Project Profile:
Sunnybrook Assisted Living
CONVENTION 2012
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Educational Session 2: Application of Setting Materials for Tile and Stone – Jeff Johnson of MAPEI 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Break 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Educational Session 3: Moisture, Subfloors and their Effect on Commercial Floor Covering: A Panel Discussion 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Off Site Reception & Dinner – 30th Gala Celebration
March 11–14, 2012 The Mulberry Inn Savannah, GA
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Saturday, March 10, 2012 Pre Convention Events: 8:30 am – 1 :00 pm: Optional Event - Golf 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Optional Event – Segway Tour
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Tabletop tear down 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Associates committee Meeting with Lunch
12:30 pm – 5:00 pm (Optional Event) Paula Deen & Low Country tour w/ lunch at Lady & Sons
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm (Optional Event) Architectural Tour with Tea Time
Committee meetings Board of Directors Meeting Welcome reception
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Education Session 6: Moisture Enhanced Adhesives – Sim Crisler of LGM and Associates 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Education Session 7: Cork Floor Installations – Don Jewell of Capri cork
Monday, March 12, 2012 – Opening Session 8:00 am –9:00 am Installation Manager and 1st Attendee Breakfast 8:00 am –9:00 am
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Executive Board Wrap up Dinner Meeting
Attendee Breakfast
9:00 am – 10:30 am Opening Session & General Membership Meeting
6:00 pm 9:00 pm
10:00 am – 1:30 pm (Optional Event) Savannah Flavor: Carriage Ride & lunch at Mrs. Wilkes 10:30 – 11:00 am Break 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Educational Session 1: Verbiage in Manufacturers Warranties: How Does it Effect Contractors – Sloan Bailey, Flynn/Williams LLP, FCICA General Counsel
Attendee Breakfast Tabletop Exhibit set up
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Education Session 5: Associate Member Table Top Trade Show
11:30 am –1:00 pm Committee Council Meeting w/ Executive Board Lunch
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8:00 am – 9:00 am 8:00 am – 9:30 am
9:00 am – 10:00 am Education Session 4: Best Practices for Productivity and Project Management
Sunday, March 11, 2012 Daylight Savings Time – Spring Forward 1 Hour Pre Convention Meetings:
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
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Dinner on your own Optional Event - Pub Crawl
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 10:30 am – 5:30 pm (Optional Event) Tybee Island
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COLUMNS ::: 04 ::: Chairman’s Letter ::: 06 ::: Executive VP Column Calendar of Events ::: 20 ::: IRS: International Tax FBar
aRTICLES ::: 05 ::: FCICA Associate Members ::: 13 ::: Associate Spotlight ::: 19 ::: FIT: Tools for the Tilesetter ::: 21 ::: What Can Be Learned From A Mouse With Big Ears ::: 22 ::: Member News ::: 24 ::: New Products ::: 26 ::: Industry News
::: 08 :::
features ::: 08 ::: Project Profile: Sunnybrook Assisted Living
::: 10 ::: If Only These Floors Could Talk: The Intriguing Story Behind Reclaimed Flooring ::: 14 ::: Mid Year Photos
The Flooring Contractor Senior Editor: Kimberly E. Oderkirk Published four times a year by: 3540 W. Jefferson Hwy. Grand Ledge, MI 48837 (800) 992-9653 www.millbrookprinting.com Ad Sales: Bill Spilman (309) 483-6467 advertising@fcica.com
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chairman’S letter By Gerry Swift FCICA Chairman
looking toward 2012
The holidays are upon us and 2011 is quickly winding down. Our mid-year convention in Ft. Lauderdale was a huge success. Our educational sessions were both informative and practical. MAPEI’s plant tour was a great experience in terms of seeing how their products are produced, packaged, and shipped. Overall, the feedback I received from our contractor and associate members was very positive. I want to thank everyone for their hard work in making our mid-year a success. If you liked our fall meeting, you’re going to love our 30th anniversary convention
this spring in Savannah! The educational session topics have been selected and all of our committees are working hard to ensure that this convention will be our best. I hope you’ve noticed the great press FCICA has been getting lately. The momentum behind our “Back to Our Roots” direction has been picked up positively by our industry media. I would like to see it continue. If you’re an associate member, tell your contractor customers. If you’re a flooring contractor, tell your competitors. That’s right! I would rather compete with well-trained contractors that know what it
takes to complete a flooring project, than one that doesn’t! I want to encourage each of our members to invite at least one contractor or vendor to convention. I am confident that once they experience an FCICA convention, they will feel a need to become a member. I am optimistic that 2012 will be a better year than 2011. The demand for commercial floor covering seems to be continuing to rise, at least in the northeast. I certainly hope the profit margins will follow! On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, I want to wish all of you a joyous and happy holiday season.
on the cover
Project Profile:
Sunnybrook ng ASSiSted livi
Nazareth Home is a long term care facility sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and is located in Louisville, KY. Photograph shows the recent renovation of the 8,000 s/f lobby area featuring Flexco Natural Elements Premium Vinyl Wood Plank flooring in color 622 Natural Oak with color 618 AntiqueTeak as accents. The project was installed by FCICA member, Aztec Flooring in Louisville, KY.
The Flooring Contractor Magazine
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FCICA ASSOCIATE Members As of 11/30/11. For more information or to contact a member, please go to our website at www.fcica.com
Company/Web Phone Company/Web Phone Advanced Adhesive Technologies, Inc. www.aatglue.com
(800) 228-4583
MAPEI Corporation (954) 246-8717 www.mapei.com
Ardex Americas www.ardex.com
(724) 203-5260
MATS, Inc. (800) 628-7462 www.matsinc.com
Beno J Gundlach Company (618) 233-1781 www.benojgundlachco.com
Michael Halebian & Company (201) 935-3535 www.michaelhalebian.com
Bostik, Inc. (978) 750-7321 www.bostik-us.com
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters www.hammer9.com
(313) 832-3887
Burtco Enterprises, Inc. (800) 241-4019 www.burtcocarpet.com
National Carpet Equipment, Inc. www.nationalequipment.com
(800) 245-0267
Capri Cork (800) 492-2613 www.capricork.com
nora systems, Inc. (978) 689-0530 www.nora.com/us
CBC Flooring www.cbcamerica.com
(800) 446-5476
Northeast Flooring Contractors Association, Inc. www.nefca.us
(401) 258-2625
CHAPCO- H B F - Construction Products www.chapco-adhesive.com
(630) 952-1378
Procedo Flooring www.procedoflooring.com
866-955-8291
Construction Specialties, Inc. (570) 546-4644 www.c-sgroup.com
Pro Wood & Flooring www.protile.org
(914) 665-0654
Creative Edge (641) 472-8145 www.cec-waterjet.com
RFMS www.rfms.com
(800) 701-7367
Flexco (800) 633-3151 www.flexcofloors.com
Roppe Corporation www.roppe.com
(419) 435-8546
Floorlayers Local 1310 (314) 647-5010 www.floorlayerslocal1310.com
Royal Adhesive www.parachem.com
(800) 763-7272
Greater New York Floor Coverers Association, Inc (516) 333-0046 www.nyfloorcoverers.com
Shaw Contract/Patcraft/Designweave www.patcraft.com
(706) 517-7703
Hank's Specialties (651) 633-5020 www.hanksspec.com
Spartan Surfaces www.spartansurfaces.com
(800) 997-7604
Helmitin Inc. (662) 895-4565 www.helmitinadhesives.com
Sponge Cushion, Inc., A Leggett & Platt Co. www.sponge-cushion.com
(800) 435-4062
High Performance Subfloors, Inc. www.hpsubfloors.com
StarNet Worldwide Commerical Flooring www.starnetflooring.com
(800) 787-6381
INSTALL/UBC (215) 582-4108 www.installfloors.com
Tandus Flooring, Inc. www.tandus.com
(706) 259-2604
Interlock Industries, Inc. (423) 305-6151 www.spraylock.com
Tek Stil Concepts, Inc. www.tekstilconcepts.com
(856) 428-4464
Johnsonite (800) 899-8916 www.johnsonite.com
W. F. Taylor Co., Inc. www.wftaylor.com
(706) 712-5823
Koster American (757) 425-1205 www.koesterussa.com
Wagner Electronic Products, Inc. www.moisturemeters.com
(541) 582-0541
Laticrete International Inc (203) 393-0010 www.laticrete.com
XL Brands, LLC www.xlbrands.com
(706) 272-5800
(256) 246-0345
Loba-Wakol, LLC (704) 527-5919 www.loba-wakol.com
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executive VP letter
30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE The focus for this issue is Assisted Living Facilities. We have included a project profile on Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Iowa that has flooring by some of our members. The profile can be found on pages 8 & 9.
