(Kansas City, MO) CFI- WFCA educational events involve many dealers, workrooms, associations and individual installation professionals. Jon Namba, CFI Executive Director brings in the fall season with hands-on installation programs presented in all flooring surfaces. “It does not matter how many years someone has worked in the flooring installation field. If they have not been involved in continuing education and are not familiar with the new techniques, backings and tools, they probably are not installing the materials correctly. Flooring installation is no different than other fields; education is a must.”

Namba continues, “Installation training always pays big dividends, not only for the knowledge and pride that are gained by the installers, but the customer satisfaction values that are developed. The CFI Team of Installation Trainers has received extensive training concerning the latest installation techniques in all types of flooring surfaces. When shared with installers in a skills “hands-on” type of training, a partnership can be developed within a company whereby the customer receives what was stated at the time of the sale. When all parties work together as a Team and “paint the picture” of what is expected, another satisfied customer returns in the future. This is the GOAL of CFI and WFCA!

Membership in the World Floor Covering Association brings many benefits and among them is the educational scholarship. All CFI programs qualify for 100% reimbursement of the cost of training. Contact WFCA at (800) 624.6880 for additional information.”

CFI invites industry representatives to attend the intensive training programs that require hands-on participation. Registration forms are available at www.CFIinstallers.com and at www.BigDsupply.com.”

The initial CFI-WFCA all-surfaces’ hands-on programs are hosted by Big D Supply. An installer can attend the entire week or select from the days of available training. The cost is $300.00 per session. The first day of each hard-surface course involves instruction and demonstrations in the morning followed by hands-on training, which is continued on day two. Retail associates may attend the first day without involvement in hands-on training for $175.00. A CFI-WFCA Certificate of Completion is awarded at the conclusion of the courses.

Scheduled Dates

BIG D Tucson, AZ
Oct. 2-3, Ceramic; Oct. 4-5, Hardwood and Oct. 5-6, Carpet Training/CFI Certification
BIG D Albuquerque, NM
Nov. 6-7 Ceramic; Nov. 8-9, Hardwood and Nov. 9-10, Carpet Training/CFI Certification
Big D of Idaho Falls, ID
Feb. 9-10 Laminate; Feb. 21-22 Resilient, Feb. 22-23, Carpet Training/CFI Certification
Big D of Salt Lake City, UT
Feb. 26-27 Laminate, Feb. 27-28 Resilient, Feb. 28/Mar 1 Carpet Training/CFI Certification

The hard-surface training address professionalism, job-site evaluation, preparation, substrates, effect of moisture and testing procedures, acclimation, maintaining properly controlled installation environment, subfloors, grades – on, above, below, proper handling of materials, following manufacturer’s installation and supply guidelines, estimating and proper planning, tools, cleanup, maintenance and the characteristics of the various types of flooring, as well as topics specific to each type of flooring.

Ceramic Course Topics

Both classroom, demonstrations and skills training of ceramic tile with product from several different manufacturers is presented. The properties and characteristics of tile vs. stone are addressed. Setting materials, substrate preparation, subfloors, deflection, balancing floors, backerboards, membrane systems, estimating and layout, radiant systems, tools and techniques are also covered. This is a hands-on course that gives each student the opportunity to participate in an installation from start to finish. TCNA and ANSI guidelines are covered. Written materials for future reference are also included.

Hardwood Course Topics

Various types of manufactured products are used during the classroom and skills training of pre-finished hardwoods. Nail-down, glue-down and floating floor installations are included, as well as re-coating. Technical handouts are provided for future reference. Training follows the guidelines established by the National Wood Flooring Association. Topics include: transitions – two parts, balancing floors, properties and characteristics of unfinished and pre-finished floors (solid -types of cuts- plain, quarter sawn, rift sawn); strip and plank, engineered, parquet, Janka hardness, cork and bamboo; factory finishes (UV-cured, acrylic impregnated, ceramic and aluminum oxide); nail-down, staples and cleats; installation of floating and direct-glue installations, radiant systems and maintenance.

Laminate Course Topics

Various types of manufactured materials provide an opportunity to work with different fastening systems. Technical handouts are provided for future reference. Topics include: types of laminate floors, specific installation properties and characteristics for each type of flooring – Glue vs. Click; adhesives, the use of manufacturer’s recommended installation supplies, plank-lay direction; startup and row stagger, room sizes, using spacers, silicone sealant, stairs, transition systems, expansion issues and board repair.

Resilient Installation Course Topics

Products are furnished by various manufacturers to provide the installers with an opportunity to understand specific installation requirements. Topics include: The use of stripping agents, citrus solvents, paint thinners, Panda product, charcoal lighter fluid; patching compounds (Portland-based, gypsum and SLC’s); types of flooring (rotogravure, inlaid, linoleum, felt-backed, vinyl-backed, vinyl-composition tile (VCT), Vinyl asbestos tile (VAT) and rubber); wall base; installation characteristics (adhesives, trowels, open-time, seam sealers, proper seam preparation, proper sealing techniques and using the correct rollers), addressing common problems such as telegraphing and installation over existing vinyl, linoleum and various types of flooring.

Carpet Installation Training, R-I C-I Certification

Friday evening at 5:30 until 7:30pm, the CFI Installation Review and demonstrations are presented in preparation for the hands-on involvement on Saturday at 7:30am. The test for CFI Certification is offered at 7:30pm. Everyone may attend the training event, but for those seeking the R-I and C-I Certification, the written test is required. At the conclusion on Saturday, installers who successfully demonstrate the requirements of the certification are awarded this designation. The Saturday skills training in small groups includes seaming of various types of carpet for the categories, powerstretching, pattern matching, stair upholstery, carpet backings and technical information.

