Coverings Summer 2023

TRENDING NOW

Combination of factors influencing current tile styles

STONE SEALER SECRETS REVEALED

HOW TO AVOID LVT INSTALLATION MISTAKES

ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF WOOD FLOORING RENO

Photo courtesy Tom Arban

OLD SCHOOL REFRESH

IT HAS BEEN just over 20 years now since I attended the University of Toronto. One of the things I loved was that my classes were held in different locations across the downtown campus, from the century-old Convocation Hall that seats more than 1,700 students to the 1961-built Sidney Smith Hall, which belongs to an earlier period of modernism architecture. At the time, one of the most underwhelming buildings was the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Like Sidney Smith, it was constructed in the 1960s, albeit at the end of the decade; yet it was dark, difficult to navigate and since it was basically built atop a subway line, you could (and still can) hear the trains as they passed by, as well as feel their vibrations underfoot. Since then, OISE’s lobby and entrance has been updated, solving many of the issues that plagued the now half-century old building. The recently completed project is featured on the cover and the focus of this issue’s Then & Now column.

But to begin this issue is our regular Installation Matters column. Our guest columnist is Mannington Commercial installation manager Dennis J. Koutavas, who addresses mistakes to avoid when installing luxury vinyl tile in commercial applications.

Sustainability is a key focus of our summer edition — a topic we touch on throughout the year but is deserving of its own section given it has become an important purchase criterion for consumers. Bona’s Kirk Roberts considers the environmental effects of wood flooring renovation in A Greener Choice, which includes findings from a research study by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute that compared the ecological impact of refinishing hardwood with complete replacement. Next, Abacus Flooring Solutions’ Nick Megson discusses the world’s first resin flooring that uses 100 per cent recycled plastic in Mission Sustainability

Rounding out this issue is our Tile & Stone feature. Tile of Spain’s Ryan Fasan explores trends that are influencing ceramic tile styles, while Stone Forensics’ Frederick M. Hueston delves into the potential controversial topic of what manufacturers aren’t telling consumers/installers about stone sealers and impregnators.

If you’d like to share a product with our readers or see a particular topic covered in the magazine, contact me at claret@mediaedge.ca.

PUBLISHER Jason Krulicki jasonk@mediaedge.ca

EDITOR Clare Tattersall claret@mediaedge.ca

PRESIDENT Kevin Brown kevinb@mediaedge.ca

CIRCULATION circulation@mediaedge.ca

Published by

CO-PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca

ART DIRECTOR Annette Carlucci annettec@mediaedge.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Thuy Huynh roxyh@mediaedge.ca

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Ines Louis Inesl@mediaedge.ca

Coverings is published four times annually — Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter — for Canada’s floor covering industry. Subscriptions are free to qualified participants in Canada’s floor covering industry. Subscribe at www.coveringscanada.ca. Readers from outside Canada may purchase subscriptions for $55 Cdn. For subscription inquiries, e-mail circulation@mediaedge.ca. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Coverings 2001 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Z8 MediaEdge Communications and Coverings disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. The opinions of the columnists and writers are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Coverings or MediaEdge Communications.

Copyright 2023

Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail

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© 2023 by MediaEdge Communications. All rights reserved.

Clare Tattersall

LVT MISSTEPS

How to avoid potentially costly mistakes in commercial installations

By Dennis J. Koutavas

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) rose to popularity shortly after it came on the scene. Originally accounting for approximately 10 per cent of the total flooring stock with distributors, this number quadrupled by 2019, thanks to LVT’s endless design, high-performance and cross-segment staying power. However, with more installations has come more mistakes.

CUTTING CORNERS

It’s easy to look at subfloor preparation as the best place to cut corners or save money because it’s going to be covered. But think again. A subfloor that’s not structurally sound, flat, clean, smooth, dry and doesn’t have a concrete surface profile (CSP) rating of 1 contains waves or protrusions from debris. Over time, foot traffic and rolling loads will wear these high spots and they will become visually noticeable.

LVT is, by design, uniform and meant to exist in flat rows or in a square grid. When a subfloor is wavy, keeping a square grid during placement will produce unneeded challenges and a struggle to keep the layout square.

Excessive gapping between the modular units or windows at tileline intersections may occur. It is especially noticeable with light coloured flooring designs and square tile sizes.

