Article Number : 2753 |
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| Date | 12/11/2007 8:56:11 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2753 |
| Abstract | By Sarah Zimmerman Technology holds strong to its position as an industry advancer in all categories, but when it comes to installation, laminate manufacturers are calling on this forward thinking to take the segment to the next level—in a snap... |
| Article | By Sarah Zimmerman Technology holds strong to its position as an industry advancer in all categories, but when it comes to installation, laminate manufacturers are calling on this forward thinking to take the segment to the next level—in a snap. Glueless locking systems have jointed laminate install time, cost and ease, pushing the segment forward and allowing retailers, installers and customers to take advantage. FCNews spoke to some mills making seriously snappy headway. Shaw Industries The manufacturer originally launched its Versa Lock AG profile last March on existing products. The company then added the Loc N Place system—a single action locking system—to its 4-, 5-, 12- and several of its 8- and 16-inch products. Eric Erickson, laminate category manager, said the response to Loc N Place has been tremendously positive allowing for easier, faster and cleaner installation than even traditional glueless systems. “We feel the Loc N Place system has been the biggest advancement in laminate since the introduction of glueless locking—this is the future direction of the category.” Staying focused on the future, he noted 8-inch laminate is going to continue to be strong, but also pointed to an increase in the 4- and 5-inch beveled edge products. He said demand for thicker products will rise as well next year. Pergo Featured on all of its laminate products, Pergo offers its dual-locking, glueless click joint system—one of the strongest joints available on the market today, according to the company. David Small, marketing director, noted the industry’s progression from glued joints, to click joints, to today’s glueless click joints, saying with each step, consumers have enjoyed a more secure installation and more efficient, DIY-friendly process. “Glueless locking systems like Pergo’s have redefined the way the industry installs and develops laminates,” he said. “These systems have made it easier and quicker to install laminates, enabling professional installers to take on and complete more projects than ever before.” Small said Pergo continues to research and develop new technology and expects to see advancements next year. “Strength and ease of installation are qualities that will continue to drive advancement in future locking systems, and Pergo will be at the forefront of those advancements.” Armstrong The company offers two glueless locking systems: ArmaLock Installation System—provides locking strength of 670 pounds per linear foot and is guaranteed to not unlock at the seams for 20 to 30 years; and Lock & Fold—a simple two-step process available on 3 1/2-inch planks in the Armstrong Pacific Heights and Grand Illusions collections, and Bruce’s Park Avenue line. Armstrong boasts the collections to be the first 5-inch wide laminates to offer simple lock-and-fold installation, and because of this, Milton Goodwin, general manager of product management, laminate and ceramics, said the response has been “nothing short of amazing. With Lock & Fold, the panels do not have to be tapped together; simply fit the tongue-and-groove panels together, fold them down and lock them in place.” He also noted Lock & Fold products are easier to sell because questions about where the floor is to be installed, how the floor is installed and so on are virtually all eliminated. “Retailers have recognized how locking laminate has significantly changed the installation method of choice over the last few years—glued laminates are basically a thing of the past. Dealers were smart—and quick—to recognize the profit in glueless.” Faus Featuring its exclusive Joint-Guard—a beveled edge system with recessed seam areas below the main surface of the flooring planks—Faus’ glueless locking technology protects from traffic damage, adds depth to the floor and prevents dirt from being trapped, said Juan Flores, president. Steve Erlich, director of product development, marketing and merchandising, added the JointGuard system provides built-in edge protection for a more durable floor. He also said the ease of installation and cost efficiency of such systems remain key when compared to other categories. Erlich pointed to constant changes and improvements in upcoming years, making laminate even easier to install. He also noted laminate’s ability to produce eco-friendly exotics as a noteworthy area for the category’s future. Alloc For over a decade, Alloc has made glueless locking planks priority because the advantages are numerous, explained Cindy Thornton, marketing manager. “Primarily the installation is greatly simplified without the mess or labor of using glue, which lead to time-saving advantages, without compromising strength.” She noted, the glueless system also works great on product configurations to replicate tile. “Not only are the convincing colors and detailing easy to maintain but also to install without grout, mortar or glue.” Looking ahead, Thornton said the company’s future improvements include notable advancement in sound abatement underlayments, new plank configurations and laser cut planks that offer perfected edges for consistent finishes. Quick•Step The company launched its Uniclic locking system in 1997, and today offers seven collections featuring this technology. Roger Farabee, vice president of marketing, Unilin Flooring and Mohawk Hard Surface, said Uniclic revolutionized the laminate flooring industry, eliminating the need for messy glue and putting an end to unstable, uneven floors. Some noted features include: • Able to withstand 1,000 pounds of pressure. • Guarantees no height differences. • Ensures damage-resistant surface. • Can be easily repaired, replaced or reused. Farabee added Quick•Step is already planning the floors for tomorrow. “We are continuing to expand our design and manufacturing capabilities, so the sky is the limit for what our products can do—with designs, exciting installation techniques, new edge and texture details, and totally new looks.” |