FLOORS in Africa Journal 7'2010 by Media in Africa

VOL 28.7 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 R38 incl. VAT

IN THIS ISSUE: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone • Below the Surface • Luxury Flooring

Cersaie Review • Upcoming Events • Specification Considerations

Nouwens Commercial products for Offices • Executive Commercial • Churches • Shops • B&B’s

COlOurS Visit our website at www.nouwens.co.za for further Nouwens Platinum Partner and Nouwens Appointed Dealer listings,

every Hotels • Lodges • Boutiques • General Commercial • Airports Nouwens “easi carpet” introduces Colours – a polypropylene fibre carpet – designed as a superior entry-level, commercial carpet alternative for those installations which do not qualify for a more costly investment.

USE CLASS *** TYPE PILE FIBRE WIDTH AVAILABILITY ENDS per 10 cm STITCH RATE per 10cm TUFTS / LOOPS per 100cm² PILE FIBRE MASS grams per m² TOTAL MASS grams per m² PILE HEIGHT TOTAL HEIGHT PRIMARY BACKING SECONDARY BACKING

Heavy Domestic / Light Commercial* Cut / Loop Pile 100% EASIFIBRE – with EASICARE Soil Resistant Treatment 3.66 m 9 Standard Colours ±40 ±52 ±2 080 ±1 050 ±2 230 ±6 mm ±8 mm Woven Polypropylene Tape ActionBac

Copenhagen

Madison Square

*** T his product has been styled for specific commercial use and will perform the same as or better than other local commercial tufted polypropylene styles. For extra peace of mind, every easicarpet is endorsed with a 5 year quality guarantee, as well as a special 10 year wear guarantee. Kirman Colours Nouwens easicarpet introduces a totally new quality culture in polypropylene fibre carpets. Colours was designed as a superior entry-level, commercial carpet alternative for those installations which for some reason or another do not qualify for a more costly investment. According to the current South African grading systems, a polypropylene tufted carpet cannot achieve higher than a light commercial rating, but given the exceptional value-for-money benefits, the popularity of Colours for all kinds of commercial applications, has continued to grow since its introduction in 2006!

Contracta Spec

Track record says it all, and the super performance features of Colours once again highlight the skill of the Nouwens carpet craftsmen – they have engineered the high-twist, heat-set yarn to optimise the performance of easifibre, whilst the sophisticated multicolour effect naturally enhances serviceability. Unique Nouwens mill-applied and heat-cured “easi-care” carpet protector also forms an invisible, durable shield around each fibre to help against everyday spills and soiling. Colours comes with a Five-Year Quality Guarantee as well as a Ten-Year Wear Guarantee.

Twenty Ten

or contact Nouwens Carpets direct at the following numbers 011 796 5180, 021 447 2856 or 031 502 5730.

GUIDE

COVER STORY Banking on Nexus From corporate logos to tailor-made patterns and textures, Nexus’ CustomX which includes sublimation printing, SDX yarn technology as well as needlepunch, offers design freedom on any carpet tile for areas from 100m² upwards, and this has been the preferred choice of African Bank for the refurbishment of their premises in Boksburg.Custom X is about working with the Nexus design team and creating a carpet that meets the requirements of the client. It can be whatever the client wants – a certain pattern, colour and/or yarn.Read the story on pages 32-33 of this issue for details of the Nexus service that is causing architects and designers to take another look at floor tile design.

41 V OLUME 28.7

57 •

OC TOBER NO VEMBER

Access Flooring & Cable Management Bates Access Flooring

p62

Adhesives / Coatings a.b.e. Construction Chemicals FloorworX Smoothedge

p40 p97 p27

Carpets Belgotex Floorcoverings p2 Nexus (Belgotex Floorcoverings) Front Cover, p32 - 33, p78 - 79 Nouwens Carpets Inside Front Cover Tuntex p89 Van Dyck Carpets p6, p12 - 13 Ceramic, Porcelain and Stone Ferreiras Decor World Kenzan Quality Tiles Tiletoria Cleaning & Maintenance FloorworX Matco Marketing Numatic International Tile & Floor Care

•

2010

Inside Back Cover p9 p91

p45 p31 p15 p29

To page 5

34 F L O O R S S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

GUIDE Exterior Flooring & Paving Belgotex Floorcoverings Industrial, Resin & Concrete Flooring a.b.e. Construction Chemicals Cemcrete Concrete Laser Flooring Flowcrete SA Resilient Flooring Belgotex Floorcoverings FloorworX Transit Floor Tiles Traviata Flooring Systems Wonder Flooring Seamless Flooring Quartz Carpet

p40 p83 p39, p56 p69

p2 p4 p16 p82 p25

continued from page 3 Wood, Laminates & Bamboo Barrow Flooring Bedson Flooring and DĂŠcor Eco-logic Bamboo Flooring Elastilon FloorworX Rhoms Timberworld Teragren Tiletoria Accessories and other Belgotex Floorcovering Comfort Creations Domotex Frame Fibres Genesis Kirk Marketing Pretoria Institute for Architecture Revestir The Office Plant Transiton Transport (Transportation)

Back Cover p77 p5 p36 - 37 p85 p86 - 87 p36 - 37 p91

p67 p88 p20 p65, p66 p30, p35 p17, p19, p21, p23 p100 p8 p99 p94 - 95

Note: Editorials excluded, listed in alphabetical order

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Liezel van der Merwe

Roxanne Mancini

EDITORIAL COMMENT The latest tiles from Italy Media in Africa visited the popular Cersaie exhibition in Bologna, Italy, and brings you the latest in international trends and technologies for Ceramics, Porcelain and Stone. We also take a look at the basic requirements for a successful tile installation and highlight defects often In line with the company’s ongoing commitment to offer more sustainable products, Van Dyck Carpets is proud to announce the official launch of Florpoint / Graveltex Earth during October. Everyone in the flooring industry in South Africa knows the popular, well established Florpoint / Graveltex range, as these products have been tried, tested and trusted for over 15 years.

found in Natural Stone. Fashion meets performance and products are manufactured to last. Read more about this exciting industry from page 41. Nothing but the best! Perhaps we should have called this Luxury Floorcoverings feature Floors for Special Buildings because, although not all the floorcoverings are excep-

The “Earth” version of these products is a “greener” version of these two stalwarts, engineered in such a way as to introduce recycled content without losing the overall look and performance of the original products. If anything, thanks to their intelligent design these products will perform even better than the originals. Read more about the environmental benefits of these new products on pages 12-13.

tionally luxurious, the projects on which they have

Another green product launched by Van Dyck Carpets almost a year ago is our environmentally friendly Eco-lay range of underlays. Made from 100% recycled post-consumer rubber, Eco-lay underlays are engineered in such a way that they have an increased life span of 10 years (double the average life span of most other underlays). The success of the Eco-lay range has been overwhelming and shows once again Van Dyck Carpet’s commitment to environmentally friendly flooring solutions. Read more about these products on page 70-71.

at a top game reserve; South Africa’s latest airport

been used certainly are. We have featured a selection of very special local and international buildings and their flooring, including a wood floor that is still going strong after 115 years; a great hotel penthouse refurbishment; two 5-Star hotels in Africa being built by a local architect; luxury khayas building; and a revelation in hospital floor design. Read more from page 73.

Founder: Schalk Burger

Editor: Liezel van der Merwe Cell 082 7700 799

Financial Director: Fanie Venter

Below the surface Everyone is keen on floors that look good, but what happens underneath is of prime importance. Get it wrong and the floor will lose its appeal, and even fail. In this issue we have taken a look at floor slabs, screeds, moisture, underlays, and floor heating

News Editor: Dave Soons Tel 012 807 7012

Business Unit Manager: Roxanne Mancini Cell 082 779 5751

floorcovering – refer to our informative feature from

Business Unit Co-ordinator:

page57.

Madelein Smith

The flooring industry is alive with great product

Sales Executive:

Find out when to use what for the various types of And it won’t stop here. Keep on the look out for more product re-engineering to come as our green journey continues. And please remember it is not just any green carpet ... it’s a Van Dyck Carpet.

FLOORS is about ceramics, carpets, vinyls, wood, laminates, marble, granite, cement, stone ... any floor you can think of. It is also about accessories like rugs, adhesives and tools. Readers are welcome to contact us for any information. FLOORS is published six weekly by Media in Africa (Pty) Ltd. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We accept no responsibility for information published. PUBLISHER: Media in Africa (Pty) Ltd. Contact information: Tel (012) 347 7530 Fax (012) 347 7523 International: +27 e-mail: floors@mediainafrica.co.za PO Box 25260, Monument Park, 0105; Republic of South Africa Unit G, First Floor, Castle Walk Corporate Park, Cnr Nossob & Swakop Streets, Erasmuskloof Ext. 3, Pretoria, RSA

launches and offerings! Enjoy this brilliant issue of FLOORS!

Styart Harvey Cell 072 997 8940

Design and Layout: Jakolien Strydom

Floorfully yours,

Financial Manager: Sietske Rossouw

Proofreader: Residential Carpets • Commercial Carpets Rugs • DIY • Sport & Leisure Grass • Underlays TOLL FREE: 0800 CARPET (0800227738) www.vandyckcarpets.com SA

Liezel van der Merwe

Roxanne Mancini

EDITOR

BUSINESS UNIT MANAGER

Signa Evans & Hesca Joubert

REPRO & PRINTING: Business Print Centre

In the next issueâ&#x20AC;Ś Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the next issue ! Take a look at the main features we will be covering: Successful Projects Last year everyone wanted to talk about the truly outstanding projects they were involved in and why their products or systems were used, so we are repeating it this year to give everybody the chance to tell the world how good they are once again! This is your chance to be in this exciting feature if you missed it last time!

Adhesives & Installation

Townhouse living

Specifiers cannot be expected to keep

Another new feature that will look at the

up with all the developments within the

flooring requirements with the current trend

floorcovering industry, and yet this impor-

of living in security complexes, upmarket

tant sector is one of the most hi-tech, with

(and even golf ) estates, and everything in

fast-moving developments and improve-

between. We will talk to developers, estate

ments in application and performance

managers, architects and others to find out what

characteristics a regular occurrence. We

is favoured, both indoors and out.

look at the latest developments and techniques to keep them up to date.

Roxanne Mancini roxanne@mediainafrica.co.za Tel: +27 12 347 7530 Stuart Harvey stuart@mediainafrica.co.za

An invitation to architects and designers Floors in Africa has attained the highest circulation

We would also be interested in receiving details of recently complet-

figures of any magazine in the Architectural section

achieving the overall design concept.

ed or current projects where the flooring played an important role in

of the latest Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) report

Anything we write would be cleared with you before we go to print,

with a distribution of 5 722 copies of each issue.

will provide you with the opportunity of extensive free publicity,

and full details of your practice or company given in each case. This

In appreciation of the support afforded us by this sector, we would

highlighting your creativity and architectural prowess.

like to invite architects and designers to participate in our magazine,

Contact Roxanne Mancini on 012 347 7530 for further information,

so that we can contact you for comments on certain issues. You may

or send us an e-mail at floors@mediainafrica.co.za with the project

even like to become contributors to FLOORS.

details that we can start on.

OOP

Fa s h i o n & D e s i g n

Ottery Hypermarket

chooses

Italian class!

hese are the words of Sean Hayden of KMH Architects. This celebrated practice formed in Cape Town in 1912 is currently

“Budget price is always an issue; forgivingly based on the quantum we required, we were able to afford an excellent quality Italian floor tile from Kenzan Tiles. It was essential that the tile would withstand the high-traffic volumes which this Hypermarket enjoys.” - Sean Hayden of KMH Architects

throughout the project,” says Sean. Nathalie Glenn from Kenzan provided further detail on the project.

handling the refurbishment of the Ottery Hypermarket, where the

“It was a very technical project, with a number of challenges,” she

new mall tiles have already been installed and are looking great,

says. “But our Italian factory gave us the backup and outstanding

but there are still more aesthetic changes to come.

service that we needed. They have extensive knowledge and experi-

The flooring component of the project was a challenge for the architects. Nothing about the building at the Ottery Mall was conventional. A typical example is the shop fronts, which are void of any consistency and are neither aligned nor matching in height. In order to accommodate the variation at the shop face, a perim-

ence, excellent products, are flexible, and honour all their promises.” “It is nice to know that the new flooring can confidently take the Ottery Mall into its next 20 years,” she concludes. Kenzan Quality Tiles Cape Town: 021 510 8310

eter border tile was introduced which in turn featured a piano-key

Johannesburg: 011 467 8533

pattern in the middle.

Port Elizabeth: 041 373 6456

Sean Hayden said, “We are familiar with who has what type of flooring products on the market, we were specifically looking for a Grade One tile, which was calibrated and rectified (same size and thickness) to ensure that it would survive the foot traffic of a busy centre.” “Kenzan were professional, there were no hiccups and

they were always at our beck and call, which we valued

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Fa s h i o n & D e s i g n

When choosing floorcoverings, the options are many and varied. Visitors to BAU 2011, which is claimed to be the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems which takes place from 17 to 22 January 2011 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre, will be able to review the whole spectrum of materials, colours and designs currently available on the world market in floorings.

Floorcoverings: The agony of

10 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Fa s h i o n & D e s i g n

blocks, stone slabs and hand-painted tiles have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years. Modern materials are often a mix of natural and synthetic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and here, too, the choice is broad, from textile floorings made of natural and man-made fibres to resilient floors of linoleum, PVC, rubber and cork. Colour and surface design or structure are just two of the factors to take into account when choosing a flooring material. Others include: What will it look like in several years time? How does it feel? Does it smell? How do you use it, what can it withstand and what is

choice R

esilient coverings (linoleum, PVC, rubber, cork) and textile floor-

it meant to prevent? How long should it last, how do you clean it, and what is the budget? Also, it must be remembered that floorcoverings play a part in the overall architectural design, so questions as to whether they should harmonise or contrast with it also need to be addressed. One important trend when it comes to sustainability is recycling, not just in the case of resilient floorings such as PVC or linoleum, but also carpet tiles. Some manufacturers are now taking their products back after use and recycling them into fibres or backings. Carpet tiles have other advantages too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they act as sound insulation, are very robust even under frequent use, and can easily be replaced as required. In textile and resilient floorings in particular a whole host of new

ings will be on show; laminates and parquet flooring are also

products has been developed. These range from new ways with nat-

on display; and tiles and ceramics will be exhibited. Here leading

ural, renewable materials such as cork, hemp, wool and leather, and

manufacturers from all over the world will be showcasing their lat-

products made from natural and synthetic base materials, such as

est creations for the design of interiors and exteriors.

rubber (also called elastomeric), through to purely synthetic fibres

Architects and interior designers are increasingly discovering floors as being an important element in the overall design. They,

and plastics (vinyl floorings) and coatings of epoxy resin. Added to this are more unusual choices such as strongly struc-

their customers, and the flooring specialists that advise them and fit

tured or even flocked textile coverings, alongside exotic options

the products, are confronted with a very wide choice.

such as those made of paper, seagrass and pineapple fibres. Visitors

The advantages of traditional coverings such as wood, stone and

can look forward to an exciting display at BAU 2011 where over 1

tiles are their robustness and timeless quality. New formats and new

900 exhibitors from more than 40 countries are expected to take

surface structures have emerged, and wooden floorboards, wood-

part, and more than 210 000 visitors from around 150 countries.

11 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Products & Ser vices

Delivering value to its clients forms a core part of Numatic’s product offering. As one of the largest suppliers of exceptional cleaning solutions, Numatic has identified an emerging trend in clients’ cleaning demands. In response, the cleaning giant now customises the colour of its products to suit the corporate identity of its customers.

Customising

corporate colours

– responding to market trends

anine Botha, National Sales & Marketing Manager for Numatic, says, “Historically, cleaning equipment and the cleaning process

itself was considered to be a function completed behind closed doors. However, as business requirements evolved a new trend has emerged. Cleaning and the equipment used is becoming a vital part of a corporate institution’s image.” Most businesses, offices, banks, shopping centres and airports have no option but to clean their premises during normal office hours, bringing this process into the public eye. Business owners are becoming increasingly aware of how cleaning equipment can be used as an opportunity to subtly portray their corporate identity, while sending a positive and hygienic message to the market. Botha continues, “Providing companies with technologically advanced cleaning equipment branded in their corporate colours demonstrates that the company cares about the finer details and their customers’ wellbeing. Numatic’s process of developing branded products starts by understanding the client’s corporate identity. Once this has been achieved, Numatic’s media division in the UK produces a graphic which the client signs off before the colours are mixed and the purchase order is put through for production. Delivery takes place within eight to 12 weeks from the date of order. Numatic has produced branded cleaning products for a number of respected companies in South Africa including SAFIC, Prestige Cleaning Services, Supercare Services Group, the Red Carnation Hotel Group and selected Holiday Inn Hotels.

For more information on Numatic’s service offering to corporate clients, visit www.numatic.co.za.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Products & Ser vices

Great Golf Day for Numatic A full field of golfers enjoyed the 2010 Numatic

nings in 1969 has grown to be one of the foremost cleaning and

Golf Day held at the Eagle Canyon Country Club,

Germany and The Netherlands in addition to its Johannesburg office.

Honeydew, on 9 September which saw some great weather, some even better golf, and a great day had by all!

floorcare companies in the world, with subsidiary companies in France, Numatic South Africa is serving the cleaning industry with a wide range of quality vacuum cleaners, mopping units, janitorial and hotel trolleys, and floor machines of all descriptions, and offers a comprehensive sales, support and training service for its entire sales programme. The company is committed to support and comply with B-BBEE

ith a 4-ball alliance competition (two scores to count), the win-

standards, and feels that its success in this country is due to its

ning combination was Alan Wintermeyer, Dale Cowley, Erik

emphasis on job creation, the sharing of knowledge and expertise,

Smith and Warwick Mills of Supercare. Customers from as far afield as Botswana took part, as well as visitors from the Numatic International Head Office in Chard, Somerset, England. The prizes were presented by The 40 Year-old Rookie golf profes-

and its investment in people. With product development and customer care high on Numatic’s future programmes, South Africa can expect the high standards set by the company to be maintained.

sional Michael Schultz, who was also the MC and guest speaker,

Numatic International

entertaining the guests for over an hour with golf tips and quips for

Tel: 0861 NUMATIC (686284)

the occasion.

