News
Busy 2014 For CFA
IS it really December and almost Christmas again? You’ve probably heard that a dozen times already and perhaps even read it in this month’s CFJ and I’m sorry to use yet another haggard phrase, but where has this year gone! In one respect I’m not complaining, because I think the fact that time has flown reflects the many good things happening. Time flies when you’re having fun and only drags when you’re bored and we’re certainly never bored at the CFA. And so I thought I would use this article to provide a quick review of some...
read moreIn Defence Of The Flooring Sector
Richard Harris, marketing manager of F Ball and Co, launches more criticism of Alan Best after his response in CFJ (October): HAVING read the column by sustainability consultant, Alan Best in the October issue of CFJ, and after some deliberation over the merits of prolonging the debate, I felt there is a need to protect the flooring industry against a thinly supported argument that has the potential to damage our industry if left unchecked. From reading Mr Best’s response to my critique of his original article, which targeted the...
read moreArchitect Criticises Attack
Brian Murphy, architect, university tutor, environmental campaigner and specification consultant, criticises the article by Richard Harris in CFJ (September 2014): I AM often asked to reduce sustainability to one sentence, to help the eco reluctant to engage at some level. But we cannot rely on 10, 20, 30 or even 40 year old ‘college knowledge’ with ‘a sprinkling of green’. We need to question everything, change the way we do things, not carry on with ‘business as usual’ just because we have always done it that way. My best...
read moreCarpet Industry Cleaning Up Its Act
ALAN BEST explains recent moves by the carpet industry to clean up its act: Carpet manufacturing has always relied heavily on large quantities of water and, as with most textile products, the mills were mostly built on rivers during the industrial revolution which began in around 1760. The rivers provided power as well as process water and an easy way to discharge waste. Regulation of this waste and concern for the welfare of the workforce and the populace generally were a fairly late development, from the last quarter of the 20th...
read moreFlooring Sustainably
Sustainability consultant Alan Best discusses what is being done to reduce widespread water pollution and to improve waste water treatment: THE conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), held by the UN in Brazil in 2012, identified and prioritised key projects to help the world reduce poverty, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection on an ever more crowded planet. One key outcome was a commitment to significantly reduce water pollution and improve wastewater treatment. Safe drinking water and sanitation is now...
read moreDPM To Weather Storms
WITH high levels of rainfall in the UK in recent years, building professionals have to deal with damp substrates and their potential to jeopardise the long-term performance of floorcoverings. TREMCO ILLBRUCK has a water- based moisture vapour suppressant, ES600, said to be BREEAM-accredited and ECI-compliant, designed to produce low levels of VOCs. Suitable for suppressing residual moisture in cementitious subfloors, including power-floated concrete and sand/cement screeds, it’s said the product can be used where RH readings are up to...
read moreUltra Floor Enhances Its Range
ULTRA FLOOR has developed its range further with Level IT Two now 30% faster. Level IT Bond replaces Level IT Three Super Bond. Level IT Super30 has new packaging. Level IT Flex is a rapid-drying, two-component system. Level IT Smooth (formerly Level IT SmoothFlow) is particularly suited to installations of vinyl, rubber and linoleum. Level IT Base replaces Level IT One HDB, and contains recycled material. Level IT Top abrasive resistant smoothing underlayment replaces Level IT HD TOP and now contains recycled material. Prime IT AR and N...
read moreWinter Time For Your SCARF
STEVE CLARKE, group marketing manager of THE FUELCARD PEOPLE, advises anyone running vans to think SCARF this winter. S: See how much tread is on all your tyres, remembering that you will need more grip in icy conditions. C: Check your tyre pressures regularly, to ensure best grip and highest fuel efficiency. A: Add antifreeze to radiators and reduce the dilution of screenwash. R: Remember to ensure that batteries are charged and in good condition. F: Fuel consumption goes up in winter, so check that you have the best fuel card deal....
read moreLuxury Vinyl Tile Now In Dry Back
PLASTIVAN NV, with nearly 50 years experience manufacturing PVC building products, has introduced a second line of LVT flooring under the brand name Viligno. Besides the 4mm version with Uniclic system, the Viligno floors are now available in a 2.5mm version to glue down. The collection is the same as the click version and consists of seven wood designs and three tile structures. The dry back version is suitable for use in the project market (offices, hotels etc) but also meets a demand from the residential market. Viligno floors are...
read moreHow To Keep Warm For Winter
SNICKERS is upgrading its Soft Shell Jacket and Winter Vest for professional tradespeople. Available in a selection of sizes and colours to suit customers’ business profiling needs, they are designed to fulfil every basic need while working on site. With a stretchable, breathable and water-repellent polyester fabric, the jacket has a soft fleece inner layer to ward off autumn chills. The ergonomic pre-bent sleeves have been developed to enable freedom of movement. There are plenty of pockets, inside and out, and reflective strips for...
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