Coverings Winter 2024/2025 by MediaEdge

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Photo courtesy Adrian Ozimek

TRADE SHOW

SEASON KICKS OFF

2025 IS OFFICIALLY upon us and we can only speculate what’s in store over the next 12 months. What we do know is that January is the start of a new trade show calendar. The International Surface Event, simply known as TISE, is regarded as the official start to this year’s events, perhaps because it is the most highly anticipated of them all. Running its usual three days, Jan. 28-30, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, TISE is considered the ultimate annual resource for sourcing the newest products, networking with industry leaders, learning trends and advancing businesses within the surface, stone and tile industries. The education program is a major draw and begins a day earlier on Jan. 27. It’s comprised of trainings and certifications, ‘pulse’ and live theatre sessions that don’t require registration, lunch and learns, on-floor tours, product demonstrations and a robust seminar program that features an impressive lineup of speakers. This edition of Coverings includes the seminar program, which serves as a guide to the long list of knowledge-sharing and in-depth discussions.

Turning to editorial, the winter issue begins with our regular Installation Matters column. Guest writer Scott Conwell of the International Masonry Institute discusses grout joint alignment versus grout joint uniformity in ceramic tile installations.

Resilient flooring is our flooring focus. Topics covered include common mistakes made when installing sheet vinyl and the newly released standard ASTM F3513, Standard Practice for Single Component, Fluid-Applied Membrane-Forming Moisture Mitigation Systems for Use Under Resilient Floor Coverings.

Technology is a key theme of this issue. We explore the benefits of smart flooring for senior care communities, the introduction of fruit stone-based powders as functional fillers in the composites industry and advances in tool technology that help improve the installation process.

To close is our Then & Now column, which spotlights Ballroom Bowl Yorkville. Last year, the premium casual bowling concept rolled out its second Toronto location, in which patrons will find newly laid hardwood flooring for the eight 10-pin lanes.

As I turn to the spring issue, I am looking for article submissions related to wood flooring and the theme of style and design. If interested in writing for Canada’s floor covering magazine, contact me at claret@mediaedge.ca

ART DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER

Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca

EDITOR Clare Tattersall claret@mediaedge.ca

PRESIDENT Kevin Brown kevinb@mediaedge.ca

CIRCULATION circulation@mediaedge.ca

Published

Annette Carlucci annettec@mediaedge.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Thuy Huynh-Guinane 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.

Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail

Sales Product Agreement No. 40063056

ISSN 0834-3357

Clare Tattersall

January 28-30, 2025

Mandalay Bay | Las Vegas

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CONNECT with industry experts, gain invaluable insights, and GROW your projects with the latest innovations. Whether you’re sourcing the newest materials, tools, or installation products, tise is the place to be.

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TILING WITH NO SPACERS

Grout joint alignment versus uniformity

By Scott Conwell

Using spacers when laying floor tile will make grout joints straight. This is a commonly held belief but it is unfortunately incorrect. As any experienced tile installer knows, spacers are more likely to hurt the installation than help it.

But how can spacers, which virtually guarantee grout joint uniformity, be a bad thing?

It has to do with the allowable dimensional variation in the size of the tiles and the inconsistency of the wall dimensions across a room. If the individual tiles were all the same size and the corners of the room were perfectly square, then spacers might be useful. However, manufacturing limitations of tile and imperfect site conditions require tile installers to make slight adjustments to the grout joint, which spacers would otherwise preclude, in order to maintain grout joint alignment.

According to ANSI A137.1, Standard Specifications for Ceramic Tile, a calibrated porcelain tile is allowed to vary in its facial dimension by up to 0.08 inch, equating to a total variation by as much as 0.16 inch. In other words, a tile can vary in size by more than 1/8 inch. Similarly, the wall-to-wall dimension can vary drastically when taken from opposite ends of a room. If spacers are used, the grout joints may have a uniform width but they won’t line up, resulting in an aesthetically unappealing installation.

To accommodate imperfections in the tile and backing walls, installers should snap a grid of chalk lines on the floor to dictate where the grout joints will fall. For example, if the tile is 12-inch by 12-inch nominal, a tile setter may snap chalk lines every four feet in each direction. The

installer would then lay tile inside the grid, lining up a corner of the tile on the intersecting grid lines every four feet. This will ensure there is grout uniformity within each four-foot section of floor. When the tiled floor is viewed in its entirety, all joints won’t be homogenous but they will be aligned, which is the more important visual consideration.

When it comes to layout, the chalk line grid should be snapped on the floor in the precise position to eliminate or minimize cut tiles, and it should generally be parallel to the longest or most prominent wall in the room. The grid is kept square using the largest possible Pythagorean triple for the size of the room. For example, the installer would snap a right triangle of eight feet, 15 feet and 17 feet or a right triangle of five feet, 12 feet and 13 feet. In smaller rooms, the triangle may be three feet, four feet and five feet.

Now that the need for variable grout joint width to maintain proper grout joint alignment has been demonstrated, let’s examine what the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) says about allowable variation in grout joint width.

ANSI A108.02, General Requirements: Workmanship for Tile Installation, states, “To accommodate the range in facial dimensions of the tile supplied for a specific project, the actual grout joint size may, of necessity, vary from the grout joint size specified.”

This language is vague. It does not give a specific value for allowable variation; however, it does alert the end-user that a certain amount of inconsistency in grout joint width is unavoidable.