Website: www.numatic.co.za

He also conducted an auction at the event that raised R20 000 for Friends of Rescued Animals (FORA) which is a shelter for homeless dogs and cats, opened in August 2003. It is a non-profit organisation run by a dedicated team of volunteers. The shelter, based in Luipaardsvlei, Krugersdorp, accommodates 600 dogs and 200 cats, and is a safe haven for homeless and abused animals to live whilst awaiting adoption or, failing this, to live out the rest of their lives in a safe environment, in keeping with FORA’s ‘No Kill’ policy. Now in its 16th year of operation in South Africa, Numatic

International started in southwest England, and from humble begin-

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Products & Ser vices

Elevating the floors! Take a look at the floor the next time you get into a lift. If it has a raised pastille pattern the chances are that you are being transported on a high-quality PVC studded tile floor manufactured by Transit Floor Tiles.

ou might also be admiring the quality workmanship of JD Installations – a company in Pretoria West that specialises in

the complete refurbishment and modernisation of lifts – offering a complete re-fitment service for every lift manufacturer, and a keen customer of Transit for their fit-and-forget floor tiles. Owner José Dias says he uses Transit for over 80% of the new lift floors he provides because these can be readily installed with a contact adhesive to steel or wood subfloor platforms, some with Masonite sheeting over them, and he has no problems with their quality and dimensional stability. One of the favourite tiles in the Transit sales programme for these

Aesthetically Transit has the edge on many other products in these applications as they have been in business for 25 years and, in addi-

applications is the 8x8 which has an improved pastille design, and

tion to having a modern and hi-tech appearance, Transit Tiles are

another is the New Quadra Super, which has a gloss base and the

extremely robust, dimensionally stable, extremely durable and ideally

radiused curve to the top of each pastille allowing for easier cleaning.

suitable for elevators or other applications where a high degree of

The 8x8 tiles are 300mm x 300mm with a base thickness of 2,20mm,

traffic is expected.

a stud height of 0,80mm, a total thickness of 3mm, and feature eight

Transit Floor Tiles

rows of 8 round studs each 25mm in diameter.

Tel: 011 397 3330 Fax: 011 397 3810

6 different patterns 8 standard colours Complete Stair System Enhanced abrasion resistance Superior chemical resistance Jumbo Tiles – a ‘look-alike’ ceramic tile Conductive floor tiles for electronically sensitive areas also available

Tel (011) 397 3330 • Fax (011) 397 3810 • e-mail: transitf@mweb.co.za • www.transittiles.com F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Products & Ser vices

Trims provide the perfect floor finish

Kirk Marketing is a leading Southern African supplier of trims and top-quality accessories to the flooring industry. With a superior range of products and branches situated throughout the region, Kirk prides itself on its extensive experience and knowledge gained through combined 50 years in the industry. M Trim is a brand of PVC, brass, aluminium, stainless steel and anodised profiles used for tiles, carpets, vinyl and laminate floors.

Stainless steel quadrant edge

Brass elite straight edge

Aluminium elite straight edge

PVC round edge

ith this considerable expertise, training and product knowledge, the Kirk Marketing design team has developed the superior and highly functional M.Trim collection, used

PVC concave edge trim

Aluminium Formable square edge

Brass round edge trim

Stainless steel listello

extensively for tile, carpet, vinyl, wood and laminate flooring. These trims have been produced specifically for the market throughout Southern Africa whilst being professionally designed and manufactured to international standards. In application, trims are used for the final finishing of tiled floors and walls, with the primary elements being aesthetics (listellos, corners, edges, etc.), functionality (ramps, gap fillers, shapes, corners, stairs, etc.) and the protection of tile edges. The four most widely used materials for tile trims are PVC, aluminium, brass and stainless steel, but they can also be manufactured in zinc, copper, mild steel, recycled materials and more, depending on the requirements of the project. However, it should be noted that PVC is not designed for floors other than its use in stair nosing applications. Brass is a popular choice for use on floors and walls. It is a heavy-duty and resilient product, and although tarnishing can occur in some corrosive environments, this can be easily

Quality Profiles for wood and laminate floors.

polished to revive the shine. Aluminium trims is available in natural finish, anodised colours and powder-coated in any colour, quality products such as M.Trim are recommended if the floor is to look and perform as expected.

Structural movement and expansion joints for floors, walls, columns, ceilings, roofs, car garages, bridges. Fire Barriers also available.

Stainless steel is tough, hardwearing, and suitable for all conditions depending on the Grade used. Several grades and surface finishes are available, and trims in this material can also be custom-designed to meet any requirement, making it a popular option with

PVC curvable profiles for multi-shaped flooring. Commercial and domestic applications.

specifiers. For your final tile trim solution, or technical advice on any application, contact the M.Trim experts on the following numbers.

Quality Tile Cleaners,Strippers and Sealants.

Kirk Marketing Head Office: 011 444 1441 Helpline: 086 110 2165 Cape Town: 021 949 2226 Durban: 031 564 1175 Port Elizabeth: 0860 547 573 Email: sales@kirk.co.za Website: www.kirk.co.za

Who do you think is the biggest ceramic tile manufacturer in the world? Sitting down? According to Ceramic World Review magazine, which is devoted to ceramic tile and sanitaryware production technologies, the answer is UAE-based RAK Ceramics.The Ras Al Khaimah company dominated rankings of the top 25 ceramic tile manufacturers in 2009 with a total production output of 115-million mÂ˛ from 15 manufacturing facilities located in six countries; and a US$1-billion global revenue with exports to over 150 countries. Two years ago RAK Ceramics was ranked fourth with a production of 106-million mÂ˛, but has expanded and increased its production facility even during the recent economic slowdown.

GAUTENG Tel: +27 11 444 1441 Fax: +27 11 444 1165 E-mail: sales@kirk.co.za Website: www.kirk.co.za CAPE TOWN Tel: +27 21 949 2226 Fax: +27 21 949 4531 KWAZULU NATAL Tel: +27 31 564 1175 Fax: +27 31 564 1143 PORT ELIZABETH Tel: 0860 547573 Fax: 086 688 4980 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Products & Ser vices

Flooring solutions for Green Nut Farm Mapei South Africa, part of the global Mapei Group and an industry leader in the supply of

reen Nut Farm, a macadamia nut grower, has had the flooring solution applied to its packaging, production and receiving

areas, and the final floor finish has been implemented over an area

building materials, has supplied Green Nut Farm,

of approximately 800m2 by Maroda Concrete Preparation – a local

based in Hazyview, with epoxy flooring solutions.

Mapei has supplied Mapefloor I 300 SL a two-component, multi-

flooring applicator. purpose, neutral-coloured epoxy for industrial flooring treatment. According to Garth Meyer, product manager (Flooring), the product can be applied at a thickness of up to four millimetres and is ideal for applications in environments such as the food industry, pharmaceutical applications, shopping centres, and the chemical and automotive industries. “Mapefloor I 300 SL is a strong, durable product which has high abrasion resistance and aesthetic appeal. The product can be applied as a self-levelling system, which results in a seamless floor surface,” he says. “This product is also available in a non-slip option. Mapei has developed the product without using solvents or nonylphenol, which makes the product ideally suitable for applications in the food processing industry as it does not present any risk of food contamination.” In order to lay the new floors, Green Nut Farm’s processing equipment needed to be removed from its production plant, and a contractor was hired to perform this task, but as a result of the high mass of the processing equipment, the existing floor surface was damaged, making it unsuitable for the application of the Mapefloor I 300 SL. To overcome this challenge, Maroda Concrete Preparation used Mapei Ultraplan – a cementitious, polymer-based, self-levelling system. The product exhibits ultra-fast hardening properties and was applied at a thickness of ten millimetres. Once the original floor surface was repaired, Maroda Concrete Preparation used Primer SN – an epoxy-based primer to seal the floors and prevent any risk of delamination between the freshly repaired floor surface and the Mapefloor I 300 SL. Mapei has also supplied Mapefloor I 500 W, which was used for the washbay area. This is a two-component, epoxy resin-based treatment in water dispersion, which is permeable to vapour for industrial floors. Meyer notes that the product is water-based, and is safe for the environment and applications which require a vapour-permeable floor coating. “Mapefloor I 500 W is a fantastic product, which has been developed in Mapei’s development laboratories. Even though the product is water-based, it is not subject to shrinkage,” he says. “The product offers resistance to chemicals and abrasion and can be applied to concrete after only four days of curing. After application, the system offers a seamless, aesthetically appealing appearance with high abrasion resistance.” Feedback from the customer has been positive for the product as well as for Maroda Concrete Preparation’s knowledge and expertise in completion of the project. Mapei

Mapei South Africa supplied Mapefloor I 300 SL, a two-com-

Tel: 011 552 8476

ponent, multi-purpose, neutral-coloured epoxy floor surfac-

E-mail: info@mapei.co.za

ing treatment, for Green Nut Farm, based in Hazyview.

Website: www.mapei.co.za

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Products & Ser vices

Specify expansion joints with confidence!

Structural movement and expansion joints for floors, walls, columns, ceilings, roofs, car garages, bridges. Fire Barriers also available.

Kirk Marketing is proud to be the sole South African agent for Vexcolt Expansion Joints since 2003, and has been successful in specifying them for numerous prestigious South African projects

React 100

by offering a wide range of options that are aesthetically pleasing and effective.

excolt is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of expansion joints, movement joints React 300

and fire barriers. Its expansion joints are designed to accommodate the needs of the

flooring industry, regardless of the floorcoverings being used. In South Africa the Vexcolt range has become extremely popular – with a portfolio of architectural expansion joints to meet any flooring requirement and covering joint widths ranging from 25mm to 600mm depending on the application and the need, in addition to which React 1000

these products are all provided with the Vexcolt 10-year manufacturing guarantee. To ensure that the designer’s problems or requirements for expansion joints are adequately and professionally solved, Kirk Marketing is involved with the design team in selecting the correct system to suit the building specifications, offering on-site technical advice and training. Specifying the correct expansion joint is vital for any application, and the technical team at Kirk Marketing is actively involved from the beginning of the project with the selection and installation of the expansion joint systems to avoid failure of the joints, which can be costly in terms of time and money.

M Trim is a brand of PVC, brass, aluminium, stainless steel and anodised profiles used for tiles, carpets, vinyl and laminate floors.

Kirk Marketing has specified Vexcolt expansion joints successfully into many South African projects nationwide, including Gold Reef City Casino (Johannesburg); the Gautrain (Gauteng); Golden Horse Casino (Pietermaritzburg); The Grove Shopping Centre (Pretoria); Hemingways

Quality Profiles for wood and laminate floors.

Mall (East London); Loch Logan Shopping Centre (Bloemfontein); Palms Retail Centre (Lagos) and University of the Western Cape, to name but a few. Kirk Marketing Head Office: 011 444 1441 Helpline: 086 110 2165 Cape Town: 021 949 2226 Durban: 031 564 1175 Port Elizabeth: 0860 547 573

PVC curvable profiles for multi-shaped flooring. Commercial and domestic applications.

Email: sales@kirk.co.za Website: www.kirk.co.za

Glueless Carpet tile

Quality Tile Cleaners,Strippers and Sealants.

Beaulieu Canada and TacFast Systems International say they have formed a partnership to provide a totally adhesive-free, free-floating carpet installation system. Beaulieu Canada will market and sell TacFast LocPlate products that feature a free-floating substrate and carpet products with a loop fabric covering the underside. The flooring surface attaches to the hook substrate by engaging the hooks and loops creating a mechanical bond that holds the flooring surface in place securely, yet is releasable. The LocPlate product line is a modular floor that can be installed over any subfloor, without any attachment to the subfloor and supports the installation of a variety of flooring surfaces, making it a universal subfloor system, the companies said. “Adding a loop to the underside of our carpet broadens our product offerings as we will offer our entire commercial broadloom line with TacFast,” said Marcel Poirier, Beaulieu Canada’s vice-president of commercial business. Floordaily.net

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Products & Ser vices

Epoxy flooring system for two new Durban beach facilities An epoxy flooring system from a.b.e. Construction Chemicals was used to provide the flooring for two new facilities on the Durban Beach Promenade.

he company’s abescreed epoxy flooring system was used as the flooring system for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Media Centre

on the South Beach Promenade, as well as for a new World Cup restaurant and its kitchen, ablutions and boat room on the North Beach Promenade. Both have now become public entertainment facilities on the revamped promenade. Brad Hunt, a.b.e. Technical Sales Consultant in KwaZulu-Natal, says abescreed was applied to a minimum thickness of 6mm over a 625m²

Part of the Durban Beach Promenade facilities for which a.b.e.’s abecote flooring system was used.

area at the Media Centre floors. The specialist flooring applicator was

abescreed is a four-component, solvent-free flooring system com-

Inter Civil Projects, and the main contractor G. Liveiro & Son. The proj-

prising a clear resin and activator blended with a pre-packed graded

ect/building was designed by Jay & Nel Architects.

aggregate and coloured pigment.

The same thickness abescreed system was applied for the floor-

Hard-wearing and chemical-resistant, abescreed is a decorative

ing of the new restaurant opposite Durban’s Mini Town. “The a.b.e.-

mortar that provides seamless flooring surfaces. The product is slip-

approved applicator, Seal Con Systems, first applied a coat of a.b.e.

resistant and ideal for areas subjected to heavy mechanical wear. “The

flooring resin and scattered a.b.e. Silica Sand number 1 coarse silica

flooring system is ideal for restaurants, schools, factories, laboratories,

sand, followed by 6mm thick abescreed coating, which was then

food processing plants, supermarkets and garages,” Hunt states. “It

sealed with two coats of a.b.e.’s abecote PU water-based clear matt

provides far longer life than unprotected concrete floors and requires

coating,” Hunt explained.

low maintenance.”

Design Workshop were the architects appointed by the City of

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals

Durban to handle the design and help oversee the construction of

Tel: 011 306 9000

the building.

Website: www.abe.co.za

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Products & Ser vices

Quality tile care chemicals

Quality Tile Cleaners,Strippers and Sealants.

Marketed in South Africa exclusively by Kirk Marketing, M-Chem is a comprehensive range of quality tile care chemicals, developed through extensive market research and tests that allow Kirk

Grout & tile cleaner

Water based Tile sealant

Multi pupose cleaner

Colour sheen enhancer

Marketing to introduce these unique high-quality products with confidence for cleaning, stripping, sealing and maintaining floors, covering almost every eventuality and tile type, and specialising in full specifications on the entire range.

irk Marketing provides a comprehensive sales and delivery service, product training and technical information that enable tile and hardware retailers to provide the best product

and advice, thus giving complete customer satisfaction. A chemical specialist within Kirk Marketing is available for site inspections, to offer further assistance and will inform on best product to use. A lot of new developments are using a wide range of natural stones which have now become available. It is imperative from an architectural viewpoint that M-Chem chemicals are specified for these jobs, and specifications are all available on Autospec. M-Chem is

M Trim is a brand of PVC, brass, aluminium, stainless steel and anodised profiles used for tiles, carpets, vinyl and laminate floors.

locally manufactured. Apart from a qualified sales team, Kirk Marketing also has a national distribution network with offices in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town – each carrying stock, enabling Kirk Marketing to provide a superior customer service. M-Chem products are all

Structural movement and expansion joints for floors, walls, columns, ceilings, roofs, car garages, bridges. Fire Barriers also available.

individually colour-coded, so one can tell from a distance the product being used, thus eliminating any confusion. M-Chem is continually developing new ideas for the tiling industry, and the latest product

PVC curvable profiles for multi-shaped flooring. Commercial and domestic applications.

M-Clean is a scented lime/lemon multi-purpose cleaner and available in a 750ml spray bottle. It is pre-diluted at 1:5 and has 1-litre concentrated refills available. All the necessary markings

Quality Profiles for wood and laminate floors.

are on the bottle to ensure that the end-user is able to refill and dilute to their required need. In respect of the chemical range, Kirk also supplies a range of application tools. Kirk Marketing Head Office: 011 444 1441 Helpline: 086 110 2165 Cape Town: 021 949 2226 Durban: 031 564 1175 Port Elizabeth: 0860 547 573 Email: sales@kirk.co.za Website: www.kirk.co.za

The Greeks had a word for it! Did you know that the word ceramic is derived from the Greek word κεραμικός (keramikos)? (and we bet you thought it was Italian!)

GAUTENG GAUTENG Tel: +27 +27 11 11 444 444 1441 1441 Fax: Tel: Fax:+27 +2711 11444 4441165 1165 E-mail: E-mail: sales@kirk.co.za sales@kirk.co.za Website: Website:www.kirk.co.za www.kirk.co.za CAPE TOWN CAPE TOWN Tel: Fax:+27 +2721 21949 9494531 4531 Tel:+27 +2721 21949 949 2226 2226 Fax: KWAZULU NATAL KWAZULU NATAL Tel: Fax:+27 +2731 31564 5641143 1143 Tel: +27 +27 31 31 564 564 1175 1175 Fax: PORT ELIZABETH PORT ELIZABETH Tel: 0860 547573 Fax: 086 688 4980 Tel: 0860 547573 Fax: 086 688 4980

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Products & Ser vices

Innovative solutions in healthcare In hospital environments floors must be closely controlled as they can transfer bacteria and transmit diseases to patients. With over eighty years of experience, Forbo understands that hygiene is a major concern for hospitals and has developed Sarlon Tech Sparkling – now being marketed in South Africa by FloorworX.

his innovative product offers Bacteri’Protect – the most effective antibacterial treatment available for hospitals; Stain’Protect – the first treatment on the market that is

resistant to Betadine and Eosin; and the best indentation performance of acoustic certified products; in addition to being a totally eco-friendly product. Antibacterial performance tests performed by CIBA laboratory in compliance with the JIS Z 2801 standard protocol. STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

ESCHERICHIA COLI

PSEUDOMNAS AERUGINOSA

S. AUREUS MRSA

SARLON TECH SPARKLING

5,0

6,1

5,5

4,7

MARKET PRODUCT 1

0,5

-0,2

-0,9

2,1

MARKET PRODUCT 2

1,8

1,4

-0,6

4,1

MARKET PRODUCT 3

5,0

0,9

4,7

MARKET PRODUCT 4

5,0

4,8

0,5

4,7

R > 2 = Antibacterial performance is effective R < 2 = Antibacterial performance is not effective

In line with current sanitary requirements, Sarlon Tech Sparkling is tested by accredited laboratories and assists in the fight against nosocomial infections, and Bacteri’Protect is a new antibacterial treatment using silver ions, tested and approved by the Pasteur Institute in Lille, France. It is also effective against the Pseudomonas Aeruginosa strain. The ion solution in the varnish and the wear layer of the floorcovering guarantees permanent and constant action which strengthens durability over time, unlike chemical additives. It also guarantees a product that is totally innocuous for the surrounding environment. In addition, Sarlon Tech Sparkling has the highest ranking of the VOC Indoor Emissions standard, and is recyclable. Finally, the Stain’Protect feature of this product provides a genuine shield against stains, with a high resistance to standard products used in hospital environments. It is also effective against chemical products such as ammonia, white spirit and acetone and domestic products such as bleach. In the current climate of sanitary challenges, Forbo reflects its solutions through the development of new eco-friendly solutions by increasing both private and public awareness and, in turn, this is replicated by the inclusion of Sarlon Tech Sparkling in the FloorworX sales programme – which already finds favour in a myriad of South African healthcare programmes. FloorworX Marketing Tel: 011 406 4146 Fax: 011 406 4205

www.floorworx.co.za

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Products & Ser vices

Unique laminate floor profiles Quality Profiles for wood and laminate floors.

Expansion cover

Square end cover

Two of the major elements of the Kirk Marketing sales programme are the Bendi quality profiles that are ideal for curved floors, and Dural – offering an extensive range of profiles for wood and laminate floors.

