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INTERNATIONAL trade journal f or impor t , expor t , dis tr ibution and lay ing of par que t , laminate, cor k f loor ing and r elated pr oduc t s

N° 80, March 2016 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept , Nov, Dec) Of fice of deliver y 9099 Ghent X , P911092, BC 31359 - Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

Preview: EFWEX 2016 Ghent (BE)

www.novlek.com

EFWEX

European Floor & Wall Exhibition

* in compliance with DTU 51.4 requirements regarding fasteners

13/15.03.2016 - FLANDERS EXPO GHENT (B)

EFWEX: Information sessions on Belgian VOC legislation by the ministry of Environment and Public Health

THE ULTIMATE GENERATION OF HIDDEN FASTENERS WITH STAINLESS STEEL REINFORCEMENT

Timber decking and cladding Special: Top Quebec companies focused on export

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A New Dimension to Decking Revival Bona Decking System Tired of labour intense cleaning of your deck? Having problems with remaining swirl marks when you finished the oil application?

The Bona Decking System is an fast and convenient solution for deep cleaning and lasting protection of wooden decks. The powerful Bona PowerScrubber and Bona Deep Clean Solution gives your deck a unique and effective cleaning prior to oiling.

The low VOC Bona Decking Oil seeps deep into pores of the wood and protect it from within, giving it a lasting surface. Take a step back and enjoy a stunning result – a deck that looks as new and will stay beautiful for a long time.

bona.com

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Editorial

N° 80, March 2016 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept , Nov, Dec) Of fice of deliver y 9099 Ghent X , P911092, BC 31359 - Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

Preview: EFWEX 2016 Ghent (BE)

www.novlek.com

EFWEX

European Floor & Wall Exhibition

* in compliance with DTU 51.4 requirements regarding fasteners

13/15.03.2016 - FLANDERS EXPO GHENT (B)

EFWEX: Information sessions on Belgian VOC legislation by the ministry of Environment and Public Health

THE ULTIMATE GENERATION OF HIDDEN FASTENERS WITH STAINLESS STEEL REINFORCEMENT

“Superiority and the aesthetic benefits of invisible terrace fastening systems are indisputable, and that ensures growth”

Timber decking and cladding

Növlek is the umbrella trademark of products from Archi Wood and, amongst other things, makes invisible fastening systems for wooden terraces and exterior wooden wall cladding Hardwood Clip and Softwood Clip.

The company now sells its products in over 30 countries worldwide. We spoke to the manager Marc Luypaert.

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Floor Forum International n° 80 March 2016 Photo Növlek

4 Inside news 8 Preview EFWEX Ghent (BE) 24 Special Epoxy moisture screens 27 Special New Belgian solvent legislation for parquet

chemicals products 28 Advertorial Design Parquet (FR) 29 Special Producers of Cross-cut floors :

types and fitting methods 32 Advertorial Osmo (DE) 33 Special Producers of indelible/resistant floors in laminate,

vinyl, PVC and LVT 37 Special Stair renovation with laminate inlay 40 Special Fastening systems for outdoor floors 44 Special Outdoor bamboo floors : dos and don’ts 47 Special Waterless adhesives 50 Special Providers of entrance mats : a must for any project 52 Special Flame-retardant lacquers : properties & legislation 56 Special New trends in cork floors 58 Special PVC, vinyl and LVT floors :

extra business for floor fitters 62 Industry news 63 Special Top Quebec companies focused on export 66 Product news

‘We’ve been selling all our products for some time now under the Növlek trademark and the sturdy Viking logo. This summarises what we stand for: making products which are sturdy and resistant and do the job perfectly for which they are designed. Our core products HardWood Clip and SoftWood Clip also prove this. We invest a lot so that our solutions are technically of a very high level. We have our own simulation and measuring tools, so we can ensure that our products Marc Luypaert (Növlek) function properly with no problems, at least for the entire expected lifespan, even under the most difficult conditions. For example, HardWood Clip was developed for use under the most difficult conditions and for the hardest wood species.’

‘We’ve been selling all our products for some time now under the Növlek trademark and the sturdy Viking logo. This summarises what we stand for: making products which are sturdy and resistant and do the job perfectly for which they are designed. Our core products HardWood Clip and SoftWood Clip also prove this. We invest a lot so that our solutions are technically of a very high level. We have our own simulation and measuring tools, so we can ensure that our products function properly with no problems, at least for the entire expected lifespan, even under the most difficult conditions. For example, HardWood Clip was developed for use under the most difficult conditions and for the hardest wood species.’

How are Hardwood Clip and Softwood Clip doing on the market?

‘Fine. More and more people are appreciating this system both in Belgium and abroad. They see that our products are tested extensively and that we use only composite resins and stainless steel of very high quality. This is essential to guarantee that no problems will arise, amongst other things due to extreme fluctuations in temperature and wood moisture.’

‘Our products are made exclusively in Europe, because we believe in Europe, in the know-how and the quality which we have here. The production plants, which are all certified, are located in Belgium, France, and Germany. This means we can be sure of the quality and we also have shorter lines of communication with our suppliers. This gives us complete control over both the entire production process and the raw material supply.’

How popular are invisible fastening systems compared to the traditional solutions where the boards are screwed in place?

‘It’s still only a small proportion of the entire market. But it does differ from country to country. The phenomenon is still very small in France, whilst it’s bigger and growing nicely in Belgium, and, for example, in Switzerland invisible fastening systems are even more popular. Our growth will continue in the coming years, especially thanks to the qualitative and technical superiority of our products.

Invisible fastening systems like ours are simply the future.’

Editing & advertisements FFI bvba PO BOX 29 9870 Olsene, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)9 385 80 40 Fax.: +32 (0)9 385 88 85 sales@media-pact.com www.floor-forum.com Publisher Filip De Ridder

Subscriptions to Floor Forum International: Mail to info@media-pact.com

Lay-out: Be-able Communication www.be-able.be Production: Lowyck - Oostende

Advertising & subscriptions Adriana Dascalu info@media-pact.com Hilde De Ridder floorforum@telenet.be Filip De Ridder sales@media-pact.com Editors: Jean Paul Talbot, Ludwig Janssens, Filip De Ridder Jacques Legros

Translation: Michael Robinson www.glossa.be Floor Forum International is a publication of FFi bvba.

The copyright of Floor Forum International and the articles appearing herein are retained by the publisher. By agreeing to publication of an article in this journal, the author assigns to the publisher the irrevocable and exclusive right under Copyright law to collect charges due from third parties for copying said article and to undertake legal or other action for this purpose.

Editorial and advertising copy in this issue have been carefully checked and Floor Forum International bvba cannot accept any responsibility for any errors.

∂ Inside news Lorenzo Cosse new sales representative of Europlac / Decospan Since early January, Lorenzo Cosse the new representative of Europlac / Decospan.

During the summer of 2015 the French parquet specialist "Europlac" was integrated in the Decospan group.

The goal of the two companies was the same: European production of quality products from renewable raw materials. This vision remains preserved. The combined strengths are immediately reflected in a considerably wider range of possibilities for main brand Par-ky and the launch of a completely new brand called Cabbani. These two novelties have been presented at Domotex 2016.

Lorenzo joins the team in order to put the new brand "Cabbani" successful in the market. He's a wood technician and has considerable experience with parquet due to his years of service in the sales team of Ciranova.

La San Marco Profili This specialist in skirting boards and outdoor decking floors present for outdoors a wide range of planks in exotic wood sorts and also a thermally treated ash floor.

In addition, they also offer a superior composite wooden floor: DURO. This is a PVC composite supplemented with the remains of pods from Italian rice cultivation. DURO is colour-fast and resistant to the UV light of the sun.

Adesiv

CSP Engineering

Adesiv ,has introduced during Domotex 2016 a new website with modern features and dynamic graphics face.

The site developed responsive, offers the possibility to search products in a list of category following the logic of their application and provides for the majority of products of explanatory videos.

SOUDAL ACQUIRES SWEDISH PROFLEX AB

At the end of 2014 CSP Engineering developed the PAR-Filler®, a new machine for automatic filling of all imperfections in wooden, ready-to-fit floors.

Only 1 year after launching, 10 machines have been sold. Clients who have the PAR-Filler® in service are unanimous: “above all advantages offered by the machine, the quality of the floor part have clearly reached a higher level compared with manually filled floor parts. For the PAR-Filler®, CSP developed CosmetiWood®, a wood-filler with unique characteristics.

CSP is a real specialist in development of technology and construction of machines for production of wood flooring boards. The scale of the company includes amongst other things a machine for the production of 2-layer wood flooring boards with PU—Holtmelt (PAR-Duo®) and a unique system for automatic measuring, registering, packing and labeling of wood flooring boards (PAR-Scan®). For more information: admin@csp-engineering.be or +3214377752.

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Floor Forum International 80

SOUDAL, the Belgian manufacturer of sealants, foams and adhesives confirms its strategic vision by expanding into the Scandinavion region. As of February 10th 2016, Soudal acquires full majority in Proflex Trading AB, its former importer. Proflex becomes the 54th Soudal branch worldwide.

Proflex has been Soudal’s exclusive importer in Sweden for many decades and has already established a solid reputation as a reliable partner for distributors in the professional construction market. In addition to the distribution of Soudal products, Proflex is strong in construction products for the windows market, complementary to Soudal’s Window System. In order to be fully integrated in the worldwide structure of the Soudal group, the name Proflex will evolve into Soudal Proflex AB. The takeover of the Proflex business includes all employees and assets and its current manager Mr. Håkan Blommé, will become the countrymanager of Soudal in Sweden. As main objective, Soudal will further develop the brands for which it is known, such as Fix ALL®, Silirub® and Genius Gun® foam. According to Håkan Blommé “the direct involvement of Soudal in this market will open the road to a series of great innovative

EFWEX

European Floor & Wall Exhibition

13/15.03.2016 -FLANDERS EXPO GHENT (B) EVERY DAY FROM 10.30 A.M. TO 6.30 P.M.

EFWEX 2016 PROMISES TO BE A ‘BULL’S EYE!’ The binannual trade fair in Western Europe not to be missed!

The top trade fair with new technology and collections (LED oil for UV drying, digitally printed laminate, and LVT) and international exhibitors.

Organised by the ‘number 1’ publisher of trade journals in the parquet and wooden flooring industry, namely Floor Forum and Floor Forum International, the show has all the ingredients to be a huge success. If you want to keep up with the latest trends, come along!

Make sure you have a look at the stands ‘ARCHITECT@EFWEX’ (equipped with the new top floor ‘Traffic’ from Balterio) and ‘INNOVATION@EFWEX’ – here you will find unique projects and the most innovative products!

Visiting the show also gives you a chance to win an attractive prize*!

You can still register free on www.efwex.eu.

And since we all need to relax sometimes, don’t forget that snacks and drinks are available free! Cheers, and we’ll see you soon! *This does not apply to exhibitors, students, and guides.

For more information, contact us on +32 9 385 80 40 or by mail : sales@efwex.eu or visit our website www.efwex.eu

∂ Inside news ∂ Inside news

Technical Support Innovation Science

Kaneka

Cork Parquet

Premium Wood

Technology Driven

Hardwood D4 Panel DIY EPDM Tile PVC Floor

Base Resin

products that have already proven their merits in other parts of the world. We will steadily introduce these concepts, always taking into consideration the specific requirements of the Swedish market.”

Dirk Coorevits, Managing Director Soudal: “Through the opening of the new affiliate, Soudal wishes to deepen its presence in the Scandinavian market. With the presence of affiliates in Denmark, Norway and Sweden the Scandinavian market offers a great growth potential for the future. We consider the acquisition of Proflex as the next logical step in our aim to become active worldwide.”

FORTICO 1C & 2C Ciranova The new standard for lacquers

Soft floor Liquid Coating Sealant Binder Adhesive

MS Polymer

High Strength Elastic

Easy Handling Custom-made Dreamology

Future

Excellent

Odourless Hard Soft Quick Curing Low VOC Primer Water Barrier Solvent-free Plasticizer-free Isocyanate-free

Adhesion

FORTICO is an innovative lacquer range for the future which considers not only the aesthetics of the finish but is also at the forefront of the latest environmental guidelines.

FORTICO is a high performance, water-based, polyurethane lacquer for the protection of parquet and suitable for floors submitted to high traffic use. FORTICO has an excellent chemical and mechanical resistance and is developed using the latest technologies. FORTICO is extremely scratch resistant, has anti-slip properties and is easy to apply without any overlap or roller marks. FORTICO provides superior protection for all wooden floors and is also extremely resistant against liquids and most household chemicals.

Revolutionary anti-scratch technology A unique characteristic of the FORTICO-range is the embedded anti-scratch technology. This technology makes the floor resistant against scratches and helps prevent the floor from burnishing.

FORTICO 1C & 2C FORTICO 1C is available in matt and satin sheen levels. FORTICO 1C is used for the finishing of parquet and wooden floors in homes and other places subject to normal wear and tear.

The FORTICO 2C is available in Matt, Satin and NATURAL sheen levels. FORTICO 2C is specially designed for high-traffic floors such as parquet in commercial spaces, hotels, restaurants, etc.

The FORTICO 2C NATURAL, the flagship of the FORTICO-range is invisible and gives the wood a natural, untreated look.

FORTICO SEALER. For tropical wood species and to avoid side-bonding, there is a special sealer coat : FORTICO SEALER. In order to achieve a paler bleached finish, it’s possible to use ECOFIX WOODLOOK as the base/primer coat.

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FORTICO THE NEW STANDARD FOR LACQUERS

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UNSCRATCHED, NOW AND FOREVER

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D E S I G N® PA R Q U E T Fr a nc e

Powerful into the future

Customized parquet

Prinz® PROFI-DESIGN section system Beautiful because there is nothing to see

Your benefits: > Concealed attachments. > Discreet upper sections. > For floorings 4-7,5 mm.

The Prinz® PROFI-DESIGN section system was specially developed for the floating installation of luxury vinyl tile floorings (LVT).

The top section snaps safely into the trapezoidal slots of the base section and adapts automatically to the floor covering in both height and inclination. The discreet and shallow top sections skilfully draw attention to the floor design while providing ample room for the extension joints.