Scott Conwell is director of industry development and technical services at the International Masonry Institute (IMI). He leads the institute’s tile, marble and terrazzo industry development program and is the creator of IMI’s masonry detailing series, an online collection of construction details and technical information that sets the industry standard for architectural details on masonry, tile, stone and terrazzo.

CHOOSE

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TISE 2025 SEMINARS

Islander E - North Convention Center

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Designer and Luxury Flooring Insiders Tell All

Christopher Ramey, The Home Trust

Respected makers and luxury/decorative thought leaders share their insights on where the luxury and design markets are today, where they’re going and what you can expect through 2025. They’ll share how they create products, colour trends, the future of trade-only showrooms, best practices and how you can best penetrate these key markets.

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

The Bottom Line of Better Marketing: Measuring Return on Investment

Anthony Milia, Milia Marketing

Is your marketing budget working as hard as you are? Through real industry examples and practical case studies, you’ll hear how other stone, kitchen and bath businesses have transformed their marketing from a guess into a science. Learn practical ways to measure and improve the success of your marketing investments, including which numbers really matter, how to track them without getting overwhelmed and, most importantly, how to use this information to grow your business.

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Top Marketing Mistakes Flooring and Remodelling Businesses Make and How to Do It Right in 2025

Daniel Moscovitch, Flooring Pros Marketing

Some of the best lessons come from what not to do! Hear the marketing mistakes frequently seen during flooring business audits. From poorly executed websites, lacklustre content creation and slow to respond communication with prospects, you will walk away with achievable tasks on how to get your marketing right. Through marketing plan examples and how to implement them to the most up-to-date trends in marketing, this session will help take your business’ marketing to the top.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Flooring in 2025: Trends, Sustainability and Market Shifts

Scott Humphrey, World Floor Covering Association

Paul De Cock, Mohawk

Will Young, Engineered Floors

Zack Zehner, Mannington Mills

Join industry leaders and experts as they explore the evolving landscape of flooring manufacturing in 2025. This session will provide an in-depth look at the current state of the industry, highlighting the latest trends, technological advancements and market shifts that are reshaping this business. From sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices to automation in production, they’ll discuss how leading manufacturers are adapting to new consumer demands, regulatory changes and supply chain challenges. You will gain valuable insights into how the flooring industry is positioning itself for continued growth during a year where we will all face many changes.

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

The 360 on the Customer Experience

Christopher Ramey, The Home Trust

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Colour Sells, So How Do We Get the Colours Right?

Peggy Van Ellen, Colour Marketing Group

This session emphasizes the profound influence of colour on various aspects of our lives, from our environments and brand identity to emotions and product choices. It will underscore the importance of not randomly selecting colours in design but understanding evolving consumer preferences and trends. The Internet has expanded our exposure to trends but the challenge lies in predicting future trends beyond short-lived fads. Get insights into the annual colour forecasting process by the Colour Marketing Group, focusing on the 2025+ World Colour Forecast that highlights how these colour trends are crucial for professionals across industries to make informed colour choices that can lead to long-lasting success.

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Case Studies of Successful Tile Installations

Bart Bettiga, National Tile Contractors Association

Explore the secrets behind award-winning tile installations. You will get insight into several exemplary projects in both residential and commercial construction, each demonstrating the pinnacle of planning, implementation and quality control in the tile industry. Learn from the best and discover how meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to continuous learning can lead to award-winning results.

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

So, You Want to Sell Your Countertop Business

Chase Busenbark, First Choice Business Brokers

Ed Young, Fabricators Coach

Rich Katzmann, Rockheads USA

This session will address what to know about the process of selling your business, likely acquisition partners, how your business is likely to be valued and how to increase the value of your business.

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Customer Experience 2025: Enhancing In-store and Online Interactions

Adam Singer, Ability Growth Partners

What should you be doing to stay competitive while artificial intelligence and virtual reality become a bigger part of how consumers plan homes and home renovations? Your product knowledge will always make you a crucial part of good buying decisions, but consumers don’t always know when or how they should be relying on you. And the digital landscape can make it harder to find the real experts. This session will give you tools and direction for how to win attention and be a leader as flooring buying changes in 2025.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

The Finish Line: What are the Surfaces that Give a Feeling of Luxury that are in Demand and on the Horizon Christopher Grubb, Arch-Interiors Design Group

A feeling of luxury in projects is no longer only aspirational but an expectation — no matter one’s budget. Using finishes and surfaces in projects that are tactile, visually textured and include pattern and motion are an opportunity to guarantee a luxury feeling in a space. This session will showcase ways to successfully utilize porcelain, natural stone, wood, mosaics, dimensional tiles, wood graining and even resins in projects that range from interior powder rooms to exterior pools. It will also address what is ‘splurge-worthy’ or a budget-saver, what materials are on the forefront of trending and some skills contractors, designers, architects, showrooms and installers can use to speak ‘the language of luxury.’

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Digital Marketing for Flooring Dealers Amid Market Shifts

Welton Hong, RRM@Home

This session is designed to empower flooring dealers to navigate current market challenges and leverage digital marketing strategies for growth. It will explore effective digital marketing tactics tailored for the unique dynamics of the flooring industry, focusing on driving leads and conversions despite economic uncertainties. You will leave with actionable insights and tools to strengthen your market position and seize new opportunities in your local markets.

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Creating Style with Tile: Bridging the Gap Between Quiet Luxury and Bold Maximalism

Rachel Moriarty, Rachel Moriarty Interiors

Sharon L. Sherman, Thyme & Place Design LLC

How can you design a room that speaks to diverse styles all beginning with a tile? This colourful and interactive session will explore how to compare and contrast two very different styles of design using tile as the centerpiece of the project.