Aluminium foiled Multifloor transition

Aluminium Multifloor expansion

Aluminium foiled Clipper Finish

Aluminium Stepfloor

he Bendi range of curvable profiles marketed by Kirk Marketing is extremely popular in South Africa. The Bendi

Transition clip is a curvable profile used as a transition cover for multi-shaped floors or different levels such as laminate to

Bendi Transition Clip

carpet, wood to laminate, and laminate or wood to tile. Other curvable profile used are the Bendi Ramp clip, the Bendi Cover clip and the Bendi Square clip. These curvable profiles are used as a ramp cover , an expansion cover and an end-cover respectively for multi-shaped flooring on different height floors or on same-level flooring or against the wall or border. All the above Bendi profiles allow for movement of your laminate or wood flooring and the Bendi Clip system can bend on a radius of 80cm. Laminate flooring is predominantly fitted as a floating floor and will generally experience expansion and contraction in the South African varying climate environment, and Kirk recommends aluminium-based profiles as the most suitable for these applications. Aluminium is the most popular, and the Dural range of profiles (manufactured in Germany)

M Trim is a brand of PVC, brass, aluminium, stainless steel and anodised profiles used for tiles, carpets, vinyl and laminate floors.

provides solutions to accommodate expansion, transition, finish, end, step and adaptable shapes to solve expansion and gaps against sliding doors, large floor areas, staircases, transition between different flooring types, or finishing for a laminate floor to a screed or vinyl and

Structural movement and expansion joints for floors, walls, columns, ceilings, roofs, car garages, bridges. Fire Barriers also available.

curvable floor types. Dural’s quality Multifloor range is also ideal for retrofit situations where a profile has been forgotten, and is available in 92cm and 270cm lengths – ideal both for contracts and DIY.

PVC curvable profiles for multi-shaped flooring. Commercial and domestic applications.

Kirk Marketing offers a comprehensive sales, delivery and technical advisory service for any flooring profile. Kirk Marketing Head Office: 011 444 1441 Helpline: 086 110 2165

Quality Tile Cleaners,Strippers and Sealants.

Cape Town: 021 949 2226 Durban: 031 564 1175 Port Elizabeth: 0860 547 573 Email: sales@kirk.co.za Website: www.kirk.co.za

Interiors 2011 This major exhibition for the construction and building industry held every year in the UK will include a new flooring section – showcasing the latest developments, trends, products and technologies to over 38 000 anticipated visitors. This expo takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 23 to 26 January 2011, and anyone wishing to know more should contact Sunny Patel at +44 207 921 8415 or by e-mail sunny.patel@ubm.com. FLOORS in Africa will follow up after the event to bring you all the latest news.

Products & Ser vices

New showroom in Westlake Previously situated in the Steenberg Village Shopping Centre at Tokai, Gill Mackintosh Flooring has moved into new retail premises at the Westlake Lifestyle Centre in the southern suburbs of Cape Town.

stablished in 2003, Gill Mackintosh Flooring offers Sisal, Coir, Hemp, Seagrass, wall-to-wall carpeting, resilient vinyl, and lami-

nate and engineered wooden flooring, together with high-quality design, advice and personalised service, which includes an installation team offering expert installations. All installations are fully supervised, and Gill offers complimentary overlocking of off-cuts as well as ensuring that comprehensive instruction is given to the client or staff of the installed product. The new showroom can be found at 14A Westlake Lifestyle Centre, Westlake Drive, Westlake, and contact can be made by telephone: 021 702 2208; Cell: 072 487 0053, or e-mail GillMac@telkomsa.net.

Decorative and affordable vinyl tile options Wonder Flooring, the exclusive distributors of Armstrong and Wonstep vinyl flooring ranges throughout Southern Africa, have found unprecedented demand from architects, interior designers and building and flooring contractors for these superbly versatile vinyl tile ranges.

part from the favourable price, a few of the other motivating factors towards this trend

among specifiers are as a result of the unique features of these ranges. These include through-grain chip construction, which means the tiles retain a consistent appearance even in areas of differential wear. Also, the marble effect on the tile renders a quality finish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if the grain is laid in the same direction, the tile appears as a sheet product. This effect is obtained

through the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique cutting process

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Products & Ser vices

and the resultant squareness of the tile. Some other features and benefits include a heavyduty formulation; high rolling-load integrity making it ideal for wheeled traffic such as trolleys; easy installation, economical options compared to other flooring types; and textured tone-on-tone mottle that masks traffic damage. Also, the low emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with these ranges will inhibit â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sick building syndromeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. These tile ranges are available in 2mm and 2,5mm thicknesses, and comprise exciting and varied colourways. They have been extensively used in retail chain stores, factories, educational institutions and prisons. Some of the projects that our vinyl tile ranges have been successfully used in include Game Stores; Checkers Hyper; Kokstad Prison; Durban International Airport; Diepkloof Prison; and various public and private Schools. For further information on these exciting floor ranges, contact Wonder Flooring at the numbers shown below, or visit the website. Wonder Flooring Tel: 0860 29 80 80 E-mail: info@wonderflooring.com Website: www.wonderflooring.com

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Products & Ser vices

Going green with flooring adhesive With worldwide ecological and environmental issues bearing down hard on the flooring industry, all aspects of flooring materials in terms of manufacture, supply and installation now come under

Earthbond offers a total solution to the potential hazards commonly associated with traditional floorcovering adhesives; it does not contribute to sick building syndrome and is suitable for hospitals, retirement homes, hotels, office blocks and restaurants where hazardous vapours may present potential health risks. Local adhesives are solvent based and contain very high quantities

close scrutiny by architects, designers, contractors

of Volatile organic compounds – ±140grams of VOC for solvent-

and end-users as they all seek to ‘go green’.

carpet and vinyl installations in South Africa.

n terms of installing carpet and resilient floorcoverings, perhaps the biggest challenge has been in providing environmentally

friendly adhesives, an area that has regularly used alcohol, glycol, methanol, ammonia (with their associated hazardous vapours) in their manufacture. This problem has now been solved by Smoothedge with the introduction of its Earthbond range, comprising a revolutionary solvent-free acrylic bond adhesive that contains only very low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and none of the above harmful substances; and Earthtac PSA – a pressure-sensitive adhesive with the same beneficial qualities.

based adhesives. Earthbond is the only water-based adhesive for Use of this adhesive improves air quality, causes fewer health problems (if any) and emits very little odour during installation, becoming odourless when dry. As a water-based acrylic adhesive, Earthbond is totally solvent-free, and provides outstanding adhesion to the substrate. Smoothedge is a member and keen supporter of the Green Building Association and it is interesting to note that several major banks aiming to achieve ‘Green Building’ status have specified and used Earthbond. To complete the range, Earthtac PSA has been developed as a pressure-sensitive adhesive with low VOC content which is manufactured to the highest quality standards and enjoys all the ‘green’ features and benefits of Earthbound adhesive. This high-quality adhesive has been used extensively in South Africa in heavy commercial applications such as banks, furniture stores and exhibitions centres. In use, it can be brushed or rolled on and it remains permanently tacky after flash-off, as well as providing an excellent hold. Established in 1966, Smoothedge has vast experience in meeting the needs of the flooring industry, and has gained an exemplary reputation throughout the trade with superior products such as carpet grippers, aluminium edgings and flooring tools. In 1986 Smoothedge took the decision that adhesives were an important growth area and, having carried out extensive research into the design and manufacture of specialised flooring adhesives, has also developed new formulations for outdoor use with contact adhesive including a non-flammable contact. It is this diligent investment in development programmes aimed at meeting the requirements of its customers and end-users that has led Smoothedge to the provision of the Earthbound and Earthtac PSA adhesives. Providing a broad range of customers with solutions for all their fitting needs is the main aim of Smoothedge, and this continued research and development, resulting in innovative solutions to everyday installation problems, will ensure that the company will remain firmly established as a reputable and innovative supplier in the forefront of the South African flooring industry. Smoothedge Tel: 011 555 5360 Fax: 011 555 5378

26 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Products & Ser vices

Coolcrete concrete stain is manufactured and marketed for the decoration of concrete floors in South Africa by Tile & Floor Care (TFC), which is one of South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading floor care specialists. The product is styled as being a (genuinely) penetrating concrete stain, because the liquid penetrates into the concrete and a chemical reaction takes place that permanently changes the colour of the concrete. It does not peel, crack or flake.

Bringing bland cement floors to life! T

he stain can be applied to old or new cement. The cement must be unsealed, unpainted and porous, so that the stain

can penetrate and react. Once the stain is applied and penetrates into the pores of the cement, the metallic salts in an acidic waterbased solution react with the calcium hydroxide (free lime) in the hard cement and yield insoluble permanent colours. Coolcrete stain is available in four colours, namely: Riverstone (brown), Cobblestone (gold), Limestone (green), and Soapstone (blue) and is presented in 1-litre, 5-litre and 25-litre packs. The stain works very well as a stand-alone decorative finish or it blends effectively with natural finishes such as sandstone, slate, travertine and marble. One of the many advantages of this product is that you are limited only by your artistic flair, because the colours may be used together to create any type of pattern or shade. Your cement floor will be seen to be beautiful, like never before. The use of Coolcrete has clear advantages for several reasons. For example, TFC knows and understands porous flooring substrates, and thus has provided a performance-tested product. The stain will be protected by tried-and-tested TFC sealers, thus providing stain resistance and longevity. The product is aimed at the DIY consumer, and thus is produced to be very user-friendly, plus the fact that it is a very cost-effective decorative application that provides a fashionable, natural choice of finish. Coolcrete is available nationally through all TFC distribution centres, which means that it is readily available anywhere. This also means that the product is backed by the TFC support infrastructure and experience. Tile and Floor Care Tel: 011 822 6901 Toll-free: 0800 00 6173 Fax: 011 822 6902

Website: www.tfc.co.za

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Products & Ser vices

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Products & Ser vices

30 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Products & Ser vices

Protection of your floors starts outside Twenty years ago, access matting options were pretty well cut-and-dried with only a couple of varieties to choose from. Today, improved technologies, extended durability and improved functionality have been incorporated into the variety of access matting types now available.

raditionally, there are vast reasons why a facility manager would consider implementing a matting system. Some might

consider it a safety factor or use mats to display logos, while others comment that mats are a necessity that help improve cleanliness throughout the facility. In reality, there is no one right reason why matting is important. There are actually a variety of benefits to its implementation. High-performance matting systems help to stop dirt and water at the door, minimise the tracking of soil and water into the facility, and protect floors, as well as providing a safe surface that is slip-resistant. Reduction of fatigue is also a factor which is often overlooked. Picking up dirt can be a nuisance. It can also be pricey. By installing a suitable matting system, the cost of manpower and need for cleaning chemicals are reduced. It takes just one phone call to Matco – one of South Africa’s foremost experts on all types of access matting – to get the information you need on the style of matting you require – based on the volume and type of foot traffic expected. In addition, location of access matting plays a very important role. The answers to these questions will determine what type of matting is required, as well as whether the matting needs fitting into a recessed well or laying on a prepared surface. In this latter case it is important to use bevelled edging to keep the mat in place and reduce the risk of tripping. However, mats laid in recesses have three times the lifespan of a loose-laying mat, and never get misplaced. Matco is an importer and manufacturer of matting for all applications, with a knowledge of matting coupled with years of experience and an extensive sales programme that has been the core of the company’s success in meeting any entrance matting requirement – selecting the right size, the correct materials, and the perfect installation techniques to keep the flooring looking as good as when it was first specified. Matco Marketing Tel: 011 452 7961 Fax: 011 452 7965 E-mail: sales@matcomats.co.za/jean@matcomats.co.za/ calvin@matcomats.co.za

Website: www.matcomarketing.co.za

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Projects

Nexus (the commercial division of Belgotex Floorcoverings) is currently supplying a total of approximately 7 000m² of custom-made Shadow SDX floor tiles for the refurbishment of African Bank in Midrand.

Custom-made

tiles for African Bank

n collaboration with the experienced Custom-X design team from Nexus, Lily Theron of African Bank was able to create a nylon car-

pet tile that represents a significant change from the needlepunch tiles previously used. Emphasising the merits of Nexus Custom-X designs, marketing services manager Helen de Villiers says, “Flooring is a fundamental element to define your style – it communicates the company philosophy and reflects the corporate identity, so it should entail collaboration between client and designer to marry performance demands with design imperatives.” “We’ve noticed a definite move towards modular carpet tiles where broadloom carpets once accounted for 60-70% of sales,” noted Frank Moffat, CEO of Belgotex Floorcoverings. “Architects, designers and consequently clients are more confident about moving away from trusty needlepunch ranges to more exciting tufted tiles,” he added.He attributes this trend to improvements in both yarn technology and greater colour and design possibilities Incorporating a subtle geometric square design, Shadow SDX provides an excellent choice for heavy commercial applications such

as this project, where the need to disguise soiling is essential to the purchasing decision.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Projects

Made from 100% Stainproof SDX (Solution-Dyed Nylon) fibres which means that they are both stain-proof and UV-resistant, these 50cm x 50cm tufted level-loop-pile tiles are of Heavy Commercial grading, and incorporate a NexBac backing system. NexBac is a premium, multi-layered, bitumen-based backing system developed specifically for tiles, combining superb dimensional stability with superior lay-flat characteristics, and eliminating fraying, buckling and bending in tile installations. “We selected a durable, attractive finish in black and tan for use throughout the building that achieves the result we were looking for,” says the Revamp Team of African Bank, “and we are confident that this will provide us with excellent service for at least another seven years.” The installation of the new floor is under the initial contract of Linka Flooring, who also had the task of stripping out the old Berber Point tiles previously used. “We then prepared the subfloor to accept the Shadow SDX tiles, which are being installed using a pressure-sensitive adhesive,” says Linka Flooring’s managing director, Denis Peche. Linka has been in operation for ten years, based in the 5-Star Business Park in Honeydew and, although the company has worked

upgrading project.” Informed by international design trends, the plush comfort and variety of Nexus’ stock or specially tailored carpet designs (CustomX) are well suited to the creation of a hushed warmer atmosphere that will stand up to the rigours of commercial and industrial applications. Modular tiles from Nexus allow the replacement of worn pathways without affecting the rest of the room. Colour-matching concerns are a thing of the past with the development of exacting colouring techniques and advanced SDX fibre technology that allows a fabulous variety of subtle and bold patterned carpets that effectively hide soiling. High-traffic areas such as entrance halls or passages need durable carpets. Nexus offers a variety of fashionable or traditional colourways, patterned or plain, and textures that can be combined for dramatic effect or matched to any corporate identity. The SDX carpet ranges are stainproof needing only a mixture of 50% bleach and 50% water to remove the most stubborn of stains that occur in an office environment returning them to their original condition and with simple vacuum cleaning, it is all the maintenance normally required.

with Nexus before, this is its first contract for African Bank. It was planned that the installation of new tiles throughout the entire building should be achieved with a minimum of disruption to the existing operation – about a third of the floor area has been installed already, with the work still proceeding. Mark Orton of Nexus Johannesburg says, “This installation is going well and, as the largest carpet manufacturer in the Southern

Nexus (division of Belgotex Floorcoverings)

Hemisphere – with a factory that is certified and compliant with ISO

Tel: 033 897 7500

9001 and ISO 14001 – Belgotex Floorcoverings and Nexus are proud

Fax: 033 897 7700

that African Bank has selected our product for this prestigious

E-mail: nexus@carpet.co.za

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Projects

A beautiful home cast in stone One of the wonderful aspects of this home is its natural character, which is defined by the Table Mountain Sandstone on the walls. This was handcrafted by the original builder. The sandstone forms a magnificent backdrop to the living areas.

low and form were extremely important as the owner wanted to create a tranquil

space where he could come home to relax and unwind. Quartz Carpet’s seamless, uncomplicated flow provided the perfect solution as it could also accommodate the underfloor heating. However, another reason for this flooring choice was that Quartz Carpet was able to accommodate and flow into the non-uniform edges of the sandstone walls. As the family had young children, the floor also needed to be soft, stain-resistant, durable, hygienic and easy to clean and maintain. The original home had slate floors, but because of the visual heaviness of the stone walls, the flooring needed to be a lighter, more modern and uplifting material to complement and contrast. Jeremy Stewart from Quartz Carpet says, “The home has a definite Eurocentric feel, but with a touch of Africa infused. It has a warmth that makes you want to stay inside just that little bit longer.” Quartz Carpet Tel: 086 178 2789

Fax: 021 7974743 Website: www.quartzcarpet.co.za

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Projects

Unique floorcoverings for Oyster Box refurbishment

36 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Having undergone a major refurbishment that took over two years to complete, the celebrated Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga now boasts over 400mÂ˛ of Synergy bamboo floor provided by Teragren South Africa, installed with the use of Elastilon Strong self-adhesive underlay.

ormed in 1994, Teragren is a US-based manufacturer of fine bamboo flooring, panels and veneers, and its Synergy strand-

woven bamboo flooring with Xcora technology is manufactured in a process that fuses bamboo fibres with an environmentally safe adhesive under extreme pressure to form homogeneous, high-density sheets that are sliced and milled into flooring planks. As a result, Synergy technology is much harder than red oak,

Projects

making it perfect for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial settings. Synergy is also FloorScore-certified, one of the most rigorous air quality standards in the world. Of the four distinctive blends of bamboo strands available, Chestnut colour was used for this project. Elastilon Strong underlay is marketed in South Africa by Suntups, and this patented revolutionary peel-and-stick membrane has a permanently elastic cross-linked, closed-cell polyethylene construction with a non-toxic, self-adhesive upper surface that bonds directly with the hardwood, creating a solid, inseparable floor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making it ideal for use with bamboo flooring. While sealing the underside of the boards, Elastilon allows for natural expansion and contraction inherent in hardwood floors with humidity changes, which helps to eliminate cupping. This project was completed under the control of y2k Architects in conjunction with Giuricich Bros, the main contractor, and highlights the successful installation of two quality branded products in a 5-Star beachfront hotel environment, where the floor enhances the overall ambience of the dĂŠcor and caters for the high-traffic requirement. Teragren South Africa

Elastilon South Africa

Tel: 082 928 0393

Tel: 011 610 1700

37 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Projects

Adding lustre to concrete floors Although Concrete Laser Flooring in Durban has only been in existence for a little over three years, it has already established a firm reputation for quality workmanship and attention to detail.

hese are the qualities that have already enabled CLF KZN to successfully complete many major projects – including the exten-

sive polishing of concrete floors at Moses Mabhiba Stadium, Moses Mabhiba People’s Park, and the Orchidea Hotel in Johannesburg. The work carried out at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium – built to accommodate 70 000 spectators at matches for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup – entailed CLF KZN completing 10 000m² of concrete polishing in front of the retail area. Concrete polishing was also used as the preferred method of aesthetic finish on the recent beach front promenade upgrade including 2km of precast covers, 7000m² of concrete bands and 1 000m² at the new restaurants. At the adjacent Moses Mabhida People’s Park, CLF KZN were responsible for placing and polishing over 24 000m² of concrete surface beds. 12 000m² track around two football fields – a total length of 1,1 kilometres were placed to falls and densified to withstand the high amount of foot traffic. “By placing and polishing the concrete ourselves we eliminate split

responsibilities and achieve an optimum aesthetic finish,” says CLF KZN director Nic de Carvalho. “On these projects it also enabled us to provide a consistent high quality and to meet the extremely tight time constraints.” Internal floors are placed using the laser screed method in areas exceeding 2 000m² per day, and this wide-area pour method ensures that far fewer construction day joints are required on any project. The CLF KZN branch provides a professional, high-quality concrete placing and polishing service throughout South Africa, and one of its recent successful contracts was completed at the Orchidea Hotel in De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg. As part of the ongoing Johannesburg CBD refurbishment programme, Southpoint Properties renovated this hotel, creating 60 rooms, and renamed it The Lamunu Hotel. On this project CLF KZN polished and dyed the floor, thus allowing the architect/designer to add a creative touch to the polished concrete. “In applications such as this, the concrete can either be dyed during the polishing process or an integral colour concrete can be used as was the case for the Moses Mabhiba commuter station, depending on the design requirements,” says De Carvalho. “Polished concrete is an exceptionally functional floor; it is harder and stronger than other floor finishes, and in comparison with unfinished concrete it has 40% more abrasion resistance, 20% better impact resistance, and a 30% increase in ambient light reflection.” “It also provides a more level surface, lower maintenance cost with less wear and tear on cleaning equipment, and lower lifecycle costs based on the cost of the initial installation,” De Carvalho concludes.

