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Floorcovering Industry & Training News

International Standards & Training Alliance Presentation at Surfaces

Jan 19, 2012 - 9:51 AM - by Daris Mulkin
INSTALL To Present at 2012 Surfaces Floor Covering Expo

Once again, INSTALL will contribute its expertise regarding installations and certifications at the annual Surfaces Floor Covering Expo in Las Vegas. Presenting on the main education stage will be INSTALL Director John McGrath who will offer tips on picking the right contractor in a presentation entitled: “The Smart Consumer Checklist: How to Find the Right Contractor.” Then, INSTALL Chicago’s John Peters will present information about sustainable flooring installations in a seminar called “The Green Floor.” INSTALL will also be on hand in booth # S6406 to present hands-on demonstrations illustrating INSTALL’s resilient certification process.

The Surfaces Floor Covering Expo will be held January 23rd-25th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. For more information on the expo and INSTALL’s presentation times and booth location, please visit www.Surfaces.com

Visit INSTALL: Install - Floorcovering Professionals

Daris

ProSource of Wisconsin Hosts Installer Appreciation and CFI Training

Jan 16, 2012 - 1:01 PM - by Nate Hall
Steve Wamser, Regional Manager with ProSource of Wisconsin welcomed a large group of over 75 people to the Installer Appreciation Evening during a cold, wintery night. ProSource provided an abundance of delicious, catered food and product knowledge seminars for all in attendance. The six speakers shared the latest information concerning materials that are available at the ProSource facility.

Scott Taylor, of Starecasting, demonstrated new wood stair nosing products; Al Mazola, from Carpet Cushions and Supplies, shared the latest cushion products; Dan Hirsch, of IVC, demonstrated luxury vinyl click tile flooring; Scotty Lesnick, of Shaw, introduced the commercial carpet tile flooring; Ben Bruce, from Schluter with Dal-Tile, demonstrated the Schluter systems. There was a Q&A session and an abundance of door prizes, reported Steve Wamser, Regional Manager of ProSource.

"Installers were the recipients of fifteen prizes, including an iPad2 and a Schluter shower system. They were very interested in the new and innovative products that are available only through ProSource to enhance their businesses," continued Wamser.

The CFI Wisconsin Chapter, represented by Nate Hall, Gary Goessl and Jay Zurn, distributed information concerning the upcoming training events and the World Floor Covering Association. Tony Buckhardt, of Indiana, and Tim Provence, of Armstrong, highlighted the carpet and resilient training programs that were presented the following days.

"ProSource is excited about the enthusiastic attendance at the workshops by those who represent... [Read More]

ProSource Installer Days in the Chicago Area

Jan 11, 2012 - 3:57 PM - by TFP Admin
ProSource of Chicago hosts Installer Day for CFI and CTEF

Jeff Bernstein, Regional Sales Manager for ProSource of Elk Grove Village, IL and ProSource of Naperville, IL hosted two consecutive events of the company's Installer Appreciation Day on January 4-5, 2012. Attended by over 200 people, the theme of installer certification was visible throughout.

Jim Walker, CEO of the International Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI), was the keynote speaker for both sessions. Walker stressed the value of certification and professionalism. "The importance of a professional reputation grows the installers' business. Certification must be a part of this to stand out in the flooring installation business. Installers must set themselves apart to be recognized for their skills and knowledge. No one wants to hear about how many years you have been installing flooring," he said.

Bernstein, who was instrumental in the massive growth of the Wisconsin CFI Chapter before relocating to the Chicago area, was also responsible for hosting numerous certification programs. "Flooring installers are important to the growth of ProSource. We believe it is of utmost importance that we have the opportunity to provide our customers with the finest installation options available in this area. From past experience, it is a proven fact that when installers seek to add to their knowledge and skills, it becomes a win-win situation for ProSource, for our customers and especially for the installation professionals," stated... [Read More]

Register for Coverings 2012 Now

Jan 10, 2012 - 2:10 PM - by TFP Admin
IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR COVERINGS 2012

Online registration for Coverings 2012, the international super show and conference for tile and stone at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, April 17-20, is up and running at www.COVERINGS.com. With no fee to register or attend, this easy access system avoids waiting in lines onsite and offers numerous other advantages which make planning ahead literally payoff.

