VOL 29.3 April/May 2011 R38 incl. VAT
IN THIS ISSUE: Carpets • Final Floor Solutions • Residential Specification Choices
Online Catalogues • Concrete Polishing Techniques • Revestir 2011
Nouwens Commercial products for
N EW
Offices • Executive Commercial • Churches • Shops • B&B’s
Colour versatility from Nouwens Copenhagen
copenhagen
Looking for style, durability with some colour variation? For installations of sufficient scale with particular colour requirements, let Nouwens assess your needs and provide you with versatile stylish alternatives to our existing Copenhagen colour range. For further details email francis@nouwens.co.za . 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 “So much more than just a carpet.” This contemporary interpretation in pure wool simply has it all – a modern natural look in the most desirable quality carpet fibre available, even today.
SABS GRADING Heavy Commercial SABS USE CLASS 5 SABS FIRE RATING 3 TYPE Woven PILE FIBRE 100% Pure New Wool WIDTH 3.66 m AVAILABILITY Standard Range of 5 colours and 2 designs ENDS per 10 cm ±27,5 SHOTS RATE per 10cm ±45 PILE FIBRE MASS ±680 g/m² TOTAL MASS ±1 850 g/m² PILE HEIGHT ±3 mm TOTAL HEIGHT ±4,5 mm BASE CONSTRUCTION Polyester / pp yarn SECONDARY BACKING ActionBac
Copenhagen
Madison Square
Twenty Ten
Kirman
Copenhagen is a really exciting innovation of the highest quality, but due to its unique construction, it offers heavy commercial, pure wool benefits at prices way below those of conventional wool carpets! Copenhagen comes in a weave and a rib pattern and has been widely used in many commercial installations ranging from offices and boardrooms to hotels and lodges – all with rave reviews! “So much more than just a carpet.” This contemporary interpretation in pure wool simply has it all – a modern natural look in the most desirable quality carpet fibre available, even today.
Contracta Spec
The superfine Nouwens 6-ply yarn, durable weave and ActionBac finish qualify Copenhagen for a Heavy Commercial SABS use class. Copenhagen feels great underfoot when installed on a quality underlay, but is equally suitable whether fitted in this manner or applied direct to a screed for that modern minimalist feel. Copenhagen also comes with all the possible peace-of-mind endorsements – the SABS mark of quality, Nouwens Wool Collection, Platinum Edition and a Five-Year Quality Guarantee.
Colours
or contact Nouwens Carpets direct at the following numbers 011 796 5180, 021 447 2856 or 031 502 5730.
REFERENCE Guide
COVER STORY Great new corporate carpet
Access Flooring
The new Avant Garde level cut loop carpet represents the latest in luxurious carpeting, with a textured square pattern created by combining level-loop and cut-pile fibres that adds a new dimension to corporate and hospitality carpeting. Manufactured from Stainproof SDX yarn, its striking checkerboard pattern and the array of contemporary colours provide the perfect match in creating modern elegance. See for yourself on pages 50-51.
Bates Access Flooring
37
p43
Peter Bates Flooring
p41, p47, p85
Adhesives / Coatings FloorworX
p78
Smoothedge
p102
Zimbo’s Trading
p5
Carpets Belgotex Floorcoverings
p2, p48 - 49
Desso
65
81
p55
Floors International SA
p22 - 23
FloorworX
p52 - 53
Nexus (Belgotex Floorcoverings)
FRONT COVER, p2
Nouwens Carpets
Inside Front Cover
Peter Bates Flooring
p41, p47, p85
Van Dyck Carpets
p6, p14 - 15
Ceramic, Porcelain and Stone Falcon Tiling Products Kenzan Quality Tiles Tile Africa
V OLUME 29.3 • APRIL/MAY
•
2011
p75 p9 p89
To page 5
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
3
COMING UP! RESIDENTIAL MARKET:
COMMERCIAL MARKET:
The next issue of FLOORS in Africa will have three exciting features that will undoubtedly create a lot of interest amongst our professional readers, and the trade. Make sure you are in it!
The Performers
This is the third year running that we have published The Performers,
DISTRIBUTION:
135 000 COPIES
and it has become one of the most sought-after and well read features of the year. The ever-changing flooring industry continues to produce topperforming products, professionals and services, and this feature sets out to discover what makes a company or product excel in this
What does partnering with the GREAT FLOORING GUIDE give you? A Aproximately 1 million actively buying consumersB B Spend less, reach more C Largest décor print order in S.A D Multi-platform exposure: print, online & exhibitions E Experienced expertise F ALL OF THE ABOVE
DEADLINE: 31 MAY 2011 DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE AUGUST 2011 • DECOREX JOHANNESBURG 4 000 copies SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tuis 60 000 copies • Home 36 000 copies • ELLE DÉCORATION 31 000 copies
OCTOBER 2011 • FLOORS in Africa 4 000 copies ONGOING • Online publishing (supported by on-line advertising andpress releases)
Tel 012 347 7530 Fax 012 347 7523 E-mail joanna@mediainafrica.co.za Website www.mediainafrica.co.za
competitive industry.
Resilient flooring
Always a winner, this is our in-depth annual feature on this popular genre of floorcoverings. A wide range of flooring materials and products claim to be durable – but what constitutes a complete resilient flooring solution? We take a look at vinyl, linoleum, rubber, cork and other types of flooring and speak to developers and designers to find out what type of benefits each option can provide.
Specialised flooring
A newcomer to our features list. The increased number of public and private industry projects have led to a huge amount of specialised flooring being specified, particularly where there is a specific need in unique niche flooring applications. We talk to the experts about flooring in sports facilities, the healthcare sector, glass applications, exhibition flooring as well as safety regulations for these applications amongst other specialised options available today.
Roxanne Mancini: roxanne@mediainafrica.co.za Joanna Papastamopoulos: joanna@mediainafrica.co.za Tel: +27 12 347 7530 www.mediainafrica.co.za
REFERENCE Guide Cleaning & Maintenance Fibre Clean FloorworX Matco Marketing MilliCare Sebo
continued from page 3 p64 p45 p77 p59 p63
Exterior Flooring & Paving Belgotex Floorcoverings H&M Flooring
p2 p43
Industrial, Resin & Concrete Flooring BASF Flowcrete SA Lafarge SA Mapei StonCor Africa Verni
p8 p35 p69 p7 p73 p31
Resilient Flooring Belgotex Floorcoverings Floors International SA Peter Bates Flooring Polyflor SA Traviata
p2 p22 - 23 p41, p47, p85 p30 p26
Seamless Flooring Quartz Carpet StonCor Africa
p3 p7
Sports & Exterior Flooring Belgotex Floorcoverings Matco Marketing Van Dyck Carpets
p2 p27 p6, p14 - 15
Training & Skills Development Belgotex Floorcoverings Academy Underfloor Heating Speedheat
p92 - 93
p57
Wood, Laminates & Bamboo Barrow Flooring Peter Bates Flooring Rhoms Timberworld Suntups Solid Wooden Flooring Teragren
Back Cover p41, p47, p85 p86 - 87 p29 Inside Back Cover
Accessories and other Easy Skirt Falcon Tiling Products Genesis HTC Superfloor Kirk Marketing SA Institute of Interior Design (IID) Supreme Mouldings Transiton Transport (Transportation)
p80 p75 p79 p74 p71 p91 p76 p96 - 97
Note: Editorials excluded, listed in alphabetical order
Wood specifying
at its best! MEMBER
“TM”
S.A. WOOD & LAMINATE FLOORING ASSOCIATION
Cape Town +27 21 511-4693 | Johannesburg +27 11 794-1012 info@zimbostrading.co.za | www.zimbostrading.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
5
EDITORIAL Comment Liezel van der Merwe
Roxanne Mancini
As Autumn is in well swing, we are all preparing for the cosy winter months that offer many devouring hot chocolate & latte moments with our clients! This will of course be thoroughly enjoyed during all the exciting and compelling strategy meetings! Having just returned from a wonderful trend workshop hosted by the IID on future trends in the interior design, we are armed with new and fresh ideas to take our respected magazine “the flooring mouthpiece” to the next level. Many new opportunities await us and if you haven’t heard already our sampling service is taken off with great results! This issue offers a realm of valuable must read information: Carpets (p37): Inspiring carpet ideas, materials and design applications to broaden the specifiers’ professional creativity. This article will feature new products as well as tried and tested carpeting for decoratively finished interiors. Final Floor Solutions (p65): Some systems and treatments are essential, others merely cosmetic, but architects, designers, contractors and developers need to know what is available in the wonderful world of floor finishes. Trims, joints, coatings, sealants, screeds, mats and rugs, skirtings, application techniques, aftercare, anti-slip treatments, polishes, anti-stain treatments – the list is endless, but this issue will aim to bring all these solutions to the fore to enable people get the very best out of their floors. Residential Specification Choices (p81): This feature is dedicated to the flooring product options for security complexes, townhouses and upmarket residences. We will be speaking to real estate managers, design professionals and developers to find out what specification options are available. Also look out for our feedback on the Revestir show, our attendance proved to be an invigorating experience! We continue to strive towards building the flooring industry and being a reliable product to get news, views and product information through to the right people at the right time! Next issue we find ourselves reporting on performers in the industry, resilient floor types and last but not least specialised flooring options available. ‘Til next time!
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
Founder: Schalk Burger
Editor: Liezel van der Merwe Cell 082 7700 799
Financial Director: Fanie Venter
Features & News Editor: Dave Soons Tel 012 807 7012
Business Unit Manager: Roxanne Mancini Cell 082 779 5751
Business Unit Co-ordinator: Madelein Smith
Client Support: Joanna Papastamopoulos Cell 072 300 0867
Design and Layout: Jakolien Strydom
Financial Manager: Gerda Bezuidenhout Liezel van der Merwe
Roxanne Mancini
EDITOR
BUSINESS UNIT MANAGER
Proofreader: Signa Evans
REPRO & PRINTING: Business Print Centre
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
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FI nena ot uv raet i Foonc & u sD: eAsui tghne n t i c F l o o r i n g
8
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Innovation & Design
Full bodied porcelain tile range
Great quality tiles for Tembisa Mall suited to a high foot-traffic floor.
“Our initial tile supplier let us down with timing, and it was Kenzan Tiles that could give us a decent quality tile that was in stock, but it worked out well and the flooring actually turned out better than it was originally planned.” - Louis Pretorius (Project architect – MDS Architects)
T
he Tembisa Mall project required a good quality porcelain tile range that was durable enough to be installed into a high foot traffic environment.
It was essential that the floor could be easily cleaned, especially considering it
was specified in such an expansive area, and so a range with low water absorption and surface porosity was necessary. The desired look was to have a neutral floor with bold inlays in different areas to create certain patterns. Floor tiles were specified and ordered, but they never arrived on time. Based on this, the architect chose one of Kenzan Tiles’ full-bodied porcelain ranges. “Kenzan had a great range of quality imported products in stock, so we found something else which looked similar and was extremely well priced to replace our initial order when it did not arrive on schedule. We are using Kenzan again now on a different project, because they gave us good service” says Louis. Kenzan Quality Tiles Port Elizabeth: 041 373 456
Cape Town: 021 510 8310
Johannesburg: 011 467 8533 www.kenzan.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
9
Innovation & Design
Review of Revestir 2011 Expo Revestir is one of the largest natural stone and ceramic tile exhibitions in the world, and this year’s event – hosted by Anfacer, the Brazilian Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers, and held on 22-25 March at the Transamérica Expo Centre in Sao Paulo, Brazil – confirmed the exciting new technologies and products developments that put the Latin American manufacturers in a challenging position worldwide. 10
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Innovation & Design
M
edia in Africa, represented by Walls&Roofs in Africa senior journalist Adrienne Brookbanks, was at Revestir 2011 to get all the inside information and exclusive pic-
tures on what has been happening over the past 12 months.
International guests Besides launching the worldwide trends in ceramic, wood laminates, granites, marbles, glass products, ornamental stones and mosaics at the expo, Revestir welcomed international icons in contemporary architecture in an International Forum of Architecture and Construction aimed at architects, interior designers, engineers and retailers. Revestir is the largest covering materials trade fair in Latin America, and this year’s show had exhibitors from over 40 countries and visitors from over 65 countries. “Over 45 000 people visited Expo Revestir this year and we expect that the business created will amount to US$160million (+/-ZAR688-million),” said Antonio Carlos Kieling, president of Expo Revestir and CEO of Anfacer. Adrianne Brookbanks
Trends from Brazil Natural stone Granite, limestone and marble were the main flooring products at this year’s event, which is not surprising given the extensive natural resources that South America has in this respect. Operating in the granite processing business since 1997, Brasigran has been developing an important role in the export of Brazilian Granite. The company maintains important partnerships with suppliers all around the country and enjoys the support and partnership of its mother company, Mineração Corcovado. Flooring ranges such as Classic, Exotic and Super Exotice make this company one of the industry leaders. www.brasigran.com.br Tracomal Minerals is one of the biggest of its type in Brazil, with 20 active quarries throughout the country and a cutting-edge factory with the most modern equipment. Also exhibits at all the relevant North American exhibitions. www.tracomal.com Specialising in travertine and granite, Meyra Stone is renowned for its high quality standards and is continually upgrading its technology to follow the developments in the natural stone market. www.meyrastone.com The Technistone range from Alicante showcased its exquisite quartz surfaces that provide a beautiful sheen that never needs sealing or polishing, and has a non-porous surface that is safe, hygienic, and bacteria- and stain-proof. Its latest technology exhibits a rustic look in quartz surfaces. www.alicante.com.br Levantina is a multinational company based in Spain that
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
11
Innovation & Design
has the largest number of quarries worldwide (a total of 69 quarries in Spain, Portugal and Brazil) and claims to have the largest reserve of marble in the world. Exclusive materials as marble, exotic granite, limestone, sandstone, and porcelain tiles are included in its sales programme, and there are several South African companies that import from them. www.levantina.com.br
Ceramic tiles In May 2010, Angelgres Ceramic Tiles expanded its production capacity of ceramic tiles to 1 100 000m² per month with the installation of another new production line, and recently the company has achieved ISO 13006 certification for its products. With frequent participation in major national and interna-
Using four different rock types in
tional fairs of the ceramic sector, Angelgres is one of the strongest
their compositions (Marble, Quartz,
Brazilian brands.
Granite and Dolomite), EcoPietra
www.angelgres.com.br
provides coatings from a homogeneous mixture of Portland cement, Ceramica Batistella is one of the
special aggregates of selected
largest manufacturers of ceramic
stone, additives and pigments, all
floor tiles that has been in existence
condensed through a vibration
in Brazil for 60 years, and is current-
process under vacuum, to provide
ly producing over 550 000m² per
ready-to-use coatings for concrete surfaces.
month for local and international
www.ecopietra.com.br
markets. Tarkett Fademac, was formed two
Renowned for its innovation in design, texture, colour and quality,
years ago when the Etex Group
the company recently added a new
sold Fademac – the leading resil-
product line consisting of floor and wall tiles under the brand name
ient flooring provider in Brazil – to
Rectified, together with a line of enamelled porcelain called Evolution.
Tarkett, as part of the latter’s strat-
www.batistella.com.br
egy to develop the Group’s activities in South America.
In 1987, with the inauguration of its
Fademac, with a production facil-
first Compactto porcelain tile fac-
ity manufacturing over 4-million square metres of vinyl flooring,
tory, Pamesa Ceramica became the first manufacturer of these tiles in
had been a Tarkett distributor in the region for five years, so this
Spain. It also has a Brazilian subsid-
takeover was a logical step.
iary which boasts a huge produc-
www.fademac.com.br
tion plant capable of producing 36 Selling architectural concepts and
200m² of porcelain tiles per day.
fittings, Arkpad also provides a wide
www.pamesa.com
range of flooring materials, includBiancogres Ceramica is a relatively
ing carpet, natural stone, porcelain
new company (formed in 1999)
tiles, bamboo flooring, and cemen-
that believes in creating new
titious floors.
trends rather than following them,
www.arkpad.com.br
and its sales programme of high-
12
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
end tiles is targeting an upmarket
If there is one thing that Revestir
clientele that demand sophisti-
2011 has done, it is to let the world
cated products.
know that the flooring industry in Brazil and South America is alive
www.biancogres.com
and well, and still developing in market share and technology.
Innovation & Design
NE
W
Looking for samples? How often do you want to obtain samples or technical information on a specific type of floorcovering and either don’t have the time, or have no idea where to find what you’re looking for?
FLOORS in Africa has the answer! Contact us and we will put you in touch with reputable suppliers or manufacturers in South Africa.
Samples Brochures Specifications Technical information This will not only save you time, but you will be dealing with people of integrity who are marketing quality products and services.
To get us started on your behalf, email us at
samples@floorsmag.co.za F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
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Innovation & Design
14
F LO O R S M a rc h A p r i l 2 0 1 1
Innovation & Design
F LO O R S M a rc h A p r i l 2 0 1 1
15
New online interactive catalogue for mosaics
Innovation & Design
The celebrated Italian-based SICIS Art Mosaic Factory has announced that its Basic mosaic collection which provides amazing flooring applications for these high-quality mosaic tiles for any residential or commercial building is now available online.
T
his extensive 118-page catalogue is provided with full colour representation and technical data –
depicting all the colours and formats available. An experience that is certain to command the attention of designers, this catalogue can be found on the website: http://www.sicis.it/catalogo/basic_2011/ website.htm
16
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Innovation & Design
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
17
Innovation & Design
More trends from Europe 1
In the previous issue of FLOORS we featured the latest innovations and new products from Domotex – here is a further selection:
This company has adapted its six high quality resilient flooring collections to include highly modern looks designed in both wood and in stone, which have been developed for private use or in commercial property which are laid and glued onto the subsurface in the usual way. Each individual collection is equipped with PU surface finishing to ensure maximum durability and easy cleaning and care, and is suitable for damp rooms, compatible with floor heating, offers pleasant room acoustics, and, thanks to low installation heights, is superb for use when refurbishing or renovating. One collection, with a top layer of 0.3 mm, suitable for private use, has now been divided into three collections, with 12 exquisite wood designs, each available in the attractive XL format 18 x 120, and includes among other things, new, trendy oak effects like Alba Oak Ice, Alba Oak Sand or Alberta Pine. Another, with ten classic and six new designs is aimed at the commercial property market www.windmoeller-flooring.de.
2
This product gives
Nothing is as inviting and natural-
wood a charming,
looking as a wooden floor: and the
‘used’ look, and is an
longer the elements are, the more
ecological alterna-
charming and classy the overall
tive to the conven-
effect. This new premium long
tional smoking and
plank collection with an exclu-
bleaching of oak,
sive wood look was launched at
which gives the floor
Domotex.
the charm and pati-
The traditional and the contem-
na of aged wood.
porary are combined in the multi-
As an easy-to-apply,
faceted or smooth uniform finishes
odourless, ecological
of this laminate floor collection, and
and non-hazardous
its extra-long panel format also con-
alternative to the
forms to current furnishing trends.
conventional bleaching and smoking of oak, its effect is
These new long panels are impos-
based on a reaction with the tannic acid within the oak.
ing in any high-end environment
It is suitable for both manual and industrial applications.
and have been created for lifestyles
Caustic or health hazardous impacts do not occur.
in which natural looks, longevity
This product is available in 51 variations for providing
an added touch of luxury. Eight
applied by roller, roller machine or spray gun, and provides
decor finishes with a synchronised
a perfect finish when used with the after-treatment of its proprietary white and grey oils. www.oil-lacke.de
18
and functionality are desired, with
bleached, smoked and black smoked finishes. It can be
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
3
grain structure, some with a chrome effect, were introduced in Hanover. www.witex.com
Innovation & Design
Thinking of a new look for your home? With this modular
A new edition of a business contract collection is presented for the
carpet system you can easily change the look of your home
first time; the collection clusters the brand’s deeply rooted cultural
any time you feel like it. With the square and semicircular
awareness and, with over 400 designs, rewrites the term ‘floor’ as
modules it is possible to create an attractive carpet for the
a designed space. Each design immortalises a special moment in
entrance hall and a large, grand carpet for the living room.
contemporary flooring architecture. Four thematically outlined seg-
Only your creativity is the limit for the combinations, made
ments: Styling; Working; Creating; and Comfort provide orientation
from modules of different colours and sizes.
within the collection.
www.vm-carpet.fi
Stimulating, atmospheric, mood-creating, Styling encompasses carpets whose spatial impact achieves refreshment in a store quickly and effectively, as good as predestining them for furnishing
4
shops and retail shopping. Functional, quiet, durable, the products in Working are especially well suited for equipping work areas and offices. Free, variable and individual, Creating invites the mind to design. Relaxing, comfortable, luxurious, the carpets in Comfort are tailored to meet the special needs at hotels. www.vorwerk-carpet.com
5
Deemed as being the ideal solution for flooring installation, this is a unique water-based aerosol adhesive that improves conditions for installers laying floors while also considerably reducing emissions during installation. It is claimed to be three times quicker and using 80% less product than a traditional adhesive. This revolutionary aerosol adhesive is suitable for all types of vinyl flooring, including major installations.
6
More than 1680m² of woollen carpet, exclusively dyed with 100% sustainable colours, were fitted in the new headquarters of ZLTO in Den Bosch,
www.tarkett.com
7
Netherlands, which is claimed to be the first time that natural colours rather than synthetic oil-based dyes could be used for such a large surface. The carpets were made from 100% traceable Laneve wool (by Wools of New Zealand). www.rubiapn.nl
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
19
Insight
Established in 1976, Pan Mixers South Africa (PMSA) is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of concrete block, brick and paving machinery, turbine and counter-current pan mixers and
Bring out the strength and the beauty of concrete floors batching plants for the concrete, refractory and ceramic industries.
and colour (in Sweden the ballast material consists mainly of granite in different fractional sizes); the colour of the cement (the cement can be pigmented); the concrete quality; and the grinding depth. With regard to the last-mentioned, by using different grit sizes and bonding matrix in the diamond segments the depth of the grind into the concrete surface can be controlled. The grinding depth will affect how much of the stones are exposed and the aesthetic appearance of the polished surface. An HTC Superfloor really makes one appreciate the advantages of having concrete as an exposed floor surface. Dirty, grey concrete floors are transformed into brilliant, easy-to-clean, environment-friendly and durable polished concrete floors. Floors are an important part of everyday life in both industrial areas and private residences but, as well as looking good, a floor also needs to be functional, which is why HTC Superfloor is becoming so popular. The glossy concrete surface is not just aesthetically pleasing – it brings a host of other benefits too. HTC Superfloor is an extremely economical option for all types of business activities. Compared with traditional methods for concrete
A
The processed construction concrete has an unlimited lifespan, that
lways striving to be in touch with, and in many cases suc-
is – the same as the lifespan of the building. The initial investment is
ceeding in being ahead of, the latest technological advances,
the same, or lower, than for traditional flooring solutions, but the low
PMSA has been highly successful in introducing to South Africa the
maintenance cost and the longer life make HTC Superfloor the most
Swedish-based HTC Superfloor method for grinding and polishing of
lucrative investment option for an industrial floor, and one in most
concrete floors.
other environments. The lifecycle cost is about 60% less than for tradi-
HTC Superfloor is a complete concept for polishing concrete.
tional flooring solutions.
The polishing method mechanically refines the concrete surface
Some strong benefits of HTC Superfloor as an industrial floor com-
by removing the top cement paste and exposing the underlying,
pared with epoxy include: virtually no impact on global warming; no
stronger concrete. The existing concrete is then ground and polished
acidification or eutrophication.
according to a dependable and thoroughly tested method with HTC’s effective concrete polishing equipment and diamond tools. The result is a floor with a completely even polished surface of
It also provides better friction on wet surfaces than does epoxy, with no difference on dry surfaces. It needs low-energy consumption for new installations, and in use it is virtually vibration-free for trucks. The
high quality, both functionally and aesthetically. For a surface to
HTC Superfloor also complies with the standards for industrial flooring
have all the technical benefits of an HTC Superfloor the grinding
in the electronics industry.
and polishing sequence must be performed according to the prescribed method. Several factors will affect the final appearance: The stone quality
20
floors or epoxy, for example, it offers unbeatable durability.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
In addition to industrial flooring, HTC Superfloor is well suited for many other environments such as supermarkets, stores, schools, hospitals, libraries, offices, garages and even in home environments, and can
Insight
provide a floor to suit all tastes. HTC Superfloor is available as four different concepts – Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze, which means a floor can be selected with a matt surface finish or a high-gloss finish. What all four of the HTC Superfloor concepts have in common is that they are functional, economical, eco-friendly, aesthetically appealing and perfect as industrial flooring. It also provides an outstanding floor for the electronics industry. The resistance tests conducted, both on floor joists and on concrete slabs on the ground, show that HTC Superfloor complies with the SS-EN 61340-5-1 standard for industrial floors in the electronics industry. Measured values fall within the range for the international IEC stan-
class Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Concrete is composed of pure natural materials. The coatings that are
dard and the American ANSI/ESD standard. Walk-around tests with
often applied to concrete have an adverse effect on the environment,
ESD shoes generally produce low or no static, and in no cases have the
but the Twister uses as much as 30 times less energy than traditional
limits stipulated in the standard for the handling of electronics been
flooring solutions. The Twister floor maintenance system is also claimed
exceeded by HTC Superfloor.
to be the only completely eco-friendly cleaning method, using nothing
Just add water
except ordinary water.