This was a common issue with vinyl composition tile (VCT). Installers would camouflage such discrepancies in VCT by using material shavings called ‘gopher dust’ to fill in the gaps. When sealer was applied, the mishap was generally hidden when observed from a standing position.

With LVT, the key is to begin with a flat subfloor to complement the square material grid. This will result in a visually pleasing installation.

Another cost-cutting mistake in LVT installation is not using the right adhesive and application method. For instance, hospital beds expose LVT to heavy static and rolling loads. With the wrong pressure-sensitive adhesive, this can leave indentations in the floor.

Failure to employ the right application method or tools when applying the adhesive can present similar indentation issues even with lighter furniture. Indentations can occur from adhesive displacement and/or if the wrong metering tool is used.

Additionally, the adhesive can bleed through the surface between tile lines, making the flooring system difficult to clean. It is important that installers follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on adhesive options and application based on the end-user’s needs of the space.

NOT UNDERSTANDING OPTIONS

LVT comes in a variety of profiles and thicknesses with different options for installation.

LVT with a thickness of two-and-a-half millimetres is installed with a full spread adhesive application. Different adhesive options should be used when dealing with high moisture conditions but overall, the application is spread, sprayed or rolled over the entire area to be installed.

LVT with a thickness of four millimetres can be installed full spread or with a perimeter glue installation method where a nine to 12-inch band of adhesive is applied around the perimeter of the room, and as a grid every 20 feet when installing in large open areas.

Floating LVT is designed to be installed as a completely non-adhered system. It uses a tongue and groove locking system to connect

planks that can create a waterproof, quiet underfoot and sound abating flooring option.

This type of LVT performs well in two circumstances. First, the floor must be flat, otherwise there can be a springboard effect, resulting in bounce being felt underfoot. This bounce will weaken the locking mechanism over time and may eventually lead to damage as planks loosen from one another. Next, there must be a quarter-inch space at all vertical stops and transitions, depending on the size of the room. These include walls, door jams, cabinetry or any other area where the floor will be ‘terminated.’

When installing floating LVT in an open room, the space should not exceed 100 linear feet in either direction without adding an international termination. (Some material options require less or more.) Allow a minimum of three-eighths-of-an-inch for expansion. The larger the room, the greater the expansion space that is needed.

Other considerations when choosing a LVT profile or installation method are the inclusion of a radiant heat system, direct sunlight and flooring protection like proper furniture glides. These factors can determine the use of specific adhesives and additional curing time.

When in doubt, reference the manufacturer’s installation guidelines for details and special considerations pertaining to the specified LVT product.

IGNORING THE EDGE PROFILE

To bevel or not to bevel, that is the question. Not all but most LVT comes with a micro-bevelled edge. This bevel allows dirt and debris between tiles to be more easily cleaned; however, it isn’t always best when specifying a custom design where tiles need to be cut on-site.

Keep in mind that a bevelled tile needs to meet another bevelled tile and becomes obvious when placed next to a straight edge (unbevelled) tile. For instance, if the design calls for an 18-inch by 17-inch tile instead of the standard 18-inch by 18-inch, the square cut side where the inch was removed can be noticeable when laid adjacent to the uncut side of a bevelled edge tile.

STAYING POWER

The right LVT, adhesive and installation method sets the stage for a long wear, high-performing floor. Its ease of maintenance and lower lifetime cost of ownership versus other flooring types that may require stripping and waxing further adds to LVT’s appeal.

When specifying LVT for a space, be sure to provide adequate walk-off at all entrances. Walk-off helps to trap dirt, abrasive debris, snow melt and other outside materials to keep the floor clean and prohibit wear.

Dennis J. Koutavas is the U.S. Southeast regional installation manager for Mannington Commercial technical services. Dennis began his career in the flooring industry in 1987, with the then-Chicago Carpenters Union focusing on commercial flooring installation. In 2017, he began working with Mannington Commercial in the technical services department where he remains presently. Mannington Commercial is a leading manufacturer of modular and broadloom carpet, luxury vinyl tile, resilient sheet and rubber flooring.

A GREENER CHOICE

Wood floor renewal brings environmental benefits, efficiencies

By Kirk Roberts

With the increased desire to live more sustainably, flooring is key to the discussion. Given that floors are one of the larger surfaces in a building or home, considering the right materials and renewal processes to maintain the floor can make a big impact on the environment.