38 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Concrete Laser Flooring (CLF)

Durban

Tel: 011 323 2900

Tel: 031 705 2388

Fax: 011 823 2103

Fax: 031 705 1614

E-mail: peter@concreteflooring.co.za

Email: nic@floorcon.co.za

Projects

Quality concrete flooring and polishing Concrete Laser Flooring was established in Johannesburg during 2004. Following its success in providing quality industrial flooring from its Gauteng base, together with the acquisition of Norton Construction products that enabled CLF to provide an exceptional turnkey service for new or

the Moses Mabhiba Stadium and the adjacent People’s Park (a total of over 36 000m²); the successful completion of warehouse flooring for Pepkor (22 000m²); Unilever (45 000m²), Grindrod (9 000m²); and Heneways (9 000m²). CLF KZN director Nic de Carvalho says, “The formation of a branch in KwaZulu-Natal not only enables the company to provide a full service in Durban and the coastal areas, but it adds another element to our overall sales programme, because with the use of state-of-the-art equipment from various international suppliers, CLF KZN can meet the increasing demand and any requirement for high-quality polished

the renovation of existing floors – it was a natural

concrete throughout Southern Africa.

step to offer these services in KwaZulu-Natal with

ucts and equipment has resulted in CLF becoming one of one of

the opening of a facility in Pinetown.

Years of contracting experience combined with world-class prodthe world’s finest industrial flooring contractors, having gained an enviable reputation for the contracts it has successfully completed

his led to the formation of CLF KZN (Pty) Ltd in 2007, and since

throughout Southern Africa, and its capability of supplying quality

then this venture has never looked back in meeting the demand

flooring products throughout the world.

for concrete placing and floating; concrete grinding and polishing;

Concrete Laser Flooring (CLF)

Durban

and floor coatings throughout the Province.

Tel: 011 323 2900

Tel: 031 705 2388

With the ability of offering a one-stop shop from layerworks to final coating and joint sealing, CLF KZN has already added a host of top

Fax: 011 823 2103

Fax: 031 705 1614

E-mail: peter@concreteflooring.co.za

nic@concreteflooring.co.za

companies and organisations to its satisfied customer list, including Coca-Cola, Massmart, Barrows, Unilever, SAB, Unitrans, Midas, and major property groups such as Collins and GrowthPoint. Amongst the high-profile projects recently completed are the

extensive concrete placing and polishing contracts carried out at

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Projects

Sealant for new community sports stadiums a.b.e. Construction Chemicals supplied the construction sealant for two sports stadiums in KwaZulu-Natal which, after being used as training venues for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, are now important community facilities.

eon de Kock, technical sales consultant for a.b.e. in Durban, says the company’s Dow Corning 813C silicone sealant was applied

to seal all the joints on the precast concrete seating elements of the upgraded Sugar Boy Xulu Stadium in Claremont, Durban; and the new uMhlathuze Stadium in Richards Bay. As part of the upgrading of the Sugar Boy Xulu Stadium – named after a soccer legend of the 1960s – the seating capacity was increased from 1700 to 6500. uMhlathuze Stadium is a new 8000-seat facility that forms part of Richards Bay’s Veld-en-Vlei Sports Complex. De Kock says Dow Corning 813C is a low-modulus, neutral-cure silicone sealant which can cope with exceptionally wide joints and well as joint movements of up to 50%. “The joints sealed at the stadiums were, on average, between 30 to 50mm,” he stated. Dow Corning 813C sealant provides exceptional unprimed adhesion to both porous and non-porous substrates, and is resistant to ozone

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals sealants were used on the precast concrete elements of the new uMhlathuze Stadium in Richards Bay.

vice life,” De Kock added. For the Sugar Boy Xulu Stadium, the sealant was applied by approved a.b.e. applicator Inter Civil Projects; while the applicator for the uMhlathuze Stadium was the new KZN branch of Ultimo Seal of Gauteng. a.b.e. Construction Chemicals is the local distributor of the Belgian Dow Corning sealants which hold European Technical Approval through independent testing to European Technical Approval Guidelines (ETAG002).

and UV radiation and temperature extremes. “The sealant can be used

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals

on concrete, stone masonry, brick, aluminium, plastic, wood, as well

Tel: 011 306 9000

as glazed surfaces. It requires no maintenance and provides long ser-

Website: www.abe.co.za

40 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

CERAMIC, PORCELAIN & STONE feature Floor tiles are available in a wide variety of colours, shapes, sizes, textures, and features, providing unlimited design possibilities, and apart from being able to be used almost anywhere, they will last for a very long time, when these are properly looked after and maintained correctly.

41 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

Floor tiles are available in a wide variety of colours, shapes, sizes, textures, and features, providing unlimited design possibilities, and apart from being able to be used almost anywhere, they will last for a very long time, when these are properly looked after and maintained correctly.

Basics of good

tile installations

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

ile choices are numerous, and architects, interior designers, developers or property owners can choose from ceramic,

Where hygiene is of the utmost concern, such as in hospitals, commercial kitchens and bathrooms, coving is often required in specifica-

porcelain, stone, terracotta, marble, or slate tiles, in colours to

tion documents. Coving is a ceramic base that provides a rounded

complement any décor.

transition between the floor and wall, making cleaning easier.

Ceramic tiles can be used on floors, walls, countertops, ceilings, pools, showers, outside walls, but the tiles must be

Structural, movement & expansion joints

properly selected and properly installed for each individual

If your need is for a large ceramic tiled floor – such as in a large, open-

application. Substrate selection and preparation for flooring

plan office – the tiling must be divided into sections and movement

applications are also important.

joints placed about every 5-10m in either direction.

Many people don’t realise the environmental aspects of using

Care must be taken to ensure that movement joints in the tiling

tiled floors. Firstly, most modern tile factories are energy-effi-

relate to, and are continuous with, the structural movement joints of

cient, and with hi-tech recycling techniques there is little or no

the building, although they will be formed separately – preferably iso-

waste discharge.

lated by a PVC sheet or other suitable material. Any movement joints

In addition, many overseas manufacturers are investigating the recycling of scrap tiles into new production, and technol-

within the substrate should be followed through to the surface. Movement joints are also necessary where tiling is laid over the

ogy is being developed to use scrap glass and municipal waste.

abutment of different materials or where abnormal stresses, vibra-

(Most factories already use broken or scrap material which they

tions or thermal movement is likely to occur. Drying and settlement

grind down and re-use.)

of the substrate should also be considered and accommodated at the

Also, tile is made from naturally occurring minerals that are extremely abundant. There is no shortage of clay worldwide,

design stage. There are numerous specialist suppliers of trims and joints in South

and tile lasts a very long time. Unlike other materials that are

Africa, and the most reputable of these will provide technical infor-

replaced every 7 years or so and dumped in a landfill, tile,

mation and advice on their use and installation. All the major tile

stone and the exotic hard floorcoverings can last for centuries.

manufacturers and suppliers will also be able to help in this respect.

Screeds are an important aspect of any flooring installation. Any type of floorcovering requires a smooth, level, dry, clean

Grout

surface on which to install the flooring, and anything less can

When choosing a tile, pay particular attention to choosing the right

result in cracked and broken tiles, uneven surfaces, and even

grout to accentuate the look and life of the tiles. Not only will the

floor failure – but these are covered in the Below the Surface

right type of grout protect the life of the tiles, but a great grout

feature in this issue.

colour can turn an ordinary tile installation into a great one, and

However, to get the full functionality of a tiled floor, as well as

really enhance the design of any tiled floor. Before purchasing grout,

adding the essential finishing touches that enhance its appeal,

decide whether you need cement-based or epoxy grout, and pick the

you need to use the right accessories and pay attention to the

required colour.

grouting, sealing and cleaning of these floors, so this introductory article will concentrate mostly on these aspects. Despite the fact that ceramic tile is a very durable floorcover-

Of the three basic grout types the most common is Portland cement-based grout, which is available in sanded, unsanded, and latex-modified varieties. Sanded and unsanded cement-based grouts

ing, tile edges are brittle and prone to cracking and chipping

are the least expensive and the easiest for DIY enthusiasts to work

when left unprotected; the answer is to use a trim of the cor-

with. They are readily available in home improvement stores, and

rect profile.

come in a wide variety of colours. When choosing sanded or unsanded grout, think about the size

Trims

of the spaces between tiles and the tile product you are using. Sand

There are proprietary trims available for any tile or stone

makes grout more durable and resistant to cracking or shrinking, and

floorcovering, including expansion and transition joints, trims

should be used if the joints or spaces between tiles are larger than

for finishing, ends, steps and adaptable shapes used to solve

3mm. Sand is abrasive, however, and should not be used on polished

expansion and installation gaps at the junction with sliding

tiles or marble unless the tiles are protected with tape.

doors and staircases – and for the protection of the tile edges

Modifying cement-based grout with latex makes the grout more

at the transition between different flooring types, screeds or

water-resistant than other cement-based grout products. Some

curved surfaces.

cement-based grout mixes include latex, or it can be added during

Sloped profiles are available to address height differences

the mixing process. Latex additives have the additional benefit of

between the tile layer and other floorcoverings – particularly

making grout colours more vivid. Latex additives also help in resisting

important in applications that need to accommodate wheel-

fungus growth in wet or damp areas such as showers.

chairs or people with disabilities. Trim profiles may also be used to provide decorative features or accents within the floor. Tiled floors are easy to clean and they promote a hygienic environment, but poorly designed transitions between floors and walls can collect dust and dirt and are difficult to keep clean.

Occasionally, a tile project will require the use of a specialised epoxy grout. These grouts are more expensive and more difficult to install than cement-based grout, but have the benefit of being resistant to damage by chemicals. If you are installing tile in an area where you need an extremely strong or water-resistant grout, epoxy grout may be a good choice.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

It is available in sanded or unsanded varieties. One of the first things to do before grouting is to choose the right grout colour. The tiles could look terrible if the right grout colour is not selected. You can, of course, use grout as part of the overall design, by having a carefully selected and different colour grout to enhance the tiles and match your decorative scheme. Consider where the tile will be used. Light-coloured grout is impractical for areas that get dirty quickly, such as entryways. For high-traffic areas, choose a colour that won’t need to be scrubbed daily to maintain its look. For bathrooms, consider grey or lightbrown grout; white grout will ‘yellow’ in wet areas. Next, consider the tile itself. Light colours draw attention to the tile and are a good choice if you really want to showcase the tiles. Light grouts are also good at hiding imperfections in tile spacing. Darker colours, in addition to being highly stain-resistant, draw attention to the pattern of the tile. If you’ve worked hard to lay your tiles in an unusual pattern, consider a darker grout. One final word about grout. If you are renovating an existing floor, there are specially formulated chemicals and treatments available to clean old and dirty grout and restore it to its original colour, although it is recommended that a grout sealer is applied once it is clean.

Cleaning and maintenance Most ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles have factory treatments or at least manufacturer’s or supplier’s recommendations in terms of specialist items such as anti-stain and antislip treatments, polishes and sealants, but one also needs to pay full atten-

44 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

CERAMICA SANT’AGOSTINO

tion to the general cleaning requirements of these floors. In general, these floors tend to be water-resistant but any stains or spills should be attended to immediately. The use of a mild detergent is essential if there is any grease or oil on the

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone floor; using just water alone, whether it is cold or warm, is not effective in removing this kind of spill. But the supplier’s or manufacturer’s instructions should be followed carefully, because a solution that is too strong can be as ineffective as one that is too weak. Also, the detergent must be left on the floor long enough to allow effective removal of grease before rinsing. Scouring or brushing can increase the effectiveness of detergent. If the stain remains stubborn, try to loosen the spot with a soft brush or synthetic scouring pad, but avoid steel wool or metal brushes as these can scratch the surface of the tiles. Mildew is a common problem with ceramic tiles and this can be tackled with a solution of equal parts water and ammonia, together with a soft brush. Care should be taken to ensure that water used to clean the floor is effectively removed, or there is a risk of slipping. The use of a dry mop after washing will reduce the drying time but will not eliminate the slip risk – you should ensure that the floor is left to dry completely. With natural stone floors it pays to take advice from your supplier, because each stone has its own level of porosity which makes some stone floors more susceptible to staining than others, and he will know if sealing the stone is an option to consider. In this case, the sealing should be performed by a reliable professional. This article provides you with the basics of selecting, laying, grouting, and cleaning of tiles, but you should seek the full advice of experts for each aspect of the purchasing and installation of the materials if you wish to achieve the results you are looking for. Acknowledgement and thanks are given to the following websites for information used in this article: www.wfca. org; www.ceramicworldweb.it; www.flooringknowledge. NATURAL STONE WAREHOUSE

com; www.archrecord.construction.com.

45 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

International trade in ceramic tile

With most countries showing an increase in export sales during the first six months of 2010 (Italy had an increase of 3,5% for a total of 147,2 million mÂ˛), showing a slow recovery from what was regarded as a very difficult year for the ceramic tile industry during 2009, it is interesting to note the state of play regarding the main players in the market. CERAMICHE SUPERGRES:PAVIMENTI

CERAMICHE SUPERGRES:PAVIMENTI

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

LEA

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

LEONARDO CERAMICA

or decades Italian and Spanish manufacturers ruled the roost in export markets, but with China increasingly entering the market

since the turn of the century, the international situation now looks a lot different. The market reached a total of 1 720 million m² by the end of 2009, and whereas Italy and Spain used to dominate the statistics, they represented just 30% of the market last year (Italy 16,3%; Spain 13,7%). The biggest performer was China (28,7%) and all other countries formed the balance of 41,3% – from Europe, South America and others – but none of these countries achieved 5% of the total. Turkey was closest with 4,8%. However, it is interesting to compare the total square metres

is discovered. From a total value of €10,17 million (R97,6 million), China achieved only 19,7% of the grand total, Spain 16,5%, and the remainder (excluding Italy) were all considerably less. Italy achieved 32% of the total value, which means that they are demanding premium prices for their high-quality tiles, and the market is responding favourably, with nearly 57 million m² exported to France; 41,3 to Germany, and 40,8 to the USA. This disparity in value seems to indicate that China and Spain are undercutting price in order to gain or maintain market share, which might imply to the trade that their products are cheap or inferior, which is debatable. Ceramic Tiles of Italy

involved with the total value attained. Here a different scenario

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

Be aware of the defects!

The website www.findstone.com/defects.htm (to which acknowledgement and thanks are given) provides a wide array of information on natural stones, including the following defects that buyers (and specifiers) should be aware of: Shade variation Slabs and tiles should be sorted to ensure uniformity of shade. Normally, any colour can be sorted into three shades. Sorting is simple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just lay all the material on the floor and look from different directions. If you intend to buy the entire quantity over a period of time, then you should make a point to know from which specific quarry the material will be supplied, as there will always be a difference between quarries.

Grain variation If the grain varies between fine and coarse, these tiles or slabs should also be sorted uniformly by grain size. Sort this the same way as for shade. The further you see it from, the easier it is to sort.

Oiling Many black granites are light black. To make them temporarily look blacker, industrial oil is rubbed on after polishing. This oil evaporates after some months, leaving the slab looking very shabby. Test with a burning match; this will heat an oiled surface and the oil will rub off on your finger.

Colouring Similarly, red oxide is put on red granites to make them look redder and to fill cracks. To check this, rub the surface hard with your finger and see if some red colour rubs off. By wetting the sawn surface (the back side of a polished piece), you can see the true colour and nature of any granite.

Colour patches These are darker or lighter patches or bands of single colours due

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

Staining Many granites stain. Test before buying with wet spices or oil kept on it for a few minutes. Even if staining is not your worry, if you are going to wash the surface frequently, then check how long tap water remains absorbed. Some granites change colour when wet. Since drying is a slow process, the surface looks unattractive during the interim period when part of it is wet and part is dry.

Holes Some crystallic granites do not have a smooth surface. The surface chips or there are pin-holes. Avoid this type for horizontal applications. NATURAL STONE WAREHOUSE

Having decided on a particular granite, it is important to note that shade and grain should be as uniform as possible in the entire lot; there are natural colour variations in granite, as with any natural

to mineral localisation; in black this occurs as ‘oil patches’ – patches which look as if oil has been spilled. These are actually permanent patches, and you should pay less for such materials. After laying and seeing from different angles, it is easy to see which

stone, but this does not mean that the stone is defective. It is important that sufficient tiles are obtained to complete the job as there can be shade variations between batches; however, natural stone is still probably the easiest material to match up after many

pieces have these defects. Tapping with your fingernails or a spoon

years as Mother Nature never discontinues a product line, as can hap-

may give different sounds on these patches compared to the rest of

pen with man-made materials.

the granite.