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Pointing Fingers: Protecting your Business Through Indemnity

Adam Stone, Jones Walker

Kaytie Pickett, Jones Walker

Imagine your best customer claims your manufacturer’s product has caused them damage. You want to make it right but your manufacturer wants to fight. How do you keep both happy? This session will address how retailers can protect themselves through indemnity clauses in their supply and sales contracts. It will discuss the basics of what an indemnity claim is (a claim asking one party to pay for a loss to another party), situations where indemnity claims arise, best practices for contractual indemnity clauses and common pitfalls with standard indemnity contract language.

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Brand Building with Video and Social Media

Robert Galvan, The Floor Store

Get a look at utilizing video in 2025! Through practical steps, build your social media presence and learn how it impacts your brand. This session will provide tips and tricks on shooting and uploading video, and provide ideas and examples for content creation in the various platforms.

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Wool Carpet: A Healthy, Sustainable and Regenerative Floor Covering

Jenny De Castris, Nature’s Carpet

There is a clear movement toward healthy and sustainable materials in the design/build industry. Every year, this movement gains a little more momentum. There is also a newer conversation relating to ‘regenerative’ building materials, which means materials that not only contribute to healthy buildings and people but healthier ecosystems, labour practices, job markets and supply chains. The wool carpet industry is a leader in this regard. In this session, you’ll engage with others who are interested in the future of flooring and the planet while learning the incredible benefits of choosing wool carpet as an option.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2025

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

Creating a Strategic Marketing Plan

Lourdes del Rio Valdes, Oracle Method Group

Strategic marketing is vital for businesses seeking longterm success and sustainable growth. At its core, strategic marketing involves a comprehensive, research-based approach to understanding market dynamics, customer needs and competitive landscapes. This enables businesses to create targeted, effective marketing plans that align with their overall objectives. You will leave this session with an understanding of a clear and scalable plan to take back to your business.

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Getting Started with Cut-to-Size Stone: Tips for Working with International Sources

Alison Mullins, Rep Methods

This session explores the world of ‘cut-to-size’ stone projects sourced from international suppliers. From defining the project scope to overcoming common challenges, it will provide essential guidance tailored for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Learn about sourcing stone from abroad, navigating quality control, project planning, best practices, problem solving and discussing communication skills with suppliers.

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Lawsuits are Killing Me: Mediate Your Way Out of It!

Joel Bertet, Resolve Bertet

Lawsuits are an unfortunate cost of doing business. They are stressful, costly and steal attention from business and our families. This session will provide the steps every business needs to implement in order to manage legal risk and how to best use mediation to get out of lawsuits, fast and effectively.

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

The Best Site Moisture Test is Here!

David Daniels, Tramex USA

Larry Marvel, Installer Certified Robert Higgins, Product Development Consultant

Don’t miss this must-attend session that covers the latest in moisture testing at time of install — all made simple and easy. Backed by science and years of feedback and supported by manufacturers, you will learn how your moisture claims will drop and how it relates to ASTM F2659.

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Accelerating Sales Adoption: Understand Your Sellers

Christopher Wallace, InnerView Group

This session is geared toward helping marketing and sales leaders drive better engagement with their salespeople — both employees and dealer/distributor representatives. The lessons are specifically focused on improving performance around product launches, acquisitions/brand integrations, and programs and campaigns.

WHAT LIES BENEATH

Tips to achieve a favourable sheet vinyl flooring install

By Gary Scheidker

Substrate preparation is the foundation of a successful sheet vinyl installation and one of the most important steps in the process.

Sheet goods should not be installed directly over oriented strand board without an additional underlayment or skim coat to smooth the substrate. A one-quarter inch birch plywood underlayment is recommended to provide a smooth base for sheet goods. Joints and nail holes should be filled following installation. If the additional thickness of the plywood will be a problem, a skim coat of high-quality Portland-based patch can provide a suitable substrate when properly applied.

When installing sheet vinyl over a concrete substrate, the substrate must be clean, flat and smooth per ASTM F710, Standard Prac-

tice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring. The substrate may require diamond grinding to remove crowns and low areas filled before skim coat application. Selecting the appropriate Portland-based patch or self-leveller is critical. The product must be able to withstand the concrete substrate moisture and pH ranges. Be sure to follow the powder manufacturer’s instructions for water ratios and mixing.

Installing sheet vinyl directly over old adhesive residue is always a bad idea. If installing vinyl-backed sheet goods, the plasticizers in the backing can attack non-plasticizer-resistant adhesives, such as clear, thin spread, latex and cutback. It is best to remove old adhesives since the new adhesive is only as good as what it is stuck to.

MOISTURE TESTING

Moisture and pH testing must be performed when installing resilient flooring over concrete and gypcrete substrates.

Most flooring and adhesive manufacturers only recognize ASTM F1869, Standard Test Method for Measuring Vapour Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride, or ASTM F2170, Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes, when moisture-testing concrete substrates. The space must be fully enclosed and under HVAC control for a minimum of 72 hours prior to testing in order for it to be valid.

When testing a concrete substrate, the slab’s age should be taken into consideration, as well as the grade of the slab since those be-

low-grade can potentially be subject to a hydrostatic head.

High relative humidity and moisture vapour emission rate readings in an older concrete slab points to moisture intrusion from an external source. Moisture intrusion from below indicates the under-slab vapour retarder may be missing or has been compromised.

