020

Above: Ainsley & Celia inspecting Tretford rugs in production Gibbon Group – a new era When Gwynn’s youngest daughter, Ainsley Gibbon, eventually took over the helm in the mid-90’s, another evolution would begin. The company expanded from Queensland to a national presence. The key was securing

and amazing colour palette was right for Australia.” These appealed to an architect’s sensibility, so she re-focused Gibbon Group toward specification sales through the design community. With this decision, a new era was born.

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News

9 Modulyss is an exciting designer brand out of Belgium, with both companies demonstrating excellent environmental credentials. The Gibbon Group strategy is to assist the client in finding the right solution for their project, be it corporate, retail, institutional, multi-res or hospitality sectors.

Ainsley’s passion for design resulted in other successful products – from Ambro ‘Luminate’, Metropol Wool Collection, Huestone Concrete to the launch of Desso Carpet Tile into Australia. Also developed over many years is the Tretford Custom Rug Division run by Ainsley’s daughter, Celia. These made-to-order custom rugs are constructed by their highly skilled rug assemblers, creating often spectacular custom work for large public and commercial, as well as residential spaces. In fact, Tretford’s Roll Tile and Custom Rugs have all featured in many high-profile projects. The Accessories Trade Division has grown to become an important force for the business, thanks to the focus it was given under the general management of Gavin Smith, who took it from a ‘hole in the wall’ trade depot in the 90’s, upgrading the depot and establishing a mobile showroom – initially out of a delivery van. This was to provide flexibility in their service which grew to two Mobile Showroom trucks covering central and south-east Queensland, and for many years Gibbon Group offered various quality brands as part of the Intafloors Buying Group. Environmental sustainability – a core philosophy Ainsley’s passion didn’t stop with design – for over 20 years her support for environmental sustainability meant Gibbon Group became one of the first flooring companies to be

Flooring February/March 2020

a member of the GBCA, and one of the first to have flooring products listed on Ecospecifier’s website (before third party certifications) with sustainability being the core philosophy that drives the business.

Gibbon Trade is the newly-branded Trade Division of Gibbon Group with their north Brisbane Trade Depot and now three Mobile Showrooms catering to the flooring installation tradies – where on-site service and flexibility for the client is top priority. Accessories Division Manager, Sean Young, played a pivotal role in further building the Division over the past 10 years, expanding

The impact a company can make… Ainsley Gibbon saw Gibbon Group as a catalyst for positive change through the products it represents and the influence it can exert with suppliers. Ainsley has long advocated that change is urgent to address global environmental problems and that we all must do our part. With the tragic Australian bushfires, Gibbon Group believes, as a company who has promoted environmentally sustainable products for over 20 years, that it is time to step up and support action on climate change. Where to from here…. With the commemoration of 100 years and under the direction of General Manager, Damien Fuller, Gibbon Group have created two Divisions and rebranded to better reflect the different client-base and business approaches, while continuing the tradition of putting the client’s needs at the forefront of their strategy. Today Gibbon Architectural is the national A&D division of Gibbon Group that represents two flagship brands - Tretford Carpet - Roll, Tile, Custom Rugs and Plank and Modulyss Carpet Tile and Plank.

the Mobile Showrooms to three trucks. In 2020, Gibbon Trade has also launched its new Spartan Supplies brand - Gripper, Tape, Edge Cap and Ply. With superior brands such as Husqvarna, Mapei, Diplomat, Nexus, Janser, and many others, Gibbon Trade offers a broad range of installation tools, floor stripping machines, moisture testing and environmentally safe trade consumables. Gibbon Trade’s priority is to offer exceptional customer service and it drives everything they do – a philosophy reflected across the whole of Gibbon Group.

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News

DesignBUILD launches 2020 program In recognition of the changing needs and challenges of the building industry, DesignBUILD 2020 will look towards the future of Australia’s built environment with a renewed focus. Now entering its 34th year, the annual industry event is Australia’s longest running trade show that brings together leading architects, commercial builders and property developers with manufacturers and suppliers operating within the commercial design and construction industry. Building on this foundation, DesignBUILD is implementing several significant changes for its 2020 event. Recently appointed Event Director, James Laing, is eager for the 2020 event to demonstrate the high standards and continuing innovations happening throughout the entire build process in Australia. “There are a number of profound changes that have rapidly affected the construction industry over the past year, including issues around cladding and defective materials,” says Laing. “Through our renewed 2020 focus, we hope to offer visitors a forum where they can connect with trustworthy brands in the industry representing the entire build spectrum, learn about practical solutions, and engage with cutting-edge technology.” This renewed focus will be a real game changer for the architecture, building, construction and design sector as they look to DesignBUILD for industry-class innovation and sustainable materials from leading brands in Australia and abroad.

Flooring February/March 2020

Covering the entire built environment In taking a more inclusive view of the Australian built environment, DesignBUILD will for the first time be co-located with Total Facilities. The colocation gives visitors access to complete strategies and solutions across the building lifecycle from planning to operation, all on one show floor. Visitors have the freedom to explore both shows and discover trusted suppliers who represent the breadth of the building lifecycle including the latest facilities products and providers across Workspace

Fitout and Design, Energy Efficiency, Access Control, Building Maintenance, Health and Safety and more. This will make DesignBUILD 2020 the largest destination for the entire built environment in Australia. The future of construction tech Recognising that innovation and technology are changing the face of the construction industry and Australia is on the threshold of widespread implementation; DesignBUILD will launch the Digital Building Zone, set to present up-to-the-minute solutions in construction technology and smart buildings. Offering visitors an industryexclusive opportunity to connect with

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News

enterprise companies and start-ups in the construction tech market to realise the potential of digitisation to deliver increased value across their built asset lifecycle. DesignBUILD is working closely with UK sister brand Digital Construction Week, to deliver the latest thinking and discussion revolutionising the construction industry, from the digitisation of paper-based processes and cloud-based design collaboration, through to cutting-edge software, AI and sensor technology. Local and international exhibitors in the Digital Building Zone include Bluebeam, Buildlogic, Ruby Sketch, 2n Telekomunikace and Construction Software. Speaker Series returns Held across three days, the free to attend DesignBUILD Speaker Series explores the future direction of the industry by exploring digital technology, sustainability measures and design techniques.

Headline speakers at this year’s event include Bronwyn Weir, co-author of the Shergold Weir report, Scott West, Design Director at Frasers Property, Professor Andrew Harris from Laing O’Rourke and Nick Travers, Director at Techne Architecture + Interior Design. Topics from the passive house movement, commercial design and construction, the move to low-carbon products, to adopting building reform will be covered.

This year’s theme ‘Reimagined’ signifies a new direction for the show with the popular Design and Build theatres combined to create one free to attend stage tackling some of the industry’s most challenging and compelling issues.

Conference director Pia Argiratos says, “The education component of the event seeks to debate and educate on choices the industry can make today, in technology, process and products, that better align with tomorrow’s needs.”

“The education component at DesignBUILD 2020 this year is in line with reimagining the future direction of the built environment. It is geared toward implementing new technology and environmentally conscious initiatives that align with the best building standards.” “The speakers and topics we have assembled will hopefully help members of the building and design industry achieve the best outcomes today through innovation, expertise and collaboration,” says Argiratos. Making its debut to the 2020 speaker program is the newly curated Digital Building Theatre, discussing the latest in digital solutions and technological advancements across planning, design and building. From BIM software, updates on digital strategy, to insights from digital innovators, Ronny Matzat, CEO at DSGNK, Belinda Hodkinson, Founder & Director of Magnae Solutions and Nathan Hildebrandt, Director at Skewed. DesignBUILD brings together over 120 brands and 4,000 plus industry professionals under one roof to advance excellence and innovation in the built environment. DesignBUILD will return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre this year. For information on showcasing your brand at DesignBUILD or to register for free visit designbuildexpo.com.au

Flooring February/March 2020

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Product Update SEBO Tough on Dirt – Built for Commercial From the start, a carpets maintenance program should be considered as part of the buying decision. If proper maintenance is neglected, the carpet’s appearance and performance will suffer, shortening the carpet’s useful life and raising long-term costs. Setting the standard for dependable performance, the BS range of upright vacuum cleaners from SEBO has an unmatched professional pedigree. The new BS 360 and 460 offers all the benefits of the previous generation, such as a rugged low maintenance design, but with enhanced filtration and efficiency.

12 The SEBO BS 360/460 vacuum cleaner has a powerful twin motor design, an ergonomic carrying handle and integrated hose and wand. An electronic brush height guidance system with brush motor protection helps ensure the best performance. When the machine is put into the upright position, the brush motor will automatically turn off and will re-start when the foot pedal is depressed and the handle lowered. One of the few machines that is able to clean even when completely flat, the SEBO BS 360/460 can get under beds and other furniture. To reach right to the edge and beneath furniture, the machine features an L-shaped cleaning head. Maintenance is easy with the SEBO BS 360/460. When the electronic monitoring system indicates a new brush strip is required, a new one may simply be slid

Quattro Hybrid - the ultimate floor for contemporary living Signature Floors launches Quattro Hybrid, the next generation in high performance flooring. Quattro Hybrid floors are waterproof, family proof and extremely durable, featuring an easy to install 5G click-system. These stylish luxury floors perform brilliantly under extreme heat, making them the perfect foundation for contemporary living. The range features three stylish collections; Oaks, Tiles and Aussie Species. The oak and Aussie species designs have an authentic textural wood look finish, giving a sense of calm to your living environment. Celebrating the beauty

Flooring February/March 2020

into place without the use of tools. Clearing blockages is equally straightforward and bags and filters are easily accessible for replacement. SEBO bags have a multi-layer design and sealable tops, so are hygienic and offer optimum performance, while the machine’s built in HEPA filter gives 'A' rated filtration.

inbuilt underlay for added acoustic performance and installation. For great looks, superior performance and exceptional quality – look no further than Quattro hybrid floors.

of natural concrete and stone effects, Quattro tiles will transform any room in your home with their modern and clean aesthetic. Quattro was built to provide the ultimate answer to easy family living. These hybrid floors can withstand the harshest of any climatic changes from hot, wet and cold making them ideal for use in any environment across the country. The multi-layer quartz enhanced PUR coating has exceptional resistance to heavy foot traffic, indents and scuffs and have an

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imagine the possibilities

Project image courtesy of Empire Interiors and McGrath St Kilda. Range: Reclaimed Wild Oak. Open Homes Australia January 2020 episode.