Coverings is the premier international trade fair and expo dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone. It has grown to be the largest and most important show of its kind in the U.S., featuring exhibitors from more than 50 countries and attracting thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, plus the press and journalists who cover this vital and dynamic industry. Coverings is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world. The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all categories of attendees, with informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions conducted throughout the four days and all free of charge. Coverings 2012 is set for April 17-20, at Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. For more information visit www.COVERINGS.com or contact National Trade Productions,... [Read More]

Mohawk in Top 500 Green Companies 3rd Consecutive Year

Dec 31, 2011 - 10:25 PM - by TFP Admin
Mohawk Ranks in Newsweek's Top 500 Green Companies for Third Consecutive Year

Newsweek has once again recognized Mohawk Industries for its leading position in environmental performance. For the third consecutive year, Mohawk placed in the magazine's annual ranking of the 500 "greenest" U.S. companies. Mohawk is the only flooring company to make the 2011 list.

"Mohawk is honored to be ranked among the leading manufacturers and service providers in Newsweek's annual green rankings," said Bill Kilbride, Chief Sustainability Officer. "This recognition is a testament to the commitment and hard work of all of our employees as we strive toward sustainability."

According to Newsweek's comprehensive research, Mohawk now ranks 292nd in overall sustainability, moving up from 350th on the 2010 Green Rankings list. Mohawk ranks ninth among all consumer goods manufacturers.

Mohawk Industries has long been recognized as an industry leader in environmental conservation. The company's sustainability strategy focuses on its products, processes and people. As one of the largest recyclers in the flooring industry, Mohawk diverts more than three billion pounds of material from landfills each year, and is a leading provider of renewable flooring.

In July, Mohawk released its second annual sustainability report, documenting the company's progress in implementing and achieving its aggressive environmental initiatives. This detailed reporting earned Mohawk... [Read More]


What's Going On in The Floor Pro Industry

Upcoming Events for the next 180 days.

Additional training schedules and info can be found in the Industry Training & Organizations Forum.
The Floor Pro Calendar
February 8, 2012 to February 9, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Canada - Vaughn, ON
February 14, 2012 NTCA Symposium - McAllen, TX
February 20, 2012 to February 24, 2012 FCITS Carpet Inspector School - Dalton, GA
February 21, 2012 NTCA Symposium - Ft. Myers, FL
February 21, 2012 to February 22, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Deerfield Beach, FL
February 23, 2012 NTCA Symposium - Lakeland, FL
February 23, 2012 to February 24, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Canada - Burnaby, BC
February 29, 2012 NTCA Symposium - Huston, TX
February 29, 2012 to March 1, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Altamonte Springs, FL
March 13, 2012 to March 15, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Reno, NV
March 19, 2012 to March 23, 2012 FCITS Hard Surface Inspector School - Dalton, GA
March 28, 2012 to March 29, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Kansas City, MO
March 29, 2012 to March 30, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Canada - Burnaby, BC
April 11, 2012 to April 12, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Canada - Vaughn, ON
April 19, 2012 to April 20, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - San Marcos, TX
April 23, 2012 to April 27, 2012 FCITS Carpet Inspector School - Dalton, GA
April 26, 2012 to April 27, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Canada - Burnaby, BC
May 22, 2012 to May 24, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Reno, NV
June 20, 2012 to June 21, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Kansas City, MO
June 25, 2012 to June 29, 2012 FCITS Carpet Inspector School - Dalton, GA
July 10, 2012 to July 12, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Reno, NV
July 12, 2012 to July 13, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - San Marcos, TX
July 16, 2012 to July 20, 2012 FCITS Hard Surface Inspector School - Dalton, GA
July 18, 2012 to July 19, 2012 Schluter Innovation Workshop - Merrillville, IN
Spotlight on Professionalism

Let's Work Smart

Dec 26, 2011 - 10:55 AM - by rgfloor
This is a joke, but I thought it was actually more than a joke, as it carries a lot of what we as flooring installers have to deal with. Creative solutions to issues on the job.

The strong young man at the construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special target of one of the older workmen.

After several minutes, the older worker had enough. "Why don't you put your money where your mouth is?" he said. "I will bet a week's wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won't be able to wheel back."

"You're on, old man," the braggart replied. "Let's see what you got." The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by... [Read More]
Floorcovering Installation & Maintenance Tips

How do you open bags?