What a great time we had in Ft. Lauderdale at our Mid Year meeting. The weather was great, the sessions were phenomenal and the networking was awesome! The photos of the event can be found on pages 14–18. At the office we are working diligently on Convention 2012 — finalizing tours, speakers and our 30th Anniversary Gala Reception and Dinner. Our theme this year is “30 Years of Installation Excellence Through Education” and our sessions will be interactive with demonstrations and more “show and tell”. We will be at The Mulberry Inn in Savannah, GA. The schedule can be found on the inside front cover. Please mark your calendar now and plan to attend. Please take a moment to check out page 5 which lists our current associate mem-
calendar of events
bers. This is a great page to bookmark as we have listed their websites and telephone numbers all on one page. We ask that you support those Associate members who support FCICA! The focus for this issue is Assisted Living Facilities. We have included a project profile on Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Iowa that has flooring by some of our members. The profile can be found on pages 8 & 9. Also the cover is a photo from the Nazareth Home in Louisville, KY. The flooring is a FLEXCO product and the installation was done by Aztec Flooring. You can see additional project pictures on FLEXCO’s associate spotlight page on page 13. In the last few months we have been working hard on increasing membership. On page 25 we have listed the new members
who have joined FCICA after the last published magazine. If you have a few minutes, please contact these new members and welcome them to FCICA. Remind them about the convention and tell them you hope to see them there. Have a great Holiday season and I look forward to seeing all of you in Savannah and celebrating our 30th Anniversary!
January 23–26, 2012 Education January 24–26, 2012 Trade Show SURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV www.surfaces.com :::
March 11–14, 2012 FCICA 30th Annual Convention 30 Years of Installation Excellence Through Education The Mulberry Inn, Savannah, GA www.fcica.com :::
March 1–3, 2012 ASA Business Forum & Convention Hyatt Regency San Antonio, TX www.asa.com :::
April 16–19, 2012 CISCA 2012 Convention & INTEX Omni Charlotte Hotel, Charlotte, NC www.cisca.com :::
Kimberly E. Oderkirk FCICA Executive Vice President & Senior Editor of The Flooring Contractor
April 17–20, 2012 Coverings Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL www.coverings.com April 19-22, 2012 StarNet Fall Meeting El Conquistador Puerto Rico www.starnetflooring.com :::
The Flooring Contractor Magazine
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
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Firm Name:
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FCICA represents the interests of floor covering contractors by promoting installation excellence through cooperative efforts with manufacturers, dealers, distributors and others committed to increasing the value, vitality, and viability of the installation industry. If your business is installation…or depends on it, your voice is needed in this effort. We invite you to join FCICA!
Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Fax: Website Address: Name of Owners, Officers, Foreman and others to be listed in the Membership Directory and as contacts in the database: Name(s): Title(s): E-Mail(s):
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Website — www.fcica.com Provides important membership information, member lists, upcoming events, technical assistance, technical resource guide, communication to FCICA headquarters, and links to other member websites. E-News Bi-weekly on-line newsletter features news snippets on association activities, member announcements, industry events, and other newsworthy items pertinent to your growing business. Ask Izzy Members of the “Ask Izzy” team answer questions on commercial flooring products, installations and/or techniques. The team’s goal is to respond within 24 hours. Mid-Year Convention Provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and information related to all aspects of the business of installation. Floorcovering Installation Training (FIT) Program Provides the tools to train your employees, on your premises, at your own speed. Educational Sessions at Annual Convention Held throughout the conference and members can contribute through participation in committees and other functions. “Start with Safety” — A Safety Program for Flooring Contractors Each member receives a complimentary copy upon completing the order form.
FCICA CONTACT INFO FCICA 7439 Millwood Drive West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Phone: 248.661.5015 ::: 877-TO-FCICA Fax: 248.661.5018 Email: keo@fcica.com www.fcica.com
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES Floor Covering Contractor: Any bona fide floor covering contractor, workroom, floor maintenance or retail store engaged in the business of installing or treatment of floor coverings. “Installer” is defined as any individual who installs on the jobsite or who works with flooring materials in the shop, workroom or store. Company with 1–10 installers: $350 annually Company with 11–25 installers: $650 annually Company with 26 or more installers: $950 annually Branch Membership: 50% of the parent company membership annually (Parent company must be in good standing) Associate Member: Any bona fide supplier of flooring goods and materials, including software, tools, tooling and or equipment, floor covering associations and cooperatives and manufacturers and wholesale distributors. Please choose one membership level. Platinum membership: $2,500 annually Gold membership: $1,250 annually Base associate membership: $700 annually Consultant/Inspector Member: Any bona fide provider of services to the flooring industry including but not limited to inspectors or consultants. Platinum membership: $2,150 annually Gold membership: $900 annually Base associate membership: $350 annually PAYMENT I certify that this information, which constitutes our membership category as a company is true and correct. It is agreed that our company will abide by all membership requirements and that we are entitled to all membership privileges as it pertains to our category as noted in the FCICA by-laws. I understand that annual membership is July 1–June 30. Enclosed is payment of $ Check enclosed
Mastercard
VISA
American Express
Account #:
Expiration Date:
Authorized Signature:
Security Code:
Title: Printed Name: I was referred to the FCICA by:
The Flooring Contractor Magazine
for one year’s dues.
Date:
Discover
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PROJECT PROFILE
project: SunnyBrook Assisted Living
flooring: Tandus carpet & Armstrong’s Medintech
The Flooring Contractor Magazine
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SunnyBrook Assisted Living is a group of assisted living and dementia care facilities located in small County Seat towns around Iowa. With 50 to 75 units in each location, every resident has an individually temperature controlled, private apartment. The residents join in the main hall for a true restaurantstyle meal three times a day. Most of the floors are covered with Tandus carpet, was designed specifically with assisted living in mind. The bathrooms have Armstrong’s Medintech, and the kitchens all have quarry tile. The entryway to each of the communities features a large 20x20 ft area comprised of 12 × 12" marble tiles. Inside this entryway, each location has a locally-themed marble floor mural, about 12 × 12 feet in size. Every town has its own landmarks, its own heritage, and its own culture. The goal of the entry mural was to remind the residents and visitor that they are not away from home. Indeed, that is the great thing The Flooring Contractor Magazine
about the SunnyBrook locations; they are located in small communities, offering excellent retirement care usually found in more densely populated areas. The local theme is spread throughout each building with many current and historic photographs of the local area framed in the hallways and common areas. SunnyBrookFt. Madison Entry Mural: SunnyBrook of Fort Madison’s entry mural shows Fort Madison, the Mississippi River and the old steam engine, representing a past rich in railway history. SunnyBrook Mt. Pleasant Entry Mural: The entry mural at SunnyBrook of Mt. Pleasant illustrates an old-style, steamdriven tractor and the farms on which it was used. Every year, on Labor Day weekend, Mt. Pleasant hosts the Old Threshers’ Reunion, which celebrates the steam-driven era of farm equipment. SunnyBrookBurlington Entry Mural: The entry mural at SunnyBrook of Burlington shows famed Snake Alley, the Burlington
Bridge, an historical building, and Iowa’s state bird and flower. SunnyBrookFairfield Entry Mural: The entry mural at SunnyBrook of Fairfield illustrates a traditional Iowa barn, farm pond and rolling fields, celebrating the rural community that surrounds the city of Fairfield. Creative Edge Master Shop was delighted to be involved with this series of floors. Not only did they fabricate the marble entry murals, they designed each one in-house. www.cec-waterjet.com www.sunnybrookseniorliving.com
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The Flooring Contractor Magazine
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If Only These Floors Could Talk: The Intriguing Story Behind Reclaimed Wood Flooring By Ed Sullivan
In addition to a fabulous custom look, reclaimed vintage wood flooring offers a fascinating history. The right supplier can locate and custom-mill the species of choice, making its history an exciting part of a homeowner’s life. All dwellings, even new ones, can have a fascinating history, if you incorporate a bit of the past into the structure. And whether a home, office or retail space, one of the most dramatic and eco-friendly ways to do that is with reclaimed, custom flooring made from wooden structures from around the world. Among the compelling forces behind the increasing popularity of reclaimed vintage floors are the stories behind them. Some of the most beautiful and interesting wood is made from historic structures such as buildings from heroic Civil War venues and antiquated factories. Others are composed of restored lumber salvaged from sites in Europe and Asia, including an 800-year-old temple from the time of the Ming Dynasty in China. “You could say that all reclaimed wood has an intriguing history,” says Ron Sauer of Excelsior Wood Products (Kingston, NY), a highly experienced wood reclaiming specialist who creates millwork masterpieces from vintage wood of all types. “Whether it is removed from an old mansion, public building or even an old industrial facility, there is a story to it that adds an unexpected value to the wood when it’s reclaimed.” “People really love the history behind their reclaimed flooring, and often collect pictures of the original sites and structures they came from,” explains Joe Walsh, president of Walsh Flooring (Ridgefield, The Flooring Contractor Magazine
NJ), a leading specialist in the finishing and installation of vintage wood. “What is interesting about reclaimed wood is that there is usually a story behind it, and our customers are delighted with that,” says Hany Gerges, Senior Designer at Manhattan Center for Kitchen and Bath in New York City, a comprehensive design firm and showroom that offers a wide variety of high-end products and services. “It makes a good conversation piece for guests, plus you get the unique look of the wood and the beauty of the application, whether flooring or paneling or other uses.” Kevin Conklin, project manager for a prominent New York architect and construction manager at Wright Builders, adds, “One of the major influences in some designs and motifs that we’ve undertaken was the travel that the client had done. For instance, they may have gone to Europe and seen a magnificent building or even a room such as a library and decided that the weathered, aged wood was a look they wanted to replicate in their home.” Wright Builders specializes in high-end residential projects in the New York and New Jersey areas, and in a recent Manhattan brownstone project they used hand-hewn barn beams throughout the 12,000 sq. ft house, as well as walls, floors and ceilings finished in reclaimed wood.