Reclaimed Wild Oak Engineered Timber floors as featured on Open Homes Australia lifestyle television show

www.imaginefloors.com.au 1800 803 545

Product Update

Floor preparation made easy with Polivac Polivac International are experts in designing and manufacturing innovative technology for the flooring and cleaning industry. Their product range includes sanders, polishers, scrubbers and grinders. Polivac also has a wide range of top-quality accessories such as a mastic tool, a four-head sanding disc and flexible grinding plates suitable for different working requirements. Diamabrush Mastic removal tool: Removing stubborn coatings from concrete has never been easier using the Diamabrush Mastic removal tool. This versatile and powerful tool removes coatings such as mastic, carpet adhesive, tile adhesive, thin-set and thin mil coatings like urethane or paint. Save on money and time by avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and heavy grinding equipment. The Diamabrush is a diverse tool that mounts to any standard floor buffer or auto scrubber and uses diamond coated blades to grind tough coatings away. Prepare your concrete floor for resurfacing safely and swiftly with the Diamabrush Mastic removal tool. Instead of using hazardous chemicals simply apply water to eliminate dust and to flush debris away. Designed with replaceable blades to help minimises downtime Polivac recommends pairing the Diamabrush with a SV25 Low Speed Sander for excellent performance.

Left: Polivac Mitchell Range KVG-17F MultiPurpose Grinder/ Scrubber

Flooring February/March 2020

Four Head Sanding Disc Compatible with Sanding Papers, Water pads, Diamond pads and Ceramic pads

Diamabrush Mastic Removal Tool

Four Head Sanding Disc: Easy to fit and use, the four headed sanding disc gives the finest finish on uneven floors when compared with traditional pad holders. Minimising the vibration, the four head sanding plate allows the sander to aggressively flatten the floor and is now available with or without the Polivac clutch mechanism. The four headed sanding disc comes with 120mm heads (recommended to use with Polivac machines SV25 and SV25 Supervac) that suit any velcro backed pads including sand paper, water pads, diamond pads and ceramic pads which can be easily attached and removed. The head is easily interchangeable with the diamond grinding head, which is recommended to be used with grinding machines.

Kenbrock introduces Eclipse Eclipse is the first Modular Hybrid to be available on the Australian market. This product was developed over a two-year period, taking the top features of LVT looselay and combining them with the core strengths of Hybrid Flooring.

Aluminium Grinding Plate: The sturdy and efficient grinding plate is the best option for wet grinding concrete and marble. The highly versatile plate can be used with all velcro pads including water, diamond and ceramic pads. Grinding discs are available in various grid sizes enabling the user to choose from a variety of options to meet the needs of each individual job. The Aluminium Grinding Plate is compliable with the Polivac Mitchell Range, KVG-17F.

Aluminium Grinding Plate

All Polivac products are backed by a global distribution network for parts, service and equipment.

floor. Eclipse offers a touch indentation resistant surface and is dimensionally stable with a limestone core. Being Phthalate free, waterproof and made from 100% virgin materials it is safe for the whole family, pets included.

Eclipse is a quality Hybrid flooring that eliminates the need for a click system and dispenses with the need for scotia. Installed using a hi-tac pressure sensitive adhesive this new product retains all the traditional benefits of a Hybrid

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Product Update

Stubbi – eliminating vinyl cove failures Flooring Magazine sat down with Daniel Marsh to discuss the new Stubbi products that have recently been launched in Australia and the UK. Daniel’s experience in contract and domestic floor covering installation spans over seventeen years both here in Australia and abroad. During this time Daniel and his colleagues become increasingly aware of a common failure in commercial flooring at the coved perimeters. The Problem The problems arise from either the vinyl not being seated on the cove correctly at installation or the coving strip not being installed tightly, leaving room for imperfections and space for movement. Heating the vinyl at installation also causes the finished product to shrink back from the cove fillet and become weakened and brittle.

Stubbi’s orb style ball is driven on twin steel control forks and glides on smooth carrier bearings, improving accuracy and speeding up installation times. Available in two cove sizes including the 32mm fillet profile, the Stubbi LinoCove and the 20mm fillet profile the Stubbi MiniCove. Stubbi also stock a companion roller for pencil coving, the Stubbi edge. The roller has an orb style design which mirrors the cove former’s outside profile when it is installed in the manufacturers recommended high performance position. With this unique shape, installers can now achieve full perimeter lateral rolling of cove former strips, before the vinyl riser is installed. Stubbi pressure rollers ensure: • The vinyl floor covering is supported at its weakest point • There is no air space for bacteria to breed • Improved weldability in vertical heatsealed seams • Water-based contact adhesives are firmly pressurised and correctly crystallised for curing • The liability of movement is completely removed Endorsed by Quantum Flooring Solutions UK, the Stubbi rollers have recently been launched by diplomat Blades through their distribution network of trade counters around Australia, are part of the installation curriculum at the Armstrong Training Institute in Melbourne, flooring technology certificate 111 in Tafe and Kevmor professional development in WA.

The Solution To rectify this problem Daniel and his team developed and provisionally patented a pressure roller with a double rounded edge.

Flooring February/March 2020

The benefits of Stubbi Rollers are undisputed. They are supported by the cove strip manufacturers and produce impeccable results, raising standards and removing liability.

A simple 3-step process eliminates cove failures 1. Pre roll - Rolling of coving strip into adhesive at wall / floor juncture 2. Installation - Rolling of vinyl sheet product firmly onto cove former strip at base level 3. Post Roll - Finishing rolling of installed vinyl product neatly into curvature and wall risers Daniel and his team are confident that the Stubbi’s will make a positive contribution to the flooring industry as a whole in Australia and eventually on the world stage.

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BE MORE EFFICIENT ON SITE AND SCRAPE UP MORE PROFIT FOR YOUR BUSINESS 1

5280 – WALK BEHIND SCRAPER This hydraulically driven, forward self-propelled scraper removes the worst of today’s soft goods, such as glued-down floors, gummy commercial carpet, VCT, sheet vinyl, rubber tile, linoleum, indoor and outdoor sport surfaces, roofing material, and more. The ergonomic features of this machine reduce operator fatigue while optimizing time and labor savings. The compact design makes it ideal for use in tight spaces.

The Commander removes the worst of today’s soft goods, such as glueddown floors, gummy commercial carpet, VCT, sheet vinyl, rubber tile, linoleum, indoor and outdoor sport surfaces, roofing material, and more.

FROM

PER WEEK

$40

6280 – COMMANDER WALK BEHIND SCRAPER

$75 3

ION4K – CLEAN AIR COMPANION The Ion4K is a compact machine that electronically charges the air in the room, driving dust and other contaminents rapidly to the ground in a manner that is safe for the user and the enivironment. It operates with little input from the user so you can spend more time focusing on the task at hand. Versatility makes the Ion4K applicable for many jobsites including renovation and demolition contractors, food processing facilities, schools, anyone generating dust on their jobsite, and more. Clean air is right for any environment.

7700 – RIDE-ON SCRAPER Powered by 12 200-amp hour batteries that exceed the industry standard, this machine is everything you need it to be. Bigger, heavier, and faster than the 5700, it is designed to remove difficult material and built to operate on almost any jobsite.

FROM

$61 PER WEEK

FROM

$272 PER WEEK

CONTACT YOUR NEAREST INTAFLOORS DISTRIBUTOR TODAY NEW SOUTH WALES Intafloors Trade Depot P: (02) 8678 5479

ACT Intafloors Trade Depot P: 0403 420 377

QUEENSLAND Intafloors Trade Centre Gold Coast P: (07) 5564 9999

TASMANIA Total Flooring P: (03) 6234 9855

VICTORIA Intafloors Trade Depot Vic P: (03) 9768 7248

SOUTH AUSTRALIA DE Seal & Sons Pty Ltd P: (08) 8346 9833

NEW ZEALAND Allnex Auckland P: +64 (09) 583 6500

Brisbane P: 0438 703 536 Sunshine Coast P: (07) 54510856

www.intafloors.com.au

Retailer of the Month

The Wunsch Factor by Philip Ashley

Ben Wunsch admits he didn’t get where he is today on raw talent. He says, “Running a business is like playing sport. Hard work and commitment are the pathways to success.” Lisa and Ben Wunsch operate Universal Flooring Xtra in Yallah, New South Wales just south of Wollongong. They’ve been there a mere nine months but in that time their growth has been phenomenal. Ben puts this down to his competitive nature in sport that he says, “Started when I was a kid. I wasn’t born with natural talent; in fact, I was quite chubby as a young boy and was put in goals as it best suited my physique and lack of coordination; but I worked hard, grew a little taller and put in a lot of effort. My coach told my dad, ‘If he wants it enough, he’ll make it happen.” Well, Ben certainly made it happen, eventually playing Football for the Parramatta Melita Eagles in the National Premier League and making his First Grade Debut at just 18. Ben moved out of home on his 18th birthday and moved to Sydney to pursue his sporting

Flooring February/March 2020

career. Sport, especially in the early stages didn’t put food on the table so Ben went through a training agency to get find a job. He recalls being sent to Harvey Norman, expecting electrical goods or furniture but found himself in a carpet warehouse. His first thought was “What’s all this? And that funny smell?” but that didn’t worry him. As he says, “All I wanted was for someone to offer me an opportunity and I’d prove that I would be good enough.” And so, in 2007 Ben started in the flooring warehouse at around $350 a week.