Lastly, it should be stressed that all natural stones should be sealed to prevent staining. It is important to use a penetrating sealer, as this

Double colour

does not change the appearance of the stone, nor does it give a var-

Sometimes two different grain sizes occur in the same slab, giving the

nished effect (although colour enhancing and “wet” look sealers are

appearance of a double colour. Pay less for such materials.

also available) but it protects the stone from the inside. This will gives far more time to wipe up accidental spills, as any liquid will pool on

Cracks Test by pouring water, wiping and letting dry. Water that goes into a crack evaporates last.

the surface and not be absorbed by the stone. Thanks is also given to Natural Stone Warehouse for additional information used in this article.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

Flooring trends at CERSAIE 2010

50 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

The environmental issues that the world faces were highlighted throughout CERSAIE 2010 as ceramic

By far the greatest number of new ideas and designs were related to wall tiles this year, with floral patterns, embossing and faux embossing, the creation of mock wallpaper looks, wood, glass and

and porcelain tile manufacturers all vied to pro-

special effects well to the fore, and large-format wall tiles well rep-

duce even more eco-friendly products using the

cleaning wall tiles also attracted a lot of attention.

whole gamut of ‘green’ processes.

resented – even to the extent of using them as sliding doors! SelfAs in recent years, large-format floor tiles are still popular, particularly when laid with others of varying size to create special floor

LOORS in Africa was there, represented by Marlene van Rooyen,

effects; slabs 2m long in various widths; tiles of 80cm x 80cm and

editor of our sister publication WALLS & ROOFS in Africa, and all

bigger seemed to be in everybody’s sales programme, and porcelain

the aspects of the greening of this sector of the flooring industry

tiles of this size installed to provide a seamless appearance create a

that were encountered at CERSAIE are discussed in a separate article

feeling of spaciousness not usually associated with a tiled floor.

in this issue, entitled It’s ‘Green for Go’ in Flooring. That leaves us free

They are particularly effective when using tiles with a wood or nat-

to bring you the latest trends and innovations that were on display.

ural stone look. In fact, they even seem to have even more power to

LEA

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

deceive than the vinyl and laminate floors that started the whole trend in look-alike flooring. Very little in the way of floral patterns or bright colours in flooring was seen this year, following the emphasis on appearing like wood and stone, but muted colours were apparent when used with florals that give an overall embossed look. There was also a high percentage of all-white and solid black floors that look stunning in the right application, and other finishes that were selected to match rather than complement the tiled walls, often custommade. Following the same theme, there was one manufacturer that had produced its own paint range to match its new floor tile ranges. Other new ideas that were noticed included glitter tiles; glitter grouting; glass mosaic inlays; natural stone mosaics; embossing or relief effects that go right up to the edge of the tile; and custom-made tiles and mosaics (mostly for walls) that depict the picture or photograph of your choice, using digital printing technology. Another design that caught the eye was large-format tiles with ribs or raised designs that provide a matt top surface but with a background that is ‘polished’. Specialised tiles for swimming pools and other wet areas were featured – one range termed as ‘aerated’ floor tiles because they act as pavers but have holes drilled in them (similar to the traditional airbrick) to reduce the weight when transporting or installing. ‘Grating’ tiles were also on display that enable water runoff in these applications. One of the world’s leading manufacturers of adhesives and sealants has introduced an innovative soundproofing sys-

CERAMICHE SUPERGRES

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

tem for buildings that is applied

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

directly under tiles. Comprising thin sheets made from recycled cork and rubber bound with a high-quality polyurethane composition, this new system is laid directly on any type of substrate, including old floors, before laying any type of flooring material. It is also suitable for use with heated floors. Easy to install, and ideal for new buildings where it can be laid directly onto concrete floor slabs, this nnovation makes considerable reductions to sound transmission, and also provides a certain amount of thermal insulation. Finally, it had to happen! One of Italy’s oldest and most respected manufacturers has introduced a new dry-fixing system that is said to revolutionise the laying of cement tiles – Clip Tile. Practical, hygienic, easy to lay and reusable, Clip Tile is a porcelain stoneware tile that makes flooring easy in just a few simple steps, thanks to its plastic frame that has an automatic coupling system. It is this automatic hooking with its mechanical precision that enables the tiles to be laid without glue and joint fillers, and there is neither inconvenience, dirt, excessive noise, nor fumes when installing. It also decreases the transmission sound, and is suitable for fitting with heated floors. This article manages to touch on a selection of new ideas that featured at this year’s CERSAIE exhibition. The amount of new development and technology that was on display, coupled with the keen attention being paid by manufacturers to the environmental issues (reported on separately in this issue), underlines the fact that the ceramic tile industry continues on a path of customer service, innovative design, and social CERAMICHE SUPERGRES

responsibility.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

Unlike many alternative floorcoverings, ceramic and porcelain tiles do not carry the same publicity impact as the more obvious ‘green’ products (bamboo, cork, linoleum, and others) – except that the basic raw materials are in almost inexhaustible supply, and the installed tiles can last for several lifetimes – but this sector of the industry is certainly not standing still in meeting their eco-commitments.

It’s green for go at CERSAIE! T

and they reduce the number of joints which use less material.

their environmental and social responsibility programmes and, in

into an eco-active ‘super material’ with concrete anti-bacterial and

line with most other industries, there is great emphasis placed on the

anti-polluting properties that help to improve the environment. One

greening and improvement of the manufacturing plant efficiencies.

manufacturer claims to have demonstrated that 1000m² of their por-

In a nutshell, this involves reducing the consumption of energy,

celain flooring material cuts nitrogen oxide levels to the same extent

he main precept is to produce floorcoverings that present no harm to man or the environment.

The majority of exhibitors at Cersaie 2010 were keen to broadcast

water and non-renewable raw materials, increasing the logistical

Some porcelain stoneware slabs boast a unique new feature: the application of micrometric titanium dioxide powder which turns slabs

as 20 timber trees!

performance to reduce CO2 emissions in transportation; reducing

The US Green Building Council’s LEED green building certification

waste generation on the job site; reducing the weight load on the

system holds a lot of sway in Europe, and in Italy in particular. Hence,

buildings; taking less storage space; and making the optimum use

the Green Building Council of Italy is an emerging member of World

of recycled materials.

GBC, with more than 330 members, all leaders in different positions of

This also entails the use of the waste generated by the production

the Italian and international building sectors. More than 70 projects

processes themselves, together with the first objective to save energy

are registered in Italy, and there are around 100 LEED Professional

and to develop ways of producing at a lower financial and environ-

Credential holders.

mental cost. Bearing in mind that 40% of Europe’s carbon dioxide emissions

Also, many ceramic flooring manufacturers look to comply with the requirements of the European Ecolabel system. This is a voluntary

come not from cars but from buildings and their heating and air-

scheme, established to encourage businesses to market products and

conditioning systems, this means that the architectural profession

services that are kinder to the environment.

is under considerable pressure to provide environmentally friendly buildings. Legislation is being passed in almost every country to incentivise

Products and services awarded the Ecolabel carry the flower logo, allowing consumers – including public and private purchasers – to identify them easily.

the use of green and sustainable materials and systems – often

However, the environmental criteria of this system are tough, and

through the establishment of national Green Building Councils

only the very best products, which are kindest to the environment,

– and tender documents often stipulate the level of ecological input

are entitled to carry the EU Ecolabel.

they expect.

The criteria are agreed at European level, following wide consulta-

Therefore, floorcoverings play an important role in ensuring these

tion with experts, and the label itself is only awarded after verifica-

objectives are met, because designers and contractors are assessed

tion that the product meets these high environmental and perfor-

on the greenness of the products they use and the companies that

mance standards.

provide them, together with the manner in which they are installed.

CERAMICHE SUPERGRES

In the next issue of FLOORS in Africa we will be running a main

The lightweight larger-format porcelain tiles on display at Cersaie

feature on Contributing to Sustainability where we will be studying

made great play of the fact that they are easy to transport and han-

the main eco-friendly products and processes outlined in this article,

dle, save time in installation because they are easier to cut and drill,

along with other floorcoverings.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone

Quality swimming pool tiles available

Tile Africa Contracts supplies Interbau swimming

tors and specifiers.

pool tiles to private, hotel, spa, leisure and public

as well as an aftercare service and its methods of installation and the

sports pools.

materials supplied are in line with local and international standards.

In addition, Tile Africa Contracts provides on-site technical advice

Thanks to the support of a chain of 37 retail stores located coun-

vailable in a wide range of colours, Interbau tiles provide cre-

trywide across all nine provinces, Tile Africa Contracts guarantees a

ative, attractive and technically safe solutions as well as good

national footprint, with retail stores that not only offer inspirational

quality characteristics throughout the range with absolute resis-

lifestyle displays and quality products and service to consumers, but

tance against frost.

also serve as an offset point for contractor projects and as a boardroom

An experienced and qualified consulting team allows for individual planning of logistics for any pool according to customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; requirements. Tile Africa Contracts also supplies and fits tiles and bathroomware on a national scale and offers an invaluable service to architects, contrac-

for architects and specifiers to discuss their requirements with the Contracts Division. For more information on Tile Africa Contracts contact them at: 011 970 2124 or visit the website: www.tileafrica.co.za.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

BELOW THE SURFACE feature Everyone is keen on floors that look good, but what happens underneath is of prime importance. Get it wrong and the floor will lose its appeal, and even fail. In this issue we have taken a look at floor slabs, screeds, moisture, underlays, and floor heating â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to find out what and when to use for the various types of floorcovering â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although this introductory article deals mainly with floor slabs, screeds and toppings.

57 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

Everyone is keen on floors that look good, but what happens underneath is of prime importance. Get it wrong and the floor will lose its appeal, and even fail. In this issue we have taken a look at floor slabs, screeds, moisture, underlays, and floor heating â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to find out what and when to use for the various types of floorcovering â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although this introductory article deals mainly with floor slabs, screeds and toppings.

Below

the surface 58 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0 WARMUP

Feature: Below the Sur face

he general requirements of substrates for floors include the need to provide a clean, sound,

rigid subfloor to support the floor and any anticipated loads without distortion or movement. The floorcovering also needs to be securely fixed and applied onto a dry, mature and stable subfloor of acceptable smoothness and flatness to ensure long-term performance from the floor. Before any screed or floorcovering is applied, these concrete bases must be allowed to dry to an acceptable moisture level of 75% RH or less – determined with the use of a hygrometer. If 75% RH cannot be reached, a moisture barrier must be used – either plastic sheet or a surface-applied liquid membrane. The concrete on which the screed or topping is to be laid should be hard and strong (with a characteristic strength of at least 20 MPa). Weak, friable concrete is not suitable as a base for a screed or topping as the achievement of adhesion between such material and the screed or topping is not possible. The base concrete should be free of random cracking. Floor screeds or toppings are unable to bridge over cracks in the base and such cracks will in time reflect through the screed or topping. On many projects precast concrete bases are used in slab form, and these are subsequently screeded.

Screeds and toppings Screeds and toppings are commonly used as a means of providing smooth flat floors in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Toppings may also be used to increase the structural depth and strength of the base slab. In the case of surface-important floorcoverings such as vinyl sheet or tile and others, a proprietary self-levelling screed is often preferred to ensure that the screed will not ‘grin through’ the finished floor. A screed is in effect a layer of well-compacted material (commonly a mixture of cement and fine aggregate) that is applied at the appropriate thickness to a base that has a surface suitable for receiving a floor finish, and is not to be confused with topping, which is a layer of high-strength concrete designed to provide a dense, abrasionresistant surface on a concrete base, or to increase the structural depth and strength of a base slab (structural topping). Screeds are generally not suitable as wearing surfaces in commercial buildings, schools, or in industrial premises. Preferred methods of floor construction for such premises are full-thickness, trowelled concrete or a topping on a concrete base.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

Fibres Synthetic fibres specifically engineered for concrete are manufactured from man-made materials that can withstand the long-term alkaline environment of concrete. Synthetic fibres are added to concrete before or during the mixing operation, and benefit concrete in both the plastic and hardened states. Some of the benefits include reduced settlement and shrinkage cracks at the plastic stage; lowered permeability; and increased impact, abrasion and shatter resistance. Originally steel fibres were mostly used as a substitute for secondary reinforcement or for crack control in less critical parts of the construction, but today steel fibres are widely used as the main and unique reinforcing for industrial floor slabs, and other concrete products. Concretes containing steel fibre have been shown to have substantially improved resistance to impact and greater ductility of failure in compression, flexure and torsion.

Moisture Excessive moisture in concrete floor slabs and screeds can lead to a host of problems in all types of floorcoverings, such as: adhesive degradation, delaminating of the floor covering from the slab and within itself, condensation, blistering, movement and deterioration of the covering. For most types of floorcovering except ceramic, porcelain and natural stone, excess moisture can lead to swelling, cupping and movement of the floorcovering which in turn may result in floor failure and even structural damage. This is particularly critical with wood, laminate, bamboo flooring or resilient floorcoverings. Excess moisture in floor systems can also promote mould growth. Most of these problems can be related to the floorcovering being installed on a subfloor that is not sufficiently dry. It is therefore important to ensure that the floor slab or screed is sufficiently dry to accept a covering or coating. With floor screeds, the standard of materials and workmanship will greatly

affect the quality of the final material.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

MAPEI

The technical aspects of concrete bases,

Feature: Below the Sur face

screeds, toppings, and moisture are legion, and anyone in doubt or seeking information should view the website where a considerable amount of the above has been obtained – the Cement & Concrete Institute website www.cnci.org.za – or get in touch with their technical staff personally on 011 315 0300. Finally, perhaps the two most common ‘below the surface’ items used with any finished floorcovering are the underlay and floor heating, which we will deal with briefly.

Underlays Modern underfelt has moved on apace with the accent on recycling of old waste and textile material to produce underfelts that are dust free, have no impurities, are inexpensive, and are environmentally friendly due to saving these materials from ending up in landfills. They are also in great demand by consumers and contractors alike. These days there are specialist underlays for all types of floorcoverings. They can act as a cushion between uneven subfloors and the underside of the floorcovering; they can assist in reducing pressure on the interlocking mechanism of a floating floor which in turn improves their structural integrity, and some underlays are additionally designed to prevent moisture penetration from the subfloor below. Others can provide insulation or sound dampening services between floors; and some simply act as a cushion to make standing and walking on the floorcovering a more enjoyable experience. One thing all underlays have in common: they all provide additional comfort in some form and add considerably to the overall performance and lifespan of the floorcoverings. ECHO FLOORS

CYBER FLOOR

61 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

Modern technology has provided systems that are fully programmable, entirely safe, energy-efficient, unobtrusive, and that add comfort and value to any building.

Access floors and cable management One of the most important features of modern office building and layout is the need to accommodate the myriad cabling and other equipment necessary to meet the requirements of computer and communication technology in use today – and this is adequately catered for below the surface with the provision of a quality access floor and cable management system. A raised access floor conceals all cabling while allowing easy access

Floor heating

for maintenance or changes and the floor voids can also be used as

The term underfloor heating has largely gone out of common use,

plenums for air distribution.

as have considerable systems that induced the terminology. These

Access floors provide maximum flexibility for the modern office and

systems were installed in a concrete screed of some thickness, which

enable office churn to be accommodated for any company or their

meant that they were expensive to run because they didn’t start heat-

existing and new tenants.

ing the room until the ‘slab’ on top of the heating wire had warmed up. Although there are several different systems available today, the

Raised access floors have been installed and used successfully in this country for decades with no serious repercussions or major failures,

accent is on installing immediately under the floorcovering regardless

and the easy way to obtain a trouble-free installation is to use a proven

of what type of floor is being used.

system that has been designed and installed by a reputable and expe-

To avoid excessive cost the floor heating systems for ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and resilient sheet or tile floors will essentially need

rienced contractor. In fact, if you have a requirement for any of the materials or items

to be positioned at the time of installing the floorcovering – retrofitting

mentioned in this article, it pays to consult an expert and to ensure that

is not an economic solution in these cases.

the installations are carried out by a competent, reliable company.

However, there is a floor heating system suitable for every type of

Acknowledgement & thanks are given to the websites www.cnci.org.

floor, and they can even be supplied as a loose-lay fitment under car-

za and www.concretenetworks.com for information contained in this

pets or rugs on hard floors.

article.

9 Voyager Street, Linbro Park Tel: +27 11 608 4270 Cell: +27 82 604 5242 Fax: +27 11 608 4278 E-Mail: jbates@mweb.co.za www.batesaccessflooring.co.za

62 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

Training for installing quality screeds

Specifically designed in its own laboratories to be ‘fit for purpose’, Cemcrete’s floor coating products are manufactured to the highest quality.

hese quality products can be expected to give many years of service with the minimum of maintenance and can handle the

heaviest of traffic, and these desirable features of Cemcrete’s flooring products are limited only by the quality of the preparation before application and the nature of the substrate to which they are applied. In a desire to deliver quality finishes to customers and the independent applicators and contractors that apply these products, Cemcrete offers comprehensive training in assessment of existing substrates and preparation for successful application of floor coatings. In addition, the three-day course covers the design and laying of new floor screeds as well as providing practical tips for solving on-site problems. The course is conducted by an in-house technical trainer who has many years of contracting experience. Courses are held at Cemcrete’s training facility in Industria, Johannesburg, and incorporate both theory and ‘hands on’ practical training. Due to the practical nature of the training, the number of attendees is restricted, so early booking is essential. Bookings can be made by phone at 011 474 2415 or on the website www.cemcrete.co.za. The course fee of R1 710 (VAT included) covers the three-day course and training materials, as well as lunch and refreshments.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

eventually curl at the edges or even lift off the subfloor. A dirty subfloor or one that has patches of grease or paint on the surface will also prevent the adhesive from bonding to it. An uneven subfloor will not only result in a rough floor, but also loss of bond will occur since the flooring will follow the contours of the substrate. It is generally accepted that the specifier and main contractor must ensure that the subfloor is acceptable in respect of level, smoothness, soundness, dryness and cleanliness before any resilient flooring specified can be laid. If the subfloor is not acceptable, the flooring contractor should inform the main contractor in writing of the situation at hand. To remove dust or dirt, sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly. If the subfloor surface remains dusty after sweeping or vacuuming â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perhaps due to over-trowelling on the concrete, it is advisable to seal the surface with a coat of primer. If the subfloor seems porous, it should also be primed, and the primer should be allowed to dry before the floorcovering is installed. Grease or oil patches and/or paint can be removed by using paint strippers, although larger areas may require a degreasing compound. The subfloor should be washed to remove the stripper and oil/paint residue, and allowed to dry. Sometimes the subfloor needs repairing before

Saving time and money by checking the subfloor The most common subfloor encountered in South Africa is concrete, although occasionally the flooring contractor may have to install on a wooden or metal subfloor.

installation of any floorcovering can start. The most common method of obtaining a good surface is by the use of a smoothing compound, and FloorworX recommends that Pavelite is used. Pavelite is a cementitious compound for repairing damaged, uneven or rough screeds prior to the installation of floorcoverings. Its rapid-drying properties enable the flooring contractor to lay floors soon after application, saving time and money. Pavelite gives a fine smooth finish which improves adhesive coverage; applied with a straight-edge steel trowel in a smooth layer up to 12mm thick in one application. Trowel marks and high spots must be removed with coarse sandpaper or a carborundum stone when the screed is dry. Leave the screed to dry for at least 3 hours. If it is thicker than 5mm, leave overnight to dry. If Pavelite is applied correctly, it will not craze and is resistant to rising alkaline moisture. Rigid process control ensures consistent high quality, enabling the flooring contractor to use the product with confidence. For more information, contact the FloorworX National Call Centre on 0860 346 679.

hichever subfloor is encountered, it should always be thoroughly examined

FloorworX Marketing

before any installation work is started. Subfloors must be hard, dust-free, smooth,

Tel: 011 406 4146

level and dry, and no flooring must be laid until all faults in them have been repaired. Any dampness, moisture or water will affect the adhesive and the flooring will

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Fax: 011 406 4205 www.floorworx.co.za

Feature: Below the Sur face

Long-lasting underfelt

Double Life Underfelt is manufactured by Frame Fibres from 100% recycled textile waste at its stateof-the-art manufacturing facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Frame Fibres is ISO 9001 and ISO 14000 accredited.

he manufacturing process starts with textile waste that would normally end up in landfill sites being regenerated into fibres

through a tearing process. The fibre is then blended, de-dusted and cleaned to remove any impurities and, through a carding and needlepunch process, converted into underfelt. Double Life Underfelt is available in 35-linear-metre rolls and widths of 3,5 metres in weights of 600g/m² (for Light Domestic applications); 800g/m² (for Medium Domestic); 1 000g/m² (Heavy Domestic/Light Commercial); 1 200g/m² (Commercial). The major characteristics of Double Life Underfelt are that it is longlasting, dust- and odour-free, of consistent quality, strong, resilient; and competitively priced. It is also available at all major carpet wholesalers countrywide. Frame Fibres Tel: 031 710 7722

Fax: 031 710 4497

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

Laminate floor? Keep it silent! Silent Floor is manufactured by Frame Fibres from 80% recycled textile waste. It was developed with input from the laminate flooring industry as an economical sound dampener for this type of floorcovering.

n its manufacture Silent Floor uses a thermobonding process which creates a uniform, non-collapsible and easy-to-install product, and

it significantly reduces the noise associated with people walking on laminated flooring. In addition, it has high insulating properties, and can be installed with underfloor heating. As a lightweight product, Silent Floor is easy to transport and install, but 200-micron HDPE plastic must be laid between the screed and Silent Floor to prevent moisture migration from the screed. Silent Floor is available in 35m x 1m rolls in a 3mm thickness, and is distributed through laminate flooring wholesalers or through Frame Fibres head office at the contact numbers shown below. Frame Fibres

Tel: 031 710 7722 Fax: 031 710 4497

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

Delivering its level best in hidden strength The key to a strong, reliable and sustainable floor is

110 000m² installed on all five levels, including the top deck.

a quality screed product that will smooth out any

installed with Isocrete K-Screed. Some 40 000m² of the same system

lumps or bumps on the surface of the structure

was also installed beneath the external tiles at the passenger set-

prior to the installation of final floor finishes.

down area in the Departures Hall. Flowcrete has also been involved in a high-flying flooring project at Cyprus’ new hub for international travel, Larnaka International Airport

anufactured and marketed by Flowcrete, Isocrete has been the

– representing one of the largest infrastructure projects ever under-

market leader in floor screeds internationally since 1969 and

taken on the island.

has been involved in some of the largest and highest-profile screed-

With a total footprint of over 100 000m², the ultra-modern airport,

ing contracts to date for clients including Dubai International Airport

which opened its doors in November 2009, has the capacity to handle

and Larnaka International Airport, Cyprus.

passenger traffic of up to 7,5 million people annually with a provision

Known in the industry for delivering ‘the level best in floor screeds’, Flowcrete’s award-winning cementitious screed system, Isocrete K-

to extend this to nearly 10 million when the need arises. Flowcrete has supplied more than 40 000m² of its fast-drying screed

Screed, combines high strength, rapid installation and excellent mois-

material, Isocrete K-Screed, which has been installed across the dual-

ture control with compatibility to a number of bolt-on subfloor systems.

level facility in both Departures and Arrivals.

