Article Number : 3636 |
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| Date | 9/11/2008 8:24:40 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3636 |
| Abstract | By Melissa McGuire HOUSTON—Azrock earlier this year streamlined its product portfolio by reclassifying its vinyl tiles into a three-tiered system... |
| Article | By Melissa McGuire HOUSTON—Azrock earlier this year streamlined its product portfolio by reclassifying its vinyl tiles into a three-tiered system. Each encompasses five key elements—performance, installation, Colorworks, maintenance and environmental— that, when combined, provide innovative solutions to end users. The three tiers include standard and premium VCT, which is now grouped under the brand name Asset; vinyl-enhanced tile (Advance) and solid vinyl tile (Achieve). “We decided we needed to reinvent the tile business,” said Gilles de Beaumont, president of Tarkett Commercial. “We’ve been working on this for a long time, looking at many factors, and came up with this system.” Asset is a budget-driven solution with a lower upfront cost than its counterparts. However, the floor, targeted toward education, healthcare and retail, has a higher maintenance cost over the long haul because it needs to be sealed and polished on a regular basis. “Asset is a high-performing floor,” said Diane Martel, vice president of marketing. “If maintained properly it will live 25 to 30 years.” Asset offers an estimated installed cost of about $1.60 per square foot. Advance has a higher upfront price tag—$2.65 a square foot—than Asset, but a lower life-cycle cost. It requires fewer coats of polish and buffing but still needs yearly stripping and refinishing. Another advantage is its lower environmental impact due to the fewer maintenance requirements. It offers a Tritonite PU finish and UV ceramic coating, which resists dirt buildup. The homogenous Achieve comes with the highest upfront cost at $4 a square foot, installed, but is the most economical product of the three long term, given it has virtually no maintenance costs. Wax or polish is not required, and it can be maintained with a neutral cleaner and dry buffing. “If you have 30 stores with 27,000 square feet and install Achieve, you will save almost $6 million over a six-year period,” de Beaumont said. “Plus, it’s better for the environment in multiple ways.” Achieve is FloorScore certified and contributes up to 17 LEED points. It is also gaining in popularity because of the many colors and shapes available. Each solution has its advantages, he said, depending on the end-use requirements. “For example, people will buy Asset because it is less expensive, but after several years they will spend much more money maintaining the tile. If there is no worry about maintenance and immediate cost is a factor, Asset is a good choice.” The product comes with factory wax, which has to be stripped before five coats of wax are reapplied. Advance, on the other hand, has a polyurethane finish which does not have to be stripped. Only two coats are needed initially. Achieve needs no initial application and virtually no maintenance. Green adhesive Azrock also introduced a new spray adhesive system, aptly dubbed SpraySmart, that creates what the company deems a smarter approach to flooring. “SpraySmart has a functionality for any facility,” Martel said. “If you use SpraySmart, we will warranty on moisture, pH and most importantly, the end user will have his facility back in a much shorter time frame, often the same day. This is a huge advantage for any facility, especially healthcare.” She noted how SpraySmart reduces installation time up to 70%. Martel added there are no VOC emissions or odor. “You can work in a hospital room, for instance, and not affect anyone in the hallway or even next door. It has a much higher sheer strength than normal adhesives as well.” Another benefit is that any Azrock product installed using the SpraySmart system is enhanced with longer warranties. Introducing Emerge Azrock will soon launch its newest generation of tile: Emerge. This eco-resilient tile is a polymeric blend composite that has no chlorine, PVC or allergens. Installed cost is estimated between $5 and $6 per foot, and it does not require any polishing or buffing, making it the lowest maintenance tile in Azrock’s portfolio. Emerge is environmentally friendly on many levels—from manufacturing it close to home (which decreases transportation thus lessening the environmental impact) to its “water and mop” maintenance (which saves energy, reduces the environmental footprint and lowers the life-cycle cost). What’s more, Azrock believes this category will take market share from other products. “Emerge won’t cannibalize Achieve,” de Beaumont said. “We will probably compete with rubber and linoleum.” He believes healthcare will be a major focus for Emerge along with retailers who want to go green. For more on all Azrock products, please call 713.869.5811 or visit www.azrock.com. |