Another innovation from HTC that has been added to the PMSA sales
The HTC Twister cleaning method is suitable for all types of floors
programme with success is the Twister method of cleaning these floors.
(including industrial floors) enabling them to be kept clean with
By using this method, floors become cost-effective to maintain in a
the minimum of effort. All that is required is water – no chemicals
simple, environment-friendly way.
or polishing agents, which makes it gentler on floors and produces
The HTC Twister range of floor pads, manufactured in Sweden, offer a green alternative to toxic chemical detergents when maintaining
brilliant results. The Twister range offers an environment-friendly alternative to floor
floor surfaces, by making use of grinding discs coated with micro-
cleaning – by making use of grinding discs coated with microscopic
scopic diamonds.
diamonds, as opposed to using toxic chemical detergents, and the dia-
The pads, which come in sizes ranging from 100 mm – 700 mm, can
mond pads used fit most of the scrubbing machines on the market.
be fitted to any mechanical floor cleaner and used on a wide range of
For more information visit www.panmixers.co.za.
flooring – the highest profile to date in South Africa being the world-
*HTC Superfloor is a registered trademark
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
21
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Share Call: 0861 999 121 E-mail: sales@fisa.co.za
CONTACT NUMBER: 0861 999 121
INTELLIGENT FLOORING SOLUTIONS
Insight
With new offices at 40 Jan Smuts Avenue in Forest Town, Johannesburg, (incorporating a fantastic new showroom), Floors International South Africa (FISA) has entered 2011 with a bang – bringing improved product ranges and an even higher level of customer service to the local market. Iquabal Sindhi
The best in local service and international brands T
he brainchild of well-known entrepreneur and flooring expert
flooring, luxury vinyl tiles which are proving so popular in the retail
Iquabal Sindhi, FISA started in February 2004 as an importer
sector, and both linoleum and vinyl sheet floorcoverings that are in
and supplier of high-quality vinyl floorcoverings, and the sole South
constant demand by the healthcare and educational sectors for the
African distributor of the world-famous Tarkett commercial vinyl
superbly hygienic installations they provide.
flooring – thus rapidly gaining an exemplary reputation in the local However, FISA has added other internationally acclaimed flooring
Rephouse Marketed in South Africa solely by FISA, this company has a truly
products to its sales programme –including Rephouse resilient rubber
innovative range of recycled rubber flooring in both tile and sheet
floorcoverings, indoor and outdoor sports flooring; Burmatex tufted
formats and, being manufactured largely from old automotive tyres,
carpet tiles; Finnet compact fibre-bonded carpet tiles; Kiehl cleaning
the eco-friendly Rephouse range has become a firm favourite for
products and Vermop professional cleaning systems –all used in a
both indoor and outdoor sports flooring. One of the most prestigious
healthcare and educational sectors.
wide variety of applications.
Tarkett As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality vinyl and linoleum floorcoverings, Tarkett is recognised as an innovator within the industry.
installations for Rephouse was the running track provided for the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece. Used for a wide variety of sports and multipurpose play areas, Rephouse products are frequently favoured by schools, clubs, colleges, universities and public facilities, where the benefits of durability, flexibility, safety, underfoot comfort, slip resistance, low maintenance, With the market’s current insistence on sustainable solutions, the Tarkett iQ products marketed by FISA are based on up to 59% natural
ease of cleaning and aesthetic appeal make these products the perfect solution for indoor or exterior flooring applications.
raw materials and deliver valuable health, hygiene and welfare benefits. With iQ there is no need for the use of polish or wax – ever, and
Burmatex
it provides excellent indoor air quality with very low VOC emissions.
Marketed in South Africa solely by FISA, Burmatex is one of the
The iQ range can also be provided in conductive, antistatic or acous-
UK’s leading manufacturers of contract carpets and carpet tiles. The
tic variants.
company offers a product range spanning fibre-bonded and tufted
The Tarkett sales programme also includes safety floors, electrostatic
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F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
carpet in sheet and tile, with its focus on the design and creation of
Insight
Homairah Sindhi Malek
Shakirah Sindhi Nalla
Shiraaz Sindhi
Khalied Malek
innovative products to meet the needs of architects, specifiers and
major German manufacturers – Kiehl and Vermop. The Kiehl Group
contractors for the education, leisure, commercial, healthcare and
has been in existence for over 100 years, providing a comprehensive
public sectors.
selection of top-quality cleaning products and systems that has
Of excellent quality and provided with attractive, innovative designs
enabled the company to take its place amongst the leaders in this and colourways, the Burmatex range is in constant demand for upmarket offices and boardrooms, where it meets the needs of the most discerning designer or end-user.
aspect of the industry. FISA has already found considerable interest in this extensive range, which is now being promoted through the major food chains and facilities managers – solving problems and finding solutions for this
Finett Findeisen GmbH of Germany was established in 1921, but since 1970
important aspect of any business. Vermop is also amongst the leading international manufacturers of professional cleaning equipment. This is a family firm which can look back on a long tradition of over 80 years focused on customer orientation, flexible order processing and punctual delivery of a wide range of bucket systems, mops and other products and equipment. Often sold as a package involving the products and systems of both companies, FISA is able to provide a one-stop supply service for the cleaning and care of almost any application. Commenting on this extensive range of floorcovering and floorcare materials currently in the company’s sales programme, managing director Iquabal says, “FISA prides itself on using suppliers that have an equally impressive reputation for top quality and service delivery, and with a high regard for the environmental aspects of the manufacturing and installation of flooring products.”
it has gained an enviable reputation as an innovative manufacturer of
With Iquabal at the helm, ably assisted by the FISA management
needled contract carpets, sold throughout the world under the brand
team of Homairah Sindhi Malek, Shakirah Sindhi Nalla, Shiraaz Sindhi
name Finett.
and Khalied Malek, Floors International South Africa is set to take
Marketed in South Africa solely by FISA, these hardwearing carpet ranges are finding considerable favour in offices and other venues that experience high levels of foot traffic.
the market by storm with a complete programme of high-quality floorcovering products and systems. Floors International South Africa (FISA) Tel: 011 486 4900 / 0861 999 121
Kiehl and Vermop
Fax: 011 486 4249
Floorcare is taken care of by FISA with the sole distributorship of two
E-mail: sales@fisa.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
25
Insight
Epoxy emulsion ideal for DIY As one of South Africa’s leading manufacturers of specialised construction products to the building, civil engineering and building maintenance industries, a.b.e. Construction Chemicals has gained an excellent reputation for quality products and customer service that will be further enhanced by the recent takeover of the company by Chryso
SHUTTERSTOCK.INC
Southern Africa.
I
n addition to servicing these sectors with products and systems that incorporate the highest technology, a.b.e. also provides the
DIY market with a range of products that is readily available through builder’s merchants and hardware stores. An a.b.e product that is in constant demand by homeowners, facility managers and others involved in regularly providing quality flooring surfaces is abecote WD 337, a two-component, solvent-free, water-dispersed, polyamide-cured epoxy emulsion paint that is touch-dry within 4-6 hours to provide an attractive, smooth finish. abecote WD 337 is a protective, decorative and oil-resistant coating that provides a superior floor finish for cementitious, masonry and asphaltic surfaces. It may be applied to damp surfaces and is easily over-coated at any time for maintenance purposes. It also provides an economical primer for a.b.e.’s abeflo system which is a four-component, solvent-free, self-levelling flooring surface system. This system comprises a clear resin and hardener system, prepacked blended aggregate and a ready-for-use pigment paste. Supplied in 5-litre metal containers, abecote WD 337 will produce 8-10 m²/litre on a smooth surface, and is easily applied by brush or roller, or by airless spray, and because it is self-priming it does not need a primer before application. Manufactured in the ISO-certified factory of a.b.e. in Durban, abecote WD 337 is ideally suitable for the DIY market, where it provides an economical choice in comparison to most other floorcovering options. a.b.e. Construction Chemicals Tel: 011 306 9000 Website: www.abe.co.za
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F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Insight
Superb floors with new
engineered wood system Given that Suntups Wooden Flooring has been an exponent of solid wooden flooring over many years, eyebrows must have been raised when Steven Suntup announced that the company has decided to discontinue providing full solid wooden flooring.
T
Veneer flooring with a real wood top layer solid counterpart, which means that it has a lifespan equal to the full solid floor and can be sanded and sealed the same number of times.
he reason is simple. Steven says that he has been in the industry
The main benefit with the Suntups Super-Engineered wooden floor
now for over 20 years and throughout that time it was always a
is that, when laid in conjunction with the Elastilon installation system,
struggle to combat the continual movement in solid wooden flooring
it is 70% more stable, and in these applications, Suntups offers a 5-year
which often causes havoc with the floors during the climatic swings
humidity failure guarantee.
in South Africa between the rainy and dry seasons. To overcome this
If a failure is not through natural causes like floods, or unnatural
problem, Suntups has created its Super-Engineered wooden floor that
causes such as rising damp or geyser bursts, then they are generally
is a true innovation in the wood flooring sector.
caused by humidity and climatic changes. See Suntups website for
The Suntups Super-Engineered wooden flooring has a 5 mm or 6 mm top face of the selected hardwood above the tongue that is equal to its
details of the guarantee and ranges: www.suntups.co.za. *Super-Engineered is a registered trademark
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
27
Insight
Welding of vinyl floors With more than 50 years’ experience in the local and international flooring industry, Denver Coleman, chairman of Polyflor SA, answers questions posed by installers, architects and readers on their flooring challenges.* This issue’s question is a practical question relating to welding.
H
ow can I improve my welding procedures and thereby the quality of the installation?” Jaco Engels lower temperature, so as to avoid discolouration of the
Trimming Factory Edge
clear wear layer). 6. The welding gun should be drawn through the grooved area, feeding the welding rod (usually via a speed nozzle) at the right speed (with just a slight ripple showing at the side of the welded join). If it is pulled along too fast, the weld will not be secure. If, however, it is too slow, this will leave discoloured marks or a damaged surface at the side of the weld, due to overheating.
Overlap 5mm Factory Edge
Once the weld is completed, the weld can be trimmed using a hand-
sheeting and
trimmer in two cuts. The first cut with a spacer in place, and then once
scribe to get
cooled; the second cut with the spacer swivelled away, so that the final
tight joint
finish is flush with the top of the floor surface. There are also new “speed trimmers” available, which are used to trim
DENVER’S ANSWER:
the 2 cuts simultaneously and, are therefore very efficient thus saving
A good welded join will last the life of the floor sheeting.
you labour and costs. They are easy to use and reasonably priced. These
Fundamentally, using the correct equipment is key to a good weld: a
speed trimmers give a very good finish, but they will not make a bad
good cutting knife (Stanley or similar) with quality straight and hook
weld good.
blade; a good seam scriber; a correct grooving tool and steel straight-
holding the welding gun nozzle about 20 – 25mm above the welded
and a good quality edge-trimmer available from tool suppliers.
join and slowly moving along the join to slightly heat and fuse the top
Because the correct procedure is critical to a secure weld, it is important to remember the following: 1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
28
Once the weld is complete and trimmed, it should be glazed by
edge; a good quality trimming tool (either hand or speed-trimmer);
The sheeting should be overlapped, the joint marked with a
surface which will then glaze the weld to match the top surface of the floor sheeting. If the area is to take heavy traffic and suffer from poor maintenance,
scriber and then cut so as to give a relatively tight butt join;
it is advisable to brush a coat of recommended sealer directly onto
If the sheeting is to be butt-joined when laid, it is advisable
the trimmed weld. Use a 5mm wide flat artist brush for best results.
to trim off the factory edge which is often slightly round
Initially, the weld will have a higher gloss, but will soon attain the same
from the cutting process during manufacture;
finish as the floor surface with regular mopping, sweeping and buffing.
Once the join is secure and tight-butted, it should be
There are training facilities available to assist with learning the latest
grooved with the correct grooving tool (usually a P-type
methods of installation. The tangible improvement thereby achieved
U-groover and NOT a triangular or similar paint-scraper) to
will directly enhance the standard of your installation work and attract
2/3 through the material.
further confidence in the form of increased requests for you to install as
On large installations, a correctly set mechanical groover is
a result of good quality and trouble-free workmanship.
very efficient and would be beneficial. Make sure the width
If you have any flooring question relating to design, installation, problems
is set to 2.50mm-3.00mm max and that the groove is only
or commentary you’d wish to share with Denver, please e-mail him at
cut 2/3 through the material.
info@polyflor.co.za with ASK DENVER in the subject line or phone Blythe
The grooved butt joint should then be welded, taking care
at Polyflor on 011 6093500.
to ensure that the welding gun temperature is correctly set
* The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views or opinion of
for the material to be welded. (Heterogenous materials and
FLOORS in Africa and may not be applicable to all resilient floorcoverings.
material with a clear wear layer generally require a slightly
This article has not been solicited or sponsored by FLOORS in Africa.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Insight
Mat Curling now available in South Africa Matco, one of the leaders in matting for all applications, now brings ice-free curling to the continent of Africa with the Matco Curling roll-up mat.
Ice-free Curling slides into Africa Fun and social game Anyone can play Played on a carpet instead of ice Easy to transport and store
Matco Curling roll-up mat
C
urling is a fun and social past time that everyone can enjoy.
W NEAfrica in
Young or old, elderly or disabled, curling is a sport every-
one can play. In fact, it was developed especially for the Swedish Association for disabled persons. Matco Curling is based on the original sport of Curling, which is played on ice. Two teams glide heavy, polished ‘stones’ over the mat and try to get as close as possible to the white marked centre circle at the far end of the mat. A points system assigns the score according to the position of the stones, and the team that accrues the most points after a round is the winner. Very little is required to play – just the Matco Curling roll-up mat and a·two-colour set of curling stones – then one simply rolls out the mat, takes out the stones and the game can begin. Easy to transport and store, Matco Curling can be played anywhere; inside or outside (in dry weather) and on any flat non abrasive surface. Just like bowls, Matco Curling is a quiet, easy-going game that stimulates social contact, requires a certain amount of physical exercise and promotes an active mind. The game requires concentration, a certain degree of technique and tactical insight, and is ideally suitable as a promotional tool, senior citizens, retirement villages, recreation clubs, the hotel and leisure industry, youth groups, cultural centres and clinics.
Already the rage in Europe and Japan, Curling is a game which stimulates social contact in young and old, requires a certain amount of physical exercise and promotes an active mind. Matco, a leader in specialised matting, now brings ice-free Curling to Africa.
Please contact Matco for more information, or to book a Curling demonstration. Tel: 011 452 7961/2/3/4 Fax: 011 452 7965 E-mail: sales@matcomats.co.za Website: www.matcomarketing.co.za
Matco Head Office Tel: 011 452 7961/2/3/4 • Fax: 011 452 7965 sales@matcomats.co.za
www.matcomarketing.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
29
Insight
Performance Flooring
Supaflor-PU HD system also enhances the appearance of the floor area.
A cost-effective polyurethane resin screed system
aggregate surface together with a variable slip resistant texture that
Although specifiers and end-users have recognised the benefits of polyurethane resin screeds used as heavy-duty industrial flooring for some years now, the cost of these systems has often meant that they had to choose between using this effective, long term solution, whereby also having to keep within budget.
I
It is available in a wide range of colours and delivers a level, matt remains easy to clean. Supaflor-PU HD 9mm is able to withstand the thermal shock of steam cleaning, which makes it ideal for food industry applications. Application is fast and easy when compared to traditional resin flooring systems; as Supaflor-PU HD is monolithic and is applied in a single application. This increases application output and shortens the project program considerably. Chemical resistance test results show Supaflor-PU HD’s resistance to a wide range of acids, alkalis, solvents and sugars, and its ability to withstand high concentrations of sulphuric acid offers a major cost saving to alternative systems such as acid brick/tiling systems. The economy offered by Supaflor-PU HD, along with advantages
n addressing this problem, Verni Speciality Construction Products
such as resistance to chemicals, ultra-violet light, and thermal shock;
developed a locally manufactured system, Supaflor-PU HD, which
heavy-duty wear; fast application and the lack of requirement for
has effectively made this excellent technology available throughout
sealer coats that wear off, means that it can realistically replace
the market in southern Africa.
many of the typical commercially available polymeric systems.
Supaflor-PU HD is a heavy-duty floor screed system designed for
Managing director Vernon Botha says, “Verni Speciality Construction
industrial flooring that is subject to heavy chemical and mechanical
Products is both a specialist manufacturer and applicator which means
service. It provides both slip resistance and ease of cleaning which are
we provide the benefit of having no split responsibilities on guarantees
prime requisites in many industries, and thus it is typically used for
and no double markups. We undertake complete restoration of exist-
applications such as chemical and food processing, brewing, heavy-
ing projects and can also offer a turnkey solution from design stage
duty traffic zones, engineering and metal process areas.
to completion of new projects. “Verni’s head office is in Johannesburg,
The Supaflor-PU HD system can also provide considerable saving on site. These include fast application onto seven day old con-
with regional offices in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town; our scope of work, however, extends throughout Africa.”
crete or three day old polymer screed; short curing times; and as the
Verni Speciality Construction Products
system is monolithic it presents minimal joints, an advantage in the
Tel: 08611 VERNI (83764)
Cell: 082 822 9943
‘clean’ industries. Applied at a thickness of either 6mm or 9mm, the
E-mail: vernon@verni.co.za
JHB, PE, CT
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
31
Insight
Landscape and sports turf In 2010 Van Dyck Carpets and Tiger Turf launched new products in their comprehensive Leisure Range, from the cost-effective Terrace Turf to Vision, the only synthetic turf to comprise patented-technology using recycled materials.
I
n 2011 Van Dyck Carpets has broadened its offering to the artificial turf market by making some unique changes to the existing
line-up, while including three new products (Finesse, Fresco & Golf Putt/Multi) offering the high levels of quality and performance associated with the brand.
Urban Terrace is similar to the previous product under the brand name of Terrace Turf. This entry-level short-pile product is mainly used in the domestic market and is very suitable for general applications such as gardens, landscaping, terraces, patios, balconies, entertainment areas, change rooms and other multi-purpose applications. This product is made of 100% Tencate-branded fibrillated polypropylene.
Fresco (NEW) This product has a pile height of 24mm and is low-maintenance and a good all-rounder, primarily used as a budget-friendly solution for domestic applications such as domestic gardens, landscaping, terraces and similar multi-purpose applications. This product is made of 100% Tencate-branded polyethylene and because of its construction it is recommended to use a sand in-fill.
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F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Insight
Finesse (NEW) is a best-value-for-money product that is both
sporting applications that require turf, such as Hockey, Rugby,
hardwearing and highly practical, which is why it can be used for
Football, Tennis, Bowls, Golf and Multi-Purpose activities, all differ-
domestic, civil and commercial applications. It is made of a combi-
entiated by each product testing by FIFA, ITF, FIH, IRB & RFU.
nation of texturised and straight polyethylene monofilament fibres,
The introduction of all sporting turf has already begun to spill
and by combining two different yarn colours this product shows a
over into the Landscape sales of Van Dyck Carpets; more and more
natural-looking surface.
residential, commercial hospitality and corporate clients are including “chill areas” in landscape applications, while synthetic five-a-side
Vision V2
soccer fields are becoming more and more popular with clubs and
This highly innovative and unique artificial turf is a natural-looking
communities alike.
landscaping product that not only offers fantastic aesthetic appeal,
Van Dyck Carpets and Tiger Turf also continue to show their
but has the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly
commitment to the South African Rugby Legends, with a vision of
as it utilises a fully recycled polyester yarn in combination with a
ensuring that their contributions to this organisation will assist com-
monofilament polyethylene yarn. This combination of two different
munities and programmes.
yarn colours together with the unique shape of the yarns gives this product a very natural look and structure. Vision V2 is ideal for any upmarket domestic, civil or commercial
While selling artificial turf is hot business at present, Van Dyck Carpets and Tiger Turf are driven, not only to supply quality products best suited for their designed application, but also to ensure
landscaping application and the product of choice for anyone that
that professional pre- and post-sales technical support and advice is
cares about the environment, as this is the first and only synthetic
provided, ensuring optimum performance and satisfaction, coupled
turf that is made of recycled bottles (from landfill to landscape) by
with the product’s life expectancy.
means of groundbreaking and patented technology.
Overall, the Tiger Turf and Van Dyck Carpets commitment is to deliver the latest trends in Landscape and Sports Turf to the South
Golf Putt/Multi (NEW) is a new addition for professional putting surfaces and multi-purpose sports applications. All the above products are provided with a 5-Year guarantee subject to the correct installation and continual maintenance of the surface.
African market. They are also environmentally friendly as they do not require any watering, mowing or fertilisers, whilst being versatile and durable enough for applications ranging from residential, commercial, multi-
While Landscape and Leisure Turf have proven to be successful,
purpose and sport.
Van Dyck Carpets has gone one step further in the South African
Van Dyck Carpets
market by including a comprehensive selection of turf products
Tel: 031 913 3800
from the Tiger Turf sports offering.
Toll free: 0800carpet (0800227738)
Tiger Turf and Van Dyck Carpets have products on offer for all
Website: www.vandyckcarpets.com
F LO O R S M a rc h A p r i l 2 0 1 1
33
Insight
Seamless terrazzo – the designer’s dream
Rustic Quartz in Car dealership
Epoxy Terazzo in high traffic mall
After walls, floors are the largest component in an interior design scheme and offer a platform to
proving popular in bringing the natural beauty of the outdoors inside
enhance the overall look and feel of any
stone carpets deliver a contemporary flooring solution to bars, restau-
commercial environment.
A
are seamless stone carpets. A revolution in modern flooring, joint-free rants, hotels and retail outlets.” “Typically using natural stone and marble aggregates encased
n eye-catching floor can go a long way towards giving a
within a clear resin seal, this eye-catching flooring provides a simple,
commercial venue the competitive edge. Offering more than
textured and non-slip finish that really stands out,” says Harrison.
something to walk over, floors can form a lasting impression on the
Where time is money, commercial refurbishment works can face
consumer. Combining colour, texture, functionality and a large dose
project managers with tough decisions across the decorative flooring
of design, nothing transforms the commercial environment quite like
industry. Quick-fix flooring solutions are typically favoured; however,
a contemporary floor finish.
methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin systems are not only practical, but
Across the commercial flooring industry, one product in particular,
also decorative.
a hardwearing decorative flooring system, is getting people talking.
Delivering fast-curing floors in as little as two hours, the specialist
With beautifully impressive aesthetics, seamless terrazzo combines
MMA technology helps to minimise downtime and disruption to busi-
cleanability and abrasion-, scratch- and wear-resistance to deliver a
ness operations.
long-lasting contemporary floor finish.
Flowfast, Flowcrete South Africa’s range of MMA resin flooring,
Suited to the commercial sectors which are subject to heavy foot
brings together design and functionality and with installations turned
traffic such as shopping centres and airports, joint-free terrazzo trans-
around overnight it is proving a success across the retail industry. Ian
forms environments into modern, fresh and stylish spaces.
Harrison adds, “Flowfast offers an impressive level of choice and flex-
Containing a creative mix of aggregates from mother of pearl to recycled glass, virtually any colour or finish is achievable with the synthetic resin system. Plus, the terrazzo’s flexibility allows for bespoke designs and patterns to be swirled across the floor for a truly unique finish. Ian Harrison, managing director at Flowcrete South Africa, talks about the benefits of Mondéco – the company’s terrazzo system – in contrast to the somewhat more expensive and high-maintenance terrazzo and marble tiles. “The seamless nature of the system and broad colour palette means
34
“Of course, every environment will have varying flooring needs, and
ibility, together with the speed of installation, which is difficult to find from other products.” Flowcrete South Africa is a world leader in the manufacture of seamless resin flooring systems for the commercial flooring sectors. With sales offices in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, Flowcrete’s aim is to innovatively transform environments at ground level. To ensure that your floor continues to look its best underfoot over time, and for more information on Flowcrete South Africa’s commercial flooring range, please contact your local Flowcrete office.
that architects can execute complex and intricate designs using mul-
Flowcrete SA (Pty) Ltd
tiple colours to create a concept that is totally unique to their devel-
Marketing Services Tel: 031 461 3411
opment,” he says.