Containing the innovative K-Additive, a plasticising and accelerating

Despite being hidden from view, Isocrete K-Screed has a proven

admixture used to modify and enhance the performance of sand and

track record across the globe. The system is known for its ability to

cement-based screeds, Isocrete K-Screed is chosen for its ability to

deliver environmental and performance benefits that greatly out-

deliver a strong level platform on which to lay a host of floor finishes,

weigh those of traditional concrete.

including tiles, carpet, wood, vinyl and resin, on the fast track. Flowcrete completed a major installation at Dubai International Airport in one of the largest assignments undertaken by the com-

For the multi-storey car-park facilities, the entire area was first

Flowcrete South Africa has branches in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, and for more information contact Verity King at the numbers shown below, or visit the website.

pany. A selection of Flowcrete’s specialist systems – including screeds,

Flowcrete SA (Pty) Ltd

car park decking, hygienic and fast-track floors – has helped the new

Marketing Services

Terminal 3 and Concourse 2 developments to take off in style.

Tel: 031 461 3411

For the final deck coating in the multi-storey car park, Flowcrete’s flexible waterproof Deckshield system was specified, with some

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

E-mail: verity.king@flowcrete.com Website: www.flowcrete.com

Feature: Below the Sur face

Van Dyck Carpets is proud to announce the first anniversary of Eco-Lay TM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its own brand of environmentally friendly flooring underlays, manufactured from the finest quality recycled rubber granules that are bonded together using synthetic rubber binders to produce a firm, comfortable, high- performance crumb-rubber underlay. Apart from using recycled materials, Eco-Lay is in itself recyclable at the end of its useful life (a truly cradle-to-cradle product).

The ultimate eco-friendly

underlay I

deally suitable for every carpet, vinyl, wood or bamboo floorcovering, even in heavy-

wear applications and high-traffic areas, Eco-Lay is a proven material in prestigious applications, worldwide. A quality underlay has a direct influence on the lifespan of a carpet and can increase its life by up to 40%, as well as assisting with its appearance retention.

The benefits of Eco-Lay Environmentally friendly

Made from 100% recycled rubber and fully recyclable at the end of its lifetime

Low VOC levels

Conforms with the VOC levels required for Green Star rating

Saves Energy

Superior thermal insulation keeps rooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

Absorbs Noise

Densely packed rubber reduces noise levels by up to 40%

Increases floorcovering lifespan 100% Rebound

Never collapses in high-traffic areas.

Added Comfort

Smooth, soft rubber construction provides excellent underfoot comfort and excellent anti-fatigue properties

High performance

10 year guarantee

Improves Vacuuming

By absorbing indentations caused by constant foot traffic.

By improving air flow

Non-absorbent

Does not absorb water or any other fluids

Anti-microbial and anti-allergy

Does not rot or harbour infestations of fungi or house mites

Stick-Down Compatible

Double- and single-stick applications produce perfect finishes every time.

Under-Floor Heating

Insulates heating pads from the underlying concrete â&#x20AC;&#x201C; saves energy and increases heating speed

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

Van Dyck Carpets buys Rubberlay Van Dyck Carpets is proud to announce that they just bought the plant and machinery as well as marketing and brand names of Rubberlay, and by doing so they will become the sole manufacturer and distributor of rubber underlays in the South African market. All these rubber underlays products will be commercialised under the name Eco-lay, a well-established brand name for over one year now. This acquisition will enable Van Dyck Carpets to improve the overall service levels of the Eco-lay range and better cope with the ever increasing demand for environmentally friendly flooring solutions. “Insurance for your carpet, silence for your wood, use the greener option and keep your flooring looking good” And always remember it’s not just underlay, its Van Dyck’s Eco-lay.

It does not rot or harbour infestations of fungi or house dust mites,

up to 25dB (or 40%) noise reduction. It also has a thermal resistance

and therefore can also help to reduce allergens that are common in

(R) value of up to 1,25 Togs, which is in the top echelon of thermal

modern households.

insulation for underlays in the country.

Once installed, most underlays collapse over time, which has a sig-

It can be used safely and effectively with floor heating pads as it

nificant impact on the floorcovering by losing its support. This may

thermally insulates the pads from the underlying concrete slab. This

be particularly pertinent with laminate floorcoverings, because these

also saves energy and increases the heating speed.

floors do require an underlay to support the joins, and underlay collapse can cause floor failure in these applications over time.

The environmental benefits of Eco-Lay are legion: it is made from 100% recycled rubber (mainly car and truck tyres) which reduces

Eco-Lay products are not air-filled and therefore do not collapse;

the impact on landfills; it is fully recyclable at the end of its lifetime

their unique compound formulation ensures that the individual rub-

(making it a cradle-to-cradle product) which once again reduces the

ber granules are kept in close physical contact with each other to

impact on landfills.

provide a strong lattice structure that is bonded to a non-woven polypropylene scrim. Most underlays are highly absorbent when it comes to fluids and spillages of any kind, which means that musty and unpleasant odours in rooms emanate mostly from the underlay and not the carpet. The Eco-Lay rubber underlay is not affected by spillages in this way. In fact it is totally non-absorbent and unaffected by moisture – even to the extent that flooded rooms can be dried in situ without the need for removing the underlay. The smooth, soft rubber construction of Eco-Lay also provides considerable anti-fatigue properties and excellent underfoot comfort. In all applications of Eco-Lay the subfloor must be level, smooth, dry

Eco-Lay also has a Total Volatile Organic Compound emission rate of 0.1 mg/m²/hr (24 hours) and a 4-Phenylcyclohexene emission rate of <0.01 mg/m²/hr (24 hours), which means that these products easily pass the requirements for Green Star rating. Because of its excellent thermal insulation properties the product keeps rooms cool in summer and warmer in winter, bringing significant energy savings and reducing your carbon footprint. Fully tested and approved by independent international test centres, Eco-Lay is guaranteed for 10 years against manufacturing defects, despite the fact that most underlays do not carry any performance guarantees. The current Eco-Lay range comes in three different thicknesses,

and dust-free. The installation of Eco-Lay is relatively simple, and can

being 3mm, 5mm and 6,5mm, making it extremely suitable for any

be achieved using stretch-fit, single-stick or double-stick installation

kind of floorcovering, application and budget.

techniques to provide perfect finishes every time, although these may vary slightly in relation to the type of floorcovering being used. Full installation guidelines are available in hard copy from Van

Eco-Lay is manufactured by Van Dyck Carpets and is one of the many environmental product ranges offered by the company. Van Dyck Carpets

Dyck Carpets or can be requested in digital format via the website:

Tel: 031 913 3800

www.vandyckcarpets.com

Toll free: 0800CARPET (0800227738)

Amongst its technical attributes, Eco-Lay absorbs noise, providing

Website: www.vandyckcarpets.com

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Below the Sur face

International pedestal company opens in South Africa

Since 1987 Buzon Pedestal International has been one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading manufacturers of screwjack polypropylene pedestals, now exported throughout the world.

sed in a variety of applications, their infinite height options and slope correction ability enable project designers to create a flat

floor surface in almost any environment. Since 2005, Buzon Pedestals have been used throughout South Africa on numerous prestigious projects. Resulting from this success, Buzon International is proud to announce the launch of its regional office, Buzon South Africa, based in Johannesburg in order to better serve all the current projects throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Buzon South Africa was launched in September 2010 and will work with local agents in all major centres in the region. A full technical design service is offered and full installation training will be provided to ensure installations all conform to sound engineering design principles and Buzon standards. The reputation of Buzon pedestals is the result of extensive project experience and a willingness to satisfy the needs of architects, specifiers, quantity surveyors and construction professionals. A team of designers and engineers is ready to provide immediate support for any project â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wherever required. Buzon South Africa is a licensed regional distributor for Buzon Pedestal International, and is a wholly owned division of Richard Bentley Consulting (Pty) Ltd. Director Richard Bentley introduced the Buzon pedestal to South Africa in 2005 as a lightweight deck support solution for a heritage restoration project that was being undertaken. Since then, Buzon has been used throughout South Africa in a wide variety of different projects, some of which can be seen on the local applications gallery page on the website: www.buzonsa.co.za. Richard Bentley Buzon Southern Africa Tel: 011 463 7324 / 083 399 5174

E-mail: info@buzonsa.co.za Website: www.buzonsa.co.za

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

LUXURY FLOORING feature Perhaps we should have called this feature Floors for Special Buildings because, although not all the floorcoverings are exceptionally luxurious, the projects on which they have been used certainly are.

73 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

Nothing but the best!

FRONTIER LODGE

Perhaps we should have called this feature Floors for Special Buildings because, although not all the floorcoverings are exceptionally luxurious, the projects on which they have been used certainly are.

this proved not to be possible. However, what better way to start an article on luxury flooring than by featuring one that is not only a luxury floor, but that has stood the test of time since 1895 despite considerable abuse! Built by the Herold Family in Cleveland, Ohio, this building was

n this article we have featured a selection of very special local and

sold by them in 1914 to Simon Hattler, a German immigrant, and

international buildings and their floors, including a wood floor that

this family lived in it for 65 years, which is why it is known today as

is still going strong after 115 years; a great hotel penthouse refurbish-

home – a penthouse that sold fairly recently for R110-million, but

The Hattler House.

ment; two 5-Star hotels in Africa being built by a local architect; luxu-

The home has many beautiful features that attracted the current

ry khayas at a top game reserve; South Africa’s latest airport building;

owners to purchase it, first of which is the intricately detailed wood

and a revelation in hospital floor design.

flooring. These floors had been covered in soot because Rose, the

We originally intended to highlight South Africa’s most expensive

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

final Hattler family member to live in the home, had been burning

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

trash to keep warm after the furnace stopped working! The next owner, Benny Bonanno, uncovered these floors as he was preparing to lay down carpet, and brought them back to their original superb condition and design. A worthy start to our Luxury Floors feature, and anyone that wants

issue of FLOORS in Africa to emphasise the architectural, design and project management expertise that is available in South Africa. The world-renowned MalaMala Game Reserve, which has been in existence since 1927, offers a range of accommodation across three camps to appeal to every type of traveller: the MalaMala Main Camp,

to know more about this interesting house should visit the website

Sable Camp and, featured here – Rattray’s on MalaMala – which is

www.clevelandareahistory.com (to which acknowledgement and

the crème de la crème of the luxury safari industry.

thanks are given). The 5-Star Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, which is part of Meikles

Opened in November 2005, Rattray’s is the latest addition to the MalaMala portfolio, portraying an elegant reflection of a colonial

Ltd, is situated on the iconic V&A Waterfront with its own jetty, offer-

era and providing the ultimate exclusive safari in style, privacy and

ing generously proportioned guest rooms with great views of Table

sublime comfort through eight luxury khayas accommodating a

Mountain and the harbour.

maximum of 16 guests.

The 120 luxury rooms include stylish loft rooms, single, two and

Each khaya (Zulu for ‘home’) overlooks the Sand River, and has

three bedroom apartments, and two 80m² penthouse suites with

rooms totalling 128m², together with a verandah and pool deck. The

generous lounge and dining areas; each has its own 45m² private ter-

khayas have hardwood floors with underfloor heating for the winter,

race, a garden and outdoor jacuzzi.

together with concrete tinted screeds in the bathroom areas.

Each room of the hotel is custom-designed with unique and refresh-

The wood is Rhodesian teak laid on a concrete surface bed,

ing décor, following a recent refashioning process completed last year

supplied and installed by Krombou Konstruksie of Hazyview, and

throughout the hotel by well-respected Cape Town interior designer

oriental carpets for each khaya were supplied by Paco Rugs of

Kathi Weixelbaumer, which included the complete refurbishment of all the floors. Every carpet in the hotel was replaced with custom-designed broadloom provided by Nouwens Custom Weave to Kathi’s design, using an 80/20% wool/nylon weave with a different colour styling for the rooms on each floor. Carrara marble was used for the refurbishing of the bathrooms. This was imported from Italy, and supplied and fitted by Marble Mill of Diep River, Cape Town, which has been established since 1988. Marble Mill supplied and fitted the Carrara marble floor tiles, vanities, bath surrounds and wall cladding slabs in the bathrooms, and the restrooms in the public areas were done in a mix of Grey Bardiglio and Carrara marble slabs, sourced from a specialist supplier in Italy. The renovation of the bathrooms was done floor by floor without disrupting the operation of the rest of the hotel. Commenting on this project, Marble Mill director Dennis Gardiner says, “Renovating the hotel on a floor- by-floor basis has not been done in this country before. This experience will stand us in good stead in projects of a similar nature and everyone at Marble Mill is very proud of what we achieved at the Cape Grace Hotel.” It is interesting to note that the Cape Grace is a member of the exclusive Leading Small Hotels of the World (a brand extension of the internationally recognised and respected organisation The Leading Hotels of the World) which is dedicated to luxurious, boutique 5-Star properties that are fast becoming the preferred choice for upscale travellers who look for charm, uniqueness, personalised service and guest recognition in their accommodation. Whilst on the subject of hotels, Francois Pienaar (Co-Arc International Architects, Johannesburg) – the internationally celebrated architect that designed such iconic buildings as the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, together with Legacy’s Michelangelo Hotel (which is also acclaimed as a member of The Leading Hotels of the World) – is currently working on the designs of new 5-Star hotels in Ghana and Nigeria – The Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, and The Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos. Unfortunately we were not able to obtain the flooring information before we went to print, so we hope to run these projects in a future

MALAMALA

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

nesses of the granite slabs were a combination of 20mm and 30mm. Water-jet cutting is computer-generated precision cutting for natural stone tiles and slabs, porcelain tiles, glass and most metals with very quick turn-around times, minimal wastage on material, no heat transfer when cutting, and extremely precise cutting, which is evident from the intricate and appealing designs at the airport. Tile Styles was formed in 1990 by Marc and Sue D’Offay and under Marc – a master contractor with a background in art and design – it has branched out with great success into the world of artistic design, leading to the formation of Tile Styles Water Cut twelve years ago, specialising in water-jet cutting of flooring materials for the residential and commercial sectors, both locally and in neighbouring countries. Apart from the main tiling contract, Durban Tiling also completed the installation of these outstanding designer circles that provide such an attractive and welcoming feel to the Terminal building. Having started this review of luxury floors with a beautiful old wood floor in the USA, we are ending it with a ceramic floor also from North America. Looking for exciting floors for this introductory feature article, we stumbled across an award-winning ceramic tiled floor designed specifically for a hospital. Not a luxury floor you might mutter, but take a look at these beautiful floors installed just a few KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

years ago. (From the website www.onedreamdesign.com/humanspace/ tile.shtml to which acknowledgement and thanks are given). When Adam Rubinstein was hired to design the interior of the Heart

Greenside, Johannesburg. The architect for this project was Barry St. Leger Denny of

looked for an entirely new approach.

Durban and, when asked what regular treatment or special clean-

Rubinstein was of the opinion that hospital design had been tre-

ing requirements were used on the floors, he said ‘the architect’s

mendously hampered by ultra-conservative administrators afraid of

secret blend of water, meths and Cobra polish’ is used!

anything but routine, sterile, white or bland colouration and, in his

The FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup has come and gone, but it left behind some magnificent new stadiums and several other edi-

view, it is this white colouration that becomes easily soiled, dirty-looking and, over time, depressing to look at.

fices that South Africa can be proud of – none more so than the

Following this precept, he set out to help foster wellness by lifting

sparkling new King Shaka International Airport north of Durban,

patients’ spirits with colour and exciting surroundings throughout the

that was officially opened by President Jacob Zuma on 8th May

entire hospital.

this year. Designed by Osmond Lange Architects and Planners to accommodate an anticipated 7,5 million passengers per annum, this impressive new facility boasts a Terminal Building with a floor

Ricchetti tiles were used in the hallways and the 12 intensive-care suites, laid in fanciful patterns in complete contrast to the seamless one-colour floors so often used in these applications. The lobby floor, consisting of terrazzo, marble and granite tiles, was

area of 103 000m². Surely this represents the largest tiled floor of

cut with a wet saw on a jig to create one equilateral triangle, two half-

the year?

triangles and a 25mm x 25mm strip. The tiles were then arranged in

A total of 55 000m² of imported, full-bodied Italian porcelain

hexagons that radiate from the centre of the room.

tiles in Iridium colour were used for this project, supplied by

As a result, the Association of Italian Ceramic Tile Manufacturers

Rudolph & Van Vuuren of Johannesburg, who also shared the

selected Rubinstein and his One Dream Design as the recipient of

installation contract with Durban Tiling.

its Sixth Annual Assopiastrelle Design Award – which recognises an

Rudolph & Van Vuuren was formed in 1965, although in 1979 its

American architectural or interior design firm that has enhanced the

profile was changed from construction to tiling contracting for

image of Italian ceramic tile in the United States – and well worthy of

the corporate market, but now also includes homeowners and

a mention in our feature!

private businesses on its client list.

