FFI 118 September 2021 by Media-Pact NV / FFI bvba

INTERNATIONAL trade journal f or impor t , expor t , dis tr ibution and lay ing of par que t , laminate, cor k f loor ing and r elated pr oduc t s

N° 118 September 2021 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept , Nov, Dec) Of fice of deliver y 9099 Ghent X , P911092, BC 31359 - Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

Special Germany IND

IVL

EPE

STU NDENT DY

Special Producers of distressing machines

Special Producers of filling machines

Special Sustainability, ecology, recycling options, and how the avoid transport costs

RENOVATION FOR A BRIGHTER FLOOR FUTURE Hard facts that strengthen our passion

Special Sanding machines: part I

For years, Bona has experienced the resource

Renovation not only offers long-term benefits

saving benefits of properly maintaining and

for the environment, but also cost savings and

renovating wood floors and resilient floors like

increased floor hygiene. Furthermore, modern

linoleum, PVC, LVT, rubber and PU. The

innovations from Bona provides total design

environmental effects of renovating rather than

freedom, making it possible to create

replacing are clear. The energy savings are as

expressions, without the need to replace the

high as 95% and saves up to 90% in reduced

floor. All to shape a brighter floor future.

carbon footprint.

Special Coloured oil and coloured hard wax oil

41%

COST SAVINGS

Read more at bona.com/ivl

Floor Forum International n° 118 September 2021 Photo Bona

Photo –

Pontus Cornelius President and CEO Bona

4 Inside news 5 Preview Made Expo Milan (I) 8 Special Producers of distressing machines 10 Special Producers of filling machines 14 Special Sustainability, ecology, recycling options, and how

the avoid transport costs 17 Special Subfloors: part I 18 Special Producers of elastic adhesives 21 Special Anti-slip finish for in and outdoor wooden floors 23 Special Coloured oil and coloured hard wax oil 25 Special Producers of Hungarian Point and herringbone

floors in laminate, vinyl, PVC , LVT and design floors 27 Special Sanding machines: part I 30 Special Outdoor floors: care and maintenance 34 Special Colour stains and their assets 36 Special Fastening systems for exterior wood & composite

wall cladding 37 Special UV curing machines on the site 39 Special The range of tools and sandpaper or nets for

Resilient flooring is a highly durable surface that can withstand heavy use. A hospital operating room floor, for example, must be durable enough to sustain foot traffic, movement of large machinery, and be slip-resistant. Resilient flooring is an ideal surface to navigate these challenges, or the variety of issues present in other large facilities such as commercial buildings or schools.

Every year, 25 million square meters of resilient and wood flooring is replaced in Swedish public and commercial buildings. This flooring often goes into landfills but can easily be refinished to look and perform like new, at a fraction of the cost and time needed to replace it. A recent study and report conducted by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute confirms that refinishing resilient flooring is more sustainable for the environment than replacing the flooring surface. The report, conducted with input from Bona, found that refinishing resilient flooring surfaces can offer up to 92 percent reduction in carbon footprint versus replacing and results in at least 90 percent savings in resources. Pontus Cornelius, who joined Bona in January of 2021 as the new president and CEO, said, “The proof is in the research – floor refinishing is more sustainable than replacing the floor. At Bona we are passionate about products and systems that not only improve the appearance of a floor but also reduce environmental impact.” In years past, refinishing a resilient floor wasn’t an option. The floor was stripped and polished multiple times until damage, tears, or dirt prevented it from maintaining the right look or performance. The Bona Commercial System Resilient Floor Solution is a revolutionary new system to renovate and refinish resilient floors with stunning outcomes. The Bona Commercial System Resilient Floor Solution fully transforms the color and design of a resilient floor with the ability to repair torn and damaged areas. With a range of base colors, the system also offers color chips that can offer a more premium look. Additionally, the system can be typically completed in a matter of days, drastically reducing downtime, and allowing businesses to resume daily operations. Maria Ahlm, author of the report at the IVL Swedish Environmental Institute said, “The norm today is new and fresh. Sales of new flooring material is supported by the linear business model we have in the construction industry today and refinishing is often perceived as more difficult.” Yet the Bona solution can refinish a resilient floor faster and easier than replacing the flooring surface with beautiful results. Best of all, it is a more sustainable solution.

satellite sanding machines 40 Special Germany 42 Product news

Editing & advertisements FFI bvba PO BOX 29 9870 Olsene, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)475/44 20 77 sales@media-pact.com www.floor-forum.com

Advertising & subscriptions Filip De Ridder sales@media-pact.com Adriana Dascalu info@media-pact.com Hilde De Ridder floorforum@telenet.be

Publisher Filip De Ridder

Editors: Jan Hoffman Ludwig Janssens † Jean Paul Talbot Filip De Ridder Jacques Legros

Lay-out: Be-able Communication www.be-able.be

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Production: Lowyck - Oostende

Translation: Michael Robinson www.glossa.be Floor Forum International is a publication of FFi bvba.

The copyright of Floor Forum International and the articles appearing herein are retained by the publisher. By agreeing to publication of an article in this journal, the author assigns to the publisher the irrevocable and exclusive right under Copyright law to collect charges due from third parties for copying said article and to undertake legal or other action for this purpose. Editorial and advertising copy in this issue have been carefully checked and Floor Forum International bvba cannot accept any responsibility for any errors.

∂ Inside news Three companies that will be present at the fair Cersaie Bologna (I) From 27/09 – 01/10/2021 Impertek Balance Pro, the revolution in the installation of outdoor raised floors Impertek has always been strongly oriented towards technological research to improve its products. Among the innovations introduced, the arrival on the market of the new Balance Pro system. A support for raised floors, which collects the best features of the entire PEDESTAL LINE range. Balance Pro allows you to cover heights from 25 to 1025 mm with a single range of products. The tilting head allows to correct up to a 5% of slope. The supports guarantee a load capacity up to 1.000 kg. Balance Pro is the first support that allows you to install tiles of any size, marble, granite, decking and, with the Rail System, it is possible to lay composite floors, simply by replacing the head and integrating the aluminium joists. Speed of installation, safety, sturdiness and the possibility of configuring the support according to every need, make Balance Pro a truly revolutionary system for laying raised floors, designed to simplify the work, while guaranteeing an impeccable result.

Garbelotto is back to in-person fairs with Cersaie

Garbelotto is claiming back his lead role for in-person fairs, including Cersaie at the end of September. Garbelotto will be present with all the new developments prepared during 2021, especially those related to Clip Up System, which was advertised on Mediaset channels at the beginning of September, reaching millions of Italians. The patented installation system transformed the world of wooden floors: thanks to clips inserted into the milling under pre-finished boards, it is possible to remove and replace each board, to inspect the underlying systems or replace it if damaged damaged, in less than a minute, using a suction cup and a hammer. Clip Up system is also eco-sustainable: it does not use glues, it is a completely reusable system and has achieved all major certifications, such as EPD. Come and see us at Pad. 22 Stand A84

HARO Hotel concept boarding house HARO outfits the “Black F” in Freiburg

Progress Profiles For 36 years Progress Profiles, world leader Italian manufacturer of technical and decorative finishing profiles and fixing/ laying systems, has been developing and patenting over 15,000 products and 18 systems. At CERSAIE 2021 (Hall 31 – Stand A11), the firm will present many new products. With a thickness of 5mm PRODESO DRAIN is a waterproofing, draining, uncoupling membrane that favors vapor management; PROTERRACE DOUBLE DRIP is the new edging profile that allows a correct outflow of drainage water and infiltrations: the main double-drip on its front part permits the outflow and the removal of water from the wall, while the secondary hidden drip grants the outflow of water and residues of infiltrations under tiles. In addition to PROSHOWER System, the innovative flush water collecting system, the company will introduce PROSHELF and PROSHELF DESIGN, functional furnishing accessories for the shower featuring a contemporary design and a minimalistic look. PROHEATER, lastly, is the newest tiled heating system that decorates bathrooms with elegance.

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Boarding-house concepts are the elegant answer to the residential needs of today’s business world. They fill the gap between classic hotel rooms and short-term flats. The “Black F” in Freiburg has masterfully applied this concept – and included HARO’s tasteful premium flooring as part of the package. Freiburg – Black Forest House opens. The southwestern German city of Freiburg added a new hotel innovation in November 2020. The “Black F” serves as a “temporary living apartment house” and is de-signed in

Preview Made Expo Milan (I)

THE FUTURE OF BUILDING PASSES THROUGH MADE EXPO 2021 Superbonus, sustainability and new challenges in the sector. These are the topics covered during MADE expo, the sector's reference fair, scheduled at Fiera Milano (Rho) from 22 to 25 November 2021.

MADE DOORS, WINDOWS & INDUSTRIAL CLOSURES is “the place to be” for door and window manufacturers, designers, retailers and constructions companies: here design interprets the best technology for comfort and safety.

Why be there

MADE BUILDING ENVELOPE & OUTDOOR completes the area dedicated to the world of cladding and fixtures with specific focuses.

MADE expo is the showcase of a sector that is restarting. The new challenges pass from energy saving, sustainability and product innovation. These themes are well represented by exhibiting companies that are ready to restart the construction sector.

The numbers of the latest edition The 2019 edition of MADE expo was able to count on 900 exhibitors and 47,500 square meters of net exhibition area, and recorded more than 90,000 visitors, of which about 10% were foreign.

The trade show MADE expo, which for the first time will be organized directly by Fiera Milano, is the leading trade fair in Italy for the construction sector. It will take place from 22 to 25 November 2021 at Fiera Milano (Rho) and will be in its tenth edition. To optimize synergies and meet the needs of the market, this year MADE expo will take place simultaneously with SICUREZZA, the biennial international exhibition in the security & fire sector, and SMART BUILDING EXPO, the home and building automation and integration event. technological. During the three days of the exhibition, training courses and stimulating dynamic areas will be accompanied by product displays, workshops, B2B spaces and laboratories. A context that will favor the exchange of ideas and knowledge between the market players: companies and designers will live at the center of a new format, full of opportunities.

FIND OUT MADE EXPO 2021 AREAS Design, development, restructuring, requalification and maintenance are interpreted by MADE expo 2021 in an unprecedented layout that facilitates professionals visit, fostering an encounter of technical challenges and innovative solutions and of supply and demand.

Specialisation and Connections Investigating technical solutions and competences for each specific construction demand, ending up by including all production processes in certain areas and, simultaneously, optimising connections with other sectors, assuring an all-encompassing approach to all aspects and phases of the process.

MADE BIM & TECHNOLOGIES The hardware and software solutions unveiled at MADE BIM & TECHNOLOGIES go towards optimising the design phases, bills of quantities, calculations and overall management MADE CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS suggests the materials and technical solutions that are more performant for building and redevelopment with wood, concrete, steel, bricks, mixed and dry systems

The new challenges: a new way of building that embraces sustainability In an Italian context where large international real estate developers look with interest above all at the redevelopment of new urban areas, the new challenges consist in intercepting the technological, social, environmental and regulatory trends that push urban agglomerations and the industrial fabric to adapt to the new needs of the community. A unique opportunity for professionals to explore the need for a profound change within the construction sector, which passes from the need to achieve concrete objectives for a new urban livability, rethinking cities in a sustainable key from mobility to digitization , the efficiency of housing structures - as well as the importance of doing business in a more sustainable way. As always, ICE - Agency for the promotion abroad and the internationalization of Italian companies, will be alongside MADE21 in promoting the event abroad with the aim of identifying the event as the physical place where companies can present its product innovations to a network of professionals, designers, construction and production companies, craftsmen, window makers, contractors and buyers. MADE expo Press Office MADE expo - 22 | 25 November 2021 - fieramilano The reference event for the Building Community #Buildingthefuture @ MADE21

NOVOWOOD® NOVOWOOD® will take part, as exhibitor, in the 2021 edition of MADE Expo, by “Fiera Milano-Rho” from 22nd to 25th November. MADE Expo has always been an important event for us at NOVOWOOD® to share our results and as an opportunity for presenting new projects. We have been committed for years to the research and development of a Wood Plastic Composite that combines design and hi-tech, but always with a look at sustainability and environmental impact, which are the focus of this year's event. MADE Expo will be the occasion to introduce our new wall cladding stave: “SKIN AIR”. This new stave profile combines practical installation with a new design solution. Our staff will be present to provide advice on NOVOWOOD®: the Wood Plastic Composite that is used more and more often as a design element. Thanks to its multiple combinations and several finishes, together with contemporary style and classic soul, it combines functionality and aesthetics in the field of building renovation, urban and outdoor application.

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∂ Inside news particular for business travellers along with adventurous holidaymakers. “Modern professional nomads”, a group that includes individuals who will do like spending three months in Freiburg working on a project, are especially enthusiastic about the idea. It is easy to see why: They can choose between the anonymity of their own flat or the lively atmosphere of a chic hotel. And the best thing of all is: They do not have to leave the building. The flats include mini-kitchens were residents can whip up their meals and lots of storage space. The facility also has a communicative lobby with a bar, a number of restaurants, a fitness studio equipped with a sauna and a shirt-cleaning service. It also provides rented bicycles and an underground car park that offers affordable long-time rates. Read more on www.floor-forum.com/en/news

FN Neuhofer International growth wins Silver FN Neuhofer is awarded Silver in the 2021 Austrian Export Prize. This prize emphasizes the internationally successful commitment of this dynamically growing family firm with its registered office in Zell am Moos. The Exporters’ Nite on 29 June 2021 held in Vienna’s Museum Quarter was a special celebration, in the context of which the Austrian Chamber of Commerce honoured the companies that drive on the economic upturn in Austria by their international commitment. FN Neuhofer was delighted with the Silver Export Prize in the “Trade

and Industry” category that was awarded to Franz Neuhofer, the owner and Managing Director of the 10th generation by Economics Minister Dr. Margarete Schramböck and Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Harald Mahrer. “We are thrilled with the Silver Export Prize and we are proud of the fact that the day-to-day commitment of all our staff and the resulting success has been acknowledged in a special way. What is more, this award emphasizes that the path taken is the right

IN LOVE WITH DECKING

WOODEN FLOORS FOR OUTDOORS

LA SAN MARCO PROFILI SRL Viale Europa 63 - 31010 Soligo, TV - Italy Tel. +39 0438 980106 r.a. - Fax +39 0438 980176 info@lasanmarcoprofili.com - www.lasanmarcoprofili.com

Floor Forum International 118

∂ Inside news one”, enthuses Franz Neuhofer. The family firm has existed for 371 years. To secure the Zell am Moos site long-term, an eight-figure sum has already been invested in recent years in the latest planing and cladding technology, packing robots, interlinking of machinery, digital printing technology and warehouses. The biggest capital investment in the firm’s history is currently being implemented. This envisages new warehouse and production buildings (8,800 m² of additional production area) and a multi-storey office building including a showroom. The total area of the building project is 14,550 m² and is expected to be completed in the coming year.