Photo credit: JC Sports Photography

The next few years would see Ben’s life turned around. After only a year playing soccer, he picked up an injury that all but ended his potential sporting career. However, at Harvey Norman things were starting to pick up. He didn’t know it at the time, but they saw great potential in Ben and were grooming him for bigger things. He had started working closely with the retail support teams with merchandising and setting up and refreshing stores all over the country, when one day General Manager Allan Dingwall offered Ben his own Franchise in Lake Haven on the Central Coast. He says of the experience, “I was really thrown in at the deep end for 14 months. I was pretty gung-ho at the time and with little instore retail, measuring and quoting experience I had to learn fast.” After this stint he returned to work as a Retail development manager with Alan Dingwall but soon after was given what Ben describes as his ‘big break’ when he was offered the Erina store near Gosford. He was there four years and followed that success with another four years, returning ‘home’ to the Warrawong store in Illawarra. Returning home to the area where Ben grew up, he started to feel he might be better suited to a family style business. “I am extremely grateful for the that day I was offered a Franchise, and the opportunities that I have had but once the thought got in my head of running my own ‘family store’ it was just a matter of time really before the

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Retailer of the Month

right opportunity came up. That is how he found himself in his current store, Universal Flooring Xtra in Yallah in which Lisa and he bought only nine months ago. Ben says, “It was a long process to get here but Lisa and I have seen massive growth in the short time we’ve been in business.” The shop was at the front of a narrow building with a gym in the middle and their warehouse at the end. They’ve since taken over the Gym and are currently extending the show room and warehouse. There is currently only the two of them plus their store-person Angelo, and in the process of adding to the team. On any day they will have up to eight sub-contractors on the job servicing a wide regional area that’s mostly residential, although they also work with small project builders. Ben’s work ethic comes from his early sports career. He says, “Very few professional athletes get to where they are on natural talent, it’s mostly a lot of hard work and having the desire to succeed. “Both our parents have run small businesses their whole lives and been involved in successful sporting journeys.” He believes surrounding himself with successful people throughout his sporting and working career has been a key driver but has also taught him that having a good network of people he can call and get advice from has been invaluable.

Universal Flooring Xtra, Yallah, NSW And therein lies the Wunsch Factor; being personally invested in every job; applying an attention to detail his customers notice and are prepared to pay for; his wideranging experience with retailing and product knowledge. Ben says, “Flooring can be complicated enough, but we try and simplify everything for our customers and for our sub-contractors. We live in a world of product innovation but it’s not always the latest or even the best flooring that’s right for the customer. You must take their environment and lifestyle into consideration and provide a product that is fit for purpose. At Universal Flooring Xtra we like to think we provide our customers with an experience, not just a sale.” Ben and Lisa work hard and for long hours because sometimes they need to, and

because they want to. Their next challenge is to organize their work/life balance. With two small children that Ben hopes one day may be involved in the business, family is very important. Ben got back into soccer five years ago and last year played in the Illawarra Mercury Premier League for Woonona but has recently decided to hang up the gloves and boots due to injury. Ben also wants to focus more on his family and the business. He hopes to one day return to the game, but it will be one the sideline and not between the sticks. One thing is certain, Lisa and Ben will continue to provide their community with the very best personalized service they have developed and look forward too many more successful years in the flooring industry.

Look what’s NEW! Welcome to Airstep Online Ordering, where you can now order both Underlay and Hard Flooring products at your convenience, 24/7. We invite you to register using the link below: https://eorder.airstep.com.au/Account/RegisterAir For more information, please contact your Airstep Account Manager.

www.airstep.com.au 1800 803 545

www.imaginefloors.com.au 1800 803 545

Technical Bulletin

Concrete Expansion Joints and resilient flooring Brought to you by Forbo

In some circumstances flooring installers are instructed to install bonded resilient floorcoverings over cover concrete movement joints. This could be in commercial or residential projects. The explanations below are to help avoid problems when concrete joint terminologies are not fully understood or where similar terminologies are used to describe the same or similar concrete joints. Isolation Joints Frequently Called Expansion Joints Isolation or expansion joints are designed to allow for the expansion and contraction and sometimes to stop curling or warping of new concrete slabs. All such movable joints must be cleaned of all construction contamination prior to the installation of resilient floorcoverings. According to AS1884-2013 4.2 General Installation Procedures Section (f) floorcoverings shall not be laid over structural expansion or construction joints. Expansion joint covers designed for use with resilient floorings must be used at all movable joints. There are numerous options available.

The next image is a typical worm crack showing through the vinyl. The cause is generally attributed to a feather finish type smoothing compound or flooring adhesive having been applied over and filling the crack. Due to the expansion and contraction of the slab overtime the compound or the adhesive is pushed out of the crack which forms a slight ridge and can be seen in reflected light situations. The effect of the ridge can cause premature wear of the flooring over that raised spot.

Construction Joints frequently called Cold Joints Construction joints or cold joints are normally a stopping point between a finished slab edge and where a new slab is going to meet or have met. All such movable joints must be cleaned of all construction contamination prior to the installation of resilient floorcoverings. Once again expansion joint covers designed for use with resilient floorings must be used at 22 all movable joints.

Typical rucking of a resilient floor covering installed over an isolation or expansion joint is shown below.

Above: Example of an Expansion Gap Flooring February/March 2020

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AUSTRALIAN STOCK COLLECTION

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spheraÂŽessence Sphera essence is the latest addition to the Forbo homogeneous vinyl collection. Sphera essence presents a modern take on a classic look adding depth and contrast with transparent chips that link to a granite-stone visual. Made in a Forbo purpose-built production facility utilising the latest technology essence delivers on looks and performance. Essence includes an advanced PUR, is 100% Phthalate free, recyclable and Green Tag certified. Essence meets the requirements for Best Practice PVC. A perfect all-rounder for education, health and commercial projects. Visit www.forbo-flooring.com.au/sphera to find out more. creating better environments

Technical Bulletin

22 (b) Smoothness—When a straightedge 150 mm long is placed at any position at rest at two points on the surface, no part of the surface shall be more than 1 mm below the straightedge. (c) Soundness—The surface shall be without cracks, grazing, dusting, rain damage, spalling, efflorescence or blistering. Forbo warranties and most manufacturers do not cover rucking damage or telegraphing of the concrete joints. Subfloor show through in the floorcovering as a result of concrete movement or moisture coming from the joints subsequent to the installation of resilient flooring is not considered a product fault or failure and is structural or from a building site related condition.

Above & Right: Example of a Tredsafe Expansion Gap Cover. Contraction Joints (Saw Cuts) frequently called Control Joints Contraction or control joints are a widely used method to control random cracking in concrete slabs. This produces an aesthetically pleasing appearance since the crack takes place below the finished concrete surface. The concrete will still be cracked, which, is normal behaviour, but the absence of random cracks at the concrete surface gives the appearance of an un-cracked section. In most cases successful floorcovering installations over non-moving joints are achieved once prepared using suitable non-staining and rigid fillers and / or cementitious patching and levelling materials. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the use and application of those products.

Flooring February/March 2020

It is prudent to note according to AS18842013, and the floorcovering industry best practices: The surface of a concrete subfloor shall be thoroughly checked for the following. Surface quality (a) Planeness—When a straightedge 2000 mm long is placed at rest at two points 2000mm apart on the surface, no part of the surface shall be more than 4 mm below the straightedge.

It may be difficult to determine if curing compounds, concrete densifiers/hardening compounds, or sealers have been used. Always conduct adhesive mat bond tests prior to the installation to determine the integrity of the flooring system, and adhesive bond. Imperfections such as chips, spalls, cracks, and joints must be repaired using suitable patching and levelling materials. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using and applying these products and question the builder or architect if instructions are suggesting to install over joints. Should you have any questions please contact: Peter Brack Dip.Teach.Tech.Ed. Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40110, Technical Services Manager – Australia / New Zealand Phone: 0439 063 336 Email: peter.brack@forbo.com

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Adhesives Guide

2020 Adhesives Guide

Flooring February/March 2020

Flooring Magazine Magazine sat down with industry stalwarts Australian Flooring Supplies to discuss the flooring adhesives market. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what they had to say. The adhesives market has changed dramatically over recent years as manufacturers have raced to keep speed with ever evolving flooring products. New manufacturing methods, new raw materials and a consumer demand for better visuals has resulted in a rapid evolution of flooring products. The result has been new adhesive products better suited to modern flooring, new best practices and a more competitive adhesives market offering more choice. The evolution of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and the resulting changes in resilient adhesives is the perfect example of the in tandem evolution of adhesives and flooring. When â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;loose layâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vinyl planks were first released there were concerns that adhesive sales would suffer. However, these concerns were short lived as there were many issues with installing these products without adhesives. Adhesive manufacturers responded to these issues by recommending pressure sensitive (PS) adhesives.

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Adhesives Guide One benefit of PS adhesives is the ability to spread adhesive through the whole job prior to plank installation. Installers loved this feature as it greatly reduced total install time. But unfortunately, the use of PS adhesives didn’t resolve the vinyl plank shrinkage issues. In response to plank shrinkage and movement, manufacturers begun recommending the use of hard-set adhesives with all vinyl planks and resilient floor coverings. This proved to be a good move with more successful installations and less complaints. Installation may take longer with hard-set adhesives when installing luxury vinyl tiles and installers need to ensure that there is good transfer of adhesive on the back of the planks. But a successful installation with no comebacks is worth the extra effort. The use of hard-set adhesives is now common place for vinyl installations, with domestic and commercial vinyl installers preferring one with a good open time and fast set up time (i.e. Roberts 285 and R2000). Meanwhile, the introduction of onecomponent heavy duty adhesives (i.e. ARDEX AF 180 MS) has revolutionised the installation of commercial resilient wall and floor coverings in extreme conditions, such as ensuites and other wet areas. Launched as a replacement for two-part epoxies in wet areas, onecomponent adhesive benefits include no mixing and no waste. Onecomponent adhesives have been well received by commercial vinyl installers and sales are increasing.

Flooring February/March 2020

Carpet adhesives have also undergone huge changes. As carpet tiles have increased in popularity, direct stick or dual bond installations have decreased in popularity. This has seen traditional acrylic carpet adhesive sales drop, but sales of PS adhesives for carpet increase. PS adhesives come in liquid form in buckets or in spray canisters. Spray PS adhesives are commonly available in 22kg disposable canisters or 600ml aerosol cans. Spray PS adhesives in aerosol cans are best suited for small repairs. For carpet tiles with non-PVC backings in larger jobs the 22kg canisters are better suited as they are more economical. There are three major advantages of using spray PS adhesives in carpet tile installations.

24 Firstly, spray PS adhesives are much faster to apply. Secondly, unlike the traditional method of application from an adhesive bucket there is no waste. When an adhesive bucket is used waste is caused by the roller or trowel introducing residual dust or dirt back into the adhesive bucket. Approximately 5% to 10% of each bucket of PS adhesive is disposed of during a typical install. Therefore, using a spray pressure sensitive adhesive represents a significant cost saving as you can use every gram of adhesive purchased. Thirdly, installers don’t have to be on their knees to apply the adhesive therefore saving their bodies from another backbreaking task. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s clean. Despite these benefits some installers still prefer to roll pressure sensitive adhesive in liquid form straight out of the bucket, hence the evolution of rectangular buckets. This is a decent option but the cost of paint rollers, wastage, time and installer fatigue needs to be considered. The number of players in the adhesives market has also increased resulting in healthy competition and increased innovation. For instance, adhesive manufacturers have long recommended the use of specific types of flooring adhesives dependent on the floor covering being installed. But flooring manufacturers have been getting in on the action too and are now marketing their own branded adhesives. In addition to diversifying their product range, the move also protects flooring manufacturers from finger pointing if there is ever a complaint.