LOFT PRO

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Semi-solid wood flooring Premier/rustique 16 x 180 x 1500-2200 mm 2 bevels, T&G

www.designparquet.fr Floor Forum International 80

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EVERYONE READY FOR EFWEX 2016

for Register a free n ticket admissio ex.eu www.efw

LET’S SUMMARISE EVERYTHING AGAIN

EFWEX

European Floor & Wall Exhibition 13/15.03.2016 - FLANDERS EXPO GHENT (B)

Very soon now, the gates of Hall 8 in Flanders Expo Ghent will be open for the start of EFWEX 2016. And so, it’s time for the organisers to complete their work. And when we say ‘work’, we mean more than a year of intense preparation to make this trade fair an even bigger success than the first one. Completing that work successfully would see an ultimate harmony between supply and demand on a market which is lucrative for everyone, but shrouded in a warm sphere of friendly collegiality. Let’s summarise everything again.

Where have we come from?

1990 saw the launch of Europarket, an initiative which was welcomed by the entire parquet industry due to the ‘complete lack’ of a meeting forum for supply and demand in the industry. And so, the show filled a void, even a hiatus. Industry professionals met together, drew up plans to work together, and saw that it was helpful.

Alas, to no avail! After a few editions, Europarket threatened to peter out, maybe partly due to a lack of a consistent policy which was clear to everyone. Europarket perished without a whimper and an entire professional sector was left abandoned. At that time, some people were already looking to the publishers of the top trade journals Floor Forum & Floor Forum International in the parquet industry.

That publisher took up the challenge and, in 2014, EFWEX (European Floor & Wall Exhibition) saw the light of day. That first edition was a ‘sowing’ affair. Both exhibitors and visitors came hesitantly to size up the situation. By the end, everyone seemed quite satisfied. Today, two years later, it’s time to reap! EFWEX 2016 will be bigger, more varied, and even more enjoyable than the pioneer edition. The number of exhibitors is considerably higher, and that has prompted the

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organisers to move to the whole of Hall 8 in order to offer everyone a suitable spot.

What do we offer?

A window view of the sector? That sounds a bit hackneyed, but that’s what it is. The organisers have endeavoured to give a clearcut view of the market in its entirety. That’s no sinecure, but they’ve managed it! Obviously, this is mainly thanks to the ‘response’ of the major players on a market in motion. In motion? Rather ‘at full speed’, since innovations and new forms of technology, products, and systems are emerging in great haste. Wood is the main player, but there are other floors as well. Accessories and fitting equipment and tools, chemicals; it’s all there!

Innovations at cruising speed Everyone knows that parquet and wooden floors involve a lot of technology. Fitting these floors is a noble ‘art’ which requires devoted expertise. As in all other industries, the speed of change is also hitting home with a force never seen. Technology is changing at lightning speed: in terms of substrate preparation, adhesives, fastening techniques, wood sorts, and finish techniques and products.

It’s barely possible to follow the changes and innovations closely.

That’s precisely why the biannual meeting at EFWEX 2016 is so crucial. There we can exhibit all the novelties for you. There visitors and exhibitors can keep up with the latest techniques and technology.

Wooden floors on the stage!

A good trade fair has to open up a window to reflect the economic reality. The same applies to EFWEX 2016. And what do we see when we gaze through that window? A rapidly growing interest in natural

materials for the interior. Wood is topping the charts! This is reflected in the growth of wooden floors, wooden terraces, and exterior wooden wall cladding. However, wood-related materials or compositions with wood, such as laminate and some composites, are also on the way up. At all events, consumers with a love of wood are spoilt for choice. Other materials are often mentioned in the same breath as wooden floors, even though they are actually not made of wood.

Cork is one example! Obviously, cork grows on trees, but, strictly speaking, it’s not wood, but wood bark chippings. Cork has been appearing more and more in the interior for years. And what about bamboo? Bamboo does grow in forests, but it isn’t a tree. Bamboo is a type of grass. Bamboo has become a permanent fixture on the flooring market and on scores of other markets.

But also those other floors Completely different forms of floor technology such as LVT and PVC or floors in rolls, such as classic vinyl and linoleum, also offer wood grains as well as an endless selection of pallets. Since there is a growing interest in all those floor coverings on the market (the real outside world), the exhibitors at EFWEX 2016 (the virtual world in Flanders Expo) will also enjoy considerably more attention!

The crucial role of the chemical sector Obviously, EFWEX 2016 is paying attention not only to various types of flooring, but also to fitting accessories. Chemical producers specialising in levelling agents, primers, adhesives, lacquers,

oils, or other finishes will also be present. Here are some renowned names: Osmo, Durieu Coatings, WOCA, Stauf, Bona, Bostik, Bijlard International, Den Braven, Blanchon, Emfi, Duthoo, Fire Proof, Floorconcepts, Rubio Monocoat, Ciranova, Mapei, Stauf, BergerSeidle, Kerakoll, Hendrichs, Kaneka, Overmat, Tover, Rigo Verffabriek, Vesting, Unipro, NPT, Pallmann, Rectavit, Lecol, Hesse Benelux, DL Chemicals, and Devomat Industries – they’ll all be there!

An international platform The international element was also one of the objectives back in the days of Europarket. In this respect, however, EFWEX 2016 is going flat out. Those abroad have their eyes on us and vice versa. Many international companies now regard Belgium as a ‘gateway’ to the wider continent of Europe. You can’t get any more central! It’s no wonder that the major European institutions and a number of global organisations such as NATO are based in Belgium. Logistically, our country has outstanding facilities! Four airports, the main one in Brussels; a location and traffic infrastructure which have given the country a major transit function. Then there are the sea ports at Antwerp, the second biggest in Europe, and Ghent-Bruges, a logistical wonder. The international profile was a conscious choice from the very beginning made by the organisers of EFWEX and a number of leading players from the sector. A choice which will become more and more prominent for the forthcoming edition. The testimonies of various exhibitors have shown particularly how important the Benelux market is for suppliers from the neighbouring countries.

That’s good, isn’t it?

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The entire sector will be in the ‘hall’.

The opening of EFWEX 2016 will give both organisers and exhibitors the feeling that their film is in its preliminary showing. Such an event is surely always something to which cinema fans amongst us look forward to eagerly. Some of them even feel the tension whilst they wait. Who will come through the doors once the ribbon of Hall 8 is cut? Everyone! We’re going for a ‘full auditorium’, to stick with the film language. Visitors to the only specialist flooring trade fair will include just about everyone who operates professionally in the sector. A colourful company of interested parties who are looking for some beneficial links and the latest novelties. Amongst others, EFWEX 2016 will be welcoming parquet traders, floor fitters, joiners, landscape gardeners, architects, manufacturers, importers, distributors, interior architects, building contractors and promoters, project developers, timber traders, parquet wholesalers, floor specialists, parquet retailers, interior and total designers, designers, decorators, terrace fitters, swimming pool constructors, garden architects and designers, and landscape architects. And, yes, we might have forgotten to mention some traders. Our apologies for that, but you’re certainly no less welcome!

you will have an unique and durable product that has many advantages, such as a longer existence.

Alvaket Two machines which every parquet floor fitter should possess: Wolff Vellingfrees for cleaning V-grooves between planks ready for oiling or lacquering the white wood again. Compact, ergonomic, and very efficient! Saves at least 70% and yields a better result than sandpapering the grooves manually. A milling plane of 13cm. Depth: 0 to 5mm. 1,500W and 8,000 rpm.

Frank Gecko Star: A perfectly balanced and ergonomic edge sander, available with a long or short ‘beak’. A sound and powerful 1,800W motor, 4,200 rpm. LED light fitted low on the machine.

Archi Wood

The figures once again?

2014 was an outstanding year - The big names from the sector were present as exhibitors.

- More than 3,500 professional visitors came on scouting missions.

- In 2014, 16% of the visitors were from outside Belgium.

- EFWEX 2014 was awarded a satisfaction score of 75% by visitors and exhibitors.

- The show guarantees three days of intensive business links.

- Admission for visitors is free provided that they register in advance.

- The catering, a new and fresh range of drinks and snacks, is free!

- Free Internet access.

2016 will be a great success How could it be otherwise? A bigger hall is one thing, but it’s also full! This year, there are more exhibitors in more sectors and bigger stands. Everything leads us to assume that the event will be a success. Our expectations are high. Yet we’re convinced that we’re still underestimating what’s on the way. We’re flexing our muscles!

A word from the exhibitors: Abetech

Aspecta

For over 30 years now, Abetech specializes in the manufacture of abrasives and products for renovation, maintenance and soil treatments (parquet, wooden floors, concrete,…).

We put our experience and know-how acquired over the years, serving professionals to advise you the best way possible.

Our full range of products and our own making workshop provide you flexibility and answer to your issues.

Albert Chapel Albert Chapel is a visual artist. His work includes designing floors , carpets, furniture, wall art and fashion which are made out of natural materials such as wood, iron, leather, concrete and metal.

If you choose a design by Albert Chapel,

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NÖVLEK® and HardWood Clip® are the brands by Archi Wood, a modern company that designs and manufactures highly efficient products for the construction of wood decks and cladding. NÖVLEK® products are developed by experts to stand the test of time but to make the life easier for users. Permanent innovation as well as uncompromising requirements allow to constantly improve the performance of products. HardWood Clip® is the most advanced and efficient hidden fastening system for wood decks on the market thanks to exclusive and outstanding technical properties. Patented, HardWood Clip® is the only hidden fastening system to have received an Agrément Technique ATG and to have been the subject of a technical evaluation vouching for its compliance with the requirements of standard NF DTU 51.4 on fastenings for decking boards.

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Aspecta products are sold exclusively by Roommade (the Netherlands) and Contesse (Belgium). They supply high-quality LVT floors with specialised collections for both the commercial and private market. Aspecta supplies a vast diversity in designs varying from traditional plank designs and tile looks to a collection of abstract designs. Top layers of 0.55mm and 0.7mm thick make it possible to fit Aspecta floors in the most intensively used rooms under extensive guarantee conditions. Aspecta presented these floors for the first time worldwide in January, and now the company is presenting this LVT collection with a revolutionary subfloor (ISOCORE™) for the first time at a show in the Benelux (EFWEX at Ghent, Belgium). You are most welcome to visit their stand (hall 8, no. 8339).

Balterio

An investment of more than EUR 20 million enabled Balterio to launch two new collections that are digitally developed and manufactured: PURE WOOD and TRAFFIC. The digital printing line brings huge opportunities for development of designs and colours and offers extremely high resistance.

Pure Wood brings the finest wood decors in a collection of 18 colours with a real “wood sensation” and a new V-groove.

Traffic is Balterio’s digital collection for the commercial sector with AC6/Class33 wear and impact resistance. It’s supplied in an 8 mm standard plank (190.5x1261 mm) in 11 commercial designs and colours. The separate ‘ARCHITECT@ZFWEX’ booth is fitted with the new ‘Traffic’ top floor from Balterio.

B-Fix

After the close of a highly promising Domotex Hanover trade fair, and after attracting various major projects at the start of the year, B-Fix is pleased to be able to have an exquisite stand during EFWEX! B-Fix, which will have its stand around the central section of the show, will treat you proudly to its new stand and new graphic line.

The show is also the opportunity to introduce you to a new and very useful line of accessories for professionals! Make sure you look us up on page 2 of your Floor Forum magazine and take part in our loyalty action!

wonder given the reassurance of local support staff in each country, and products consistently manufactured to the highest standards. Quality that has been our trademark for over 60 years.

Every day, to make sure that your wood is the most beautiful flooring on the market, our team works to develop even more effective products with the greatest possible respect for the environment.

With our ongoing development of innovative products, Blanchon offers the trade all the answers for perfect wood flooring.

Bona

Bringing out the best in wooden floors – it’s a lifetime commitment Bona is a world leading innovator with a unique system for wooden floors. We are able to offer lasting, sustainable results for professionals and floor owners. Bona possesses a total concept for wooden floors: levelling compounds, adhesives, finishes, sanding machines, abrasives and floor care products. Since established in 1919, we are now, through subsidiaries and distributors, present in more than 70 different countries. Bona can offer you the suitable expertise, a perfect service and a professional technical support.

Bostik A sound base for a splendid floor or wall

Bijlard International

Bijlard International is a Dutch maker of adhesives for the professional market and was formed in 1956. It is very much a family business in which quality, service, and client-friendliness are the norm. Specially for the parquet industry they have developed a complete, but conveniently arranged assortment of MS parquet adhesives, levellers, and damp screens. They are launching this range on the market under the name Ankerweld Floor. Ankerweld has been a well known quality trademark in home design and the furniture branch. A trustworthy brand full of innovative products.

Recently, they have introduced the most astute notched trowel, namely the Sqraper®. This tool can scrape buckets almost completely empty and also offers other benefits for floor fitters. www.bijlard.com - info@bijlard.com - tel. 0031-(0)79-3437538

Blanchon EXPERTISE IN WOOD FLOOR FINISHES The Blanchon range of oils, lacquers, stains, ageing agents and fillers are used by wood flooring professionals the world over. Small

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Building professionals are very demanding. This fact has inspired us to develop high quality and durable adhesives and putty for over 125 years now. These are innovative products, which are pleasant to use and yield a really professional result. As an active partner, we like to give you the assurance of a good result and return. Bostik "Wall and floor technology" is one of the assortments of Bostik and offers a high quality total solution for the preparation of substrates and bonding various wall and floor coverings. With extensive professional support, you are assured of a sound base for a splendid wall or floor.

This means all your projects are a success.

Buzon International Buzon Pedestal International SA is the first European manufacturer of screwjack pedestals made of polypropylene and adjustable continuously from 11 to 1120 mm. Our pedestals can bear loads of 800 kg/pedestals and are specially designed for the construction of terraces accessible, pedestrian areas, paths, gardens on the roof, technical

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floors, etc. They can be placed directly on any type of waterproofing membrane, over insulation (inverted roof) or on any stable ground for wood decking, WPC decking or wood tiles, etc.

Condor Rustiek Parket

Chêne de l’est CHÊNE DE L'EST is a family company, specialist in solid and engineered French oak hardwood flooring.

All stages of our woodflooring manufacturing, from the logs to the finished product ready to lay, are made in our workshops which is for you a real quality guarantee.

Our clients are very sensitive to our 100% french know-how and interesting in the French products and production. Our expertise and craftsmanship allow us to produce hardwood floors with unique textures and colors in Smoked, Antique…. We also propose paterns in Chevrons, Herringbone, Versailles, which have a big success.

Condor old wooden floors is the brandname of the sawmill of Puget, France, specialized in cutting of French oak to the most exclusive wooden floors. The company is operational for more than 15 years in the neighborhood of Verdun and was taken over in 2012 by Mr Joris Ide. The entire production process of selection, sawing, drying and processing to wooden floors, storage and distribution, is done in-house in the branches of Puget (France) and Hatrival (Belgium) so we can guarantee the quality and service provided. On international scale we are looking for new B/B opportunities and partners for oak shelfs and wooden floors.