E-mail: southafrica@flowcrete.com Website: www.flowcretesa.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Insight
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
35
Insight
We go red over Green vinyl flooring! In the previous edition of FLOORS in Africa, we made the inexcusable mistake of stating that the new iQ range from Tarkett is being marketed by FloorworX. This is incorrect; Floors International South Africa (FISA) is the sole South African agent for the complete range of commercial vinyl floorcoverings manufactured by Tarkett, and we apologise for this error.
T
he new iQ Natural range attracted a lot of attention at the recent Domotex exhibition because of its outstanding eco-friendly and
sustainable characteristics. Tarkett has always been at the forefront of innovation in the flooring industry, but with iQ Natural its customers get a flooring solution that is exceptionally environmentally friendly and with even more performance. iQ Natural is the natural choice for any commercial application, but is
particularly suitable for the high-traffic and demanding worlds of healthcare, education, offices and retail. Hailed as a major advance in vinyl technology, this product is environmentally friendly from raw materials to recycling. A new plasticiser based on oil extracted from the plant Ricinus communis added to natural raw materials such as salt and natural mineral fillers increases iQ Natural’s total natural and renewable content to 75% – a breakthrough for the flooring industry. Even iQ Natural welding rods benefit from this plasticiser, further enhancing the natural finish. After installation, iQ Natural continues to work for the environment. It contributes to better indoor air quality with VOC emissions that are 200 times lower than required by European standards, and it uses less water, detergents and energy for cleaning, providing a surface that never requires wax or polish. And after a long and productive life, iQ Natural is 100% recyclable. IQ Natural is available in sheet or tile form in a wide range of attractive colours, and this product not only benefits from outstanding new features, it also retains all the properties and characteristics of the range to which it belongs. iQ stands for ‘Intelligent Quality’, and this really is the intelligent choice in homogeneous vinyl, based on a system called Unique Surface Restoration, which makes it possible to restore the surface’s original appearance and quality with simple dry buffing. No wax or polish – forever! In its manufacturing operation Tarkett uses renewable and natural materials whenever possible, with increasing the level of natural and renewable materials being the touchstone for new product development. The production facilities are ISO 9001 and 14001 certified and are independently audited for environmental risk, monitoring five key indicators quarterly: energy consumption, VOC emissions, waste, water consumption and recycling. Tarkett also claims to have the largest recycling operation in the flooring industry. In 2008, the company diverted over 68 000 tonnes of flooring
TARKETT
products from landfill.
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F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Footnote from FloorworX: We also apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused with the wrongly published article, and confirm that we do not sell the Tarkett iQ brand.
Carpets Since the days when prehistoric man used animal
present during the Neolithic Age (c. 7000 BC), with
skins to line his floors to provide a better surface to
goats and sheep being sheared for hair and wool
sleep on rather than the dirt on the cave floor, ‘carpets’
which was then spun and woven, but how carpet
have been a basic feature of human domestic life.
actually came into existence will remain a mystery in
It is known that woven forms of floorcoverings were
the absence of any documentary evidence.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
37
Feature Focus: Carpets
The history of carpets
T
t is known that woven forms of floorcover-
ings were present during the Neolithic Age (c. 7000 BC), with goats and sheep being sheared for hair and wool which was then spun and woven, but how carpet actually came into existence will remain a mystery in
Since the days when prehistoric man used animal
the absence of any documentary evidence.
skins to line his floors to provide a better surface
Several theories on this subject
to sleep on rather than the dirt on the cave floor,
prevail, one of which says that the rough nomadic populations
‘carpets’ have been a basic feature of human
of yesteryear invented carpets –
domestic life.
not only to protect themselves from adverse climatic conditions, but also because it meant they had no need to kill their valuable animals for their hides. The early forms of the decorated tents of the nomadic lifestyle were uniquely coloured and decorated with almost identifying motifs and established styles. In addition, they were woven on the vertical loom that could be dismantled and transported easily. Others say that carpets were an early development that evolved with the settled people, as artistic pieces that were both artistic and utilitarian in function. Forming a permanent feature of their homes, they became important during festive and traditional ceremonies, leading the way to becoming an essential part of peoples’ lives. This also gave rise to knotted carpets, woven on horizontal looms, which developed from the vertical looms. It is interesting to note that the oldest specimen of ancient weavings found dates back to the 5th-4th centuries BC. Known as the Pazyryk Carpet, it was excavated in 1949 from the tomb of a Shiite chief in the Pazyryk Valley in the Altai Mountains, Siberia, by Sergei Ivanovich Rudenko – encased in
BALTA
ice, which preserved it over the
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F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
centuries.
BALTA
Feature Focus: Carpets
This richly coloured carpet is 200 cm x 183 cm, framed by a border of griffins. Currently the Pazyryk carpet is in the Hermitage Museum in Leningrad, Russia, and its origin is attributed to either the Scythians or the Persian Achaemenids. The earliest group of surviving knotted pile carpets was produced under Seljuk rule in the first half of the 13th century on the Anatolian peninsula. The 18 extant works are often referred to as the Konya Carpets. The central field of these large carpets is a repeated geometrical pattern. The borders are ornamented with a large-scale, stylised, angular calligraphy called Kufic, pseudo-Kufic, or Kufesque. There is no doubt that early versions of carpets were made in China, India and other Asian countries, but the layman will always recognise ‘Persian carpets’ as being the ultimate in early (and indeed modern) carpet manufacture, although these were mostly rugs rather than large-scale carpets. Only with the opening of trade routes in the 17th century were Stock.XCHNG
significant numbers of Persian rugs introduced to Western Europe. Historically the word carpet was also used for table and wall coverings, as carpets were not commonly used on the floor in European interiors until the 18th century.
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Feature Focus: Carpets
Knotted pile carpet weaving technology probably arrived in England in the early 16th century with Flemish Calvinists fleeing religious persecution. Because many of these weavers settled in Norwich in south-eastern England the fourteen extant 16th and 17th century carpets are sometimes referred to as Norwich carpets. However, carpet was first manufactured in England at Wilton in the early part of the 18th century. The original foundations of the weaving shed of the Factory date back to 1655. The 9th Earl of Pembroke had taken a great interest in carpet manufacture in France and Belgium and it is said that the earl arranged the smuggling of two French weavers out of France to Wilton to teach the locals the new carpet weaving technique. This new technique was a variation of the original loop-in Brussels weave where the loops of the weave were cut to produce the characteristic pile of the famous Wilton carpet. The first Wilton loom was patented in 1741. The new carpet rapidly became very popular and for a few years Wilton enjoyed the monopoly, but in 1749 the weavers of Kidderminster learned the method and began to compete with Wilton. By simple evasion of the patent laws of the time, Kidderminster competed with Wilton to become a centre of carpet manufacture. Further competition emerged in 1755 when Thomas Whitty, an Axminster clothier, copied Turkish carpets and successfully produced the first of what came to be known as Axminster carpet using a new method of carpet manufacture. This had great implications for the Wilton carpets. A slump in demand for the Wilton product followed the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and increased competition from the continent, and many Wilton carpet workers were thrown out of work. The carpet weaving firm Blackmores bought the present factory in 1835 and moved all its production to Wilton. The Axminster factory went bankrupt following a disastrous fire and all the expertise (with all the hand-looms) was bought by Blackmores and also moved to Wilton. 102 years later in 1937, carpet manufacturer Harry Dutfield relaunched carpet manufacturing in Axminster. Today, Wilton and Axminster carpets are still amongst the most sought-after marques in the world.
Brief modern history Since the Second World War, developments in carpet styles, fibres and production techniques have advanced by leaps and bounds, with tufted carpet gaining considerable impetus to become today’s market leader. Until about 1954, cotton was the only fibre used in tufted products. Wool and manmade fibres (polyester, nylon, rayon and acrylics) were gradually introduced, with nylon being the first in 1947 which grew steadily to dominate the market. Experts will agree that perhaps the single most important development in the industry was the introduction of bulk continuous filament (BCF) nylon yarns, which provided a luxurious quality, durable carpet, similar to wool but which was more economical to produce.
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VAN DYCK CARPETS
Polypropylene was first introduced into the carpet industry from Italy in the late 1950s. Naturally stain-resistant and fade-resistant, polypropylene BCF represents a huge percentage of the world market these days.
BALTA
Feature Focus: Carpets
Because this fibre is naturally moisture-resistant it must be ‘solu-
The evolution of carpeting has been affected by social, economic
tion-dyed’ – a yarn colouration process in which pigment is added
and fashion pressures. Developments in manmade fibres, loom
to the molten polymer before the fibre is extruded into yarn, mak-
widths and machine efficiencies brought carpets within reach of the
ing the colour an inherent part of the yarn itself.
mass market.
Solution-dyed yarn is highly resistant to colour loss through fad-
Fashions for seamless square and then seamless close-cover car-
ing from sunlight, ozone, or harsh cleaning agents and bleach. The
pet helped introduce wider looms. Investigation into thermal and
process itself is environmentally friendly and efficient, using little
acoustical requirements led to fitted carpets in public buildings,
water or energy.
shops and offices.
The modern emphasis on ‘green’ products has given rise to the
Ingenious manufacturing solutions have proliferated, and tiles,
advent of PET polyester. Polyester fibre is made from terephthalic
printing, warp printing, needle- punched fibres and double-faced
acid and ethylene glycol, which provides good colour clarity and
bonded carpets have all increased the ability of the carpet trade to
colourfastness. However, PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) polyester
cater for specific areas, price points and the demands of fashion.
is produced from recycled softdrink bottles. When converted to
Needless to say, the South African carpet industry is alive and well
carpet fibres those same properties produce vibrant colour which is
and in the forefront of modern technology and design, bringing the
inherently stain-resistant and provides years of durable beauty.
very best in quality carpets to the local market.
It is also recognised that polyester is a specialised fibre, and when
Acknowledgement and thanks are given to the following for
crafted correctly it provides the lasting good looks of a Saxony, with
information contained in this article: www.axminster-carpets.co.uk;
its superb tip definition and low lustre to impart a very sophisti-
www.carpetinfo.co.uk; www.carpet-rug.org; www.carpetinfo.co.za.
cated wool look and soft natural feel
Professional
0861 PETER(73837) www.peterbates.co.za
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The advantages of carpet tiles
VORWERK STRADA
Feature Focus: Carpets
in shape, and it is size that provides their most visible advantage, particularly in terms of handling and installation. Carpet tiles are used in a myriad of environments both residential
VAN DYCK CARPETS
and commercial, including offices, halls, hotels, shops, shopping
With a demand created by the need for a floorcovering which was easy to transport to and install in
The advantages of using carpet tiles are legion, including being easier to install, which in turn reduces cost, and they provide a greater variety of designs and potential combinations which enhance the overall appearance and aesthetic appeal of the areas where they are installed. Ease of maintenance and replacement is another main advantage; if a carpet section has been damaged you need to lift, remove and replace that section. With a carpet tile it is simply taken out and replaced with a
office blocks and retail outlets, the first carpet tiles
new one, or one from a less used area of the installation.
were produced in the USA during the 1960s.
backing that is used bonds the carpet yarn, the primary backing
T
The modern carpet tile also offers outstanding durability. The and secondary backing all together which means that a carpet tile
hey were also rapidly accepted in residential applications as a
installation will have a longer lifespan than many other floorcover-
hardwearing alternative to traditional broadloom carpet and,
ings, if a proper maintenance programme is used.
with the quality of carpet tiles and new designs being continually
The development of efficient access flooring systems, to accom-
introduced, interior designers are increasingly using them in a wide
modate the increasing IT needs of the modern office and more
variety of applications.
sophisticated computer and electronic installations, has initiated a
There are many different types of carpet tile existing in the market,
boom in the demand for carpet tiles.
namely woven, tufted, needlepunch, flatweave, hooked rug, knotted
In these applications, they have proved to be successful in match-
pile, cut and loop piles, Saxony and textured Saxony, so it can be seen
ing the grid sections of access flooring systems, particularly as many
that they are similar to traditional carpets in texture and content.
modern carpet tiles are provided with a self-adhesive backing, thus
The main difference is that the traditional broadloom carpet is
enabling the tiles to be uplifted and later firmly replaced if the ser-
huge in size while carpet tiles are cut into sections typically square
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centres, cinemas, theatres and many more.
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vices under the access floor need attention.
Feature Focus: Carpets
The history of carpet and carpet tile has involved ongoing efforts to produce floorcovering products that have increasingly sophisticated and attractive designs and to develop techniques for executing such designs in these products utilising high-volume production techniques. The advent of a carpet tile structure and practical methods and apparatus for producing that structure dramatically expanded the choices available to a designer by providing a ‘carpet’ that is assembled from segments of face yarn and backing material previously produced separately. By utilisation of such segments of half cloth it is possible to combine dramatically different materials in a single tile and thereby achieve visually dramatic contrasts between materials in the tile. It is possible, for instance, to combine fusion-bonded and tufted segments, or differing types and compositions of yarns, or to mix segments with different types and heights of yarn pile, and to use segments of dramatically different colour and texture. Tiles are cut with great precision using a computer-controlled laser or calibrated blade blocks to make sure that they are square and have the correct size (within the SANS tolerance of 0,2%). There are different kind of carpet tile backings available with the most comNEXUS BERBER POINT 920
mon being bitumen, PVC, soft and rubber backing. Most of the South African manufacturers have a locally produced carpet range available, and practically all the major international brands are also represented in this country. Acknowledgement and thanks are given to the following for information used in the compilation of this article: www.patentstorm.us; www.carpetingnewyork.com; www.carpettilesolutions.com; www.carpettilehistory.com.
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
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Feature Focus: Carpets
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on’t just clean your carpet, care for it with a holistic approach and get even more out of your carpet asset. The first thing
you should look at is how the dirt and soil gets on or into the carpet in the first place. In other words, it is very necessary to use walk-off mats at every entrance instead of the ubiquitous carpet offcut or flattened cardboard box. Experts say that around 60% of dirt enters the premises on the soles of people’s shoes, so efficient and attractive entrance matting is a necessity. Trapping dirt and moisture at the front door is the key function of matting as it improves the longevity of any floor finish, makes cleaning processes more cost-effective and prevents injuries. In a commercial environment mats can even be made with the company logo incorporated, to welcome visitors. Some applications such as the exit from kitchens in restaurants, or the office entrance from a workshop or parking area, will also benefit greatly from oil, grease (and spilt soup, coffee or tea!) being kept under control. Any floorcovering, particularly carpets, will benefit from the use of quality dirt-trap matting inside and outside all entrances, but make
BELGOTEX FLOORCOVERINGS
sure it is designed to do the job in terms of expected foot traffic, the
Cleaning definitely increases the carpet’s lifespan Short of rolling it up and storing it in the garage, the best way to extend the life of any carpet is to provide it with a planned and comprehensive cleaning and maintenance programme once it has been installed. 44
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
anticipated soil type exterior ground or paving conditions, size and how to keep it clean. It must be remembered that people entering a building will almost never wipe their feet on the matting. If it is wet outside, some may give a perfunctory wipe inside the door if a mat is provided, but this is about all one can expect. So the mat must do it for them and the longer the mat the better. When choosing walk-off mats, ensure that you get the size right. A short mat will not remove dirt and moisture as effectively as a long mat. Some are so short you only step on them with one foot. Others you can simply step over. Either way, these are virtually useless in protecting the floor. Ideally two types of mat should be used, one outside to remove the bulk of the dirt; the other inside to remove any further moisture on the feet. To be effective, the outside mat should have a minimum length of two metres to ensure that each foot is in contact with the mat at least once. After this primary mat has hopefully scraped off the bulk of the dirt, the second mat should complete the job. Removing moisture takes around 2-3 steps for each foot, so ideally the minimum length of this mat should be around four metres – particularly in large entrances such as shopping malls. However, not many applications can afford the space, or recognise the need, so make sure that the mats used are of the highest quality possible to ensure that the maximum protection has been provided, and keep them cleaned regularly – ideally, vacuumed daily. If muddy conditions prevail outside, you can provide metal scrapers at each side of the exterior mat to prevent walk through.
Keep it clean The most effective way to preserve appearance and extend the lifespan of any carpet is the combination of barrier matting, daily spot and spill removal and regular vacuuming – preferably daily in high-traffic areas. This will remove the abrasive soil particles that fall below the surface of the carpet pile and that will eventually damage the carpet fibres if not removed. Implement these three key elements to carpet care and your carpet
Feature Focus: Carpets
will require less deep cleaning and enjoy an extended life. Most modern carpets have excellent stainproof treatments applied during manufacture which should aid the removal of spots or spills, but, as mentioned above, the carpet’s appearance and feel will benefit from early attention to removing these mishaps. The worst offenders for carpet staining are: children’s cold drinks (especially the red ones), red wine, tea, coffee, curry, urine, vomit, and shoe polish – all of which could affect the fibres and make the marks extremely difficult to remove if not attended to as they happen. These will become stains if left unattended, but they can be treated with solutions that are designed for the purpose. Do not attempt to use products on carpets that are designed for hard surfaces – particularly if they contain harsh chemicals, sticky residues or bleach. Household detergents are generally not suitable for cleaning carpets. The best method to blot up liquids is with white tissue paper or clean, white absorbent cloths. Scoop up any solids with a spoon, working inwards from the edge of the spill to prevent it spreading; then treat it with a suitable cleaning product. Most manufacturers or ‘product specific’ retailers will have their own special products for this purpose. They can also provide information on how to remove specific spills or stains (chocolate, chewing gum, candle wax, and so on). However, whatever caused the problem, never rub or brush a stain because this could cause it to spread and even distort the pile. Finally, don’t let an inexperienced person tackle spills or stains on your carpet. Most manufacturers recommend steam-cleaning (hot water injection and extraction) of carpets, although there is clearly a move toward more dry cleaning processes – two major local manufacturers endorse DIRT-OFF (VAN DYCK CARPETS)
this. However, the best advice we can give is to have the carpet professionally cleaned by a reputable cleaning company at least once a year, and even more often if heavy traffic is regularly experienced. But don’t forget the barrier matting, vacuuming and spot and spill removal. For technical information on cleaning of carpets, or for the contact details of recommended professional cleaning companies, contact the manufacturer of the carpet in question, or speak to CUCASA (The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Association of South Africa) Tel: 011 455 6243; Fax: 011 455 6800; e-mail: asserv@4online.co.za.
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45
VAN DYCK CARPETS
Feature Focus: Carpets
The acoustic and thermal properties of carpet Apart from its colour, design flexibility and underfoot comfort, carpet can provide a considerable contribution to noise reduction and the thermal efficiency of buildings. Acoustic comfort Carpet is highly effective in controlling noise in buildings by absorbing airborne sound and reducing surface noise and impact sound transmission to rooms below. Properly specified carpet and underlay combinations have proven to handle the vast majority of sound absorption requirements in architectural spaces. Although the reduction of noise in residential applications – particularly in apartment buildings – is often a main concern, many modern offices incorporate an open-plan design where telephone conversations and frequent employee interactions can be distracting. Applications where the reduction of noise levels is of prime importance will involve acoustically absorbent finishes such as specialised wall and ceiling panels and so on, but carpet can also have a role to play. In these instances, carpet helps to increase employee productivity by absorbing sounds, and adding an underlay beneath a carpet reduces noise even further. Carpet also works as a sound barrier between floors by helping to block sound transmission to spaces below, and on stairs it will help to BALTA
reduce the sound of constant foot traffic.
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In fact, the acoustic comfort it provides is perhaps the most compel-
BELGOTEX FLOORCOVERINGS
Feature Focus: Carpets
ling feature that carpet brings to any environment, and some might argue that carpet is almost essential to maintain a proper acoustic level. Two forms of noise problems are particularly troublesome, and carpet is beneficial in addressing both. Sound transmission between floor and ceiling is the area where carpet has the greatest impact. Another acoustical challenge is controlling reflective sound. Reflective
This research confirms that carpet and underlay significantly increase the R-value compared to other flooring materials, although the results varied according to the carpet’s construction, with heavier products generally providing a higher R-value. Carpets were tested with and without underlay and, unsurprisingly, it was found that a combination of the two maximised the
sound is measured by the time it takes for sound to be effectively
R-value. In addition, the insulating quality of carpet also assists with
absorbed in a given environment. Longer reverberation times result in
the energy efficiency of the area, because the enhanced R-value
reduced intelligibility of speech and increased overall noise levels, to
achieved with the use of carpet can actually contribute to energy
the detriment of those engaged in detailed office work.
savings and lower utility costs.
In America, ANSI 12.60 is the acoustic standard that is required for
A report by Dr. Alan Hedge, professor of the Department of Design
a school design to meet the federal codes for the High Performance
& Environmental Analysis at Cornell University, cites another aspect of
Schools Program. This standard recommends 35 dB(A) as the back-
thermal comfort as one of carpet’s advantages.
ground noise level for learning spaces, but sets a prerequisite of no more than 45 dB(A).
“Carpet feels warmer to the touch than other floorcoverings because the air at room temperature is trapped by the carpet fibres which act as
Given that schools and classrooms are often amongst the noisiest
an insulator, and carpet has a low thermal diffusivity compared to other
environments to be found, this is a significant rating.
floor materials that have higher thermal diffusivities and that conduct
Thermal Comfort
heat away from the body more rapidly, resulting in a lower skin tem-
Research conducted over the past two years at the Georgia Institute
perature, cooler sensation, and greater thermal discomfort,” he says.
of Technology, as well as independent scientific studies in conjunction
In this age of providing better working environments and striving for
with the Carpet & Rug Institute, demonstrates that carpet increases the
the ecological advantages of saving energy, carpet has a very impor-
R-value, or insulation level, of the carpeted area.
tant role to play in the design of any building.
The R-value (thermal resistance) measures how much a material resists the movement of heat through a ceiling, wall, or floor in a building. The higher the number, the more effective the insulation.
Acknowledgement and thanks are given to the following for information contained in this article: www.carpet-rug.org; www.carpet-health.org;www. mediacefpi.org; and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Transparent
0861 PETER(73837) www.peterbates.co.za
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Feature Focus: Carpets
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Feature Focus: Carpets
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Feature Focus: Carpets
CarpetCouture From plush to practical, hi-tech to high fashion, Belgotex Floorcoverings gives us the inside edge on the latest trends in commercial and residential carpet couture. Bright Ideas: Colour, Lustre & Texture In line with international carpet trends towards Colour, Lustre and Texture, Nexus, the commercial division of Belgotex Floorcoverings, introduces two new fashionable ranges that will delight decorators and designers: Art Deco and Avant Garde are two hot new SDX ranges that offer highfashion flooring with hi-tech performance and durability. Colour The colourful, stripey Art Deco range was developed specifically with decorators in mind – eight popular colourways, aptly named after such famous Art Deco capitals as Miami, Havana, LA and Amsterdam amongst others, offer plush cut-pile luxury in a striking linear design that will give any heavy commercial interior a fresh, edgy feel. Made from 100% Stainproof SDX in a standard 4m broadloom width
Art Deco
with MiracleBac backing, Art Deco’s bold, linear pattern is ideally laid widthways in corridors and is suitable for heavy traffic areas such as corridors or passages of hotels, universities, libraries or even Parliament. Texture Avant Garde raises the bar for luxurious textured carpeting with an innovative tactile square pattern that adds another dimension to carpeting by pushing the boundaries of carpet design and technology: using the latest carpet manufacturing techniques, the textured square pattern is created by combining level-loop and cut-pile fibres alongside each other for a sophisticated modern elegance. Using the latest carpet manufacturing technology, this level cut loop product adds a new dimension to corporate and hospitality carpeting. Its striking checkerboard pattern and the array of contemporary colours provide the perfect match in creating modern elegance. Suited to executive corporate offices such as lawyers’ chambers, accounting firms, financial institutions or hospitality installations, Avant Garde wall-to-wall carpeting is made from 100% Stainproof SDX backed with MiracleBac and is available in eight contemporary colours named after renowned international artists including Picasso, Monet, Matisse and Warhol. Both ranges are manufactured from Stainproof SDX yarn providing stainproof, UV- and fade-resistant carpets able to withstand years of indirect sun exposure and cleaning with harsh cleaning agents. They have also passed the stringent VOC testing for the Green Building Council of South Africa’s Green Label Plus, providing fashionable “greener” foundations to many interiors. Nexus
Tel: 033 897 7500
E-mail: nexus@carpet.co.za
Avant Garde
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Website: www.nexuscarpets.co.za
Feature Focus: Carpets
Define Your Style:
Functional Flooring Fashion
Get the season’s hottest looks with floors that are not only fashionable but functional too!