- by TwoStar
I get thinset or SLC dust all over the place when I cut the bags open and try to pour into a 5 gal bucket.

Does anyone have a good technique that minimizes this problem?

Is that bucket too big for the sink? No problem..

- by kylenelson
If you need to fill something up that won't fit in the sink just slip your dust pan in the sink and let the handle act as the faucet! It's #7 in the photo...

Great woodworking & installation tips

- by Daris Mulkin
I saw a link to these tip videos on another forum:

... [Read More]

How to get blood out of carpet.

- by Darren Ramey
Hey friends. If you are anything like me you've been in this situation a lot. You go all Dexter on some poor sap and there is a hole in the tarps you laid out, or maybe you knifed a hooker in methamphetamine induced rage and wake up in a pool of fresh blood. We've all been there. Bodies can be dumped, clothes can be burned, but get that stuff on the carpet and it may be the key bit of evidence... [Read More]

Way off base

- by Nate Hall
A few tips were mentioned in another topic for coved base installation. The outside corners are tricky at best. I cuff the lip up when I bend it into corner position. A little heat at this point really makes a big difference. Then I glue it in place, and lastly flip down the cuff and you see an outside corner that looks made by the manufacturer! Any body else have tips or tricks to share?

Save Money on Your Next Floor Installation

- by Pamela A
There are some brave souls out there who will install their own floors but the majority of consumers will hire an installer the next time they have a new floor put in their home. If you are hiring an installer, on your own or through the retailer that sold you the product, there are a few things you can do to reduce labor costs.
  • Move all furniture and appliances out of the
... [Read More]

Protection........for walls!

- by rgfloor
Here are a couple suggestions for protecting corners and walls.

Run down to your local appliance dealer and ask about getting a couple of appliance boxes. They usually have heavy corner pieces that can be used to protect door jambs and casings when folding carpet thru. The large sheets of cardboard can be used to cover delicate trim or other objects.

This is a start,... [Read More]

Custom Colored Caulking

- by Robert Akin
I have a very good painter friend who taught me how to make my own custom colored caulking for touching up around door jams or cap metal on your cove.

Ingredients are : 1- tube clear acrylic painters caulk

1- Ask painter nicely to bum his paint

1- small plastic teaspoon

... [Read More]
Article Discussion

Flooring Retailers and the Independent Inspector, by Curt Durand

Jan 13, 2012 - 9:03 PM - by TFP Admin
This is a thread for discussion of the article, Independent Inspectors for the Flooring Retailer, by Curt Durand. Your comments and questions are welcome. You may also rate the review by selecting a rating in the drop-down box above right.
Excerpt from: Curt
It is an unfortunate fact that many
... [Read More]

Ceramic Tile Multi Spacer Review, by Kevin Trevathan

Jan 13, 2012 - 4:03 AM - by TFP Admin
This is a thread for discussion of the article, Tile Project Multi Spacer Review, by Kevin Trevathan. Your comments and questions are welcome. You are invited to rate this review by selecting a rating in the drop-down box above right.
Excerpt from: Kevin
The best thing about MultiSpacer is that five different sizes
... [Read More]

Vinyl Edger Tool Review, by Barry Carlton

Jan 12, 2012 - 8:31 PM - by TFP Admin
This is a thread for discussion of the review, Vinyl Edger Tool Review, by Barry Carlton. Your comments and questions are welcome. You may also rate the review by selecting a rating in the drop-down box above right.
Excerpt from: Barry
The Vinyl Edger (VinylEdger.com) is a very user friendly tool and nearly foolproof.
... [Read More]
Featured Articles
» Newest Articles «
Vinyl Edger Tool Review, by Barry Carlton
» Ceramic & Stone Tile Articles «
SLC & Radiant Heat Flooring, a guide by Todd Groettum
» The Floorcovering Industry At Large «
The Formula for Profiting On In-House Labor, a business article by David Hunt
» Tool & Product Reviews «
Vinyl Edger Tool Review, by Barry Carlton
Seamer Down Now Review, by Chris Sheafer
» How-To's for the Pro and the Do-It-Yourselfer «
Patching Vinyl Floors, by Jim McClain
SLC & Radiant Heat Flooring, a guide by Todd Groettum
» Industry Publications & Information «
WFCA Moisture Vapor Testing Position Statement, from the World Floor Covering Association
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