Deckwise® International

Ciranova

For more then 80 years, CIRANOVA’s knowledge and expertise has established our reputation in the field of treatment and maintenance products for wooden floors and exterior wood. Thanks to our complete range, Ciranova is a leading supplier for the parquet layer and industrial parquet supplier. After a successful launch of the new 1-coat oil UN1CO and the invisible waterbased PU-oil OCULTO, Ciranova has developed a new lacquer-range : FORTICO. FORTICO is a high performance, waterbased, polyurethane lacquer for the protection of parquet and suitable for floors submitted to high traffic and is developed using the latest technologies. FORTICO is extremely scratch resistant, has anti-slip properties and provides a superior protection for all wooden floors.

We hope to welcome you on our stand N°8811 in Hall 8.

For free entrance tickets, please register yourself on the website www.efwex.eu

CSP Engineering

Deckwise® International is the European source for Deckwise® products, which are distributed across Europe. You may already be familiar with our products, which we manufacture under the brand names Ipe Clip®, Deckwise®, Hardwood Wrench™, and Ipe Oil™.

Deckwise® is one of the world leaders in the fabrication of products for terraces, backed up by more than 20 years’ experience, and known as a specialist in manufacturing solutions for the construction and renovation of terraces by the industry and the professional market.

Decovan Machines

Decovan Machinery offers, as distributor of high quality brands, solutions regarding dust-free working and surface treatment for virtually any surface. The range is aimed at professional users of pneumatic tools (needle scalers, chisel hammers and scabblers), scarifiers and grinding machines (for concrete, asphalt, tags, ...), carpet strippers, single disc machines, industrial vacuum cleaners and air purifiers, and even dust shrouds which can be matched with almost every angle grinder. Visit us at the fair and see what's new in the assortment!

Den Braven On the booth 8804 de CSP Engineering you have the opportunity to become acquainted with our newest development : the PAR-Filler® This innovating technology makes it possible to fill automatically knots and cracks in the surface of wood flooring boards.

Next to PAR-Filler you can visit our booth for: - PAR-Duo®: production of two-layer parquet - PAR-Scan® : measuring, labeling and packaging - Solutions for automatization Visit our booth for a personnel conversation about our machines!

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Has specialised in the production of high quality ISO certified sealants, adhesives, foams and technical aerosols for use in the construction industry as well as for a variety of industrial applications. Having experienced strong growth, the company has established itself as market leader in numerous

countries. You can find us under our own brand names such as Den Braven, Zwaluw, Hercuseal and Tectane or under the labels of our private label partners.

For adhering wooden floors Den Braven offers different durable adhesive technologies that differ in viscosity and packaging options. Den Braven also has solutions for sealing and repairing wooden floors!

D.E.S.

D.E.S. is a professional distributor of top-quality drilling, cutting and sawing equipment for the construction industry and industry in general. The business manager, Mr Geert Herreman, has broad experience in the sales sector. He therefore perfectly understands your technical questions and problems and offers you the appropriate tools. They are delivered for free from stock within 24 hours all over East and West Flanders. At prices beyond competition!

Unique in Belgium: we sell our solid cable reel with free printed neoprene cable (40 m)! The ideal solution to avoid theft on the construction site!

Design Parquet Manufacturer of solid and engineered wood flooring, Design Parquet respond to all your customized requests

DL Chemicals

For more than 80 years now, DL Chemicals produces adhesives and sealants for the professional market. In this time an excellent knowhow was acquired. The extensive product range contains also a complete range of products for the parquet: from primers to adhesives and all necessary accessories. Thanks to daily research and development DL Chemicals keeps on innovating. The parquet range was completely renewed and extended with new parquet adhesives, a solvent free primer and a glue comb for the application of a moisture barrier. Come and discover our complete range on our stand!

Duthoo

Duthoo with head office in Zwevegem (B) specialize in wood treatment products using natural ingredients like sunflower oil, soya oil, linseed oil, and thistle oil. At EFWEX, the Duthoo Wood Oil assortment based on natural oils and waxes will be on show. The oil penetrates deep into the wood and protects it on the inside. The wax forms a resilient and porous surface and protects the wood on the outside. Forget the time-consuming sandpapering. The treated surfaces can be freshened up at any time quite simply. There’s no need to apply oil to the entire surface again.

De Somer

Thanks to an ultra-modern factory Design Parquet relies on its recognized knowledge and advanced technologies to create unique wood flooring solutions; varnished and oiled finishing, with special aspects, suitable for more than 50 species of wood from oak to exotic wood (teak, wenge…) and hardwood (walnut, maple…), Design Parquet gives you endless possibilities in creating your perfect floor.

Whether it is solid or Loft Pro, plank, special panel or chevron, everyone finds something to their taste.

DevoNatural® Professional Parquet Products

De Somer specialises in materials for interior decoration. During EFWEX we introduce a unique collection of wooden wall coverings, which we distribute exclusively in Belgium. The Siente collection includes boards, mosaics and slates with 3D effect in different types of wood. The natural and warm appearance of real wood gives interiors a special touch. Our authentic Barnwood boards fit perfectly in this story. De Somer also distributes Unilin’s ClicWall and we offer a wide choice of laminate and parquet floors.

Edelholz

Full range of environmentally friendly products for coloring, finishing and maintenance of wooden floors DevoNatural® "professional parquet products" meet the highest demands in terms of parquet treatment. Uncompromising quality for products made with the best raw materials and the latest technologies.

DevoNatural® follows the newest trends in interior design with original colors and contemporary finishes! www.devonatural.be

The main mission of Edelholz is to produce high quality solid oak flooring. The excellent quality, the large raw material stock and the ability to deliver both smal and large quantities with a short production term are its key strenghts. The Hungarian parquet manufacturer also produces 3-layer engineered flooring with all 3

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layers made of oak, also called ’3-layer solid oak’.

Edelholz will show solid oak chateau planks of 6 m length and 40 cm width. Due to the advanced profiling thechnology, they can produce this type of product on a level equal to the profiling quality of a 10 cm solid wood flooring. Also on display are the herringbone and chevron wooden flooring.

Emco Benelux Recycled thread in new Emco CONFORM clean zone Emco Benelux is a top class specialist in clean zones, aluminium door mats, and carpet mats.

In order to meet everyone’s aesthetic needs, Emco has further extended its clean zones with six new series. In all, Emco now offers 11 exclusive clean zones, 10 for indoors and one for outdoors. The new ECONYL thread is used for some of these new series, including the CONFORM series. This new thread consists of 100% recycled material.

Emco also has underlay mats, edge profiles and mats, and the CONFORM design series for staircase steps.

Emfi EMFI presents the EMFIPARQUET PRO PLUS, which has been proving its quality and efficiency on all construction sites for a few years now. It is a hybrid polymer, which does not contain solvents, silicones, or isocyanates. It is suitable for bonding all types of parquet of large size. Its high resistance to humidity and temperature variation make this adhesive particularly suitable for use with floor heating. They also have the range for small-size and engineered solid wood, the EMFIPARQUET ECO PRO, also ranked A + and + EC1R.

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Eterno Ivica

Eterno Ivica is working for over 60 years in the construction market, distinguishing by the high degree of specialization and innovation of its proposed solutions. The wide range of products, designed and produced entirely in Italy, is divided into 8 lines and includes: support for raised flooring, substructures for outdoor flooring, accessories for waterproofing, service and products for acoustic insulation.

Eterno Ivica awaits you with news from the world of outdoor raised floors, with the lines Pedestal and Woodeck.

EuroTec

EuroTec GmbH is a medium-sized company in the field of fastening technology and specialising in deck construction. One of the company’s large product groups is adjustable feet, which were developed specifically for wood-/WPC-deck boards and large-format floor slabs and achieve assembly heights of 2.2 to 60 cm. The adjustable feet are made of a sturdy, weather-resistant hard plastic and can carry loads of up to 800 kg/foot. They can be positioned on any compacted subsoil and form the perfect foundation for durable, sturdy and even decking.

Felix Clercx Felix Clercx BV is 125 years old! Through a combination of its proven marketing strategy and insight into the need for distinctive and innovative products, Felix Clercx remains one of the healthiest companies in the industry. As a result of this, and thanks to a modern and sustainable international operational management and thanks to its loyal dealers, the family business Felix Clercx celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. Would you like to become a partner or are you curious about their programme? If so, you can contact them via (+31)(0)492531944 or sales@felixwood.nl You can find the entire programme on www.felixclercx.com

Flamingo Parket

hent BE - G 05 86 Booth

Flamingo Parket B.V. is a manufacturer and wholesale company which started in 1967 on the Dutch market, and since 1985 also is focussed on the foreign markets. The purchase of raw fresh sawn timber, drying, production and finishing of the floors is done in our two factories in Barneveld, the Netherlands and in Dömitz in Solcamastraat 25, 9262 ND, Sumar, The Netherlands +31 512 510035 | info@trivec.eu | www.trivec.eu

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Germany. In this way, Flamingo Parket not only can produce very competitive, but also is very flexible.

Today the 70 enthusiastic employees of Flamingo Parket weekly produce 6,000 m² of parquetflooring. Amongst other products we will show our beautiful Raftwood Collection at the EFWEX 2016, Gent, Belgium, standnr: 8704. We are looking forward to meet you there!

Flamingo Parket, your partner in custom-made services!

FSC The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a global, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management. The FSC label guarantees that a timber product is coming from well managed forests that are managed according to strict social, environmental and economic criteria. Worldwide around 190 million ha of forests are FSC certified and over 50.000 company sites have FSC certification. The availability of FSC certified timber products is continuously rising. At the booth of FSC Belgium, you can get information on certification and the opportunities this can bring.

Specialist in wood surface treatment products

Gascogne Bois Gascogne Bois positioned itself as a timber specialist in the home through a wide range of expertise and products; decorative paneling and flooring to siding, through molding and finishing accessories. Gascogne Bois is still a reference on the market for solid wood furnishings.

Gasccogne Bois offers attractive products, qualitative, innovative and environmentally friendly (PEFC and FSC) in two brands: IMBERTY® deco paneling and solid wood flooring; HYLOR®, cladding and decking and solid wood derivatives.

dutchy qualit

Feel the comfort van de echte (hard)wasolie

Hamat In recent decades, Hamat BV has grown into a leading supplier of doormats. Moreover, this company in Genemuiden has developed increasingly into a producer. Hamat has the right solution for every entry area, since Hamat has everything under one roof. The customised work and the innovative products ensure that Hamat is the top address for indoor and outdoor doormats and also the top address for rugs, stair mats, and grass and natural carpet. The company has a product line for each entry area. The Hamat range is geared to market needs in each country.

of our products

Hanssens Limited Hanssens Ltd is specialized in the production and export of engineered oak floors and oak interior doors in China to Belgium and France. In 6 years Hanssens Ltd has build-up a strong production base. Starting from the importation of suitable oak logs from Europe, to the optimal sawing and correct drying of the oak in the saw mill until the well-chosen factories that have a professional set-up with first rate machines. Because of this Hanssens Ltd can offer you qualitative parket floors and doors at competitive prices.

Hoebeek

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Hoebeek is a producer of solid wood products for indoor & outdoor. More than 110 years of experience and know-how make Hoebeek a dependable trendsetter on the European market thanks to its creativity, respect for ecological processes and continuous innovations. Our floors,

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hent BE - G 27 87 Booth

T +31 (0)493 496 760 www.vesting.nl

moves your heart.

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doors, exterior cladding & decking profiles are used as well in the project market as in the private market. Scoop on the show are some new products, which Hoebeek will launch in the coming months. Highlight on wooden floors and wall cladding in red cedar, thermo pine and exotics. Brands: Hoebeek - Ardento by Hoebeek - Fraser Wood Cladding

Hout De Groote Hout De Groote Nv. is the Specialist concerning Siberian Larchwood.

With a continuous stock of 25.000 m ³ dried larch in various qualities and sections, own drying rooms and a modern planing mill we have also many possibilities for producing various cladding.

Our customers know that the Larch with us is "guaranteed dry".

This ensures that we export our Larch worldwide. Not only for the cladding but also for Plank Flooring in Siberian larch from our own production in various widths and qualities you can contact us.

Kaneka

KANEKA MS PolymerTM is a liquid polymer combining the positive properties from silicones and polyurethanes without using solvents and isocyanates. Over the years this combination has led to an expansive growth in the European sealants and adhesives market.

Through continuous innovation Kaneka has created a broad portfolio of polymers which are applied in numerous flexible and hard adhesives for parquet, vinyl flooring, wood, … New polymer technologies have recently been developed and will be presented at EFWEX. Share your dream with Dreamology company Kaneka. We will realize it through Science!

Lalegno

Impertek

Since 2001 Impertek has its head office and production in Ceggia, in province of Venice, Italy. Starting from 1985 Giacomini Family, thanks to his thirty-year experience is reality of the Made in Italy.

Since 2008 the flagship of Impertek is the production of adjustable supports for outdoor raised floorings. A versatile and complete system to solve all problems regarding external floorings. A full range of solutions that can suit most situations on-site, enabling to select the best solution according to the type of floor to lay, whether it is made of wood, composite wood, ceramic, marble or granite.

The Lalegno collection that will be presented is one that you must see! No less than 27 new and trendy wooden floors are proposed, each with a contemporary colour palette and with a high standard of finish. Striking are undoubtedly the new floors of the AntiqCollection, a series of engineered oak floors, subtly antiqued using different aging techniques. Besides, the latest Lalegno floors were outstandingly popular during Domotex Hannover earlier this year.

Those who didn’t get a chance to view for example, the GRENACHE, the PAUILLAC, the MORGON or the PESSAC, are very welcome in Lalegno booth 8335.

Lamett

Inpa Parket

INPA Parket is a Dutch company with offices in Paraguay and Bolivia (South America). INPA import, export, and manufacture parquet and floorboards for over 40 years. They take care of the entire process themselves, from extracting the wood to delivering the end product.

From their headquarters at Bergen op Zoom (NL) they sell and supply directly almost all products to Europe, America, and Japan.

Large volumes are supplied directly from the parquet factory in Paraguay. Apart from the South American wood sorts from their (FSC certified) forests in Bolivia and Paraguay, they supply European wood sorts (PEFC approved).

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Lamett, the flooring specialist, has more than 10 years experience in the production of oak parquet floors. During the fair Lamett focuses on the showpiece: the Courchevel collection. The top layer, the birch plywood support as well as the complex and warm colors are of a very high level. This grandeur is accentuated by the extra wide (22cm or 26cm) planks and lengths up to 2.5 m! For a unique 360° experience, you'll find an innovative room planner on the Lamett website. Use a google cardboard for maximum effect!