B
uilding on the success of last year’s Define Your Style campaign, residential flooring fundis Belgotex Floorcoverings have launched
the new and improved ‘Define Your Style’ Quiz in various décor titles designed to help customers find the floor that not only defines their personal style but best suits their lifestyle and budget. Six trendy new looks representing the latest in interior decorating, namely Classic, Zen, Eclectic, Chic, Living and Bohemian, will inspire customers to create their favourite look using the type of flooring specifically matched to their unique circumstances. Classic - the quintessential homemaker, upmarket, modern and luxurious. Prefers versatile staples and investment pieces Zen – minimalist that likes lots of open, airy spaces, clean, simple lines and natural colours and textures Eclectic - a collector with a flair for mixing seemingly mismatched styles and furniture pieces
Classic featuring Royal Berber in Elizabeth adding comfort, texture and classic style
Chic - modern, fashionable and colourful, busy social life and young Bohemian - non-conformist that celebrates individuality and unconventional ideas. Penchant for deep rich colours and ornate textures and fabrics Living - comfort and convenience is their mantra reflected in relaxed and casual style. Average South African that opts for everyday practicality over pretentious glamour The quiz guides customers through a series of important factors to consider when selecting a floor, such as which room is being made over, a weighting of style vs. convenience or safety vs. ambience, the pace of their lifestyle and the importance of luxury and cost. Based on those decisions, the results recommend a particular type of flooring – either cut-pile or loop-pile carpets, luxury vinyl tiles or cushioned vinyl that can be used to recreate that style. Each look was shot using three different types of flooring to illustrate how the style can be adapted by selecting a flooring suited to your lifestyle and maintenance needs – whether laid-back luxury or lowmaintenance simplicity. An exciting ‘Tag & Win’ social media campaign is also being rolled out on Belgotex Floorcoverings’ Facebook fanpage between 1 April and end of June. Fans can stand a chance of winning their share of R400 000 worth of décor items featured in each room set by firstly “liking” the Belgotex Floorcoverings fan page and then simply tagging their name to the décor item on their favourite look each week. Visit Facebook www.Facebook.com/Belgotex to enter this exciting comp or visit our website www.belgotexcarpets.com to do the quiz. Belgotex Floorcoverings
Head Office 033 897 7500
Cape Town 021 763 6900
Johannesburg 011 788 3450
www.belgotexcarpets.com
Zen featuring Obsession Eclipse - open spaces, with simple lines, natural colours and textures F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
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Feature Focus: Sustainabilit y
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Feature Focus: Sustainabilit y
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Feature Focus: Carpets
An inspiring new dimension in flooring Flotex is a completely unique flooring experience that combines all the hardwearing and durable characteristics of a resilient floor with the quality, warmth and comfort of carpet.
D
istributed solely in South Africa by FloorworX, Flotex is made from a solid vinyl, reinforced base with a densely flocked sur-
face of nylon 6.6 fibres that are anchored firmly into the base layer. It is dimensionally stable and has the velour optics of a textile floorcovering whilst being as functional and cleanable as a vinyl or linoleum floorcovering. In addition, Flotex has excellent acoustic properties and is slip-resistant. Flotex is available in a wide range of patterns, colours and designs, and FloorworX keeps a total of 12 colours ex-stock from the Classic collection – Berlin, Vienna, Dakota and Samba – which means it combines perfectly with other floors, and offers the extra dimension of combining textures and materials within the same project. It is the only flocked floorcovering to be granted BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) A-certification, and Flotex production is ISO14002-accredited, demonstrating good environmental management. The remarkable properties of Flotex make it ideal for the unique demands of education institutes, healthcare, corporate offices, and retail as well as leisure and hospitality applications. In libraries it can be used to reduce noise and hence encourage concentration and thus better learning. Its slip resistance promotes safety amongst energetic pupils in schools and its easy cleaning is perfect for dining halls and media centres at universities. For healthcare applications Flotex is extremely hygienic and antiallergic, and this makes it the first choice for many in the healthcare sector. Its effective antimicrobial treatment offers consistent protection against all kinds of bacteria including MRSA, E.coli and moulds
Flotex - ideal for the unique demands of education institutes, healthcare, corporate offices, and retail as well as leisure and hospitality applications
such as athlete’s foot, while its ease of cleaning helps to ensure dirtand dust-free environments. In corporate environments Flotex is stylish and very comfortable,
Using European (EN) approved testing methodology, every item in
but also highly practical because it is hardwearing and easily clean-
the Flotex collection was graded on its ability to “hide” general dirt
able. Moreover, its dirt-hiding capability helps ensure a highly pro-
or staining that occurs during normal use.
fessional appearance even in the most demanding applications and high-traffic areas. Perfect for the modern office environment. For retail applications first impressions count; that’s why many interior design professionals choose from the extremely wide range of Flotex designs and colours to make that all-important “signature statement”. In the leisure and hospitality sector a warm and comfortable feel is what this industry is after. Your ‘home away from home’ can only be created with the right interior design and Flotex can contribute to that. As with any product, colour and design influence the appearance
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visual design.
The result is a usage classification that can be applied as general advice when concern is particularly focused on appearance over time of the Flotex design. The classification is shown alongside each colour and design in the Flotex sample books. However, when prescribed cleaning procedures are followed, Flotex outperforms most textile floorcoverings in appearance, and is a truly washable textile which dries quickly and as such stays cleaner for longer. FloorworX Marketing Tel: 011 406 4146/4150 or 0860 346 679
retention of the floor. Flotex is able to “hide” any soiling or dirt to
Fax: 086 273 0905
a greater or lesser degree depending on the base colour and the
Website: www.floorworx.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Feature Focus: Carpets
New carpets that clean air and reduce sound Desso, a leading international carpet manufacturer,
Reduced Noise
has utilised new technology to develop next-gener-
offers a 60% acoustic improvement over standard carpet ranges –
ation carpet and backing – one to absorb sound, the other to improve interior air quality.
T
The second development isSoundMaster, a new carpet backing that enormously reducing impact sound in busy environments where noise can be distracting or intrusive. SoundMaster is made from a special layer construction and is uniquely designed to provide optimal sound absorption and insula-
he first unique new product is AirMaster, a carpet that is up to
tion. It is made from 100% polyester (40% recycled) that also offers
eight times more effective in capturing fine dust from the air
eco-efficient benefits, and is now available with many of Desso’s
than hard flooring and up to four times as effective as standard carpeting. AirMastersignificantly improves the air quality of the breath-
existing ranges of carpet tiles. Standard carpet has sound-reduction properties of between 20
ing zone and reduces the incidence of potentially harmful allergy-
and 30 decibels. SoundMaster gives a further reduction of 10 dB or
producing particles by safely trapping and immobilising them.
more, making it the most sound-absorbent option on the market
Air Quality
– and in many cases making it unnecessary to install other sound-
The new carpet will be particularly welcomed by the world’s estimated
reducing strategies such as ceiling tiles.
300 million asthma sufferers, who are most at risk from poor indoor air
Both products were developed in strict compliance with Desso’s
quality which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is
Cradle to Cradle philosophy of sustainability, its central premise
one of the most significant health risks of the modern world.
being that products should be conceived from the start with the
In South Africa, according to the Department of Health, there is
intention that they will eventually be recycled in their entirety – a
evidence of a significant increase in the number of people who have
birth-to-rebirth philosophy that excludes waste from the production
asthma in the country – approximately 10% of the population.
cycle, and prevents valuable materials from ending up in landfill
AirMaster works by utilising fine filaments to capture the smallest dust particles, while the thicker filaments trap coarser dust. The particles are then stored within the carpet until removal during the normal vacuuming cycle.
sites, or being incinerated at the end of their supposed ‘lifetime’ or ‘down-cycled’ into lower quality materials. Desso carpets are available in South Africa from Peter Bates Flooring; call 011 830 2350 or e-mail Doret Botha at marketing@peterbates.co.za.
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Carpets lead through technology and development
BALTA
Feature Focus: Carpets
Never really out of favour, carpet still retains front of mind awareness for anyone seeking new floorcover-
Also, Invista has introduced a new Stainmaster brand, and this new
ings, and this is largely due to the technological
fibre is said to meet unique challenges of home offices, dens and small
developments that have occurred over the past few
forward designs in soft flooring, while offering the performance needed
business environments, in terms of thickness, luxury and fashion-
years to keep carpets both fashionable and value for
in the small business environment. Strong enough for the office; elegant
money for a variety of reasons.
So, how is South Africa doing?
D
evelopments of carpet fibres have been extensive, with the introduction of a variety of yarns that feature greater styling and
performance attributes, which in turn is helping the carpet sector to rise to new levels of consumer satisfaction. One of the big advances in the US fibre industry was the introduction of yarns that are not 100% dependent on petroleum – from having recycled content to being fully recyclable, to using new types of material instead of oil to make the product. Whether it contains recycled content or is made fully from recycled fibre, there is said to be no difference from carpets made from virgin materials – it looks no different and it is still equally as durable – and it certainly endears itself to the environmentalists. Thanks to new innovations at the manufacturing level combined with rising public interest in wanting to do the right thing to protect the environment, the timing is right for this type of fibre and carpet. Perhaps the biggest and most noticeable recent development is in polyester (PET) fibre techniques, where recycled plastic soft drink and water bottles are made into polyester fibre for use in the manufacture of carpet – again, with no loss of performance or appeal. Some US carpet manufacturers have gone on record as saying that because of the U.S. Federal regulations for bottles containing food products, the recycled resin is often of higher quality than brand new product from a plastics supplier, which means that consumers are getting carpet with recycled materials that is as good – or better – than carpet made with all new materials. However, other new fibre developments mean that the industry is certainly not standing still in any respect. For instance, Solutia’s latest WearDated product, Natural Nylon, combines the performance characteristics normally associated with its yarns with a proprietary insert technology that binds the individual fibres together. The result is a patented fibre structure with sharp pinpoint definition in solids and distinct patterns. It also allows for a natural “wool-like look” in constructions previously limited to BCF yarns, with superior appearance retention, as well as unlimited pattern and colour choices, and outstanding resistance to crushing, matting and abrasion. In fact, tests show Natural Nylon has a 20% higher resilience than traditional nylons due to its tighter molecular structure, a higher degree of
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internal bonding and a maximum alignment of molecular chains.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
enough for the home is the watchword for modern carpet fibres. Make no mistake – South Africa’s carpet manufacturers are regarded as producing world class products, and their manufacturing techniques, designs and use of intricate fibre technologies incorporate or match anything that can be found around the globe. For example, any of the nylon yarns used in this country are on par with the best available overseas with some of the yarns produced locally and other yarns imported from leading yarn manufacturers (such as Solutia and Invista). Thanks to state-of-the-art dyeing techniques used when colouring these yarns, they are also colourfast, resistant to the fading effects of sunlight, and stain resistant. Add to this the tried and trusted polypropylene, wool and other natural fibres that are employed by the local manufacturers, combined with production processes that increasing play an important role in energy saving, waste reduction and recycling, water saving and recycling, and all the other attributes of well run, eco-friendly factories. Carpets produced using these yarn offer a large colour selection and are extremely durable; they also improve indoor air quality by absorbing airborne dust and allergens, as well as emitting lower levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) commonly caused by pesticides and glue. Most modern, locally made carpets also incorporate backing materials that are resistant to moisture, and provide excellent dimensional stability, uniform consistency, flexibility, excellent bonding properties, and ease of fitting. Some of these are made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester and the sourcing of recycled materials for use instead of virgin materials is a prerequisite of most manufacturers. Finally, it is important that any carpet is installed with the use of a high quality underlay. This not only provides a luxurious underfoot feel, but greatly increases the expected lifespan of the carpet. This is another area where local manufacturers produce their own high quality underlay products (with some of them made from 100% recycled rubber), to meet the requirements of both the carpet once installed, and the demands of the most discerning customer. Nothing compares with carpet for underfoot comfort, the sheer opulence it provides, the ease of installation and maintenance, the matching or enhancement of any décor, the versatility of use in any application – and sheer value for money.
Feature Focus: Carpets
How about a nice, warm carpet? Winter has arrived and to offset this Klimax is proud to present its dynamic Carpet B-Warmer range. Beautiful carpets coupled with the dynamic Green friendly Generation4 heating system are bound to be a knockout – creating more happy clients to enjoy the comforts of a warm home.
T
he new range Carpet B-Warmer has been redesigned and the system offers a ‘Chameleon approach’ in that it fits under any carpet.
Safety is a top priority for Klimax and another huge feature of the Carpet B-Warmer is
that the system consists of a very fine multi-core element that is double-insulated with Fluoropolymer and includes a full earth screen – making it the safest system to install. Also, Klimax proudly manufactures the Carpet B-Warmer in South Africa under ISO 9001: 2008 certifications from IQNet and DQS. The Generation4 Carpet B-Warmer system is slick, economic, dependable and an immense addition to the carpet industry. It is installed on top of insulation such as ecofriendly cork, or on top of any underlay – directly under the carpet. This is one reason why heat-up time is so much faster than underfloor systems and why it is most economical. Natural heat flow is encouraged to where it is needed, when it is needed. Controlling the level of comfort is improved with programmable thermostats. These thermostats can be programmed differently for each day of the week and will automatically control the heating – saving money even when nobody is home. On a final point – combining beauty with practicality, such as a beautiful carpet that livens up a room with new Carpet B-Warmer installed underneath, allows a room to take on a flair and warmth that far exceeds Aladdin’s magic carpet! Klimax Tel: 0860 554 629 Website: www.coldbuster.co.za
New process makes wool carpet even greener! A new carpet-making process that creates a 100% natural carpet that can be recycled has been developed by Dutch company Best Wool Carpets, in conjunction with James & Bond Textile Research. The process, called Erutan, initially involves a chemical-free wool-scouring process that uses just 10% of the energy of a traditional scour, and then a new process to bind the woollen fibre to linen backing without the use of synthetic backing materials or glue. At the end of its life, the carpet can be recycled back to the soil or reprocessed and seeded with grass to help restore land to productive use. Best Wool Carpets’ managing director Yvar Monasch said in a press release that the potential for Erutan was huge. The technology would be licensed to carpet makers, who would also pay royalties to Wool Partners International. Erutan is to be officially launched in the Netherlands next year. FloorDaily.net
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Feature Focus: Carpets
The art of not just cleaning but caring for carpets MilliCare SA – the South African arm of the mammoth international MilliCare organization – is one
any problems or difficulties with the client and, after checking the layout, traffic flow, and budget requirements, MilliCare will provide a complete care plan that will keep the space clean and refreshed.
of the most active and well-respected carpet clean-
MilliCare has a team of carpet care experts who will put the pro-
ing companies on the continent, whose aim it is to
gramme into action, with the objective of maintaining and extend-
provide their clients with a customised plan that
and hassle of replacement will be delayed for much longer than
addresses the needs of each facility to keep the carpets clean and enable them to last longer.
ing the life of the carpet, and there is no doubt that the expense originally expected.
The cleaning process Once MilliCare’s environmentally responsible (Green Seal Certified) polymer is brushed into the carpet, it clings to the particles on and beneath the surface. The polymer with the dirt is then vacuumed away at the same time, leaving a clean, dry, and residue-free carpet. From dirty to clean without needing time to dry, and with the minimum of interruption in the workplace. Apart from MilliCare’s industry-leading dry carpet technology removing the dirt and extending the life of the carpet, it also improves the air around everyone in the space. There is no better way to clean. It is the asprin for your carpet headache. No matter the size of your space or how big your business grows, MilliCare will take care of your carpet.
New international website MilliCare, the provider of environmentally responsible textile and carpet cleaning services, recently completed a brand refreshment programme and launched a new website which is designed to better serve customers and inform facility managers. The new look was revealed by MilliCare at the October 2010 IFMA World Workplace Conference and Expo, held in Atlanta and reinforced at their annual International Exchange in Las Vegas during March 2011 . In addition to a fresh design, the new website includes an environmental impact calculator, a franchise/provider locator, LEED-EBOM information, an overview of MilliCare services, and answers to frequently asked questions. For facility managers and other building management professionals, the site offers information on extending the life of carpet and textiles, improving indoor air quality, reducing water consumption and carbon footprint, and customising service plans for building spaces. MilliCare products and services are certified by Green Seal and have Carpet & Rug Institute Seal of Approval. MilliCare is also a certified school through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and is a member the USA and South African and Australian Green Building Councils.
A clean, dry, and residue-free carpet
MilliCare
D
Gauteng: 011 608 1626 KZN: 086 111 2012
chances are that it is not being properly cleaned. Carpet that is cared
2010 Worldwide numbers for MilliCare
irt, dust and Volatile Organic Compounds do more damage to
Cape: 021 557 2934 E-mail: waynes@millicare.co.za
carpet than people realise, and they certainly cause carpet to
Website: www.millicare.com
age before its time. If the carpet is not performing to expectation, the for will last longer, and a regular, professional cleaning programme
Carpet Being Cared For: 42 million square metres
will ensure this.
Water Saved: 75 million litres
Even with a simple programme, the life of the carpet can be extended, and prevent it finishing up in a landfill. As MilliCare says, “It’s budget smart. It’s green smart. It’s that simple.” With one quick telephone call, MilliCare will visit the premises, discuss
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F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Energy Saved: 2,9 million KWh Emissions Reduction: 1 809 carbon tonnes Up-to-date estimates are available on website www.millicare.com.
Don’t just clean it. Care for it.
The wonder of wool
Feature Focus: Carpets
Nouwens is renowned for its strong heritage in wool floorcoverings. While wool may be slightly
water than other materials and still not feel damp, and it is also stain-resistant, showing less dirt as it goes through its lifecycle. Wool is also intrinsically flame-resistant without the need for
more costly than its synthetic counterparts, it has
complex chemical additives, and is a natural insulator, creating
been proven to be more durable and lasts longer
friendly way – in either a domestic or professional environment.
than other man-made fibres.
T
warmth, comfort and underfoot sumptuousness – the eco-
Care for your investment
hink of where wool comes from. It grows, naturally, on sheep
A wool carpet is a great investment for the home, but to retain
across the world to protect them from differing environ-
its beauty and longevity, regular and expert care must be
mental conditions and to allow them to exist in various climates.
taken. On an ongoing basis, these steps must be taken to keep
Hence, it seems obvious that some of its natural properties will
your carpets in tip-top condition:
be retained and be of benefit once designed and manufactured
Lay down quality walk-off mats in high-traffic areas, or areas
into a luxurious carpet.
where carpets may come into contact with grease or grime…
For example, natural wool has two types of wool cells: orthoc-
and don’t forget to clean these mats regularly too.
ortex and paracortex. These lie on opposite sides of the fibre
Vacuum your carpets in more well-used areas more fre-
and grow at completely different rates, creating an inherent coil
quently so that dirt does not settle into the pile. Ensure
spring that makes wool elastic.
your vacuum cleaner is well-maintained and that the bag is
As a result, it acts like a natural shock absorber that can easily spring back into shape after being stretched, crushed or indented by furniture, shoes or cleaning apparatus. Likewise, wool has an organic light wax coating to protect against becoming too wet. Consequently, wool can absorb more
Copenhagen Colour Options
changed regularly. Remove spills and spots immediately to prevent staining; Nouwens carpet care products will ensure effective cleaning. The Nouwens carpet care powder is a cellulose-based powder containing mild solvent, natural surfactants, anti-static and anti-
Copenhagen Wool Twine
Copenhagen Wool Fleece
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F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Feature Focus: Carpets
Copenhagen Colour Options
Copenhagen Colour Options
bacterial agents as well as citrus perfumes. A pH factor of 7, 5
And then to the all-important underfelt
ensures that this product is suitable for all types of carpet and
Underfelt is, by and large, one of the most underrated compo-
upholstery.
nents of the professional carpet fitting process. Many carpet
Each ‘micro sponge’ that makes up the powder formula is
practitioners, or even customers themselves, try and skimp on
impregnated with a solution of cleaning chemicals that dis-
the cost of underfelt as they see little or no value in it apart from
solve dirt and stains, including urine, blood, shoe polish and
it making walking on the carpet ‘softer’ or ‘spongier’.
coffee. Any agitation activates the ‘micro sponge’ and the dis-
What most don’t realise is that by choosing high-quality
solved dirt is absorbed and encapsulated.
underfelt for your soft flooring you actually prevent premature
The micro sponge is anionic (negative) and attracts the dirt
wear on the product, thereby ensuring longevity.
which is cationic (positive). Thus the dissolved dirt is attracted
Underfelt acts like a shock absorber between the floor’s sur-
to it! Each micro sponge can absorb 10 times its own weight in
face and the carpet, preventing it from being squashed into the
dirt and grime. Once full, the micro sponge is ready to be vacu-
surface every time it is walked on or has furniture placed on it,
umed away leaving the carpet dry and clean.*
and allowing it to bounce back more easily and continue look-
Nouwens recommends that a well-maintained carpet would
ing like new. In the long term, this actually saves money, and
require deep cleaning every year or two and these chemicals and
reduces the cost of investment on the carpet.
machines are best left to reputable professionals. The most common method is hot water injection and extrac-
The material that your underfelt is manufactured from should preferably be fire-resistant. Nouwens new underfelt offering
tion (often called steam cleaning). Carried out properly, it restores
has been afforded a CLASS 1 Fire Rating tested to SANS 10177-
life to the carpet by removing ingrained dirt and by lifting flat-
4:2005.Presently, felt-based products dominate the market,
tened pile fibres.
however many new materials are now being used in making
It is important to find a reputable specialist cleaner to ensure colour, texture and pile are protected and preserved during the cleaning process, and that the carpet is treated as a valuable feature of any living or work space. Correct and continual care will ensure the carpet’s durability
underfelt such as rubber, cork and urethane, as they are more environmentally friendly and are not hazardous in public areas. Further benefits of underfelt include stability; additional acoustic properties; and better thermal insulation. Obviously, one has to choose underfelt that is also not so thick
and keep it looking pristine, protecting the investment for a long
that it stretches the carpet fibres, and becomes difficult to affix
time after its initial purchase.
at the edges. This is another common mistake. The best yardstick to measure the correct thickness of your underfelt is to check
Modern makeover with colour versatility This statement is particularly true when looking at the colour versatility the Copenhagen range can offer. Given consistent commercial customer requests for different colour combinations and in keeping with international trends, Nouwens will in future (dependent on size requirements) make
that you cannot feel the floor surface with the heel of your shoe. Given that a carpet and underfelt should complement each other in order to realise maximum benefit, Nouwens has made available a quality premium underfelt (minimum wool content of 40%) to match its premium ranges. When you have an in-home/on-site consultation with a
its superfine 6-ply yarn Copenhagen product available in a
Nouwens professional, he or she will advise on the correct car-
variety of new, alternative and stylish colours to suit particular
pet, underfelt, carpet care products and maintenance routine
colour palettes.
for any given application, taking into account position, traffic
Renowned for being modern, yet robust enough to be used for heavy commercial installations, the Copenhagen range forms part of the Nouwens Platinum offering and is widely sought after by homeowners, designers and architects alike. By providing colour versatility in this range, Nouwens now
volumes, as well as your budget. *Nouwens carpet care products are available from Nouwens appointed dealers or the website www.nouwens.co.za Nouwens Carpets
Johannesburg – 011 796 5180
Cape Town – 021 447 2856
Durban – 031 502 5730
offers a palette to suit every application, and ensures that it
E-mail: enquiries@nouwens.co.za or francis@nouwens.co.za
keeps abreast of design trends both locally and abroad.
Website: www.nouwens.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
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Feature Focus: Carpets
Protecting your investment “How often do you find that people invest in expensive carpets but pay no attention to implementing a decent maintenance programme to ensure that they retain their aesthetic appeal and enjoy an extended lifespan,” says Johan Humphries of Sebo Carpet Care Systems South Africa.
A
strict regimen of vacuuming and dry carpet cleaning should be a programme that is devised and rigidly followed,” he says.
In South Africa, Sebo is in the forefront of modern vacuum cleaner
technology as a subsidiary of the parent company that was established in Germany in 1978, and which is now one of the world’s largest manufacturers of commercial upright vacuum cleaners and dry carpet cleaning equipment. Sebo offers a complete carpet care solution. The vacuum cleaners
Dry powder is a very proficient method
remove loose and dry matter, and for soiling and stains, the Sebo DUO dry carpet cleaning system.
Vacuum cleaners All Sebo Vacuum Cleaners incorporate S-Class Filtration as standard in their design, which means that the filtration system has to remove a minimum of 99,97% of particles of 0,3 microns and above. One of the most versatile vacuum cleaners in the Sebo sales programme is the Model G2, which is not only durable and powerful, but is a workhorse that is easy to maintain and simple to use. In line with other Sebo vacuum cleaners, the G2 fills up with dust from the top, which means the suction remains constant until the bag is completely full. Other features of this model include a manual brush height adjustment; a permanent belt with a lifetime guarantee; automatic shutoff if the brush is jammed or there is a full bag; on-board accessories; and it is provided with a 1 300W motor for powerful suction.
