Article Number : 1696 |
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| Date | 1/25/2007 2:40:00 PM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1696 |
| Abstract | By Matthew Spieler East Meadow, N.Y.—For nearly 35 years, Foresta has been providing residential and commercial clients with building and construction materials to solve a variety of problems, especially in the area of waterproofing... |
| Article | By Matthew Spieler East Meadow, N.Y.—For nearly 35 years, Foresta has been providing residential and commercial clients with building and construction materials to solve a variety of problems, especially in the area of waterproofing. Over the years, though, one problem kept arising, explained Michael Melworm, president—the need for a waterproof floor, especially in basements and areas prone to wetness and moisture. “We provide quality products that ensure our customers had beautiful living or working environments,” he told FCNews, “yet when it came to the floor, no one could solve the problem of it not getting ruined by water. This is especially true in high-end decorative basements where the customer wants a beautiful floor to go with the rest of the decor yet it would get ruined after being exposed to water.” So the company set out to solve the problem on its own and after a year of research and development is launching Foresta Waterproof Flooring. “We’ve used it, tested it, played with it., beat it up and tried to ruin it, and it’s held up against everything we’ve put it through,” Melworm said. Fourteen decorative styles—13 woodgrains and one solid—and two finishes–matte and gloss—make up the initial Foresta offering, which will make its industry debut at Surfaces, Feb. 7 to 9. While dealers will get their first chance to see Foresta at Surfaces, officials are also hoping to meet with distributors who are interested in taking on not just a new product but one that opens doors to new areas by solving a very real problem. “We’d like to go through traditional distribution,” he added, “but until we get a network up and running, we are capable of shipping direct to a dealer interested in carrying the line. The company currently has product stocked and ready at its warehouse here and is planning on opening a West Coast facility as soon as the need arises. Made from 100% PVC without the use of formaldehyde or other harmful chemicals, Foresta is made with a patented process and also features a patented glueless locking system called E-Zee Click on the short and long ends of the plank for quick and simple installations. “E-Zee Click creates such a tight fit that water cannot seep through it,” Melworm said. “We’ve tried by leaving a standing puddle over the seams and hours later the same amount of water is still sitting on the surface.” While Foresta comes with an AC4 rating and UV coating, the reason water does not seep through the decorative pattern is the product is truly 100% PVC. “Unlike laminates that use coated printed paper for the decoration,” he noted, “ours is printed PVC sheet that is heat bonded to the backing.” This, along with the embossed textured surface that gives the product a realistic look and feel, gives Foresta excellent anti-slip properties, not to mention its resistance to wear and fade. In fact, the company offers a 20-year warranty against water damage and other defects. Planks measure 47.2 x 7.5 and come eight to a box for a total of 19.7 square feet. Each box weighs 32 pounds. Styles include maple, periwinkle, teak, terracotta, golden pecan, red oak, rosewood, parchment, silver mist, dark walnut, light walnut, red mahogany, natural oak and cinnamon. In addition, by its very nature, Foresta will not stain. “Consumers can now enjoy the look of a real hardwood floor anywhere in the home without worry,” Melworm said. “No need to worry about paint or milk spills. Sew, paint, let children do their artwork and play games, etc. After the spill or mess, just wipe clean with a damp cloth. It’s also great for people with pets or who like to entertain and there are no hardwood floors to warp, refinish or replace.” Plus, the unique, hollow honeycomb backing aids in overall comfort and sound absorption as well as other beneficial properties such as allowing water to evaporate easier. And, because it is also 100% PVC, it does not support mold or bacteria growth. The hollow structure was based off the honeycomb, which has been described as a “masterpiece of engineering” as far back as the 4th century B.C. Even Charles Darwin described it as “absolutely perfect.” Melworm noted the shape and strength of the honeycomb design makes Foresta Waterproof Flooring “not only economical, but scientifically sound.” In fact, the product even allows for radiant heating system to be used with it as it can handle temperatures up to 120 degrees. All these value-added benefits allow Foresta to be used in both residential and commercial applications. “It can be used anywhere a person or business wants the beauty of wood but cannot use the real thing due to moisture and water concerns,” he said. From kitchens, bathrooms and basements to medical and dental offices, from schools to dance floors, and from sunrooms, balconies and hot tub rooms to elevators, laundry rooms and lobbies, Foresta can be installed without fear or worry. “The applications are only limited by your imagination,” Melworm added. “Through attention to design, strong research and development coupled with state-of-the-art manufacturing, Foresta Waterproof Flooring is leading a new trend in the industry. And, as in everything we do, customer satisfaction is our goal in both quality and service.” For more on Foresta, visit the company at Surfaces or call 516.409.6000. |