Gypcrete substrates can generally be moisture-tested using a pin meter with a gypsum setting. Most gypcrete manufacturers require the substrate be at or below five per cent prior to installing resilient flooring.

Excessive moisture and high or low pH can attack the flooring and adhesive. So, before starting any installation, know the moisture and pH limitations of all products being installed, including patch, underlayment, adhesives and flooring.

ACCLIMATION

Too many installation failures can be prevented with proper acclimation. This step is crucial for resilient flooring products since they are typically thermal reactive.

Acclimation must be performed in the room where the flooring is being installed and the space must be under HVAC control at service temperature. The service temperature is the temperature to which the space will be maintained when occupied. Acclimation is complete when the flooring reaches equilibrium with the room temperature. Length of the acclimation period is dependent on the difference in temperature from the storage environment to the service temperature.

ADHESIVE SELECTION

Selecting the right adhesive for flooring type and application is vital. Fibreglass-backed sheet goods typically call for a releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive. Felt-backed sheet goods generally need a latex multi-purpose, epoxy or moisture-cured adhesive, depending on site conditions and us-

age. Felt-backed sheet goods do not require plasticizer-resistant adhesives. Depending on site conditions and use, homogeneous sheet goods require plasticizer-resistant adhesives, such as acrylic, epoxy or moisture-cured. If the sheet vinyl has a vinyl backing/bonding surface, the adhesive must be plasticizer-resistant.

SEAMS AND SEALERS

Since vinyl seams are never invisible, seam placement should be considered before starting an installation. Try not to place seams next to each other and in areas that will make them stand out like near doorways. Cross-lighting can make a seam more obvious and should be avoided, if possible.

Different sheet vinyl products require different seam sealers. Most homogeneous sheet goods require a chemical weld or heat welding to seal the seams. This is particularly important in healthcare applications to prevent bacterial growth from developing under the flooring. Fibreglass sheet goods are dimensionally stable and typically used in residential and multi-family applications. Seam sealers for these products are commonly intended to prevent moisture in-

trusion at the seams and do not require a chemical weld to prevent opening. Heterogeneous sheet goods will often have felt or mineral backings. Unfortunately, the vinyl face of these products can shrink over time, causing the seams to open. The proper seam sealer will chemically weld the seam, preventing it from opening.

KNEEBOARDS

Working on top of sheet vinyl installed with a wet set adhesive can cause the adhesive to displace and leave indentations or even loosen bonds. Because of this, kneeboards are essential any time resilient flooring is being installed with a wet set or semi-wet set adhesive.

Anyone installing vinyl with a reactive adhesive like epoxy or a moisture-cured adhesive must work on top of kneeboards, too. Some latex and acrylic adhesives will also require a wet set or semi-wet installation method.

Kneeboards must be large enough to cover anywhere knees, toes or feet will put pressure on the flooring. Be sure to have enough kneeboards to be able to move around the floor without displacing adhesive. Tempered Masonite, birch plywood, Luan or Styrofoam all work well as kneeboards.

Gary Scheidker is technical services director at Taylor Adhesives. Taylor Adhesives provides industry-leading flooring solutions with innovative adhesives and coatings that deliver unmatched performance, sustainability and ease of application for all flooring types.

\\ Since sheet vinyl seams are never invisible, seam placement should be considered before starting an installation.

MITIGATING MOISTURE

New ASTM standard broadens spectrum of products for use on concrete before resilient flooring installation

By Dean E. Craft

The ASTM F06 committee recently approved a new standard: ASTM F3513, Standard Practice for Single Component, Fluid-Applied Membrane-Forming Moisture Mitigation Systems for Use Under Resilient Floor Coverings. This new standard was the culmination of more than four years of concerted effort by the committee.

The overarching issue is concrete slabs will emit moisture vapour over time, the source of which is either excess water at time of placement or re-wetting events that occur after placement up until flooring installation. Moisture vapour emissions can cause severe damage to adhesives, primers and flooring, as well as lead to potentially dangerous environmental health concerns for building occupants. Complicating this is the interior of concrete has a very high pH. Excessive moisture vapour movement will bring additional hydroxides (alkalis) to the surface and cause the pH level to increase, resulting in an alkali

as well as a moisture attack on the directly adhered materials.

To address such challenges, the commercial flooring industry requires several field concrete moisture tests, with specific limits, before final floor covering installation. According to a significant body of literature, new construction concrete most likely will not pass these tests, leading to utilization of a moisture mitigation system to keep flooring installation and final project completion on track.

Since 2013, ASTM F3010, Standard Practice for Two-Component Resin Based Membrane-Forming Moisture Mitigation Systems for Use Under Resilient Floor Coverings, has been the only ASTM standard that addresses topically applied moisture mitigation systems for use on concrete prior to resilient flooring installation; however, it is very specific to a narrow class of two-component, resin-based products. With the publication of ASTM F3513, manufacturers of single-component prod-

ucts now have the opportunity to market such with reference to an ASTM standard in the same manner two-component products have been able to do so for more than a decade. Though ASTM F3010 compliant systems are certainly tried and true and remain available, ASTM F3513 compliant products may offer the entire construction spectrum, more economical and efficient options to address concerns over elevated concrete moisture.

Products that meet the requirements of ASTM F3513 offer several potential advantages for moisture mitigation in resilient flooring applications. First is ease of application. Compared to two-component systems, single-component systems generally require less mixing and preparation. A majority of these products come right out of the bucket and are applied in the same way as many flooring adhesives. Relatedly, easier application necessitates a less specialized labour force, potentially reducing labour costs and ensur-

ing a more consistent installation across different installer skill levels.

