TECH SPOTLIGHT Manufacturers know well how their products perform in the field. So we invited some of the industry’s top manufacturers—all full-page advertisers in this issue— to answer some of the technical questions they hear the most.
3M
Bostik Inc.
What respirator do I wear so I am compliant for sanding surfaces on which lead could be present? There are several respirators that may be appropriate, provided one has an understanding of the job-site hazards and OSHA requirements, and has developed an effective respiratory protection program that includes provisions for training, fit testing and medical evaluations. A NIOSHapproved 100-class or HEPA particulate respirator can be used to help reduce exposure to lead dust during manual scraping or sanding. For more information on how to get started with your own respirator program, contact the 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division Technical Service Department at 800/243-4360 to request a copy of “Guide to Administrative Respiratory Protection Program.”
How much moisture can a concrete slab have in it when a hardwood floor is being installed using Bostik’s Ultra-Set SingleStep? Ultra-Set SingleStep can be used to install wood over any concrete slab that is not wet to the touch. Bostik Inc. does not require a calcium chloride test (ASTM F1869-10) or an in-situ RH probe test (ASTM F2170-09). The combination of recycled rubber in the adhesive maintains proper thickness and the recommended trowel for the wood dimensions will create a uniform layer of adhesive. This layer of adhesive has superior adhesion, moisture protection and sound insulation characteristics.
www.3m.com www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com
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techspotlight
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Dura Seal
Garco Clear Finishes
MAPEI Corporation
Are VOC-compliant products as effective as traditional products? Stricter environmental regulations combined with increased environmental awareness have made VOC-compliant products a necessity for wood flooring professionals. Dura Seal has responded to this need by introducing a VOC-compliant product that doesn’t require a sacrifice on performance. 350 VOC Polyurethane, the VOC-compliant version to our existing oil-based finish, applies just as easily as our traditional oil-modified polyurethane and retains the same features that have been part of the Dura Seal heritage; cleanup is still accomplished using mineral spirits. Dura Seal also offers VOC-compliant products in water-based versions, such as Dura Seal Water-Based Polyurethane, DuraSeal 2000 and DuraSeal X-Terra.
Do I need to ventilate my work area after refinishing a wood floor? After the application of any wood floor refinishing product, it is recommended the area be adequately ventilated to remove any solvents or odors that remain. Ventilation is the exchange of the home’s ambient air, containing evaporated solvents, with fresh air from the outdoors, and it is required to dissipate the remaining solvent odors, because they can be unpleasant for the occupants. Exposure to heavy concentrations of solvent fumes can cause headaches, nausea or respiratory problems. You should begin ventilating approximately four hours after the finish has been applied. This time can vary depending upon temperature, humidity and film thickness of the finish on the floor.
How can a contractor create a LEEDcompliant wood floor installation that corrects the subfloor moisture problem while protecting the wood installation over the long term? First, smooth the concrete substrate by applying LEEDcompliant Mapecem Quickpatch, a high-performance, high-flow concrete patch. This patch features extraordinary ease of placement and outstanding workability. Within an hour of placing quick-setting Mapecem Quickpatch, the next layer in the wood installation system can begin. To correct a subfloor’s high MVER, as well as provide superior bond in one simple step, apply a layer of 100-percent-solids Ultrabond ECO 995 moisture control and wood flooring adhesive. This LEED-compliant adhesive comes equipped with a special clip-on trowel that helps installers create a solid, voidfree layer of adhesive that also functions as a highly efficient vapor reduction membrane.
www.duraseal.com
www.garco.us
www.mapei.com
Owens Flooring by Colonial Craft
NWFA When I’m on the job site and encounter a problem, where can I turn for answers? The NWFA is the wood flooring professional’s first call for all industry needs. Our dedicated technical advisors are on hand Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (CST), to help you resolve your most difficult technical issues right when you’re experiencing them. We handle call volumes of 200-plus calls each week. We’ll help you resolve your technical problems in real time so you can get back to work quickly.
www.nwfa.org
Do we need to sand Owens Flooring by Colonial Craft’s unfinished Plankfloor? We use the highest quality raw materials and combine them with the tightest specifications and quality control procedures in order to make flooring with almost no over-wood. We’ve also recently added our own ISO-certified test lab to ensure these standards are maintained. Our product is sanded once at the factory, so the normal three-pass sanding procedure is not necessary. As little as one pass with a big machine (drum or belt sander), or even just screening the floor with a buffer, will likely do the job. Just clean up the installation marks, glue, footprints, etc., and you are good to go, saving you time and money.
www.colonialcraft.com
Poloplaz After I apply Poloplaz’ Zenith finish, when can I get back on my floors? In four hours you can walk on the floors and in 48 hours you can move furniture back and have full use of the floors. Zenith is a premium two-component waterborne finish from PoloPlaz. With exceptional wear resistance, easy application, and long wet edge, Zenith is perfectly suited for any commercial or residential wood floor. Zenith is also VOC-compliant in every state and great for LEED projects.
www.poloplaz.com
62 Hardwood Floors n February|March 2011
www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Provenza How do you prefinish your wood floors? Our flooring is treated with a special and highly durable UV ceramic topcoat to provide superior gloss retention. Provenza Infusion uses an exclusive impregnation process that allows premier performance while capturing the natural beauty and distinction in the wood. This new proprietary technology infuses acrylic with organic color pigments into various wood species, ensuring the color is brilliant and that it intensifies the natural grain pattern in the wood for a dramatic effect. The overall results of this innovative process convert figured curly maple wood into a dimensionally stable material with enhanced hardness and increased density.
www.provenzafloors.com
www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com
techspotlight
Shamrock Plank Flooring Are hardwood floors durable enough for high traffic, high-impact areas such as kitchens and bathrooms? Yes. Given proper care, hardwood floors are durable enough and resilient enough for any room in the home. These qualities have made hardwood flooring the material of choice in gymnasiums, basketball courts and other high-traffic, high-impact public spaces for generations. In areas where moisture may be present, (i.e. near sinks, refrigerators and stoves) we recommend placing non-rubber-backed mats. Any spills should be wiped dry as soon as possible.
www.shamrockplankflooring.com
W.D. Flooring Can you install solid wood flooring over radiant heat? Short answer: Yes. Right answer: Key items are remembering to acclimate a minimum of seven days and choosing the right installer. The system should have a slow heating regulator, meaning that it needs to gradually heat. Also, be sure the system is on and that the slab temperature at full running temperature does not exceed 90 degrees. We like to see a floor— particularly solid plank—glued and nailed, and, when in doubt, follow NWFA guidelines.
www.wdflooring.com
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