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Adhesives Guide are dealt with fairly and quickly, this move can only be a good one for the industry. Because at the end of the day the results will include; a wider choice of similar adhesives at different price points for installers to choose from, greater competition and more investment in innovation. However, despite the buffet of options available it is always prudent to follow the adhesive manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendations to limit failures.

As long as the intent is to improve performance and minimise complaints, and ensure that any complaints that may arise

Meanwhile, European technology has become extremely influential in the resilient floor covering adhesives market. This new technology has delivered better bonding qualities, improved spread rates, better working times and in most cases, they are also environmentally friendly.

25 The flooring adhesive world is in a state of positive change with new product developments, increased competition and more choice for installers. The pace of development is unlikely to slow â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so, as they say, watch this space!

Adhesives Guide

Innovative Green Products from Kerakoll - the Italian leaders

erakoll is one of the world’s leading groups in the Green building sector.

products have been developed to achieve better quality indoor air (as certified by Eurofins Research Centre in Denmark) guaranteeing the lowest emission levels for products in the resilient flooring category.

Formed in 1968, Kerakoll’s range focused on single component adhesives and in the early 90’s developed a vision to completely transform these products. The company re developed their range to make it ecologically safe and Green in the true sense of the word by removing harmful petrochemicals and substituting them with mineral based materials and natural plant matter. Kerakoll is the only company in the world that has eco tested and certified each one of its 1700+ products through the SGS institute (Switzerland’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company). Kerakoll has had a long history in the European market driven by its Green innovation. The products are now available across Australia and New Zealand with over 4000 apartments using the Green advanced technology driven products including levelers, concrete restoration, waterproofing, adhesives (tiles and resilient flooring) and grouts. The company has been a technical supplier for outstanding architectural works such as: the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, the Colosseum in Rome, the Innova Design Center in Houston, the World Trade Center in Manama, the Allianz Arena in Munich, the MAXXI Museum in Rome, New Delhi International Airport, the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium in Beijing, and Aurora (Melbourne's second-tallest building and the third tallest building in Australia).

Flooring February/March 2020

The premium range includes self-levelling materials with extra-rapid setting and drying developed to correct normal or deformable substrates with high flexural strength. These products contain Advanced Flex Fiber and HDE (High Dispensing Effect) Technology with extended flow making them perfect for yellow tongue flooring. Kerakoll offers the Australian and New Zealand market a genuine Green advantage by providing tangible benefits to applicators, builders and home owners through the advanced technology developed from stringent research and development (invests 5.4% of its turnover) in the Kerakoll Green Lab. The Green Lab employs over 100 scientists who work towards creating highly differentiated products in its 100% carbon neutral environment.

The Kerakoll management team has created a national presence that, based on its industry knowledge and 1700+ products, is focused on architectural specification. For more information on the extensive product range contact Kerakoll today.

Products in the premium segment guarantee the elimination of solvents, the reduction of volatile organic compounds and the total absence of toxic substances. These

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LATEST HYBRID TIMBER ADHESIVE

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Adhesives Guide

Safety first with CA290

hether it is a small task at home, or a multi-million-dollar construction project, we all strive to achieve the best, most durable outcome when affixing to a surface. Finding the right adhesive to ensure the safety of others so that a product stays where it is meant to stay is always hard. Adhesives and sealants come in different forms and many pose potential health and safety risks to workers due to their chemical properties. Classic Architectural Group realised the importance of having something safe in their range that they could rely on and be proudly put their name to. That is where their own branded product called the CA290 Sealant/Adhesive originated.

The CA290 is a high quality industrial instant grab polymer adhesive designed for the building and construction industry. Water resistant and highly durable, it can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C and up to 100°C, UV resistance, weathering, moisture and chlorine. Also, while it retains elasticity, it can instantly grab up to 200kg vertically per sqm and 1000kg horizontally per sqm. Easy to apply in the 290ml cartridge and ready for immediate use for internal and external applications, it can be applied to almost any surfaces in a heavy-duty applicator caulking gun.

Flooring February/March 2020

labour time as well so there is no waiting around. To get the best performance from CA290, it is important that the substrates are clean, dust free and dry, that it is applied at a 90° angle in straight lines with the V-shaped grove facing up for triangular beads to come out of the supplied V-shaped nozzle. Using standard silicone nozzles with a small outlet will not produce the desired outcome as the product has a high viscosity and requires a larger nozzle. After application of the adhesive, press the glued material to the desired surface firmly for 2 seconds. CA290 can be applied to: > Aluminium > Bricks > Cement Fibre > Ceramic > Concrete > Glass/mirror > MDF > Metals > Most plastics > Plasterboard > Polystyrene > Stainless steel > Stone > Timber It is not recommended for application on PE, PP, PC, PMMA, PTFE, Teflon, neoprene, bituminous surfaces or for continual water immersion and expansion joints. Utilising the adhesive eliminates the need for unsightly fixings or tiresome clamping and propping, especially in those areas where clamping is not physically feasible. Not to mention the fact that it significantly reduces

The adhesive is completely odourless and does not include isocyanate, solvent, phthalate, PVC or silicone. Usual precautionary measures are to be adhered to when handling – always wear gloves and eye protection during application and refilling and then wash hands before eating, drinking and leaving the workplace. No respiratory protection is required when handling CA290 in well-ventilated areas. For more information on the CA290 sealant/ adhesive, including the Material Safety Data Sheet, contact Classic Architectural Group.

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H7800-10 6355-500 / 6355-5 1718-5 555-5 / 555-25 R2000-12.5 H451-3.3 / H451-11 AF180-12

Holdfast 7800 One Part Polyurethane Adhesive

ROBERTS Two Part Epoxy Adhesive

ROBERTS Two Part Polyurethane Adhesive

ROBERTS R2000 Universal Adhesive

"Holdfast Two Part Polyurethane Adhesive"

ARDEX One Part Heavy Duty Adhesive

Laminates

Rubber

6355-500 / 6355-5

H220-20

Holdfast Artificial Grass Outdoor Carpet Adhesive

ROBERTS Crosslink PVA Timber Adhesive

6037-20 / 6037-4

ROBERTS Artificial Grass Outdoor Carpet Adhesive

H640-15

Holdfast ECO-Grab Pressure Sensitive Adhesive AF180-12

PS150-15

Capitol Pressure Sensitive Adhesive

ARDEX One Part Heavy Duty Adhesive

GS444-15

ROBERTS Green Solutions Pressure Sensitive Adhesive

ROBERTS Crosslink PVA Adhesive

Engineerd Boards

Concrete

GS300-15

Holdfast VOC Low Odour Carpet Adhesive

ROBERTS Green Solutions Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (High-Tac)

H108-15

ROBERTS 85 Fast Grab Carpet Adhesive

656-15 / 656-4

85-15

ROBERTS Green Solution Carpet Adhesive

ROBERTS Pressure Sensitive Adhesive

GS100-15

ROBERTS 95 High Tac Carpet Adhesive

Carpets

Carpet Tiles

95-15

Product Name

Category

0666407 0666305 0633050, 0633150, 0633250, 0632050

Ultrabond ECO Fast Track Ultrabond ECO Contact Mapecontact - 35mm, 65mm, 85mm, 240mm

067316 0672116 410306 0666305 0633050, 0633150, 0633250, 0632050

Ultrabond ECO V4 Evolution Adesilex G19 Ultrabond ECO Contact Mapecontact - 35mm, 65mm, 85mm, 240mm

067216

0657116

Ultrabond ECO V4 SP Fibre

Ultrabond ECO V4 SP

Ultrabond ECO VS90 Plus

074315

244415

Ultrabond P990 1K

Ultrabond ECO S955 1K

074315

358010U

Ultrabond ECO S955 1K

Ultrabond ECO Fix

358215

0672116

Ultrabond ECO V4 Evolution

Ultrabond ECO Tack

067216

1946516

Product Code

Ultrabond ECO V4 SP

Ultrabond ECO 170

Product Name

www.mapei.com.au

www.kerakoll.com.au Product Code

07 3276 5000

03 9448 8588

Contact Number

Website

Mapei

Kerakoll Pty Ltd

Company Name

585259

Sikabond SMP 151 600ml Ssg

479827

478843

SikaBond 58 - 16kg pail

Sikabond 150 Premium Floor - 14kg pail

478842

SikaBond 58 - 600ml Ssg

583892

592241

Sikaflex 111 Stick & Seal - 290ml Ctg (grey) SikaBond SMP 151 - 17kg

519871

519856

479827

Product Code

Sikaflex 11FC - 600ml Ssg (grey)

Sikaflex 11FC - 310ml Ctg (grey)

Sikabond 150 Premium Floor - 14kg pail

Product Name

aus.sika.com

1300 223 348

Sika

BIOGEL EXTREME

Stair Nosings 13652

13652

BIOGEL EXTREME

13652

BIOGEL EXTREME

13245

3757

SLC ECO R3

SLC ECO L34 FLEX NEW

3756

13652

BIOGEL EXTREME

SLC ECO 45/3

3757

SLC ECO R3

13652

BIOGEL EXTREME

3756

3757

SLC ECO R3

SLC ECO 45/3

3756

SLC ECO 45/3

Tactile Indicators

Wood/Hardwood

Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl Sheet

Vinyl Planks

0666407

Ultrabond Eco Fast Track

410306 0666407 0666305 0633050, 0633150, 0633250, 0632050

Adesilex G19 Ultrabond ECO Fast Track Ultrabond ECO Contact Mapecontact - 35mm, 65mm, 85mm, 240mm

0666305 3586207

Ultrabond ECO Contact Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Wall

6PG011153 6PG011156

Mapeflex PU 45 FT 600ml sausage

410306

Mapeflex PU 45 FT 300ml cartridge

Adesilex G19

244415

0672116

Ultrabond ECO V4 Evolution

Ultrabond P990 1K

067216

0657116

Ultrabond Eco V4 SP

Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus

358010U

0672116

Ultrabond ECO V4 Evolution

Ultrabond Eco Fix (VCT)

067216

0657116

Ultrabond Eco V4 SP

Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus

1943416

3586207

Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Wall

Ultrabond Eco 380

0672116

067216

0657116

Ultrabond ECO V4 Evolution

Ultrabond Eco V4SP Fibre

Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus

Sikaflex 11FC - 600ml Ssg (grey)

Sikaflex 11FC - 310ml Ctg (grey)

519871

519856

519871

478843

SikaBond 58 - 16kg pail

Sikaflex 11FC - 600ml Ssg (grey)

478842

SikaBond 58 - 600ml Ssg

519856

90364

SikaBond T55J - 16kg pail

Sikaflex 11FC - 310ml Ctg (grey)

520328

519858

479827

SikaBond T55J - 2kg Ssg

SikaBond T55J - 600ml Ssg

Sikabond 150 Premium Floor - 14kg pail

Adhesives Guide

Aussie-made adhesive offering value and performance

ocally made ROBERTS R2000 Universal Flooring Adhesive has become a top choice for installers looking for a highperforming alternative to pricey Europeanmade resilient floorcovering adhesives.

job site is drastically reduced. As a result, the product is fresher and longer lasting. “The key raw materials that go into R2000 were also sourced from local Australian suppliers,” said RLA’s Mr Hildebrand.