Lecol Lecol is enjoying a period of renewal, and that will be clearly visible at EFWEX. During the show, they will be highlighting their innovative character with a number of very interesting new products. Think here of the attractive new colour floor oil, a unique invisible 2-coat

(!) parquet lacquer, and an MS adhesive for glueing PVC. They have also reinforced their team in Belgium with a new representative for East and West Flanders. In short, reason enough to visit them at stand 8223!

Ligneo Ligneo® Living Floors. In harmony with nature.

Ligneo’s concept is unique in the sector. At Ligneo, finishing the parquet floorboards is done completely by hand, in our own workshop, according to a specific traditional process. The pores of the wood remain open, the wood continues to breathe. That way the parquet floor retains a naturally vivid look. A Ligneo floor feels exceptionally natural and is very user-friendly. You can also come to us for colour finishes tailored to your wishes and wood for interior applications according to your customer’s needs.

At Ligneo quality comes before quantity!

Traffic

LoCra

Progelit facade and gutter cladding (FSC® mark) Progelit is a facade and gutter cladding with over 50 years’ warranty, constructed from Medite Tricoya®, an extremely durable MDF. Medite Tricoya® has been proven to possess superior dimensional stability and durability, even under extreme weather conditions. www.progelit.be Lignodur terrafina®patio decking The extremely high-quality Lignodur terrafina® system really stands out from other patio systems.

The greatest advantage of Lignodur terrafina® lies in its unique assembly system. www.terrafina.be

Lime Lime Alternative Supplier, a supplier of environmentally friendly construction products, is offering alternative solutions to traditional tropical woods for decking and cladding, by

new!

The smart solution for offices, retail & hospitality Traffic is the smart floor for commercial areas. This high traffic laminate floor is designed for spaces with intensive use and continues to look good for a lifetime.

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8 mm, 1261 x 190,5 mm, Flat AC6 class 33, Antistatic*, ClickXpress * Tests pending

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recovery or reuse of materials, combining mechanical and aesthetic qualities.

The composite decking boards from Lime have the following properties: - their manufacturing (combining natural wood fibers with polyethylen) in order to obtain a reinforced composite material resistant to humidity.

- Their B-Fix Premium profile : that gives the impression that boards are fixed against each other while the spacing between them allows the necessary dilatation

Mapo Belgium WOOD… YES!

NPT Srl

NPT srl is an adhesive and sealant manufacturer based in Italy, NPT srl develops and produce high performance adhesives and sealants since 20 years. Our goal is to offer innovative, advance technological solutions to meet the needs of the global marketplace. Besides traditional parquet glue: 2 comp Pu, 1 comp PU, MS - hybride Glue, NPT developed the unique Ecological parquet glue ECOSIMP®FLOORING: The first silane adhesive that are both methanol and tin-free. ECOSIMP®FLOORING does not contain or release any substance harmful to health and environment.

Objectflor Art und Design Belags GmbH

Wood… perfectly protected? YES! Wood... with a superior finish quality ? YES! Wood... nicely pre-finished through a flexible and friendly customer service? YES! Your partner for the treatment of wood: MAPO? YES, of course!

Decorative and protective treatment of wooden flooring, cladding, decking and accessories.

Fire retardant treatment of wood products.

Miva Parket Miva is for the first time exhibitor at EFWEX. This is the moment for us to promote our new finishings in parquet and claddings. For parquet finishings there is a complete range of ‘driftwood colours’. A big success stays the ‘Invisible effect’ which Miva can offer in hardwaxoil and varnish. Miva has heavily invested in a production line for the finishing of claddings. We try to meet the same innovation in claddings as we do in parquet finishings. This leads to state of the art finishings on which we can give a maximum of 10 year warranty.

Nobel Flooring (formerly Houtambacht Flooring) Nobel Flooring is a family-run business and Belgian manufacturer of ready-made French Oak engineered wood flooring. Your customers can configure their own wood floors according to their taste and budget. They can choose from either plain-sawn or quarter-sawn timber, six grades of oak, widths from 10 to 30 cm, various types of ageing and treatment, and a wide range of stains and protective coatings. The plank have variable lengths from 2 to 3.5 m.

Along with standard plank floors, we offer floorboards with widths up to 34 cm and lengths up to 8 m. Engineered wood floors can be laid in various patterns, including herringbone and Hungarian point.

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Objectflor Art und Design Belags GmbH is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of resilient flooring for the commercial and private sectors. The company based in Cologne offers a wide variety of attractive collections in the LVT Design Flooring, Technical Vinyl Flooring and Rubber Flooring ranges. Independent product development ensures the high quality and sophisticated design of the flooring.

Specialities: shopfitting, healthcare sector, public buildings, hotels, housing

Oosterlinck NV – GREENPARKET

With its modern machinery and high skilled staff, Oosterlinck has become a major player on the Belgian parquet market. The company produces almost everything by itself, ranging from solid wood floors in traditional 9 mm (Old Flemish Style) to wooden floors in 14 and 21 mm. Herringbone and Hungarian point are also included in the range. For five years now, the company has been making its own engineered flooring in both oak and exotic species up to 280 mm wide.The entire production process takes place on the company’s own premises and comprises sawing toplayers, gluing, planing ... All floors are offered either unfinished or finished (5 collections), including distressed. 80 % of the production is sold in Belgium, the rest is exported to the Netherlands, France and Great-Britain.

Oosterlinck sells its flooring under the brandname “Greenparket”.

EFWEX stand 8843 – www.oosterlinck-hout.be – 0032 51657541

Osmo Wood meets colour Natural wood finishes for the interior are the focus of the presentation of Osmo Holz und Color GmbH & Co. KG at the EFWEX 2016.

Osmo presents along with clear wood finishes also numerous products for the coloured treatment of wooden flooring, but also for walls, furniture and ceilings. In live demonstrations, the simple

application of Osmo products is shown, for example the use of the new hardener for the Oil Stain and the colouration of a wooden floor. A further emphasis is placed on the topic of the care and cleaning of wood surfaces. Visitors can find Osmo at Stand 8218.

designs. WFR® (Wall Floor Roof) manufactured intelligent timber structures customised to suit the joiner. I-beams with incorporated roof pitch, innovative rigid jointing systems save time and increase the ease and speed of building. Applications: flat or pitched roofs, timber annexes, etc.

Overmat

EFWEX 2016 is an important trade fair for Parket Kerkhofs.

It’s the only professional parquet show for the Benelux in 2016. Their stand is located in the vicinity of the central bar and they are presenting their solid parquet floors and customised work such as style panels, herringbones, Hungarian point, and so on. Also new and highly exclusive are the reclaimed floors with top layers both in and outside of old beams, old stages, barns, bridges, wagon floors, etc. There are also some composite floors with top layers in various wood sorts, thicknesses, patterns, and other by-products, which they also offer as a wholesaler.

Overmat will present the latest Floorservice products, including a complete range of UV hardening oil.

These VOC-free finishing products are fully cured directly after exposure to UV-lamps.

Within the Floorservice Prime Design range, six new primer-products are developed; Prime Stains.

The Prime Stains are suitable for mechanical application by either spray- or roller-coater. The result is an endless scale of new finishing possibilities.

For manual use Floorservice will present Hardwax-oil 2K. A VOC-free finishing product that cures very fast and is mechanical and chemical accessible after 24 hours. The product of choice on floors that have to be fully operational in no time.

Overmat will also present an extensive range of scarifying and grinding machinery, all suitable for preparation and finishing of your parquet- and wooden flooring.

Houtmagazijn Verdonckt

Parketfabbriek Lieverdink

Parket Kerkhofs

2 contemporary and innovative solutions in wood on 1 stand: Outdoor Wood Concepts® (nature, design & innovation) specialises in providing contemporary and innovative solutions in wood for use outdoors: wall cladding (including Free Willy®, Woodface®, etc.), decking and garden screens. This enables us to create architectural added value in wall and deck

Hall E1 · Stand E1 C01 DOMOTEX asia ChinaFloor 22.–24.03 · Shanghai

Parquet Factory Lieverdink is a manufacturer of Tapis 6 mm and 9 mm Burgundy in 40 species. Naturally special patterns as Versailles, Hungarian point and herringbone. Also all possible disstressed and colored floors, specially Grigio, Sherazade and Pastis, a complete range of trendy colors of the moment! Our tapis sizes of 70, 90, 120 and 140 mm are also providing two layers from our own production,

STAIR NOSING PROFILE 845 · Easy to install · Insertion for floors and carpets up to 3 mm · Decor matching or contrast on stair nosings with the same or different coverings · Suitable for advertisement or indications on stairs with our digital-printing technology 19 Floor Forum International 80 www.kueberit.com

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Q2 floors are tongue and groove and have a top layer of 4 mm to 9 mm Birch Plywood. Available in stripes, herringbone / block and Hungarian point. Come visit us at booth 8653!

Rigo Verffabriek

Primaverde Primaverde means clean and safe work. We specialise in protective cover materials for floors and stairs and dustproof screen walls.

Floor professionals who want to work dust-free and produce floors and stairs with no damage will choose one of the following products: - Permafix cover materials - Floorguard cover materials - Prima Cover cover materials - Curtain-Wall dust-free protective systems.

Our products include Permafix Floorguard 1120 and Permafix Floorguard Evapo. These cover coatings allow the floor to breathe and can even be laid on floors which have just been laid or treated.

RIGO Verffabriek is a Dutch family business which has been developing and producing paint and lacquer products since 1938.

With the trademarks Rigo Step, Skylt and Royl, Aquamaryn, Evert King, and RIGO Wall Styling, RIGO Verffabriek has an extensive range of finishes for wood, walls, floors, and paintwork in and outdoors.

They are the only producer in the Netherlands with their own laboratory where they’ve been developing waterborne parquet lacquers and natural floor oils for over 35 years.

Rubio Monocoat RUBIO MONOCOAT PROUDLY PRESENTS RUBIO EASYBOND

Rectavit

Rectavit continues to surprise with innovative adhesives, e.g.: Diluent-free adhesive for resilient floor covering such as PVC tile, cushion vinyl and LVT tile: Rectavit 263.

Fiber-reinforced 255 Fibertech parquet adhesive for installation of even wider floorboards without deformation. The parquet can sooner be walked upon and sanded.

1009 FloorSpray: sprayable contact adhesive for textile floor covering with jute-, felt- and actionback backing. Ideal for draping staircases. Extremely strong, sprayable contact adhesive for bonding of leather, cork, foam rubber, rubber, furniture covering and textile: 1069 PowerSpray.

Repex

REPEX FLOOR has manufactured sanding machines since 1946. At EFFWEX, REPEX FLOOR launches The Cyclone’s heavy sander. A robustness machine (2200W or 3000W) which emits less dust (0.79mg/m³!) than a machine links to industrial vacuum-cleaner Dust particles bigger than 5 microns are separated in a cyclone and retained in a disposable plastic bag. This bag is replaced without exposing people to dust particles. Dust particles smaller than 5 microns are absorbed into a double-walled filter bag with a capacity equivalent to one working day. It can be dismantled in four parts and uses budget-friendly disposable.

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Rubio Monocoat is proudly introducing the newest member of its family, Rubio Easybond. Rubio Easybond is a new generation of single component parquet adhesive based on silane-polymer technology. This parquet adhesive is universally applicable for nearly all types of wood and situations, and contains no plasticizers and is hard-elastic – two characteristics that result in a durable parquet adhesive, which fulfils virtually all recognised norms and tests, including the latest ISO 17178 standard. Rubio EasyBond consists of a complete range of primers, levelling compounds and tools for preparing the substrate. From preparation of the substrate to finishing the parquet, you don’t have to think twice. With Rubio Monocoat, you can get everything done. Visit us in Hall 8 at Stand 8321 and discover for yourself the difference that Rubio Easybond makes.

Rybell sales / Amab MS Dis Integrated systems for a complex wood industry

Rybell Sales (Belgium) & AMAB (France), are offering you total solutions for your production. We are supplying a seamless integration of several machine from any manufacturer, also your existing equipment, according to the general CE rules, with the most actual control technology, such as planing, moulding, sawing, cross cutting, ripping edging, finger jointing, gluing, scraping (mechanical aging), stacking, destacking, feeding, … . We have our own control software for controlling any brand of moulders and double end profilers with a data collecting of the production process.

Scheucher The manufacturer of wooden floors Scheucher will present its two- and three-layer parquet flooring in about 20 wood types, each with up to five grades available in various dimensions. Scheucher will also show its new trend collection “Elevation”. The Austrian company sells its floors in more than 45 countries throughout the world and has an own research department, where new ideas and innovations are quickly tested and implemented, thus flexibility is one of Scheucher’s strengths. The highest precision in production is another strength of Scheucher Parkett, as well as the offer of FSC and PEFC certified wooden flooring.

contact sound insulation of ∆Lin10 dBa or higher,and Lw 21 or more, all this under stress condiitions, in accordance with the standards EN ISO10140 and 717/2NL. Other versions such as ALZ and NS also reduce the walking sound considerably.

SPEMI ® WV and DuoAct are materials based on XPS with a density of about 100kg/m³ and a limited thickness of about 1.7mm and are designed for floating PVC laminate and LVT. Due to there mechanical strength the click joint is put under less stress and is therefore less likely to crack. With its limited built-in thickness, they are suitable for floor heating and cooling. Due to the micro-perforation there is no extra vapour barrier. The products are supplied on sheets of 50/100cm and are handily packed per 16 m².

TANTUM QUERCUS

Select Wood International High Quality Flooring SelectWood, established in 1996, is a Dutch hardwood flooring company that provides high quality bespoke hardwood flooring, to distributors, wholesalers and retailers. Specializing in naturally Visit Select Wood International at EFWEX hal 8 Booth 8808 achieved colours and supplying turnkey flooring project services worldwide.

- Solid and engineered flooring up to 340 mm wide and 3900 mm long - Authentic aged flooring - Versailles panels, Herringbone and Chevron - Worldwide sales - FSC- and PEFC-certified

The JSC SPETZKOMPLEKT is a small private company from Russia with the annual output of 120 000 m2 of solid-wood oak floors. The philosophy of the company is reflected in its brand “TANTUM QUERCUS … et nihil amplius”, ( “ONLY OAK and nothing more”) which is actually being successfully promoted among the Russian and European customers. As a producer the company strives both for combining the habits of centuries for high-quality solid-wood flooring production and the wide range of new technological and designer’s facilities capable of satisfying the most delicate demands of the clients.

Tintobois

Solidor Solidor Adjustable Pedestals

Solidor is an extrusion and injection molding company that produces plastic products for the industry and the building sector.