Impress is a group of companies operating globally to develop and manufacture trendy decorative surfaces for the wood-based panel, furniture and flooring industry as well as for modern interior design. They are one of the world’s leading companies in the industry and supply their customers via seven international locations. The decors for tomorrow’s design are created directly in-house and are based on trends that are identified continuously on a global level by wellconnected, internal scouts. The product portfolio of the full-service provider includes decor papers, finish foils, impregnated papers, additives and decor printing inks.

Impress Surfaces joins EPLF as Associate Member Brussels, 23 July 2021 – EPLF, the European Producers of Laminate Flooring, is delighted to announce that Impress Surfaces has joined the association as the first new member in 2021. Max von Tippelskirch (Swiss Krono), president of the EPLF, stated: “We welcome Impress Surfaces as the newest addition to the association! As a specialist for decorative surfaces, Impress is on the forefront of spotting trends for the flooring industry and we at the EPLF are excited to learn from their insights.” “In accordance with our passion to innovate and our ambition to optimize our organisation in order to best serve the needs of our customers, we are looking forward to a fruitful exchange with other members at the EPLF to continuously learn from each other” explained Sascha Kostros, Head of Decor Management at Impress Surfaces.

Custom-made

Quality Parquet

FOR PROFESSIONALS LOFT PRO

SOLID

PARQUET

Promoting sustainable forest management

“Every product you need for a perfect �loor.” Tel: +32(0)11 63 64 00 - www.parketkerkhofs.be

DUNE

Grade: Oak rustic/campagne Heavy brush Size: 12 x 180 mm Top layer: 3,2 mm Finishing: Natura oil Tongue & Groove - 2 bevels Engineered LOFT PRO (Birch plywood base)

www.designparquet.fr Floor Forum International 118

Special

Producers of distressing machines

‘WHERE TIME DIDN’T STAND STILL’ MECHANICAL DISTRESSING WITH BRUSHING MACHINES AND ROLLER PATTERNS If you want to give wooden floors and stairs depth and structure (i.e. if you want to distress them), you can inter alia use special brushing machines and brushes made specially for that purpose or machines which create roller patterns. For this introduction we surveyed the market and came out by the Dutch company Cosma and the Italian firms Renzo Borgonovo and FNT-Trabattoni Stampi.

Brushing machines If we consider first how Cosma approaches this, we see that this involves a series of brushing machines and brushes (in nylon abrasive and steel) designed and made specially for giving wooden floors and stairs depth and structure. What we notice is that sanding machines give the surface the best possible preparation. The sanding brushes are often combined with structuring brushes and dust brushes. All brush aggregates are supplied with dust heads and the structuring and sanding machines have sealed covers to limit the spread of dust and increase safety.

Applying oil and stain The roller coater system then applies oil and stain to the wooden floors. Single or double roller systems are supplied for conventional oils and LED oils. The rubber rollers and gummy rollers are available in various degrees of hardness for the type of application. The specially built machines spread the oil and stain evenly over the wooden surface. The pad and brushes hereby absorb surplus material to ensure that the correct amount is applied. Surface texture, required colour, and (protective) layer thickness play an important part in achieving the desired result and for structured wooden floors a special pad brush has been developed to ensure that the oil penetrates deep into the wood grain. They also told us that specially designed brush cleaning machines provide the perfect solution for cleaning the pad

brushes and cylindrical brushes which are used to spread oil or stain. All the cleaning units are equipped with air motors for an explosion-proof design. The special brush technology provides each required surface finish. Both standard and tailored brushes are made for all surface treatment or treatments, ranging from structuring and sanding to the application and spread of oil or stain.

Italian know-how and design When we turn our thoughts to Italy, we simply have to consider the products FNT#101 and FNT#102/103: roller patterns from Renzo Borgonovo and FNT-Trabattoni Stampi. These roller patterns are part of an existing series, but are the latest development for 2021 in this field. Renzo Borgonovo Srl, formed in 1961 by the similarly named Renzo Borgonovo, is a design and engineering company which specialises in producing special machines. With both roller patterns they demonstrate how they are up to date. For instance, when the FNT#101 is used on rustic wood, it yields a splendid reproduction of an old weathered plank, with the creation of a rural sphere. In addition, they offer a completely different pattern (Wavy Wood). This is a delicately designed geometric pattern which can be integrated into countless scenarios. What’s particularly worthy of note is a technical detail of the cylinder roller. The first roller is divided up into two parts. With the one section, the pattern is fitted horizontally, and with the other vertically. This means clients can get two different patterns on the same roller, despite the downsizing of the total width of the design. This concept is ideal for geometric designs where variation in the width doesn’t matter. Sources: Cosma.nl and Renzo Borgonovo and FNT-Trabattoni Stampi.

OY LL

SURANC E

•

ISO

90 0 1

F RANCE

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QUALI TY ER ST AS

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PORTÉE DISPONIBLE SUR WWW.COFRAC.FR

Two specialists Cardotech Cardotech is a French manufacturer of industrial brushes, based in Sainte-Hélène in France, 130 km north of Lyon and 200 km from Geneva.

exports more than 25% of its products to Europe, the US and Asia. It specialises in the development and production of industrial brushes, and makes industrial brushes according to specific specifications, for various sectors. Cardotech also stands out for its high level of service (advice, feasibility, lead times, training, etc.). Its turnover has increased by 50% in 10 years. For the wood sector, Cardotech is one of the European leaders in the design and manufacture of industrial structuring and finishing brushes. It supplies leading European customers (France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Norway, Poland, United Kingdom, Switzerland, ....). Recent novelties of 2021: specific brushes for strong structuring, specific brushes for ginning. +33 (0)3 85 94 16 40 - contact@cardotech.com - www.cardotech.com

Renzo Borgonovo & FNT-Trabattoni Stampi

The history of the company goes back to 1886, five generations ago. Cardotech is ISO 9001 certified (version 2015). The company

Old-look and charred wood patterns are still on the cutting edge, surfing a long wave of appeal. Structuring wood can be a fast and enriching deal, if done properly. We of Renzo Borgonovo and FNT-Trabattoni Stampi believe there is no better way than doing so with our rotative hot embossing machines. This type of machinery provides the manufacturer with an extreme versatility, in no way comparable with any other machine, in terms of using the same machine for the achivement of different end-products. Its possibilities are endless, since by changing the roller (10 min. time) you can completely change the look of your end product. The machine can also achieve great speeds, starting at 0.9 m/min and reaching, in some cases, even 30 m/min (standard working speed is, to be clear, ca. 5 m/min). The work is in continuous: the production doesn’t have any down times. Finally, structuring wood in this way does not foresee any consumable part: rollers (and their ability to reproduce patterns) are eternal. The best selling unit, for the world of flooring, is our model Borgore 500, here pictured.

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Special

Producers of filling machines

MECHANICALLY PERFECT FILLING MACHINES ARE OFTEN USED ON FULL PRODUCTION LINES Jan Peeters (CSP Engineering -B) ‘The development of a new and much broader filing machine is well advanced’ When it comes to developing and producing machines tailored to processing wooden floorboards, it is highly likely that you have heard of CSP Engineering, which is based in Dessel (Belgium). This company, the brainchild of general director Jan Peeters, was formed early in 1994 and supplies high-tech machines and computerised solutions for various phases in the production of wooden floors. You can divide their machines into four main parts: glueing installations; packing lines, logistical systems, and filling machines (which we consider specifically in this article). We want to know how CSP Engineering approaches the market with its filling machines and during the course of the interview Mr Peeters also gives us some interesting news. For instance, the company seems to be well on the way towards developing an additional machine for the PAR Filler® Series which presently comprises three parts. They can announce officially that next year they are extending their working area outside Europe, with new clients in Canada and the USA. To Canada and the USA Jan Peeters: ‘Next year, we’re selling our first filling technology machines in Canada and, shortly afterwards, we expect some more deliveries for the USA. We’ll still be developing and producing everything in Belgium for the full 100%, but the overseas machines will supplement our present clients. Those clients are small, medium-sized, and large wooden floor producers, who are now starting out in Europe with two and three-layer parquet in 12 countries in Europe.’ Jan Peeters believes that the step beyond Europe is a logical consequence of the ongoing experience which the company has built up. He outlines how the company has developed in a few major blocks: ‘I had a special affinity with the wood industry and in the first phase we concentrated on developing and building tailored machines. After that, we moved on to constructing production lines, something which we did for several years for the parquet, pallet, and general timber industry; our expertise lies in constructing production lines for elongated items, so everything is computerised. Since 2009, we’ve concentrated for 100% on industrial parquet floor production.’ ‘Until 2008, our working area was mainly between Paris and Amsterdam. In that same year, we did a, in-depth strategy exercise and realised how we could make a difference in the parquet industry. We established that there were lots of excellent new opportunities with no market solution and that we could launch our own production on the market. At the same time, we also saw an increase in our sales area. Firstly, we extended our working sphere in Europe and now we’re going a step further.’ Extension in filler machines ‘In filler machines the PAR Filler® Series comprises three models: PAR Filler® Mono, PAR Filler® Duo, and PAR Filler® Duplex. The Mono is fitted with one applicator and is suitable for small to medium-sized production, the Duo version is suitable for medium to large production capacities, and, finally, the Duplex is the most powerful one. The Duplex has two filling lines, which work independently of each other and can fill wooden floorboards of the same or different product qualities and colours.’ ‘For the filling we have to go back a good ten years in time, when the wooden flooring industry underwent a transformation which is comparable, for instance, to what happened with ready-made laminates. Lots of smaller players sold semi-finished products which parquet floor fitters then finished on site. That changed as the finish and therefore also the filling work shifted more towards producers, certainly with a lot of medium-sized players. That’s where we fit in with our machines.’ ‘The very latest news is that we’re now working to develop a new filling machine which will offer a solution for a specific market segment. We’re working on a broader filling machine, which can also work on panels and can fill with several heads. The machines now operate floorboard by floorboard, but soon it’ll be possible to fill multi-strips simultaneously on a panel, followed by the sawing and finishing. To express it in figures, so far we can cope with widths of up to 310mm. In the future, we’ll be able to manage panels from 960 to 1250mm wide.’

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Obviously, we want to hear about the market launch. At this point, Jan Peeters is a little more reserved: ‘The only thing that I can say with certainty at the moment is that it’ll be soon (he laughs). I prefer not to commit myself to a set date, development always proceeds in steps, and that means you have to be careful with assessments.’ The new norm: remote work Finally, we still want to hear how CSP Engineering has come through the corona pandemic. Their story shows how you can turn a drawback into a benefit. ‘We’ve already always committed ourselves to offering a great deal of remote professional help with maximum use of various forms of technology. We already offered access to machines via Internet, we had a keen eye for diagnostic tools, and for maintenance instructions. Our machines log huge amounts of data and that enables us to offer remote professional help, so it’s only in highly exceptional cases that we have to provide our services on site.’ ‘This pandemic has demonstrated how we can prepare for the future even better via investing a lot of time in providing support. Our support consists of three sections: training machine operators, supervisors, and technicians. This means that we can solve a lot of problems remotely. An example for the filling technology: If a client wants to fill a new wood sort and does not achieve the desired result, we can assist 100% remotely.’ ‘To talk specifically about covid 19: Initially, as was the case everywhere, there was a lot of uncertainty in our sector amongst clients and prospective clients. However, confidence was restored quickly and strongly from the summer of 2020. What was particularly noticeable was how quickly people learned to use and accept digital technology and we’ve taken full advantage of that. We’ve gone far beyond the normal round of digital meetings. We even give digital demonstrations on machines using products from clients who’ve sent us some of their products. Once a project is ready, we now have a digital factory acceptance.’

Filling technology for wood flooring Machined filling of knots in parquet

before

after

High quality ﬁ lling result Reduction of labour costs High production capacity Just 1 operator Wood ﬁ ller ready for use Available in 8 colors PAR-Filler Duo

CSP Engineering bvba

Stenehei 30/10

Tel: +32 14 37 77 52

B-2480 Dessel (Belgium)

info@csp-engineering.com

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Special

Producers of filling machines

Photo – CSP Engineering

Wooden flooring experts often meet customers who do not want to see any gnarls or cracks in their parquet and therefore insist that all imperfections are removed. The ageold solution was to repair shortcomings by hand using wood filler paste, and sometimes that meant working on hands and knees. The market, too, has noticed this tendency, and that’s why filling machines have emerged.

As is the case everywhere, all filling machines are different and they come in different sizes and weights. It is noticeable that they are often deployed in total production lines which transform the bare wood into labelled and finished parquet which is ready to be fitted.

You can guess what this is about. As early as the production, traders use automatic systems to trace and eliminate blemishes in parquet planks. These systems use sensors and cameras, and then the filling machine on the production line infallibly fills in any unevenness with a special wood paste.

What happens is that these machines carry out the necessary preparation for the application of a finish (an oil or a lacquer). And so, they detect and repair not only major blemishes, but also minor ones too to ensure that the required end product is up to standard. And so, floorboards are scanned (sometimes in 3D) and the resulting images are processed in no time at all. The advantage of such a scanner is that it detects and assesses any blemishes whatsoever with the utmost precision and thereby outperforms both machines and human beings.

Higher production capacity and better welfare

The planks stay on the belt

The machines have all sorts of benefits and obviously the main one is the much higher production capacity which is generated. At the same time, these machines also benefit the operators’ health and welfare because they eliminate physical strain. Those same operators now have a directive and controlling function in the production cycle. What’s also noticeable during the production process is that machine manufacturers are striving to produce machines which need just one human operator, even for high capacity and production volumes and for more than one filling line.

This brings us (almost automatically!) to another major asset. Since the machines are integrated into a production process, there’s no need to remove ‘damaged’ planks from the belt to repair them. Indeed, the scanner calculates the extent of the damage and determines the amount of filler with absolute precision. When the filler is then applied under pressure by injection, that brings out other assets as compared to manual filling. The amount of filler needed is calculated so precisely that there is little surplus, if any, and this reduces considerably the number of floorboards to be reworked.