Uptake of the RLA manufactured R2000 has been “exceptional” since its launch at Australian Flooring Supplies in mid-2019 according to RLA’s flooring business unit manager Craig Hildebrand.

“It’s an Australian-manufactured adhesive that delivers the best technology for bonding multiple resilient floor coverings at an extremely economic price point compared to European-made adhesives,” Hildebrand added.

“This is largely due to the adhesive’s unique performance characteristics,” Mr Hildebrand said.

Before launching the product RLA and Australian Flooring Supplies conducted six months of extensive field testing with flooring manufacturers, flooring contractors and installers to ensure it was trade approved.

“Installer feedback suggests the market is impressed by the adhesive’s excellent open time and its initial aggressive tack.

In addition to being a top performer, R2000 is also Green Star compliant with the product’s low VOC content meeting the Green Building Council Australia’s indoor air quality regulations.

“Roberts R2000 is quickly becoming the installers first choice for installation of multiple resilient floorcoverings.” R2000 has been flying off the shelves at Australian Flooring Supplies since its launch in June last year according to Australian Flooring Supplies product manager Ugo Tettamanti. “It has become our most popular hard-set adhesive nationally. There have been no failures – installers who have given it a go keep coming back for more,” Mr Tettamanti said. Rick Tas, the owner of Ground Floor Concept in Melbourne, is one of those R2000 converts. When he first started using the adhesive, Tas told Australian Flooring Supplies that he liked the “decent open time and really nice high tac”.

Flooring February/March 2020

“It’s equivalent to the European-made adhesives but cheaper,” Tas said last year. “I’ve used it on vinyl planks and commercial vinyl on the floor and it works perfectly.” R2000, made locally by RLA in Victoria, is available as a 15kg pail for less than $100 at all Australian Flooring Supplies branches across Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The R2000 also has a longer shelf-life than offshore manufactured resilient floor covering adhesives because the distance it travels from manufacturer, to distributor to

To celebrate the launch of R2000, Australian Flooring Supplies ran a scratch and win promotion in 2019 which saw more than $40,000 worth of prizes given away. The instant prizes included free products, apparel and the chance to win a $3,000 Flight Centre Voucher.

Australian Flooring Supplies is Australia’s largest flooring accessory distributor with 20 branches located throughout Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. Dedicated to offering installers, retailers and contractors a wide range of product choices at competitive prices, expert advice and top customer service – Australian Flooring Supplies is the force in flooring.

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LEADING THE WAY IN FLOORING ADHESIVES

ROBERTS GREEN SOLUTIONS R656 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive

Roberts 656 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive is a solvent free pressure sensitive adhesive specially formulated for installing PVC backed and fibre backed carpet tiles and reinforced vinyl composition tiles.

AUSTRALIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LARGEST FLOORING ACCESSORY DISTRIBUTOR

australianflooringsupplies.com.au | afscustomerservice@qep.com

Adhesives Guide

Mapei releases new grout options

n retail, hospitality, work and home, design makes a first and lasting impression on how people experience spaces. Creating the right atmosphere is the result of aesthetic and functional choices that blend perfectly. The stunning collections of LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) offer a wide palette of highly realistic stone, cement or timber finishes in tile and plank formats. The wide range allows you to harmonise attractive, practical and high-performance walls and floors with endless creative possibilities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even in wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries and showers. The current range of LVT wall and floor coverings reveal a world of emotions, styles and moods that guarantee high performance in terms of duration. LVT is ideal for use in residential settings, but also in commercial and heavy commercial environments and industries such as schools and universities, healthcare and the retail sector, with longevity and durability as standard for total peace of mind. The different technical aspects of LVT offer glue-down, click-connect, loose-lay or stick-down solutions encompassing a vast range of applications to suit all. Mapei can offer complete installation solutions to suit all types of LVT installations including their range offering of substrate preparation products including primers, patching

Flooring February/March 2020

and levelling compounds, waterproofing membranes, high-performance adhesives in terms of adhesion and dimensional stability, ready-mixed grouts and anti-slip polyurethane finishes. The complete range is now available here in Australia. Mapei products can also contribute valuable points towards Green Star credits due to the very low VOC content, environmental certification from both local and international agencies, respect for the environment as well as the health of the installer and end-users. Mapei adhesives are specifically designed and tested in order to guarantee the durability of wall and floor coverings and to prevent joints from opening when the flooring is exposed to temperature variations, direct sunlight or heat. Installation Mapei manufacture and supply a complete range of adhesives for all types of LVT installations. Ultrabond ECO VS 90 Plus is a universal, hard-set, wet-bed dispersion adhesive that is not only ideal for conventional glue-down installations but is also certified for use in naval applications. Ultrabond ECO V4 SP Fibre is offered as an ultra high-performance, fibre-reinforced

universal dispersion adhesive for use in high traffic areas such as shopping centres, hospitals and public buildings where continuous foot traffic is experienced. Ultrabond ECO Fast Track is ideal for rapid installations where it is imperative that the flooring is available for use in a short amount of time. Ultrabond ECO Fast Track is a synthetic resin-based adhesive in water dispersion with very fast initial tack and rapid, high final bond strength. Ultrabond ECO MS 4 LVT Wall is the perfect adhesive for both floor and wall installations in wet and damp environments. This innovative adhesive allows for LVT installations in shower and bathroom areas. This adhesive is particularly suitable for static and dynamic loads, including for heavy wear use in domestic, commercial and industrial locations. Grouting Mapei can now also offer ready-mixed grouting options including Flexcolor 4 LVT for residential and light commercial interior wall and floor installations and Kerapoxy 4 LVT for high stress interior wall and floor installations including commercial and wet areas. Both grouts contain BioBlock technology to resist the formation of mould and mildew, produce a uniform colour and are easy to clean. 38

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Adhesives Guide Both grouts allow you to add a personal touch to your LVT installation. It can be used to create an effect similar to that of a ship’s deck for floors with a timber look design. Alternatively, it can also be used to form joints between individual stone-design tiles. The effects achieved are aesthetically pleasing and highly durable.

Flexcolor 4 LVT and Kerapoxy 4 LVT are offered in five colours from the Mapei Coloured Grout Range: 112 Medium Grey, 114 Anthracite, 120 Black, 134 Silk and 146 Rich Brown. Finishing Coat Mapei also offers an anti-slip polyurethane finish (Mapecoat 4 LVT) to complete and safeguard the ultimate LVT installation in areas where slipping is a major concern (bathrooms, kitchens and wet areas). Mapecoat 4 LVT is a two-component aliphatic, anti-slip polyurethane finish

in water dispersion for LVT. This product displays characteristics with a high resistance to abrasion and streaks, resistant to ultraviolet rays and does not yellow. Mapecoat 4 LVT has a slip resistance rating of R11 and a barefoot slip resistance rating of B in compliance with AS 4586 standards. Mapei has always had a keen eye on the requirements of new design trends and proposes a complete range of Installation Systems which technically support and complete the installation of LVT in both wet and dry environments. Mapei provide solutions that fulfil the need to guarantee reliable, long-lasting installation systems in compliance with the principles of certified eco-sustainability and to ensure that their products exceed the requirements of the Green Building Council of Australia.

Introducing SikaBond 150 Premium Floor

ikaBond150 Premium Floor is uniquely designed for full surface bonding on absorbent and non-absorbent substrates in interior areas. SikaBond150 Premium Floor is a high-quality adhesive made in Germany and sold all across Europe and North America. Sika Australia is excited to have this adhesive as a stocked item to complete their system offering to the commercial and domestic flooring industry. SikaBond 150 Premium Floor can be used in schools, hospitals, universities, commercial spaces, aged care, retail stores, health care, domestic homes and sporting facilities. SikaBond 150 Premium Floor is suitable for use on a range of materials including; luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), sheet vinyls, vinyl composite tiles (VCT), cushioned vinyls,

Flooring February/March 2020

woven fabrics (sheet carpets), sheet and tile linoleum, single or multilayer needle felting, natural fibre coverings with backing and direct stick underlays (dual bond).

• • • • •

Low consumption/high coverage High initial adhesion power Suitable for wet and semi-wet bonding Suitable for use with underfloor heating Suitable for use with castor-chairs (EN 12 529) • Suitable for shampooing (RAL 991 A2) • Suitable for difficult coverings

Design features include: • Solvent free (RGS 610) • Easily spread

Certifications include • Marine equipment directive • EMICODE EC1 PLUS

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TRADIE’S GOT A NEW BEST FRIEND...

THE ROBERTS R2000 UNIVERSAL FLOORING ADHESIVE

It’s converted installers just like you from all over Australia. Give it a go and discover why today.

AVAILABLE NOW AT

1300 737 155

WWW.AUSTRALIANFLOORINGSUPPLIES.COM.AU

Icons

Mike Dunn:

Fallen Icon Story by Philip Ashley

ike Dunn can best be described as good family man and businessman. His school English master said “Mike was resolute and resourceful. You could confidently recommend him for any job, knowing that he would render diligent, able and honest service and be a reliable companion in times of crisis.” You could never underestimate Mike; he always rose above expectations, he never procrastinated, quickly deciding and working for a positive outcome. He was a true leader who offered direction and encouragement, always with a sense of humour. His approach to business was to display honesty, integrity, trust and respect. He said once, “We will often face complications and mistakes, it’s how we handle them that matters.”