Solidor has developed since 1978 an adjustable pedestal/support for decking or concrete tiles. The adjustable pedestals can be adjusted anywhere from 1 cm to 100 cm and provide extremely high load capacity. By using Solidor pedestals, you can quickly and easily adjust the height of a wooden floor. Because of the use of the pedestals the decking can dry quickly. A number of accessories can be ordered and its range is already a step ahead of other systems.

SPEA SPEMI® is the trademark of the company SPEA bvba, which specialises in laminating PE foam and transforming XPS foams.

SPEA subfloors, such as HD/HDR/DuoAct/FE, are known for their efficient

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Tintobois is a small company who specialise in finishing wood flooring. The processes of ageing, coloring and protecting the wood all happens in our own workshop. Tintobois is focused on working closely with (interior) architects, parquet installers, wood traders and individual clients. A personal approach, flexibility and customer service are our speciality. The choice of finishing is decided and agreed together with the client, taking into account their personal taste, budget and interior. Tintobois is headed by a women with great feeling for color and a passion for quality. Tintobois is sometimes brave, sometimes audacious and always long-lasting!

Tip-Top Schuurmaterialen Tip-Top Schuurmaterialen offers a wide range of sanding belts, sanding discs, and sanding iron filings of the brands Mirka Ultimax, Awuko, Norton, and Joest. For one year now, Tip-Top has also been a dealer for CIRANOVA in the Netherlands and supplies floor pads/polishing pads (including the GS320 sanding-polishing pad).

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Preview EFWEX Ghent (BE)

Thanks to the extensive stock in its own warehouse, Tip-Top can supply most products directly to parquet traders in the Netherlands at competitive prices and within 24 hours. Tip-Top Schuurmaterialen B.V is a subsidiary company of Tip-Top Schuurmaterialen AS, which is a renowned supplier in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The company produces its own lacquer in Denmark and also has a range of machines for parquet floor fitters.

Topfin Being a wood finishing company, Topfin provides the finishing of your wooden flooring and interior or exterior projects. With our modern flexible coating line (rolling, curting or spraying) we treat wooden flooring and baseboards. Finishing large or small orders "custom made" to a perfect parquet is our passion. We have various finishing options: oiling, staining, varnishing, painting, brushing, aging. Exterior: we spray windows, doors, gates, carports, panels, wooden terrace floors,... with transparent or opaque good quality products all around.

We bring wood to life!

Tover For TOVER the EFWEX exhibition will be the perfect opportunity to show a complete, unique and totally innovating range on the market:

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from the laying to the finishing with a lacquer or an oil, with TOVER it is already possible to respect the Belgian law which prohibits the sales to private people of chemicals containing isocyanates, hazardous compound for Health. Silanebased Tovcol MS for Green Building, Tovcol TP2C, two-component epoxy adhesive, solvent-free. Bella, first two-component isocyanate-free varnish and Uniqua, mono-component for high traffic areas; , the hard wax neutral and colored solvent-free oil L’Olio 100%, single-component and mono-coat much resistant to spots.

Unifloor Unifloor Underlay Systems is the expert in floating underlay systems, specialized in acoustic, fast-track dry subfloor preparation.

On the EFWEX exhibition we will further acquaint you with our Jumpax® Family. A spectacular range of fast-track floor prep systems, which offers great savings in time and money. The Jumpax® systems will easily level out most problematic substrates and provide a super smooth finish, ready for the immediate glue down of all types of resilient floor coverings,

carpets and many other finished floor coverings. The Jumpax® systems are exceptionally stable and provide excellent acoustics. All in all, a cost effective solution in preparing problem floors. We would like to welcome you to our stand (8639).

Unipro

Unipro is a subsidiary of the German Group Uzin Utz. Unipro is just like the Uzin Utz Group a leading company in the flooring industry. With the brands UZIN, Pallmann, WOLFF and codex, Unipro offers a complete range for laying, maintaining and renovating all kinds of floor covering, parquet, stones and tiles. Unipro focuses on supporting installers of floor covering and accompanies them on their road to success. This on the basis of close contacts with customers, who are considered partners, and with high quality products and services and the passion of optimization, development and innovation.

Vesting

Vesting develops and produces high-quality wood treatment products, such as waxes, oils, stains, lacquers, outdoor and maintenance products for both the flooring and furniture industry and the restoration and decoration industry. Flexibility, advice, custom-made colours and new techniques are spearheads of the company. Vesting has its own laboratory and production facility in The Netherlands (and since 2015 also in the USA), so quick deliveries and competitive prices are guaranteed. Vesting is the first in the world to manufacture a LED-drying oil for wooden flooring, which will be introduced at the forthcoming EFWEX. This new oil offers a range of benefits compared to existing UV oils. Another reason to visit the trade fair!

Vetedy

Vetedy will be exhibiting its invisible fastening systems for Softline® wooden terraces and for its exterior wooden wall cladding Techniclic®, both well known globally amongst professionals. They will also be presenting some new maintenance solutions: Softclean for terraces and Original, an instantaneous maintenance solution for exterior wall cladding. Professionals from the terrace sector will also be able to discover their new wood sorts, such as Jaya, which has already enjoyed a successful Batimat! Specialists from the wooden exterior wall cladding sector will be able to admire Vetedy’s new thermally treated Ayous wood! You can meet their team at stand 8613.

Wood Experience – Baltic Wood As distributor of Baltic Wood for the Belgian market, Wood Experience is obviously presenting the range of the Polish producer at EFWEX, but adapted to the needs of the Belgian market. This includes three-layer planks of top quality in four different sorts, in set lengths of 2200mm in three widths (148, 182, and 210mm). Apart from the familiar range of finish options (Rubio Monocoat, WOCA, Blanchon, and Hesse), they are also presenting a new collection of colours in collaboration with Miva Parket.

Holzexport: Wood Experience has also recently started selling Holzexport products on the Belgian market. This range (available brut or finished) comprises strips, herringbone, Hungarian point, and all sorts of patterns of the highest quality and will be on show at their stand, together with the XXL range, with planks up to 40cm wide and 5m wide.

Wood Sensation Wood Sensation is a Young dynamic company which is specialised in pure Dutch products.

The Multilayer products, which are produced in Holland, are the main products of wood sensation.

Those flooring can be delivered in several different widths and thicknesses. We also can deliver the Multilayer in herringbone. Off course in different measurements. The big difference is the diversity of our finishing witch are possible at Wood sensation. From an equal white finish till natural finishes. We can produce almost everything.

Because at the moment the flooring is being more part of the interior, we are constantly working on new finishes and colours. Wood Sensation will deliver you a total package of possibility’s in colours, brushing and aging. Wood sensation has his own standard collection in actual colours. Next to the standard collection we can make flooring In different ways. So we can say the floor is produced custom made.

Z-Parket Z-Parket will be launching 4 new colours at EFWEX: Baris, Pharos, Sparta and Myra. These floors are ready-to-use after installation.

They do not require any further treatments. The colours are based on the character of the cities after which they are named. Baris is a dark, warm floor with a deep colour. Pharos is a solid-coloured floor, which varies in colour, depending on who is looking at it. Is it beige or more greenish? A floor full of surprises. Myra is a light-coloured floor that has been kept as natural as possible. Sparta and Myra were developed together.

Sparta is slightly more grey with more depth.

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Floor Forum International 80

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Special

Epoxy moisture screens

EPOXY REMAINS THE MOST RELIABLE DAMP SCREEN THE SYNTHETIC THAT IS FULLY WATER-IMPERMEABLE

Photo – Henkel

I recently read an article by a chemical supplier, which stated that ‘an epoxy damp screen is always safest if there is any doubt about rising damp’. This is a somewhat dubious statement. There’s no such thing as ‘doubt about rising damp’. As we've said so many times before, as far as damp in the construction industry goes, ‘measuring’ is still ‘knowing’. Moisture content is not something you have doubts about; you measure it and you take it into account. That’s it! However, the rest of the quotation is actually quite correct: Epoxy always provides a certain amount of protection against any harmful residual moisture, even though ‘waiting’ is still the best and most reliable strategy.

Without water…

There is no life without water, right? We mention the fundamental role that water plays in numerous materials and applications elsewhere in this edition. The fact that many forms of technology and systems can’t work without water, even if some of them do involve materials that are ‘scared’ of water, such as wood (e.g. a rain barrel without rain or a ship on dry land). Chemistry is no different. You can’t make concrete, mortar, or plaster without water. The dry matter may contain the active substances, but you cannot apply it or spread it without water. The same goes for glues and some types of lacquer. The main function of water in all these applications is to disappear once the material is in place. But, obviously, it should never disappear entirely.

It's all about balance.

Natural water content The atmosphere contains between 50% and 65% moisture, at least in our part of the world, since the ‘normal’ moisture content of the atmosphere varies, depending on proximity to the equator, for example. Wood has a ‘normal’ moisture content of between 7% and 11%, again depending on the type of wood and its origin. The perfect moisture content for cement covering floors is between 2% and 2.5%.

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Much less would be too dry, much more is too wet. If all the moisture were to evaporate from the plaster on a wall, the plaster powder would simply fall off. Any material must, therefore, have a certain moisture content.

Disturbing the balance The balance is disturbed if a material or the atmosphere contains too much or too little moisture. We can experience this personally, for instance, when the air is ‘too dry’, so we get ‘thirsty’ and have a sore throat. Too little moisture in the atmosphere can cause serious damage to furniture and even wooden floors. As for excessive humidity, we have already found out how that can affect wood. Wood therefore needs to have a balanced moisture content and will swell if it contains too much moisture. And that usually means the end of our beautiful wooden floor.

Epoxy for protection An epoxy damp screen is still the best guarantee against any excess residual moisture. Epoxy damp screen can generally be used if the residual moisture content amounts to + 4% to 4.5%, but there are also damp screens for higher moisture content (up to 9%). As a rule, damp screens can be used on the most common subfloors, except anhydrite screeds that are too damp. There are very few reasons not to apply a damp screen to cement covering floors that still contain more than 2.5% residual moisture, concrete floors or existing tiled floors. However, it is crucial that the damp screen is an uninterrupted barrier and a fully closed film. Damp screens are generally applied in two layers if the covering floor has a residual moisture content of up to 4.5%. Quartz sand is frequently (but not always) broadcast onto the second layer. A high quality epoxy ‘shield’ can be applied in a single layer on covering floors having a residual moisture content of over 4.5%.

What is epoxy?

Epoxy (also known as polyepoxide) is an epoxide polymer made up of two carbon atoms (C) and one oxygen atom (O) in a ring-shaped structure. It is a thermosetting plastic that can be used to make composites. They can be combined with fibreglass or cladding to create sturdy, lightweight materials. Epoxy is used as a base for many products. Examples include epoxy glue/epoxy resin, paint (wet paint and powder coating), floors, and printed circuit boards. Epoxy has twice the pressure strength and tensile strength of concrete. Because of its liquid density, it can be used for a multitude of purposes, one of which is as a floor application. Their durability and liquid density have made epoxy floors popular in industrial applications. Nowadays, epoxy floors are used to achieve a modern or industrial look in offices and homes, for example. They are available in all colours.

Quartz sand It may be necessary to broadcast quartz sand to improve the mechanical adhesion of the parquet adhesive. However, most good quality primers/adhesives already offer excellent chemical bonding given the right combination (within 36 hours for parquet glueing), so that, in many cases, it is often unnecessary to broadcast quartz sand.

Broadcasting quartz sand will in any event provide better adhesion.

Quartz sand, silver sand or white sand is a fine-grained, white, highly pure type of sand with a low iron content. It consists almost entirely, but not exclusively, of quartz (SiO2). The main quality standards for quartz sand are the quartz (SiO2) percentage, the aluminium oxide (Al2O3) percentage and the iron content (Fe2O3). The more quartz and the less aluminium oxide and iron, the purer and the better. In additional, the parent material may not contain any grains coarser than 2000 micrometres (2mm). The maximum grain size for most glass applications is 500 micrometres (0.5mm).

aggressive environments. Using Adesiv two-component adhesives is recommended for glueing. The substrate may have a maximum residual moisture content of 3% to 4%. The substrate to be treated must be free of any loose pieces. Any damage must be repaired first.

Bostik Bostik Eponal 336 is a 2-component epoxy resin primer and a damp screen.

The resin Eponal forms a solvent-free two-component epoxy layer on cement-based substrates or old tiled floors having the problem of capillary rising damp. After that, a levelling agent, parquet adhesive or tile glue can be applied. Eponal 336 can also be used to reinforce the substrate (covering floor). Bostik Eponal 336 is the ultimate solution for safely and durably fitting floor coverings on a substrate that is subject to rising damp (moisture percentage up to 10% CM). Moreover, Bostik Eponal 336 prevents the emission of radon. Radon is an odourless and colourless and its natural origin is radioactive gas.

Because of its gaseous condition, radon can escape from the soil or from building materials. The lifespan of this Eponal 336 is unlimited and it can withstand negative pressure of 10 bars.

Devo®

Using epoxy does involve some health risks, even though reports are somewhat ambiguous. According to certain sources, at least one out of five people who process develops an allergy if the epoxy is not fully cured. Known allergic reactions are eczema, redness, and swelling.

What's more, hardeners are corrosive and may cause burns. The fumes released during processing may be harmful to the respiratory tract and eyes. This may cause respiratory allergies, respiratory problems, or asthma. The solvents may cause permanent damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and brain. ‘There are many different types of epoxies, each having its own components. Working with one type of epoxy and hardener may pose no issues at all, whereas another type (brand/product) may cause major problems. Although we have researched the causes of this difference, we cannot provide any answer as to which substances are actually allergens. The differences in the composition of the various epoxies and hardeners are a very complex subject.’

Devomat presents two epoxy-based primers: Devo® Primer HE 2C and Devo® Primer Hydro Block 3C. Devo® Primer HE 2C is a solvent-free dual component epoxy primer for insulating residual moisture in cement covering floors. This primer can be used with a residual moisture content of up to 6%. The product guarantees fast curing and forms an excellent damp screen. It can be applied in one single layer. Devo® Primer Hydro Block 3C is a triple component primer which is highly waterproof. It is also suitable for non-absorbent floor such as marble, old tile floors, and such like.

Devo® Primer Hydro Block 3C possesses exceptional moisture repellent characteristics and offers excellent bonding thanks to the combination of high-quality epoxy binding agents and the hygrophobic characteristics of quartz powder. This means that Devo® Primer Hydro Block 3C can be used for applications where other primers aren't up to the task.

Devomat offers a quality guarantee on the application limits of all of its products. However, the installer is responsible for applying it correctly, which is extremely important for moisture primers.