Many ASTM F3513 products require much less aggressive concrete surface profiling (CSP) compared to ASTM F3010 products before installation. In many cases, ASTM F3513 may only require a CSP of one, whereas the default for ASTM F3010 products is a CSP of three. Shortened surface preparation time streamlines the installation process and can enable faster project timelines by reducing the steps needed before moisture mitigation application.

ASTM F3513 compliant products are often more cost-effective due to lower manufacturing, packaging and utilization costs than two-component systems. Once a two-component material has been mixed, it has to be used within a certain timeframe or it is basically lost and becomes waste. Conversely, many one-component products can be simply resealed in their original container and used later on the same project or even on other projects. More ASTM compliant products competing for moisture mitigation budgets could apply downward price pressure across the sector, resulting in greater savings for a project.

Another potential benefit is some single-component systems may be lower in volatile organic compounds and solvents compared to two-component epoxy systems, aligning better with green building certifications and environmental goals in construction projects. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, all aspects of a product or system must be considered, including number of components, application, packaging, transportation and so on.

These advantages make ASTM F3513 a valuable addition to industry standards, providing increased flexibility, efficiency and accessibility for moisture mitigation systems

in resilient flooring applications. Yet, while this standard offers notable potential perks, there remain important aspects to consider before use. And ASTM F3010 compliant systems are tried and true with more than a 10-year track record. References to such products have made their way into many manufacturer guide specifications as well as into numerous project specifications. So, there certainly exists a degree of familiarity and perhaps even comfort with their use.

One aspect the end-user or specifier needs to evaluate is performance variability, if any. Since the new standard encompasses a wider range of single-component products, there may be greater variability in performance amongst them compared to the more uniform two-component, resin-based products in ASTM F3010. This could lead to inconsistent results if the wrong product is selected for specific conditions. However, a close reading of both documents shows materials that comply with ASTM F3513 must evidence the same vapour permeance performance criteria of ASTM F3010 compliant two-component systems.

A performance criterion where single-component ASTM F3513 compliant products differ from two-component ASTM F3010 products is in the required tensile bond strength during mock-up evaluation. Both standards use the same method to evaluate post-installation tensile strength — ASTM D7234, Test Method for Pull-Off Adhesion Strength of Coatings on Concrete Using Portable Pull-Off Adhesion Testers — but they have different acceptance criteria. ASTM F3010 clearly states the results must be equal to or greater than 200 pounds per square inch (psi) with failure in the concrete, whereas ASTM F3513 says results should be equal to or greater than the

published requirements of the single-component, fluid-applied, membrane-forming moisture mitigation system manufacturer. This should not necessarily be cause for concern by the potential user; rather, it should be considered with the understanding that two-component systems, with the greater required surface profile requirement, create a greater mechanical bond with the substrate surface than is required with one-component systems. Also, as with any product, the manufacturer should have input to the criteria for their successful use.

In the separate performance criterion of indentation, ASTM F3513 compliant systems must meet a much more exacting standard than ASTM F3010 systems. ASTM F3513 says systems shall not contribute to unacceptable indentation when properly installed under resilient flooring, whereas ASTM F3010 states systems shall not contribute to unacceptable indentations in some types of resilient flooring under some conditions of use. Relatedly, ASTM F3513 products must meet a static load requirement that ASTM F3010 products do not.

While ASTM F3513 broadens product options, creates opportunities for cost savings, and can streamline slab surface preparation and product application processes, ensuring proper product specification and selection is crucial to avoid potential misconceptions between products that comply with the new standard and those that adhere to ASTM F3010. Further, specifiers and end-users need to be sure they understand the differences, not simply focus on potential benefits, and ensure there are no compatibility issues between the selected moisture mitigation approach and the subsequent resilient flooring to be installed.

Dean E. Craft is principal of ISE Logik, a specialist in vapour mitigation science for new concrete slab construction or floor renovation over existing concrete. Dean is the principal author and technical chair of ASTM F3191, F3441 and F3513. This article was penned with collaborative input from Dennis Bradway, technical director for the Resilient Floor Covering Institute.

SURFACE PREPARATION SOLUTIONS

PRIMERS

PATCHING AND FINISHING

MORTAR BEDS AND CONCRETE REPAIR

SELF-LEVELING UNDERLAYMENTS

WATERPROOFING AND CRACK ISOLATION

ACOUSTIC UNDERLAYMENT

MOISTURE BARRIERS

At PROMA, we conduct business with a goal in mind: ‘Always offer the best products, services, and value.’ It’s at the heart of everything we do, from product development to customer service, and everything in between. When you take all of what PROMA has to offer and add to that competitive pricing and unmatched dependability, you receive one of the best values available for flooring installation.

Contact PROMA at 1.866.51.PROMA (77662) or visit www.proma.ca to learn more.

Look Beyond the Surface.

We understand that offering quality products is not nearly enough. You need a partner who will stand by you, before, during, and after the sale to help you achieve success. A partner with an experienced technical support team that helps every project go smoothly, and who helps protect your good reputation by offering the quality, personal service and support you need.

THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

PROMA provides the right solution to correct nearly any surface condition, including primers for surfaces that are difficult to bond to; patching for minor surface corrections; self-leveling for resurfacing entire floors; screeds for building ramps, filling trenches, and raising surfaces; membranes for waterproofing and crack suppression; sealers for moisture management; and mats for sound control.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Always proactive, always listening, always moving forward. PROMA’s research and development team works closely with our customers and with the world’s top raw materials suppliers. This synergy allows PROMA to develop new and innovative products that excel beyond current industry standards and enables us to bring tomorrow’s technology to today’s products.