Sebo Vacuum Cleaners - asy to maintain and simple to use
This award-winning design is reliable and durable, light and easy to operate, and has a ‘flat to floor’ design that enhances its performance. For the technically-minded, it has a total weight of 7,6kg; a
as with wet cleaning. Duo-P also has anti-bacterial properties and is
width of 37cm; a 5,3 litre dust bag, and an airflow of 55/sec.
proven to eradicate dust mites.
Dry Powder cleaning
open up the carpet pile and works the Duo-P carpet cleaning powder
Cleaning without using water, the Duo system comprises a Duo
deep into the pile and around every fibre; the dirt is taken from the
Applicator and carpet cleaning powder (namely Duo-P) and this is a
carpet and absorbed by the powder which is then vacuumed away.
The Duo Applicator features twin contra-rotating brushes which
very proficient method. It is effective and avoids wet cleaning prob-
and means no more wet carpets, and elimination of the use of soap,
“area out of use” periods due to lengthy drying times.
water, and shampoo.
The Duo-P carpet cleaning powder consists of thousands of micro-
Used with the Doppel Duo Adaptor, two standard Duo machines
sponges which contain safe solvent for releasing greasy soiling, a
can be linked together to create a 70cm width Applicator, which
neutral shampoo for non-greasy soiling, and an anti-resoilant to
is ideal for areas such as conference rooms, banqueting halls, and
delay re-soiling.
other large areas.
As the powder is brushed through the carpet it absorbs soilage,
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This system is safe for use on even the most delicate of carpets,
lems such as carpet shrinkage, adhesive damage, smell and long
Sebo
leaving the carpet clean, soft and fresh. When vacuumed away, the
Tel: 0861 114 250 Cell: 082 774 6468
carpet is ready for immediate use – with no drying time required,
E-mail: sebo@internext.co.za Website: www.sebo.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Carpet Maintenance
CLEAN ENOUGH TO EAT OFF
Most reliable system for cleaning and maintaining carpets RELIABLE, DURABLE, OUTSTANDING RESULTS PREVENTS DUST BUILD-UP SEBO VACUUM CLEANERS HAVE A VIBRATING BRUSH ACTION CARRIES THE BRITISH ALLERGY FOUNDATION SEAL OF APPROVAL USER-FRIENDLY, LIGHT & VERSATILE NO SOAP, WATER, SHAMPOO NEEDED APPROVED BY THE INTERNATIONAL WOOL BOARD NON-TOXIC, BIODEGRADABLE SAFE AROUND CHILDREN AND PETS PROVIDES A MAINTENANCE CLEANING PROGRAMME BY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS
Tel 086 111 4250 • Fax 011 763 4033 e-mail: sebo@internext.co.za www.sebo.co.za
Feature Focus: Carpets
How beneficial is your carpet cleaning? The benefit produced by cleaning the carpet is only as good as the carpet cleaning product being utilised. In other words, how beneficial can the cleaning be if the carpet cleaning product (or any other cleaning product for that matter) contributes to indoor air pollution from VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) released or residues left behind?
M
any carpet cleaners are complimented for the appearance achieved and with little or no consideration for the indoor air
quality or the safety of the user or building occupants. The road to healthy indoor air quality should begin with a sustainable carpet cleaning programme that utilises safe carpet cleaning products. Indoor air pollution is creating a greater health risk than the exposure to outdoor air pollution. According to research in America and United Kingdom, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to and public health, and the World Health Organisation says 30% of all buildings pose a serious health hazard due to indoor air pollution. Over the past several decades, exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased due to a variety of factors. First, due to high energy costs we are constructing more tightly sealed buildings. The flip side to this greater energy efficiency is reduced ventilation rates. Secondly due to the world recession, companies have cut back on all expenses, but haven’t looked at the large impact on staffing and absenteeism. Rather than opening windows to allow an inside/outside air exchange, the ventilation is controlled by a mechanical heating and cooling system, and any biological contamination (mould, fungi, viruses, bacteria growth) can be spread through the ventilation system. Isn’t carpeting part of the problem? Well, yes and no. Carpet acts like a giant filter which traps and collects all types of indoor air pollutants thus preventing these trapped pollutants from returning to the breathing zone. Few people are aware that a carpet is a secret reservoir of allergens. They trap dust, dirt, moisture and pests, even when vacuumed regularly. Eventually the carpet gets filled with dry soil as well as airborne pollutants and stops working efficiently. Frequent carpet cleaning can improve indoor air quality by removing these harmful pollutants. If it’s neglected, it can turn into a breeding ground for biological contaminants and pollutants. Carpet cleaning can provide a greater level of acceptable indoor air quality by reducing biological contaminants, gas phase organics and the microscopic particles that we breathe. Having your carpet regularly cleaned does more than improve the appearance of the carpet. It provides you, your employees, and your customers a safer and healthier indoor environment. Fibre Clean Tel & Fax: 011 782 8984 E-mail: justin@fibreclean.co.za Website: www.fibreclean.co.za
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F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Final Floor Solutions Some systems and treatments are essential, others
There are many alternative accessories to provide
merely cosmetic but, without adding the finishing
a quality finish to any floor but architects, design-
touches to the floor such as trims and joints, coat-
ers, contractors and developers must know what
ings and sealants (if required), the proper screeds,
floor finishes are necessary to make any type of
mats and rugs to keep the floor in good condition,
floor safe, serviceable, and with improved aesthetic
skirtings, the right application techniques and
appeal – to provide the final professional touch to
aftercare, it will not reach perfection in terms of
the installation.
aesthetics and functionality.
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Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
The professional
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F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
K端BERIT
way to complete a flooring installation
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
Some systems and treatments are essential, others merely cosmetic but, without adding the finishing touches to the floor such as trims and joints, coatings and sealants (if required), the proper screeds, mats and rugs to keep the floor in good condition, skirtings, the right application techniques and aftercare, it will not reach perfection in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
T
here are many alternative accessories to provide a quality finish to any floor but architects, designers, contractors and developers
must know what floor finishes are necessary to make any type of floor safe, serviceable, and with improved aesthetic appeal – to provide the final professional touch to the installation. Any type of floor needs the right finishing touches to improve its
appearance, safety and overall performance, and yet so often these Stock.XCHNG
are either overlooked, given scant attention, or a cheap and nasty solution is used to ‘make do’. Screeds are probably the most important aspect of a flooring installation. Any type of floorcovering requires a smooth, level, dry, clean surface on which to install the flooring and, in some cases, the smoothness of the screed is critical. This is particularly relevant when using vinyl tile and sheeting (and some other resilient floorcoverings) because any imperfections underneath the vinyl will ‘grin through’ to the floor surface. In fact, in some cases even a misapplication of adhesive will have the same effect! For these flooring products it is essential to use a proprietary self-levelling screed to achieve the required smoothness of finish. However, a smooth surface to install on is necessary for any type of floorcovering and it is important that the manufacturer’s installation recommendations are adhered to in every instance. Perfectly laid screeds and the use of concrete in general can give many floors a facelift and a further lease of working life. For example, old floors can be resurfaced with cement-based toppings, many of which are now available in various colours, to add glamour to an otherwise dilapidated floor. Also, polished concrete is a modern fashion trend amongst the more avant-garde architects and interior designers these days for a wide range of applications including residential, office and shopping centre projects, amongst many others. Polished concrete is best done at the initial installation stage, but great results have been achieved by using this method to rejuvenate old floors. However, this is not a job for someone without experience in this application, so make sure the selected company is well equipped and au fait with the techniques. Structural, movement & expansion joints One step on from screeds, it is interesting to note that on large industrial floors that are produced using concrete slabs, the only requirement for jointing is to use a high-quality joint sealer where the slabs abut, although the structural movement and load criteria must be determined by an engineer to ensure that these are taken care of both in the slabs and in the subfloor.
The correct jointing system on large seamless floors such as those with an epoxy, polyurethane or even a polished concrete finish will be determined by the supplier, manufacturer or installer in relation to the type of material being used and the amount of traffic or loading the floor will be expected to handle. For extra-large ceramic tiled floors the tiling needs to be divided into sections (bays) and movement joints placed about every 8-10 metres. Movement joints in the tiling must relate to, and be continuous with, the existing structural movement joints, although they will be formed separately – preferably isolated by a PVC sheet or other suitable material. It is also important that any movement joints within the substrate should be followed through to the surface. Although it is possible to retrofit movement joints within a tiling installation, this is a time-consuming and costly exercise, so they should be installed at the same time as the tiles, positioned over the existing structural movement joints or where tiling abuts other materials such as a carpet and tile combination installation or a split-level floor. When tiling is laid over the abutment of different materials, or where abnormal stresses are expected to occur, movement joints must be used, and again where a high degree of thermal movement or vibration is expected. Drying and settlement of the substrate should also be considered and accommodated at the design stage. Trims Proprietary trims, including expansion and transition joints, trims for finishing, ends, steps and adaptable shapes used to solve expansion and installation gaps at the junction with sliding doors, staircases, and the transition between different flooring types, screeds or curved surfaces, are available for almost every type of floorcovering, and they are necessary to provide that touch of
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KIRK MARKETING
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
professionalism for any type of décor. Trims can be supplied in a wide variety of materials – brass, aluminium, stainless steel, PVC, and can also be provided with inserts to match wood or laminate colours, or the range of vinyl colours available to really ‘finish’ and match or enhance the installed floorcovering. Many manufacturers provide their own trims (and other items such as cornices and skirtings) to match their specific products, and most trims can be fitted either as part of the floorcovering installation or retrofitted without any difficulty. The trims and finishes for natural wood floors are normally made from the same wood as the floor, and include quarterround mouldings to cover the expansion gap between the
PANMIXERS
edge of the floor and the wall or skirting board; square-nose or end-cap mouldings to ‘join’ two flooring materials of differing types; reducer strips used where two floors meet at differing heights (‘T’ mouldings are used where they are the same height); and either overlapping or flush-mounted stair nosings to protect the edges of the stair treads and flooring material, and add a further degree of safety. For vinyl or PVC tiled stairs, there is a selection of PVC or aluminium stair nosings available; solid brass is often preferred for carpets and ceramic tiles; and non-slip nosings of various types are becoming increasingly popular. Also, the aftercare of the finished floor is worth mentioning because no amount of floor finishing will prevent the floor from looking dull and ugly without a proper cleaning or maintenance programme. Whether you are buying or specifying a particular type of flooring, make sure you get the supplier’s or manufacturer’s instructions or recommendations on how to keep the floor in good condition. This may well be imperative to prevent guarantees and warranties being invalidated.
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MATCO
We have said this so many times before: prevention is better
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
than cure. Any building from the smallest house to the glitziest hotel can save considerable time, money and effort in keeping floors clean with the simple addition of a high-quality doormat. With mats used both outside and inside the building, cleaning expenses will be noticeably reduced, and the longevity of the floorcovering dramatically increased, and they can be designed to provide corporate logos and colours to welcome visitors in a professional manner. Finally, it is worth mentioning a system that is both the initial and the finishing technique for a wide range of flooring applicaGENESIS
tions – polished concrete. This seems to have come into favour with architects and interior designers in a big way over the past two or three years, and with the new technology grinding and polishing machines and the addition of colourfast pigments, it can provide an extremely long lasting and attractive floor finish for both residential and commercial projects. The method mechanically removes the top cement layer, and exposes the stronger concrete underneath, to which a variety of grinding applications can be used, depending on the required end result, which always provides a completely flat surface that is hardwearing, virtually maintenance free, and of high aesthetic appeal. There is absolutely no doubt that to get the best out of your
MATCO
floors – both in looks and performance – you should specify or fit the right final floor finishes.
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Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
The final solution for vinyl floors
Floorworx Safic - high-quality, environment-friendly chemicals
Most vinyl floors need a basic chemical to either pre-clean, clean, maintain, and/or strip and seal. The lifecycle of floor maintenance can be divided into four maintenance classifications: initial, daily, periodic and restoration. The lifecycle of the floor will give an indication of the correct cleaning and maintenance
able for use on vinyl and rubber floors in high-traffic areas. FloorworX Rinse is an alkali neutraliser. Mildly acidic, it is used to effectively neutralise alkali stripper and detergent residues on any floor during cleaning. FloorworX Spray Buff is a specifically formulated acrylic emulsion for restoring and repairing floors previously coated with FloorworX Sealer in order to maintain a smooth surface and a constant level
steps which should always be followed.
of gloss while extending the time between stripping and re-sealing
D
speed or burnishing machines. irectly after installation, a maintenance programme must begin.
Initial maintenance is necessary to remove any soiling left from
the installation. It may include dust mopping and wet mopping, but
operations, and must be used in conjunction with rotary, highFloorworX Maintain is an effective and economical water-based general-purpose cleaner and disinfectant containing a pleasant fragrance. FloorworX Maintain is versatile and can be used on all surfaces not affected by water.
in some situations removal of factory seal and applications of seal
Although quality chemical products are important for aftercare,
and/or finish may also be necessary. This is generally fundamental
floorcare equipment plays an equally vital role in the cleaning of
maintenance and requires minimal training in chemicals and equip-
floors. It assists with the application of the chemicals as well as
ment for the technicians or cleaning staff.
enhancing the appearance of the floor.
Periodic and restoration maintenance involves procedures that
Safic has been at the forefront of manufacturing and supply-
require more knowledge and skill to perform. These more aggres-
ing high-quality, environment-friendly chemicals, and supplies an
sive services are necessary to remove difficult, imbedded and
extensive range of vacuum cleaners, mopping trolley systems, rota-
encapsulated soils.
ry machines, high-pressure machines, hygiene brushware, house-
Within the flooring sector, there are many flooring products available, but FloorworX – in conjunction with Safic – can offer customers a final floor solution aimed at sustaining the aesthetic appeal of any floor. FloorworX Stripper is a powerful, concentrated, non-ammoniated,
70
FloorworX Sealer is a durable, high-gloss, water-based, acrylic emulsion floor coating that carries the SANS 1042 mark and is suit-
hold and industrial brooms and more which can be commissioned in accordance with the specific requirements of any client. FloorworX Marketing Tel: 011 406 4146/4150 or 0860 346 679
acrylic emulsion floor coating stripper, suitable for use with auto-
Website: www.floorworx.co.za
matic scrubbers. FloorworX Stripper has excellent cleaning and
Fax: 086 273 0905
degreasing properties and will remove dirt, grime, fats, oils and
Safic Floorcare Range enquiries
other deposits from floor surfaces.
Tel: 011 406 4001 or 0860 472 342
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
Tile-in and retro-fit stair nosing
FLOOR AND WALL FINAL SOLUTIONS Aluminium Retro-fit Bull Stairnosing with non-slip insert
Aluminium Double Retro-fit Stairnosing with Luminescence Non-slip inserts
available through Kirk Marketing
The M.Trim range of tile-in and retro-fit stair nosings has given the specifier a large range of options for new buildings, refurbishments and custom-specific requirements for any application, and is ideal from heavy-duty pedestrian to normal domestic, low-volume pedestrian traffic.
T
he Tile-in stair nosing is available in aluminium, brass, PVC and alu-
Aluminium & PVC Tile-in stairnosing
Aluminium Tile-in stairnosing
Brass Tile-in stairnosing
Brass Retrofit stairnosing
minium combinations, and in 10mm and 12mm, except in brass
which is available in 10mm only. The PVC and aluminium combinations are available in four popular colours – buff, black, brown and dark grey. Custom-specific colours can be ordered on quantity only. The PVC insert could be replaced, but that should not be necessary as they are designed for heavy traffic. The Tile-in version of stair nosing is generally used with new buildings and tiles – leaving a much smaller sightline of 35mm and fitting flush with the tiles. They can be used externally or internally and have excellent nonslip properties. M-Trim retro-fit stair nosings can be used with all types of flooring – car-
pet, tiles, vinyl, wood and laminate floors, and are suitable for external and internal use, and can be used in refurbishments, covering chipped tiles or damaged floors. The aluminium retrofit has a single or double, bull type of nosing with different types of inserts – PVC (four popular colours, buff, brown, black and dark grey – available as a smooth or ridged surface); Non-slip grit
M Trim is a brand of PVC, brass, aluminium, stainless steel and anodised profiles used for tiles, carpets, vinyl and laminate floors.
(beige, grey, brown and black); and Non-slip Luminescence strips (in all non-slip colours). Also, plain brass, aluminium and PVC retrofit stair nosing is available, and stair nosing with carborundum inserts.
Quality Profiles for wood and laminate floors.
Quality Tile Cleaners,Strippers and Sealants.
M.Trim can custom-design an industrial stair nosing that has excellent non-slip qualities used in very adverse conditions such as heavy rain, oil, grease, fat ,dust, liquids and powder. The coarseness of the grit used can vary from fine, to medium and coarse and the baseplate is either galvanised steel or stainless steel depending on the requirement. Whatever your needs and budget, M.Trim has a stair nosing to suit your requirements. Please consult your closest Kirk branch to see samples and get expert attention. Kirk Marketing Head office 011 444 1441 KwaZulu-Natal 031 564 1175 Cape Town 021 949 2226 Port Elizabeth 0860 KIRKPE
Structural movement and expansion joints for floors, walls, columns, ceilings, roofs, car garages, bridges. Fire Barriers also available.
GAUTENG Tel: +27 11 444 1441 Fax: +27 11 444 1165 CAPE TOWN Tel: +27 21 949 2226 Fax: +27 21 949 4531
PVC curvable profiles for multishaped flooring. Commercial and domestic applications.
KWAZULU NATAL Tel: +27 31 564 1175 Fax: +27 31 564 1143 PORT ELIZABETH Tel: 0860 547573 Fax: 086 688 4980
E-mail: sales@kirk.co.za Website: www.kirk.co.za F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
71
New architectural coatings
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
at the Nuremberg show Offering a very broad and versatile portfolio when it comes to formulating paints and construction chemical products for interior or exterior applications, BASF presented new products and future-oriented technologies in the field of dispersions, effect pigments, pigment preparations, resins and additives at the European Coatings Show in Nuremberg in March.
T
he following flooring solutions, with the focus on being environmentally friendly that convince consumers of their
performance and quality, were presented during the trade fair.
Interior paints that offer added value For several years now consumers have been calling for eco- and health-friendly wall paints. With its water-based binders sold under the Acronal brand, BASF offers odour-free dispersions that are low in VOC and free from formaldehyde and APEO. But the binders can do more than that; when interior wall paints based on Acronal DS 6282 X are used, stains can be Stock.XCHNG
washed off the wall without leaving any residue. With the good binding properties of Acronal DS 6270, interior paints maintain their original shade – hence this pure acrylate dispersion is particularly suitable for the dark and strong colours that are currently fashionable. Also included in the Acronal range are innovative solutions for exterior wood applications and applications. Transparent and
bines the benefits of synthetic resin dispersions with those of silicates. The organic part of the binder – the acrylic resin – ensures suffi-
semi-transparent wood coatings based on Acronal DS 6288 X
cient elasticity while the mineral part lends the coloured coating the
can be applied easily and evenly, are absorbed quickly and have
required rigidity. This makes coatings particularly resilient as well as
good adhesive properties – even when exposed to humidity.
resistant to dirt and chemicals.
This ensures that wooden patio furniture or decking is
Polymers for the construction industry
much longer lasting, and this binder is suitable for satin as
Modern materials need to meet all environmental standards and, at
well as matt varnishes that are applied to tropical wood such
the same time, ensure fast and easy processing. With its dispersions,
as Bangkirai.
powders and additives, BASF offers a comprehensive range of raw materials for the manufacturing of construction chemicals, which are
Nanotechnology – even for floor coatings The COL.9 nano-based binder not only makes façades look
The low-odour and low-VOC dispersions sold under the brand
great for longer. From now on, even substrates such as con-
name Acronal are particularly well suited for the formulation of
crete, stone or tiles can be coated with COL.9. This means
floorcoverings and tile adhesives that meet the requirements of the
that annoying tyre marks or oil stains on garage floors are
EC 1 or Blauer Engel (Blue Angel) environmental labels.
a thing of the past. However, the functional principle is the same for both façade and floor applications: the binder com-
72
free from APEO, ammonia and formaldehyde.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Further information on all the products introduced by BASF at the show, is available on the internet at www.basf.com/ecs.
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
StonCor appoints new brand manager StonCor Africa has appointed Michael Cresswell as brand manager for its Stonhard range of products, with a sales programme that includes heavy-duty flooring; abrasion- and chemicalresistant seamless flooring for the food and beverage market; and durable and decorative floor-
share in South Africa.” With proven performance and a comprehensive service, Stonhard can solve almost any flooring problem, with an extensive line of seamless flooring systems that can seriously impact on the client’s bottom line by eliminating repairs and saving valuable downtime. Stonhard has the ability to provide a diversity of formulations for floors that are resistant to chemicals, impact and abrasion, and are easy to maintain. Stonhard is a global leader in manufacturing and installing seam-
ing for the commercial market.
M
tion will be maintained, and I look forward to increasing our market
less floor, wall and lining systems with sales operations in more than 20 countries.
ike has been with StonCor Africa for nine years and, prior
In South Africa, Stonhard’s floor systems cover the full spectrum of
to joining them, had 21 years in the industry covering the
industrial and commercial applications: manufacturing, food process-
manufacturing, supply and installation of specialist floorcoverings in
ing, electronics / semi-conductor, chemical processing, pharmaceutical
the polymer flooring sector.
and institutional. Each product line has a broad array of formulations
The duties involved in his new position include the promotion and securing of orders relating to the Stonhard range of flooring
to fit any flooring specification and a wide selection of colours to complement any décor.
systems, and liaising with professional teams, applicators and end-
These seamless, long-wearing and easy-to-clean flooring systems
users to ensure that the correct polymer flooring system is installed
are engineered to perform in both industrial and commercial flooring
to suit the client’s requirements.
applications without sacrificing design and innovative vision.
Asked how he sees the future with and for the company, Mike
StonCor Africa (Pty) Ltd
answered, “Stonhard is the biggest polymer flooring company in the
Cell: 011 254 5500
world and with our innovative and future product ranges, this posi-
E-mail: mcresswell@stoncor.com
BUILD IT. PACK IT. DROP IT. DRAG IT.ROLL IT. JUST BE SURE YOU HAVE A STONHARD FLOOR UNDER IT. At Stonhard we do more than create long lasting great looking floors. Through proven performance and comprehensive service, we solve the world’s toughest flooring problems. Our extensive line of seamless floor systems dramatically impact your bottom line by eliminating repairs and recoating and saving you valuable downtime. Chemical, impact and abrasion resistant floors are also safe and easy to maintain. We offer diversity of formations, durability and long lasting performance. And all from a company that doesn’t believe in a one size fits all approach to seamless flooring. That’s why 95% of our business comes from repeat customers incorporating unparalleled products and seamless surface custom designs. It’s always a great time to talk to us. Stoncor Africa provides solutions for all your flooring, coating, lining, fireproofing, concrete rehabilitation and structural system requirements. Industrial
Institutional Commercial
Stoncor Africa is a ISO 9001:2008 registered company
011 254-5500
www.stonhard.co.za
FLOORS FOR EVERY ENVIRONMENT
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
73
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
Daily grind of floor preparation is simplified by new product range PMSA – a leading manufacturer of concrete block, brick and paving machinery – has obtained exclusive distribution rights to a complete range of worldclass concrete floor grinding machinery through its newly-established company, Galileo Trading.
G
HTC Superfloor, which is a complete concept for polishing concrete. alileo national sales manager, Andreas Hasselmose says,
“The method mechanically refines the concrete surface by removing
“Galileo was established to focus on distributing the inter-
the top cement paste, and exposes the underlying stronger con-
nationally-recognised range of Swedish-manufactured HTC floor polishing and grinding machines across Southern Africa.” “Galileo now stocks a range of grinding machines to meet the demands of any floor preparation application, ranging from DIY to
“The existing concrete is then ground and polished with HTC’s effective range of machinery and tools, resulting in a floor with a completely flat surface with high qualities – both functional and aesthetic.”
large industrial projects. HTC’s range of eleven different floor grind-
HTC Superfloor is ideal for all environments, and can be used in
ers covers everything from small domestic areas, to vast open areas
applications ranging from industrial and consumable storage, to
measuring thousands of square metres,” he explains.
shopping malls and educational facilities.
All HTC grinders are adapted for the unique EZchange system
Hasselmose says the introduction of the HTC range of grinding
– technology that is exclusive to HTC. “The patented EZchange sys-
tools gives Galileo an all-in-one-solution offering for concrete floor
tem ensures that the risk of broken and rusty screws is completely
preparation, as the company already stocks the HTC Twister range of
eliminated. The system consists of wings for metal-bond and plastic-
floor pads, which offer a green alternative to toxic chemical deter-
bond diamond tools that fit onto a metal holder, which can be used
gents when it comes to maintaining floor surfaces – by making use
for every type of HTC tool in the EZchange system; all it takes is a
of grinding discs coated with microscopic diamonds.
light tap with a rubber hammer to ensure that the tool is firmly in
PMSA
place, and the machine is ready for work,” he continues.