What’s on the market?

Henkel/Thomsit

Precautionary measures

Adesiv Adesiv offers Adesiv Primer HE as a moisture protection solution. This Primer HE is a solvent-free double component epoxy-based primer.

Primer HE serves as an improving resin on dusty cement covering floors and provides excellent protection against residual building moisture.

The product is also suitable for impregnating subfloors in chemically

Visit www.floor-forum.com

Thomsit R 755 is a dual component epoxy damp screen to treat porous mineral substrates, especially where intensive use is expected. This damp screen is also suitable as insulation against capillary rising damp or residual moisture in concrete or cement floors, up to a maximum of 6% and can be used for floors with floor heating. To block capillary rising damp or residual moisture, apply two coats of R 755 to the substrate crosswise to each other. Distribute about 2kg/m² Thomsit of quartz

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Special

Epoxy moisture screens

sand into the last coat (thickness 0.3-0.7mm). The processing time is 30 minutes. This time is shorter at higher temperatures, and longer at lower temperatures. Setting depends on the surrounding temperature and relative air humidity.

Rectavit Rectavit 2K Epoxy Damp Screen is an extremely reliable, durable system, which achieves strong adhesion on both a large number of substrates and with a number of adhesives. Moreover, it also creates a virtually water-impermeable layer. The residual moisture percentage in concrete and cement-bound covering floors can be as high as 7%. With anhydrite covering floors this may not exceed 5%. These tolerances are lower if there is floor heating.

By adding quartz sand to the Rectavit 2K Epoxy Damp Screen the mechanical adhesion of the adhesive on the system is increased. This is strictly essential if the adhesive cannot be applied within the overcoat time. This time is about 72 hours for Rectavit 2K Epoxy Damp Screen. Rectavit 2K Epoxy Damp Screen retains its durable nature for no less than 20 years if a sufficiently thick layer is applied and the stability of the substrate remains unchanged over this period.

screed solidifier for low-quality substrates. It serves as a damp screen as of the second layer. Rubio Easy Primer 2C Epoxy can be used with a residual moisture content of up to 8%, but this obviously depends on various criteria (substrate, etc.).

Whether or not the wood warps depends not only on a quality damp screen, but is also on any residual moisture, the presence of floor heating and numerous other factors. If an epoxy primer is used in 2 layers, the floor must be glued within 24 hours. Sand can be broadcast to slow down this process. This also creates more adhesion points for the adhesive. Quartz sand is kiln dried sand, which makes it ideal for this application because there is no residual moisture. The lifespan of epoxy damp screens depends on the various factors affecting it. The rule is that the protective effect is not compromised as long as no tears appear in the damp screen.

Stauf STAUF Epoxy Primer with residual moisture barrier STAUF VEP 195

Rubio Monocoat Rubio Easy Primer 2C Epoxy is a high-quality water-based double component epoxy primer. The primer can be used in a single layer as a

This solvent and water free primer is especially well suited as a moisture barrier on subfloors with a high residual moisture level. The maximum residual moisture permitted for this successor product is 5 CM-% for cement screed and 6% by weight for concrete. The 2K primer is an all-round talent in things concerning subfloor: It sticks to a variety of materials, even on non-absorbent or very smooth subfloors.

This also makes it suitable for use with stone, ceramics or tiling. In combination with quartz sand, VEP 195 becomes an effective repair mortar, with which you can fill recesses and holes.

Tover

s at

Visit u

E0X16 E3F/1W 5.03.2 1

hent BE - G 31 81 Booth

Head Office: 23100 Sondrio (Italy) - via Stelvio, 3 tel.+39-0342.512573 Legal Office: 20123 Milano (Italy) - via G. Boccaccio, 29

www.seicom-italy.com 26

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One of the major risks during the laying of a parquet is represented by the humidity present into the sub-floor. Tover has developed a water-proof and hardening primer, totally solvent free and thus suitable on under-floor heating systems, the epoxy two-component ADEBLOK T19 primer which, once dry, avoids any moisture rising and its migration into the wood: a vapour barrier is created even with up to 5% residual humidity.

It also hardens the support in the case it is poor and dusty. To spread dry sand on the sub-floor is recommended when the parquet bonding will be done after a few days from the primer application in order to improve the glue adhesion on the support. If the sub-floor is not absorbent (ceramic tiles, marble, etc) or the case of humidity rising (basement, ground floor) it is recommended to use the three-component epoxy primer Idroblok C3 as a vapour barrier and adhesion promoter for the glue.

Special

New Belgian solvent legislation for parquet chemicals products

NEW BELGIAN LEGISLATION FOR VOC AND HARMFUL SUBSTANCES HAS BEEN IN FORCE FOR OVER ONE YEAR …YET OBSERVERS SAY THERE ARE STILL PRODUCTS BEING SOLD WHICH DO NOT CONFORM TO THE LAW Since 1 January 2015, legislation has been in force in Belgium regarding volatile organic compounds (VOC) and other harmful and carcinogenic substances in adhesives and finish products for parquet and other floor coverings. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of ignorance and specialists from the sector have noticed that some products are being sold and used which don’t yet conform to the legislation. This article clarifies some points in the matter.

VOC contents and harmful and carcinogenic substances This concerns a Royal Decree (KB) which appeared in August 2014 and imposed a maximum limit for emissions of products for floors, also including adhesives and finish products for wooden floors. From 1 January 2015, that KB has imposed a strict limit of 170 VOC emitted from building materials. Emissions of formaldehyde and carcinogenic substances are also strongly regulated.

Strict standards Belgium is neither the first nor the only European country with strict legislation in the field of VOC and other harmful substances in adhesives and finish chemicals for parquet. This is also the case, for example, in the Netherlands, France, and Germany. The Belgian KB mainly follows the existing legislation in Germany and European recommendations and uses European testing methods. The French legislation has also been considered. These are the limits imposed by Belgian legislation, as compared to the German and French legislation. In two areas the new Belgian legislation is stricter than that of Germany, namely in the area of acetaldehyde and toluene. Here, the KB has followed the target values of the Flemish government for indoor air quality.

Responsibility of the manufacturer All sold products must comply with these standards. Moreover, each manufacturer must have a product emission file for each product

sold. The file contains the extensive outline (e.g. test reports) to show that the products do comply with the legislation. Importers must be in possession of the emission files and documents supplied by the manufacturer.

Controls and sanctions Legislation is checked by the inspection service of the Federal government department for the Environment. They can ask for the emission files and have samples tested. Products which do not comply with the legislation will be taken out of circulation. The test costs for products which do not comply with the legislation are charged to the manufacturer. Moreover, there may also be severe sanctions, which range from fines (which can be very high) even to imprisonment.

This legislation is necessary and in the interest of both the floor fitter’s health and that of people who will be present at the locations where the chemical has been used.

EFWEX

European Floor & Wall Exhibition 13/15.03.2016 - FLANDERS EXPO GHENT (B)

At the forthcoming EFWEX in Ghent, which is taking place in Flanders Expo from 13 to 15 March, the departments of the Federal Public Service for the Environment and Public Health will be organising an information session on Monday March 14th between 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm and Tuesday March 15th between 11.30 am and 12.30 am.

For more information visit www.efwex.eu

Floor covering and adhesives

Belgium

Germany

France

Target value

Max. 1

Max. 1

n/a

TVOC

Max. 1000

Max. 1000

Corresponds to class A+

TSVOC

Max. 100

Max. 100

-

Carcinogenic emissions

Not permitted

Not permitted

Not permitted

Acetaldehyde

Max. 200

Indoor target value

Toluene

Max. 300

Indoor target value

Corresponds to A+

Formaldehyde

Max. 100

Max. 100

Class B < 120 class A < 60

Mandatory label

No

No

No

Reference test method

CEN/TS 16516

CEN/TS 16516

ISO 16000/ CEN/TS 16516

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Floor Forum International 80

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Advertorial

Design Parquet (FR)

DESIGN PARQUET: PREMIUM PARQUET À LA CARTE FOR PARQUET SPECIALISTS AND THE PROJECT MARKET French company Design Parquet has been producing all sorts of multi-layer and solid wood floors for almost twenty years. In that time, they have built up a strong reputation with both innovative and classic products and have been the preferred suppliers for prestige projects in France and at international level.

The Brittany-based ultra-modern factory has all the required technology to produce high quality parquet in diverse finishes and sizes. This ranges from wooden floors in French oak to exclusive tropical wood, but also a whole range of panel floors in diverse patterns and sizes. For the latter Design Parquet has its own specialist team of woodworkers, who produce all patterns in the required wood sort on request. Design Parquet also holds FSC and PEFC labels for all these floors.

A la carte range Design Parquet therefore offers its clients a very extensive range of possibilities, which are put together à la carte. The approach is based largely on the colour or the finish style, but everything is therefore a free choice: solid or engineered parquet, the wood sort of the top layer, the lengths and widths and the finishes. Clients run through the programme and choose their own personal Design Parquet. Moreover, if clients come along with special requests for projects, Design Parquet can also produce customised items to meet those requests.

Prestigious projects Thanks to the quality of its products, Design Parquet soon built up a cast-iron reputation both at home and abroad. The company has also managed to win over lots of project managers and architects on the project market. This is thanks to the quality of the floors and their advice and flexibility.

The list of prestigious projects from Design Parquet is therefore getting longer and longer:

Photo – Bruno Panchèvre "Les Jacobins" Architect, Atelier 3 Babin - Renaud

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- 8700 m2 Jatoba parquet in Euralille shopping centre in Lille (FR).

- 3200 m2 parquet afrormosia and 330 m2 parquet wenge strips in Nice (Fr) shopping centre. (Loft Pro) - 3.900 m² parquet in French oak in the MUCEM museum in Nice (Fr).

- 1200 m² of smoked parquet in the Les Jacobins cultural centre in Le Mans (Fr).

- Parquet in a luxury hotel in Bahrain. www.designparquet.fr Design Parquet, which was formed in 1997, is a manufacturer of customised solid and Multi-layer parquet. The company is located at the ‘gates’ of Brittany along the Paris-Rennes major road.

Design Parquet is an innovative trademark and regularly develops scores of products.

To guarantee consumers that they get a parquet floor from a sustainably managed forest, Design Parquet has been awarded the certificates FSC ® and PEFC TM. High technology: The ultra-modern factory uses high technology for its finishes. The parquet floors are varnished, oiled, coloured, or brushed in very effective finishes. At present, these are the only finishes of their type. The company offers finished parquet floors, which bring out the structure of the wood visibly.

The French parquet manufacturer has profiled itself as a quality producer which has an extensive range of floors in diverse finishes and colours which are on offer in an à la carte system. They have also continued with the diversity with some special design floors which Design Parquet has: Versailles, Chantilly, etc. The quality of Design Parquet has earned the manufacturer scores of prestigious references, such as the MUCEM museum in Marseille and shopping centres in Lille and Nice, but also abroad, such as a prestigious hotel in Bahrain.

Photo – Lisa Ricciotti "Mucem" Marseille France : Rudy Ricciotti

Special

Producers of Cross-cut floors : types and fitting methods

CROSS-CUT: BEAUTY WHICH SELLS ITSELF! WORKSHOP FLOOR IS THE SHOWPIECE OF THE INTERIOR

Photo – Parketfabriek Lieverdink

Whilst traditional parquet sections and wooden floors are sawn along the length of the wood grain, cross-cut is sawn diagonally across the wood grain. That explains the distinction between plain sawn and cross-cut. The surface of a cross-cut floor is a lively play of growth rings and yields a completely different appearance to that of traditional floorboards. The floor consists of several small, square (or elongated) blocks and not planks. The sawing direction means that cross-cut is much harder than plain sawn wood and is also much more resistant to pressure. All this is due to the fact that the wood fibres are vertically upright. And so, the fitting also requires special attention.

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Outsiders It is unlikely that there are any really conclusive figures on consumer preferences when buying a wooden floor or parquet. Are we, as publishers of the leading trade journal in our industry, going to hazard an attempt? We’re going to juggle a little bit with ‘estimates’. This certainly isn’t a wild guess. We’ve read a lot, done some research, and written it up. When we talk about wood sorts, we know that oak covers over 90% of the market. That’s a recorded and accepted fact, not a guess.

Floor types Now things get a little more risky, but there are still some certainties. Over 70% of clients opt eventually for multi-layer parquet, and

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Producers of Cross-cut floors : types and fitting methods

pre-finished seems to be growing constantly. We can deduce from this that a comparable majority associates a wooden floor primarily with planks (one-strip or country house floorboards) and with classic ‘strips’. The group of buyers probably diminishes more and more as we focus on special fitting patterns such as herringbone and Hungarian point. Mosaic, brick pattern, and English bond are probably still in the running, but less so as the years go by. The special fitting patterns will possibly occur more often with solid wood floors than with multi-layer because people who ‘think in those patterns’ will often consider solid wood to be the logical choice.

And the rest….

All the above types are certainly classics. Apart from those classics, there are the outsiders. It’s strange that they are outsiders, since they are usually the most attractive floor designs which we can choose.

Floors which have been ‘picked up’ from other applications. End grain blocks are a good example of this. These are floors where the wooden strips are fitted on their sides to give a high-traffic floor in workplaces greater durability and a longer lifespan. Those floors can be sandpapered endlessly! With cross-cut, which also belongs on this list, an additional goal is in view. The sawing method means that these floors are not only rock hard, but also that they absorb vibrations from machines in the workplace. Then, there’s a ship deck floor: the function may be clear enough.

Due to design The fact that these floors are making their way into the interior therefore has very little to do with their original purpose. The functionalities of bygone days in workshops or on ships are certainly not decisive factors for bringing them indoors in architecture. Designers are led by the ‘exceptional’. These floors are so surprisingly different. If we look back at the percentages above, we also know at once that those who opt for such a floor are not opting for a mass product. Here, we return to the major drive for ‘exclusivity’ and ‘personality’. At first sight, these are products for the happy few. That’s right! But that’s less because of the price than the fact that those happy few now attach greater importance to the ‘exclusive’.

The ‘workplace’ floor Cross-cut is back ‘in fashion’. In bygone days, cross-cut was generally produced from pine, fir, or oak and, as we have already said, it was often used as a floor for the workplace. After all, these floors are amongst the strongest wooden floors in existence. Whilst traditional parquet sections and wooden plank floors are sawn along the length of the wood grain, cross-cut is sawn diagonally across the wood grain, hence the distinction between plain sawn and cross-cut. The surface of a cross-cut floor is a lively play on growth rings and yields a totally different appearance to that of traditional floorboards. The floor consists of several small, square (or elongated) blocks and not planks. The sawing direction means that a cross-cut is much harder than plain sawn wood and is also much more resistant to pressure. All this is due to the fact that the wood fibres are vertically upright. And so, in some respects, these fibres in cross-cut parquet are comparable to connected clusters of upright stakes. It is logical that the resistance to pressure is greater on the head side than on the side. This makes the final surface of cross-cut floors even more durable and obviously more long lasting.