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The ideal filler Finally, we need to say something about the filler which is used. Obviously, this has to meet specific requirements because it has to blend in seamlessly with the plank on which it is used. The ideal filler is one which hardly shrinks, if at all, adheres perfectly, is as porous as wood, dries quickly, and is available in several standard colours. In 2021, it goes without saying that this filler also has to meet the necessary environmental standards. And so, ideally, a good wood filler also contains neither water nor solvents, even with mechanical application. Is everything made in line with top professional standards? You should realise that the best fillers which are ready for use hardly shrink, absorb colours nicely, can easily be planed and sandpapered, and do not disintegrate.

CSP Engineering

n o d e Focus & e g a m da e c a f r u s ! t n e m treat

CSP Engineering developed PAR-Filler®, a unique filling machine, specifically built for the parquet industry. This filling machine optimizes your production process in many areas. The PAR-Filler® Series currently consists of three models. PAR-Filler Mono, equipped with 1 applicator, is well suited for small to medium-sized productions. PAR-Filler Duo, with its 2 applicators in line, is very suitable for medium production capacities. PAR-Filler Duplex, the most powerful of the 3, has two filling lines, which work independently of each other and can fill wooden floorboards of the same or different product qualities and/or colors. A single operator can control and monitor the PAR-Filler® and receives targeted training and all necessary tools from CSP. Cosmetiwood® is a wood filler developed for the PAR-Filler® machines. Cosmetiwood ® has fantastic properties, is available in 8 standard colors and is ready to use. Color can be changed quickly in the machine and the loss of filler is minimal.

S METIC osmetics“ in S O C od c l for OOD for „wo ous potentia TRC W tands

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: mation m/trc r o f n i ore .co For m ntersteiger i WINTERSTEIGER AG www.w

A-4910 Ried, Dimmelstraße 9 Tel.: +43 7752 919-0, woodtech@wintersteiger.at

Special

Sustainability, ecology, recycling options, and how the avoid transport costs

START WITH THE BASICS A BETTER WORLD STARTS WITH A COMPLETE PRODUCT RETHINK viewed from as many perspectives as possible so that it is produced and transported as sustainably as possible even before it leaves the factory.

Less weight We noticed an initial operation with something so obvious that many people forget it, namely the weight of the supplied product. In the case of Liteback, they use so called core technology for thermoplastic floors, such as LVT, SPC, and WPC. They also use raw materials as efficiently as possible and at the same time they make their floors lighter. The benefit for the environment speaks for itself, as does the benefit for the floor fitter whose back is put under less strain. According to the producer, they remove material from the core to reduce the weight of the end product by up to 20%. In specific figures they claim that it is possible to remove up to 3.5kg from a single packet of a typical 5mm LVT product. Therefore, various factors mean that all operations with the product are now easier and more efficient, from the delivery from the production unit to the time of purchase and during the fitting by the end user.

Re-use of material during production

Photo – Välinge

For many years, we’ve been bombarded constantly with concepts such as sustainability, circular thinking, re-use, environmental awareness, CO 2 emissions, etc. And so, obviously, companies are paying more and more attention to those matters. Yet how do they approach ecology, recycling, and transport? We note that lots of companies start with the basics. They examine their own production in detail and see how proactively they can go to work. During our market search, we found a perfect example of this ‘optimal ecological thinking at source’: Välinge Innovation. This Swedish company, formed in 1993, has long been known as a pioneer in technological revolutions for the flooring market and has a high-tech R&D centre. A rethink of one’s own product is clearly in evidence with the Liteback technology which it brings onto the market, technology which is being used by more and more licence holders. With Liteback, the product is

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Obviously, there’s more to it than just a weight reduction. It is possible to re-use the material used during the process to make new floor products. That can reduce the use of material by up to 20%. Using raw materials more efficiently can lower the number of deliveries to production units and, moreover, means that sea containers are loaded more efficiently with lighter products. This reduces not only the number of journeys and amount of storage space required, but also the CO2 footprint. If you actually do the calculations, you find amongst other things that the 60 million square metres of LVT, SPC, and WPC flooring sold in Europe in 2017 could have been reduced sharply with Liteback. Firstly, more efficient use of raw materials during that year would have saved no fewer than 117,000 tonnes of raw material. Secondly, about 4,800 fewer trucks would have been needed to deliver the products and, moreover, 3,400 ship containers would never have been shipped. To make this completely clear, less use of raw materials and fewer journeys would have reduced CO² emissions in 2017 by almost 80,000 tonnes, the equivalent of annual emissions from 56,000 passenger vehicles.

Milling grooves Finally, we still have to explain how all this is achieved in practice. At Liteback, they mill grooves on the rear side of the floor plate using a grooving machine. The material removed during the process is recycled in the production process to reduce material consumption by up to 20%. The grooving unit can be used as a stand alone tool, but at the same time it can also be integrated into the regular production process, so that there is no longer any need for an extra handling of the panels.

Get more with less The sustainable alternative for more volume and lower weight in resilient flooring Yes, it’s true. With our patented Liteback® technology, you get up to 20% less weight. That’s about 7.7 pounds less per package — which translates to savings in shipping costs, home-delivery that’s more efficient, and a smaller environmental footprint. Don’t let their size fool you — those small grooves make a giant impact. Liteback® is also a perfect match with our 5G® Fold Down technology. Simple, you might say. Innovative, we call it.

Licensed by

Liteback® and 5G® are trademarks for patented technologies – invented, registered and owned by Välinge Innovation AB. Use of the marks or technologies is under license.

info@valinge.se | www.liteback.se |

Special

Sustainability, ecology, recycling options, and how the avoid transport costs

CORKART CORK FLOORING, ECOLOGY & RECYCLING Many flooring options have “green” credentials but not all are environmental and economically sustainable. CORKART cork flooring is. Biodegradable and recyclable, sustainable production processes with a strong positive impact on the local economy and environment CORKART cork flooring has amazing eco credentials. Cork is a 100% natural, renewable environmentally friendly material. It is stripped from the cork oak trees without any damage to the tree and regrows naturally every nine years. Cork biodegrades completely and can be easily recycled. It is remarkably resistant, hypoallergenic, light and particularly comfortable due to its unique buoyant cellular composition, which makes it a perfect noise and thermal insulator. Although nearly all Cork Oak forests are in southern Europe, they play an important role in the planet's ecosystem. Its unique cell structure and composition enables the innate retention of CO2 and supports carbon pollution reduction. Cork oaks have a special characteristic of retaining CO2 innately, contributing for reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. The striping helps the trees regeneration, strengthening its ability to absorb CO2. Cork oak forests are also vital source of employment, reduce soil erosion and guarantee the survival of local communities. CORKART continuously work to make factory infrastructure and production processes more efficient using ecological materials, lower environmental impact, use effectively and recycle. One of the strategies is the recycling in the manufacturing processes: 90% of the waste is recycled and re-used. Moreover, 90% of the energy used in processing cork is made from burning cork dust, a byproduct of production. Cork floors were popular by its fascinating

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natural pattern and color. With technological advances you have now different eco-friendly cork flooring selections. CORKART Design Concept has exclusive collections that share the unique features of a cork floor with realistic wood & stone looks.

Special

Subfloors: part I

THE SOUND OF SILENCE ACOUSTICS: ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED One of the most important requirements of a subfloor (whether it is fitted under a wooden floor, laminate, or any other type of flooring) is that it is ‘as quiet as possible’. A good subfloor should have an optimal acoustic effect. That’s why this article highlights a special subfloor which originates from France, the Dinachoc S801. We look for the secret of this producer’s silence. They achieve optimal acoustics in a product which fully complies with another hot issue these days, ecological awareness.

Airborne and impact sound When you talk about sound, you can split it up into two sorts. On the one hand, there is the so called ‘airborne sound’ and, on the other hand, there is ‘impact sound’. The former consists of vibrations made by a source of sound in the air such as, for instance, a human voice, a radio, an engine in motion, etc. This ‘airborne sound’ travels via floors and walls to adjoining rooms and moves both from outside inwards and vice versa. Impact sound is completely different and is created between materials. Typical impact sounds in buildings include footsteps and chair movements. When you fit a floor, you know that one of the most important criteria on both commercial and residential sites is as much acoustic comfort as possible. And so, professionals have to look for ideal materials to reduce risks to the barest minimum, and that starts by selecting the right subfloor. This acoustic comfort is part of a whole series of other factors which determine the indoor environment e.g. air quality, temperature, and brightness.

resistance to cracks (even with extreme temperatures from -40°C to + 110°C), remarkable immutability (it doesn’t shrink or swell), excellent pressure-resistance, and an unusually high rating in terms of health (classes A+ and E1 and also VOC-free). In addition, easy fitting and comfortable stepping are two nice benefits.

100% recycled rubber The secret of this product lies in a unique composition, namely rubber which originates for the full 100% from used and recycled car tyres, something which provides extremely durable insulation. Whilst cork peels off and fades over the years and cardboard or foam sag in the course of time, Dinachoc S801 remains unchanged. Moreover, this manner of working means that Dinachoc S801 fits in easily with the circular economy, since old rubber tyres are recovered and transformed to make an acoustic floor. This not only reduces waste, but also gives an existing, but discarded material a new lease of life. What makes it entirely circular is that even the ‘regained’ material can later be recycled in turn for the full 100%. You can’t get much more circular than that!

A specialist Bona

Dinachoc S801 caught our eye because it has a particularly strong USP, namely that it counters both impact and airborne sound. The product also suppresses sounds as they travel from one room to another so that they are less audible. Moreover, this subfloor muffles low tones effectively, and those are precisely the ones which are generally the most annoying.

Figures You’re probably thinking: ‘Show me some plain figures and we’ll decide if it’s worth pursuing.’ You’re right to think that way. We will give some facts after we’ve pointed out via a number of certified systems/products that Dinachoc not only increases comfort with wooden floors, but also it works on concrete, support beams, wooden frames, in theatres, cinemas, discotheques, and on sports floors. In our case the Dinachoc S801 acoustic subfloor (which can be fitted both floating and glued) stands out and the recorded decibels speak volumes. With values of ΔLw 19dB to ΔLw 22dB, you have to say that this is an exceptional performance. Moreover, tests have shown that not only is this subfloor suitable for all floor coverings, but also that it can be fitted on top of floor heating with both high and low temperatures. Also worth mentioning are an extremely high

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BONA U300 This is a subfloor with sound insulation effect and is also suitable for laminate. Bona U300 is a subfloor of bound cork-rubber granules. It can be used as a subfloor for wooden floors, laminate, and other floorings. It is glued with a wooden floor: It reduces strains in the wooden floor and diverts them to the base. BONA U310 Bona U310 is a felt for glued wooden floors and for laminate floors which reduces strains. It solves problems with technically doubtful substrates. Thanks to its great strength, the felt reduces strains from the subfloor so that they cannot affect the top layer. It is easy to cut and fit, is damp-proof, breathes actively, and is only 1mm thick.

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Producers of elastic adhesives

THE STANDARD IS CLEAR NF DTU 51.2 IS THE ESSENTIAL REFERENCE ON ELASTIC ADHESIVE FOR FLOOR FITTERS On various occasions, we’ve written articles about why you should choose elastic adhesive. It is currently the most popular choice of professionals due to its quality, versatility, and performance. In our preparation of this article and in our attempt to obtain more information, one of the parties which we contacted was specialist Blanchon and they told us the following: Although elastic adhesives have a somewhat higher cost price than PU adhesives, you should look to hybrid polymer adhesives for the best price/quality ratio. You should also draw a distinction between MS polymers and silane polyurethanes (PU).

Benefits We’re all familiar by now with the benefits of MS polymers. These adhesives are ideal for glueing all sorts of wood onto harder and solid substrates like wood, chipboard, bamboo, concrete, anhydrite, tiles, and sand-cement. These adhesives can also be combined with floor heating with no problem at all. With silane polyurethanes, we are talking about adhesives based on MSP (modified silyl polymer) which sets under the influence of the air humidity. These adhesives are used mainly for glueing all sorts of parquet, including all traditional parquet floors (traditional floors), and can be used without a primer on all subfloors. These adhesives, too, are suitable for use in combination with floor heating.

Legislation: NF DTU 51.2 standard Something we haven’t yet considered in our previous articles is the relevant legislation both in Belgium and elsewhere. In this context, too, the French producer Blanchon, which has been a specialist in wood finishes since 1832, points resolutely to the French standard NF DTU 51.2. This standard provides all the necessary information about the elasticity, resilience, and adhesion of parquet adhesives. NF DTU 51.2 covers glued parquet floors (‘Parquets collés’) and gives the specifications for fitting parquet which is glued onto a bearer (directly or with the help of a resilient underlay) in new works and in all French climate zones (except for tropical or equatorial climate zones for floors with floor heating and cooling). This document is also a source of inspiration for repair work. NF DTU 51.2 refers to the construction of parquet floors with the following elements: - flat parquet elements fitted flat or at the edge; - parquet strips or panels with profiled edges; - strips or panels of composite parquet. The standard also covers the fitting of parquet floors: - on floor heating; - on floor heating and cooling, except in damp rooms.

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The works to which this normative document relates should be carried out in dry rooms (relative air humidity about 50% on average) for use in domestic, residential, public, and commercial settings. To find our more about this standard, surf to https://parquet.ooreka.fr/astuce/ voir/545657/dtu-51-2. This web site (only in French) outlines how the standard is divided into four sections. First of all, it outlines the general rules, then it covers the execution of the work, the choice of materials, and, finally, how you can order the full version of this document, which is available for professionals only.

‘Document Technique Unifié’ In general, you can say that this document (with the French abbreviation DTU, which stands for ‘Document Technique Unifié’ = ‘Unified Technical Document’ in English) is the leading reference document for the general rules for fitting glued parquet. And so, it refers to fitting solid parquet, but also to parquet fitted to the subfloor. Like all DTUs, DTU 51.2 is the reference work for specialist fitters. In the case of damage on a building site, this is the document to which specialists will refer, apart from the recommendations of the parquet manufacturer. If the DTU rules are not observed, it is the fitter who will be held responsible.

What’s on the market ? Blanchon The reasons for choosing elastic adhesives (for that matter the adhesive most used amongst professionals) include their quality, versatility, and performance. Apart from the cost price, which is a little higher than that of PU glues, hybrid polymer adhesives (where we draw a distinction between MS polymers and polyurethanes modified with silane, PU for short) have the best price/quality ratio. Blanchon’s three references are polymer hybrids. The AB 1300 is very easy to apply and is suitable for all traditional glueing (up to 130mm wide). You also have the powerful AB 2000, which is used for glueing up to 200mm. Finally, you have the cord adhesive, which is absolutely essential in some cases. This adhesive has a high tack and does not run away when used on vertical surfaces. Obviously, all their adhesives conform to the DTU 51.2 standard, which

applies both in Belgium and abroad. This legislation gives all the necessary information about the elasticity, resilience, and adhesion of parquet adhesives.