Fulfilling the possibilities Walsh, a master at wood finishing, says that the many amazing style possibilities of reclaimed wood include species, width and length, texture, pattern and finish. His firm and Wright Builders often work with Excelsior Wood Products. From moldings to flooring, Excelsior offers customers the highest quality antique and vintage wood products available, and can either source the wood or provide milling services to designers and suppliers who already have their material. “Excelsior is quite capable of producing reclaimed flooring and other wood products a wide variety of species, dimensions and textures,” says Walsh. “And that is important, because some customers prefer a rough texture or dull finish, while others prefer smooth planks with a gleaming high-gloss finish.” Ron Sauer, Excelsior founder and president, says he takes great pride in his firm’s high standards and meticulous attention to customer preferences. “Our wood products are about quality, we don’t mass-produce our lumber,” says Sauer. “Each floor board has been individually hand-picked and milled to the customer’s specifications. We also offer a complementary line that includes antique wooden stair treads and moldings to match your floors. Plus, we offer furniture-grade
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Some of the most beautiful wood is made from restored lumber salvaged from historic structures such as buildings from heroic Civil War venues and antiquated factories.
antique lumber for other woodworking projects.” Achieving that quality and flexibility requires a lot of specialized equipment, Sauer says. Excelsior not only has that equipment, but has also had equipment custom built to suit his operation. “In some cases we use wood that is not vintage, but we want it to look that way,” says Conklin. “Excelsior can do that for us by using the species of choice and then milling and distressing the wood so that it looks exactly the way we want it. They have the equipment to do just about anything you can ever imagine.” Beyond millwork In many instances, when locating an unusual or historic supply of wood, or matching the customer’s desires in terms of species and style, Excelsior will scour many countries and warehouses. Getting the designer’s or customer’s preference in species is another challenge that Sauer has accepted. Whether antique heart pine, American and European chestnut, mixed antique oak, or even rare species, he has sourced throughout the world to find the needed wood. “In some instances we purchase large volume of salvaged wood from historic sites and then warehouse them for future orders,”
Bog oak is a special kind of reclaimed or salvaged wood that has been partially preserved within swamps or bogs. Excelsior Woods can secure and mill bog oak from the U.S. and Europe.
Sauer explains. “Examples of that include old factories, sections of boardwalk, tobacco barns, and stables.” The green side Reclaiming wood for flooring is a recycling procedure; hence, there is a significant green side to the process. “One of the surprising benefits of using reclaimed wood is the ‘green’ appeal,” says Hany Gerges. “This wood is so beautiful and unique, yet some people attach much importance to the green factor. They are delighted that this fine wood is being reused and not destroyed. And it is treated, making it 100 percent biologically clean, which is also a benefit.” Also significant, whereas new construction typically uses wood from immature trees, which can limit species selection and offer less size latitude, salvaging wood from magnificent large growth trees allows much greater species and size latitude, and makes use of a valuable resource that might otherwise be used for firewood. Another green-related benefit of reclaimed wood flooring is that it is very easy to take care of. Many customers simply have the wood oiled, so it is actually much easier to maintain than other exposed flooring, which may require frequent cleaning and refinishing.
Affordable artwork While using reclaimed vintage wood is more expensive than everyday commercial flooring, homeowners and designers feel strongly that this beautiful flooring is a worthwhile investment. The cost difference depends on several factors, including expenses incurred in procuring the salvaged wood as well as the extent of the reclaiming, finishing and installation processes. “The cost difference probably isn’t as much as many people would imagine,” Sauer says. “In some cases it’s 30 percent higher than everyday wood, but our customers believe it’s very much worth it. Not only do they feel that the flooring or paneling has an added monetary as vintage quality that will quite possibly appreciate in value, but it’s an investment they can enjoy every day . . . that also tells a pretty good story.” For more information, contact Excelsior Wood Products, LLC, 401 Sawkill Road Kingston, NY 12401; Phone: 845-339-6630; Fax: 845-339-6636; E-mail: admin@excelsiorwood.com, or visit the web site: www.excelsiorwood.com Ed Sullivan is a Hermosa Beach, CA-based writer. He has researched and written about high technologies, healthcare, finance, and real estate for over 25 years.
The Flooring Contractor Magazine
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associate SPOTLIGHT
resilient flooring partner
FLEXCO has been in business for more than 60 years and has advanced as an industry pioneer and innovator by remaining, performance-driven, progress-oriented and partnership-minded. We take the initiative to bring you the very best flooring options available today, in doing this we strive to stay informed of all the latest technical information, testing and safety standards, industry news, trends in color and design and much more. FLEXCO takes pride in being a resilient flooring partner that has the experience, the determination and the dedication to make your flooring visions become realities. FLEXCO will continue to provide you with quality products you have come to expect and the level of service you deserve.
The Flooring Contractor Magazine
Mid Year 2011
IT’S TIME! fall.11 ::: 14
The Flooring Contractor Magazine
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The Flooring Contractor Magazine
Mid Year 2011
IT’S TIME!
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The Flooring Contractor Magazine
Mid Year 2011
IT’S TIME!
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Tools Used by the Tilesetter The Apprentice will be expected to be familiar with the safe and correct use of the following list of tools. 4’ level Channel locks or wire pliers 2’ level Crescent wrench Straight edge set, 2’ through 6’ Hacksaw Pointing trowel Carbide rub stone Chipping hammer Shovel Claw hammer Hoe Suction lifter Knee boards/Knee Pads Beating block Lath snips 1/4” chisel Flat trowel 1/2” chisel Hawk 3/4” chisel Mud stand Chalk line Scarifier Utility knife Drill mixer (slow speed) 100’tape measure Angle plane Cutting machine Sheet rock hole saw 24” square Hand brush, hand broom Wood folding rule Spacers (1/16”, 1/8”, 1/4”)
Guidelines for Selecting and Using Notched Trowels The notched trowel is one of the most important and essential tools used by the tilesetter. Proper selection and use of the notched trowel is necessary to achieve the installation criteria recommended by ANSI and TCA, which will be discussed in technical detail in later sections of this course. TCA specification methods refer the tilesetter to ANSI Specifications A 108.1, .4,.5,.6, .7,.8,.9 and.10, which describe the minimum materials and workmanship requirements for installing ceramic tile. As stated in the Standards, the amount of coverage or average contact with the back of the tile and the thickness of the bond coat after tiles are installed and beaten-in varies with each installation. The ANSI specification for the selected installation method states the exact amount of coverage necessary, adding that comers of all tiles are required to be flush and level with the comers of adjacent tiles, with a minimum of 2/3 of joint depth left open for grouting.