Some characteristics As regards appearance, there is no comparison whatsoever between a cross-cut floor and a classic parquet or wooden floor. Visually, the effect is totally different, much more lively, and full of colour variations and playful movements of the growth rings. However, apart from that, a cross-cut wooden floor also has some specific characteristics which make it stand out from a plain sawn floor.

Acoustic comfort Cross-cut wooden floors are therefore mechanically resistant to high traffic and therefore ideal for fitting in high-traffic rooms or even in semi-industrial rooms. An additional asset in this connection is the acoustic behaviour of these floors. The sawing method and structure mean that cross-cut wooden floors have excellent sound insulation.

Sound vibrations are absorbed much more easily by the wood fibres so that there is much less sound reverberation. This, too, is an important detail for high-traffic applications or workplaces.

Moisture sensitivity Unfortunately, everything has a down side. Since the fibres face the opposite direction to what is normal, we can speak of open pores on the surface. This means that the moisture content of the wood will fluctuate more easily with the air humidity and will absorb moisture more easily. That can also lead to more swelling and shrinking than is the case with plain sawn floors. It is necessary to take account of this ‘sensitivity’ during the fitting. The substrate needs to be dry for the fitting and remain so afterwards. The surface also needs to be finished in such a way that moisture cannot penetrate into the wood (see below).

Amongst other things, the moisture sensitivity of cross-cut means it is not advisable to fit these floors above floor heating (cooling).

Shape and wood sorts

Photo – Parketfabriek Lieverdink

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Cross-cut wooden floors are basically supplied separately in a ‘box of blocks’. With some suppliers it is possible to put the cross-cut wood together in the required size in advance with a special foil on the uppermost side. This obviously guarantees much faster fitting (except in rooms with lots of obstacles). Another application, especially for offices, is to fit cross-cut floorboards onto aluminium tiles, which then form the elements of a ‘system floor’. As regards wood sorts, there’s nothing new under the sun. In the past, cross-cut wooden floors were designed in pine, fir, or oak. Nowadays, and this is a result of the

general development on the global wood market, we see a much greater pallet of wood sorts in which cross-cut wooden floors can be designed. Sorts such as merbau, kambala, and larch lend themselves ideally, both mechanically and visually, to creating a cross-cut wooden floor. In other words, here, too, tropical wood sorts provide an alternative to oak. Obviously, it’s no surprise that the sensitivity of cross-cut wood has motivated some people to do some research on that front.

And so, thermally treated wood has made its entry into the world of cross-cut wooden floors. The thermal treatment of the wood raises the stability of the floor considerably and reduces the risk of swelling and shrinking.

Two specialists : BJ Parket Our thanks are due to BJ Parket for once again sending us extensive documentation and information for this article.

When choosing the wood sort, it is important to take account of what the floor will be used for. If the floor is to be fitted in places where the architecture is important, it is essential to choose wood sorts which by nature do not show too many signs of swelling and shrinking because a cross-cut wooden floor, in contrast to other wooden floors, swells and shrinks in four directions. However, if the cross-cut floor is to be used in a workshop to absorb vibrations from machines or reduce sound, it is better to use cheaper pine wood because here it is only the durability of the cross-cut wood which counts, and not the fact that the floor is exposed in the winter or in other dry periods. BJ Parket mainly offers oak cross-cut wood in various sizes: 23 x 69mm, 35 x 70mm, or 70 x 70mm. In addition, for architectural applications, the range also includes merbau, wenge, and guatambo in 70 x 70mm. For industrial applications BJ Parket offers larch in sizes of 90 x 55mm. As we have already said, this wood sort is also chosen for its attractive array of colour shades. At BJ Parket they offer as an option the aforementioned possibility of floorboards on a foil.

MANUFACTUROR OF SOLID AND ENGINEERED WOODFLOORS Style panels, end grain, distressed floors (different ageing techniques ‘sanded, brushed, tumbled, smoked and structured’): Customised work on simple request!

Design Parquet s at

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According to Design Parquet, oak is still the leading and best-selling sort of wood for cross-cut. The floorboards are held together by a thermoplastic foil along the upper side and joined underneath for perfect glueing. Cross-cut floors are glued using an MS polymer adhesive. For successful fitting the essential requirements are an excellent substrate and favourable fitting conditions. At Design Parquet they are convinced that these floors are best fitted by an experienced parquet floor fitter in view of the complexity of the fitting. You also have to take account of the fact that this type of parquet is more sensitive than other types.

B.J. Parket

hent BE - G 13 87 Booth

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INDUSTRIESTRAAT 44 9240 Z ELE – B ELGIUM TEL: +32 52 44 45 57 FAX: +32 52 45 06 71 EMAIL: INFO@BJPARKET.BE WWW.BJPARKET.BE

Advertorial

Osmo (DE)

THE GREAT QUALITIES OF OSMO, PIONEER IN HARDWAX OIL

With over 100 years of experience in wood products and wood finishing systems, Osmo was one of the first producers to commit itself to promoting and selling hardwax oils for finishing wooden floors – the renowned Polyx®-Oil system. In the meantime, Osmo Polyx®-Oils have now become a point of reference on the market and this is partly why Osmo has built up a cast-iron reputation for quality and innovation. Christian Cordes, managing director of Osmo, explains the philosophy of the German producer.

Knowledge of wood and chemistry ‘What’s special about Osmo is that all our knowledge and experience revolves around wood and wood finishes. That’s why we develop and make all our products entirely ourselves. Moreover, we’re satisfied only with products which meet the very highest technical quality standards. Products which are both safe for workers and end clients and ecologically responsible. To that end, we use only the very best raw materials,’ says Christian Cordes.

‘Let the wood breathe.’

All Osmo products are also developed with a specific philosophy regarding wood, Mr Cordes explains: ‘All our wood finish products

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are microporous because we find that the wood can stay perfectly healthy and attractive only if it can still exude its moisture into the atmosphere. It can do that with natural oils and waxes.’

Furthermore, Osmo also tries to make the job of the floor fitter more enjoyable: ‘The rich presence of colour dyes in the Osmo products mean you can finish twice as much surface area as with most other products on the market,’ Christian Cordes stresses.

Osmo Polyx®-Oil: the benchmark This philosophy is expressed, amongst other things, in the Osmo Polyx®-Oils, which are renowned and greatly appreciated on the international market. This success is due to the quality of the raw materials and the perfect mix of benefits of oils and waxes brought together in one and the same finish coat. Osmo Polyx®Oil Original is water and dirt-resistant, is highly durable, and yields a smooth surface. The open-pore structure means that the wood can still breathe and the coat of wax will not break, flake, or peel off. The chemical resistance of the finish protects the wood against all sorts of aggressive attacks from fluids such as wine, beer, cola, coffee, tea, or fruit juice.

Moreover, each Polyx®-Oil from Osmo guarantees even colouring to yield a floor with a most harmonious image. The Osmo Polyx®Oil system consists of eight variants: Polyx®-Oil Original (Glossy, Satin, Semi-Matt, and Matt), Polyx®-Oil Rapid (fast-drying in Matt and Satin), Polyx®-Oil Tints (seven colour tones), Polyx®-Oil Effect for special effects (Natural, Silver or Gold), Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip for increased slip resistance and two solvent-free variations: Polyx®Oil Pure and Polyx®-Oil 2K Pure.

Special

Producers of indelible/resistant floors in laminate, vinyl, PVC and LVT

FLOORS FOR DAMP ROOMS PARQUET, LAMINATE, AND FLEXIBLE FLOOR COVERINGS CONQUER THE BATHROOM

Photo - Kurkfabriek Van Avermaet

With ceramic tiles and ultimately with natural stone, the problem of damp hardly ever raised its head at all. Mind you, if you fit ceramic tiles in showers and on bathroom walls, it is now essential to use a so called Kerdimat. Otherwise, after a while, you might get black and mouldy joints. And so, damp is certainly a stubborn foe. Now that all those other floor coverings are looking with longing eyes at the rest of the home without having to call a halt at the kitchen or bathroom door, they now face an extra challenge, namely the fight against damp. There, too, they are gaining ground.

Natural antitheses Creation fits together wonderfully, doesn’t it? Such an ingeniously running machine which forces you from time to time to wonder why more things don’t go wrong. Believers then refer to ‘God’, whilst others prefer to exalt ‘divine sciences’ such as physics and chemistry. ‘Water’ is just as big a puzzle as ‘oxygen’. Something that few people realise: Human beings cannot live without oxygen. Oxygen is our fuel. It determines everything. Yet people also die as a result of oxygen. Oxygen produces ‘oxidation’. Oxygen is the primary cause of the ageing process. What an antithesis! Water is somewhat similar. It’s a necessity of life, it’s

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Producers of indelible/resistant floors in laminate, vinyl, PVC and LVT

present everywhere, and helps to determine the health of the planet and of human beings. Yet, on the other hand, water does involve lots of pitfalls. Mariners, who have traditionally worked in a man’s world, have a famous motto: ‘The sea is a she.’ They say this because a completely calm sea can suddenly explode with rage, gobble up ships, and devastate everything around it only to lay down calmly as if nothing had happened. Water can certainly cause mass destruction, and Construction is not spared.

Floors and damp Floor coverings are actually the best illustration to clarify the phenomenon of damp in a building. After all, they come into contact with every possible ‘source’ of damp. Every type of floor has at least two sides (upperside and underside). With floors of a certain thickness such as parquet and laminate you also have to include the sides. All the sides of a floor are ‘points under threat’. The degrees to which damp can affect a floor covering depends on the ‘source’ of the damp.

Let’s consider this briefly: - The slightest degree is air humidity: The amount of water in the atmosphere is the result of an interplay between moisture and temperature. This means that air humidity is a phenomenon related to the season and region. Air humidity differs in summer or winter, and that’s different, for example, in Scandinavia or Indonesia. Apart from the normal fluctuations to which building materials have been accustomed for a long time, air humidity is fairly constant.

- The second degree is residual building moisture: The water which evaporates from building materials exerts an influence on all materials. The biggest threat to floors is certainly the damp in concrete plates or a screed, but also water from walls (density) constitutes a source of risk because it affects the air humidity.

- The third degree is rising damp: Whilst this represented a constant source of hazardous damp in lots of construction jobs many years ago, it will usually occur nowadays only as a result of a construction fault (protection between foundations and the rest). Building ‘ high ground’ is altogether wrong.

- The fourth degree is surplus household or accidental damp: Using too much water or spilling water is extremely dangerous for various building materials, certainly if the water can seep down to the underside.

- Finally, the highest degree is direct, lengthy, and excess input: This brings us to the interior furnishing of showers. Although the level of contact with water is the highest, the risk is fairly small since it is a pre-determined choice and therefore this will have been taken into account at the time of the fitting.

As a rule, there are two distinct strategies for providing protection against damp. Firstly, we can take account of the damp and how materials behave under the influence of damp and base the development of our construction or material around that. Or, secondly, we can take certain protective measures, depending on the origin of the damp.

‘Using’ damp Several materials ‘respond’ as a result of contact with damp. Taking account of that reaction to damp by the materials allows us to turn that reaction in our favour or even to make use of that reaction. That makes damp more of a blessing than a curse. There are examples throughout the history of mankind right up to the present day. In the construction of wooden ships, for example, the builders took account of the fact that wood swells when it comes into contact with water.

The dimensions of the plank had to allow for that swelling percentage to prevent the ship walls from cracking. A wooden ship is only

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watertight when it is exposed to water. A rain barrel only does its work if there is ‘rain’ on the inside. The same applies to a wooden wine barrel. The steel rings around the barrel hold the planks together, but the swelling, which is due to the damp, makes the barrel watertight. This brings us closer to floors. A classic example of using the swelling and shrinking of the wood is the design of a floor like ‘ship deck’. In this case the constructors know in advance that the floorboards will swell.

This is absorbed by the rubber joint which follows the movements of the wood. The floor is always watertight, whether it is wet or dry.

Protection against damp We learn from the list of various sources of damp that there are different mechanisms to combat damp are necessary, often in combination. Not all damp is the same. We will see (in the frame piece) that the so called least aggressive source of damp, namely air humidity, nevertheless requires ‘separate’ attention. For other sources of damp the protection is to be found in the material from which the floor is produced or the creation of a barrier by sealing the top layer of the floor completely. There is one set assumption for ALL floors: If there is a risk of damp from below, it will always be necessary to fit moisture-repellent protection prior to fitting the floor. This is true even if certain materials are 100% waterproof. Damp from below will not endanger the materials in this case, but it will increase the risk of mould, bacteria, and unpleasant odours between the subfloor and the floor material.

The ‘waterproof’ material Some materials are 100% waterproof and don’t need any extra protection. For example, a 100% PVC floor is perfectly waterproof. Some wood sorts are more resistant to damp than others. Beech and maple are more sensitive than chestnut, teak, or afrormosia, for example. The sawing method used on the wood also plays a part here: Plain sawn wood (sawn in the direction of the core) is less sensitive to swelling and shrinking than flat sawn wood (planks sawn next to each other). Vinyl is fairly waterproof, and, if it consists of 100% PVC, it is entirely waterproof. For laminate it is possible to make it more resistant to damp by using a ‘more waterproof’ base (waterproof HDF).

The ‘watertight’ floor We can improve the surface of materials which are more or less permeable by putting a seal on those materials. This applies to materials such as wood, bamboo, and cork, but also to vinyl (i fit doesn’t consist of 100% PVC) and linoleum. With wooden floors, cork, and bamboo we can protect the floor with lacquer or saturate it with oil. By protecting the surface we make the floorboards ‘watertight’. However, watertight floorboards still don’t give us a watertight floor. To make the floor itself watertight we can also apply a coating to the joints. This is done with cork, for example, but also with vinyl. For wooden floors the oft described ship deck floor provides outstanding protection. A (waterproof and watertight) rubber joint is fitted between the floorboards. The combination of the sealed surface and the impenetrable joint gives total security. The same system is also used for laminate.

Beware of air humidity Air humidity may form only a mild threat, but you have to keep an eye on it, certainly with wooden floors. Measuring and, if necessary, humidifying or dehumidifying (by means of ventilation) is the message here to ensure that the normal swelling and shrinking of the wood doesn’t get out of the normal proportions and thereby cause damage.

What’s on the market?