Early Years

Mike Dunn was truly a giant of the flooring industry. A true leader who you could never underestimate, Mike always rose above expectations. Sadly, he recently passed but his wife of fifty years, Maureen, shares his inspirational story. Flooring February/March 2020

Mike was born on January 18th, 1949 to parents Ivy, a pastry chef and Edward Dominic, always known as Ted, a stevedore. He had an older sister, Brenda. Mike always said he had a very happy childhood; his mum came from a family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters and his dad had 4 brothers and a sister. Their family lived in the east end of London and were extremely close. There were regular family get togethers, usually at Mike’s parents’ home with card nights, and the cousins in Mike’s room arguing over which LP they would listen to on his record player. It was Mike’s record player so he would always win. Family holidays were

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often spent camping on a farm with his good friend Harry and his family. Imagine Mike on the back of his dad’s motorbike and his mum in the side car surrounded by all the luggage! Mike went to Raines Foundation school in London, a well-known school for its academic and sporting achievements. He had a lot of ability and one thing most people don’t know about Mike is that he was the equivalent of our Queensland’s school’s chess champion. His greatest love though was sport and he played a big part in the sporting success at the school, forging lifetime friends. Mike left school early at the age of 15, finding a job in a small but successful company in the city. He was happy to learn, eventually progressing up the ladder into credit control and then he tried his hand at selling ladies hosiery, something that led to plenty of jokes around the rugby club. Mike met Maureen, the love of his life during his time at school when her family moved into the same apartment block

Above: Mike enjoyed sports from an early age

Above: Mike at the age of 7 Flooring February/March 2020

Mike lived in. They married in 1969 in September last year, celebrated a milestone 50 years together. In 1972 they went on a working holiday to Auckland and lived in Remuera for nearly a year. At the time they were

deciding between Canada and New Zealand as a place to live. They thought, “Well, we can always visit Canada.” One of Mikes school friends lived in Auckland, so that was it. Mike worked for a large meat company in Otahuhu before returning to England in 1973 to work for a supermarket chain in credit control.

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Icons In 1975 Mike was offered a really good position with Lombards as a new business representative but although it was hard leaving their families, he and Maureen, now pregnant, decided to return to New Zealand, a place they had fallen in love with. It was a busy year with the birth of their daughter Keely, and Mike starting his first job in the flooring industry when he accepted a position as accounts manager at Kensington Carpets. The family thought about moving back to the UK when Mike’s mother and shortly after, his father died but support from their family and friends persuaded them to stay in New Zealand. Their son Courtney was born in 1977 and their family was complete.

The Journey Begins Mike stayed with Kensington Carpets and was promoted to distribution manager before being transferred to Feltex head office as export sales manager, responsible for the USA market. They were a strong, successful team and Maureen remembers Mike was asked to undertake skills assessment testing to ascertain his potential. The testing

Flooring February/March 2020

42 showed he had university level intelligence and basically not good at mechanics. Maureen says, “Well, I could have told them that and saved them a lot of money.” his manager at the time was Doug Tooth and the general manager was John Burridge, a man Mike admired and considered a true gentleman and leader.

Below: Mike at Feltex in the eighties

In 1984 Mike decided to take a sideways step career wise and he was transferred to Adelaide South Australia in the role of commercial sales manager, just a oneman band. Feltex had never had an office in Adelaide before and Mike found there were many opportunities to grow their representation and he covered areas as far away as Darwin and Alice Springs. He was successful in winning the old Sheraton Slice Springs and parliament house Canberra. It was in Adelaide that he met Graham Hughes. They struck up a really good working relationship and shared many an afterwork drink together. Mike joined the Brighton Rugby Club and played 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade for them, one of the oldest to do so at the time and was fortunate to be part of the club winning all three premierships … a massive night. Courtney also played for the club and Mike coached his team for two years. Mike’s success did not go unnoticed and in 1986 he was promoted to head office Melbourne as commercial manager and in

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43 Kelwin Floors that has grown and provides professional trustworthy service. The company has a turnover of over $30 million. Mike never lost his love for playing sport and played rugby wherever they travelled. His last game was for Surfers Paradise Rugby Club playing at Ballymore in the master’s games at the age of 43. They always joked about the game as Mike scored a try at each end of the field wearing Courtney’s boots, which Courtney said was the reason he did. Mike was truly an amazing, loving, funny man and sadly, passed away of ill-health in September 2019.

Above: Courtney Dunn with Mike a short period of time to general manager, Australia. It was a role he relished and once again he was able to improve performance across the board. He worked with a wonderful team and their success could not be ignored. His motto always was work hard and play hard but turn up the next morning ready to play a part. Yes, there were many late-night drinks and much hilarity after conferences. In 1989 Brian Heldon of Master Carpet Company approached Mike to come up to Queensland, become a shareholder and take charge of sales. Mike knew that MCC was a successful company and Brian wanted to ease out of the company. Mike increased turnover and profit in a short period of time. Then the finance manager resigned, and Mike became general manager and in time, sole owner of the company. Mike was able to repay Brian for his trust and the rest, as they say, is history.

and his son Courtney formed Master Floor Preparers and Master Floor Group and are very proud of their many iconic installations such as the Treasury Casino; Versace hotel; Q1; Jupiter’s casino; convention centre; schools; supermarkets; hospitals; medical centres and even prisons.

MCC later acquired Kelwin carpets headed by Clarke Cameron and his two sons Jeff and Glenn. Mike then changed the working name of the company to Master Kelwin Floors. Mike and Clarke had a really good working relationship and instantly became friends, right up until Clarke passed away. Mike

Courtney Dunn is still Managing Director of Master Floors Group, founded in 2004 at the time of the Q1 project to handle their floor preparation requirements. More recently, Master Floor Coverings was established, and both operate under the umbrella of Master Floors Group, an entity like MCC and Master

Flooring February/March 2020

Above: Mike and Maureen Mike was not driven by ego, but a desire to be in control of his own destiny. To back his abilities and belief in a strong and happy team with a strong financial and admin support and for all to enjoy the success and reward for hard work. Throughout Mike’s journey in the flooring industry he was always grateful and enjoyed the relationships he had with everyone. His staff; installers; suppliers; contractors; developers; builders; other companies with a lot becoming true friends. Mike’s frequent piece of advice was, “Never be afraid to ask dumb questions. They are far easily handled then dumb mistakes.”

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Software

Employ for Attitude. Train for Skills. Story by Chris Ogden

rguably, the biggest challenge we face as employers is finding good people to work for us.

I was talking with a client recently and they mentioned they were in the process of employing an installer to join their sales team. I can recall we employed ex-installers on our retail sales team. Some were very successful and went on to have a long career as flooring salespeople, some going on to very senior positions in the industry (I’m thinking of you Mal). On other occasions, the exercise was less successful; they were unable to make the transition from installer to salesperson. The point of this article is not to debate the merits of employing installers as salespeople but to briefly discuss what we are looking for in a new salesperson. If we are looking for people with flooring experience, we are fishing in a very small

Flooring February/March 2020

pool. Of course, the reason we are inclined to look first for flooring experience is we want to avoid or minimise the time it takes new salespeople to start hitting their numbers. By the time I had finished my career as a flooring retailer, I had become convinced the prime quality to look for in a new salesperson was not flooring experience but attitude. We can’t teach attitude; if our hiring decision is based primarily on attitude, we can train the rest, relatively quickly. Except for measuring and quantifying. Even with the best attitude, some people lack the skills to draw a plan and quantify product from that plan (and now I’m thinking of me). This is a major impediment to becoming a successful salesperson. Electronic quantifying was a thing when I was in retail, but it was not as advanced as it is now, it was eye-wateringly expensive, not easy to use, and it certainly wasn’t mobile.

EQ solutions such as Measure by RFMS have developed to the point today where there is nothing done on paper that can’t be done in the software. EQ is easy to use, and the cost of the software is now a fraction of what it was; over a 48 week year, Measure Mobile works out at less than $2.00 a day. And it is mobile; your salespeople can work with customers on the sales floor and in the home, providing them with quick and accurate quotes. There is no reason to employ people solely for their flooring experience. If our new employee has the right attitude, we have tools now to make them flooring experts. If you would like to see how Measure Mobile can help your salespeople be more effective, contact me at cogden@rfms.com. I will be happy to arrange a demo.

Chris Ogden is director of RFMS Australasia, a supplier of IT solutions specific to the flooring industry. Go to RFMSanz.co for further information.

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Software

Software Integration with API Story by Nigel Welsh

t may look complicated and high tech but measuring software is not rocket science. MeasureSquare is a simple toolbox packed with tools designed to make the job of estimating any type of flooring from carpet, laminate, to ceramic tiles and everything in between, more efficient. Think of MeasureSquare as the flooring industries cockpit, these days pilots push buttons and let the aircrafts computer systems do all of the heavy lifting, in a similar way MeasureSquare does the same for flooring estimators. Its function is to estimate more efficiently, reduce the likely hood of mistakes, increase accuracy, speed up communications, increase output and add profit and value to the business.

It is exciting to see more and more Australian and New Zealand businesses joining the global community of thousands of MeasureSquare users. Every day we speak to interested flooring businesses across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe looking to streamline their business estimation processes as well as integrate their existing management systems. One of the great strengths of the MeasureSquare Suite is its ability to integrate (share data with other applications) via the use of APIs (Application programming

Flooring February/March 2020

interfaces). They allow different software and applications to communicate with each other. MeasureSquare specialise in front end tools, it is what we do, integration makes sense. How Integration with APIs Streamlines Business Process Steven Wang, President of MeasureSquare Corp USA and Headquarters for Laser Measure Australia Pty Ltd had these words to say about how APIs breed efficiency for those who integrate systems. MeasureSquare has become a leader in the flooring industry with thousands of customers including Sherwin Williams, Redi Carpet, Daltile, Choices Flooring, and Rite Rug, as well as many thousands of independent flooring retailers and commercial contractors using MeasureSquare cloudbased API driven management system, linked to third party applications. “As of today, the Measure Square cloud logs 2.5 million API calls per month that streamline accurate estimates and integrate with Salesforce.com, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Rollmaster, and Qflors. There are also deployments for Lowe’s installers (covering more than 750 stores in the US). There is even an API that leverages AI (Artificial Intelligence) for automatic plane take-offs.” “We are still in the early stages,” said Wang. “The APIs have also made it easier to roll out new products, such as PropertyLink (which

is for hosting property measurement plans) and JobTrakr, an app that empowers large commercial users to track their job progress on construction sites with exact 3D models. No doubt, APIs have been a game changer for us.” TISE - The International Surface Event MeasureSquare’s global team had another successful show at TISE where the team were ready for business and enjoyed discussing and demonstrating their suite of products designed for the flooring industry. It was nice to see an Australian contingent keen to see and meet our team. AU News Nigel Welsh, Managing Director of Laser Measure Australia and MeasureSquare UK Ltd, has seen a steady increase over the past few years, in terms of business streamlining onsite and in store estimation processes, JobTrakr will add a whole new level of site management and communications. “It is still early days for JobTrakr and PropertyLink however as with ServiceX users will find it is next level functionality built for the industry.”l

Nigel Welsh is managing director of Measure Square

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Software

Improve Profit – Manage and Create Rebate Income Story by Chris Ogden

ost of us will know how much GP we have in a job at the time we quote.