Wood is well-regarded as a sustainable building material. With proper forest management, trees are planted before others are harvested, allowing wood floors to be an environmentally-friendly option for generations of floor owners. Renewing existing hardwood flooring is also eco-friendly and a

better solution than filling landfills with old flooring from replacement.

FLOOR REFINISHING

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute conducted a study to better understand the environmental impact of re-

finishing compared to replacing hardwood or resilient flooring materials like linoleum and vinyl. Commercial buildings and surfaces in Sweden serve as a good sample representation since the Nordic country is a sustainable construction leader and North America is following that lead.

The Swedish study was a cradle-tograve assessment, meaning the whole life cycle for refinished and new flooring was considered. This evaluation included extraction, production and transportation of raw materials and products, installation of flooring and refinishing, as well as end-of-life management of products and waste streams.

The study began with a life cycle analysis of the floor installation and refinishing process. It was followed with a roadmap, including a strategic plan to define desired outcomes and outline actions to overcome barriers.

The IVL study found renewing hardwood flooring surfaces instead of replacing them offers up to a 79 per cent reduction in carbon footprint and a 95 per cent savings in energy resources, which are measured by transportation, electricity use, consumables and materials. Additionally, renewing resilient flooring surfaces can offer up to a 92 per cent reduction in carbon footprint versus replacement, as well as 92 per cent savings in energy resources. The overall carbon footprint reduction is equal to the carbon dioxide emissions of 9,600 flights around the world. The energy savings approximates the entire energy use of 9,000 households or nearly one-third the population of Fort Erie, Ont.

The demand for sustainable building and renovation is increasing in market value and owner interest, especially with millennial and Gen Z populations. Wood is a primary material for many sustainable

building projects and the IVL data lends another perspective of wood’s longevity and environmental value.

ENVIRONMENTAL, COST BENEFITS

There is a perception that refinishing hard surface flooring is more difficult than buying new. The IVL report, coupled with the modern eco-friendly products available in today’s market, proves the contrary.

Compared to new floor installation, refinishing is a sustainable solution that reduces carbon emissions and limits energy use and labour resources. The IVL study noted the highest impact from refinishing floors comes from product manufacturing; the renovation process alone has limited environmental impact, assuming eco-friendly products are utilized in the renewal and maintenance processes.

Further, tearing out and replacing flooring material reduces resource efficiency, which is a key issue during a time of scarce labour and limited supply in the construction market.

The North American floor coating market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly seven per cent, surpassing $4.26 billion US globally by 2028, according to Insight Partners, indicating more designers, architects and building owners are choosing to renovate rather than replace.

Yet, there is still a need to educate buyers and end-users on the opportunity to renew existing flooring instead of replacing it. The flooring community has the power and responsibility to influence and educate stakeholders on the benefits of sustainably refinishing.

There are a number of actions that can be taken to increase this dialogue. These include holding conversations on the sustainable and practical benefits of renewal; validating the role of hardwood flooring in a circular economy; and the idea of designing to reduce waste by elongating the life of existing materials. Another is educating developers and end-users on waterborne market solutions — now an industry standard — that accommodate acoustical requirements with coatings and also offer environmental certifications for reuse of existing products. Finally, demonstrating renewal is often a more affordable solution than replacing, considering the cost of materials, labour and longterm maintenance.

The flooring industry has a duty to step into the role of leading sustainable design to protect natural resources like wood. The more education and conversations about floor renewal, the closer to achieving more sustainable buildings and, ultimately, a more environmentally friendly future.

Kirk Roberts is senior vice-president, strategic development, for Bona AB, a sustainably-driven company that supplies products for installing, renovating, maintaining and renewing premium floors. Kirk is also a member of the National Wood Flooring Association’s board of directors. He can be reached at kirk.roberts@bona.com.

The overall carbon footprint reduction is equal to the carbon dioxide emissions of 9,600 flights around the world.

MISSION SUSTAINABILITY

Creation of recycled plastic flooring helping to save the planet

By Nick Megson

It is no secret waste plastic is having an enormously detrimental effect on the planet. An estimated three-quarters of the world’s waste plastic re-enters the environment, whether it be disposed of in landfills or elsewhere. In landfills alone, the chemicals that some waste plastics release may seep into surrounding soil and groundwater, causing potential harm to both the natural environment and human health. In less developed countries, the problem is even worse, as the majority of waste plastic ends up being dumped in the ocean — much of it exported by developed nations that often turn a blind eye to the role they play in endangering marine wildlife and entire ecosystems. In short, waste plastic is a big problem that desperately requires a global effort to solve.