Types of Trowels To achieve the requirements described above, the proper notched trowel must be used. The type of trowel used depends on several factors: the kind of setting material used, the type of tile installed, and the size of tile installed. The installer must consider each installation individually, and should follow the manufacturer’s directions for the setting material being used. The notched trowel is a measuring device and applicator which creates a “bead” or rib pattern in the setting material, giving uniform thickness and full contact with the tile after beating-in.
(continued on page 29)
The Flooring Contractor Magazine
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Financial
IRS international tax FBAR By Lance Wallach
The IRS has opened offices foreign jurisdictions, and is going after those suspected of non-compliance under existing law.
If you have a bank accountant, property etc offshore the IRS is probably after you, and you could face criminal penalties. People, or businesses who have not accurately reported and paid taxes on international business structures, foreign financial accounts, holdings and properties are at greater risk than ever of fines and criminal prosecution. Soon, foreign financial institutions will be required, among other things, to provide information about each of their U.S. owned or controlled accounts, disclose
Mark Your Calendar FCICA’s 30th Anniversary Convention March 11–14, 2012 Mulberry Inn, Savannah GA
information to the IRS. The new law also imposes a punitive 30 percent withholding tax on payments of U.S. investment income to non-compliant foreign banks in order to enforce new reporting requirements on certain foreign accounts held by U.S. taxpayers. It also increases the statute of limitations for civil tax examinations to six years in the case of an omission of income from foreign sources. The IRS has opened offices foreign jurisdictions, and is going after those suspected of non-compliance under existing law. While many taxpayers are aware of the danger, they choose to ignore it. Some feel that the odds are in their favor. If they got
away with it this long, who’s to say their luck won’t hold? Finally, because some aspects of federal tax laws are so complicated, some taxpayers don’t know they are not in compliance. A 2009 voluntary disclosure program permitted taxpayers with undisclosed offshore accounts and income to voluntarily disclose them, mitigate substantial penalties and decrease the risk of criminal prosecution. At the same time, the Department of Justice increased civil and criminal prosecutions against those taxpayers not in voluntary compliance and the Treasury Department increased enforcement of cross-border withholding taxes.
FCICA, the flooring contractors association, announces that Convention 2012, will take place at the Mulberry Inn in Savannah, GA, March 11–14, 2012. This marks the 30th anniversary of the association, which FCICA is proud to celebrate in 2011–2012.
“FCICA has become known to offer one of the best convention venues for commercial flooring contractors,” said Kimberly Oderkirk, Executive VP. “This year will be another great one!”
FCICA will release their industry dictated educational session topics at a later date. “I have asked the education committee to focus on experiential sessions that are ‘back to the basics’,” said Gerry Swift, chairman of the board of directors for FCICA. “This means you will see more hands-on technical presentations and demonstrations.” Additional highlights of the 2012 FCICA convention include attendees’ choice of a golf or segway tour, welcoming reception, optimal member networking, table top (vendor & manufacturer) trade shows, committee and board of directors’ meetings, a 30th anniversary gala, an optional pub crawl as well as an optional FCICA Adventure Day in Tybee Island.
About FCICA The Flooring Contractor’s Association (FCICA), a leader in the floorcovering industry, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the highest level of installation expertise, solutions, and opportunities to network with industry experts. Headquartered in West Bloomfield, MI, it is the commercial flooring contractors’ organization, providing its members with a unique network for problem solving, education and support, to enhance their members’ businesses and the flooring industry. FCICA currently has members in 36 states, Canada and Guam. For more information about FCICA and it programs, please contact the office at (248) 661-5015 or log onto the FCICA website at www.fcica.com. The Flooring Contractor Magazine
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BUSINESS
What Can Be Learned From A Mouse With Big Ears By Barbara Wold (Adapted from the article What I Learned From A Mouse With Big Ears, Guy Kawasaki Co-Founder, Alltop)
1. Focus on the right stuff and the money will come — The top three priorities of Disneyland management is leadership excellence, cast excellence and guest satisfaction. The fourth priority is financial results. The interpretation is that if you do the first three things right, money is a natural outcome. 2. Take care of your employees (cast members) — Disneyland has “team centers” to serve the needs of its employees. These centers provide insurance, discounts, tickets, transportation services and payroll services. The message is “be good to your employees, and they’ll be good to your customers.” 3. Everybody should do the “dirty jobs” — How many people are there in the park sweeping up trash? Take a guess. The right answer is an astoundingly low number: eight. This is possible because every employee is supposed to keep the park clean, not just the janitors. 4. Everybody is customer service — How long do you think the training is for the people with brooms sweeping up the trash? — six weeks. This is necessary because guests ask janitors
questions, so the folks with brooms must be experts about the park. The training for parking lot attendants can be as long as eight weeks. 5. Pay attention to the details — Walt Disney himself specified the type of trash can for the park. These cans are currently swapped out every two years and Disney repaints them every four months. 6. Pay attention to even more details — A hairdresser in the wig department takes 30–45 minutes to wash and set the wig for Ariel. Then it takes 90–120 minutes to dry it. Finally, there’s another 30 minutes to comb it out. This is for a wig. Most entrepreneurs don’t spend this much time practicing their pitch for venture capitalists. 7. Make your customers feel close and important — The buildings on Main Street are 5/8th scale. This is to make people feel like they are closer to the action and important. Most companies erect edifices to make their customers feel small, and their bosses feel big. Disneyland does the opposite. Walt Disney used to crouch down to see Disneyland from a child’s perspective.
8. Know the facts — What is the ratio of adults to kids at any given moment in the park? Believe it or not, there are four adults for every kid. I would have never guessed that. This has big ramifications: Disneyland can’t just be a place for kids since kids are only 20 percent of the customers. 9. Green is good — The floats are all battery-powered. The fireworks are launched with compressed air, not explosive charges. The trains are bio-diesel and burn the oil from the park’s restaurants. Currently, 80 percent of the 1.3 pounds of trash that each guest produces per day is recycled. 9. Keep customers coming back — The Star Wars inspired ride called Star Tours has six different destinations, two beginning scenes and three holograms. This means that there are 54 different combinations. If you’re very lucky, you can see all the combinations in three rides — or, much more likely, you’ll have to keep coming back for more.
“Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, ‘Make me feel important.’ “ — Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics Barbara Wold is a street-smart, down-to-earth business speaker, presenting topics from sales and marketing to customer service and tourism. She is an international speaker who has “WOWED” over 650,000 people from all 50 of the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, India and the United Arab Emirates. Copyright 2011. Reprinted with permission from Barbara Wold’s Retail & Consumer Tips, bwold@ix.netcom.com.
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MEMBER NEWS
LATICRETE Junior Race Car Driver Victorious in Front of Thousands!
LATICRETE, a global manufacturer and leader of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry, is the top sponsor of junior Connecticut driver Joey Ternullo. He is the son of Joe Ternullo of Middletown Ceramic Tile Company, a firm that has been using LATICRETE materials and methods for over 50 years. Just as family-owned LATICRETE has been victorious within the worldwide tile & stone arenas, family-owned Middletown Ceramic Tile’s young race car driver has been victorious on the racetrack. Most recently, Joey took home the checkered flag when he came in first at Waterford Speed Bowl in Waterford, CT on September 10th. Competing against 11 other racers, driving under the lights and in front of thousands of emphatic race car fans, this was his fifth win of the 2011 racing season. A registered driver in the “Bandolero Division,” Joey Ternullo is currently ranked via the approved national points system as #21 out of 138 drivers across the country in his category. His LATICRETE #9 race car is a sleek, 750 pound vehicle which averages 70 miles per hour during races. “We are very proud of Joey’s performances and delighted to be his top sponsor,” stated David A. Rothberg, LATICRETE CEO/Chairman. “Our families have known each other and worked together for so long, it just seems like the right thing to do.” LATICRETE International, Inc. is a US-based family-owned global manufacturer and leader of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry. LATICRETE® products are produced and distributed worldwide in the commercial and consumer channels. The company’s philosophy of innovation and technical expertise has led to an unparalleled reputation and commitment to superior quality, performance and customer service. Manufactured in state-of-the-art ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, LATICRETE offers a broad product portfolio including an extensive line of low VOC sustainable products independently certified by GREENGUARD. LATICRETE®, LATAPOXY®, SpectraLOCK®, Hydro Ban® and DRYTEK® are registered brands of LATICRETE International, Inc. Corporate Website: www.laticrete.com.