Hospital & Heart Institute of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, CA, he

In compiling this introductory article, it proved to be extremely dif-

The ground floor contains three interesting and specially

ficult to feature a wide variety of high-profile buildings, mostly for

designed circles in the Arrivals section. Designed by Osmond

security or confidential design or facility management reasons, but

Lange Architects, they comprise granite supplied by International

those that have been featured underline once again the versatility

Slab Sales of Durban in nine different colours interlaid with grade

and high standard of workmanship available in this country, from

316 stainless steel rings, all cut by water-jet machines by Tile

design through to eventual use of the buildings, and the durability

Styles Aqua Water Cut in Durban to provide 3m, 16m, and 20m

and innovation of various floorcoverings used in other countries. The

diameter circles – all very big and impressive designs. The thick-

luxury flooring industry is in good shape worldwide!

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

LUXURY

LEISURE

LASTING VALUE

SOLID Timber Decking Maximising the use of your social area Bedson Decking as the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living

www.bedson.co.za www.mesopotamiaflooring.com

Gauteng: Pretoria 012 803 4376 KZN: Hammarsdale 072 622 7400

BELGO NEXUS

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

EVEREST 50

ALPS 50

ISLAND 50

TUNDRE 20

GLACIER 20

PRAIRIE 20

ANTARCTICA 20

ANDES 50

The Green Flooring Alternative New BerberPoint Eco from Nexus, the commercial division of Belgotex Floorcoverings, is the green alternative for architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first choice in carpeting.

ffering all the outstanding specification and performance characteristics of BerberPoint 920 but with the option of recycled

content, BerberPoint Eco provides a foundation for specifiers and designers to build their green credentials. The structured needlepunch range is made from Stainproof Eco Fibre comprising recycled polyester made out of PET plastic bottles combined with a polypropylene blend to produce an eco-friendly

top-cloth. Recycling one tonne of plastic bottles saves one and a half tonnes of CO2 versus landfills and incineration.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

Modelled on the top selling colours of BerberPoint 920, eight bestselling colourways are available, each with a predetermined percentage of recycled content in the top-cloth ranging between 20%

TOP CLOTH

- 50% from lightest to darkest tones.

BITUMEN BLEND - INCLUDES RECYCLED CONTENT (FLY ASH) AS PART OF THE COMPOUND MIX

FIBREGLASS SCRIM REINFORCES STRUCTURAL STABILITY

BITUMEN BLEND - INCLUDES RECYCLED CONTENT (FLY ASH) AS PART OF THE COMPOUND MIX

SECONDARY BACKING PROVIDES A NEAT AND AESTHETICALLY APPEALING FINISH AND IMPROVES THE LAY-FLAT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TILE

BerberPoint Eco extends the company’s renowned Eco Collection and is manufactured according to stringent ISO 14001 environmental standards. It is available in either modular or broadloom options. A selection of optional backings for modular carpet ranges including either ResinBac, NexBac or new NexBac Eco is available on request. For the ultimate eco-friendly carpet solution, select a green backing alternative too: New NexBac Eco is a green backing alternative available for any Nexus tile range and contains 35% recycled content. It is produced

ture to produce an environmentally friendly backing with proven

using post-industrial waste fly ash derived from an industrial steam

low VOC levels.

generation process which is blended with the normal NexBac mix-

The NexBac Eco production process can save up to two hundred tonnes of fly ash from landfill sites and reduce consumption of an equal amount of calcium carbonate (a natural resource also known as chalk). BerberPoint Eco backed with NexBac Eco results in 27% to 34% recycled content overall, depending on the recycled content of the top cloth chosen. All Belgotex Floorcoverings’ products bear the Environmental Choice logo for environmentally friendly initiatives and processes. For further information on BerberPoint Eco or any of Nexus’ other Eco Collection ranges, please visit the website: www.nexuscarpets.co.za or call Belgotex Floorcoverings at the numbers provided below. Nexus (division of Belgotex Floorcoverings) Head Office: 033 897 7500 Johannesburg: 011 788 3450 Cape Town: 021 907 3400 Durban 031 313 9600 E-mail: nexus@carpet.co.za

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring widely accepted Since its introduction earlier this year, Traviloc luxury vinyl flooring has been widely accepted by the specifying community.

ensured that it has been favoured for applications in numerous upmarket houses, such as the Serengeti Golf estate outside Pretoria that has seen its first floors completed, together with other developments that have been completed. Traviloc’s versatility has also seen it used in a large number of smaller residential refurbishments. The hygiene and maintenance benefits of Traviloc have seen it installed in a major oncology centre on the East Rand, following similar applications in medical suites in Fourways and at the OR Tambo Airport clinic. For the retail market, the Uniclic locking system gives a truly unique advantage. The ease and speed of the Uniclic system allow landlords and building owners to complete new tenant installations noise-free, dust-free and odour-free. No glues or underlay are required at all. In line with the manufacturer’s sustainability commitment, Traviloc is

raviloc’s aesthetics, maintenance and hygiene benefits have seen it used in sport, leisure, retail and upper-end domestic projects.

produced from 100% virgin vinyl. This means it complies with the stricter European norms and is completely DOP- and formaldehyde-free. Based in the USA and with 23 manufacturing facilities across the

It has been specified in new hotels and major refurbishments in

USA, Canada, the UK, Asia and South America, the manufacturer of

KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape – most notably the revamp of the

Traviloc is a global player in flooring. As such they submit to Social and

President hotel in Bantry Bay in Cape Town where some 13 000m2 of

Environmental Responsibility audits by ITS, are ISO 14001 certified and

flooring is already underway.

carry other accreditations for VOC emissions, indoor air quality and

The waterproof characteristics of Traviloc have recently been instrumental in the product’s acceptance in one of the country’s major gymnasium groups. Having started in four of the flagship operations, Traviloc will be used on an ongoing basis. The luxury vinyl wood plank’s hand-scraped finish, quietness underfoot and the fact that no expansion joints are required have to date

82 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

packing materials. For further information contact Traviata Flooring systems at the numbers shown below, or visit the website. Traviata Flooring Systems

Cell: 082 595 2061 (Hugh Krog)

Tel: 011 453 0296

E-mail: sales@traviata.co.za

Website: www.traviata.co.za

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

83 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

The concept of luxury has been present in various forms since the beginning of civilisation. Throughout the years, many attempts have been made to define luxury using the price-quality dimension, stating that higher-priced products in any category are “luxury”.

Luxury with a conscience S

imilarly, researchers have also used the uniqueness aspect of luxury. Prof. Jean-Noel Kapferer, takes an experiential approach

and defines luxury as items which provide extra pleasure by flattering all senses at once. FloorworX offers you accessible luxury with a conscience. Design trends are constantly changing and choosing material can be difficult when thinking long term, but one thing is certain – the use of sustainable and healthy products is here to stay. As a result, top industry professionals and design-savvy consumers not only want a product that says “luxury”, but also ones which are environmentally responsible. Wood floors offer both. Your interior settings can change many times over the years while your floor remains timeless, only adding value to your new design. Wood floors conform to their environment and add value with age. Most architects and designers agree that wood will be the preferred building material of the future. An increase in the use of wood will stimulate the planting of new forests, resulting in a reduction of carbon dioxide. If using wood can reduce the amount of pollution in the air while creating an upscale feeling in even the smallest setting, why choose any other material? More reasons for choosing wood include its being sustainable and strong; versatile and beautiful; biodegradable; and it is part of our cultural heritage. Wood also stands for quality and hence it is a very aspirational floor to own. Quality is something that has been on top of the Kährs agenda right from the start. All the production units within the Kährs group have implemented quality and environmental management systems according to ISO 9001 and ISO14001 and are registered under EMAS. During the last five years, the availability of wood floors of different colours and species has increased enormously internationally as wood has become the floorcovering of choice in hotels, luxury item retail stores and designer homes. Choosing a wood floor is an investment. Now you can own a Kährs floor too. FloorworX Marketing

Tel: 011 406 4146 Fax: 011 406 4205

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Everyone’s favourite floors... Solid Wood Engineered and Laminate Floors Decking complete wooden floor solutions • floor & deck maintenance • professional advice and designs

NATURALLY, YOU PREFER QUALITY! 0861 TIMBER • 011 465 4150 www.rhomstimberworld.co.za

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

Well accepted at the Green Building Council Conference Tuntex Carpets SA – the South African subsidiary of the well-respected Sunhou Tuntex Fiber & Carpet Company – took an exhibition stand at the Green Building Council Conference held in the Cape Town Convention Centre in September 2010, where its sales programme was well accepted in terms of design, quality and dimensional stability of the backing.

his was the ideal showcase for Tuntex products as the attendees were from the building industry and related professions, and

from discussions with visitors to the Tuntex stand is was clear that the pricing of the polypropylene and Nylon 6.6 ranges meets the budget rates for the various quality and design requirements of architects,

Tuntex Carpets has the following certifications: Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) – Green Label Plus Certification ISO 9001:2000 – Quality Management System Certificate ISO 14001:2004 – Environmental Management Certificate Member of The Green Building Council, South Africa In addition, the Tuntex sales team in conjunction with Tim Donkin

designers and relevant specifiers. With an in-house design department Tuntex offers the service of

from Invista Antron – the nylon suppliers for Tuntex – can assist with

custom designing in various qualities and with the option of either

all technically related questions in terms of quality and wear of the

500mm x 500mm or 609mm x 609mm tile sizes. A minimum quantity

Tuntex Nylon 6.6 ranges. Tuntex also offers a 10-year guarantee on all

of 3500m² is required.

its nylon ranges.

Tuntex nylon carpet tiles comply with a Class 2 Fire Rating in accor-

Tuntex SA – Head Office

Fax: 086 542 1079

dance with SANS 10177 Part 4, which makes the range acceptable for

Premi Cell: 082 887 1683

E-mail: tuntex@tuntexsa.com

use in any office installation.

Cell: 072 839 9539 (Janice Hanscombe)

www.tuntex-carpet.com

CARPET TILES LIKE NO OTHER

Contact Details: Head Office: Janice Hanscombe Office: +27 11 873 4582 Premi cell: +27 82 887 1683 Fax: +27 86 542 1079 Cell: +27 72 839 9539 Email: tuntex@tuntexsa.com

elegance design quality style

Cape Town Branch: Ade Lammers Fax: +27 86 627 4725 Cell: +27 82 888 0596 Email: adelammers@telkomsa.net Steven Trollope Cell: +27 72 722 7072 Email: s.trollope78@gmail.com

www.tuntex-carpet.com F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

Feature: Luxur y Flooring

The Poliface range of high-quality laminates includes ranges that are suitable for all types of residential and commercial applications and meets the current trends in interior design, enabling the architect, designer, developer or end-user to match the floor perfectly with the taste and identity of each installation.

Introducing the origin of true beauty A

s part of its development and growth programme, Tiletoria has recently been appointed as the sole dis-

tributor for the proven Poliface laminate flooring collection â&#x20AC;&#x201C; encompassing the whole of the African continent. The impressive Poliface range has advanced technical characteristics, including excellent impact and abrasion resistance; colour fastness; resistance to fire, burns and stains; anti-allergenic properties; and improved sound reduction. Poliface laminates are also very easy to install with the unique, glueless Inloc Clic fixing system, which allows the floor to be used immediately after it has been installed. Available in a wide variety of wood grain colour and finishes, these systems include matching skirting and mouldings to provide the perfect detailing of the floor. The latest member of the Poliface laminate family is Poliface Origo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a beautiful concept originating in pure wood. Because wood is durable, renewable, natural and resistant it is the perfect solution that needs to be seen and touched. Origo recaptures the ambience of old-style comfort, beauty and charm in the interior decoration of the most sophisticated spaces, and is available in three styles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Savannah, California, and Columbia. Low in maintenance and easy to clean, Origo Poliface is the perfect solution to flooring at its most beautiful. The Poliface range is provided with a 15-Year Residential Guarantee that the decorative laminate surface will not wear through, the floor will not stain and it will not fade due to sun or artificial light. Manufactured in accordance with EN 13329:2007, and classified at AC4/32 for domestic and commercial use, Poliface Origo is also available with the Silent sound insulation system on special request, in keeping with all the other products in the Poliface range. For further information contact Tiletoria at the numbers shown below and let the experts assist you. Tiletoria Tel: 021 511 3125

Fax: 021 511 3119 E-mail: sven@tiletoria.co.za

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

News

At Nouwens it is about a culture, an exclusive brand and the people who make it happen. We take pleasure in introducing the team more directly responsible for customer service and communication, but we cannot go without saying that there is a very loyal and committed factory team in the wings who ensure the ongoing quality and availability of the product around which everything revolves! Collectively the staff has just under 2000 years of experience and service at Nouwens.

Nouwens – The team behind the brand Mohamed Khan – customer service and senior sales consultant consultant

Nouwens Cape Town Sales Office is located at the Waverley Business Park in Mowbray. Front row are Rozanne Kennedy – customer service consultant, Dorothy Botten – receptionist / internal sales, Lynne Stevenson – admin. The four gentlemen sales consultants are Jason Page, Matthew Nefdt, Len van den Bergh – branch manager and Kevin de Coriolis who is based in PE to cover the Eastern Cape area.

Nouwens Johannesburg Sales office operates from Northlands Production Park in North Riding. Front row are senior sales consultants Barbara Ryan, Gary Johnson – Branch Manager, Clive Brinck and Lenie Grobler. Back row is sales consultant Shane

Groenewald, Deena Moodley and Xolani Jadezweni both on reception / internal orders and senior rep Ronald Harvey.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

News

The Nouwens Carpets Branch Managers, Graham Blair – Durban, Gary Johnson – Johannesburg, Len van den Bergh – Cape Town.

Nouwens Durban Sales office operates from fresh new premises in Fish Eagle Park at Mount Edgecomb. Graham Blair is the branch manager assisted by senior rep Tracy

The Nouwens Head Office Team – from left to right Lianne van Coller on orders /

Muller. As from the beginning of October, new admin

admin, Gloria Monareng – on creditors / admin, Bel Brooks – financial mange-

/ receptionist lady Melissa Naidoo, holds the fort when

ment, Johannes Msibi – filing clerk, Mandy du Plessis – CEO, Cheryl Bam – Debtors,

Graham and Tracy are doing their rounds.

Beverley Clarke – orders and Elise Bence who is helping out till year end.

Nouwens Carpets National Management Team – As Luci Nouwens prepares to go into semi-retirement and Pieter has moved into full time management of Nouwens Custom Weave, they have appointed a top professional management team to take over their executive functions at Nouwens Carpets – from left to right: Mandy du Plessis – Chief Executive Officer as from September 2010 and based in Harrismith. Oscar Grobler – Chairman of the Board of Directors, John Faul – Production

Manager since April this year, based in Harrismith and Luci Nouwens – Director also based in Harrismith.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

News

Delivering a great service to the carpet industry Owned by Johan Jansen van Vuuren and Sven Viljoen, Transiton Transport is now in its 10th year of business since it reverted to its own name following the liquidation of Roadcorp in 2000.

perating from the same premises, Transiton enjoys

Asked why Transiton finds it necessary to have a specialist

the support of its major clients such as Belgotex

flooring delivery operation, Johan says, “Carpets have spe-

Floorcoverings, Nouwens Carpets, Crossley Carpets, Fotakis

cial requirements; for example, they are difficult to handle

Brothers, Wonder Flooring, Carpet Brokers, MF Wholesalers

without special equipment, and it is not possible to load

and Selborne Carpet Wholesalers, and provides a deliv-

anything else onto a truck with carpets – such as spices or

ery service to an area that encompasses the whole of

oil – as the smells will be absorbed by the carpet.”

South Africa and stretches into neighbouring countries – Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

94 F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

In recent years Transiton has found that its major clients are now selling floorcoverings other than carpet, and this

News

has extended the service that it provides. “Transiton is in essence the distribution arm of the clients – not just a transporter,” says Johan. “We are part of the clients’ offering to their customers – getting products to clients more quickly and effectively. In this manner Transiton provides the way to get product sold to customers quickly and safely.” In relation to this, Transiton has become an essential part in growing and maintaining the market share of the carpet industry. In addition, its customers have no need to hold stock, as deliveries from wholesalers or manufacturers are quick and effective. Customers can now provide a better service to their clients by meeting the strict deadlines that are commonplace in the construction industry. From the start Transiton experienced an existing demand, but has since developed the market by instituting more direct deliveries, servicing the outlying areas, and deliver-

times with credibility, honesty and integrity; to maintain

ing to neighbouring countries.

the highest levels of professionalism in all its dealings; to

Transiton sees its future as continuing to be the distribu-

be innovative, flexible and adaptable in a continuously

tion arm of their clients and, apart from remaining cost-

changing environment; to train, develop and provide equal

effective and efficient, the company will develop with its

opportunity for its staff; and to strive for excellence in

clients and continue to meet their needs. “We aim to part-

safety, health and environmental matters.

ner with our clients to provide the transport solution for their operations,” Johan states. As the company’s Mission Statement avows, through its

Finally, Transiton is very proud of the fact that due to its ‘just in time delivery’ service, once again the company scored an average of 99,3% on TIME-EFFECTIVE DELIVERY

professional, experienced and dedicated staff Transiton

this year, and wants to thank all its clients – factories and

Transport is committed to creating value for all stakehold-

wholesalers for their support over the past decade. “We

ers by providing the highest levels of service and support

look forward to living our vision of continually striving to

to its customer base by having the right product at the

be the best road freight transporter for our customers into

right place at the right time.

the future,” concludes Johan.

This is reflected in Transiton’s core values: to deal at all

Transiton Transport Johannesburg: 011 915 2222 Pietermaritzburg: 033 397 9904 Cape Town: 021 905 9117/8 This article is brought to you with the sponsorship of Transiton Transport – South Africa’s foremost specialists in the transportation of flooring materials to the trade.

TRANSPORT F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

News

Competent female site safety officers

New office manager for FSIA Christelle van Rooyen has been appointed as Office Manager/ Administrative Assistant for the Free State Institute of Architecture as from 01 September 2010. The previous incumbent, Anja van der Merwe of Jan Ras Argiteksgroep BK, says that although they are still sharing offices with the FSIA, she is now working full-time for the practice again. “Thank you to all at SAIA and Regional Institutes for 11 years of your support and co-operation. It was a pleasure being part of the SAIA family,” she says. “We wish Christelle every success and all the best for the new position.”

The Big Six! Women make competent safety officers on building sites because “safety is part of a woman’s daily routine – whether at home or work”, says Lizzie Peterson, the Gauteng Master Builders Association’s top Health & Safety manager for 2010, speaking at the annual Health & Safety Awards function held by the Gauteng Master Builders Association (GMBA). Peterson, Health & Safety Manager at Ambient Contracting Services in Edenvale, says the construction industry is now rapidly moving away from the perception that building is a maledominated industry. “Women are beginning to make their mark. We are already there in the safety field – and it’s just a stepping stone towards getting our hands on other duties.” She believes women succeed as safety officers because “our approach is tough yet softer and, above all, showing respect for

Mohawk is expanding on its Ricky the Rhino promotion from

our fellow workers comes naturally”, she says.

last year and this time will let six African elephants at the

But it is not easy for a female safety officer to promote health

SmartStrand carpet.

like discussing sexual issues with women who are not part of

For two weeks, the animals will be turned loose on the

their family. This is where a humble and professional attitude

Mohawk carpet.

is required – female health and safety guardians should put as

Mohawk is also introducing a new Human Habitat element

much emphasis as possible on the dangers involved instead of

to the challenge, where zoo guests can visit four different

preaching to the workers. We also need to show empathy with

household situations: a living room, kitchen, bedroom and

those who are HIV-positive,” she adds.

foyer.