SUPERIOR QUALITY

PROMA offers one of the broadest array of products available so you can choose the right solution for any given job. Our products have been engineered to provide user-friendly, time-saving jobsite characteristics and exceptional, long-lasting performance through strength, flexibility and durability.

ECOLOGICAL AND RESPONSIBLE

Many of PROMA’s products have been formulated to have minimal impact on the environment, are safe to apply, and do not contribute to unfavorable jobsite conditions or adversely affect indoor air quality. Some also help contribute toward attaining credit requirements within the LEED® (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) USGBC and CAGBC Rating Systems, and WELL® (International WELL Building Institute) certification program. Products have achieved independent validation by the renowned environmental auditor Vertima.

INNOVATION FOR

Smart flooring an asset in senior living environments ELDERLY CARE

By Keith BARBAREE & Liz Hawkins Tahawi

As technology continues to revolutionize nearly every aspect of people’s lives, one area seeing tremendous innovation is senior living facilities. With an aging population that desires independence but often requires additional care, finding ways to enhance comfort and safety is critical. Smart flooring is one technological advancement that has the potential to make a real difference in senior living environments. By embedding sensors and advanced tracking systems directly into what’s underfoot, smart floors offer a wide range of benefits, from improving health outcomes to optimizing facility management.

ENHANCED HEALTH OUTCOMES

Falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalization among seniors, so detecting these incidents quickly can be life-saving. Smart flooring systems are equipped with sensors that can detect falls immediately, automatically alerting staff to respond swiftly. This rapid response can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and improve recovery times for seniors.

Moreover, these flooring systems can track subtle changes in a resident’s gait or walking patterns over time. Research has shown changes in gait can be early indicators of health issues, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia

or balance disorders. Smart flooring can help monitor these changes, enabling early detection and intervention, potentially preventing serious health declines.

IMPROVED FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Smart flooring isn’t just beneficial for senior living residents; it also provides major advantages for the overall management of the facility. By integrating smart flooring systems into daily operations, facility managers can automate a range of tasks that previously required manual monitoring. There are many use cases for smart flooring for senior living: resident movement, staff presence, better balanced checkout times and room turns, and other facilities management services.

For instance, smart floors can track the movement of both residents and staff throughout the facility. By analyzing this data, facility managers can identify areas that are used more frequently and require greater attention, optimizing the allocation of cleaning and maintenance resources. In some cases, this technology can even help regulate energy usage by monitoring the occupancy of rooms, allowing for better climate control and lighting systems that operate based on room occupancy.

MONITORING FOR EFFICIENCY

In senior living environments, staff is often stretched thin, particularly in large facilities with many residents. Smart flooring systems offer an innovative solution to this problem by helping personnel be more efficient and effective in their roles. These floors can automatically log when staff members enter and exit rooms, allowing management to ensure residents receive the care and attention they need without overburdening the team. This system can reduce unnecessary foot traffic in less critical areas while increasing staff presence where it’s needed most.

Additionally, smart floors can help monitor the location of staff in real-time, which is

especially useful in emergency situations. If a resident requires urgent assistance, the system can instantly identify the nearest available staff member, ensuring the fastest possible response time.

BOOSTED RESIDENT INDEPENDENCE

Maintaining a sense of independence is essential for seniors’ well-being, both physically and emotionally. Smart flooring contributes to this by enhancing residents’ mobility and confidence. Because the flooring can detect falls and other issues, residents may feel more secure moving around the facility, knowing that help is available should they need it.

For those who might be at higher risk of falling, smart flooring can help track their movements in real-time, sending alerts if there is abnormal or risky behaviour, such as wandering into unsafe areas. In cases where residents suffer from memory loss or cognitive impairments, this feature becomes especially valuable, allowing staff to monitor their movements without constantly shadowing them, preserving residents’ dignity and sense of freedom.

Moreover, smart flooring systems can be integrated with other assistive technologies like wearable devices and smart home systems to provide comprehensive care. For example, smart flooring can trigger automatic lighting when a resident gets out of bed at night, reducing the risk of tripping and falling in low-light conditions. Smart flooring is by nature anonymous and private, so while it provides insights, it’s not a constant reminder of ‘being monitored’ for greater emotional independence.

OPTIMIZED CLEANING SCHEDULES

Managing a senior living facility requires meticulous attention to cleanliness and sanitation, especially in light of recent health concerns. Smart flooring systems can help optimize cleaning schedules by detecting foot traffic and usage patterns across different areas of the facility. This data allows housekeeping teams to focus their efforts on the areas that need the most attention, rather than following a rigid, predetermined cleaning schedule.

For example, if the dining area experiences heavy traffic at certain times of the day, smart floors can alert cleaning staff to this pattern, ensuring the area is cleaned more frequently during peak usage times. Conversely, areas that are used less may not need to be cleaned as often, which saves both time and resources. This level of precision in cleaning helps maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene,

reducing the spread of illness among residents and staff.

DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS

One of the most powerful aspects of smart flooring systems is their ability to collect and analyze data. Over time, these systems build up a wealth of information on everything from resident activity levels to staff efficiency. Facility managers can use this data to make informed decisions about improvements to both care and operations.