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Each newly designed website features easy navigation and improved user experience from the original corporate website.
CCA Floors & Interiors Launches New Websites
Northern-VA based flooring and interior leader unveils four newly designed websites to serve to commercial, government and residential flooring customers worldwide In efforts to further strengthen their presence in the commercial, government and residential flooring industry and better serve customers worldwide, CCA Floors & Interiors rebrands itself by changing company name and logo that supports the recent launch of four new websites for customers of each of their divisions: CCA Commercial Floors & Interiors, CCA Government Floors & Interiors, and Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home. Each newly designed website features easy navigation and improved user experience from the original corporate website. CCA Floors & Interiors, located at www.ccafloors.com, provides an overview of the organization, its leadership, and corporate divisions. Everyone from individual homeowners to large facility managers to federal government procurement officers can visit the corporate website and be directed to the most appropriate division’s website for more information. CCA Floors & Interiors also showcases their stewardship including environmental initiatives, green office practices, green products and LEED compliance, as well as its philanthropic activities. Serving the flooring and interior renovation needs of corporate, education, healthcare, hospitality, government, municipal contracts and property management clients throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C. area is CCA Floors & Interiors commercial division, CCA Commercial Floors & Interiors. This newly established website, found at www.ccafloorscommercial.com, showcases products and services as well as markets served and green initiates. Visitors have the opportunity to get help from a sales, service and installation expert by requesting an online quote. They can also review a gallery of completed CCA commercial projects and read testimonials as well as sign-up for company and industry news via email. The Flooring Contractor Magazine
CCA’s government division, CCA Government Floors & Interiors, holds multiple Federal, State and municipal contracts and is a recognized leader in delivering service and value to government clientele in facilities worldwide. The new government website, www. ccagsa.com, allows visitors to review examples of CCA’s government projects and get valuable information pertaining to government products, services, and contracts. For visitor’s convenience, they can issue an online request for help sourcing contract products, receive assistance with the design of their government project, request professional project management services and more. CCA Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home is CCA Floors & Interiors residential division, available at www.alexandriacarpetone. com. Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home is an independently owned Carpet One franchise with a retail showroom in Alexandria, Virginia. The easy-to-navigate website offers information on overstock specials and monthly sales. Customers can also request a free in-home measurement and estimate for their flooring needs. For inspiration and ideas, customers can browse through Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home’s online showcase. CCA Floors & Interiors fourth division, CCA Area Rugs & Eco Mats, will also have a website launch coming in fall 2011. The website will soon serve as the premier online shopping source for custom eco-friendly entry mats and custom designed area rugs for both commercial and government facilities. Visitors can sign-up to receive updates by visiting www.ecorugsandmats.com. To learn more about CCA Floors & Interiors and get more information about the four flooring divisions, visit www.ccafloors.com. About CCA Floors & Interiors CCA Floors & Interiors was founded in 1973 by Daryl Reinke as a cash-and-carry retail operation specializing in carpet remnants. Today, CCA Floor & Interiors is the largest flooring dealer in the Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. Over the past four decades, the flooring leader had served corporate, education, healthcare, hospitality, government and residential customers in D.C. and around the world to feature four separate divisions: CCA Commercial Floors & Interiors, CCA Government Floors & Interiors, Alexandria Carpet One Floor & Home, and CCA Area Rugs & Eco Mats. Across all divisions, CCA Floors & Interiors believes in the value of offering innovative products, providing creative solutions and, above all, making customer services their highest priority. For more information, visit www.ccafloors.com or call 703-370-0000.
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NEW PRODUCTS
MAPEI Introduces Liquid-Rubber Crack-Isolation Membrane In response to installer requests, MAPEI has introduced Mapelastic CI, a premixed liquid-rubber crack-isolation membrane for installation under ceramic tile or stone. This quick-drying product can be used in interior and exterior environments on residential or commercial projects. Mapelastic CI provides a solution for resolving potential in-plane cracking in concrete substrates up to 1/8 inch (3 mm). “While MAPEI feels that the ultimate form of crack isolation is typified by sheet membranes such as our Mapeguard 2, we have recognized the market interest in roll-applied membranes and have formulated Mapelastic CI to meet those needs,” said Brian Pistulka, Business Manager for MAPEI’s Tile & Stone Installation Systems. Mapelastic CI was developed to give some added benefits to this new entry into the roller-applied crack-isolation membrane market. It is relatively quick-drying, allowing tile or stone installations after 30 to 50 minutes. The membrane changes color when it is cured, making it easy for workers to see at a glance when they can proceed to the next phase of the installation. They also profit from the labor-saving steps of easily applying Mapelastic CI with a roller or brush. And, most importantly, use of this membrane meets ANSI A118.12 requirements, preventing in-plane floor cracks up to 1/8 inch (3 mm) from transmitting through the tile or stone. “We expect Mapelastic CI to meet the needs of many contractors working to short deadlines who want to make sure they have proper surface preparation,” Pistulka said. “By responding to our customers’ needs with innovative ideas, we feel we are demonstrating in a very ‘flexible’ way that MAPEI is technology you can build on.”
Industry’s first angle drill/driver with articulating chuck Bosch Power Tools brings to market yet another industry first with the new PS11 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver featuring an innovative articulating head. The five position articulating head allows the chuck to move from 90 degrees to 180 degrees providing better balance and control of the tool when working in tight areas. The PS11 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver is the only tool in its class to include two LED lights that articulate with the chuck to effectively illuminate dark workspaces. It has a 3/8-inch auto lock chuck with simple bit replacements for a variety of applications, including anything from driving 3 inch screws, drilling a pilot hole, or using a inch spade bit. Significantly faster than the current competition in Lithium-Ion, the PS11 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver has a compact size, making it small enough to reach into narrow spaces and corners. It weighs only 2.75 pounds and offers a soft grip handle for improved ergonomics and a secure grip. The PS11 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver features a variable speed trigger to perfectly regulate speeds from zero to 1,300 RPMs. It offers a maximum torque of 115 inch pounds and comes standard with Boschs Electronic Cell Protection to ensure longer battery life and run time. A built-in fuel gauge makes battery management easier, allowing for continued work with fewer interruptions. The 12V Max Angle Drill/Driver is available in 2 models. The PS11-2A includes 2 batteries, 30 minute charger, and a soft carrying case. It retails for $149. The PS11B model includes only the bare tool. Both are available through authorized retailers nationwide. To find out more or to locate a dealer, visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99.
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MAPEI Offers Commercial Flooring Remodelers Labor-Saving Alternative Concrete Surface Preparation Gets Easier and Cheaper When it comes to remodeling commercial floors, surface preparation can be a big, time-consuming problem. MAPEI has come up with a labor-saving alternative in the form of its new series of Planiprep™ surface preparation products that installers can use themselves with minimum equipment requirements. Virtually all flooring adhesive manufacturers require a concrete subfloor to be free from any contaminant that may interfere with the bond of the floor covering to the subfloor, including residual adhesive from old flooring. These requirements generally mean flooring installers must contract for the relatively expensive shotblasting process, which can create dust and a great deal of noise. Where shotblasting is either too expensive or not approved for a jobsite situation, MAPEI’s Planiprep surface preparation products are the perfect solution. Three innovative Planiprep products work together to get the job done: • Planiprep AR (Adhesive Remover) softens and lifts old latex adhesive residues from the concrete subfloor. • Planiprep SA (Scouring Agent) eliminates any adhesive remover residue and etches the concrete. • Planiprep ET (Epoxy Treatment) caps the concrete subfloor to control moisture emission rates and prepare the floor to accept new adhesives. “We are always looking at ways to improve installation processes for flooring contractors,” said Jeff Johnson, Business Manager for MAPEI’s Floor Covering Installation Systems line. “With the Planiprep surface preparation products, we are offering a time- and labor-saving method of getting the majority of concrete subfloors ready for a new covering. We think contractors will see substantial benefits in using Planiprep AR, SA and ET.” These products are available from MAPEI distributors in the United States and Canada.