Tel: 079 511 5524 Email: andreas@superfloor.co.za
Hasselmose says the fastest-growing floor type in South Africa is
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crete,” he explains.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Website: www.htc-floorsystems.com or www.pmsa.com
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
Superb Aluminium Stair Nosings Falcon Tiling Products was established in 2000 and is being run as a family-owned business that has a great deal of experience in providing profiles, tools and other equipment to the building and construction industry, having built up an outstanding reputation for quality and customer service over the past decade.
A
Falcon Tiling Products specialise in a wide variety of products focusing mainly on the Tiling and Flooring sector of the market. We supply top quality products to the DIY and Professional market, and we have a full range of Tiling Tools, Tiling Profiles and Mosaic Tiles.
Aluminium Single Bull Nosing nyone looking for aluminium stair nosings – particularly for meeting the requirements of stairs clad with ceramic tiles –
need look no further than the profiles available from Falcon. These heavy-duty aluminium profiles provide a superb finish to any tiled staircase, and they provide full protection by absorbing heavy-traffic impact on the stairs. The aluminium stair nosings are provided with strong, durable and UV-protected PVC inserts. The aluminium profile can be anodised
Tiling Tools
to a variety of different colours to suit the style and décor of any application. The PVC inserts are included in the profile and do not need to be
Tiling Profiles
bought separately – making the profile a more cost-effective solution. Also, should the PVC inserts become damaged in use, they are easily replaceable.
Mosaic Tiles
These profiles are supplied in 3 metre lengths which makes them ideal and more economical when used in office parks and commercial enterprises which normally contain bigger stairway areas. They provide a neat, stylish finish to the stairs, together with anti-slip inserts with either a square or round bull nose finish to choose from. The Falcon aluminium stair nosing profile is available in four different styles: double or single bull nosing; or single or double square nosing. All profiles are simply fixed with screws that are neatly covered with the PVC insert – leaving a neat and aesthetically pleasing finish. Anyone wishing to know more about these advanced profiles should
GAUTENG Tel: 011 849 6651
PORT ELIZABETH Tel: 083 534 2826
KWAZULU NATAL Tel: 073 104 2395
CAPE TOWN Tel: 082 627 9862
contact Falcon Tiling Products at the numbers shown below. Falcon Tiling Tel: 011 849 6651 Fax: 011 849 8814 Website: www.falcontiling.co.za
www.falcontiling.co.za F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
75
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
Professionalism and customer service is the key If one looks at the reasons for the success of Peter
meticulous adherence to undeviating courtesy, honesty and responsibility in one’s dealings with customers and associates,
Bates Flooring over the years, one soon realises
plus a level of excellence that goes above and beyond the com-
that these have been an adherence to outstand-
mercial considerations and legal requirements.
ing values, integrity and the provision of the high-
further, in a passionate belief in what we are doing; a tenet that
However, Doret says, “At Peter Bates Flooring this is taken even means we never compromise our standards and values; and
est level of service to all market sectors through
absolute care for our clients and our people.”
appropriate and well-organised resources.
A
All this, of course, with the aim of maintaining a high level of technological expertise and ensuring that every customer and project is dealt with in a manner that far exceeds expectation.
ccording to marketing executive Doret Botha, the
For your next project contact Peter Bates Flooring – and get
values that make Peter Bates Flooring such an excep-
the advantage of the professional approach.
tional company to deal with are reflected in the acronym PETER: Professionalism; Empowerment; Transparency; Ethics; and
Peter Bates Flooring
Reliability, and we will be running a brief résumé of each of these
Tel: 011 830 2350 Fax: 086 528 7502
values over the next few issues of FLOORS in Africa.
E-mail: marketing@peterbates.co.za Website: www.peterbates.co.za
The generally accepted definition of professionalism is the
Aluminium Stair Edge
HDPS Stair Edge
Trims & Skirting for wood and Laminate flooring available only from
Aluminium Transition Profile
Supreme Mouldings is a local manufacturer and distributor of comprehensive range of Aluminium and High Density Polystyrene (HDPS) profiles for use in the flooring industry.
HDPS Transition Profile
The HDPS range consists of 8 profiles, 2 skirting options and 6 trims, in a range of 18 wood grain finishes. The 150mm and 75mm skirting, as well as the Quarter Round and Scotia, are also available in White. The Aluminium range comprises of a Stair Edge, Transition Profile, and Adjustment Profile in 10 wood grain finishes, as well as Satin Gold, Satin Silver and Satin Bronze Anodized.
Aluminium Adjustment Profile
Our HDPS products are totally waterproof and ideal for use at the coast where moisture is always a problem, or in areas prone to damp like kitchens, bathrooms, etc. They are also highly flexible, and can be bent and easily applied onto sharply curved surfaces. HDPS as a substrate is totally inert and will not emit any moisture or gas, even when set alight.
HDPS Adjustment Profile
The wood grain decor layer is heat fused to the profile and will not peel or de-laminate. Our factory is situated in Wilsonia, East London, and can do custom profiles or finishes on request, subject to minimum order quantities. Standard product is available ex-stock from our three distribution locations in Roodepoort (Johannesburg), Maitland (Cape Town), and Briardene (Durban). Trade enquiries only please contact Johannesburg – Maxine on 011 472 0870 or maxine@suprememouldings.co.za Cape Town – Tammy on 021 593 1133 or telesales@unilynx.co.za Durban – Venessa on 031 563 6934 or carol@supreme-mouldings.co.za Website – www.suprememouldings.co.za
76
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
HDPS 150 x 21mm Skirting
HDPS 75 x 15mm HDPS 75 x 15mm with Scotia with Quarter Round
HDPS Border Profile
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
Screed for fast-track hospital floor repairs a.b.e. Construction Chemicals (part of the Chryso SA group) was used for the fast-track floor repairs at the St Dominic’s Hospital in East London, where the company’s abescreed SLC Q rapid-hardening cement-based screed was used to level and smooth the floors at St Dominic’s over a weekend, while surgery and other hospital activities were being
matting systems Create a welcoming entrance Improve longevity of floor finishes Make cleaning more cost effective
performed on the floor below.
St Dominic’s Hospital refurbished floor
P
eter Jones, a.b.e.’s flooring specialist based in the Eastern Cape, says “abescreed SLC P, used in conjunction with abescreed SLC P
acrylic primer, is extremely effective and popular for fast-track flooring refurbishment. The renovation of the 500m² flooring at St Dominic’s was a challenging project in that the floor was extremely uneven – as much as 10mm out in places,” he explains. Cannon Coatings, the approved a.b.e. applicators, first had to vacuum grind the floor, then apply two coats of abescreed SLC P acrylic primer, followed by a 5mm coating of abescreed SLC P self-levelling screed. Priming is important because it improves the adhesion of the abescreed screed to the concrete, prevents formation of air bubbles, and also reduces water absorption into the subfloor. The working mix of abescreed SLC P screed for this project was 5,25 litres per 25kg bag, and the coverage was 1,7kg per square metre per one millimetre thickness.” Quick-setting and self-levelling, abescreed SLC P is supplied in a single pack requiring only the addition of water, and can be applied (0-50mm thick) by a steel trowel or spatula. It can be walked on after just two hours under normal conditions; sanded at joints if required four hours after application; is protein-free and will not harbour bacteria; and can normally apply coverings onto a 10mm thick screed after four hours. “The screed’s hygienic factors are important considerations for hospi-
A variety of indoor and outdoor commercial industrial matting is available – logo matting, entrance matting, anti-fatigue matting, change-room matting, food service duckboards.
tal applications,” Jones adds. The main contractor for the St Dominic’s Hospital refurbishment was VDZ Construction, and the architect was Andrew Powells of Design Acro. a.b.e. Construction Chemicals Tel: 043 726 0115 Website: www.abe.co.za
Matco Head Office Tel: 011 452 7961/2/3/4 • Fax: 011 452 7965 sales@matcomats.co.za
www.matcomarketing.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
77
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
Retaining the natural beauty of wood In 2007, after years of research and testing, Bona introduced a special protective formula to retain the natural beauty of wood. Bona Naturale was launched. Four years later, the phenomenon of Bona Naturale continues to grow worldwide.
B
Bona Naturale - wooden floor protection ona Naturale, the next generation of wooden floor protection, is a durable natural-looking alternative to traditional treat-
Bona Naturale has a non-reflective surface so minor sanding
ments, such as varnish, oil and wax. Its fast-drying wooden floor
imperfections that might occur during the preparation work blend
surface protection for residential use offers excellent durability with
in and do not become highlighted. If necessary, Bona Naturale can
just two coats.
be spot repaired. With the right care and maintenance, this protec-
Bona Naturale is a unique floor treatment that preserves the true
tion can be preserved throughout the lifetime of a wooden floor.
nature of any wooden floor while giving it durable protection. The
Bona Naturale is health-harmless and environmentally sound and
treated wood surfaces stay as close to an untreated look and feel as
has been awarded the EMICODE EC1 for very low emissions. It is vir-
possible.
tually odourless and partially made of renewable raw materials.
When most other treatments require three coats or more, Bona Naturale gives full protection after just two. “Bona Naturale is a quick-and-easy-to-use product that repre-
78
able concept to enhance the business for the contractor.”
“FloorworX is proud to offer the market this unique and natural alternative, while at the same time offering the contractors an expanded business,” says Peter Geyer. “Bona Naturale assures a high-
sents an exceptional business opportunity for professional flooring
quality end result which ensures recommendations and repeat busi-
contractors,” says FloorworX wood and laminate guru Peter Geyer.
ness for the contractor.”
“There is no need for a primer and with a short drying time there is
FloorworX Marketing
less waiting around for the coats to dry. All this adds up to a profit-
Tel: 011 406 4146 Fax: 086 273 0905
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
Website: www.tfc.co.za Toll free advice & Contracting: 0800 00 6173
Toll Free 0800 00 6173 Toll Free 0800 00 6173
www.tfc.co.za
www.tfc.co.za
F LO O R S M a rc h A p r i l 2 0 1 1
79
Feature Focus: Final Floor S olutions
Floors conform to K&F Industries’ highest standards
ficiently high quality and strength to receive the Sika system. Sikafloor-155W-N ZA, a solvent-free, two-part primer based on epoxy resin, was applied directly onto the newly laid screed before the Sikafloor-81 EpoCem. This primer is water-dispersed and odourless, is especially suitable for highly absorbent substrates, and is environmentally friendly. Sikafloor-81 EpoCem is a 3-part cement and epoxy combination mortar for self-smoothing floor screeds of 1,5 mm to 3 mm thick. It offers economical, fast and easy application, has good levelling properties, and is impervious to liquids but permeable to water vapour. It was used as a moisture barrier under the epoxy system to follow. Sikafloor-156ZA is a 2-part primer, levelling mortar and mortar
K&F Industries’ factory floor
screed, which was then applied to the cured Sikafloor-81 Epocem. It provides low viscosity, good penetration ability, high bond strength,
Sika’s innovative range of flooring products
and is easy to apply.
was selected when K&F Industries’ factory floor
based on epoxy resin, was applied as a 2 mm self-smoothing
needed resurfacing. As a food manufacturer, K&F
topcoat. Due to its low viscosity, it can produce highly filled, self-
required a highly aesthetic floor which conformed
screeds and sealer coats. It provides good chemical and mechanical
to health regulations that could be easily cleaned and maintained.
Following this, Sikafloor-261 ZA, a 2-part multi-purpose binder
smoothing broadcast layers as well as textured layers, mortar resistance, is liquid-proof, solvent-free, and offers a tight, glossy surface, which is slip-resistant. K&F Industries can confidently resume their manufacturing opera-
H
tions knowing that their factory floor was produced to Sika’s strin-
ennie Wepener from Contract Control Measures confidently
gent, world-class standards which will ensure the highest quality
specified products from Sika’s high-performance flooring
surface to last for many years to come.
range, and flooring contractors Krochem undertook the project, which
For further information on Sika products and systems,
involved removing the old screeds and replacing them with one of suf-
visit www.sika.co.za.
EASY SKIRT From Boardroom to Bedroom
The perfect wall-towall finishing trim Easy Skirt brought long-awaited skirting solutions for wall-to-wall carpeted floors to South Africa almost 26 years ago. Introducing this concept through architects and other specifiers, it has become a tried and tested solution, in great demand by discerning property owners and professionals alike.
E
asy Skirt carpet skirting, well accepted by the trade, provides a superb finish to carpeted floors.
Easy Skirt is made from durable, high impact PVC and is ideally suited
for most commercial and domestic installations. The installation has been simplified by the development of special slip in corner pieces and end caps (patented by East Skirt).
Carpet Skirting Tel: (011) 705 1652 Fax: (011) 467 1212 Email: info@easyskirt.co.za www.easyskirt.co.za 80
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
The product does not require any maintenance or painting. Easy Skirt carpet skirting provides a decorative finishing touch and is available in 7 standard colours. Other colours are available on request. Easy Skirt Tel: 011 705 1652 Fax: 011 467 1212 E-mail: info@easyskirt.co.za Website: www.easyskirt.co.za
Residential Specification Choices It is strange that in past years homeowners and
Thus it is quite acceptable for living rooms to be
designers seemed to stick to a formula that said
tiled, bathrooms to use stone floors or for kitchens
‘carpet for the lounge and bedrooms, tiles for the
to have wooden floors – it just takes a little imagi-
kitchen and bathrooms’ because these days there
nation and flair to make each room really trendy,
is a vast array of different materials and solutions all
functional and special – providing floors the hom-
vying for inclusion in the same areas.
eowner can be really proud of!
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
81
Feature Focus: Residential Specification Choices
It is strange that in past years homeowners and designers seemed to stick to a formula that said ‘carpet for the lounge and bedrooms, tiles for the kitchen and bathrooms’ because these days there vying for inclusion in the same areas.
BALTERIO
is a vast array of different materials and solutions all
Home is where the floor is king! hus it is quite acceptable for living rooms to be tiled, bathrooms
T
nishings; what and where will the furniture be placed; and what clean-
to use stone floors or for kitchens to have wooden floors – it just
ing and maintenance is likely to be needed.
functional and special – providing floors the homeowner can be really
ing must be determined because that will make a difference in terms of
proud of!
the flooring that can be selected.
takes a little imagination and flair to make each room really trendy,
Apart from the developments in these ‘traditional’ floorcoverings, the advent of polished concrete, laminate floorcoverings to match any natural wood finish, ceramic and porcelain tiles as well as vinyl tiles
Here is a brief overview of the main types of flooring on the market today to make choosing a new floor a bit easier.
and sheet that also replicate stone and wood finishes, and the increas-
Wood
ing demand for bamboo and other environmentally friendly flooring
Hardwood is still one of the most popular options these days because
materials, all provide the specifier with a selection dilemma that never
the elegance of this type of flooring will add character to any room in
existed before.
the home. Solid wood floors are still available and in demand, but the
Prior to making any decisions, there are a number of important considerations to be made that may rule out the use of some floorcoverings, and enhance the use of others.
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After determining all that, what budget limit is to be spent on floor-
criticism from the ‘green’ lobby is seeing these floors losing ground to the engineered wood products. Engineered wood floors incorporate fairly recent advancements in
For instance, these are “need to know”: how will the room be used;
technology and manufacturing that enable the selected hardwood to
how much traffic will it get; what will go best with the décor and fur-
provide the surface of the floor, but present it as the crowning glory of
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Feature Focus: Residential Specification Choices
a carefully designed multilayer system that uses less expensive wood as
ing system which makes installation easy – and any replacement
the base to provide its stability and longevity, with a reduced demand
requirement at a later stage. With the quality of laminate floorings
on the exotic hardwood varieties.
these days they are often mistaken for wood, even by experts.
A truly environmentally friendly option is bamboo flooring which,
Rooms that will benefit from using laminate floors
strictly speaking is not wood but a grass, but the overall aesthetic
The attributes of a laminate floor are similar to wood, with the
appeal and performance places it in the same ‘category’ as wood.
modern surface finishes enabling the floor to be cleaned with just a
Rooms that will benefit from using wood floors.
damp mop and a minimum of clean water.
They can be used in any room of the house and with the factory finish-
Suitable for any room in the house, however they don’t like water,
es that are available today they have a minimal cleaning requirement.
so once again the warnings given for wood still apply here if they
In addition, the developments in specialised underlays and installation
are to be used in kitchens or bathrooms – and the same aesthetic
methods for these floors have greatly reduced the noise levels of an
attributes apply throughout every room.
installed wood floor when walked upon, and this encourages their use
Vinyl
in any area of the house. In bathroom areas one needs to ensure that there is no standing
No longer regarded as just being the workhorse of kitchens and
water or moisture emanating from the substrate; in kitchens they
bathrooms, vinyl tile and sheeting is available in all manner of stylish
should be protected in the areas where grease and oil deposits are usu-
colours and patterns.
ally prevalent; in entrances they must be protected from the ingress of dirt and grime by using walk-off mats.
There are new manufacturing processes being used with the much-vaunted luxury vinyl tiles which mean that both the texture
When used in conjunction with other floorcoverings as a combination floor, or even provided with inlays or used with attractive rugs or small carpets, a wood floor will meet the expectations of any homeowner or designer.
and look of tile, wood grain and stone can be replicated on vinyl – even to the extent of being available in ‘plank’ form. Further, some brands can be provided in ‘no waxing or polishing’ surface finishes, and tiles with safety no-slip surfaces are also available.
Laminate
Rooms that will benefit from the use of vinyl floors
A less expensive answer for those that want the appearance of wood
The traditional ease of installation, ease of cleaning, easy on the
should consider laminate floors, which are mostly imported from
pocket, and the provision of hygienic floors with a great deal of
reputable manufacturers in Europe, although some Asian countries are
aesthetic appeal make vinyl a strong contender for the floor in any
making determined efforts to enter the South African market.
room of the house. They are used extensively in schools and hospi-
Laminate floors are very easy to clean and are incredibly durable.
tals, so will be right at home in any kitchen, bathroom, nursery or
They are also stain- and fade-resistant. Most brands use a click fix-
children’s playroom. Almost any room will benefit from using the new luxury vinyl tiles that are rapidly finding popularity in the marketplace. Brilliant designs – including wood and natural stone looks that are so realistic – are ensuring that these are becoming an enduring trend for any living area. They probably still are ‘king of the bathroom and kitchen’ and for these applications it is worth looking at vinyl in sheet form as opposed to tiles, as the smooth, unbroken surface it provides really makes the cleaning process simple. Once again vinyl does not like moisture from below, so it must only be laid once the recommended moisture- or water-proofing of the substrate has been carried out. The best advice we can give to anyone considering vinyl floorcoverings is to visit a local showroom; you will be pleasantly surprised at how good your home would look with a vinyl floor.
Ceramic and porcelain tile This is the ‘strong man’ of residential flooring. Apart from making sure the installation conditions are right and a proper cleaning programme is put in place once it is in use, this is almost a ‘fit and forget’ type of flooring. Porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic, but they
TARKETT
are a much harder tile, and although slightly more difficult to install, they are available in large tile formats to provide the designer with untold pattern opportunities for the floor.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
83
There are many reasons to choose ceramic or porcelain tiles. They are scratch-, fire- and water-resistant and very durable. They are also ‘healthy’ because they do not retain bacteria and odours if installed correctly and properly maintained. Decisions that need to be taken before using ceramic and porcelain tiles include the slip resistance of the tile, the most suitable cleaning methods and the colour or pattern and thickness of the grout. Rooms that will benefit from the use of ceramic or porcelain tiles. It may seem like a record that is stuck, but these tiles are suitable for any room in the house – and this is why practically every cluster home or security estate developer will build houses with ceramic floors installed throughout every room. Bulk buying, ease of installation and the ‘fit and forget’ aptitude of modern tiles have ensured their popularity in these applications. Available in different sizes, colours and patterns (yes, even wood and stone look-alikes!), ceramic and porcelain tiles add value and convenience to any residence, and work well in combination with other flooring materials, particularly mosaics, metallic and other inserts, to provide exciting looks and appeal. There are no problems with dampness, water, or cleaning with these tiles – so they can be used in any room in the house.
Natural stone or concrete If budget is not a constraint, then a natural stone floor is a great option for any room in the house, and even though it costs more than most, in the right setting the appeal of stone flooring is fantastic and the durability is without question. Once again, potential users are advised to visit their nearest natural stone showroom, because there are so many options, designs, colours and natural patterns to choose from, each with its own texture and appeal. In recent years concrete floors have entered the realm of award-
84
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
winning designs, colours and appeal in a big way, and are now used in residential applications from the most upmarket residences to the humblest abode. The pigments and long-lasting colouring techniques, plus the highquality in situ polishing technology that is now available, have made concrete the darling of the avant-garde professional designer. Rooms that will benefit from the use of natural stone and concrete floors Any room in the house will be graced by the use of these floors, except perhaps in bedrooms where a warmer, cosier ambience and underfoot comfort is normally required. The same design ideas apply as for the ceramic tiles above, and the various combinations of inserts, such as other flooring materials, metals or mosaics, mean the design potential is limitless. However, natural stone or concrete floors need a professional to supply and install them. Homeowners should make sure the selected suppliers and installers have considerable experience in natural stone or the modern concrete applications, and thoroughly check their credentials before signing on the dotted line.
Carpet The last of the traditional materials we will discuss is certainly not the least! Carpet offers a floor that is warmer and softer than any other flooring option. It is also much quieter than any other kind of floor, and the array of colours and patterns available is legion. Because most people buy carpet with a view to it lasting a long time, it is a practical solution to go with a solid, neutral colour that will blend with or enhance any décor – particularly if that may alter in the future. Carpet is also more economical (in terms of the product itself and installation costs) than some of the other flooring options on the market today. Rooms that will benefit from the use of carpet Wherever it is intended to use carpet it is advisable to consider the room’s function: Carpet in a rough-and-tumble family room or a frequently used dining area should be chosen for its hardwearing, soil-
& DESIGN:
PATTICHIDES & PARTNERS ARCHITECTURE
Feature Focus: Residential Specification Choices
Feature Focus: Residential Specification Choices
“I am a firm favourite of bamboo flooring – particularly now the
hiding and stain-resistant capabilities. In a bedroom or a seldom-used formal living room, a pale colour
early problems of adhesives or production processes that involved
and a more ‘delicate’ fibre can be used and, although it is usually best
formaldehyde have been solved. This probably makes bamboo
to spend as much as can be afforded on a carpet, a bedroom is a low-
the most environmentally friendly floorcovering to be found these
traffic area so it is possible to use a lower-cost carpet.
days,” he says.
In the main living (or family) room it is possible to make a real style
Pattichides & Partners Architecture & Design
statement with a patterned carpet, particularly when teamed with neu-
Renowned for its avant-garde architecture, Pattichides & Partners
tral furniture and accessories throughout the room. Pattern is also great
Architecture & Design is currently involved with La Maison, one of
for hiding any unsightly marks. This is a busy room in the home and
Bedfordview’s most alluring cluster estates where the show-house
it needs to cope with plenty of wear and tear, so take advice on what
unit is nearing completion and about to go on display.
type of carpet will be best to meet the anticipated use.
Architect Carl Nicolaou says, “For the show-house, we have
The hallway is the highest-traffic room in the home, so this needs a
specified imported porcelain floor tiles, which complement the
carpet that can cope with plenty of wear and tear. Check the quality of
modernist architecture that is expressed throughout the estate.
the carpet and go for carpets labelled heavy domestic or extra heavy
These are eight bespoke upmarket homes which will be cust-
domestic. A hardwearing type of carpet will be needed, perhaps one
omised to suit the individual lifestyle of each client, and thus
with an 80% wool and 20% synthetic fibre mix that will withstand
allowing for further exploration of flooring materials during the
plenty of foot traffic.
design stages of each home.”
Floor heating
designer Michaela Baggeröhr, says they will eventually get involved
Finally, it is worth taking a look at keeping the house warm. South
with every client individually on this luxury estate. “It will be quite
African homes are traditionally built for being in a warm climate, but so
exciting,” she says, “Although in most cases clients seem to favour
often the occupants suffer in the cold weather.
the ‘traditional’ flooring materials – carpet, wood and tiles through-
Leading the interior concept development on La Maison, interior
The answer is to install floor heating. The modern designs ensure that the heat can be controlled to provide warmth when and where it is
out the various rooms.” “High amongst our recommendations are porcelain tiles, because
needed, and they are perfectly safe, unobtrusive, create no mess, need
they are relatively cost-effective, easy to install, look great, are easy
no cleaning or maintenance, require no other materials or fuels to oper-
to clean and can last forever with hardly any maintenance,” says
ate, and can actually conserve energy – particularly when compared to
Michaela. Asked for her views on ‘green’ floorcoverings, Michaela said that
panel heaters and element fires. There is no reason to highlight which rooms would benefit from
they have not noticed a big swing in favour of these materials, prob-
the use of floor heating – they all will! And the accurate temperature
ably because so often these mediums fall outside of our clients’
controls of the modern systems ensure that the system can be pro-
allocated budgets or functions respectively.”
grammed to operate only when needed – including setting it to switch
Gavin Warburton, Bullard & van Rooyen Architects
on and provide a nice warm homecoming on a winter’s evening.
