News
Being Green Gives You A Competitive Advantage
Craig Pawson on sustainability MANY companies strive to produce eco-friendly products to benefit the environment. However, being truly eco-friendly goes much further than the product. To be considered as an ethical environmentally sensitive company, the everyday running of the business must also be taken into account. A business can easily reduce its environmental footprint by simply becoming more aware of the everyday items they purchase, how the items are used in the office, through to how they dispose of them. Actively recycling...
read moreTemperature Changes Can Leave You Unstuck
John Alcock on adhesive selection I RECENTLY visited a house that had been built in the 1950s; it had a modern concrete floor extension leading off from the kitchen. Problems arose after new floors had been fitted throughout the house after the extension was completed. Luxury vinyl tiles were laid in the kitchen, but unfortunately these begun to lift shortly after they had been installed. It should be noted that a warm water underfloor heating system had been fitted as part of the extension project – but only in the new areas and the...
read moreBring Joy To The Weld
Major Monz on learning to avoid pitfalls in flooring INSTALLATION issues may be the same the world over, but you might find solutions in unexpected places. As everyone working in the flooring industry knows, there are many different aspects that can lead to a failed installation. When I’m called out to a failed installation, the customer wants to know what’s gone wrong. Sadly, more often than not, the cause lies with the installation process itself. It might be incorrect detailing or poor subfloor preparation. Over the years, our...
read moreSolvents Can Really Drive You Bonkers
Terry Guilford on why solvent-based products are bad for you There are two VOC directives in Europe today. The Solvent Emission Directive (1999), to limit the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS) used in many products, came into force in 2007. Then in 2010 the Products Directive (2004) aimed at decorative paints (including floor finishes) also became operational. So, is this legislation just an example of ‘big brother’ or is there a point to it? Well yes, in fact, on this occasion there is. As well as protecting public health...
read moreMaking Sense Of Surface Membranes
Neil Sanders on solutions for supressing moisture THIS month I will advise on the importance of dealing with damp and moisture, and how to specify the right products for the job. While installing a waterproof surface membrane is often key, knowing which one to use is also crucial. Product development has led to the introduction of new, time saving moisture management systems, allowing numerous approaches to moisture control. From healthcare facilities and heritage properties, to social housing refurbishments and new-build projects,...
read morePlywood
Jim Coulson on ‘quality assured’ plywood IT is now a year since I began this series of articles: and the first three or four of them dealt with the sorts of things you should be looking for, in a ‘good quality’ plywood, in order for it to behave itself when used as an overlay on old floors. After all, that is one of the most common uses of thin – usually 5mm or 6mm in thickness – plywood in the flooring industry: where a smooth, level surface is required, before laying down expensive vinyl floor coverings and the like. I have...
read moreEnduring Love Affair With Linoleum For 150 Years
Julie Dempster, marketing manager at Forbo Flooring Systems, explains why linoleum remains so popular after 150 years: LINOLEUM was invented in around 1863, but far from being outdated, it is increasingly chosen by specifiers and contractors for its sustainable, durable and aesthetic nature. Linoleum’s durability, reliability and long lasting looks have ensured the product is frequently chosen for a variety of applications. Nowadays, linoleum manufacturers can offer life expectancy’s of at least 20 years, so contractors can be...
read moreColour Your World
Both rubber and linoleum are now available in a wide range of colours: Altro has introduced two new rubber flooring ranges, developed in response to customer feedback. Nuvola Cirrus is a smooth rubber for offices, education and healthcare. Its 13 chipped colours are designed to co-ordinate well with Altro safety flooring and Whiterock wall cladding. Nuvola Cirrus is supplied as a sheet on rolls measuring 1.9m by 14m. It is 2mm thick and replaces Mondofutura. The second new Altro range is Nuvola Stratus studded rubber tiles, replacing...
read moreDon’t Get Uptight About Your Upright
Justin Binks, director of Sebo UK discusses the machines to use for cleaning and maintenance of floors: APPROPRIATE cleaning regimes help enhance the longevity and performance of all floorcoverings and must embrace the frequency of cleaning as well as the method used. For flooring manufacturers, putting these messages across, and providing sound guidance to clients, should be an integral part of good customer service and will help build their reputation. Frustratingly, complaints about flooring often stem from a poor cleaning regime...
read moreUse The Right Finish
Lisa Breakspear, Fila UK, underlines the importance of the correct maintenance of flooring: SLIPS and trips are the most common cause of major injuries in the workplace? A staggering 95% result in broken bones and the cost to employers is huge – around £512m each year, not to mention the incalculable human cost. But, with so many non-slip products available, how can this be so? The problem is that specifying a suitable floor finish is only part of the strategy. Plain old housekeeping plays a very big part. Contamination control –...
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