welcome new members
Allstate floors of DC, LLC Gina Colgrove 6031 Kansas Ave NW Suite 200 Washington DC 20011 Phone: (202) 291-5960 Fax: (202) 291-5963 ginacolegrove @allstatefloorsdc.com www.allstatefloorsdc.com Contractor
Concrete Science Inc. Ashok Kakade 1534 B Street Hayward, CA 94541 Phone: (510) 581-2342 Fax: (510) 581-4178 info@concretescience.com www.concretescience.com Consultant
Floorcraft Floor Covering Debbie Hamlin 44700 Reynolds Drive Clinton Township, MI 48036 Phone: (586) 468-9900 Fax: (586) 468-0450 fcfc@mich.com www.floorcraftinc.net Contractor
High Performance Subfloors, Inc. Karen Bellinger 515 Wilhite Street Florence, AL 35630 Phone: (256) 246-0345 Fax: (256) 246-0346 kbelinger@hpsubfloors.com www.hpsubfloors.com Associate
Loba-Wakol, LLC Alfred Melka 9600-B Southern Pine Blvd Charlotte, NC 28273 Phone: (704) 527-5919 Fax: (704) 527-5922 Alfred.melka @loba-wakol.com www.loba-wakol.com Associate
Procedo Flooring Jeremy Whipple 1401 E 6th Street Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Phone: (866) 955-8291 Fax: (419) 436-4302 Jeremy @procedoflooring.com www.procedoflooring.com Associate
Spartan Surfaces Kevin Bellinger 126 Industry Lane, Unit #4 Forest Hill, MD 21050 Phone: (800) 997-7604 Fax: (410) 838-7619 kjablon @spartansurfaces.com www.spartansurfaces.com Associate
XiA: Installation eXcellence in Action Ally Ferreira 2401 19th Street Suite 300 LIC, NY 11102 Phone: (855) 942-0942 Fax: (800) 536-7768 Ally.ferreira@xia.us.com www.xia.us.com Contractor
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industry news
QEP Employees Honor Veterans with ‘Celebration of Service’
DriTac Appoints Kris Kollenda To Western Regional Sales Manager
On Saturday, October 22, 2011, Q.E.P. Co., Inc. employees, along with their families and friends, joined with the veterans residing at the Stand Down House to renovate several buildings and refresh the exterior landscaping. Stand Down House assists and houses homeless veterans who are struggling to return to ‘civilian’ life.
DriTac Flooring Products LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Kris Kollenda to Western Regional Sales Manager.
During the renovation the media room, dining room and offices of the Stand Down House were painted and more than 1,600 square feet of new flooring was laid. Outside, more than 625 linear feet of concrete edging was installed, twelve large flower beds were weeded and over 300 cubic feet of mulch added and trees were pruned. The group also joined together to replace the broken concrete stops in the parking lot and restripe the entire parking area. Len Gould, QEP’s President, said “One of QEP’s core values is to honor those who have served our country. The Stand Down House was in need of a lot of basic repair and remodeling. This is our business and we were happy to help. It says a lot about the commitment of QEP employees who volunteered to make this happen last Saturday.” Casimiro H. Crocket, PHD, Development & Administrative Director of Faith*Hope*Love*Charity, Inc. that oversees the Stand Down House expressed the grateful appreciation of the veterans who reside at the Stand Down House. “This was an amazing transformation of our housing units and property that created enthusiasm and joy in our veterans and a real expression of care and love for every veteran by QEP.” The renovation project was a coordinated effort with The Home Depot Foundation’s “Celebration of Service” Campaign, which is in the midst of a three year veterans focus. THD Foundation shared the costs of the renovation with Q.E.P. Co., Inc. To learn more about QEP, visit us at www.qepcorporate.com. To learn more and see our associates in action, visit www.homedepotfoundation.org, follow us on Twitter @homedepotfdn, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homedepotfoundation. To learn more about the Stand Down House, visit us at www.standown.org.
Kollenda is responsible for sales and service to all customers in the Western Region. Kollenda has been in the flooring industry for 24 years and has a strong sales and marketing background. He has developed long-lasting relationships in the flooring industry while working with manufacturers, distributors and flooring contractors. Kollenda has worked for various manufacturers, including Shaw, Tarkett and Pergo and has successfully built strong distribution networks for well-known flooring brands throughout the Western Region. “Kris brings a lot of experience and industry knowledge to the DriTac team. He will undoubtedly represent DriTac with a high level of professionalism. We are delighted to have Kris represent DriTac in the Western Region” says Chuck Hall, V.P. of Sales DriTac Flooring Products, LLC is celebrating over 55 years as one of the oldest and most experienced manufacturers of environmentally adhesives for the flooring industry. DriTac adhesives are available from coast to coast through more than 100 distributors and in warehouses including: Clifton, N.J., Dalton, Ga., City of Commerce, Calif. and Dallas, Texas. For more information, or to receive a complete products guide for all of DriTac’s adhesives and installation products for wood flooring, contact: John Lio, 60 Webro Road Clifton, N.J. 07012; Ph: 800-394-9310 ext. 243; e-mail: jlio@DriTac.com; or Web: www.DriTac.com.
HW Flooring Makes Debut New company formed by industry veterans A new, dedicated sales organization that brings together some of the most experienced people in flooring distribution, HW Flooring LLC, has been formed. Head-
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ed by President Joel Lefkowitz, the new firm combines unparalleled expertise in wood flooring with broad regional reach and an extensive industry history. HW Flooring LLC will distribute leading wood flooring lines to retailers and contractors serving the commercial and residential building markets, and high-rise developers. Prefinished manufacturers include Somerset Hardwood Flooring, Appalachian Flooring, Ark Floors, and DuChateau Floors. In addition, the company will handle unfinished flooring, as well as installation and underlayment materials such as foam, adhesive, nails and other accessories. The company’s staff will apply their experience and expertise to consult with and advise the A&D community in servicing the needs of their clients in Healthcare, Hospitality, Education, High-Rise and new home construction. The new organization covers a wide geography including New Jersey, New York (5 boroughs), Long Island, Rockland, Putnam, Westchester and Duchess counties, as well as Fairfield County, Connecticut. HW Flooring LLC is an affiliate of Salesmaster Flooring Solutions (Deer Park, NY; Chicopee, MA), a leader in flooring solutions that is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. Lefkowitz, formerly President of Hoboken Floors and a 30-year veteran of the wood flooring industry commented, “Experience has taught us what it takes to be successful in the wood flooring business. With our combined industry expertise and knowledge, HW Flooring LLC will provide faster, personalized service for wood floor covering retailers and contractors catering to the commercial, high rise, residential and builder marketplaces.” Steve Kurtz, President of Salesmaster Flooring Solutions and a 30+ year industry veteran himself, commented, “We’re pleased to be partnering with Joel and his team, and the affiliation rounds out Salesmaster’s product offering. Through the resources of the two companies, HW Flooring LLC has a strong, experienced management team in place and provides advantages of logistics, financial stability and superior customer service.” More information: HW Flooring LLC, 303 Marcus Boulevard, Deer Park, NY 11729. 1-800-234-1717, joel@hwflooring.biz.
American Hardwoods Promotion Announces Newly Redesigned Website The American Hardwoods Promotion campaign, which aims to elevate American Hardwoods as the building and remodeling material of choice, has a new online home at www.HardwoodInfo.com. Named the American Hardwood Information Center, the site will serve as the official website of the campaign and a one-stop shop for consumers looking for design and trend information. The American Hardwood Information Center was originally launched by the Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA) as the authoritative resource for consumers seeking information about American Hardwoods. The site will continue to serve in this capacity, providing information on species selection, design trends, care and maintenance, installation, finishing and professional specifying of American The Flooring Contractor Magazine
Hardwood products, but has been redesigned with a new look and layout for simplified browsing and enhanced functionality. “This website encompasses a vast amount of industry knowledge for both consumers and professionals seeking information about American Hardwoods,” says Linda Jovanovich, executive vice president for the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, and representative of the campaign. “From expert tips and photo galleries to tools for industry professionals, the site is informational and inspirational – and we plan to add even more features in the coming months.” The site features two main sections designed to make it easy for visitors to quickly find the information they are looking for: Admirers and Enthusiasts, with information for consumers and homeowners on choosing, selecting and caring for American Hardwoods, as well as an inspiration photo gallery; and Designers, Specifiers and Professionals, with information about using American Hardwoods in building and remodeling projects. The revamped site also includes a member’s only American Hardwoods Promotion section featuring marketing and sales tools industry professionals can use to easily promote their business as an American Hardwoods manufacturer or supplier, such as a logo, brand use guidelines, sell sheets and campaign backgrounder. Another revised feature of the HardwoodInfo.com site is the newsroom, offering media the latest press releases, as well as information and resources relating to the American Hardwood industry. The newsroom includes an image gallery, story starters, and an information and trends page. Other features of the site include a species guide, fun facts, insights from industry experts, and information on how to download the American Hardwood species app for iPhones and iPads. The American Hardwood Information Center is the authoritative resource for consumers and professionals looking for information about American Hardwoods. The Center’s goal is to promote the use of American Hardwoods in home and building products ranging from flooring, cabinetry and millwork to furniture and building materials. For more information on American Hardwoods, visit www.HardwoodInfo.com.