The CFI training and certification schedule continues through the first week of December for 2007 and starts anew in January 2008. Thirty-two carpet installers attended the training day sponsored by Keller Interiors of Marietta, GA on September 7-8, 2007. President, Dave Keller, “We are convinced that providing our customers with installation professionals that are the most knowledgeable and up-to-date on the latest techniques provides us with the edge in customer service which translates into more sales. We look at this as an opportunity for CFI trainers to share with our crews this information.” Jon and Suzy Namba, Jerry Miller, Ken and Darlene Miles, Fred Chastain, Ibis Mejia and P.J. Arthur conducted the event.

Scheduled events include:
Sept. 14-15 Phenix City, AL
Sept. 21-22 Griffith, IN hosted by Carpet Cushions and Supplies
Sept. 21-22 Minneapolis, MN hosted by Mohawk Carpet
Sept. 28-29 Auburndale, FL hosted by
Oct. 5-6 Woodbridge, MD by CFI and the MNVFCA
Oct. 19-20 Richmond, VA hosted by L. Fishman Supply
Nov 2-3 Milwaukee, WI hosted by Carpet Cushions and Supplies
Nov 16-17 Oklahoma City, OK

Carpet Installation Training

CFI offers an abundance of carpet installation courses that are conducted at the dealers’ or workrooms’ locations. They include: Advanced Installation Training (2-day), Entry-level Installation Training (4-day), Stair Upholstery and Installation Training (1-day), Patterned and Woven Carpet Workshop (2-day), Preparation for R-II and C-II Certification Training (1 day) and additional courses that are created to meet the requirements of the hosting party.

CFI Installation for the Inspector, Dealers and Retail Salespersons Course

October 3-4, Jim Walker conducts the CFI Inspector Installation Course in Frederick, MD and on October 15-16 in Kansas City, MO. This exciting 2-day workshop is designed for sales associates, contractors, superintendents, inspectors, architects, cleaners, distributors, installers and others who are involved in the flooring installation segment of the business. The demonstrations and sharing of information prepare attendees to understand installation. The course focuses on developing communication skills with installers to alleviate problems in the field. Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of how to identify installation problems and provide solutions that achieve Customer Satisfaction. This course is recognized by all major mills.

Each attendee receives the CFI Installation Inspector Resource Guide. Those who successfully complete the written test become members of the CFI and are listed on the Internet and in the printed annual directory as a “CFI Installation Inspector.” Annual dues are $100.00. This course covers carpet installation only.

Topics include Seam Construction in Various Types of Carpets – Procedures and Techniques - Powerstretching Techniques – Use of a Kneekicker - Restretch Procedures - Seam Sealers – Adhesives - Installation Supplies - Lighting Effects on Seaming - Seam Placement - Seam Peaking - Seaming Limitations - Stretch-in Over Cushion Installation Techniques and Use of Correct Cushion - Direct-Glue Installation - Double-Glue Installation – Attached-Cushion Installation - The Importance of Carpet Backings - Professional Installation Requirements - Installation Checklist – How to Identify Installation-Related Problems - Pattern Matching - Bow-Skew-Pattern Elongation Diagrams – Pattern Identification - Correction of Patterned Carpet Problems and additional topics related to carpet installation.

Corrective Flooring Procedures Workshop

November 28-30, 2007, is the introduction of the CFI – WFCA Corrective Flooring Procedures Workshop hosted by Custom Floors in Salt Lake City, UT. Instructor, Jon Namba expressed his enthusiasm for the class, “This is a first course of this type presented for the industry. The numerous techniques, tools and resources that will be made available for the attendees have never been presented in this hands-on type of format. The workshop covers corrective measures for carpet, laminate, ceramic, hardwood and resilient flooring surfaces.

The 2-1/2 days include carpet corrections of burns and spots and restretch techniques. Laminate includes plank replacement, both glue and click and the hot-melt corrective system. Ceramic includes individual tile replacement, grout rework and hot-melt corrective system. Hardwood includes pre-finished board replacement of glue-down and nail-down, touch-up using stains and finishes and the hot-melt corrective system. The resilient section includes corrective techniques for tears, burns and gouges. Many of the procedures are unique to the industry. The attendees will learn by correcting problems and understanding the requirements of the techniques.

On November 28-29, the class begins at 8:00 and concludes at 5:00pm with lunch provided. On Friday, November 30, the course concludes at noon following lunch. The training is open to dealers, installers, manufacturers and inspectors and others in the industry that are responsible for the correction of problems that surface during or after the installation of carpet. The cost is $1,200.00.

The Advanced Course will be taught in June in Salt Lake City also. Successful completion of the initial course is required to attend the Advanced Course.

CFI Patterned and Woven Carpet Workshop

The CFI Skills Workshop is a “working” event to introduce new techniques and tools for the installation and of patterned and woven carpets and provide solutions to problems that surface in the field. Installers work in small groups with large sections of carpet, seam construction, powerstretching, pattern matching and learning techniques that enhance the value of their skills. The course is recognized by all carpet manufacturers.

Training in Canada

On September 19-20, Jon Namba will also conduct the installation courses for the Flooring Association of Ontario, Canada. The class covers the history of the product, safety issues, floor preparation and professionalism presented in both demonstration and hands-on involvement. The main focus is patterned carpet and installation of carpet on stairs. For additional information, call the FIO at (905) 822.2280.

The event in 2006 drew over 100 industry-related individuals to the hardwood course. Stephen Aked, FIO President, “We know that those who attend are making a commitment to learning and enhancing their skills. It is the goal of our training to add value to the field of installation.”

Namba is an industry recognized trainer and is proficient in all types of flooring surfaces. He was instrumental in developing programs that provide training working with the local distributors. Industry-related companies that are interested in hosting specific training programs may contact CFI at (816) 231.4646 for a list of available dates.