One such solution lies in resin flooring. A groundbreaking process has been invented that uses 100 per cent recycled plastic instead of the traditional bulking material silica sand. It is the first time ever a resin flooring has been created that entirely replaces the potentially carcinogenic silica with plastic that would otherwise have become a damaging waste product. Even if plastic was not as harmful as it is to the environment, this unique flooring solution removes the heavy carbon footprint generated by the mining of silica sand. And it is so much more beneficial than that.

It took years of development to arrive at a recycled plastic resin flooring system that worked. This included the testing of numerous grades and types of waste plastic, which is ground down to a non-harmful, clear-coloured

powder. Eventually, a now-patented system was arrived at which exceeds expectations. In fact, at the world’s first live resin flooring project using 100 per cent recycled plastic — carried out at construction equipment giant JCB’s world headquarters in the United Kingdom — the installation contractors reported it was the best self-smoothing resin system they had ever used.

Numerous projects have been completed in the U.K. in the subsequent two years since the JCB project across many sectors, including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, leisure and commercial. The recycled waste plastic system particularly appeals to organizations that take their carbon footprint and general sustainability credentials seriously. England’s national soccer stadium, Wembley, even went

a step further. As part of a large-scale refurbishment this year, the stadium installed a new anti-slip resin flooring in its royal box, using the waste plastic system. The stadium upgrades also involved the replacement of hundreds of plastic spectator seats. The plastic in those seats was tested to determine its suitability and now the new resin flooring actually contains 100 per cent recycled plastic from Wembley’s old seats.

Only one company currently manufactures resin flooring using 100 per cent recycled waste plastic, which led to it winning a Green Apple Award, the global environmental campaign that recognizes the world’s greenest countries, communities and organizations. The process has revealed a plethora of other possibilities that could transform the use of waste plastic in countless flooring and construction products. Already, further research by the company has led it to replace traditional bulking materials with waste plastic in its primer coats, scratch coats, self-smoothing screeds and

repair compounds. It could also be utilized in other flooring systems like tile adhesives. The list of possibilities is potentially huge. By multiplying the millions of square feet of resin flooring that are installed across the globe each year, it is not difficult to calculate that the pro-environmental knock-on effects from both reduced silica mining and reduced waste plastic disposal is potentially world-changing. As governments set their net-zero targets and businesses are now beginning to understand

things like Scope 3 emissions — the additional carbon footprint created up and downstream of a company’s direct activities — the direction needed to be taken in terms of sustainability is clear. So, when organizations find themselves with the option of installing either a traditional resin flooring system or a 100 per cent recycled waste plastic flooring system that can be coloured or patterned in the same way and performs at least as well, the choice appears obvious.

Nick Megson is the founder and managing director of Abacus Flooring Solutions Ltd., based in Leicestershire, England. Nick invented Abaplas, the world’s first resin flooring that uses 100 per cent recycled plastic instead of silica sand. He can be reached at nick@abacusflooringsolutions.co.uk.

WHY A FLOORING RETAILER SHOULD JOIN NUFLOORS

Nufloors is a business & marketing group where every Nufloors store owner is an equal shareholder of Canada Nufloors Group Inc. By joining Canada Nufloors Group, you don’t just join a program; you become an equal owner of Canada Nufloors Group and have an equal voice in the direction of the organization. Today there are 25 independently owned and operated

locations across Canada.

A groundbreaking process has been invented that uses 100 per cent recycled plastic in resin flooring instead of the traditional bulking material silica sand.

HYBRID

PRO GROUT™ MAX 2.0 is an ultra-premium, next-generation, polymer-modified, rapid-curing, efflorescence-free "hybrid" cement grout. PRO GROUT™ MAX 2.0 has an advanced-technology aggregate that offers the advantages of unsanded grout (vertical application, narrow joints and very low tile scratching) and sanded grout (floor application, wide joints and high compressive strength). The product formulation also eliminates the common issues associated with Portland-cement grouts, such as efflorescence and color consistency. Mixed with water, the 2-in-1 performance of PRO GROUT™ MAX 2.0 allows grouting from 1.5 mm (1/16") to 25 mm (1") wide. PRO GROUT™ MAX 2.0 also provides unparalleled color uniformity with exceptional non-sag properties and is ideal for fast-track, time-constrained projects as it allows foot traffic just 3 hours after application.

