Article Number : 4692 |
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| Date | 7/29/2009 9:34:57 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4692 |
| Abstract | By Louis Iannaco Just as in any other area of the flooring business, professionals working in the adhesives field are subject to mishaps on the job, leading to the inevitable claim. And while not all claims are the same in nature, there are... |
| Article | By Louis Iannaco Just as in any other area of the flooring business, professionals working in the adhesives field are subject to mishaps on the job, leading to the inevitable claim. And while not all claims are the same in nature, there are preventive steps that can be taken to lessen the headaches created by this ongoing problem. “Over the years, claims have evolved just like the products being installed,” said Sonny Callaham, flooring application specialist for Para-Chem. “Years ago, it was not uncommon to find manufacturing defects in floor coverings, adhesives or other products used to install flooring. But with increased technology comes increased testing. One example: Vinyl sheet flooring. Fifteen years ago, especially in new home construction, it was not uncommon for the flooring to turn pink or purple due to high moisture. Now materials, including adhesives, are designed to be more tolerant to elevated moisture conditions, so this type of complaint is less common than it used to be. “But on the flip side,” he explained, “with the introduction of new backing systems and green products, claims have risen. Not due to manufacturers producing defective material, but due to having specific installation requirements for the new products. Getting the specific installation instructions to the actual installer has always been a challenge. Even in the Information Age, we can post all the installation instructions we have on a Web page, but that doesn’t help the installer who is on the job with questions. Callaham believes installation managers, flooring contractors and storeowners need to get more involved with educating their installers. “I deal with installation companies all over the world, and there is one common factor for those who are successful: Each makes a conscious effort to ensure their installers fully understand what they are installing before they leave the shop. If they make it to the job site and still have questions, we put our technical support phone number on every label of every product.” According to Mike Micalizzi, technical services manager for Mapei, there have always been claims of failed installations related to moisture issues. “Over the last 10 to 15 years, there has been a big jump in moisture-related claims due to the owners’ requirements for a very fast turnaround time on the construction of new buildings. “At Mapei,” he explained, “we suggest installers use the ‘STACK’ method for reducing the chance of having a claim filed for an installation failure.” The installer should: S - (Substrate). Do a thorough examination of the substrate to determine its condition and moisture vapor emission rates. The installer should also take a look at the entire building footprint; if water may be graded back toward the building, this can cause a constant problem. T - (Type). Review the type of finish being installed. Today, more and more recycled products are being used in flooring. New flooring innovations may get ahead of the adhesives used to install them. It is a good idea for the installer to ask the adhesive manufacturer for a statement in writing as to the compatibility of the manufacturer’s adhesive with a flooring that has been on the market for a very short time. The installer should also be prepared to send some samples of the flooring to the adhesive manufacturer for compatibility testing. A - (Application). Make sure products used under the finish are rated for the intended use in the application. For example, if sheet vinyl is being installed in a hospital, where there are heavy rolling loads, a “stiffer” adhesive should be used. C - (Conditions). Be aware of conditions on the job site. Other trades may come onto the flooring before the adhesive is set, causing indentations in the flooring installation. Also, if a moisture barrier is used, it is very important to ensure that other trades do not get dust on the moisture barrier, as this will make it more difficult for the adhesives to stick to the barrier. K - (Knowledge). The installer should have adequate knowledge of the products being used. If using new adhesives for the first time, especially on a fast- track construction project, it is essential to do a mock-up before beginning the whole job. Knowledge gained from a mockup can prevent problems in the middle of the installation.” Larry Scott, technical director for DriTac, believes the tremendous growth of the hardwood flooring industry over the past 15 years has resulted in an increase of complaints and claims. “The dollar amount of claims has also increased substantially, as the expense for labor and products has increased as well. “Installers are the key to reducing claims,” he continued. “Claims would decrease dramatically if floors were installed following the guidelines, recommendations and limitations set forth by the manufacturers and professional wood flooring organizations. “The number one call back or complaint with glue-down installations is hollow spots or small loose areas throughout the floor,” explained Scott. “These are not caused by adhesive failure, they are the result of not properly preparing the substrate. Moisture can also play a role in some complaints. “DriTac offers two comprehensive wood floor repair kits for repairing hollow spots, voids, or loose areas in a hardwood floor system,” he added. “One repair kit offers a pressure sensitive adhesive and is strictly for use with engineered hardwood flooring. The other repair kit is a two-part urethane system that can repair voids in solid wood or bamboo flooring.” Callaham believes that, in the end, having a professional relationship with your installers will help reduce the number of total claims you have. “Installers are creatures of habit, and I don’t mean that in a derogatory way, since I am an installer. I just mean that history shows if they install a certain type of flooring a certain way and that particular installation succeeds, they will install all of this type of flooring the exact same way, until they have a complaint. Then the response will be, ‘I install all my floors that way.’ “Recently, I had an installer tell me that he had been installing double-glue-down installations for 25 years and he always put the carpet into the adhesive while it was wet, and never had an issue with bubbling,” he concluded. “I told him to go buy a lottery ticket, because he had to the luckiest person on earth. The bottom line is, storeowners who invest in educating their installers will have fewer claims, happier customers and more money in their pocket.” |