How many of us know where the GP ended up on completed jobs? It is key information flooring retailers should have for every completed job. If you are in the habit of measuring GP on completed projects against the original GP at the time of quoting, you will have noticed any variation to GP will almost exclusively be downward. More often than we like, projects are hit by extra costs; the salesperson missed something at the time of quoting, or we incur additional costs which could not have been anticipated. The result is GP shrinkage. There are some ways to combat GP shrinkage, and the first is to have systems that ensure all aspects of a quote are included in the costing process. Another way is to have systems in place to catch ‘extras’ early, so we can pass them on to the customer. We will look at these in another article. What we will consider today is how we can preserve margin through maximising rebate income. Most of us are familiar with rebates paid periodically by suppliers. For this article, this is an external rebate; rebate paid by parties outside of our business. Less familiar, maybe, is the concept of internal rebates, rebates we generate ourselves from inside of our business. Internal rebate is a powerful tool to make our businesses more profitable, so let’s talk about it.

Flooring February/March 2020

“Maximising sales in rebateable product requires your salespeople to know the products you want them to sell, and it requires those products to be front and centre in your store. ” As we get underway, a couple of points about rebate income; firstly, if it’s going to achieve the goal of making us more profitable, rebate should not be taken into account when costing a project. We might be tempted to accept lower margins on rebateable product, anticipating we will recover it in rebate income. If we do so, we not only undermine the purpose of rebates, we devalue the product in the market. You should achieve the same up-front GP on a rebateable product as you would on any comparable product. If you can’t sell your rebateable products for an acceptable margin, you need to discuss it with your buying group or with your supplier. For a group or a supplier, rebates are only worthwhile if they result

in more sales; nobody benefits if you can’t specify a rebateable product confident you can win the job. Secondly, maximising sales in rebateable product requires your salespeople to know the products you want them to sell and it requires those products to be front and centre in your store. Some retailers (those using RFMS, for example) can run reports to see what salespeople are selling by product, and they use this information to coach salespeople into focusing on rebateable products. It is a simple equation; the more of these products sold, the larger the rebate payment and the more likely it is the supplier will renew the arrangement.

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Software Internal rebate, on the other hand, is rebate we generate within our own business. In most flooring businesses product represents around 50% of turnover, and installation another 20-25%, so a $3m business likely spends $2.25m on product and installation. If the owner of that business had the means to apply an internal rebate of just 1% on the $2.25m, their annual net profit would increase by $22,500.00. In my experience, the sweet spot for an internal rebate is 3-4% (up to $90k additional net profit in our $3m example). Some caution is required; an internal rebate set too high has the potential to impact conversion rates at which point it becomes counterproductive. The secret of a successful internal rebate programme is to start low and grow it over time, revising it upward until we hit our sweet spot. The goal is to have your

49 “If the owner of a $3m business had the means to apply an internal rebate of just 1%, their annual net profit would increase by $22,500.00.” salespeople continue to achieve their normal sales margins without realising that in addition to their GP, another small percentage of profit is being generated to offset some of the unforeseen expenses that are incurred.

The challenge for most retailers is the work required to implement and maintain an internal rebate structure; in most flooring businesses, it could be daunting, despite the benefits. On the other hand, for retailers using a business management system like RFMS, it couldn’t be easier; simply set the desired load within the system and after that, all costs used by the sales team include the internal rebate. Creating and managing rebate alone pays for RFMS many times over. If you would like to see more, I can be contacted at cogden@ rfms.com.

Chris Ogden is director of RFMS Australasia, a supplier of IT solutions specific to the flooring industry. Go to RFMSanz.co for further information.

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Safety

AS 1428.1 Compliant Stair Nosings Installation solutions from BBS

hat makes a stair nosing compliant to the Design for Access and Mobility Standard, AS 1428.1 (2009)? This question perplexes contractors and specifiers alike, so let’s look at the requirements of this standard one point at a time and consider all relevant aspects. AS 1428.1 is a design standard for stair nosing installations. The design of the nosing is critical, but you also need to understand the interaction the nosing has with the floor covering, the stair, and the luminance contrast strip for the whole installation to be compliant. Because of this complexity the same stair nosing can be either compliant or noncompliant depending on how the installation is assembled. Confused? Then let us consider each of the requirements of the standard individually.

3. The nosing must have a luminance contrast strip between 50mm and 75mm in width.

The luminance contrast strip is the colour insert that fits into the nosing. It is described in the standard as ‘a’ strip (and not several strips) which means that double insert nosing is non-compliant under this standard. 4. The luminance contrast strip may be set back up to 15mm from the front of the nosing.

Colour contrast is determined by comparing the Luminance Reflective Values (LRVs) of the luminance contrast strip to the background floor covering (or step) using an online calculator. All materials have a Luminance Reflective Values (LRVs) which are measured in a designated Colorimeter. The LRV scale goes from 1 (black) to 100 (white). Every other colour lies somewhere between 1 and 100. Your floor covering manufacturer can provide you with a certified LRV which are also available for the luminance contrast strips that fit into stair nosings. All you need do is to compare them through the appropriate calculator.

1. The stair nosing must not project beyond the face of the riser. The nosing must sit flush and not forward of the riser. It also means that ‘bullnosings’ and other projecting nosings are noncompliant under this standard. 2. The stair nosing must have a sharp intersection (or failing this no more than a 5mm chamfer or 5mm radius). The requirement for a sharp edge between the flat and vertical sections of the stair nosing again make large radii ‘bullnosings’ non-compliant. The compliant shapes are illustrated below.

Flooring February/March 2020

The luminance contrast strip should be positioned close to the leading edge of the nosing, but can be set back as long as it is within 15mm of the leading edge. 5. The luminance contrast strip must have a minimum colour contrast of 30% to the background.

LRV is measured both ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. You need to decide which measure makes sense for your installation before using it in the calculator.

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Safety

6. The leading edge of the luminance contrast strip needs to be either vertical, (or no more than a 5mm chamfer or 5mm radius) if it sits on top of the stair nosing (again the diagrams in #2 illustrate this). 7. Finally, any luminance contrast must not extend down the riser by more than 10mm.

down the riser by more than 10mm, or where the stair nosing LRV is the same as the background LRV. Since it is not common for stair nosings to perfectly colour match the background floor covering or stair it is easier to design new nosings with shorter 10mm faces. The stair nosings illustrated below comply with this requirement of the standard.

This gets tricky because traditional stair nosings usually extend down the riser further than 10mm, and they certainly produce colour contrast with their own LRVs. Where this occurs, you end up with 3 contrasting LRVs, and no definitive contrast result. Fortunately, the LRV of the stair nosing can be ignored where its design does not extend

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Overseas News Tiles and building in Indonesia Returning for its ninth edition in 2020, Keramika continues to be a dedicated marketplace for the ceramics industry to congregate in the largest ceramic producing country in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

52 learning programs and activities. Exhibitors can meet with potential buyers, and benefit from the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 360-degree marketing outreach. In 2019, there were 31.867 visitors from 20 countries and they rated the event a high satisfaction level of 93.21%. Keramika 2020 will bring in local and international manufacturers and suppliers of raw materials, equipment, and machinery, to

Located at the Jakarta Convention Center, the Indonesian Ceramic Industry Association (ASAKI) will showcase top Indonesian ceramic manufacturers and feature the latest designs and technologies from ceramic manufacturers.

With a focus on sustainability, fair trade and innovations the IHGF Delhi Fair 2020 will present over 3,200 exhibitors across 15 halls and 900 showrooms. Featuring a selection of over 2000 products and 300 trend specific design developments spread out over an area of 197,000 square metres.

The IHGF Delhi Fair is gearing up to surprise, enthuse, inspire and engage its visitors once again from the 15th to the 19th of April 2020 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Delhi, India.

Products featured at the fair range from a cross section of craft regions and production clusters spread across India. The display categories include; art metal ware, EPNS ware, wood carvings, furniture, glassware, hand-printed textiles, embroidered goods, lace and homewares.

The five-day trade show connects India's leading manufacturers in the home, lifestyle, fashion and textile sectors. The show has been a sustained resource for importers, wholesalers, retail chains and design professionals for over 20 years.

Themed pavilions featuring collective representations of regional artisan crafts, product lines produced by primary producers from far flung craft villages as well as innovations from EPCH's Integrated Design Development Projects, make sourcing a

Flooring February/March 2020

Keramika is co-located with the 19th edition of the architecture, interior design and building exhibition and conference, MegaBuild 2020. It is the only event endorsed by architects, interior designers, and contractors. MegaBuild Indonesia is expected to have the most comprehensive showing of the latest technology, solutions, materials and design trends from the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building and construction industry. Exhibitors will feature roofing products, flooring, doors, windows, bathrooms, kitchens, lighting, HVAC, security, landscape and interior furnishing.

For attendees, Keramika can present business opportunities, conference sessions,

IHGF Delhi Fair: 5 days, 14 display segments, 3200 exhibitors

a large customer base of ceramic tiles and sanitaryware in Indonesia.

unique experience at the IHGF Delhi Fair. The IHGF Delhi Fair is held twice a year by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the apex organisation representing handicraft manufacturers and exporters in India. The EPCH acts as a business partnership facilitator by providing comprehensive information about the sector to international buyers.

