Due to the fact that I just got off the executive board of directors I was sure what could be posted and what couldn't, beings I am privy to what is going on in CFI. So I checked with Jane today what I could let out as some of it is not out there yet. So here goes with help from Jane.
For those of you that think change to and industry wuld be easy think again. Change does not happen over night. If it was that would be great. For the past 15 years we have worked with the industry trying to partner up to make these changes. You can't do it alone.
Presently there are 8 CFI installers assisting in the rewriting of the CRI 104, and major changes have been made. Manufacturers set their guidelines, and as an industry partnered, change must occur as working partners to make an impact.
The CFI Pattern Carpet Proven Methods of Installation was published 6 or 7 years ago. To my knowledgeall the manufacturers use this. This was a huge step. In the new CRI-104 we now have pattern tolerences, which is a big improvement for the installation community.
The Double-glue Proven Methods of Installation was published 7-8 years ago and used by most manufacturers also. They have been incorporated into their written guidelines.
The Residential Installation over Cushion and Direct Glue Proven Methods are in the process of completeion. Over 60 installers nation wide [the CFI Certification Team] have contributed to this work and getting an agreement is a major undertaking.
The CFI Woven Pattern Workshop is so popular there has been 5 held in Janurary of this year. Of which I was a part of.
Now of the 60 installers that have taken part in rewriting the guidelines of which I am one, it has been a battle. You have to have the wording right. Things like never, always, and must can't be used. There are exceptions to the rule. Also each one of us has a different opinion on what is important. We took a copy of the CRI manuals and each of us put in the changes we thought should be. Then it is hash it all out. A lot of the time we started over. We got together for meetings most times twice a year and would go over it again and rewrite. This has been going on for the last 4 years and with a little luck we will get some approval of it yet this year so it can be copy righted and printed. We are not Philadephia lawyers, just carpet installers that really do care for our trade and trying to make a change for the better, I hope.
Now I did not write all of this myself I did have help from Mrs. Walker. I do have some of my own opinions added in. I didn't have all the information I wanted at my finger tips. Now if someone has some ideas lets hear them or better yet get off your asses and do something about it. Start another organization I am not locked in to CFI. I can be supportive of another organization as well.
Now in the other thread I may have got my hackles up just a little bit. I apologize. But CFI has been a godsend to me. I thought I was a good installer, but I didn't know crap. In the 13 years I have been a member I have learned so much its unbelieveable. I used to sit and listen to the others-David Hunt included- and think my God how did these guys learn all this. I still do that but now there are others listening to me talk and thinking the same thing. So CFI is very special to me and everytime I hear something about it bad I may get them up again. Just be prepared. So I will continue to do everything I can for CFI and protect it in anyway I can. It is family to me. Don't "f" with my family.
Dobbey- I have all the respect for you and your woven knowledge and I'm sure we'll talk.
Daris