Bona

adhesive, an elastic 1-component silane parquet glue in conformity to ISO 17178 (elastic) for dimensionally stable multilayer parquet. It reduces strains on the subfloor. The glue binds via a chemical reaction with the atmospheric damp. Features: • fast initial adhesion • no water or solvents, very limited wood movement • good adhesion on almost all substrates and wooden materials • spilt content is easily removed • floor is ready for use after 24 hours • good adhesive backbone • suitable for floor heating Packaging: bucket: 15kg glue sausages: 600ml – 1800ml – 2810ml – 5400ml.

Emfi

Wood is a unique and natural material with features which require special knowledge to guarantee good short and long-term performances. The combination of sorts, thickness, width, and construction are essential considerations and for ideal results the parquet glue has to suit the wooden floor perfectly. Bona’s range of silane adhesives yields a built-in tensile strength and elasticity in different strengths and formulas to meet all floor challenges. There is Bona R848 parquet

In Europe, where the applicable legislation depends on the country in question, there is a regulation for the emission of volatile organic substances (VOS) in accordance with the HABITAT SAIN or GEV classification. For France, the rules for glued installation are grouped into the D.T.U. 51.2. We also have test standards (NF EN 14293 - DIN 281) and there are standards for the production of parquet floors (solid wood or laminated). Elastic adhesives are recommended for glueing all types of parquet. The big

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Producers of elastic adhesives

asset of hybrid adhesives as compared to PU adhesives is that they don’t contain isocyanates. Moreover, they also contain few solvents, if any. These glues are also very easy to apply. The drawbacks relate mainly to the emission of methanol or ethanol during polymerisation. Adhesive strips offer an alternative, but they are more restrictive, especially with heated floors.

Chimiver ADESIVER ELASTIC ADESIVER ELASTIC is a single-component hydro-curing prepolymer based adhesive with a silanic termination (MS technology). This adhesive is classified as "ELASTIC" according to ISO 17178. Recommended for gluing of pre-finished wooden floor onto marble, grit, ceramic or marble-chip floor tiles, etc. Also suitable for gluing wooden floor onto underfloor heating and cooling system. ADESIVER ELASTIC has very good acoustic insulation characteristics. CERTIFICATES: EC1 PLUS, heat conductivity (CSI test report n° 0013/DC/TTS/19). ADESIVER ELASTIC can contribute to the achievement of QI CREDIT 4.1 according to the parameters of the GEV dated 03 March 2009, because it meets the certification LEED protocol (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

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Tover Technically speaking the elasticity of an adhesive for wood flooring is evaluated according to the following characteristics: shear strength superior to 1,0 N/ mm², shear elongation superior to 1 and tensile strength more than 1,00 N/ mm² (ISO 171782013 Norm). The good news is that Tover MS polymer glues – Tovcol MS and Tovcol MS START - comply perfectly with this Norm! Moreover, professionals can use both adhesives for the application of any wood species on any sub-floors including under-floor heating, cooling systems, ceramics and metallic supports. Packaging is also customer-oriented: in buckets, bags and sausages to allow easily two different application methods: trowel or gun, indoor and outdoor (with Sigil MS Black). Our high-quality MS adhesives can provide a secure bonding to engineered prefinished and raw boards of any size and to solid wood up to 200 mm wide. Tover adhesives: strongly elastic!

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Anti-slip finish for in and outdoor wooden floors

‘ANTI-SLIP PREVENTS SLIPPING’ IDEAL FINISHES HAVE TO MEET LOTS OF CONDITIONS People sometimes forget that although wooden floors can look so charming, you certainly don’t want to slip over on them and break your neck. And so, in this article we consider the best approach to anti-slip treatment for both indoor and outdoor floors. We also consider the relevant European legislation.

Anti-slip or smooth? What standards does an anti-slip floor have to meet? In that connection, you also have to define primarily what anti-slip means. After all, there is a difference between anti-slip and smooth (or slippery). Anti-slip is defined as follows: suitable for stopping people (or apparatus) from sliding on it. By contrast, a smooth or slippery surface is easy to slip on. And so, a terrace or parquet floor is anti-slip if it prevents slipping by stopping the slipping motion itself, whilst we speak of smooth if the floor helps to prevent slipping. And so, finishes, sealants, or oils used on wood can be subdivided into anti-slip (with a European standard to show their performances) or smooth. This rule applies to indoor parquet floors, but not to terraces because terraces are exposed to two extra pressures apart from the weight of footsteps. Those extra pressures are bad weather (with the accompanying presence of water or snow) and ultraviolet rays, and that’s to say nothing about fluctuations in temperature.

Do residential applications differ from commercial ones?

You yourself probably wonder if there is a difference between residential and commercial applications. The clear answer is that there is no difference. It goes without saying that in both domestic homes and commercial rooms you need a floor on which you will not slip. Obviously, it’s always possible to ask a professional to apply an antislip finish, but in that case users have to accept the limitations. This means there is little choice as regards outward appearance (gloss, matt, colours, etc.) and with sports floors there are also inherent related maintenance limitations. The difference is defined. Slipping can have unfortunate effects, mainly in a sports context, but also in some medical or paramedic institutions (e.g. nursing homes, crèches, or homes for the disabled).

Composition of finishes Before the fitting, you need to consider what is ideal in terms of anti-slip for indoor and outdoor use respectively. You can assume initially that a wooden terrace is naturally anti-slip provided it is dry. It is well known that wet wooden floors are slippery, and manufacturers offer various solutions to deal with that. For instance, planks are supplied with a deeply grooved surface which provides a perfectly ‘natural’ anti-slip surface whenever it is fitted on the outside.

Be careful with terraces Saturators are the only possible form of protection for terraces. The anti-slip seal largely owes its effect to micro-fillings (hard mineral or organic particles with a precise grain size inside the seal), but it is not yet possible to develop a saturation agent based on the same principle, and that is due to the same technical reasons as for oil for indoor floors. A sprinkling of calibrated micro-particles would no longer have any effect because saturators basically protect the wood by impregnation. Fitting anti-slip strips is the only reasonable option, and that strongly resembles the original grooves. We would also point out that using a stain contravenes the very principle of durable protection of a horizontal wooden structure fitted in the open air. This is a technical error since a stain should never be fitted to a wooden floor in the open air. Moreover, there is also the obligation to repeat the operation to compensate for the regular and rapid removal of micro-particles under the effects of footsteps. The thickness of the film marks will increase and that means it is more likely to peel off! Source: Blanchon.

Some specialists Blanchon For interior parquet Blanchon recommends its SPORT® range. This consists of glazers and ‘paints’ for applying lines and covering surfaces. New in this range is Sport Solid, which consists of polyurethane with a highly fluid consistency, high filling capacity, excellent performances, and rapid setting. It has been designed specially for sports floors and the uniform exterior refreshes the playing surface. Due to its high durability, it provides long-term and effective protection for sports floors. For outdoor terraces there are ‘Huile Terrasses Bardages’ (oil for terraces and furnishing) and ‘Saturateur Bois Environnement’ (ecological wood saturator). The former is a highly durable and translucent outdoor oil. This oil for terraces and wall cladding impregnates, protects, and slows down the ageing of all horizontal and vertical outdoor wood (e.g. terraces, gates, walls, privacy screens, and fences) and has a unique formula with high UV resistance. The latter impregnates, protects, and slows down the ageing of terraces, outdoor floors, grids, and outdoor woodwork. The product is recommended for all wood sorts, including thermowood, especially for new exotic wood sorts as soon as the work is fitted and without prior distressing. This is anti-UV, waterproof, and anti-slip (in conformity to NF EN 13036-4), and provides effective protection against bad weather.

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Anti-slip finish for in and outdoor wooden floors

Bona

Parquet Lacquer Bona Traffic HD Anti-slip is a 100% polyurethane 2-component waterborne lacquer which gives a wooden floor exceptional durability and protection. It possesses all the features of Bona Traffic and is the choice for rooms where speed is essential and the highest possible durability is required. Moreover, Bona Traffic HD Anti-Slip has the advantage that it is developed to meet the highest standards for slip resistance on work floors and in other places where the floor might be damp. With its greater friction, Bona Traffic HD Antislip is ideal for stairs, kitchens, care homes, and similar locations. Features: • Excellent durability and chemical resistance • Not vulnerable to shoe marks • Excellent adhesion • Does not turn yellow • ECR1 certified (very low emissions) • Offers more protection from accidental slips (R9) • very low VOC content • Green Guard certified.

Chimiver

Osmo

For interior wooden flooring and stairs that require increased slip resistance, Osmo offers Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip. It is a clear coating, which achieves a more harmonious appearance through the use of plant ingredients. Slip resistance up to Class R11 can be achieved (Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip EXTRA). For outdoor use, Osmo offers Anti-Slip Decking Oil, a satin top coat for timber decking and stairs already treated with a pigmented oil. It contains a special high-density organic non-slip additive, which is evenly distributed in the coating and has a slip-resistant effect after drying. Both coatings are based on natural oils and repel water. The microporous coat will not crack, peel or flake.

ECOSTAR 2K SPORT

Tover

ECOSTAR 2K SPORT is a two-component water-based polyurethane lacquer for sportive wooden floors. ECOSTAR 2K SPORT has same technical characteristics of our standard ECOSTAR 2K; it has been formulated in order to meet the highest anti slip standard requirements for sport wooden floors. ECOSTAR 2K SPORT is in conformity with European standards for sportive wooden floors meeting EN14904 standard's requirements, DIN 18032-2 for slip resistance and it’s classified as EN 13501-1. Hardness, distension, chemical and mechanical resistances put ECOSTAR 2K SPORT on top of range's quality. It is recommended and certified by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA Approved Equipment).

To improve people safety is one of Tover main goals in terms of innovative solutions; with Uniqua Antislip, the water-based lacquer for high traffic certified R10 according to DIN 51130:2014 norm you can coat stairs but not only. It is particularly suitable for public places and everywhere anti-slip properties are required. It does not need to be repeated periodically to maintain its characteristics and the finish is extremely strong, natural and matt.

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Coloured oil and coloured hard wax oil

TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE DETAILS TIPS & TRICKS FOR MAINTAINING WOODEN FLOORS TREATED WITH COLOURED OIL OR COLOURED HARD WAX OIL In the previous edition we considered at length the treatment of a wooden floor with oil and with hard wax oil. In the main, we considered firstly when you use (coloured) oil and secondly (coloured) hard wax. In this edition we consider at length the maintenance of floors finished with those oils. Before you can speak of maintenance, you need to realise how oil and hard wax tackle the wood. The rule of thumb here is that you yourself should be aware that oil saturates the wood and therefore makes it waterproof, but that hard wax does a little bit more. Indeed, hard wax also fills open pores. Filling open pores gives you a floor which both attracts less dirt and is easier to clean. With general maintenance, there is little difference, if any. For instance, not only can you vacuum clean a parquet floor, but also you can mop it using not too much water. You need to work carefully to avoid scratches and distinguish between oiled and varnished parquet to avoid stains and damage.

Oiled parquet A general rule of thumb with oiled parquet is that for cleaning it is essential not to use clean water. That might sound strange, but clean water tends to affect the protective coat of oil in the parquet and, as a result, this may give rise to stubborn stains in the parquet. The trick is to mix that water, which should be at room temperature, with a nutritional parquet soap and to make sure that your mop isn’t excessively wet. At the same time it is important to ensure sufficient air circulation so that the water can evaporate quickly and the wooden floor doesn’t have time to absorb it.

combination with a mopping detergent recommended for the type of floor used. Subsequently, it is important to apply maintenance oil two or three times per year. If there are signs of wear and tear or foot tracks, you should apply maintenance oil more frequently.

Varnished parquet There is a bigger difference between varnished parquet and both (coloured) oil and (coloured) hard wax oil. Indeed, you certainly can mop varnished parquet with clean water at room temperature, although we should add a note of caution. It is certainly advisable to add a little parquet cleaner to the water. Moreover, for extra protection and to maintain the colours, it’s best to apply a conditioner to varnished wood at least once per year. This fills in small scratches and prevents the floor from ‘peeling off’. Obviously, if we are talking about a newly laid floor, it is also best to apply a conditioner to the varnished parquet. Some more helpful advice for removing scratches: Avoid applying lacquer in patches to a parquet floor. The reason for that is quite obvious. It could result in a difference in colour from the rest of the wooden floor. That’s why it’s best to try to fill the scratches with a floor polish first.

What’s on the market ? Blanchon

Remember, too, that a wooden floor requires extra treatment with a conditioner immediately after the fitting and you should repeat that treatment at least once a year. First of all, you mop as we have explained and then you apply the conditioner without the addition of water. It’s best to do the latter with a micro-fibre cloth and then leave the floor to dry for six hours. One other point with oiled parquet: It is basically quite easy to remove scratches. To do that, you lightly sandpaper the damaged spot with a fine grain and then spray the floor. The latter gives the pores a chance to open, and then you fill them with oil. You then remove surplus oil with a micro-fibre cloth.

Hard wax parquet The procedure is largely the same for cleaning parquet treated with hard wax. Besides the standard cleaning for any floor, the big difference is that you can mop a floor finished with hard wax oil with more water than is usual for an ordinary (coloured) oil, but, obviously, without reducing the floor to a mound of ‘suds’! Here, too, you mop in

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The French producer Blanchon is launching ‘Huile Environnement Blanchon’ (oil with respect for the environment) on the market. They have told us from France that this is a real technical revolution in the field of applying oil to parquet. ‘Huile Environnement’ is a fast-drying and non-gloss impregnation which is used to protect parquet, floors,

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Coloured oil and coloured hard wax oil

and stairs. The oil is odourless during the application and drying. Moreover, after less than two hours of drying time, it yields a splendid highly matt surface which can be walked on again. This oil also possesses the European Ecolabel. Blanchon also points out that in France ‘Huile Environnement’ can boast an F.D.E.S. (a standardised document which both shows the results of a life cycle analysis of a product and gives health information). This means it can take part in the A.C.V. (French abbreviation for analysis of a life cycle) of the building as part of the HQE® approach. Since 2020, Huile Environnement Blanchon has had a formula based on biological raw materials in conformity to EN16640.