KEY FEATURES

w 2-IN-1 HYBRID GROUT, WHICH REPLACES THE USE OF SANDED OR UNSANDED GROUT for floor and wall grouting

w STAIN RESISTANCE – NO ADDITIVE - NO SEALER REQUIRED!

w WATER-BEADING TECHNOLOGY provides a hydrophobic effect that offers superior resistance to water and oily stains

w Exceptional Non-Sag Properties

w VERY low tile scratching

w Longer pot life (30-50 minutes)

w Efflorescence-free

w For joints from 1/16" (1.5 mm) to 1" (25 mm) wide

w Ultra-smooth consistency and unequaled color uniformity

w Extremely easy to apply and clean – super smooth and creamy

w Rapid curing

w Suitable for most types of ceramic and porcelain tiles, quarry tiles, pavers, natural and engineered dimension stones, granite, slate, glass tiles and mosaics

w Compressive strength > 4500 psi @ 28 days

w Excellent performance in wet and submerged areas

w No VOC (certified Clean Air GOLD)

w Exceeds ANSI A118.7 requirements

w Trilingual, 100% RECYCLABLE PLASTIC packaging with EXTENDED shelf life

w Comes in ALL PROMA Colors

w Contributes to LEED objectives and requirements

w Qualifies as part of PROMA’s LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM up to a LIFETIME

Grout provides the accent to every tile installation; ‘a touch of color’ that can create subtle or dramatic contrasts that help shape the mood of a room. When trying to achieve a desired look, choosing the right grout color to accompany a tile can be just as important as the tile itself. This is why PROMA has formulated a wide selection of the most fashionable grout colors available to help make your choice an easy one. Contact PROMA toll-free at 1-866-51-PROMA (77662) or visit www.proma.ca to order a Grout Color Card or Kit.

Trends influencing the ceramic tile industry A FRESH OUTLOOK

By Ryan Fasan

People have been protecting and beautifying the constructed world with ceramics since the discovery of the alchemical power of exposing this natural material to heat from the sun or fire. Despite this long history, the modern ceramic industry is one of the most innovative in the building materials sector, advancing capabilities in scale, decoration and application year after year.

Thanks to this rapid innovation cycle, the decorative and functional trends in ceramic tile are fascinating. The industry’s long view interpretation of prevailing preferences is a rich area of study due to the material’s multi-generational useful lifespan. While this remains to be true in 2023, perhaps the biggest relevance ceramics possess in relation to current trends is the integrity and true sustainability of the material itself.

Let’s put a pin in that for the time being and take a look at some recent macro trends to see if a picture emerges.

Biophilia has been gaining influence since before the world was locked inside due to Covid-19. A deep appreciation for natural colours, tex-

tures and themes developed in reaction to urbanization forced by hyper-productivity and the digital frontier eclipsing the natural in people’s lives. An emphasis on raw materials has come to the fore like the use of terracotta, lightly worked and stained woods, and biologic motifs. Complimentarily, there has been a growing desire to bring what’s outside indoors and, at the same time, make outdoor spaces a livable extension of the home. Installation systems and formats specifically targeted for exterior cooking/eating/living spaces with seamless transitions from interiors have become highly prized solutions. Design periods like mid-century modernism that celebrate materials’ essence rather than hide it with embellishments have come back around due to a spartan aesthetic that leaves no room for poor craftsmanship.

It’s clear a shift in priorities for design of the built environment is underway. Rather than designing from a mindset centred on keeping the outdoors ‘safely’ separate, people are looking for opportunities to integrate more of the natural world into their working and living spaces. With innovations in digital decoration

allowing for both visual and tactile realism, advancements in pressing enabling larger formats like panels and slabs, and developments in glazing providing smooth yet slip-resistant finishes and thicker paving formats, ceramics are uniquely suited to offer solutions for these shifts in people’s priorities.

Aesthetic and structural design trends signify a collective awareness that a disconnect from the land is not good for physical or mental health. This realization is evidenced in multiple ways.