For instance, if data reveals residents are spending less time in certain common areas, it might indicate these areas are becoming less accessible or comfortable for them. This insight can prompt changes, such as rearranging furniture or improving lighting, to make these spaces more inviting and usable. On the other hand, if certain staff members are consistently responding faster to emergencies, that information can be used for training purposes to help others improve.

Data analytics from smart flooring also plays a role in ensuring compliance with health and

safety regulations. By tracking every aspect of a facility’s operation, management can ensure they are meeting required standards while also identifying areas where improvements could be made.

COST EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY

While the initial adoption of smart flooring technology is inexpensive, it is a newer approach and involves installation and management like any new system. However, the long-term cost benefits are significant. By optimizing cleaning schedules, improving staff efficiency and reducing the risk of health incidents like falls, facilities can save money over time. What’s more, the ability to monitor energy usage and make adjustments based on occupancy leads to reduced utility costs.

Sustainability is an increasingly important factor for many facilities and smart flooring systems help in this area, too. By integrating with energy-efficient building systems, smart flooring can contribute to a facility’s overall environmental goals, helping to reduce its carbon footprint and ecological impact.

Keith Barbaree is vice-president of strategic accounts at Mannington Commercial, a leading manufacturer of modular and broadloom carpet, luxury vinyl tile, resilient sheet and rubber flooring. Liz Hawkins Tahawi is vice-president of marketing at Scanalytics, a U.S. Department of Energy-backed, patented, award-winning smart flooring solution that helps commercial buildings operate more profitably, efficiently and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

\\ Data from smart floor systems provide insights into operations that help managers make informed decisions about facility improvements. Photos courtesy Mannington Commercial.

THROUGH THE OLIVE TREES

Fruit’s stone finds afterlife as eco-friendly flooring solution

By CLARE TATTERSALL

The flooring industry has adopted a steady pace on its transition toward more biobased, carbon-friendly and resource-efficient solutions. Whereas this journey can be somewhat challenging in the field of technical coatings, there is certainly a myriad of opportunities in the decorative market segment. Binder systems from plant-based sources have replaced a great deal of fossil-derived resins, and a variety of degradable, natural pigments have gained presence beyond niche applications. As far as texturing and reinforcement are concerned, the industry has conventionally used mineral particles. Hardness and resistance paired with appealing white shades and competitive pricing have made them an unquestioned top choice for most manufacturers. Only recently, plant-based alternatives have awakened innovators’ curiosity.

Meeting the requirements of modern floor-

ings with somewhat unconventional materials can seem uncertain at first. However, newly developed formulations have proven excellent functionality besides offering an improved environmental footprint.

One company, BioPowder, specializes in upcycling a unique raw material: olive stones, a by-product of the olive oil industry. Olive oil manufacturing involves compressing the whole olive, which produces a solid pomace consisting of pulp, peel and fragmented pits. The latter are separated through a centrifugation process and subsequently cleaned and dried. Using specialized machines, this treatment process enables the recovery of light beige, odourless granules. Through micronization — a combination of various grinding and sieving techniques — this raw material is transformed into resistant lightweight particles with an appealing shape and colour.

Upcycled olive stone particles originate from

a carbon-neutral ecosystem in which foodstuff and byproduct value chain emissions are offset by the olive trees’ carbon capture. Essentially a source of biocarbon, olive stone particles are multifunctional. In coatings, they are compatible with different resin systems, such as conventional and bio-based epoxy, polyurethane and acrylic formulations, and can improve a product’s carbon footprint, lifespan, impact, abrasion resistance and curing times.

To cater to a wide range of formulations, BioPowder offers a high degree of customization. Particle ranges can be adjusted to meet diverse requirements with regard to viscosity, texture and surface effects of coating formulations. The lignocellulosic composition of olive stone particles and the associated reactivity can be adjusted/suppressed by way of surface functionalization. This can reduce the need for compatibilizers and boost hydrophobicity for barrier or protective coatings. Further, the company has launched a line of bio-based colour particles to amplify the aesthetic options for decorative applications.

BioPowder’s research and development centre has identified several technical advantages of olive stone-based particles: easy incorporation of olive stone powder in aliphatic polyurethane, epoxy and polyaspartic systems (blending requires little time and the components do not separate after mixing); sedimentation-free application and curing due to the powder’s light weight; and material savings (low specific gravity makes the bio-particles highly efficient and reduces the weight of flooring systems). Other benefits include high elasticity and flexibility of floorings due to excellent compatibility of olive stone powder with commercial resin systems; warmer underfoot temperature of floorings when compared to formulations with inorganic fillers; unique decorative effects, as a variety of particle mixes and colour options can be achieved through functionalization; and accelerated curing times. In epoxy floorings, hardness can be almost doubled after one day when compared to systems filled with mineral powders.

TOOL TIME

Advancements in technology help with flooring installations

By Jon Namba

Flooring contracting is physical and any tool or product that makes the installation process easier is a win. Here are five new products that will help installers work smarter, faster and more efficiently while maintaining quality craftsmanship.

CORDLESS ADHESIVE APPLICATOR

Cordless technology has come a long way in a short time. One tool that can be used across several flooring categories — carpet, hardwood,

laminate and tile/stone templating — is a hot glue gun. Now there is a hot glue gun for installers that has literally cut out the cord. Power Adhesives B-TEC 807 is a 150-watt battery-powered glue gun that can dispense up to four pounds of hot melt per hour. And it doesn’t discriminate against batteries, as the company has an adapter to fit the major brands.