MA Manufacturing Recycler Completes Break-Through Development In Using Post-Consumer Carpet In Its Products. SelecTech, an innovative manufacturing recycler based in Avon, MA, is poised to become a key player in the recycling of post-consumer carpeting. Viewing Waste Carpet as a Resource SelecTech has just completed breakthrough technical developments that now allows the company to manufacture its FreeStyle™, SelecTile™ and Place N’ Go™ flooring using 70% recycled materials, including 50% post-consumer carpet tile, which is generated at an estimated 800 million pounds per year in this country. All of SelecTech’s
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industry news
flooring products are adhesive-free, freelay, decorative floor tiles that are water-proof, easily installed, and 100% recyclable. So, not only do SelecTech’s products help to divert old flooring materials out of the landfill, they help to keep them out. The company is now utilizing more than 500,000 lbs per year of post-consumer carpet waste and projects that number to increase nearly 10-fold in 2012. The company has also just launched its products on the homedepot.com website and hopes to have them placed in the stores within the next year, which will further help to increase the reclamation of waste carpet. Better for the Environment and Better for Your Floors All of SelecTech’s patented flooring products utilize a unique interlock system that allows them to be installed quickly and easily, without the need for toxic and messy adhesives. They have a built-in underlayment and are flexible so they can be placed directly over old flooring, which eliminates the need for expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive floor prep. They’re also 100% water-proof, can be installed over problem subfloors, and are perfect for basements. FreeSyle™ and SelecTile™ are designed for commercial use while Place N’ Go™ is designed for residential use. The Recycling Wave of the Future Founded in 1994, SelecTech Inc. is a recycling solutions provider and manufacturer of high-quality products made from undesirable plastic waste. Utilizing high-tech innovations that effectively reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills by efficient reprocessing, SelecTech converts a negative to a positive. SelecTech is committed to delivering a high degree of satisfaction to the end-users of their products, and they are a premier provider of innovative, tangible solutions to carpet recycling. For further information, please visit www.selectechinc.com or contact SelecTech at 1-877-738-4537.
Crossville® Acquires the Building Products Branches of Master Tile in Texas and Oklahoma, Effective Immediately Crossville, Inc. is pleased to announce its purchase of 10 locations of the Building Products division of Master Tile in Texas and Oklahoma. Added to its initial acquisition of Master Tile’s Eastern division locations in Central Florida in November of 2010, as well as previously acquired distributor locations in North Carolina and Alabama, Crossville now owns a total of 21 distributor locations. “All locations will be officially changing their names to Crossville Tile & Stone,” says Crossville CFO Dewayne Galey. “This is an exceptional plus for Crossville,” continues Galey, “as the Texas and Oklahoma markets are recovering rapidly and there are great opportunities for expansion and growth in these areas. It also enables Crossville to offer the best service possible to the design and construction communities.” Galey and Master Tile COO, Roger Hawkins, jointly released a statement assuring Master Tile customers that the change would not affect day-to-day business and that Crossville Tile & Stone would continue to provide them with the same product offering and expert attention they have enjoyed in the past.
For more information about Crossville, contact Crossville, Inc. at 800-221-9093 or visit www.crossvilleinc.com.
The Clean Trust Elects 2011-2012 Board of Directors The Clean Trust (formerly The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) announced today the election of the 2011-2012 board of directors and executive committee during its mid-October meeting in Vancouver, WA. As part of the restructuring of the board of directors approved at the April 2011 shareholders meeting, board members will now be elected on a rotating basis, with a three year term. Additionally, it was determined that the board would be limited to 15 members to create and sustain strategic governance and achieve organizational excellence. “In the strategic plan the organization adopted last April, we outlined the organization’s goals for governance moving forward. The new board structure is a result of The Clean Trust working to accomplish these goals,” said newly elected Chairman Darrell Paulson. New board members were elected to serve a one, two or three year term to start the rotation of terms. Elected board members for the coming year are: Serving one year: Graham Bedwell, The Rouse Company, Dan Mabesoone, MasterCare Corp; Norman Maia, MFT National Cleaning Services, Inc.; Darrell Paulson, Advanced Restoration Specialist; and, Tony Wheelwright (retired). Serving two years: John Downey, Downey’s Carpet Care of Granville; Pete Duncanson, ServiceMaster Clean; Lonnie McDonald, Textile Care Group Companies; Kevin Pearson, Pearson Carpet Care; and William Weigand, Legend Brands. Serving three years: Craig Jasper, Cleaning and Restoration Institute; David Keiter, Yellow Van Cleaning Services; Patrick Moffett, Environmental Consulting Management & Engineering; Rodney Paulson, A1 Carpet Care; and, Hendrik (Hank) Unck (retired). Darrell Paulson was elected Chairman of The Clean Trust board of directors. In this capacity, Paulson will also serve as Chairman of the executive committee. Additional executive committee officers elected during the meeting were: Craig Jasper, First Vice President; Pete Duncanson, Second Vice President; Tony Wheelwright, International Vice President and Chairman of the Certification Council; Lonnie McDonald, Treasurer; Dan Mabesoone, Secretary; and Paul Pearce, Immediate Past Chairman. Patrick Winters will continue to serve as The Clean Trust President and CEO. “The Clean Trust thanks all outgoing board members for their years of service and helping set the organization on a strong path forward. Without their input and decisions, we would not be in the position of strength that we are today,” said Paulson. “We look forward to their continued involvement in The Clean Trust as the passion for their work is unmatched.” For more information, please contact The Clean Trust headquarters at (360) 693-5675.
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continued from page 29 Because the backs of vitreous tiles have a hard, smooth, surface, which prevents a good mechanical bond from being easily obtained, they require enough mortar to grip the edges of the tile as well as the back. V-Notched Trowels are generally used with organic adhesives. Types of tiles installed with organic adhesives include: glazed wall tile, ceramic mosaics, marble tiles, and other flat-backed tiles. Organic adhesives typically are limited to walls and residential floors, since their compressive strength is limited. The compressive strength is the amount of downward pressure an installation can withstand before the bond breaks. Square-Notched Trowels are typically recommended for use with sanded dryset mortars, latexportland cement mortars, and epoxy mortars. The ribs created with these materials compress easily during beat-in and give better bond and coverage. The compressive strength for these materials is higher, giving superior performance for installations beyond residential and light commercial requirements.’ U-Notched Trowels are typically recommended for use with sanded dryset mortars, latex-portland cement mortars, and epoxy mortars. The ribs created with these materials compress easily during beat-in and give better bond and coverage. The compressive strength for these materials is higher, giving superior performance for installations beyond residential and light commercial requirements.
Bond Coat Application The bond coat is always applied to the substrate with the flat side of the trowel, “keyed-in” in order to obtain the best possible mechanical bond. The material is then combed in one direction with a notched trowel of a sufficient size to result in the ANSI requirement after beat-in of 3/32” to 1/8” for latex portland cement and epoxy mortar, or 1/32” for organic adhesives. When individual tiles are set in with a pressing and twisting motion, additional mechanical bond is created to the back sides of the tiles. The bonding material must be thick enough to permit a level surface after beat-in. No lippage or high comers are allowed. The minimum required coverage on backs of tiles is 80% (optimal is I 00%). Before grouting, remove at least three tiles to verify that this coverage has been achieved.
Achieving Full Coverage and Bond Deeper-notched trowels may be needed to obtain the required coverage on button-backed, uneven, “rustic” or hand-molded tiles. A rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the more uneven the back of the tile is, the deeper the notch should be. With some tiles, it may be necessary to “back-butter,” or spread a layer of setting material on the back of each individual tile. It is also important to set the tile before the setting material has “skimmed over,” or while it is still “open.” To test whether the material is “open,” place your finger on setting material which has been spread on the substrate. If material comes off on your finger, it is still fresh and will bond to the tile. If material does not come off, remove it and replace with a fresh coat. When spreading setting material, be careful not to spread an area too large to be tiled before “skimmed-over” occurs.