Environmental issues like climate change have progressed to a point that even historically staunch deniers are starting to reverse opinions, making changes in their beliefs and lifestyle. According to a joint-effort study spearheaded by Yale University researchers, nearly two-thirds of Americans today believe in and are concerned about climate change — a value that has been steadily on the rise since 2014. The ceramics industry has been passively embodying answers to the growing concern surrounding environmental stewardship but the time is ripe to address it directly.

The fact there are entire podcasts and documentaries surrounding the differing terms ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’ speaks to the collective hunger for unequivocal transparency. Aside from environmental stewardship, trust is becoming a powerful concern and the most valuable commodity for consumers today.

The ceramics industry is refreshing because it’s uniquely suited to speak the unvarnished truth about its product’s strengths and weaknesses, providing answers to clients’ desires and need to do good for both their personal and the planet’s health. The cons are high-embodied energy and monetary cost, both of which are mitigated by the exceptional lifespan of ceramic tile and benign nature of waste material during construction and at end-of-life. The pros are almost too numerous to count but include seamless transitions from inside to out with progressive formats designed to mitigate installation costs in both applications; zero chemicals or organic compounds, including the carcinogenic variety; resistance to nearly all health concerns, including bacteria, fire, flood and ultraviolet light; and a high thermal

mass capable of optimizing operational energy consumption of the building itself.

Everything is pointing toward a collective desire for more balance and a deeper connection with the world. What better way to

address those desires than with a product that incorporates more than 10,000 years of history, is 100 per cent natural, and protects the health of people, planet and buildings for generations.

Ryan Fasan is a technical consultant and ceramic tile specialist with Tile of Spain. He is also a technical consultant, trainer and senior partner at Professional Attention to Tile Installations, an internationally renowned tile consulting firm working in Canada, the United Kingdom, United States and Europe. Ryan has more than 23 years of experience in the ceramic tile industry. His expertise comes from working with a major distributor in showroom and architectural sales, as a manufacturer’s specification consultant and as an apprentice installer under a master European tile-setter.

The Canada FLOOR eport 2023 Edition

An industry staple, The Canada FLOOReport continues to generate the most critical and comprehensive forecast and analysis on the market especially in these uncertain times.

With information produced and rigorously compiled by Market Insights LLC, the report’s unrivaled proprietary research makes it indispensable for any company seeking a competitive advantage in the flooring industry.

Santo Torcivia President

THE TRUTH ABOUT SEALERS

Stone impregnators not bulletproof

By Frederick M. Hueston

Ireceive several calls a week about the use of impregnating sealers on outdoor stone and in interior wet areas like showers.

The primary question: Should stone be sealed in these conditions?

The answer is no.

Outdoor settings and showers are exposed to unregulated humidity and temperature fluctuations, resulting in water vapour in the air. Temperature along with humidity can also result in condensation whereby the water vapour in the air becomes liquid.

Why does this matter?

Impregnators or penetrating sealers are designed to permeate the stone’s surface and deposit solid particles in the stone’s pores or coat the individual minerals below the surface of the stone. This restricts water, oil and dirt from entering the stone. However, most impregnators on the market today, whether solvent or water-based, are breathable. This means that while the stone will be protected from water entering its pores, water vapour may pass through.

You may think water penetration is a positive. However, once the vapour enters the stone, it can condense and become a liquid. Since impregnators protect against water in its liquid state, it becomes trapped within the

stone’s pores and will not escape until it evaporates or turns into a vapour.

Trapped water can result in a slew of problems. Stones with iron content can begin to oxidize, and natural salts within the stone can dissolve and cause pitting and spalling. As well, the stone will appear darker since it is constantly wet.

CONFUSION TO CLARITY

Now that you know where not to use impregnators, it is important to understand the difference in the terms used to describe these sealers to clear up any confusion in the flooring industry.

A sealer is defined as a coat (as of size) applied to prevent subsequent coats of paint or varnish from sinking in. In other industries, such as cleaning and janitorial, a sealer is similar in that it is a coating that is placed on the surface of a substrate to seal it so something else can be applied. In the stone indus-

try, a sealer is also defined as a coating. The proper description in the scientific community is ‘film former’ because when applied it forms a film on the surface of the stone.

Impregnate means cause to be filled, imbued, permeated or saturated. In the stone industry, the same definition applies. Impregnators penetrate below the surface of the stone and protect from within. There is no coating or film formed on the surface of the stone.