FLOATING FLOOR PLANK REPAIR

Replacing floating floor planks has been an is-

sue for installers for years, with many opting to pull floors apart rather than do an individual plank replacement. This can lead to compromised joints. The challenge with a floating floor installation is to make sure that if a plank replacement is needed, there is no attachment to the subfloor that creates a lock point, which is critical for the expansion/contraction of the flooring. The Shez’urn Rapid Repair System No. EZ-15 from Beno J. Gundlach Co. is an ideal solution to quickly and effortlessly restore a

floating floor. The kit comes with a roll of zinc that is used to support the joints and maintain separation from the subfloor; a peel-and-stick surface to adhere to the backing of the flooring; shims to raise surrounding flooring to allow for the zinc backer to be inserted; and a CA adhesive to adhere to the zinc.

CUT ABOVE MITRE BLADE

Hand-held grinders are increasingly being used for porcelain tile and stone cuts. The blades that have been utilized for years typically have a small cutting edge on the rim, requiring installers to employ some finesse to smooth out edges when cuts are a bit rough. Russo Trading Co.’s E-Z Miter is a five-inch blade that features a honeycomb design with an extra tall cutting/shaping rim. The blade offers more surface area to smooth out cuts, making it much easier and quicker for installers to cut, grind and shape.

REAL-TIME REMOTE MONITORING

Moisture is a leading cause of flooring failures — too much or too little can have adverse effects on multiple flooring products. A question often asked of a flooring contractor is if

they have documentation of ambient conditions; more specifically, if it’s a hardwood installation, the question is whether they have any documentation of moisture content of the subfloor and hardwood flooring. More often than not, the most common response is they’ve let the product acclimate for anywhere from a couple of days to about a week or two, which is inadequate. Acclimation of a hardwood floor requires having relative humidity, temperature and moisture content readings to determine if the structure is in balance with the flooring. While data loggers have been around for years, technological advancements have resulted in the ability to record data right from a smartphone. One such product that records retrievable data is the Floorcloud real-time job site monitoring system. The difference between this product and others is the monitor is set up with sever-

al manufacturers recommended ambient conditions. The flooring contractor just inputs the job with products being used and the monitoring system will alert not only the contractor but also anyone they want to add to the data collection information.

DUST COLLECTOR ATTACHMENT

Silica dust from thin set mortar, patching compounds and self-level products can cause serious health risks, including silicosis and lung cancer. Tools like Dust Hog and Dust Halo improve containment by capturing dust at the source, reducing airborne particles. Simply attach to a bucket or barrel with the use of a HEPA vacuum. Combined with personal protection equipment and proper ventilation, these solutions help protect workers and ensure safety compliance.

Jon Namba has been involved in the floor covering industry since 1976. Jon’s hands-on experience includes installation of hardwood, carpet, ceramic tile and decorative concrete coatings. His background also includes roles in retail sales, retail management and commercial contract sales, former director of technical services for the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) and former executive director of the Certified Flooring Installers, now a division of WFCA. Jon is currently an independent industry consultant, trainer and speaker.

\\ LEFT: Shez’urn Rapid Repair System No. EZ-15 from Beno J. Gundlach Co. MIDDLE: E-Z Miter five-inch blade from Russo Trading Co. RIGHT: Floorcloud real-time job site monitoring system.

LEGEND OF A LANE

Ballroom Bowl strikes again with bowling alley that combines classic game, cutting-edge design

By Liz Gabaldo & Henry Dowling

Ballroom Bowl Yorkville is Toronto’s second location of the luxurious bowling alley venue, opened in March 2024. Transforming a former high-end grocery store into a playful yet sophisticated recreation and leisure-inspired space presented both challenges and opportunities, particularly when it came to the flooring, which became a key element in balancing functionality, visual impact and environmental considerations.

The project leveraged the building’s existing concrete floor slab. After a thorough assessment, the design team opted to refinish and reuse the slab throughout the floorplate and upper entry due to its excellent condition. This decision not only reduced material waste but also established a neutral, polished canvas for the elaborate design elements that would follow and take centre stage. These include the city collage wall graphic that captures Toronto’s vibrancy, with several nods to its neighbouring city, Hamilton; a curved, cave-like wood feature ceiling that offers acoustics control; and lounge area with bar decked out in warm woods and bronze and a modern three-sided water vapour fireplace.

Each area of Ballroom Bowl required flooring solutions tailored to their purpose. For the bowling lanes, Pravada Flooring’s back-engineered hardwood was selected for the approach areas, offering a

rich, warm tone and superior ability to withstand constant traffic. The lanes themselves became a visual focal point, with warm wood finishes accented by textured millwork that complemented their design.

The lounge area features Olympia Tile’s Crown Wood series of porcelain tile, delivering sophistication and practicality in a high-traffic environment. The dark, wood-like tile provides a sleek contrast to the walnut millwork, creating an elevated look without compromising on ease of maintenance. This choice also ensured durability in a space designed for socializing and movement.

Installation challenges stemmed primarily from integrating the varied materials while maintaining a seamless flow through the space. The team carefully coordinated transitions between flooring types to ensure functionality and visual harmony. This attention to detail helped the design meet both client and user expectations, providing an interactive entertainment venue that is as practical as it is striking.

Liz Gabaldo is a senior associate and interior design lead at mcCallumSather. Henry Dowling is an intermediate designer. mcCallumSather is a Canadian-owned, multi-disciplinary, integrated firm based in Hamilton, Ont., that offers architecture, mechanical engineering and interior design services.

Photos courtesy Adrian Ozimek

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