Osmo Polyx®-Oil : optimal protections for wooden flooring

Bona

Osmo Polyx®-Oil Original is a microporous and breathable wood coating that is especially suited to protect wooden flooring. After two coats, the wood surface is water and dirt repellent, hardwearing and extremely durable. Osmo Polyx®-Oil Original is based on natural raw materials that enhance the colour of wood. When dry, the wood coating is resistant to saliva and perspiration and thus also suitable for children’s toys. Osmo Polyx®-Oil is available in different variations: Original, Rapid, Effect, Tints and Pure.

Tover Bona has a complete assortment of solutions for coloured floor oil: white, light grey, old grey, or from light to dark, or from dark to light (such as a whitewash effect). Bona parquet oil is available in versions 1K and 2K. The 2K is based on vegetable oils and comprises 19 colours, which are geared to the popular shades. It is the ideal finish for sometimes difficult wood sorts such as kambala, afzelia, and walnut. It can also be used on smoked oak and steamed beech. Bona Craft Oil 2K yields a particularly attractive and water and stain-proof surface and is ready for use after drying for just 8 (Neutral) to 12 hours (Coloured Oil). More colour effects can be obtained in combination with the stains Bona Nordic Tone and Bona Rich Tone Grey. If necessary, Bona Craft Oil 2K can be lacquered over with one of the Bona Traffic parquet lacquers for ultimate protection and convenience.

Chimiver LIOS HARD WAX BIOIL LIOS HARD WAX BIOIL is a product containing vegetable ad synthetic oils and beeswax, which gives the wood a natural and uniform appearance, giving excellent water repellency, hardness and softness to the touch. LIOS HARD WAX BIOIL, thanks to its high coverage and its excellent penetrating power, is recommended for all wooden products. LIOS HARD WAX BIOIL complies with EN 71-3 (suitable for toys: the contact with the hardened film is safe for people and animals) and EN 13342. (resistance to chemicals, detergents, coffee).

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Tover offers several solutions if your need is a top performing finish that can both protect and colour your wood floor: L’Olio 100% is one of them - a solvent-free oil based on natural waxes and essential oils suitable for high protection making sure you get an excellent resistance to wear and stains with a sole coat. Moreover, it can be easily maintained and renewed. It complies with the DIN-EN 71-3 Standard, which guarantees a safe use on toys and furniture. It ensures a natural, matt and soft aspect and is available neutral and in 30 standard colours. Maxi Oil is another solution, a hard wax modified oil that can be applied by spray or roller in two coats for a rich look and a high resistance to intense traffic. You can choose it transparent in glossy, semi-glossy, matt and extra-matt versions for a incredible versatility.

Special

Producers of Hungarian Point and herringbone floors in laminate, vinyl, PVC , LVT and design floors

AFFORDABLE AND LIFELIKE ALTERNATIVES TO WOOD ARE ATTRACTIVE FOR PROFESSIONALS DUE TO THE GREATER COMPLEXITY IN THE FITTING at an angle of 45 or 60 degrees to create a pattern which stands out for its straight joint and is therefore also sometimes referred to as ‘sergeant stripes’. With herringbone laminate, the planks are fitted against each other at an angle of 90 degrees. The difference? Hungarian point creates a clearly more tranquil and rigid floor, whilst with herringbone it’s more about a timeless and tasteful look in the room. Don’t forget, too, that with Hungarian point it is possible to vary the angle at which the planks are fitted. What are the possible reasons for not choosing the original in wood? The price will certainly head that list, but there’s more to it than that. Laminate, PVC, and such like have now developed to such an extent that there is now less difference in the appearance. Moreover, a design like Hungarian point has the advantage that it can be fitted in virtually any room, partly because the planks can be fitted at different angles. For instance, smaller angles are ideal for making smaller rooms look bigger.

Photo – BerryAlloc

For some time now, our articles have regularly covered special fitting patterns. We’ve already covered herringbone, but now we’re considering its equally fascinating (quasi) twin brother, namely Hungarian point. You know all about the wood patterns by now, so this article concentrates on versions in different types of materials, namely laminate, PVC, vinyl, and LVT. Obviously, these alternatives to wood yield the same patterns as the wooden historical model. This means that with herringbone and Hungarian point we’re talking about similar, yet different patterns.

Related design floors The difference lies mainly in the fitting method. The design floor also shows a sort of herringbone design with Hungarian point, but is fitted completely differently. Indeed, with Hungarian point the planks are laid

For some other advantages as compared to wood we choose PVC specifically: - Less sensitive than wood to water and damp. Due to their composition, PVC floors are even suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. - Impact sounds make more noise on wooden floors than on PVC. PVC floors are generally more silent and are therefore recommended for places such as upstairs and flats. - The constant advances in technology mean patterns are getting more lifelike.

For projects too What also stands out particularly is that these ‘alternative’ floor materials provide much greater scope in types of fitting. Whilst in the past Hungarian point was a floor for stately mansions, for instance, nowadays it is fitted in just about any room. That includes commercial areas such as shopping centres or offices. The advantage is that you

Floor Forum International 118

Special

Producers of Hungarian Point and herringbone floors in laminate, vinyl, PVC , LVT and design floors

are free to deviate from the traditional wood imitation, but there is a choice of a virtually endless number of colours. Two other benefits not to be scorned: It’s easy to combine laminate and related products with floor heating and the wood alternatives are generally easier to maintain.

Professional fitting desirable The trend of fitting these floors in alternatives to wood can certainly benefit professionals. Whilst traditional laminate and even PVC or LVT tiles are something which the average handyperson can manage, Hungarian point in laminate, PVC, vinyl, or LVT is considerably more difficult. The reason for that is obvious: With such a pattern the smallest mistake catches the eye relentlessly due to the visible inaccuracies. Another thing to remember when fitting both herringbone and Hungarian point: Fitting a joint is certainly a possible option; it depends on your choice (and the client’s).

Three specialists have their say BerryAlloc Chateau: BerryAlloc’s majestic herringbone laminate collection – trendy and creative!

Parquetvinyl in a bathroom without any problems. Moreover, the extremely realistic decors make even real connoisseurs doubt whether this is a real wooden floor or not. Integrated underlay All Parquetvinyl collections have an underlay integrated in the plank or tile. This has nothing but advantages: you can be sure that small irregularities will be neutralised, the installation will be much quicker, sound will be reduced and - of course - you will not need to buy an extra underlay. Wide range Parquetvinyl is available in planks, (XL) tiles and herringbone. Do you prefer the look of real wood or will you choose tiles with a marble look, there is a collection for every style and person!

MEISTER

The look and feel of traditional parquet paired with the advantages of modern laminate. That’s Chateau, BerryAlloc’s majestic herringbone collection, in a nutshell. Think ‘chic’: elegant floors with realistic wood looks that’ll make any interior look classy. Classy and unique, because this floor provides so many creative patterns. Recreate the beloved herringbone look or choose a more unconventional style with ladder, ship deck, or mosaic patterns. You’re free to pick your colour – or many, if you want to mix and match. Chateau is so much more than a beautiful floor however, it’s also super easy to maintain. No need to treat, sand, or wax it. It’s scratch-resistant and easy to clean. The collection holds a lifetime warranty and has a wide array of matching accessories to choose from. Plus, it proudly bears the ‘made in Belgium’ label.

Parquetvinyl by Lamett

The reference in rigid vinyl floors! The latest generation of rigid vinyl flooring is ultra-strong and stable and is nothing like the old vinyl on a roll. The solid boards and tiles have a Tight Lock click system that ensures a quick and easy installation. This system is 100% reliable and watertight so that you can install

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‘MEISTER herringbone laminate M6’: four authentic oak laminate floors Herringbone floors have traditionally been stylish floors with a warm and authentic look. After the successful introduction of MEISTER PS500 herringbone parquet floors, MEISTER believes it is time for a successful heir in laminate. To that end they have developed four oak floors which fit in perfectly with current decorative trends. This user-friendly and authentic herringbone MEISTER herringbone laminate M6 in the oak champagne laminate floor comes design (7001) perfectly into its own in both rustic and modern homes. The top quality synchronous structure of the pores and fine micro-joint all round give this floor a top quality and natural look. Moreover, the special Diamond Pro surface ensures greater scratch resistance and is highly resistant to chemicals. Moreover, apart from the aesthetic aspect, MEISTER has also considered fitting convenience. Thanks to the licensed Unizip click system, there is no longer any hint of a plank A and a plank B. From now on, this MEISTER herringbone laminate floor can be fitted with one type of plank. This helps the fitter to fit the floor faster and reduces cutting waste for end consumers. In short, this is a win-win situation for everyone. This new herringbone collection is available in the following size: 620 x 155 x 8 mm. Moreover, this floor also has an anti-static top layer and is suitable for fitting in commercial rooms (class 32). This floor is available in retail stores at a recommended price of about 34 Euro per square metre.

Special

Sanding machines: part I

ENDLESS BELT SANDER CERTAINLY ISN’T FINISHED YET MANUFACTURERS ARE STILL COMMITTED TO FULL CONVENIENCE IN ALL AREAS All sorts of improvements A noticeable feature in recent years has been the increasing attention to making the machines easier to dismantle for transport. This hasn’t meant any concession on capacity, since the motors have been increasingly refined, including, for instance, the construction of air-cooled motors in aluminium. Manufacturers also continue to improve the handling. For instance, they consider carefully the fitting of the various controls, they check all parts for accessibility, they make it as easy as possible to use the control button so that operators can hold the machine in both hands during the work, etc.

Photo – Lägler

The range of sanding machines continues to grow. Does this mean that one of the workhorses of recent years, namely the endless belt sander, has had its day? If we look at the range which is still coming onto the market and see how manufacturers continue to refine their products, then we can only come to one conclusion: Nothing could be further from the truth. The distinctive feature par excellence of the endless belt sander is still the same. It is a sturdy tool which is ideal for sanding wooden subfloors or parquet itself perfectly smooth. Due to its solid weight and powerful motor, the machine maintains perfect control over the substrate to be sanded. In terms of power and weight, we haven’t really noticed any differences in the machines recently, but we have seen a difference in terms of an increasingly refined finish, the ease of operation, the design, an ever advancing dust extraction, and all sorts of technical Improvements.

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One of the major drawbacks of the belt sander was that the operator’s body had to cope with lots of vibrations. There, too, manufacturers now pay a lot of attention. We think here, amongst other things, of the balancing of each rotating part or the consideration of the way in which drive belts and discs reduce vibrations to an absolute minimum. Manufacturers have done all this, yet at the same time they have paid lots of attention to reducing constantly noise levels, because operators can certainly do without the noise. Yes, these days, even the design and the materials used for the wheels are examined closely. This is not only to leave as few marks as possible on the wooden floor, but also to keep machines perfectly in balance, perfectly stable, and manageable with an alternative cover which is hard enough. Other elements have also emerged. Without giving a full list, we mention the provision of systems to centre the sanding belt with the sandpaper without switching the machine off (and without a tool), the provision of manual controls for the right level of pressure from the roller against the ground, the development of increasingly refined suction ventilators which suck up a maximum of dust, etc.

Rotary disc sanders What about rotary disc sanders? Aren’t they pressing their case ever more eagerly? This is indeed the case, but, yes, there is a but. This

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boils down to just one thing, namely where to use each machine. The key issue is to consider what each machine is most suitable for. A belt sander is ideal for sanding straight ahead, something which is still an undeniable asset with large surfaces as compared to the greater versatility of the rotary disc sander. A rotary disc sander creates other possibilities by making circular motions around a central point. For instance, it can combine an eccentric motion with a rotation motion again and again. With eccentric sanding machines this motion is created by fastening circular-shaped sandpaper to a flat sole with an elastic layer. It can also make an oscillation motion. Remember here mainly that this is a periodically repeated reversal of the movement direction and that you get further combined rotating motions through the use of several discs. The effect of the rotation can be reinforced by having three or even four discs rotating in opposite directions to combine rotation and oscillation.

Some specialists Bona

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Bona has a complete portfolio of professional machines for transforming an existing floor into a unique surface, regardless of the type of floor and requirements. They have the belt sanders, the compact Bona Belt and the large Bona Belt UX. The Bona Belt (74kg) is easy to manoeuvre. It is powerful and efficient, with two optional roller widths (200 and 250mm) to make the Bona Belt a versatile machine for all types of sanding. It can be assembled and dismantled quickly and easily. The heavier version, the Bona Belt UX (85kg – UX = User eXperience) creates a perfectly sanded surface regardless of the wood sort. This machine is ideal for challenging sanding jobs such as large surfaces or uneven and warped floors. It’s also ideal for sanding pre-lacquered floors with a special finish or several coats. The machine is constructed in such a way that it is easy to adjust the roller pressure from above. The machine is very easy to assemble and dismantle. Both machines can be connected to the Bona DCS 70 and Bona DCS 25 vacuum cleaners for optimal dust reduction.

Lägler A belt sanding machine, such as the Lägler HUMMEL, is the ideal solution for rough sanding, especially when renovating wooden floors. The removal of the most stubborn coatings and the sanding of damages are effortless. The high sanding rate of the HUMMEL is crucial for efficient, low-fatigue sanding. For fine sanding, the sanding method with rotating discs should be preferred. This allows to achieve a finer sanding pattern. However, the majority of the

Special

Sanding machines: part I

Pallmann

so-called "multi disc sanding machines" are single-disc sanding machines, for which multi disc plates are offered. Their design requires increased force, especially when changing direction, which at the same time involves the risk of sanding errors. The Lägler TRIO, designed as a real multi disc sanding machine, can be operated easily and without much effort. It enables sanding close to the wall and completely direction-free, independent from the laying direction. With the TRIO, results of the highest quality can be achieved.

Lägler ® - Accessories Impact Tool Real craftsmen have a real impact! Especially with our impact tool! There is no easier and gentler way to join parquet and floorboard elements! The Lägler ®-Impact Tool: impact resistant and durable - this makes working really fun!

The belt sanding machine PALLMANN COBRA comes along with some technical features such as the variable handle adjustment for ergonomic working, the noise-reducing full covering housing and a comfortable display to monitor the machine’s power and settings. Also a supplied adapter for an external vacuum cleaner can be connected optionally. Finally, the PALLMANN COBRA has a one-belt-system which makes the machine smoother and easier to dismount. However the trend is more and more to work with multidisc-machines e.g. PALLMANN SPIDER. Planetary gearing and powerful drive ensure a perfectly sanded surface. The multi-purpose PALLMANN SPIDER is extremely easy to use and quiet in operation. Highest quality materials and a newly developed drive mechanism, with connection to external vacuum means perfect sanding results. With the single disc driving plate, all commercial pads can be used. With the triple disc plate only velcro discs are used for sanding.