Peterson says workers on a building site tend to appear

Each living situation will incorporate Mohawk flooring

strong and healthy but, because of the environmental hazards

products – carpet, laminate, ceramic and Mohawk’s brand-

– such as cement dust, fuel, and toxic chemicals – they are

new strand woven bamboo – with visitors allowed to interact

exposed to on site, the preservation of the workers’ health is a

with the exhibits.

major challenge. Last year’s top student, Sebenzile Magugu, was one of the top

Dallas Zoo test the performance and stain resistance of its

issues, such as AIDS- prevention on site. “Most men do not

“We have an extraordinary product and we’re challenging it in an extraordinary way to prove the unmatched durabil-

three performers in the GMBA’s 2010 Award for Best Site Safety

ity of SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona,” said David Duncan,

Officer. Magugu was honoured for her work on Giuricich Bros.

Mohawk’s vice-president of marketing.

Construction’s new Toyota Dealership site in Rhodesfield.

F LO O R S O c t o b e r N o ve m b e r 2 0 1 0

FloorDaily.net

News

The Green Flooring Alternative Nexus, the commercial division of Belgotex Floorcoverings, recently

and designers, offering all the outstanding specification and per-

completed a nationwide launch of its new BerberPoint Eco carpeting

formance characteristics of BerberPoint 920 but with the option of

that provides a comprehensive green alternative for architects and

recycled content in its manufacture.

designers. To introduce this exciting new development, events were held

Available in modular or broadloom options, BerberPoint Eco is part of the company’s Eco Collection as a structured needlepunch

in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Port

range made from Stainproof Eco Fibre, comprising recycled polyes-

Elizabeth, and all were well attended by the professionals – archi-

ter made out of PET plastic bottles combined with a polypropylene

tects, designers, and specifiers.

blend to produce an eco-friendly top-cloth.

BerberPoint Eco provides a superb green alternative for specifiers

New carpet museum funded by lottery

Get packing!

The UK-based Carpet Museum Trust has been provided with a R20-mil-

For those of you that plan well in advance,

lion fund to establish the centre in Stour Vale Mill in the West Midlands

now is the time to start considering your trip to

of England which was built in 1855 and was originally itself a carpet

Stone+tec Nürnberg 2011, the International Trade

factory.

Fair for Natural Stone & Stone Processing Technology

A vintage working loom from the Victorian period will be one of the

– it takes place in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 22

features of the museum, which will focus on Kidderminster’s role in

to 25 June 2011.

Britain’s carpet-making industry.

Full details on next year’s event can be obtained by visiting

Floordaily.net

the website: stone-tec@nuernbergmesse.de.

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News

PMSA’s international product fair back by popular demand

Representatives from FLOORS attended an international product fair

year’s event bigger and better, with additional exhibitors, product

showcasing the finest equipment and technology in the building

launches and demonstrations.”

sector, which was successfully hosted by Pan Mixers South Africa

Guest speakers at this event included Clem Sunter, a world-

(PMSA) – one of Africa’s leading manufacturers of concrete block,

renowned global strategist and scenario-planner, who held an

brick and paving machinery.

intriguing talk on the future of the South African construction

The fair, which was held on 15 and 16 September 2010 at PMSA’s

industry, and Jean Tresfon, who gave a presentation on ‘green’ build-

factory in Graniet Street, Jet Park, featured a range of new products,

ing and how the concrete industry can capitalise on this growing

including a European-manufactured Fiori self-loading concrete

trend.

mixer that has an on-board weighing system.

Attendees were also provided with tips and advice by numerous

Following the success of last year’s event, PMSA hosted the fair for

experts in their respective fields, including a talk presented by the

a second year running to provide industry with the perfect opportu-

Cement and Concrete Institute (C&CI) on the sustainability of the

nity to learn more about new trends and technology in the industry.

concrete industry.

PMSA director Walter Ebeling says: “We feel that it is our responsi-

Established in 1976, PMSA is a leading manufacturer of a wide

bility as market leaders to showcase the technologies that are avail-

range of concrete block, brick and paving machinery, turbine and

able to our customers. Last year’s fair was a great success, with more

counter-current pan mixers and batching plants for the Concrete,

than 400 people attending the two-day event. We have made this

Refractory and Ceramic industries.

Chryso acquisition of a.b.e. Construction Chemicals The complex process of Chryso Southern Africa acquiring a.b.e.

“Last year, Chryso expanded its product range to include

Construction Chemicals, which started in February this year, has

cementitious products such as grouts, repair materials, water-

now reached its final stages. The move will result in a.b.e. delist-

proofing and other construction products. This move has been

ing from the JSE, with Chryso taking ownership and manage-

extremely successful and the a.b.e. acquisition will accelerate our

ment control of the company by the end of September 2010.

growth into these market sectors.”

Norman Seymore, the current managing director of Chryso, will be CEO of both businesses after the acquisition is completed. “Initially, a.b.e. and Chryso will run independently from one

“Future plans for a.b.e. include reinforcing the management team, upgrading the production facilities, and strengthening the research and development programmes while using existing a.b.e.

another while integration possibilities and opportunities are

channels into the market to intro-

studied. However, there will be strong cooperation between all

duce new products that further

the departments and divisions of the two companies,” explains

enhance the a.b.e. current product

Seymore.

range.”

“Chryso Southern Africa has established itself as a major sup-

“I am extremely excited about this

plier of concrete and cement admixtures in South Africa due to

deal and see benefits for Chryso

its investment in plant infrastructure and new technologies as

and a.b.e. as well as for suppliers

well as technical and customer support. a.b.e. provides specialised

and customers,” Seymore adds.

construction products to the building, civil engineering and maintenance industries, and is a long-standing and successful business with a large network of branches and distributors,” he says.

Norman Seymore, MD of Chryso, will assume the position of CEO of both Chryso and a.b.e. Construction Chemicals, after the Chryso acquisition is completed.

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News

ECONOMISING! An elderly man in Mumbai calls his son in New York and says, “Hate to ruin your day, son, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are getting a divorce; 35 years of marriage... that much misery is enough!” “Dad, what are you talking about?” the son screams. ‘We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,’ the old man says. ‘We’re sick of each other, and I’m sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Hong Kong and tell her!’ Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. ‘Like heck they’re getting divorced,’ she shouts, ‘I’ll take care of this.’ She calls Mumbai immediately, and screams at the old man, ‘You are not getting divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR??’ and she hangs up. The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. ‘Okay’, he says, ‘It’s all set. They’re both coming for our anniversary and paying their own airfare.’

Bamboo brand is growing

FLOORS recently visited the Teragren South Africa Head Office in Durban and established that we will be spearheading the marketing of Teragren’s exciting new Portfolio range which will be available in South Africa next year, along with its other quality ranges of solid bamboo flooring and panels. Formed in 1994, Teragren is a US-based manufacturer of fine bamboo flooring, panels and veneers that believes in providing both high-quality products and excellent customer service together with environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing and business practices. Teragren South Africa is headed up by Sean Howell, who has good experience with solid flooring and engineered panels. He is very excited about the role that the Southern African Wood & Laminate Flooring Association (SAWLFA) is playing in regulating an industry which sorely needs a shared knowledge base from which to draw on,

whereby the public can enjoy the benefits of solid flooring and panels knowing they are dealing with credible suppliers and installers.

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News

New range of

membrane products Sika has introduced the Sikalastic 800 Series of highly impermeable membrane products distributed by Sika in South Africa. The Sika 800 Series comprises a range of new products with product characteristics that include being highly impermeable; elastomeric – which provides their load-bearing and impact-resistant qualities, and well as being creep-resistant; tough in terms of being shear- and tearresistant; abrasion- and erosion-resistant; and seamless – even when complex curves and bends are required. They also have the capability of bridging and spanning across cracks and joints. Easy and fast to apply, (gel 3-11 seconds, dry in one minute); these membranes provide strong adhesion to the substrate, have no volatile organic compounds, and the final finish avoids the need for a protective screed. Full information on these new products can be found on the website www.sika.co.za.

Groundbreaking California Carpet Recycling Bill Carpet and Rug Institute President Werner Braun says California’s AB

pet recycling. Stewardship plans will encompass consumer educa-

2398, Carpet Product Stewardship Bill, could “usher in a whole new

tion efforts, the assessment of fees, and progress measurement and

phase of carpet recycling”. The bill represents new thinking in the

reporting.

area of product stewardship in that it incentivises carpet recycling

To develop their required stewardship plan, manufacturers will

by rewarding those entrepreneurs and inventors who produce mar-

work with California regulatory agencies with the help of the Carpet

ketable products made from post-consumer carpet.

America Recovery Effort (CARE), which was founded in 2002.

The bill, which has been passed by both houses of the California

“There is nothing else in the sustainability arena that compares

Assembly and is awaiting the Governor’s signature, generates rev-

with this Carpet Stewardship Bill,” said Shaw Industries’ Rick Hooper,

enue through an initial assessment of 5 cents per square yard of

who served on the CRI committee tasked with negotiating the bill

carpet sold in California.

with California legislators.

Further, manufacturers, either singly or as a group, will be required

CRI News

to establish a stewardship plan with the state for implementing car-

Autumn-winter ceramic tile collections now online The Product Gallery, a web page containing the autumn-winter 20102011 collections of Italian ceramic tiles and ceramic sanitaryware produced by Confindustria Ceramica member companies, is now online. More than 250 new images can be viewed in the gallery at http://products.italiatiles.com.

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Together with the previous five six-monthly collections, this brings to more than 1 500 the number of high-resolution images present, making this the largest multimedia site in the world for these industrial design products. The Product Gallery is designed to provide rapid information on all new products in two different ways: via the individual product sheets complete with technical characteristics; and via vignettes illustrating products in some of their possible applications. Floor and wall tiles and ceramic sanitary articles are presented in a range of materials and both modern and classic colours.

News

Birthday opening for new showroom Kirk Marketing was established in 2002 and its initial products were

to encourage retail customers, architects, designers, quantity

tile trims designed by a team with more than 11 years experience

surveyors and contractors to visit and see the actual products on

in this sector of the flooring industry.

display – which includes its proprietary M.Trim range; M.Tools, a

To facilitate the distribution of its product ranges throughout Southern Africa, Kirk established its head office and main warehouse in Gauteng, followed quickly by warehouses and offices in

comprehensive range of tiling tools; and M.Chem, a user-friendly quality range of tile care chemicals. Kirk Marketing also enjoys distribution agreements with major

Cape Town and Durban. In 2006, to cover the Eastern Cape, a sales

international manufacturers including BENDI quality profiles ideal

office was opened in Port Elizabeth with a warehouse following in

for curved floors; DURAL – offering an extensive range of wood,

2008.

laminate trims and quality tile trims; RUBI – superior electric and

Now, as the company celebrates its 8th Anniversary, Kirk

manual tile cutters; and VEXCOLT, one of the world’s leading sup-

Marketing has opened a new showroom at its head office in

pliers of structural movement joints. All these ranges will also be

Johannesburg that will enable its full sales programme to be

found on display in the new showroom.

displayed and demonstrated, including high-quality trims, tools,

Kirk are primarily wholesalers for the bulk of their products, and with over 600 customers throughout Southern Africa the full range

chemicals, laminate flooring and accessories FLOORS in Africa attended the official

of products is distributed to the whole of South Africa and neighbouring countries including Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and

opening of this extensive showroom which now allows Kirk

Angola. Additionally, Kirk exports worldwide from the Gauteng office and warehouse. Kirk’s mission statement is simple: “Kirk Marketing is dedicated to be the leader in our industry through commitment to our products, clients and staff with integrity and without compromise.” With priority goals of having the correct products and solutions for the market place; the insistence on having an unequalled service ethic; and the aim of setting and maintaining a high standard of product, support and expertise to the flooring industry, Kirk is geared to supply you. You should take the opportunity of contacting the numbers shown below to obtain a conducted tour of the new showroom, together with obtaining full technical information. It is well

Kirk Marketing Head Office: 011 444 1441 Helpline: 086 110 2165

Email: sales@kirk.co.za Website: www.kirk.co.za

Cape Town: 021 949 2226 Durban: 031 564 1175 Port Elizabeth: 0860 547 573

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Q&A

News

Can I use a steam cleaner on my laminate floor? Wow! Certainly not! Basically, your laminate flooring is relatively simple to maintain. Regular sweeping and/or using a vacuum

Epoxy floor screeds used in the decorative industry

cleaner should be sufficient. You can occasionally clean with a mop slightly moistened with a cleaning product recommended by your supplier or installer, but make sure you mop up any spills quickly. Like wood floors, you should never flood a laminate floor with water. And, don’t use soap-based detergents, abrasive cleaners, scouring powder, wax or any type of polish. Is it risky to choose tiles based on photos in a catalogue rather than on tile samples? The short answer is yes. The printed colour, although very similar, will almost invariably be different from the real thing, and even gloss finishes or textures may not be effectively portrayed by the printed version. So, you can use a catalogue to make a preliminary selection of several tiles, but then use samples of the tiles to make the final decision. Another important point concerns the batch of tiles you receive. Make sure the tiles all come from the same production batch to ensure colour consistency. Large areas of tiling may require tiles from several different production batches, and these may have slightly different tones. Although it is the same tile and colour, these tone differences are an inevitable result of the technological characteristics of the production process. Take advice from your supplier or installer; it may be necessary to mix the tile boxes to spread what will be miniscule differences in colour throughout the area to be tiled. Do I have to have an underlay with my carpet? No. It’s your choice! However, although it is perhaps not quite as necessary in a low-traffic area such as a bedroom, a good quality underlay will enhance the feel and the service life of even the cheapest carpet, and is well worth the extra expense. Don’t accept the old ‘give-away’ underlays that seemed like (and probably were!) waste material; today’s underlays are selected for their performance in defined areas, and will really contribute towards underfoot comfort, appearance retention and a longer life. Other benefits of using a decent underlay are: the provision of better acoustic performance; improved thermal insulation; and better impact resistance. What is a ‘resilient’ floorcovering? Resilient flooring means materials that have a relatively firm surface, yet characteristically have ‘give’ and ‘bounce back’ to their original surface profile from the weight of objects that compress their surface. Resilient flooring materials are made in various shapes and sizes including both tile and sheet form. Common types of resilient flooring include: vinyl; vinyl composition; linoleum; rubber; cork; and PVC – available in tile form only. In residences, resilient flooring is commonly used in kitchens, bath-

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rooms, entryways, family rooms and increasingly in other areas of a house or apartment where rugs are used in conjunction with resilient flooring.

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Last month I wrote about the main differences between epoxy screeds and polyurethane screeds and their role in the food and beverage industry. Strangely enough, the main difference if we were to talk Rand values is the lack of knowledge of the polyurethane system, which is why the epoxy screed is still so popular and why it sells so well. This month I am writing about epoxy screeds again, not for industrial use but for the decorative market. I have been very busy assisting in developing the first 3mm thick epoxy screed system in Africa, using imported coloured stone aggregate. It is being launched, sold and marketed exclusively through the largest paint/flooring franchise group in Africa. This type of flooring system has been in existence for several years overseas and has seen widespread global success. Last year I was involved in applying this system (which is in keeping with international standards) at the 1 400m2 Multichoice Customer Care Centre in Gauteng. The success of this project made us think about fast-tracking it into the South African market, where there is a massive gap in the market for this floor type. The market has always craved quality seamless flooring finishes and the only real options are pigmented cementitious floor screeds, which are not uniform in colour or appearance. Shrinkage cracks can develop easily in these cementitious systems. However, epoxy screed floors are incredibly hardwearing, impact-resistant, stain-resistant, chemicalresistant, jointless, anti-slip, hygienic, underfloor-heating compliant, colourfast and easy to clean and maintain. The floor colour is consistent throughout, which makes it a suitable companion for many different housing and architectural styles, from classic to modern to contemporary. Should you be interested in contacting me in this regard you can e-mail me at jeremy@seamlessflooring.co.za.

Jeremy Stewart Flooring specialist and owner of Quartz Caret

News

Carpets for Airports website Author George Pendle, a frequent traveller, has developed a website that depicts airport carpet he and others have seen on their travels. His website, carpetsforairports.com, recruits travellers to take photos of carpets and send them in.

“

rapped in an airport? Bored out of your skull? Become an Airport Carpeteer”, the website suggests. “All carpets gratefully received.

All photographs fully credited.” The site also provides opinions, many of them humorous, about carpets designs and their surroundings. Pendle said he prefers carpets in airports because they are more welcoming than other surfaces. In a profile by the Los Angeles Times, Pendle said, “Flooring is considered mundane. We’re all too busy looking at the sky and the planes to look at the ground beneath us. So I thought it would be a fun experiment to compare and contrast airport carpets from around the world.” Floordaily.net FLOORS found the website interesting with not much in the way of technical information and other detail, and a bit slow to traverse the globe! However, it does have a certain appeal.

CREATIVE CONSULTANT A fresh approach to visual solutions Agatha Romanos: 082 453 4617 agatha.romanos@gmail.com

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Foundation

In this issue we bring you the last of the views and opinions (on renovations and conversions) expressed by speakers at the contractworld. congress held in conjunction with Domotex Hannover 2010 earlier this year.

Strange forms of life

In Portugal, we are often confronted with the job of converting an existing building. However, we have a relatively neutral attitude to this idea. After all, the old is not necessarily good only because it has been re-designed, and it cannot therefore be guaranteed to last forever. Converting a building only makes sense if it seamlessly joins up to the here and now of the present. A reconstruction merely for the sake of the past is of no benefit to anyone and, in the end, even harms that which one actually wants to preserve. Or, as John Ruskin aptly said 150 years ago, “So-called preservation can be the worst kind of destrucNuno Griff

tion.”

Embaixada, Lisbon, Portugal Spatial processes

When we want to convert an old building for modern use, it is important for us to preserve at least part of the physical traces of the building’s past. Clients often see things differently – they basically want a new building. But an architectural process that concerns existing buildings is not a form of new building construction but the architecture of the palimpsest. What already exists or has half disappeared is overlaid with layers of the present. Part of the architecture is already there. In principle, the aim is to understand what the existing structure lacks in order to function well Claus Anderhalten

today under completely different conditions and then to add what is lacking to that which exists.

Anderhalten Architekten, Berlin, Germany

Arquitectura concrete If you take a particular letter out of all the words of a text, it is usually still possible to read the text and understand it. This perhaps means that the missing letter was superfluous. Pieces of architecture of the past that continue to exist in the form of ruins are such texts with missing letters. Nevertheless, they still have meaning for us. If we are asked to partially convert preserved historical buildings, we are therefore not interested in putting all the missing letters back into place. The gaps in the text are important places for our imagination in order to credibly measure the distance between the past and present. Enrique Subejano

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Nieto Subejano Arquitectos, Madrid, Spain

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