GW + BVR excel in the design of significant buildings that are finely crafted to suit their purpose, and have established a reputa-
Architect preferences
tion countrywide for rational contemporary building design and a
So, selection of the correct floorcovering is largely a question of cost
profound understanding of the use of materials. The practice, with
and personal taste or preference but, to find out what is happening at
offices in Western Cape and Gauteng, now operates abroad, and
the design end of the industry, FLOORS spoke to several architects and
believes in an environmentally conscious design ethic.
designers to obtain their views and preference on floorcovering materi-
Having been involved in numerous truly upmarket homes and
als in residential applications:
developments, GW + BVR has an interior design division, headed by
John Manning, ARKeTEKTON
Du Preez Halgryn, which enables the practice to provide a one stop
Asked if he had any preferences or favoured floorcovering materi-
service to clients.
als for these projects, John said he has very strong views that only
“We are firm exponents of contemporary green design, and there-
‘green’ flooring materials should be used and he takes a consider-
fore we hold detailed discussion with clients to establish their pref-
able amount of trouble in sourcing natural materials that will meet
erences,” says Du Preez. “My personal preference is for high-quality
these requirements.
Italian tiles and imported engineered wooden floors because they
“This is not just my penchant for the environment, but increasingly
complement and enhance any space. In the long run they are also
clients are demanding that green materials are used, and take a keen
more cost-effective and allow changes in the décor to take place
interest in the information or research leading up to the specification.”
over time with no concerns.”
Empowered
0861 PETER(73837) www.peterbates.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
85
Feature Focus: Residential Specification Choices
Slip-resistant tiles for car depot With a national footprint, Tile Africa Contracts is
wear characteristics and chemical resistance.
able to guarantee that both tiles and bathroom
was pleased with the outcome in terms of quality and aesthetics
ware are available in all nine provinces. It is there-
and therefore specified it for this project. The slip-resistant property
fore able to supply project-specific tiles for a wide
ablution facilities.
variety of developments, including showrooms and retail outlets anywhere in South Africa.
The architect used the Kerastar range on previous projects and
of the tile makes it suitable for areas that are typically wet, such as “The Kerastar tile was the perfect fit for the car depot as the floor tiles have to withstand high footfall and wet conditions,� says Craig Irvine, national manager for Tile Africa Contracts. The colour selection was kept as neutral as possible to harmonise
T
with the Europcar corporate colours. Darker tiles were required at
specifications are researched methodically by Tile Africa Contracts to
and more hygienic. Johnson Tiles matt white 200 mm x 200 mm
find the most suitable products or comparable alternatives.
ceramic wall tiles were used on the walls and internal window sills
he floor surfaces of car rental depots require durable tiles that
floor level due to the high-traffic, dirt-collecting nature of the areas
are slip-resistant and the specifications for the Europcar car rental
where they were used.
depot at King Shaka international airport was no exception. The desired
Tile Africa Contracts supplied 300mm x 300mm Johnson Tiles Kerastar
in the administration area and workshop as well as on the inside
Chromata Zeus full-bodied porcelain tiles for the floors in the adminis-
walls of the wash bay. Grey 200mm x 220mm ceramic tiles were
tration section, workshop, despatch area, refuelling station and ablu-
used on the outside wall of the wash bay.
tion facility. This tile comes with a 50-year guarantee from the manufacturer, Johnson Tiles in Greece, and boasts exceptional surface hardness,
88
Lighter tiles on the walls make the relevant spaces seem larger
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
For more information on Tile Africa Contracts call 011 979 0327 or visit www.tileafrica.co.za.
Feature Focus: Residential Specification Choices
Tile Africa Contracts is a full-circle partner that supplies tiles and bathroom ware to numerous residential developments around the country, from upmarket estates and retirement villages to townhouse developments and private homes.
Tiles and bathroom ware for any residence
T
he team leads with experience to ensure design continuity and project success. A key contact person is involved in each project
to provide on-site technical advice and an after-sales service – and architectural and design consultants offer their expertise from concept to completion. “Our national footprint allows us to guarantee that tiles and bathroom ware are available in all nine provinces where all types of residential developments take place,� says Craig Irvine, national contracts manager for Tile Africa Contracts. The open-plan design remains popular for residential homes and townhouses and polished porcelain tiles or nano tiles in light colours and bigger sizes such as 600mm x 600mm or 800mm x 800mm create a marvellous sense of space, especially indoors, because of the light reflecting off the surface of the tile. Larger format tiles work particularly well in living rooms and openplan areas. By using the same tiles throughout a spacious area, such as polished porcelain or ceramic tiles in earthy hues, it is possible to create a seamless flow from one room to the next. Materials are sourced locally and overseas and Tile Africa Contracts researches all the desired specifications methodically to find the most suitable products or comparable alternatives. Its methods of installation and the materials supplied are in line with local and international standards. Tile Africa Contracts is therefore able to supply a wide range of tiles and bathroom ware suitable for a variety of residential developments, anywhere in South Africa. For more information on Tile Africa Contracts call 011 979 0327 or visit the website www.tileafrica.co.za.
By using the same tiles throughout it is possible to create a seamless flow from one room to the next.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
89
The art of concrete
Feature Focus: Residential Specification Choices
Recently launched in South Africa by Lafarge to
meet the increasing trend and demand for highquality decorative concrete finishes, Artevia provides a new dimension in modern design.
A
rtevia is a range of decorative concretes that are ideal for out-
plays the aggregates on the surface of the concrete in relief. A large
door and indoor use, offering durable design solutions with
variety of effects can be produced by ‘seeding’ rare stones or glass
many exciting options. Described as being ‘a stunningly beautiful design material with all the advantages of concrete’, it is not only hardwearing but also long-lasting. Ideal for homeowners, architects and landscapers alike, Artevia’s exciting patterns and textures offer unrestricted creativity on any project. It can be moulded when fresh like any concrete, or pounded like stone when hardened to create new textures. Available in an amazing array of intriguing colours, patterns and textures, Artevia brings any location to life with vibrant colour and realistic texture, providing concretes that are easily adaptable to complex
Thanks to the multiple combinations available, Artevia Exposed offers a large variety of colours and effects to fit any environment, and its gravelled finish makes it slip-resistant and ideal for extreme conditions. Artevia Polish has a smooth texture like polished marble that is elegant and silky to touch. It highlights aggregates by polishing until the concrete is smooth and shiny. Designed for use indoors and outdoors, it offers luxurious comfort that bare feet adore. A professional from the Pro Artevia network of professional appli-
shapes, easy to maintain and rapidly applied. Their resistance to wear
cators is the best choice of partner for your Artevia project. They
and tear creates highly durable installations.
offer top-quality expertise and processes, ensuring the best results
This exciting range of decorative concrete consists of four products: Artevia Colour contains an integral UV-stable colour pigment that is
throughout every step of your project. Lafarge carefully selects and trains all its applicators to ensure
mixed homogeneously throughout the concrete, allowing a large vari-
they benefit from the company’s extensive technical and commer-
ety of tones and textures to be created.
cial know-how and experience. They are also fully up-to-date on
Artevia Print is designed specifically for use as printed concrete
constantly improving product offerings and services.
that simulates the appearance of materials such as brick, wood and
Lafarge
stone. Colour can also be incorporated in the concrete to enhance
Tel: 011 657 0000
the natural appearance.
Cell: 083 656 8586 (Anathi Zitumane)
Artevia Exposed is a trustworthy and robust exterior concrete that dis-
90
pieces onto the surface.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
E-mail: anathi.zitumane@lafarge.com
Feature Focus: Residential Specification Choices
Natural wood – No exotic prices Par-Ky is a veneer flooring with a real wood top layer. The veneer shows unique patterns, rich colour variations and beautiful light reflections, and because of this it is possible to easily distinguish Par-Ky from imitations.
T
he Par-Ky Lounge collection is now available from Traviata Flooring Systems in Johannesburg, utilising an ultra-strong high density
fibreboard (HDF) core which protects against indentation. The eightlayer diamond lacquer system means it is suitable for most projects and will never need to be sanded. Small-format boards incorporate a distinct micro-bevel giving Par-Ky an exclusive aura. The Lounge collection is available in satin sealed and brushed matt finish, and matching skirtings and three-in-one profiles are also available. The European manufacturers of Par-Ky operate on a philosophy of bringing wood products to market with maximum respect for nature. The production of these veneer floors utilises 25 times less timber than solid flooring, and they are finished with an environmentally friendly, UV-curing, multilayer coating containing almost no volatile organic substances. Only water-based stains are used. Traviata Flooring Systems Tel: 011 453 0296
Veneer flooring with a real wood top layer
Cell: 082 595 2061 (Hugh Krog) Cell: 084 504 7465 (Andy Kirkwood) E-mail: sales@traviata.co.za Website: www.traviata.co.za
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
91
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
The Basics of Selling – No.1 This is the first in a series of articles by the Belgotex Floorcoverings Academy that are designed to assist those in the retail carpet trade to adopt better selling techniques. Subjects to be covered by these articles will include: First impressions and the Basics of Selling; A Salesman’s Personality; Qualifying the Customer; Prospecting and follow-up before the Sale; Prospecting and follow-up after the Sale; Why you Lose a Customer; Closing the Sale; Selling Tips; and Those Negative Words. First impressions count!
impression is to take care how you dress. If the customer does not like you, for any reason at all – possibly because you are untidy, unshaven or overloaded with jewellery – the customer will have a negative first impression, and this means you are going to have a very difficult time selling a carpet to this customer. Apart from dressing smartly and looking professional, introduce yourself and – remember their names. He or she is the most important person in your life at that moment, and they want to spend money, so make sure they feel comfortable with you and your store. Finally, write everything down. Here are the key points for making a good first impression. Remember, you only get one chance!
T
he single most important challenge you will encounter when selling is making a good first impression whether it is in-store or by
telephone – and remember – you only get one chance to do so! By greeting them respectfully in a friendly enthusiastic manner and
Know your products inside out Dress professionally Always wear a name tag Make customers feel welcome Remember the customer’s name Customers want to spend money
enquiring what you can help them with, you let them know that they have your undivided assistance and expertise in every respect. If prospective customers aren’t greeted correctly and promptly, they
The personality of a salesperson
are going to feel uncomfortable and perceive that you provide poor
Nobody is born a great salesperson. You might be lucky enough to
service. If you are busy and can’t immediately assist them they will
have a natural ability to sell, but without training and experience, you
understand this, BUT someone else must fulfil this function in order to
will never be a great salesperson. A salesperson has to develop certain
make them feel comfortable and know they are being attended to.
personal traits, and without these characteristics, you will never achieve
For example, when they come in the front door, say: “Hello, how are you? Come on in and look around, how can I assist you?” One or two open-ended questions will provide you with enough information to put you on the road to a successful sale, as this will equip you with much needed information. For example: “Do you own carpeting at present? What do you like or
the economic standards that you dream about as a salesperson. Here are some of the personality traits that you should nurture to become GREAT! Enthusiasm is more than 40% of getting a sale and doing the job correctly. As a salesperson you must have a good relationship with everybody – and certainly with your customers. To do this, one of the most
don’t like about it?” – an open-ended question such as this will give you
important parts of your personality must be your enthusiasm. You must
more information than you could imagine, and this technique can be
be both positive and enthusiastic about your personal life, your job,
used in-store or on the telephone. The initial connection is vital as this
your company and the products you sell.
will establish a relationship of trust and confidence. A customer who is brought into your store – or who is contacting you by telephone – through advertising, the appearance of the store, or
Enthusiasm leads to positive motivation, which then leads to some kind of action. If you are not enthusiastic about your personal life, it will affect your sales performance.
by referral, is already 50% sold. This means half of your work has been
Also, if you are not proud and enthusiastic about your company and
done for you, so the least you can do is to be professional and enthusi-
what you are selling, you are never going to be successful. Enthusiasm
astic in every way.
combined with product knowledge and communication skills build
One of the most important things you can do to create a good first
confidence – and that is what sells product.
Belgotex Floorcoverings • Tel: 033 897 7500 • Cell: 082 561 6072 • E-mail: allan.dewit@carpet.co.za • Website: www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za 92
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
Having empathy for your customers can account for about 20% of
with. This doesn’t mean
the sale. This means putting yourself into the customer’s place and
asking how much money
trying to understand their needs/wants and how you can set out to
they have to spend, it
satisfy their needs/wants. Why is the customer in your store, what do
means finding out what
they want and how should you respond to help them to achieve their
their needs are and what
‘needs/wants’? In short, empathy is the ability to connect with the cus-
they want to accomplish,
tomer (understanding); this means to listen and ask the right questions.
and then setting out to
Manners and charm are other important personal traits, but it is just
satisfy their needs/wants
as important not to be too charming. Being polite and treating your
with your expertise,
customers with respect in the same way that you would like some-
knowledge and service. If you find out what
one to treat your wife, son or daughter when they are out shopping is the best way of showing good manners. Listening well is another
they want, let them
very important trait, and the points made in this paragraph probably
touch it and sell the
account for another 20% of any sale.
benefits of this product
Finally, product knowledge is a hugely important aspect of making
eg. Stainproof, colourfast,
a sale. Nowadays we have the fantastic media of Internet, and you will
ease of maintenance, and
find that more customers surf the Internet prior to purchasing carpet-
they will go to almost
ing and therefore they are very informed when making a purchase.
any length to buy it.
On the other hand you have consumers that know nothing about car-
Once the customers have
peting and therefore product knowledge is of great importance as this
seen exactly what they
provides you with confidence that will close the deal. They usually feel
are looking for, the cost
very insecure, and as a result are looking for the ‘expert’ who can make
becomes almost unim-
them feel comfortable. Achieve that on a regular basis and watch the
portant to them. You should also be knowledgeable enough about your company
referrals come rolling in! REMEMBER: “PEOPLE DON’T BUY PRODUCT, THEY BUY PEOPLE!!” These are the basic personal traits that will enable you to stand out above the average carpet salesperson. Remember these points:
and product ranges to be able to share important information such as guarantees, warrantees and any other related information with them when necessary. Selling is a communications process, and you must learn to be a
Be enthusiastic about your life, your job and the carpets you sell. Have empathy for your customer’s ‘needs/wants’. Product knowledge Be polite and treat the customers as you would like others to treat members of your family. Know as much as you can about the carpets you sell. Write everything down. Service
successful listener. Remember, God gave us all two ears and only one mouth – there must be a reason for that! To qualify the customer, remember the key points:
Most customers are afraid of making incorrect choices. Is the customer a ‘want’ customer or a ‘need’ customer? Ask open-ended questions. Load your presentation with the carpet’s benefits! Become the customer’s expert. Be a great listener. Write everything down.
Qualifying the customer You cannot do a good job of selling carpet until you have qualified the customer, yet this is probably the one point most overlooked by the
Sales workshop dates
carpet salesperson, even though it is so important in making a sale. Qualifying a customer means finding out what the customer wants.
10 May
Nelspruit
This means asking questions and listening to find out what type of car-
19 May
Port Elizabeth
pet is needed, what colour they want and when they want it delivered
22 June
Durban
and installed.
Further dates to be advised
You are wasting your time and theirs if you start to tell them about specific products or prices before you find out exactly what they are looking for. We tend to sell what we like and what we are confident
The information in this article has been extracted from the booklet Carpet Sales Training produced by Belgotex Floorcoverings.
Belgotex Floorcoverings 011 033 345 2944 • Cell: 082 561082 6072561 • Fax: 011 •345 2988 •allan.dewit@carpet.co.za E-mail: allan.dewit@carpet.co.za • Website: www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za Belgotex Floorcoverings• Tel: • Tel: 897 7500 • Cell: 6072 E-mail: • Website: www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
93
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
New innovation award
for natural stone
New brand manager for Johnson Tiles
The established awards presented for architecture and craft skills at Stone+tec Nürnberg for many years are joined by
Johnson Tiles has announced the
a new award in 2011: the Stone+more Innovation Award
appointment of Jeanine Arundale
for high-quality, novel, innovative, consumer- and market-
as its new brand manager, who
orientated products of natural stone, product combinations
joined the company in February
associated with natural stone, and processes and technolo-
2011. Arundale joins Johnson Tiles
gies for the manufacture and processing of natural stone.
after six years as a communications
The award will be presented for the first time at the
analyst for the Southern African
International Trade Fair Natural Stone and Stone Processing
region at Timken South Africa, a
Technology in the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre from 22 to
manufacturer of highly engineered
25 June 2011.
bearings and steel.
The award goes to innovative ideas and associated prod-
She matriculated at Sunward Park
ucts that are important for the future use of natural stone
High School in 1997 and obtained
and particularly those that open up new, trend-setting appli-
a BCom degree in Marketing
cations for this building material.
Management and a BCom Honours degree in Business Management
The award distinguishes products and production techniques with convincing design and technical aspects and
Jeanine Arundale
from UNISA. She started her career as a procurement assistant in the mining industry at G&H before joining Timken South Africa.
focuses attention on natural stone as a building material that
Her experience in the manufacturing environment will stand her
contributes to room design through individual treatment of
in good stead while she oversees the brand communications for this
details and finishes and is exemplary in terms of its environ-
reputable tile producer. “Johnson Tiles is highly regarded in the indus-
mental friendliness, sustainability and energy efficiency.
try because of the quality of its tiles and this provides me with a good
The award is presented in the categories “Innovative Products of and with Natural Stone”, “Innovative Marketing and
base to work from,” she says. The demand for lower prices and competition caused by cheap
Communication Strategies” and “Innovative Processes for the
imports are putting the tiling manufacturing industry under pressure.
Manufacture and Processing of Natural Stone Products”. There
For Johnson Tiles, opportunities for growth can be found in partner-
will also be a Public Award chosen by the exhibition visitors.
ships with large well-known retailers that share its operating philoso-
The award presentation takes place on 23 June 2011 at the Stone+more special show at Stone+tec Nürnberg 2011.
phies and values. “We are looking at investing in new technologies as part of our
All information is available on the website at:
strategy and this will lead to exciting new products that I look for-
www.stone-more.com.
ward to communicating to consumers,” says Arundale.
Merger of two top flooring companies Albert Carpets in Cape Town and Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting in Johannesburg have merged their two companies under one
ral progression after many years of collaboration. Both companies
umbrella, namely Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting (Pty) Ltd.
are recognised by all specifiers as being amongst the leaders in the
This amalgamation brings together the expertise of two of the
flooring and carpeting industry for the supply and installation of
largest suppliers and installers of floorcoverings in Southern Africa
the widest selection of locally and internationally manufactured
which will in turn strengthen their position in the flooring mar-
floorcoverings, and they pride themselves on their reputations,
ket while offering their clients a national presence and a pooled
professionalism and service excellence.
knowledge base. In addition, the merger will enable an exchange
The structure of the business has been strengthened by com-
of management skills and provide opportunities for continued
bining resources, the key focus still being one of delivering a
growth and long-term sustainability.
professional flooring solution to both commercial and residential
Albert Carpets and Kevin Bates will continue to trade under their existing brand names with customers continuing to receive the
94
The directors and shareholders believe that this merger is a natu-
customers. For further information, please contact Peter Simon Tel: 021 464 4320
same high quality of service which they have come to expect from
/ e-mail: peter@albertcarpets.com or Graham Park Tel: 011 608 4270 /
these reputable companies.
e-mail: graham@kevinbates.co.za.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
PIA and SAIA architectural awards – call for entries The Pretoria Institute for Architecture (PIA) Awards for Architecture 2011
announced at a national function during the SAIA biennial convention
and the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) Award of Merit &
during the latter half of 2012.
Award for Excellence 2012 are calling for entries. An important function of all the regional institutes and the SAIA is to recognise and promote excellence in architecture and to cre-
The PIA invites members to submit entries for the regional and SAIA awards programme. Eligible projects will be forwarded to the national panel of assessors for adjudication of the SAIA Award of Merit.
ate public awareness and debate on architectural issues. The awards
Work may be submitted to the Region by the author or nominated
programme is in support of these goals, and run in two stages over a
by any member of the Region with the author’s, or other responsible
two-year period.
person’s, permission.
During the first stage, the regional Institutes invite submissions,
Projects that fall in an area under jurisdiction of the regional
appoint and convene a panel of jurors to decide the regional Awards
Institute, and were completed during the period 1 January 2009 to
for Architecture and eligible projects to be submitted for national
31 December 2010, are eligible for entry to the PIA and SAIA’s awards
consideration. The regional Awards for Architecture are announced
programme 2011-2012, and all the regional Institutes are inviting
and made at a regional function that takes place during 2011.
entries for the awards.
The second stage of the programme starts during 2011 with the sub-
For full details of the entry conditions and the procedure for entering
mission of entries by the regional panels of assessors for consideration
of projects outside the member’s region should contact the PIA – Tel:
for the SAIA Award of Merit and the SAIA Award for Excellence.
012 346 1051; Fax: 012 346 1016; or e-mail: admin@pia.org.za.
A national panel of jurors, convened by the SAIA president, will con-
The regional Award for Architecture will be announced and con-
vene in November 2011 to select the projects it wishes to inspect from
ferred at the PIA Gala Dinner and Awards function, which this year
the submitted entries. During the first few months of 2012 the national
coincides with the PIA iDea Conference (Design) on Thursday, 29
panel of jurors will inspect the projects in loco.
September 2011.
The SAIA Awards of Merit and the Awards for Excellence will be
Third expo to boost construction skills FLOORS in Africa attends the expo, visits the learners and learns how to install a carpet Youth in Construction (YIC), a career expo targeting young learners from Grades 9 to 12 in high school, and tertiary students at universities
reach retirement age,” Neil says. “The attendance was very good this year with approximately 7 000
and technical colleges, ran for a week during February at the Sci-Bono
students passing through during the week,” he says. We participated
Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg.
in the trade section and our site was manned by two of our fitters who
The expo was showcasing the best of what construction has to offer young people in jobs, bursaries, technology and projects, with the objective of exposing young people to the opportunities avail-
spoke to and showed the learners the various aspects of floor installation covering carpet, vinyl and wood.” “Their observation was that there was a lot more interest in the trades
able in the exciting world of construction, as well as to challenge
this year than in the past and the hope is that young people are com-
myths about the industry.
ing to realise that there are ways of earning a living beyond sitting in
Each year construction companies come together to showcase their capabilities and to engage students on skills needs within the industry, and the 2011 expo contained an exhibit from leading flooring experts Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting. Kevin Bates has been participating in this event since its inception in
an office using a computer! We have employed seven new youngsters who we are training via the learnership process,” he concludes. This expo was attended by Roxanne Mancini and Joanna Papastamopoulos of FLOORS in Africa. Youth in Construction is organised by a partnership of the
2008 although, as Neil Duncan, Chief Financial Officer of Kevin Bates,
South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors, The
says, “it is not likely to generate any new business” but the company
Construction Industry Development Board, the South African
feels this is a very worthy cause to support.
Institution of Civil Engineers, the Gauteng Master Builders
“The main thrust of YIC is to create an awareness with young people still at school as to the vast number of job opportunities that exist within the building industry. This is imperative if we are to attract young
Association, and FET Colleges Marketing Forum. It is proudly and wholly funded by construction companies. Youth in Construction supports the aims of Construction Week, an ini-
people into the industry which is currently faced with an aging work-
tiative of the Department of Public Works. It is part of the industry drive
force and no newly skilled people to follow on when the older people
to boost construction skills.
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
95
Specialist transport EXCELLENT TRACK RECORD
EFFICIENT AND TIME
for the flooring industry
TRANSPORT
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
Don’t miss the Alvar Aa lto Tour!
From 13 to 25 June 2011 Pretoria architects can join an exciting tour of Sweden and Finland led by Julian Cooke, although it is limited to a maximum of thirty people. On this tour you can follow the career and achievements of the late great Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, as well as viewing works of Sigurd Lewerentz and his predecessors such as Gunnar Asplund, Lars Sonck and Eliel Saarinen, and current practitioners such as Leiviskä and Gullichsen. The tour departs on 13 June 2011 from Cape Town and is based on two people sharing (single supplement rates on application). Tour includes one night in Amsterdam on the return journey. Cost per person is R30 250 sharing twin room. For a detailed itinerary and further information contact Jenny Nelson at Sure Fish Hoek Travel. Tel: 021 782 1148; e-mail: jenny@ fishhoektravel.co.za.