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Floor Forum International 118

Special

Outdoor floors: care and maintenance

LITTLE TROUBLE, GREAT REWARD TREATMENT AND CARE PRODUCTS ALSO BENEFIT OTHER ACTIVITIES After a hot summer with the inevitable parties, a terrace has had to withstand lots of activities. To prepare that terrace for the autumn, and certainly for the winter, it’s best to apply the appropriate treatment and care products. Indeed, that’s the only way to keep it looking nice and healthy and help it through the winter in ideal conditions. One of the main reasons for this treatment is that you need to ‘feed’ the wood. And so, the first question is: How do parquet floor fitters set about doing something like that?

How to feed Obviously, it is quite impossible to seal or protect outdoor wooden floors with a stain. For instance, with a stain, you need an angle of at least 5° to facilitate drainage because a stain cannot withstand puddles of water. Furthermore, don’t forget that lots of wood sorts used for outdoor floors cannot be stained permanently and that a stain cannot even withstand light traffic. Those are the reasons why you have to use a different protective system and return to the so called saturation impregnation. As the name itself suggests, saturating a piece of wood comprises filling it to saturate all the wood fibres to leave only a small trace of the saturation product on the surface. This very simple operation, which requires very few means, protects wood from distortion, prevents the development of blue fungi, and protects wood from ageing through exposure to ultraviolet light.

Treatment and maintenance products Basically, impregnation provides effective and decorative protection for a limited period. It is resistant to UV light, weathering, and in some cases high traffic. Since, basically, there is no protective film on the surface, you need to renew the saturation regularly. The frequency of maintenance thereby depends on the exposure, volume of traffic, and the chosen wood sort. Generally speaking, it is advisable to apply a maintenance coat within the first two to three years of the initial impregnation, preferably late in the summer or otherwise late in the spring. This frequency diminishes over time so that the priority is to avoid multiplying the annual coats to eliminate the risk of excess overlaps forming a layer on the surface. Note also the following: If it is necessary to apply a maintenance coat after a party, this means either that the party was excessively busy and noisy or that the previous impregnation was of inadequate quality.

Developments Just as with virtually all other products, manufacturers strive constantly to improve the available products. There have been several developments in the field of maintenance products for outdoor wooden floors. We have seen that saturators for terraces and horizontal

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outdoor wood structures are increasing in quality all the time and, therefore, they are also becoming more durable. Nowadays, that same durability is one of the major concerns of users, whether they are private or professional clients, so manufacturers are following this development eagerly. For instance, we note that some products have now earned a performance certificate. That is the case, for instance, with the ‘Terrace Oil’ from Blanchon, which bears the CTB Finitions Bois (Wood Finish) label. It should also be noted that at present waterbased saturation products have the upper hand.

Benefits for floor fitters Obviously, makers of these products haven’t forgotten the parquet floor fitters, since they, too, need to benefit from them. For instance, it is clear that the considerable progress made possible by water-based saturation products (and therefore the impregnation made possible ‘from the most recently applied fastening system’) enables parquet floor fitters to provide a viable ‘ready to offer’ service, which has a positive impact on the rest of their activities.

An overview Blanchon Blanchon offers a complete range of products for preparation, finish, and maintenance. Here’s a list: - Blanchon Dégriseur Bois (wood anti-ageing): Renews aged wood without causing discolouration. Easily restores wood which is affected by unprotected exposure outdoors. - Blanchon Saturateur Bois (wood saturator) is ideal for all outdoor wooden surfaces. Highly durable on greasy exotic wood sorts and European wood sorts which are hard, soft, or with resin. Quick and easy maintenance. Natural ‘oiled wood’ look with a nice warm shade. - Blanchon Saturateur Bois Environnement (ecological wood saturator): Comes from the ‘Ligne Qualité Environnement’ (Environmental Quality Line®). Is odourless and dries quickly. The terrace can be treated and used again in less than half a day. - Blanchon Nettoyant Terrasses (terrace cleaner): For all sorts of wooden terraces, even wood with resin. Degreases, cleans, and leaves surfaces immaculate. Quick and easy to use.

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Special

Outdoor floors: care and maintenance

The latest offspring in the row is ‘Blanchon Huile Terrasse Bardage’ (oil for terraces and furnishing). This is a translucent and highly durable oil for outdoors. It is designed for terraces (horizontal structures), gates, wall cladding, privacy screens, and fences (vertical woodwork). The unique formula (high resistance to UV and reinforced pearl effect) provides effective and long-term protection for all wood sorts and reduces the frequency of maintenance.

Bona

canopies made of wood. It contains natural and synthetic oils, with the addition of UV ray absorbers and special anti-ageing ingredients against the wood decay. It doesn't crack. Also available in LIGHT version, which doesn't alterate the natural colour of wood, particularly indicated for the treatment of south-american species (i.e. IPÈ Lapacho, Tobaco etc.) and other similar types of outdoor woods painted in autoclave (usually green colour). LIOS SUNDECK SOAP LIOS Sundeck Soap is a nourishing cleaner used to clean outdoor wooden floors. Used regularly, keeps a natural wood appearance, avoiding wood decay caused by adverse weather conditions. It efficiently removes dirt, traces of chlorine, salt etc.

Osmo

A wooden terrace is constantly exposed to sun rays, heavy rain, snow, and extreme temperatures throughout the year. For freshening up wooden terrace floors, Bona has the Decking System, which consists of two complementary processes: 1. Deep and thorough cleaning with Bona Power Scrubber: a compact scrubbing and drying machine fitted with two contrarotating cylinder brushes (red or orange colour). With the appropriate product, this machine cleans deep down into the wood fibres. The related products are Bona Deep Clean Solution, with a special formula for the deep cleaning of wooden floors or Bona Conditioner, with a special formula solely for use for outdoor wooden floors to remove dirt, grease, mould, stains, algae, and scale. 2. Protective coat: after thorough cleaning and drying, you can apply Bona Decking Oil (including UV protection), a concentrated mix of vegetable oils. This oil protects the wood from splits and warps, whilst it brings out the natural wood grain better. It is available in four colours: neutral, mahogany, teak, and grey.

Chimiver LIOS SUNDECK WOOD OIL LIOS Sundeck Wood Oil is an outdoor wood impregnator particularly recommended for the treatment of outdoor wooden floors (swimming pool edges, verandas, walkways), window and door frames, fences and

Floor Forum International 118

To meet the specific needs of several softwoods and fine wood species, Osmo Decking-Oil was developed. It smoothens the wood surface and makes it water and dirt repellent. The oil is applied thinly and evenly with the wood grain; Osmo Decking Brush with a width of 150 mm is suitable for such applications. Resinous and oily hardwoods must weather off before the initial treatment, and then two coats are carried out on the raw wood. For renovations, one coat is sufficient, and spot repairs are possible for small damages. To clean decking regularly, Osmo offers Decking Cleaner. Depending on the amount of contamination, one litre of the concentrate cleans 30 – 100 m². Polymer composite surfaces are optimally cleaned with the Polymer Composite Cleaner from Osmo.

Pallmann

To prepare outdoor floors for the cold season we recommend to clean the wooden surface thoroughly with a brush and a cleaner, e.g. PALLMANN Turbo Scrubber in combination with PALLMANN Wood Refresher. Afterwards the wooden surface is ready to be oiled with a suitable oil, e.g. PALLMANN Outdoor Oil (available in four different colours) in combination with PALLMANN Endgrain Protector. After the treatment with the oil the surface must be still open without a diffusion barrier, it should be UV-stable (e.g. through pigments) and the wood must be durable and fit for all weather conditions. To clean the outdoor surface, after parties or other stresses, we recommend using the PALLMANN Wood Refresher or Outdoor Oil - it perfectly restores the natural color of the wood floor. Speaking of floor and terrace fitters: Diving deeper into the renovation of outdoor floors could be a worthwhile additional business for them.

it really lasts longer than an oil. And as maintenance products Tover offers a complete line with a neutral soap for washing wood, Deteroil, the Grey Free degreying agent and a product that deeply degreases before renewing the wood protection Re-wood. Sustainable and efficient solutions.

Tover What could be better to protect wooden terraces, walkways and decking and garden furniture? A natural oil or a water-based impregnation agent? With Tover you can finally choose your favourite finishing product! Oil4sun, easy to apply natural oil, very strong against severe climatic conditions and mold, main reasons of wood degradation, it penetrates deeply into the pores, nourishes the wood and provides a homogeneous aspect to the whole surface. Or maybe Pro-Deck, water-based treatment, extremely innovative for outdoor wood; it is simple to apply, to renew, extra-strong against water, freeze, UV rays and guarantees a uniform surface finish. Moreover,

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Floor Forum International 118

Special

Colour stains and their assets

A QUESTION OF PERSONAL TASTE YOUR CHOICE DEPENDS LARGELY ON THE LOOK REQUIRED In the previous edition we concentrated specifically on reactive stains. In this edition, in the second part of this article, we consider the practical application of these reactive stains, but at the same time we’re also going to consider colour stains. There’s no need any more for us to explain the difference between stains and lacquers. Suffice it to say that staining is an excellent treatment for a wooden floor, but obviously only after sanding the wood first. For instance, it can provide the perfect solution for restoring gloss and colour once the floor becomes dull. Remember that stains regulate moisture very well and that they are therefore suitable for substrates which may be a little damper than normal. With a stain, the stain coat can drive out damp, so that also makes stains ideal for outdoor use.

Coloured or transparent With staining, there is a choice of a transparent or colour version. There are good reasons for choosing one over the other. With a transparent stain, the wood grain remains perfectly visible and the stain gives the floor a natural look. With a coloured stain, the floor stain provides a protective layer. In this case you have a choice of three types of stains, namely gloss, silky gloss, and matt. The preparation for staining is absolutely essential. It won’t work without a smooth and sturdy substrate. That means not only sanding, but also removing all imperfections. This includes, for instance, driving visible nails deep into the wood, repairing creaking parts, and filling in holes using putty. Moreover, and perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to remove any grease from the floor before you start and vacuum clean thoroughly if the floor has been sanded. When you apply a stain, you can apply the first coat with a roller and then use a brush for the edges and corners. Don’t forget to apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain! Sand lightly after the application of each coat; the number of coats depends on the intensity which you require.

Applying reactive stains What we haven’t yet considered in depth is how to apply so called reactive stains. The general rule here is that you do it in the same way as you apply so called ‘classic’ stains, namely in contact with the wood and without a primer. You need to sand the floor thoroughly and then apply the reactive stain (which is also called ‘positive’ because it reacts differently to classic stains and works more into the hard fibres rather than the soft ones) with a roller or, if necessary, a spray gun, although the latter is of little use on parquet which is already laid. It is advisable to apply a thin coat in the direction of the fibres, and not to rub with a single brush in order to obtain the best possible effect (which would be tempered and obscured by the brushing). Another question is what to use as a top layer. Since these colours are usually water-based, they are sensitive to water. And so, it is not

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advisable to apply a primer, a sealant, a varnish, or an oil in water phase. It is technically possible to ‘block’ the resulting tint with a solvent primer, but that reduces the decorative effect to some extent. Therefore, it is best to use a traditional (solvent) oil in a neutral tint or in harmony with the reactive tint or in contrast to it. All decorative effects are possible.

Difference with coloured oils The final question is to consider what actually is the difference with coloured oils. Here you have to remember that tinted oils impregnate the wood fibres and apply a coat to provide decoration and protection in one treatment. Reactive stains work by separating the fibres according to their type (in fact, depending on whether they are summer or winter fibres), the quantity, and nature of the tannic acid in the wood, the quality of the sanding, and, if necessary, the defects which are in evidence on the planks. Reactive stains should always be covered, since they don’t have the capacity to protect the wood, but serve only to apply a decoration, a shade, or an atmosphere. This text has been written partly with the help of Blanchon.

What’s on the market ? Blanchon Blanchon has presented a full range of oils, wax oils, and hard wax oils for over 20 years. In diverse ranges, with scores of nuances, it is possible to order about a hundred shades for delivery within a week. That gives clients a huge choice, but, actually, the possibilities are infinite, since the oil is often applied to parquet with some form of colour, such as with certain distressing techniques.The full assortment for colouring, decorating, and distressing parquet and woodwork includes amongst other things Aquateinte 2K, a water-based colouring specially for parquet. There are diverse wood colours and diverse colours ranging from sheer white to deep black. For small surfaces, specially for parquet, there is ‘Teinte à Bois’ (wood shade), which is applied before glazing or varnishing. Teinte à Bois is a polyurethane tint in a watery phase; it is odourless and dissolves in water. We should also mention Vieillisseur Bois (wood ageing). This colours all furniture, parquet floors, wooden panelling, and such like and gives the wood a ‘waxed’ and ‘patinated’ look. It highlights the contrasts of the wood grain and thereby provides an antique and distressed effect.

Bona Bona Nordic Tone and Bona Rich Tone (Grey) are pre-treatment products for Bona Craft Oil (1 and 2 components). The colours Bona Nordic Tone and Bona Rich Tone (Grey) can be changed or reinforced by the addition of Bona Mix Colour to achieve the widest spectrum of colours and shades. You can combine the newly made colour with a Bona Craft Oil colour or a newly made contrasting colour for spectacular two-dimensional effects. BONA NORDIC TONE is a pre-treatment for Bona Craft Oil (1 and 2 components) for a Scandinavian look. It gives intense white highlights and averts any discolouration of the surface. BONA RICH TONE (GREY) is a pre-treatment for Bona Craft Oil (1 and 2 components). It gives the floor a smoked look; with the Grey version there is a rich dark-grey colour to give the floor a touch of refinement. BONA MIX COLOUR is a concentrated stain paste for water-based systems and specifically for Bona Nordic Tone and Bona Rich Tone (Grey). As regards percentages, you can adapt the colour yourself.

Chimiver LIOS B 100 COLORATO Colored oil treatment for wooden floors LIOS B 100 is a natural oil treatment for wooden floors, it has 100% solid content so it can be considered VOC free. LIOS B 100 protects the wood, enhancing the softness and the natural look of the wood.

Osmo Osmo Oil Stain: attractive colours – transparent or intense Wooden flooring, furniture surfaces and stairs can be stained in a transparent or intense colour with Osmo Oil Stain. Through the use of plant ingredients, an even colour as well as a harmonious appearance, without any visible transitions is achieved. A transparent colour is created with one thin

coat of Osmo Oil Stain; a further coat produces an intense colour. This product offers a wide colour spectrum from classic browns to trendy greys. To protect the floor optimally and durably, Osmo recommends a finishing coat with a clear Osmo Polyx®-Oil.