Penetrating sealer is really an oxymoron if you go by the pure definition of each word.

If a sealer is a coating that sits on the surface, then how can it also penetrate the stone?

This term, however, is often used interchangeably with impregnator. Technically, you would expect a penetrating sealer to pass below the surface and also form a film on the surface of the stone. But while there are products that can do both, most in the flooring industry do not.

Frederick M. Hueston is the founder and president of Stone Forensics, which has gained national renown for providing knowledgeable stone, tile, concrete and masonry consultation services, including inspection and failure analysis and historic preservation services. In addition, Stone Forensics provides training and education to professionals in the stone industry regarding marble and other natural stone, tile and terrazzo surfaces.

250,000

Nearly a quarter-million small businesses in Canada could be at risk of closing their doors after 2023, unless the federal government changes the deadline to repay the Canada Emergency Business Account loan.

3.8%

Job vacancies declined by 33,500 or 3.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2023, falling to 843,200. This marks the third straight quarterly decline from the record high reached in the second quarter of 2022 (984,600).

65%

The cost of doing business for small and medium-sized enterprises grew approximately six times more between 2020 and 2021, than between 2013 and 2019. What’s more, 65 per cent of Canadian companies have felt the negative impact of rising costs associated with higher inflation, labour and the price of carbon.

40%

23%

The standalone monthly seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of total housing starts for all areas in Canada fell by 23 per cent in May, to 230,205 units from 240,318 units in April. The trend in housing starts has been declining steadily since November 2022. But while multi-unit urban starts fell by 30 per cent to 139,890 units, single-detached urban starts increased six per cent to 42,952 units.

1.1%

Retail sales increased 1.1 per cent to $65.9 billion in April, led by Ontario. Conversely, e-commerce sales were down 6.1% to $3.6 billion.

Nearly four in 10 professionals report being more burned out now than a year ago. The most common factors contributing to burnout today are heavy workloads (54 per cent), lack of communication and support from management (29 per cent), and toxic organizational culture (26 per cent). Gen Z and millennials, employees who have been with their company for two to four years and working parents have the highest burnout levels.

—Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

—Business Development Bank of Canada

—Statistics Canada

—Robert Half

—Statistics Canada

—Canadian Federation of Independent Business

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The Armstrong Flooring’ Natralis commercial homogenous vinyl sheet collection by AHF Products is inspired by the landscapes of North America and the mesmerizing ‘spot’ patterns found in nature. Its true through-pattern provides even wear, a consistent appearance and superior gouge and abrasion resistance to withstand heavy foot and rolling load traffic. Because it is easy to push, pull and roll heavy equipment and furniture across this floor, it is ideal for high-traffic commercial settings like hospitals, senior living facilities, school classrooms and hospitality environments. Plus, the high-performance coating resists soil, stains, scratches, scuffs and abrasions, as well as chemicals and damage from alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

HMTX Industries’ Mycelium collection is a non-vinyl, circular multilayer flooring system bred from innovations in sustainability, the circular economy and biophilic design: SRP thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) flooring. Two plastic bottles are upcycled into each square foot of SRP flooring, which is constructed with a PET top layer, TPU core layer and a cross-linked polyurethane foam back layer. At the end of its useful life, SRP flooring can be ground up and transformed into an engineered TPU, giving HMTX the ability to recycle each plank into new planks, making it a circular product. The Mycelium collection features 20 digitally printed SKUs in biophilicly designed planks and 12-inch by 24-inch tiles, hosting modern, unique wood looks along with organic abstracts.

Beaulieu Canada’s two new laminate flooring collections, Maven and Maven Xtra, are scratch and stain-resistant and can handle heavy foot traffic. The budget-friendly Maven line comes in wide, long planks and a matte finish. The Maven Xtra collection goes a step further, offering 72-hour spill protection, says the company, making it also water-resistant.

Cali has added four coastal-inspired shades to its Legends vinyl flooring line. They include Driftwood Shore, a tan colour with classic wood grain; Oyster Isle, a sand tone with a salt-scrubbed wood grain; South Wind Oak, a balmy colour with warm undertones; and Catamaran, a tawny, wheat colour with a weathered grain. Each click-lock plank is waterproof, lined with an acoustic pad for boosted sound absorption and thermal insulation, and is 60 inches long, nine inches wide and one half-inch thick. This thickness better mimics hardwood and negates the need to change or cut existing baseboards and door jambs when replacing carpet, tile or traditional wood flooring.