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Overseas News

DOMOTEX 2020: End of show report

rom the 10th to the 13th of January, the latest edition of DOMOTEX – the world’s leading showcase for carpets and floor coverings – again stood out as the industry’s biggest, most pivotal hub for trends and innovations. A total of 35,000 attendees, 70% of them from abroad, were on hand for the four-day event to explore the latest trends, products and solutions presented by over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 different nations. The show’s keynote theme of ‘ATYMSPHERE’ highlighted the aspects of flooring products that contribute to a sense of wellbeing and promoted naturalness and sustainability – topics thoroughly reflected by the products on display. “DOMOTEX is and remains our most international tradeshow. We are delighted that the event attracts attendees from around the globe, who come for 2.3 days on average – 60% from Europe, 25% from Asia and 10% from the Americas, with the remainder from Africa and Australia,” said Dr. Andreas Gruchow, the Deutsche Messe Managing Board member in charge of DOMOTEX.

“We have been truly impressed with the positive reception and special spirit at this year’s DOMOTEX. The attendance figures reflect an ongoing trend towards increased market concentration. The further rise in the percentage of high-calibre professionals is an important factor in business growth for 2020. Around 90% of the show’s visitors have decision-making authority at their

companies, with half of them at top management level,” noted Sonia WedellCastellano, Global Director for DOMOTEX. “I am also delighted with how enthusiastically our exhibitors embraced the keynote theme of ATMYSPHERE, as well as with the success of the revamped ‘Treffpunkt Handwerk’ skilled trades hub and the volume of exhibitors who have indicated they will be back in 2021.”

Overseas News

Exhibitors affirmed the success of their industry’s flagship fair with regard to two key performance indicators: “Our main concern here is not high attendance figures, but rather the right kind of attendees,” explained Hakan Dinc, CEO of Stefany Hali Tekstil in Turkey. This aspect was also clearly appreciated by visitors: “I made the decision to come to Hannover because this is where I can see what is happening across the global marketplace, which enables me to make the right choices for our customers,” remarked trends scout Andrés Jobet of Piso Urbano Alfombras, based in Santiago, Chile.

“It seems to us that DOMOTEX is heading down the right path. The stands are now more attractive and appealing, and the show is clearly committed to supporting our industry.”

Based on this year’s visitor survey, almost half of all attendees (44%) used the event to generate new leads. Fred T. Keller, Marketing Director of Theo Keller GmbH in Bochum, Germany, reported a high number of walkin visitors and new customers. He attributed this mainly to ongoing enhancements to the event, particularly the new hall layout launched in 2020, which he saw as a major step forward. “This new design has resulted in many more spontaneous customer contacts than previously, and we couldn’t be more delighted. DOMOTEX is definitely the most important trade fair for us.”

customers and suppliers. We have attended every DOMOTEX since our business was founded three years ago, and that’s not going to change.”

The high quality of this year’s event was also highlighted by Arman J. Vartian, proprietor of Vartian Carpets in Vienna, who had this to say after returning to exhibit at DOMOTEX following a five-year hiatus, “It seems to us that DOMOTEX is heading down the right path. The stands are now more attractive and appealing, and the show is clearly committed to supporting our industry.” Anke Hattingh, Marketing Director of Mapei GmbH in Grossostheim, Germany, praised the great diversity of exhibits as a “major source of inspiration.”

Attending DOMOTEX was also a must for Mirco Schäpe, Product Manager LVT at JAB Teppiche Heinz Anstoetz KG in HerfordElverdissen, Germany. He spends several days at the event every year to meet up with existing and potential suppliers and get a feel for emerging trends. Michael Massmann, National Sales Manager and Vice President of Textile Trading Group, Winter Park, USA, said he used DOMOTEX mainly to generate new leads adding, “We are naturally also keen on establishing new, preferably long-term customer relationships, while at the same time deepening our relations with existing

“The keynote theme perfectly reflected the spirit of the times, and its significance was clear to see throughout the halls. We are already busy exploring ways of featuring sustainability to even greater advantage at DOMOTEX 2021,” remarked WedellCastellano. “I also very much look forward to teaming up with the show’s players from the business community and the skilled trades so as to generate even more benefit for the industry and its clientele next year.”

Flooring February/March 2020

The show’s keynote theme was also well received by exhibitors. For example, Bernhard Reinkemeier, CEO of Reinkemeier Rietberg based in Rietberg, Germany, referred to it as being an ideal match for his company’s objectives, adding: “We very much welcome the keynote theme and its flanking measures, all of which are highly attractive and have helped us reach our goals.”

The next DOMOTEX will be staged from 15 to 18 January 2021 at its traditional venue in Hannover, Germany.

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TILE TODAY F U L LY E N D O R S E D B Y T H E A U S T R A L I A N T I L E C O U N C I L

Tile Today magazine is designed to promote new products and technologies to virtually every tile outlet, tile fixer and specifier in Australia.

CIRCULATED AUSTRALIA WIDE TO: • Tile importers and retailers • Leading architects, designers and builders • Tile fixers • Pool builders, landscapers and renovators

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Contact: Trudi Woodward Ph: +61 3 9890 0815 Email: Trudi.Woodward@elitepublishing.com.au

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Overseas News

Highlights from SURFACES China 2019 The Surface + Design Event China 2019 (SURFACES China 2019), organised by Informa Markets and CCCMC, was successfully held on December 11-13 2019, at Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

n partnership with the North American event, the first edition of SURFACES China presented a three-day exhibition and conference with 11,000+sqm exhibition space, featuring 30+ free-to-attend conference and seminar sessions. The event brought together 110+ leading manufacturers and suppliers showcasing the latest innovations, designs, technologies and services, and hosted 11,000+ trade visitors from 34 countries and regions, including architects, designers, distributors, importers, exporters, developers, owners, contractors, agents, design institutes, associations and other industry stakeholders.

Floorcovering Association of Victoria Inc.

FAV would like to thank all its sponsors for the 2019 awards night held on the 10th August at the Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne. Looking forward to 2020.

The annual meeting place to showcase, network and conduct business SURFACES China 2019 brought together leading industry manufacturers and suppliers from the stone, tile, floor and wall covering industries who showcased their latest innovations, designs, technologies and services. Monalisa, Hongyu, Huida, Gani, Porschelain, Belite, White Rabbit Ceramics, Livi and other tiles manufacturers showcased their latest products and designs. Some of the key stone suppliers like Guangdong Zhisheng, Guangdong Shengshi, Guangdong Chuanqi, Xiamen Tongho and Wayon exhibited along with pavilions from Guangdong Yunfu and Guizhou Anshun, prominent stone producers in China. Another eye-catching part of the event was the floor and wall covering section where leading manufacturers and suppliers including; Yekalon, Foshan Tianli Jianlong, Taizhou Huali, Beijing Hengtong Tech, BBL, Lodgi Woods and Jiangsu High Hope Arser, exhibited a range of innovative and eco-friendly products and materials. With a focus on new products, technologies and innovative materials, SURFACES China aims to promote the development of China's tile, stone, floor and wall covering industries with attention on the transformation and development of green materials. 30+ Conference and Seminar Sessions During the three days, SURFACES China 2019 delivered a comprehensive education program including professional conference and seminars, with 30+ free-to-attend sessions. In collaboration with the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (CCCMC), the Shanghai Stone Trade Association, the American Institute of Architects International Region (AIA IR), INTERNI and WGSN, the conference and seminars brought together industry professionals to share, exchange and discuss trends, reforms and future directions. ‘Interior Architectural Design’ was one of the most compelling highlights of SURFACES China 2019. Joining hands with AIA IR and INTERNI, the event gathered industry-renowned and award-winning architects and designers to present and share their design concepts. At the seminar of ‘Emerging Trends in Commercial Interior

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Architecture’, AIA IR’s senior members and award winners discussed topics including; Chinese heritage in contemporary design and the future of the workplace in China. Themed exhibitions and onsite highlights Two themed exhibitions were sponsored by AIA IR and INTERNI, showcasing awardwinning projects and designs from around the world. The ‘Trends Hub’ presented a special exhibition that provided an opportunity for visitors to have access to some of the more innovative and creative products, materials and design elements. During the event, SURFACES China 2019 released several new major projects with detailed bidding and tendering information. This section was based on

government resources across ministries and commissions, relying on solid cooperation with many bidding companies and owners. Data analysis was conducted based on the information of bidding and procurement in recent years to illustrate the general development of future biddings and the procurement trends of building materials.

SURFACES China 2020 will be held in Shanghai New International Expo Center on December 9-11, 2020, the event will again bring together stakeholders from the stone, tile, floor and wall covering industries to share and conduct business. For more information, please visit www.surfaceschina.com.

2020 Exhibitions

MARCH 2020 Postponed Domotex asia/Chinafloor 2020 The leading flooring exhibition in the Asian-Pacific region and the second largest flooring show worldwide Shanghai, China www.domotexasiachinafloor.com/

25 – 26 Architect@work Norway 2020 A trade fair with a focus on innovation featuring specially tailored contact days for architects, interior designers and consultants. Oslo, Norway www.architectatwork.no/en/home/

18 – 21 JLC Live Northeast 2020 Residential construction trade show. Providence, United States https://ne.jlclive.com/en/home.html

27 – 29 The Rug Show 2020 International carpet exhibition. Los Angeles, United States https://therugshow.com/

18 – 21 World of Furniture 2020 Trade fair for furniture, home textiles, flooring and interior design. Sofia, Bulgaria www.tradefairdates.com/World-ofFurniture-M5290/Sofia.html

APRIL 2020 31 Mar – 3 Apr MosBuild 2020 International exhibition of building and finishing materials. Moscow, Russian Federation https://mosbuild.com/Home

19 – 22 Keramika 2020 Ceramic tiles, bathroom flooring and fit-outs. Jakarta, Indonesia www.keramika.co.id/en-gb.html

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Philip Ashley philipneilashley6@bigpond.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Sandie Velkovska Email: sandie@elitepublishing.com.au

Architect@work Canada 2020 A trade fair with a focus on innovation featuring specially tailored contact days for architects, interior designers and consultants. Toronto, Canada www.architectatwork.ca/

Australian Flooring Supplies

*** For more information or to confirm dates, please check the individual event websites.

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Godfrey Hirst Australia

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Kerakoll

Classic Architectural Group

Laser Measure Australia

Mapei Australia

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Polivac International

Forbo Flooring

RFMS Australasia

Floorcovering Assn of Victoria (FAV)

Signature Floorcoverings

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19 – 20 MegaBuild 2020 Architecture, interior design and building exhibition featuring 6 key categories including flooring. Jakarta, Indonesia www.megabuild.co.id/en-gb.html

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