Pallmann

Colouring and individualization of wood floors is a huge trend and becomes an element to express individuality and uniqueness. The rapid growth in the market of coloured/stained floors reflects customers increasing needs to have something different for their wood floors. The parquet industry should not miss out on this potential. With the PALLMANN Color Collection PALLMANN provides a range of 24 coloured oil primers. Each color consists of 3 components: The 2K oil primer PALL-X 333 A / B is given a color C concentrate as a third and final component: This combination is suitable for the priming and simultaneous colouring of many commercial wood types, especially oak, ash, pine on site. It is also helpful for wood types whose natural pigments are not UV-stable and whose colour change intensively or become optically unattractive over time. The surface can then be protected with the PALLMANN 2-component water-based wood floor coatings as well as with the 2-component wood floor oil.

Tover Tover can offer several extremely innovative pre-colouring systems to create endless tailor-made finishing solutions: Belle Epoque, our water-based stain available in 15 shades of gray, sand, light or dark brown and caramel, all overcoatable with our neutral or coloured oils for two-colour effects or with our lacquers for an extremely resistant result. Then you can count on a full range of reagents in aqueous phase which give an aged gray, black or bleached appearance to treated wood: Bosch Vej, Ciair, Fossil. And why not dare to use an oil-based primer available in 30 colours for a raw or modern wood effect, that you can overcoat with a two-component Tintoretto Design water-based lacquer. Tover - Innovation at the service of colour!

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Special

Fastening systems for exterior wood & composite wall cladding

KEEP AN EYE ON THE SEQUENCE A STEP-BY-STEP PLAN IS VERY HELPFUL FOR FITTING WOODEN WALL CLADDING How do you set about fitting wooden wall cladding? It can be helpful to use a step-by-step plan. In this article we present a method which consists of various parts.

Choice of wood and profile The first step is self-explanatory, namely the choice of the right wood. We don’t need to spend long on this, but it is important to realise that you can fit wood not only vertically and horizontally, but also diagonally or in combination or as open wall cladding. All methods and wood sorts have their specific points for attention, but the details and the finish are important as well. It’s also important to choose the right profile and size and in the next step to verify the fitting. You should always realise that vertical wall cladding is more delicate than horizontal. If you apply vertical cladding carelessly, you could be disappointed with the result. You get a constantly good result if you meet the requirements for the wood and design, apart from the ground and the bevelled underside. Remember also that to ensure the best possible lifespan for the wood you should protect the vertical slats as much as possible from rainwater. You can do this, for instance, by applying a wide and flat weather-proof jointing strip. It’s best to secure wooden parts with invisible fastening systems. It’s advisable to fit a water-repellent, but damp-proof film behind the rows onto which the exterior cladding is secured. The space between the film and the exterior cladding should be at least 13mm to ensure enough ventilation in that space. Make sure the first row is fitted absolutely straight.

Finish, support, and rows Steps where you need to stop and think include the wall cladding finish, the support construction, and the rows. For the finish it is particularly important to be aware that choosing the correct wood paint is vitally important and that you can apply a transparent or covering finish. For the rows we stress the importance of the choice of wood. Always choose a wood in durability classes 1 or 2. If necessary, you can also opt for a wood from class 3 behind sealed wooden wall cladding. Always remember that damp must never be allowed inside the interior shell element. That’s why you must fit a water-repellent and dampproof film behind the rows. The rows are then fastened to the wood at the rear with galvanised steel fastening agents. It is essential that no damp accumulates behind the cladding. That’s why the cavity behind the exterior cladding must always have sufficient open-air ventilation. Finally, vertical cladding is fitted to a horizontal row so that there is basically no ventilation. That’s why it’s necessary to provide extra ventilation. As an alternative, you can leave gaps at set intervals in the horizontal fastening rows, with staggered openings. You can also fit rows with notches.

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Finish and maintenance In the final step we consider the finish and maintenance. Remember here that not every wood sort needs a finish and that durable wood sorts without a finish are perfectly possible. If the wood does not have a finish, it turns grey in the course of the years, especially under the effects of the weather. Source: You can find all the details on gevel-bekleding.nl (Dutch only).

Two specialists NOVOWOOD® FASTENING SOLUTIONS FOR WPC WALL CLADDING NOVOWOOD® is the Italian Wood Plastic Composite that, thanks to its durability and high performances, represents the ideal solution for the external wall cladding. The fastening systems are particularly important both for the aesthetic result and the functionality of the cladding; therefore NOVOWOOD® pays a lot of attention on the choice of the most proper system and constantly looks for new fastening methods. The solution chosen by the company consists of stainless steel clips which can be very easily installed on the aluminum subconstruction framework with screws and allow to fasten the staves. Novowood offers a wide range of cladding profiles , such as “Skin Prestige”, “Skin Pro” and “Skin Max”, each one addressed to a specific design need. All of these products have different features but they all use the same kind of clips that are available in several dimensions and shapes allowing different gaps between the staves. As usual NOVOWOOD® provides simple but ingenious and versatile solutions.

Outdoor Wood Concepts® Woodface®, original façade solutions from Outdoor Wood Concepts® Outdoor Wood Concepts® launched its Woodface® façade cladding on the market in 2013. This unique solution, in which wood is alternated with aluminium, allows for infinite combinations. Woodface® owes its timeless appeal to designer Roel Vandebeek - #itsaroel. Woodface® was conferred a Henri Van De Velde label in 2014 and selected by Designregio Kortrijk as one of the region’s 50 most innovative products. Thanks to Woodface®, every façade is given a distinct #itsaroel stamp: - A pronounced vertical interplay of lines - A sense of rhythm and texture thanks to the pattern created by alternating differently shaped wooden profiles - A distinctive contrast between wood and aluminium The benefits of Woodface® in a nutshell: - A unique combination of 9 wooden and 2 aluminium profiles - Infinite combinations in diverse types of wood - Available in all RAL colours, Qualicoat Seaside finish possible - Technical construction details available - Fire safety rating: Ds2d0 or Bs3d0 If you have a concrete project or technical questions, do not hesitate to send an email to info@outdoorwoodconcepts.be or give us a call on +32 (0)56 - 967140.

Special

UV curing machines on the site

TIME IS MONEY AND MUCH MORE! PROMISING FUTURE FOR LED, BUT UV IS STILL WAY AHEAD FOR FINISHING IN SITU The conclusion could not be clearer. LED curing might already have a place in controlled settings (read: for example, a factory where you can control the conditions ideally). However, on a site it seems to be rather less advisable and workers are mainly turning back to UV curing. With that latter it’s basically about a ‘simple’ action and reaction. On the one hand, you have a transmitter (a UV lamp) and, on the other hand, a receiver (in this case the chemistry). Both are geared perfectly to each other so that in just a tenth of a second you get full curing, including the required properties.

Water-based finishes What exactly are UV finishes for the finish of wooden floors? We note that UV finishes are mainly water-based finishes and that on the site it is mainly oil-based UV finishes which are gaining in popularity. The difference between other water-based finishes and UV-curing finishes is how they ‘crosslink’. Crosslinking means that whenever components are linked to each other in a finish, they produce durability and other required properties.

Ready for use at once Photo – Blanchon

An article in our previous edition made it clear that LED curing in situ still only plays a minor part in the work on the site. The problem was clearly identified: On a site the problem with LED is mainly with the wavelength used. This is so close to that of daylight that there is a much greater risk of an unwanted reaction than with UV curing.

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The biggest benefit of UV curing soon becomes clear, namely that it is ready for use at once. Waterbased UV finishes make it possible to use the floor immediately as soon as the finish has been cured by a professional floor fitter with the help of a portable UV light system. The immediate use of the floor not only ensures that the house or corporate owner can resume his or her daily life within a short space of time, but also it prevents premature damage which often occurs during the curing period with other types of finish.

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Special

UV curing machines on the site

To explain that latter statement, with traditional curing systems it is possible that a large percentage of the damage to the floor can arise in the first curing phase. This damage occurs through normal day-to-day wear through use. Since those traditional finishes have not yet fully cured, they are not yet ready to protect the floor from scratches from domestic pets, floor rugs which are put back too soon, floors which are mopped too soon, furniture which has been put back in its place, etc.

Extra durability Obviously, there is more, such as extra durability. Diverse sources talk of 20 to 40% more durability than with classic two-component finishes. And so, they not only protect against wear in the early days of use, but also they provide more durability in the long term to extend the lifespan of the wooden floor. For the sake of completeness we mention that there is a drying time of 1 to 3 hours (for water-based finishes) and that UV light, unlike non-UV products, cures the finish at the time of contact to give the floor maximum durability immediately. The list of benefits doesn’t end there either. UV curing is also remarkably more ecological because the products used contain few volatile organic compounds. This results in better air quality in the house. The increased durability also ensures a longer lifespan for the finish and the floor.

Minimal time on the site We’ve kept the icing on the cake for the end. The finish time on the site is minimal with UV curing. Less time at the place of the UV finish means that, as a floor fitter, you can move to your next project sooner and, moreover, the owners only have to allow for a brief interruption due to the very brief presence of the contractor on the work site. In short, it’s hard to imagine a nicer win-win situation.

Major sources: DecoRad, Ciranova, Palo Duro Hardwoods, and pcimag.com

A specialist DecoRad Systems More and more facility managers switch to UV-coatings and finishes for the maintenance of their floors. It makes sense. UV-coatings and -finishes are much more environmentally-friendly than traditional products, they harden immediately, are easier to keep clean and last considerably longer. They are available for various substrates: from vinyl, PVC and linoleum to concrete, wood and even metal. For this growing market segment DecoRad Systems in the Netherlands develops and manufactures portable UV-curing equipment for the professional market. Reliable and easy to use UV-equipment built according ISO 9001 quality assurance and works with all UV-coatings, -finishes and -hardwax oil’s available on the market today. The DecoRad range also includes portable UV-LED equipment to cure hardwax LED oil’s on hardwood floors. DecoRad portable UV-equipment is used in hospitals, schools, warehouses, shopping centres, airports and more.

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Floor Forum International 118

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Special

The range of tools and sandpaper or nets for satellite sanding machines

DARE TO EXPLORE THE MARKET ALL SORTS OF NEW APPLICATIONS ARE EMERGING FOR AN EVEN BETTER SURFACE FINISH If you want an ideal end result for a wooden floor, sanding is almost always absolutely essential. Sanding also immediately means the use of abrasives on the diverse types of sanding machines. Obviously, we all think here first of ordinary sandpaper, but there’s more. Abrasive nets certainly have particular features which can be beneficial for professional users. How exactly do you choose the right sandpaper or abrasive net for a sanding machine? There are choices in abundance on the market, so we prefer to keep things somewhat more general and consider the ‘basic questions’ to be asked before you sand a floor.

Rough, less rough, fine, finest Obviously, the first thing to consider is what sort of sandpaper to use. Rough sandpaper is used mainly for rougher work, whilst ultra-fine sandpaper is the ideal tool for use after a coat of lacquer has been applied. Nevertheless, this wisdom isn’t the end of the matter, and never forget that the exception to the rule can also be a rule! We know that there is a choice of grain sizes, which ranges from 16 to 150. Manufacturers offer diverse standard grain sequences (e.g. from 16 to 24 or from 100 to 120). The most important point is that to achieve an ideal end result it’s best never to skip more than one of the prescribed grain sizes. It’s also best with both edges and large surfaces to use the same abrasives to prevent differences in colour.

the linen or paper carrier material, the sanding grain is embedded over the entire surface in a binding agent and the dust escapes via counter-punched holes. Indeed, the bound grains hardly allow any space for the accumulation of dust, and that also has a big effect on the effective working life of the abrasive. With the use of a net carrier material we note at this manufacturer that it consists of polyester fibre which is sprinkled using a modern specific production method. Thanks to a refined process, only the top fibre is equipped with the net of grains (ceramic aluminium oxide). The internal, functional structure and the rear side of the abrasive with its own Velcro fastening thereby stays free of abrasive grains. If we look specifically at the result with the powerful Sianet 7500 CER, you can say that sanding with these sanding discs makes it possible to sand even finer (end grain 180 instead of 100 for oil and coloured oil), and that yields less visible scratches.

A specialist Lägler “The range of tools and sandpaper or nets for satellite sanding machines”

If you use a sanding machine, remember always to start with a somewhat rougher grain and to sand the floor in several sessions, making the grain somewhat finer each time. Always remember, too, that not only do you have to clean the floor first, but also a sanding test at the start isn’t a luxury.

Abrasive nets With the so called ‘new sanding’, you can work even more precisely (so that, amongst other things, there are no scratches) and it is here that abrasive nets come into play. As the name suggests, abrasive nets have a net as a carrier. We surveyed the market and came out at Sia Abrasives, which we’re using as an example to clarify abrasive nets. This producer supplies net-carrier grains which make it possible to remove dust from the entire surface thanks to an open support structure. The big advantage is that this removal of dust ensures a fairly dust-free work environment. And so, that is better for the health of the user, a more reliable sanding process, and a longer lifespan for the abrasive. It is interesting to know that they offer two sorts of sets: grains on linen/paper-carrier material and grains on net-carrier material. With

A wide range of different abrasives is offered for single disc sanding machines. The benefit-cost ratio should always be taken into account! Lägler offers an optimized, comprehensive range of abrasives and accessories for its SINGLE - to cover a wide range of requirements. Sanding rings and discs are available in both zirconium and silicon carbide. Depending on the design, they can be either simply and quickly velcroed or fastened with a tensioning screw. Sanding screens of silicon carbide are used for fine sanding and intermediate varnish sanding. In addition, Lägler has a large selection of pads for a wide range of applications in its program. The range of tools for the SINGLE is extensive. Four different tool variants for subfloor processing, from milling to sanding, are currently available. Quickly mountable tools for which just one stainless steel base plate is required!

Floor Forum International 118

Special

Germany

AS IF COVID 19 WEREN’T ENOUGH… GERMAN FORESTS HAVE BEEN BADLY HIT BY THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS When you talk about forests in the European Union, there are some countries, including Germany, which you simply cannot ignore. For instance, we see that of the 182 million hectares of forest and woods in the EU (good for 42% in surface area), over 70% of them are accounted for by just seven countries: Finland (leader with 77%), France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. With 32.7% of its surface area covered by woods, Germany therefore plays an important part when it comes to forests and the related forest management.