New Ravenna’s Counterpoint collection includes nine classic designs handcrafted from natural stone and a dark grey basalt quarried in Italy that has been either honed to a soft matte finish or Venetian honed to create a pillowed surface. Each interlocking geometric design is available in multiple colours and the mosaic techniques include hand-cutting and water jet.

Karndean Designflooring has introduced eight new colours to its Van Gogh collection, expanding the array of contemporary and classic timber designs. New visuals include a mix of fresh, clean and neutral tones, including French, distressed and refined oak hues. The cool neutral colours range from prime oak, with its sandy tones and soft grain detail, to the warmer hues of Hawaiian Koa. All designs are available in both glue-down and rigid core formats. They feature 100 per cent waterproof technology for installation over most existing hard floors. Van Gogh planks are 48 inches by seven inches and feature a 20-mil wear layer, making it suitable for commercial applications.

Tarkett has expanded its Colour Pop luxury vinyl tile and plank series to include six new colours: Breeze, Lilac, Sandpiper, Sorbet, Sunbeam and Very Berry. The highly saturated hues across a wide spectrum of colours were curated with education environments in mind. Colour Pop is protected by a 32-mil wear layer and a propriety coating technology that defends against scratching, abrasions, stains and scuffing.

American Biltrite’s carbon neutral Abpure Infinity line is the first flooring collection produced with renewable natural gas from organic waste, helping to reduce greenhouse gases at the source. The three millimetre rubber sheet flooring features a tone-on-tone chip visual. The palette includes foundational base colours like greys, beiges, blues and greens running from light to dark within hue families to create harmonious tonal combinations. The line also features a special treatment technology that penetrates and seals the flooring, making it an occupancy-ready collection that never needs to be waxed.

A TEACHABLE MOMENT

Updated OISE lobby, entrance with Indigenous design elements a lesson in teamwork

By Valerie Gow

The renewal of the lobby and entrance to the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto (UofT) builds upon the institute’s core values to create an inclusive and impressionable space. Designed in collaboration with Indigenous design consultant Two Row Architect, the project infuses Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the fabric of the 40-year-old building to ensure positive spatial experiences for all.

The design dramatically brightens the lobby and entrance, drawing students, staff and visitors into a secure and well-connected access point with updated wayfinding and signage. At the entrance, a modernized building arcade and west ramp enhances building access. The new glass vestibule replaces heavy, outdated revolving entrance doors, creating a transparent entrance sequence with improved access and clear signage that promotes the UofT and OISE brand. Inside the lobby, guests are greeted by a welcome/security desk to assist with orientation, a full height living wall, a touchdown counter and clusters of flexible furniture.

The original flooring of the lobby was made of 1960s-era brown quarry tiles. The tiles were visibly worn and grew increasingly impractical over time. They lacked traction, were slippery when wet and required the flooring to be covered with rugs during colder months. This resulted in much of the flooring being concealed for a majority of the year.

In developing the new design, textured grey porcelain tiles by Olympia Tile were used to replace the old ones. A warm charcoal

grey was chosen to complement the colour palette of the project and hide winter salt stains. These porcelain tiles are slip-resistant, eliminating any need for rug coverings in winter months. Additionally, the larger 24-inch by 24-inch format visually expands the space and minimizes grout lines for easy maintenance.

The exterior arcade is finished in Ciot Technica’s Atlantic Black granite. This Canadian stone was selected for its durability and slip resistance. Granite is a strong material that can withstand the harsh temperature and weather changes associated with Toronto. The dark colour of the tile also eases maintenance concerns, especially in colder months.

With the building located directly above a subway tunnel, vibration and movement caused some cracking in the existing porcelain tiles. To prevent this in future, movement joints were installed and concealed by a strategically placed tile grid. Using Indigenous design elements, a decorative brass inlay aligns with the four cardinal directions and diverts attention away from the movement joints.

Valerie Gow is co-founder of Gow Hastings Architects, which she leads with Philip Hastings. Since 2002, the Toronto-based practice has been recognized as an industry leader in the creation and transformation of post-secondary institutions.

Photos courtesy Tom Arban Photography

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