Bologna to remain as venue for Cersaie Under the terms of a new agreement, Cersaie – in conjunction with Confindustria Ceramica and BolognaFiere – which is to be held this year from 20 to 24 September – will remain in Bologna until 2015, with an option for 2016 and 2017. This also includes a major new shared commitment by these parties to strengthen Cersaie as a major world exhibition for ceramic tiles and bathroom furnishings. For this purpose, substantial and increased resources have been made available in order to draw the utmost benefit from this fruitful and positive partnership. “Cersaie is the only exhibition in our sector that is able to relate to the market as a whole,” commented Confindustria Ceramica chairman Franco Manfredini. “For this reason, it maintains its role as a vital international trade fair. The agreement with BolognaFiere allows us to continue to hold this crucial event for our member companies on our home ground, and establishes the conditions necessary to harness all possible resources and efforts for the show’s continued success within an increasingly competitive scenario.” For further information contact Andrea Serri on +39 0536.818111 or +39 348.1504905 or via e-mail: aserri@confindustriaceramica.it.
Do you need… A new brochure? Copywriting? A full service is available from design to final print from Jacquerie. We also undertake research and copywriting for press releases, articles or sales leaflets. Whatever your needs, contact us for full details and rates. Dave Soons, Jacquerie Marketing cc Tel: 012 807 7012; e-mail: dsoons@mweb.co.za Fax to e-mail: 086 601 7842 98
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
Participate in Architecture for Humanity Architecture for Humanity (AFH) is a non-profit design services firm founded in 1999 that is aiming to build a more sustainable future through the power of professional design. By tapping a network of more than 40 000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, AFH brings design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed. Each year 10 000 people directly benefit from structures designed by the company, and its advocacy, training and outreach programmes impact an additional 50 000 people annually. The resources of the global funding community are channelled to meaningful projects that make a difference locally. From conception to completion, AFH manages all aspects of the design and construction process, with clients that include community groups, aid organisations, housing developers, government agencies, corporate divisions, and foundations. AFH says, “We engage all stakeholders in the design process, and believe our clients are designers in their own right. Thoughtful, inclusive design creates lasting change in communities by: Alleviating poverty and providing access to water, sanitation, power and essential services Bringing safe shelter to communities prone to disaster and displaced populations Rebuilding community and creating neutral spaces for dialogue in post-conflict areas Mitigating the effects of rapid urbanisation in unplanned settlements Creating spaces to meet the needs of those with disabilities and other at-risk populations Reducing the footprint of the built environment and addressing climate change. Architecture for Humanity is a catalyst for innovation. We learn by doing. To foster sharing of knowledge and promote best practices, we developed the Open Architecture Network (www. openarchitecturenetwork.org). This groundbreaking online network empowers architects, designers, builders and their clients to share architectural plans and drawings—including CAD files. All plans are shared through an open-source model and can be freely downloaded by all. Design is the ultimate renewable resource. Join us in building safer, more sustainable and more innovative structures— structures that are assets to their communities and an ongoing testament to the ability of people to come together to envision a better future. For further information and details of the AFH network, visit the website: www.architectureforhumanity.org
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
Facility Hygiene & Cleaning showcase scheduled for July 2011
“Bye, Craig!”
Craig Blitenthall and Liezel van der Merme
Visitors from 11 other African countries were counted am song the almost 4 000 visitors who attended the previous Cleantex Africa exhibition. After passing over 2010 due to the FIFA Soccer World Cup, Africa’s
Craig Blitenthall, Jeanne Swanevelder and Ian Harrison
leading cleaning technology exhibition Cleantex Africa returns this year after a three-year interval. Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre from 17 to 19 July 2011 Cleantex Africa will once again provide a complete overview of the latest hygiene and cleaning solutions. The 8th Cleantex Africa exhibition will showcase various aspects of the hygiene and cleaning industry and will highlight the importance of cleanliness in creating a hygienic and pleasant workplace environment with presentations from local and international experts. Floorcare will again form a significant part of the exhibition with a vast display of the latest equipment and products deemed essential in the effective maintenance of today’s floorcovering materials. Anyone that is involved in facility maintenance, cleaning and hygiene and those who need more information on effective floorcare will benefit from visiting the Cleantex Africa 2011 show. For more information or to register as a visitor visit: www.cleantex. co.za or contact Cleantex Africa 2011 by telephone: 011 238 7848; Fax: 086 624 794; or e-mail: info@cleantex.co.za.
Rod Kirk, Zelda Wilson and Arthur Cloete Having been promoted and given a five-year contract as managing director of Flowcrete Middle East (which includes India) from 1 April 2011, Craig Blitenthall is now moving from Flowcrete SA to Dubai with his family. Craig has had considerable experience in the South African flooring industry, starting in 1995 as a sales representative with Marley in Durban. Four years later he move to the Marley Head Office in Johannesburg as product manager, and was promoted to marketing manager in 2002, a job title that changed to marketing manager FloorworX when Marley was taken over in 2004. In October 2006 Craig left FloorworX to take up a position at Flowcrete South Africa as national sales manager in Johannesburg,
De Kock quitting GMBA
moving to Durban in July 2007 but retaining the same position which changed in January 2008 when he was appointed as Flowcrete SA’s sales and marketing director. Although South Africa still remains ‘home’, Craig will be joined in
Colin de Kock, the executive director of the
Dubai by his wife Bernice and his two daughters.
Gauteng Master Builders Association, will be
Liezel van der Merwe, editor of FLOORS in Africa, says, “I have been
leaving the GMBA at the end of June this year.
working with Craig for the past 12 years, and he has always been
De Kock, 61, who has headed the associa-
brilliant at his work. He is great strategically and we have launched
tion since 1996, is leaving to pursue other
many products and built his company’s brands in our magazine.”
interests. He has played a major role and
“We owe him a huge ‘thank you’ for his continued support over the
spearheaded several important GMBA initia-
years; he is not only a client of FLOORS but a good friend. We will
tives during his spell in office, particularly in
miss him but luckily we will still be in touch,” she says. He is great
the realm of training and advancement of
strategically and we worked together for many years, successfully
skills within the industry.
Colin de Kock
building the brands he marketed.”
F LO O R S A p r i l M ay 2 0 1 1
99
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
Neocon 2011 is in June Neocon, the international commercial furnishings show, is scheduled for 13 to 15 June in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. This year’s event will offer 140 CEU-accredited seminars, industry association forums and keynote presentations, giving trade profession-
Grand Designs Live
takes place in May 2011
als the opportunity to discover the latest trends and techniques from some of the top names in the industry. Early registration is being encouraged by the organisers, and for further information go to neocon.com. FloorDaily.net
Don Walford: 1929-2011 “The management and staff of Turner Peirson are sad to inform everyone of the passing of Don Walford. He had been battling with cancer for just over a year. Don was associated with our company for over 17 years, operating from Cape Town during the last two years,” says Roy Peirson.
Don Walford
“Don started in the carpet industry in 1947 with Firth Carpets in the UK, and came to South Africa in 1971 with Van Dyck. He then worked for Nouwens, Peter Bates and FM Carpets before joining us.” “In the last few years when he and I would attend a funeral of another colleague in the industry his saying after the service would Colin de Kock be “I don’t know if I’m wasting my time going home at my age”, or “I wonder who’s going to be the next to fall off the twig”. “Don leaves behind his wife Cynthia and two sons, and he will be sadly missed by all of us.” Roy Peirson Turner Peirson Carpets & Flooring
Following the success of the inaugural Grand Designs Live show at the Coca-Cola Dome in May last year, this event on the home design, décor, garden and building scene will be returning to South Africa in May 2011, again at the Coca-Cola Dome from 20 to 22 May 2011. Grand Designs Live Home & Garden Show is perfect for anyone who
Qualicer calls for papers
has an interest in interiors, building, kitchens, bathrooms, gardens,
The 2012 Qualicer exhibition will concentrate on the green issues, of
ideas and, whether you are self-building, renovating or simply redeco-
which ceramic tile has a major role to play.
rating, you’ll find everything you need for your very own grand design.
The call for papers for Qualicer 2012 is now open. If you wish to take
shopping and delicious food. The show will provide plenty of amazing
In November 2010 as a newcomer to the South African exhibition
part as a speaker or if you wish to know more about this event, please
scene, Grand Designs Live was awarded top honours in the Consumer
check the PDF flyer on www.qualicer.org.
& Trade Category at EXSA’s Memorable Events Awards ceremony, prov-
It includes the subjects of the congress, the deadlines for submission of communications and much more. Deadlines for submission of papers and posters is 27 May 2011
ing that it is the ‘grandest’ event on the home design and décor scene. For more information on Grand Designs Live South Africa contact Sandra Owen by e-mail: sandrao@montgomeryafrica.com or Tel: +27
IID launches the Nemeth Trend Report
11 835 1565, or visit the website: www.granddesignslive.co.za.
The South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID)
textiles and furnishing fabrics, consumer attitudes – both current and
recently launched the IID Nemeth Trend Report at the World of
future – and annual trend themes.
for summaries of about 500 words; and complete works by 25 September 2011.
Marble and Granite (WOMAG) showrooms in Rivonia with the sup-
Nemeth and the IID and will function as a reference for all decorators, designers and retailers in the industry. As a world-class account and forecast of the latest global trends to enthuse the interior design industry and how they can be adapted to the South African landscape, the IID Nemeth Trend Report covers aspects such as seasonal and annual colour direction, key patterns in
This inspiring initiative will be brought to life in workshops that will
port and sponsorship of WOMAG, Decorex, Peter J.A. Stuart and the
be hosted nationally in the coming months and at the much-antici-
NCS Colour Centre.
pated Decorex SA 2011 in August.
The IID Nemeth Trend Report, the first of its kind to be released in South Africa, is a new and exciting collaboration between Dave
100 F L O O R S A p r i l M a y 2 0 1 1
Anyone requiring further information should visit the IID website www. iidprofessions.com or contact the IID national office on 011 055 9732.
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
Cer Magazine International available online The English language ver-
sion of Issue 27 of Cer Magazine International, currently being sent out worldwide to those on the mailing list, was officially presented at the opening of the Coverings expo in the USA. It can be downloaded free of charge on iPad and is also accessible on the website www.laceramicaitaliana.it. As well as describing the latest news on using Italian ceramic tiles, this issue features an interview with the emerging architect Diébédo Francis Kéré and explores his projects. It also meets James Nowicki, vice-president of the American distributor Happy Floors, winner of the Distributor Award, and explores two important cultural initiatives, a work by Kengo Kuma in Casalgrande and Marca Corona’s new Historic Museum. Born in Burkina Faso, architect Diébédo Francis Kéré won the prestigious BSI Swiss Architectural Award 2010 with his project for the primary school extension and teachers’ houses in the village of Gando as well as the secondary school in Dano. The jury, chaired by Mario Botta, appreciated his essential and
The Facilities Show Africa 2011 unveiled The inaugural Facilities Show Africa 2011 will provide an extraordinary opportunity for the Facilities Management (FM) market in Africa, when it is held in September this year. “For local and international suppliers of products and services, the show will provide a direct link to senior decision-makers and buyers,” says Ross Cullingworth, commercial events director of Montgomery Africa. “At the same time, visitors will gain access to the latest products and services available globally and locally, while learning from leading experts and networking with industry peers.” The Facilities Show Africa will be held from 6 to 8 September 2011 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, running alongside Africa’s biggest and most prestigious security event – IFSEC South Africa 2011 – as well as the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Expo Africa. “It’s the perfect time to launch The Facilities Show in South Africa,” says Cullingworth. “Research has shown that the local FM sector is a rapidly developing industry with a growing emphasis on finding the most efficient and cost-effective solutions to create resourceful and sustainable organisations,” he says. “Furthermore we believe that the acceleration of public-private partnerships in South Africa that require effective FM will create even further opportunities for proficient FM service and product suppliers,” he added. Companies interested in exhibiting at The Facilities Show Africa 2011 should contact Ross Cullingworth on rossc@montgomeryafrica.co.za or 011 835 1565, or visit the website www.facilitiesshowafrica.com.
New CEO for Chryso
intelligent architecture, projects in which the local community
Norman Seymore has been appointed Chief Executive
is actively involved in improving living conditions in such a
Officer of the Chryso South Africa Group.
poor country as Burkina Faso.
2011 ceramic tile collections online The Product Gallery, a showcase featuring the 2011 collections of Italian ceramic tiles and ceramic sanitaryware produced by Confindustria Ceramica member companies, is now online on the
ing products in some of their possible applications. Floor and wall tiles and ceramic sanitary articles are presented in
Italian Ceramics website (www.laceramicaitaliana.it).
a range of materials and both modern and classic colours. The site
More than 300 new images can be viewed in the gallery and, togeth-
is highly international in scope and offers a choice of four language
er with the previous five six-monthly collections, this brings the num-
versions (Italian, English, French and German), allowing users from all
ber of high-resolution images present to more than 1 700, making
over the world to keep constantly up to date with the latest trends in
it the largest multimedia site in the world for these industrial design
the ceramic tile and ceramic sanitaryware sectors.
products.
It is aimed at the world’s building professionals – including archi-
The Product Gallery is designed to provide rapidly accessible infor-
tects, designers and interior designers – as well as anyone wishing to
mation on all new products in two different forms: individual product
find out about the new aesthetic trends in the industry and the latest
sheets complete with technical characteristics; and vignettes illustrat-
collections produced by the leading companies.
F L O O R S A p r i l M a y 2 0 1 1 101
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
Bergvik on the move Since 1970, Swedish-based Bergvik Flooring AB has designed, manufactured and sold technically efficient raised floors and seismic bracing
Hostex 2011
– one of the best yet
secure solutions, with an engineering department that supplies custom CAD floor layout drawings adapted to the needs of each customer. Having recently moved into new offices in Somerset West (they were previously in Blackheath, Cape Town), Bergvik Flooring Pty Ltd is a sister company to Bergvik Flooring AB and a wholly owned subsidiary of the SPAB Group in Sweden. Brian Williams, Managing Director of Bergvik Flooring in South Africa, says, “We are focusing on building a strong market position for Bergvik’s modular and stable Iso Floor raised floor system and seismic bracing within the telecommunications, power distribution, and data centre segments throughout Africa.” Paul Brändström, who founded Switchgear Products AB in 1970, had a clear vision from the start that the raised floor system of the future would be a floor that would provide flexibility, lateral stability, high
created the foundation that we have continued to build on.Paul’s vision
From left to right: Graham Park ,Kevin Bates Flooring and Carpeting, Jan Svarre Poulsen, ege Carpets, Peter Simon, Albert Carpets, Carol Halliford, Albert Carpets, Brandon Park, Kevin Bates flooring and carpeting
created the foundation that we have continued to build on.”
According to the organisers, the 2011 version of Hostex was
mechanical strength and personnel safety. Today, over four decades later, these features are still the basis for Bergvik’s business idea and vision. As Brian Williams says, “Paul’s vision
The contact details for the new Bergvik premises are: Unit 2, Bateleur Park, Olive Grove Industrial Estate, Old Paardevlei Road, Somerset West, 7130. Tel: 021 851 1966; Fax: 021 851 1995.
one of the best in the history of this leading international hospitality and catering exhibition, which is the largest of its kind in Africa. Vibrant stands, jam-packed aisles (no pun intended), freshly prepared delicacies, coffee to meet all tastes – these were all once again experienced at Hostex 2011. With over 250 exhibitors and 11 512 visitors from all over South Africa and across the borders, this year’s Hostex was an overwhelming success, befitting the 25th anniversary of this dynamic exhibition. Flooring companies that exhibited at this year’s event included Matco (who launched the new Matco Curling Mat (featured elsewhere in this issue) that caused considerable interest; Kevin Bates Flooring and Albert Carpets (with the new sole South African distributorship for the high-quality ege carpets – also in this issue); and – of course – Joanna Papastamopoulos of FLOORS in Africa was there. The Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting/Albert Carpets combination is delighted to have had the opportunity of launching ege carpets in South Africa. “ege is one of the largest European manufacturers of patterned broadloom carpets, and with the advanced technology of the company, architects and interior designers will enjoy the lack of design limitations ege carpets provide,” says Carol Halliford of Albert Carpets. “Hostex is a very pertinent exhibition for us to check the level of interest in this sector.” As a biennial event, the next Hostex will take place from 17 to 20 March 2013 in the Sandton Convention Centre. Further information is available from Lindy Taylor – Cell 082 558 5429; or e-mail: lindyt@specialised.com.
102 F L O O R S A p r i l M a y 2 0 1 1
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
New libraries and schoolrooms for Lichtenberg
EVENTS TO DIARISE:
Lafarge is keenly aware of the importance of education in helping to break the poverty cycle and to create opportunities, and the Lafarge
2011 - LOCAL
Education Trust recently handed over school classrooms and libraries
20-22 MAY: 17-19 JULY: 16 -18 AUGUST: 6-8 SEPTEMBER:
to the Lichtenburg community, of which it has been an integral part for over 13 years. Established in 2007 following a B-BBEE transaction with Sinako, the Lafarge Education Trust has, to date, spent over R11-million towards education and community development. Beneficiaries include 80 tertiary students, over 8 500 learners and 320 educators. Job creation and skills transfer have seen some 400 individuals benefit and the Lafarge Education Trust has established strong stakeholder relations and partnerships with like-minded organisations. Key to the success of the model is the philosophy of the Trust: To plough back funding into the communities they serve. According to Cheryl Carolus, chairperson of the Lafarge Education and Community Trusts, education must be a priority in order to break the poverty cycle
Lafarge Cement CEO Thierry Legrand and Cheryl Carolus, chairperson of the Lafarge Education and Community Trusts, proudly open the Molekane Primary School in Bodibe Village, North West. in South Africa. “The Trust seeks to support schools through learner development, teacher skills enhancement and parent skills; enabling them to become effective leaders and participants in the School Governing Body and all school activities,” she says. With the Trust making funds available for the upgrading of schools, bursaries for tertiary students and entrepreneurs, the initiatives are holistic in their focus on education and upskilling communities. Key to the success of the Trusts in this area and others is its philosophy of ploughing back resources into the community. This is highlighted in its involvement in the uplifting of Bodibe Village, where R25-million has been invested over five years in making sustainable improvements to the 5 400 pupils and others in the area. Not only have libraries made a difference to the upgrading of knowledge among learners, but sport has been a vital part of building their self-esteem, while bringing the community together. Lafarge Cement CEO Thierry Legrand says, “We are extremely proud of our work in the area, and of every individual who has put in the effort. Our hope is that these three libraries and the classrooms make a vast difference to those who will use them, and that the knowledge they gain is shared.”
Grand Designs Live, Coca Cola Dome www.granddesignslive.co.za Cleantex Africa Gallagher Convention Center, JHB www.cleantex.co.za The Star Interbuild Africa MTN expo center, Nasrec, Johannesburg www.expocentre.co.za Facilities Show Africa Gallagher Convention Center, JHB www.facilitiesshowafrica.com
2011- INTERNATIONAL 26 -29 APRIL: NWFA San Diego Convention Center, San Diego www.nwfa.org 24 -26 MAY: Techtextile, Frankfurt, Germany www.techtextil.messefrankfurt.com 13-15 JUNE: Neocon The Merchandise Mart, Chicago www.neocon.com 12 -14 SEPTEMBER: Domotex Middle East Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Middle East, Dubai 20 -24 SEPTEMBER: CERSAIE, Bologna, Italy www.cersaie.it/en/index.php 21 – 24 SEPTEMBER: MARMOMACC, Verona, Italy www.marmomacc.it October Constroi Angola, Luanda, Angola www.tradeshowalerts.com
2012 11 – 14 JANUARY: 14 -17 JANUARY: 24-26 JANUARY: 7 -10 FEBRUARY: 13 – 14 FEBRUARY: 9 -12 MAY:
Heimtextil Messe Frankfurt, Germany www. heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com Domotex Hanover Hannover, Germany www.domotex.de/home Surfaces Las Vegas, Nevada www.surfaces.com Cevisama Valencia, Spain www.ceramicindustry.com Qualicer, Castellon, Spain www.qualicer.org March Expo Revestir, Sao Paolo, Brazil www.exporevestir.com.br April EURASIA FLOOR, Istanbul www.eurasifloor.com Piedra Stone Fair Spain, Madrid www.eventseye.com March Domotex Asia/CHINAFLOOR Shanhai New International Expo Centre www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
F L O O R S A p r i l M a y 2 0 1 1 103
W h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g
FLOORING questions & answers
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What does acid washing of stone floors involve? – and the result? Acid washing is a treatment applied to the face of a stone to achieve a ‘distressed’ texture or finish. Chemical treatments are more effective when applied to calcareous stones than to siliceous stone types. Recently, the use of acid and other types of chemical treatments has lessened due to environmental and disposal aspects. Chemical processes have been replaced by mechanical methods for the texturing of the stone face. However, before you do anything to your existing stone floor – have a word with your local stone supplier, otherwise you could make some expensive mistakes! My tile is bonded to a concrete slab, why do I have cracks?
FLOORS, encapsulated THE COSTS OF COST CUTTING ON FLOORCOVERINGS We all know what it is like when we really believe in our flooring products and systems and because of this we recommend them or specify them. There is a major justification and sense of achievement when, as a company representative or product owner, we “know” we have the right flooring product for the right substrate that meets all the right criteria. These criteria may include aesthetics, scratch resistance, stain resistance, fade resistance, colour choices, impact resis-tance, ease of maintenance, ease of repair, level of subfloor, warranties; whether the floor is industrial, com-
Whenever tile is bonded to concrete, movement in the concrete
mercial, retail or residential; life expectancy, UV resistance,
will cause cracks to occur in the tile layer. If cracks occur in the con-
non-slip prop-erties, eco-friendliness, floor heating compli-
crete, these cracks will ‘reflect’ through the tile – this is often called
ance, budget, time taken for installation and the overall
“reflective cracking”. Also, if tile is installed over a control joint
suitability of floor finish. These all play a part, whether
(not recommended), movement in the control joint will cause
major or minor, in our final flooring specification.Once
a crack in the tile. Even small shrinkage cracks in concrete can
all the criteria have been studied, a fine balance must be
be dimensionally active where continued curing of the slab will
maintained to offer the client the best of all worlds. This
cause these cracks to expand or propagate – if this occurs, the
is a skill, as the choice needs to be well weighted with
cracks will show through the tile. This type of cracking can be
the critical criteria being selected first and foremost. For
easily avoided – either by installing the tile on a mortar bed set
instance, industrial floors need to be able to with-stand
over a membrane, or by installing it over a crack isolation mem-
impact, greases, heavy traffic and wear and tear, whereas
brane using a thin-set method.
residential floors must be aesthetically pleas-ing, com-
I have two new carpets, and they are both giving problems: one has some form of fluff appearing; the other appears lighter or darker in some areas. Why is this? The fluff is quite normal; with a spun yarn the ends of the individual fibres are exposed, which causes loose fibres to form fluff on the new carpet, but there is no need for concern. With regular vacuuming the excess loose fibres will be removed, while the others will settle to the base of the pile. Problem solved! Shading is a phenomenon which sometimes occurs in certain areas of a cut-pile carpet as a result of the pile lying in different directions. This is an optical effect which is normally permanent, and its cause is largely unexplained and can occur with all types of fibres, although internationally it is not regarded as a manufacturing defect. You can get another form of shading where the pile is temporarily distorted by foot traffic or even vacuuming. These marks
fortable to walk on, easy to clean and the colour choice is vitally important. The biggest, yet least critical, performance criterion is “budget”. It is a swear word to specifiers who are paid to specify well in terms of the criteria mentioned above. The Afrikaans language sums it up best with “Goedkoop is duurkoop” which literally translated is “Cheap is expensive”. This is so true!Unfortunately, flooring is generally the last item to be installed on a project by which time the old adage often comes up “We know it’s the right thing to do but we have blown the budget.”It is our job in the flooring industry to nail down these specifications and budgets before the start of the contract and stick by them firmly. Explain to the
can be removed with light brushing.
client that they should cut costs
What is acid staining of concrete?
elsewhere as the floor is always the
Acid stain is a water-based solution consisting of hydrochloric acid
most functional part of the entire
and metallic oxides or inorganic salts which etch the top surface of
decision-making process on the
the concrete, allowing the salts to penetrate to the free lime that is
project. Everything takes place
present in the concrete, which then provides the selected colour as
in and on the “floors”. The cost of
a result of the chemical reaction.
replacing a failed under-specified
It is not a tint or paint, but this translucent application will remain
floor far outweighs the money
looking good for a long time. Not a job for the DIY-er, however –
saved in not selecting the “cor-
get a professional contractor to carry out this worktogether with
rect” flooring in the first place!!
availability and cost.
104 F L O O R S A p r i l M a y 2 0 1 1
Jeremy Stewart Flooring specialist and owner of Quartz Carpet, SA.