The preceding was an expert from the FCICA’s Floorcovering Installation Training (FIT) Program Book.
fit Program: $799 FCICA proudly announces the Floorcovering Installation Training (FIT) Program. Featuring training programs for the installation of Carpet, Resilient and Tile flooring, the FIT Program is a must have for anyone planning on employee training. The three year FIT subscription includes: Instructor’s Manuals for the Carpet, Resilient and Tile programs, plans for stair mockups, Instructor’s video tapes, TCA Handbook, Student guide books (set of 10) for the Carpet, Resilient and Tile Programs, carpet layout exercise, certificates of completion, student wallet cards, and tool box stickers.
White and Black Polo ShirtS: $38.50 to $44.50 Show off your true colors with an FCICA official logo short sleeved polo! Lightweight and durable, these polo shirts are perfect for meetings, as well as on the job. Show a unified front, and order some for your whole team! Available in either black or white.
floor Wiz meaSuring tool: $8 Make measuring easier for those scale drawings with the handy Floor Wiz Measuring Tool! Made out of heavy plastic, the Floor Wiz has grids in both 1/4 and 1/8 inch scale. It also has a built-in ruler, and 45-degree angle tool.
long SleeVed dreSS Shirt: $40 to $42 Grab your FCICA official logo long sleeved black dress shirt! These shirts are perfect for that more formal meeting, and let everyone know that you are a member of the FCICA. They Feature a button down collar for men, and tailored fit for the ladies.
StrategieS for Small BuSineSSeS: $29.95 Nationally renowned authors, Dr. Bart Basi and Lance Wallach have collaborated together to produce an outstanding book for small business owners. Experts in their fields, they give their readers information on protecting assets, IRS secrets, insurance, and many other tax-related issues. As an added bonus, purchasers of this book are entitled to a free phone consultation with the authors! tile flooring reference manual: $95 The FIT Tile Flooring reference manual is a part of the FIT Tile installation training program, and is an excellent reference tool for salespeople, specifiers, inspectors and installers. This guide contains the proper guidelines for tile floor covering installation, and can be used in addition to with other industry standards such as ASTM Standards and Manufacturer’s installation guides. reSilient flooring reference manual: $95 The FIT Resilient Flooring reference manual is a part of the FIT Resilient installation training program, and is an excellent reference tool for salespeople, specifiers, inspectors and installers. This guide contains the proper guidelines for resilient floor covering installation, and can be used in addition to with other industry standards such as ASTM Standards and Manufacturer’s installation guides. fcica tool Box Sticker: $13 Proudly display you FCICA membership anywhere with these versatile stickers! Perfect for advertising, these stickers can be placed anywhere. Available in sets of 5.
fcica hat: $18 The FCICA official logo hat is perfect for those sunny days! It can be worn anywhere to let everyone know that you are a proud member of the FCICA. It makes a great accessory for the whole crew! Safety Book: Members: $105; Nonmembers: $140 Safety is at the forefront of every contractor on the job site. In order to support our floor covering contractors in this area, FCICA, the flooring contractors association, has created the book “Start with Safety” A Safety Program for Flooring Contractors. The book includes 52 tabs for safety talk material and forms to fill out at the job site for any safety related incidents. Available in both English and Spanish. Pattern carPet Video: $49.95 FCICA in conjunction with the Floorcovering Installation Training Program (FIT) Presents “Direct Glue Down Pattern Installation.” This video is an overview and is intended to serve as an orientation to correct procedures of pattern matching in carpet, not as a complete training program. The video covers many topics including: Installation Conditions, Floor Preparation, Pattern Match Policy, Pattern Bow, Pattern Skewing, Trueness of Edge, Pattern Run Off or Repeat Variation. fcica logo mouSe Pad: $8 Your FCICA Logo Mouse Pad is more than just another mouse pad. When plugged into a USB port on a computer, it lights up with blue LED lights. It is also a 4 port USB hub. The FCICA Logo Mouse Pad works with both traditional mice and optical mice.
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FCICA executive board members 2011–2012 Chairman Gerry Swift Mike’s Flooring Companies 4425 Brookfield Corporate Dr, #300 Chantilly, VA 20151 Office: (703) 802–3485 x 7055 Fax: (703) 802-3490 Cellular: (703) 929-1445 E-mail: gswift@mikesfloorco.com
Vice Chairman Of Associates Ralph Frye Mats, Inc. 37 Shuman Ave Stoughton, MA 02072 Office: (800) 628-7462 x 225 Fax: (781) 344-1537 Cellular: (781) 964-5374 E-mail: rfrye@matsinc.com
Vice Chairman Bruce Reeve Flooring Services, Inc 12815 Wayne Road Livonia, MI 48150 Office: (734) 522-2622 Fax: (734) 522-2488 Cellular: (810) 499-4900 E-mail: breeve@flooringservices-inc.com
immediate past chairman Christopher Capobianco Christopher Collaborative Inc One South Ocean Ave, Suite 205A Patchogue, NY 11772 Office: (631) 617-5059 Fax: (866) 329-6297 Cellular: (631) 275-6494 E-mail: Christopher@ccili.com
Secretary/Treasurer Mike Roberts Bonitz Flooring Group 5801 Middlebrook Pike Knoxville, TN 37921 Office: (865) 588-3630 Fax: (865) 584-1452 Cellular: (865) 389-6737 E-mail: mikeroberts@bonitz.com
Executive Vice President Kimberly E. Oderkirk FCICA 7439 Millwood Drive West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Office: (248) 661-5015 Fax: (248) 661-5018 Toll Free: 877-TO-FCICA (877-86-32422) Home: (248) 788-9125 Cellular: (248) 388-4605 E-mail: keo@fcica.com
PLATINUM SPONSORS
FCICA Board of Directors TERMS EXPIRING 2012 Jose Ortiz Allstate Floors and Construction 2 East Wells Street, Suite 3 Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 327-6400 (410) 327-1004 fax joseortiz@allstatefloors.com
Tom Pope W F Taylor Co., Inc. 3601 Highway 41 S Dalton, GA 30721 (706) 277-9767 (706) 277-3521 fax tpope@wftaylor.com
Jeanne Matson StarNet Worldwide Partnership 20 Homestead Road Darien CT 06820 (800) 787-6381 (203) 353-9521 fax Jeanne@starnetflooring.com TERMS EXPIRING 2013
TERMS EXPIRING 2014
Cathy Panagakos Helmitin Adhesives 4 Creenwood Avenue Greenville, SC 29615 (864) 380-1162 (864) 609-9190 fax c.panagakos@helmitinadhesives.com
Madeleine Bayless RFMS 3073 Palisades Court Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (800) 701-7367 X 3241 (888) 216-5730 fax mbayless@rfms.com
Les Lippert Lippert Tile Company N89 W14260 Patrita Drive Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 (262) 437-9300 (262) 437-9695 fax Lesl@lipperttile.com
Sim Crisler LGM & Associates 125 Taylor Len Drive LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 333-1525 (706) 884-8524 fax scrisler@charter.net
Bobby Diltz Breegle Building Products 2213 Grant St Wichita Falls, TX 76309 (940) 322-3129 (940) 322-3414 fax bobby@breegle.com
Brent Fike FLEXCO 1401 E 6TH St Tuscumbia, AL 35674 (256) 200-0433 (205) 449-8031 fax bfike@flexcofloors.com
GOLD SPONSORS
Burtco Enterprises
Spartan Surfaces
High Performance Subfloors
StarNet Worldwide Commercial Flooring
Laticrete
Tek Stil Concepts
Michael Halebian & Co
W F Taylor
nora systems Inc
Your best defense
against moisture, when failure is not an option
Mois
e to mag a d re stu ring Moi d floo woo
Planiseal ™ EMB Premium epoxy moisture barrier for concrete substrates Planiseal EMB is a guaranteed solution for resolving moisture vapor issues – • Controls moisture vapor emission rates (MVERs) up to 25 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. (11,3 kg per 92,9 m2) per 24 hours • One-coat moisture-barrier system for concrete slabs • Dries within 8 to 12 hours after application • 100%-solids, two-part epoxy
Come visit us at SURFACES 2012 January 24 – 26, 2012 • Booth # B3855
a t t h e M a n d a l a y B a y C o n v e n t i o n C e n t e r i n L a s Ve g a s , N V
TM
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dama
ge to VCT
Moisture damage to resilient flooring