With just under 68%, the share of wood logging as a result of forest damage in 2019 was more than three times as high as in 2010 (19.7%). In 2019, 46 cubic million metres of damaged wood was logged. The total amount of wood logged was 68 million cubic metres at that time, whilst in 2010 it was 54 million cubic metres. We can also add that about 83% of the total wood logged in 2019 consisted of pine forests (56 million cubic metres). In 77% of cases this involved damaged trees (43 million cubic metres). Insects were the main cause and were responsible for 73% of the logging.

To make a few comparisons: In 2015, the share of woods in Belgium was 24%. Obviously, most of that was in Wallonia. In Flanders, depending which measuring method is used, only 10.8 to 13% of the land surface area consists of woods.

With Germany being well known for its thoroughness (‘Gründlichkeit’), this obviously went beyond just logging. For instance, since 2019, German governments have invested over 800 million euros in the recovery of German forests, which cover a third of the country’s surface area. After a crisis top level meeting in Berlin in September 2019, the government therefore decided to provide 547 million euros over the next four years to remove dead trees and plant new ones. The contribution from individual federal states makes a total of 800 million euros for an operation in which the Germany army is also helping.

Dryness + insect plagues and much more Germany has certainly had problems with its woods in recent years, more so than other European countries. For instance, like elsewhere in the EU, the country has had to face exceptionally hot and dry weather thought to be due to climate change, but Germany has also suffered heavily on other fronts. For instance, the country has witnessed storms, fires, unexpectedly heavy snowfall, diseases, and deterioration due to fungi. On top of that there was also a stubborn insect plague. The bark beetle (or ips typographus) has struck consistently for a few years in succession and that has seen this insect multiplying rapidly in already weakened trees into a number which has become dangerous for the woods. Germany wouldn’t be Germany without vigorous action. After all, this is the country where the concept of sustainable forest management was introduced as early as three centuries ago. Forest manager Hans Carl von Carlowitz introduced it as far back as 1713 due to the prevailing shortages of wood at that time. According to von Carlowitz, it was necessary to provide an ongoing supply of wood, but in a sustainable manner. And so, you could call this man the pioneer of the various certificates, such as the FSC or PEFC quality labels, which indicate that you have essentially ‘sustainably’ managed production forests where wood is cut only selectively.

Sharp rise in logging One drastic measure which Germany soon took was to intensify wood logging. That was in 2019, but it was no less than three times more than in comparison with the previous year and was as much a reaction on the increasing dryness and the insect plague. According to Destatis, the German statistics office, in 2019, with 32 million cubic metres, almost three times as much wood was logged as a result of insect damage than in the previous year with 11 million cubic metres. In 2017, that figure was a ‘mere’ six million cubic metres.

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1.5 billion euros for the transformation of woods In the meantime, the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has also decided to support a programme for the modernisation of the country’s wood industry. For instance, one of the programmes, with a budget of 15 million euros, aims to promote investments to preserve or increase the value of wood as it is used and to promote the use of wood as a building material. This makes an active contribution to climate protection, since wood stores carbon. Another value, which is worth 20 million euros, promotes advice services for companies in the wood industry in areas such as digitalisation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The intention is to reinforce the entire supply chain of wood, from the production in the woods and the processing up to and including the use of building material. In this connection there needs to be a forest transformation in the direction of more mixed woods and therefore also deciduous trees. The BMEL has said in an official statement: ‘In total, Germany aims to make 1.5 billion euros available to woods owners and forestry workers to help them convert trees. This means they can adapt better to climate change.’

Main sources: Wikipedia, BOS+, Nieuwe Oogst.nl, globalwoodmarketinfo.com, IPS, and tuinkeur.nlxs

AUER METALLPROFILE GMBH

AMP - LED range extension XXL Auer Metallprofile GmbH is a German manufacturer of wall and floor profiles made of aluminum, brass and stainless steel. Started in 1990 with an area of 1600 m², 10 employees and 2 profiles, the family business has grown over the last 30 years to 43 employees, an area of 8120 m² and around 6500 item positions. In order to offer more creative room design options, Auer Metallprofile has optimized its previous LED stair nosing with direct lighting in 2021 and at the same time greatly expanded its LED range to include an LED stair nosing with indirect lighting and 2 LED skirtings with indirect lighting in the sizes 60 mm and 100 mm. In addition to their functional elegance, these three new design elements convince in modern room worlds primarily through their simplicity and their spacious cable duct, which enables accurate laying. For individual room design, the Auer LED profiles are available in various anodized and RAL colors, with various accessories, individually as components, but also as a screw-on all-round carefree package. +49 (0) 3771 / 28 68 0 - Info@Auer-Metallprofile.de www.Auer-Metallprofile.de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuerMetall/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auermetallprofile/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCxDZu5EBzp57Q7-8PPbYwmA

OSMO Osmo: innovation as tradition Many years ago, Osmo Holz und Color GmbH & Co. KG developed a new product in their own coating production: Polyx®-Oil Original. The wood coating is based on natural oils and waxes and offers durable protection for wooden floors and furniture in indoor areas. This product revolutionized the surface treatment of wood all over the world. In addition, the range has been expanded to include further interior products, products for the exterior and care and cleaning products for treated surfaces. Today, the Warendorfbased global player is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of modern wood products and specializes in the effective surface treatment of the natural material. +49 (0) 25 81 - 922 – 219 - marlen.meierzuwickern@osmo.de www.osmo.de

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MEISTERWERKE

MeisterWerke is a family oriented business founded in 1930. Under the leadership of Mr. Johannes Schulte, Guido Schulte (third generation) and Mr. Ludger Schindler, Meisterwerke now employs over 650 people and realises an annual turnover of more than €150 million. MEISTER is the main brand and has a clear focus on wood specialist trade. Currently, Meister exports its goods to more than 80 countries worldwide. The main products are laminate and parquet flooring, vinyl without vinyl floors, rigid core floors and panels. MEISTER has always focused on innovation and is the industry´s innovation leader with the unique flooring product Lindura, based upon wood-powder technology. Recently, MEISTER renewed its laminate and vinyl flooring collections and added a waterproof rigid flooring collection. 80% of the laminate flooring collection now is 4h up to 24h water-resistant and therefore bathroom-proof. This is also true for part of the new MeisterPanels range for which MEISTER has been rewarded the Red Dot Award 2021 (SP 800). +49 (0) 29 52 816-13 66 - andrea.henze@meisterwerke.com www.meister.com

PALLMANN GMBH

PALLMANN GmbH based in Würzburg is an international, premium manufacturer of wood flooring sundries for the installation, renovation and maintenance of wood flooring with roundabout 100 employees. As part of the Uzin Utz Group and with over 110 years of tradition, PALLMANN offers system based product solutions for the entire installation or renovation process of wood flooring, from maintenance and cleaning, surface finishing, machines, adhesives, and sub-floor preparation products. The 2021 focus products are the fibre-reinforced & patented PALL-X FILLER as well as the multi-purpose sanding machine PALLMANN SPIDER and the celebration of the most successful 1-component wood floor lacquer in Europe: PALL-X 96. PALLMANN is present in almost all countries of Europe, the United States of America, CIS countries as well as New Zealand and Australia. The annual production volume is approx. 3.500 tons. In 2020 the company realised a turnover of approx. 35 Mio Euro. +49 (0) 931 27964-47- christian.weishaupt@pallmann.net www.pallmann.net

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∂ Product news DESIGN PARQUET Panel floors continue to charm people even today due to their history and appearance. Although panel floors are usually associated with prestigious projects such as hotels, companies, and shops, Design Parquet has noticed a growing demand from private customers. Here, too, oak is the absolute champion. Since Design Parquet produces customised work, they can also offer lots of other wood sorts and in all finishes, such as distressed, brushed, or structured. And so, they offer customised work ‘on request’. The designs can be personalised or can revert to the old classics such as Versailles, Normandy, Aremberg, and such like. They offer a choice of wood sort, size, and finish. That’s exactly why panel floors are less attractive as ‘standard’, something which leave little scope for creativity. At Design Parquet these panels are produced by specialist teams, professionals with the qualities and experience required to make these design floors.

HARO STANDS FOR TOP QUALITY HARO ranks first in the Deutschlandtest A total of 180,000 consumers questioned during an annual survey conducted in March and April 2021 were asked to identify the brands that they respect the most due to their quality. The vote was quite clear: Consumers selected HARO as the top brand in the “Floor coverings” category. Rosenheim – HARO ranks No. 1 – again. Quality is enjoying an upsurge – this was the clear conclusion reached by the pollsters who conducted this year’s Deutschlandtest. During the annual spring survey, a total of 180,000 consumers were asked to identify the brands that they really value because of the products’ high quality. HARO swept the “flooring” segment and was named the test winner. Unlike any other brand, HARO stands for high-quality parquet, design and laminate flooring. Read more on www.floor-forum.com/en/news

HOUTBEDRIJF KERKHOFS In recent years we have found Style panels are gaining popularity. We at Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs have had increasing demand and received many commissions for this product. Mostly commercial projects, think hotels, bars, restaurants and other public spaces. There is also growing demand for these Style panels by private customers who have a larger budget. People like to create a traditional atmosphere combined with a modern twist. When a specific request comes for something bespoke, we first do design drawings. After approval our highly skilled factory team starts production. Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs is very flexible when offering Style Panels. This can be done in several dimensions, pattern and wood species. Material can be smoked, brushed or aged (distressed) before the panels are assembled. Finishes such as staining, oiling or lacquering will be done on site. Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs produces Style Panels with great precision care and quality.

LIGNA : DIPA SYMPOSIUM 2021: THE PROGRAM IS SET The program for the second DIPA Symposium has been fixed. The Digital Printing Association (DIPA) conference on surface design with digital printing will bring together international experts and users from the industry on September 29, 2021, to highlight current trends on the topic of "Create your own Surface," report on experiences, and provide space for exchange and networking. Experts provide new impulses on the topic of "Create your own Surface" Registration possible as of today. Read more on www.floor-forum.com/en/news

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Special: Poland

The concept of decking to clip

Review: Domotex Hannover (D)

Advertorial: Belgiqa (B) Special: Outdoor floors: wood & composite

For more than 19 years already, Floor Forum International is appreciated by all the major players in the sector, who help determine the contents of the magazine thanks to their novelties that are accompanied by the necessary explanation. In every edition, the magazine singles out one particular country. In doing this, the readers not only discover the sociopolitical history of that country, but at the same time are also informed about the economic potential for what wood is concerned.

Special: Who has handmachines for roughening up old tiles, scraping the screed,…

Special: Repairing substrates: who has the products for this purpose?

www.gradconcept.com

INTERNATIONAL trade journal f or impor t , expor t , dis tr ibu tion and lay ing of par que t , laminate, cor k f loor ing and r elated pr oduc t s

Are you an installer of parquet floors or a timber trader, an importer, a distributor, a wholesaler, a carpenter with employees, an agent, an interior architect, an interior designer, a decorator, a manager of a shop specializing in decoration, an entrepreneur in the world of construction or a manufacturer…? If this is the case, our magazine is an exceptionally good source of reference for you.

N° 109 May 2020 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept , Nov, Dec) Of fice of deliver y 9099 Ghent X , P911092, BC 31359 - Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

Special: Rwanda

Special: Producers of wooden/composite wall cladding

Advertorial: Q-Floor Parquet (B)

Special: Parquet oil

Advertorial: Dinachoc (F)

concept terrace to clip. invisible fixations. perfect finishes.

Special: Producers of style panels

WWW.GRADCONCEPT.COM

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Subscribe right away and become part of our family of professionals to stay informed about the trends and novelties in the sector of floor coverings and wood façades, deckings, finishing products,… Become part of the large family of the sector of the wooden floor coverings, vinyl and PVC and the wooden façade claddings, thanks to the most popular magazine in the sector in Europe. Take a subscription right away and enjoy our promotional price of 49 euros*. * 79 euros per year for dispatching outside Europe

170 rue de la Roque�e 75011 Paris contact@dinachoc.com - www.dinachoc.fr Contact : +33 7 83 02 03 14

Votre Spécialiste Acoustique

100% rubber TOP CLASS TECHNOLOGY - THE FRUIT OF RECYCLING Dinachoc S801 is the ﬁrst rubber underlay to emerge from the circular economy. It is produced from recycled and re-used car tyres. These used products are not naturally biodegradable, so giving them a second life helps to protect the environment.

INSULATION FLOORS AND WALLS

OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER ECLIPSED Special binding agent and special granula�on of Dinachoc S801. This formula is the fruit of long-term technological research, including tests both in the laboratory and on site under extreme condi�ons. This gives it an excep�onally long life span and at the same �me it also guarantees you the best quality of air in the interior.

Thickness

INSULATION AND DURABILITY PERFORMANCES S801 is in classes A+ and EC1. It also complies with the criteria of the LEED and EUROFINS Indoor Air Comfort labels and makes it possible to aim for the HQE label. Guaranteed to provide 50 years of excep�onal insula�on with the use of already available raw materials makes Dinachoc S801 an excep�onal product.

FILTERS NEIGHBOUR NOISE

2mm 3mm 5mm 10mm

50-YEAR GUARANTEE

Tested (and approved) S801 technology for over 10 years

MUFFS ANNOYING SOUNDS

Long-lasting performances Shared serenity!

- Available thicknesses : 2 mm , 3 mm, 5 mm et 10 mm - Acous�c insula�on : from ΔLW 19 dB to ΔLW 22 dB - Highly resistant to cracks, even at extreme temperatures (-40°C to + 110°C) - Unchanging : It does not shrink or distort - Compa�ble with ﬂoor hea�ng at both high and low temperatures

LABORATORY TESTED

ADDITIONAL DINACHOC RANGE

UNFINISHED

DINACHOC C901 ADHESIVE

VITRIFIED

WHITE

ELECTRIC DINACHOC P154 SKIRTING BOARDS (NF STANDARDS)

SCAN ME

FFI 118 September 2021

Articles inside

Product news

Special Germany

Special Colour stains and their assets

Special Fastening systems for exterior wood & composite wall cladding

Special The range of tools and sandpaper or nets for satellite sanding machines

Special Outdoor floors: care and maintenance

Special Producers of Hungarian Point and herringbone floors in laminate, vinyl, PVC , LVT and design floors

Special Anti-slip finish for in and outdoor wooden floors

Special Coloured oil and coloured hard wax oil

Special Producers of distressing machines

Preview Made Expo Milan (I

Special Subfloors: part I

Inside news

Special Producers of filling machines

Special Sustainability, ecology, recycling options, and how the avoid transport costs