Wicanders Hydrocork is the floor from Wicanders for damp rooms, but they also offer glued floors which are suitable to that end. As far as Hydrocork is concerned, all materials, including the waterproof core in cork composite, are waterproof. The glued floors are made watertight thanks to a top layer seal. And so, Hydrocork is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.

Hydrocork is 100% waterproof and its structural integrity is not affected by ‘temporary’ contact with water. Damp cannot cause any harm, but ventilation is advisable in order to avoid mould formation. Despite the very limited movements of the material, it is best to fit expansion joints.

COREtec® US floors Inc., with its headquarters in Dalton, GA, United States, is a leading manufacturer of high quality floor coverings and has developed a new type of category of floor covering. This is COREtec®, THE latest revolution in hard floor coverings! This completely new category of hard floor covering is the perfect alternative to vinyl floors, click LVT, or laminate floors. COREtec® is licensed worldwide under US Patent No. 9,156,233. COREtec® floors are made from recycled wood, bamboo, limestone, and vinyl. The COREtec® backing consists of a layer of cork which provides perfect sound insulation. The glueless integrated click system means that the COREtec® floor is easy to fit. The floors are 100% waterproof, so they can be fitted in wet rooms. COREtec® has a lifelong guarantee for residential use.

HDM HDM presents the Aqua Step laminate floors from its assortment. These floors are based on PVC (hollow or solid) and are 100% waterproof. After all, Aqua Step are completely resistant to leaks, damp, and condensation, and they are therefore ideal for all situations, including bathrooms, kitchens, cellars, etc. The Elesgo® top layer is also 100% sealed. The joints stay watertight due to the soft PVC connection seal. You

can easily lay these floors yourself and they are offered in splendid wood and natural Stone decors, which can hardly be distinguished from the real thing. These Aqua Step laminate floors always guarantee an attractive end result. HDM has extra large size tiles at its disposal, which are suitable for both the floor and wall (Aqua Step XL). The material (PVC) has good sound insulation properties and feels warm and comfortable.

Kurkfabriek Van Avermaet At Kurkfabriek Van Avermaet all cork floors which can be glued are waterproof. After the fitting, these floors are varnished four times to make them perfectly waterproof.

Kurkfabriek Van Avermaet also offers hydrocork floors. These floors of limited thickness are a revolution in the field of hard floating floor coverings. They use the very latest technology from Corktech to make an innovative composite cork board, which is waterproof and incredibly stable at the same time. Nevertheless, this board also has the elastic properties and the unrivalled comfort of cork. The composition of this floor covering is a subfloor (1mm thick) for a balanced structure, a composite cork subfloor base of 4.45mm, and a decorative and protective vinyl top layer of 0.55mm. The floors are available in 12 luxurious wood designs and are ideal for renovations. They are simple to saw and fit. This floor can be used in all rooms of a house or building, with the exception of the shower cabin itself.

Lamett Lamett presents two product groups, which are suitable for installation in damp rooms, namely Atroguard laminate and Click Vinyl.

Atroguard laminate is waterproof and extremely stable. The core has a high density and allows you to fit up to 400m² (20 x 20m) without a threshold profile.

The surface is sealed by two waterproof layers which, in combination with the rigid click system, ensures that this floor is suitable for damp rooms. Moreover, it is highly resistant to scratches, knocks, and stains.

Furthermore, Lamet also offers click vinyl with the look of oak parquet or stone. These durable planks are suitable for damp rooms (100% PVC) such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, they are also perfectly suitable for business premises. Fitting in the shower itself is not recommended. These floors are can withstand a screed which is not yet fully dried or water from above which dries over time, but they cannot withstand constant damp such as a leak, because that creates mould and such like. You always need an 8mm expansion joint between the walls and vinyl/laminate.

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Producers of indelible/resistant floors in laminate, vinyl, PVC and LVT

Objectflor The LVT whisper floor SimpLay Acoustic Clic is just as quiet as textile floors.

Objectflor presents a new and improved design floor system which further refines the performances of existing LVT products.

SimpLay Acoustic Clic can be fitted quickly and easily without glue using the licensed click carrier, whilst the attached insulation foil reduces impact sound by 20dB. Stable system with a low height With its 0.4mm thick top layer, the floor is suitable for average traffic. Moreover, the highly stable composite bearer layer is fitted with the solid Uniclic system. Due to its low height of 6.7mm, SimpLay ACOUSTIC CLIC can be fitted directly onto a hard floor, even onto tiles. The system is also 100% waterproof.

Parcolys Flooring The suitability of the Parcolys floors for use in damp rooms is the result of the combination of a waterproof and impervious top layer and a profile underneath which is based on waterproof material. Various constructors supply only material with an impervious top layer, which is then surrounded by a rubber seal. However, you are never sure of the thickness. And so, the only correct and proper solution is a product where both the top and underlying substrate is made of waterproof material. When they speak of ‘suitable for damp rooms’ at Parcolys Flooring, they are talking about kitchens, but also footpaths and such like around indoor swimming pools. Parcostone can also be used and is therefore also suitable for showers. The combination of an anti-slip top layer such as with Parcolux and Parcostone makes them even better for use around swimming pools than a lot of ceramic tiles. Apart from the effective waterproof properties, the easy fitting, the imperviousness, the anti-slip layer, and the natural wood look are strong sales arguments.

Quick Step Quick Step Livyn vinyl collection planks and tiles (for glueing or floating fitting) & Quick Step Impressive laminate collection are waterproof. At Livyn that’s due to the material itself. With the Impressive laminate collection it’s the result of the

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technology whereby the joint is pressed during the production process + Hydro-seal coating (= a protective waterproof layer in the joint). The floors can be fitted perfectly well in kitchens and bathrooms, but not in showers themselves. Quick Step vinyl floors are very stable and the click system (Uniclic Multifit for Livyn) is so strong that they stay in place. It is important to fit the floor onto the correct subfloor and to prepare the substrate properly. The fitting has to be done at a temperature above 15°C (i.e. in a heated room).

With laminate floors the strong Uniclic click system ensures that the planks stay securely clicked in place. The floor moves as one surface in a manner of speaking, so it is necessary to fit an expansion joint along the floor.

Santana At Santana all cork adhesive floors and two collections of click floors (Hydroclic and Hydroclic Plus) can withstand contact with water. With the adhesive floors the waterproof properties are the result of the material (cork = waterproof by nature) and the seal (for the adhesive). The click floors are waterproof thanks to the material (cork and vinyl). The floors are perfectly suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, but not as a shower floor. If damp emerges from below the glue on adhesive floors will be discharged. Click floors will still stand firm, but there is a risk of mould. With adhesive floors there are hardly any swelling and shrinking movements at all. A professional and bevelled cut against the wall will suffice (or a silicone finish). Click floors must always be fitted with an expansion joint.

Viligno The waterproof properties of Viligno floors come from the material itself, as Viligno floors consist for 100% of synthetics. Viligno is 100% waterproof. With shower cabins, it is obviously necessary first to make the subfloor watertight since water will pass through the joints of the LVT floor. The material also makes the floorboards resistant to damp from underneath, but mould can form under the floor as a result. An LVT floor is susceptible to movement. This is absorbed by fitting a mandatory expansion joint against the wall and, with larger surfaces (from 10lm), there should always be an extra expansion joint, which is finished with a profile. For the finish of the joint against the wall, Viligno offers waterproof synthetic skirting boards in the same colour as the floor. These are fastened with clips and are equipped with wire grooves.

Special

Stair renovation with laminate inlay

STAIRCASE RENOVATION WITH LAMINATE EXCELLENT PROPERTIES FOR STAIR COVERING

Photo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; KĂźberit

The fact that covering stairs is a booming business has everything to do with the thriving renovation market. Where the construction industry sometimes suffers from scarcity of new building sites, the opposite can be said of the renovation market. There is still much work to be done!

And it is only increasing. Some specialists claim that a flood of houses are on the way, which, in generational waves, are in need of refurbishment. For floor fitters this is also good news as wood and wood-related materials perform well in a renovation. One of those is laminate for covering stairs.

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Why no new stairs?

Maybe because nothing is wrong with the old stairs? In the context of a renovation the current stairs are seldom or never completely worn out. Of course this might be the case in derelict houses, but not in standard houses that undergo renovations. Traditionally stairs are durable components of the house. They are executed in solid materials and can usually match the life cycle of the building. Excellent types of wood, manipulated by outstanding carpenters: stair making is an art in itself. And if it's not made from wood, then it can also be concrete.

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Stair renovation with laminate inlay

Naturally there are many reasons to adapt the looks of a staircase. The motives can be solely interior design based, or because the wearing surface (wear layer or steps) is used up or worn.

New stairs?

Knocking down the stairs and placing a new staircase is almost never the best solution. Installing a new staircase in an existing home implies knocking down the current staircase with all the associated consequences. In older houses knocking down an existing staircase almost always means significant collateral damage and unexpected additional works.

Repairs of the walls in the entrance hall, brickwork and plastering are almost always included. On top of this there's the economic argument.

As weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already said, construction-technically and structurally there is usually not much wrong with the existing staircases. Therefore, a new staircase in an existing building is usually a last resort solution.

Restoration is also an option Even just thoroughly sanding the surface of a painted or lacquered old floor can give a beautiful result. Sometimes local repairs need to be carried out. Restoration is worth considering when you are the owner of a staircase with a particularly decorative value. That surplus value can originate from a valuable type of wood or the authentic style of the staircase and the banisters. When the thickness of the steps allows it, the worn wearing surfaces of the stairs can be more or less successfully evened out again. For closed staircases this can result in cracks at the point of contact between the step and the riser, which need to be skilfully filled: no easy task! Restoration of an existing staircase or knocking down and placing a new one share the same inconveniences: dust, collateral damage, noise, and smells. Therefore, these are usually difficult to achieve in an owner-occupied dwelling.

Renovation is often the better choice Let us take a worst case scenario as a starting point. Imagine an old staircase in a normal type of wood which was first lacquered and then carpeted, which was later undone. There's slightly worn, faded paint and some persistent paint and glue residues. You will still have the choice between restoration and renovation, but the difference between the impacts for the residents is great. For this staircase the simplest, cheapest and probably more aesthetic solution is to cover the stair with new steps. No destruction work or sanding and, when a pre-finished covering material is used, the unpleasant smell of finishing products is also prevented. Covering an existing staircase is fast, without much noise and the staircase can be used again almost immediately. Depending on the condition of the steps, covering can be done in various materials, each with their own criteria. For example when covering with flexible materials, the steps and edges, much like with floors, must all be perfectly even.

Laminate performs excellently For a quick, clean and quiet renovation of staircases, laminate is an excellent solution. Its own intrinsic qualities are the main benefit of this material. We also know that the style possibilities of laminate are endless. And when we say endless, we mean... endless. All types of wood and rock, all structures, all other decors, all laying patterns, traditional or modern, endless colour possibilities... perfectly matching adjoining floors or not. Embossed in register and digital printing have further increased the variation. Hardly surprising that more and more prescribers, architects and designers choose the decorative versatility of laminate for covering concrete stairs in new buildings. Aside from the decorative possibilities, laminate is also very suitable for staircase renovation due to its exceptional technical properties.

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An overviewâ&#x20AC;Ś The construction height The minimal thickness of laminated flooring is often very convenient during renovations in which the height differences between adjoining floors must be limited. The same applies to covering steps of which the height of the different parts is decisive for both comfort and safety. When working with solid (or multi-layered) wood to cover steps you will always need thicker floor parts.

Scratch- and wear-resistant The top layers of laminated flooring have always been an important point of interest. The scratch and wear resistance of the top layer determines the life span of the floor, especially if this floor cannot be renovated. Boundaries have been pushed. The lacquered coatings became stronger and more scratch-resistant. New technologies were developed or applied. The most recent innovations indicate the use of nanotechnology which uses nano-particles to improve the qualities (such as scratch resistance) of the lacquers.

Anti-static Almost all premium brands offer laminated flooring which has undergone permanent anti-static treatment. This means that interfering electrostatic discharges, which might happen where computers are in use, are virtually impossible.

Resistance The laminated flooring is impact-resistant and shock-proof. This is achieved by the carrier itself (density of HDF) in combination with the highly resistant top layer. Most floors are even cigarette burns-resistant, so a cigarette left on the floor for several seconds will leave no trace behind. Many laminated floors are completely light- and sun-resistant in accordance with the EN 348-2 standard, so floors do not discolour under the influence of sunlight.

Anti-slip While a smooth floor usually implies a risk of slipping, most laminated floors have an anti-slip top layer.

Hypoallergenic As a laminated floor can be kept free of dust, it is suitable for people with allergies. But there is more: for several years now some brands offer floors with an active bactericidal effect due to the addition of certain substances in the top layer.

Good resistance to moisture The moisture resistance is the result of different technical characteristics. The top layer is not the only part which contributes to this. The waterproof bonded HDF core boards, combined with the outstanding closure systems have an important role to play here. Some producers add a special coating over the laminated flooring, ensuring moisture can cause no problem whatsoever.

Ready-to-fit kits The fact that laminate producers (themselves or in cooperation with profile manufacturers) offer all accessories in the same decors as the floor, is already well known. The same applies to the finish of staircases. All accessories such as profiles, edgings, underfloors, stair nosings are provided. LED lighting is also one of the possibilities.

Nowadays several producers offer complete stair renovation kits... with everything included. What a great idea!.

What’s on the market?

Neuhofer Holz

Küberit

Neuhofer Holz presents the 'FN lock-on' profile which is used as a stair nosing profile. FN lock-on is available in anodized aluminium or covered with veneer of laminate in a vast range of decors. Besides the profiles for stair nosings, Neuhofer also offers these in a user-friendly package of 16 stair nosings for a complete staircase. Combined with a height adapter, one profile can be used for floor thicknesses varying from 7 to 24.5mm (9/32 – 31-32), while previously 3 profiles would be needed. Here too anti-slip is very important and the method of attachment of FN lock-on ensures that there are no obvious annoying height differences between step and profile. The standard lengths of the profiles are 120 and 240cm.

Küberit believes that first and foremost stair profiles must prevent accidents. They have to be anti-slip. Moreover, they must form a contrast for each step, so they are highly visible. Due to the high accident rates, Küberit presents an extensive range of stair nosings with TUV certification. For example, the company offers a two-part staircase profile for laminate. The under and upper profile make it suitable for all types of stairs. For floors with a thickness of 7-16mm there is EuroStep Champion: designed especially for high traffic. The benefit of laminate compared to wood is both the price and the fact that it is faster and easier when renovating.

Perfilstar Perfilstar applies the same rule to staircase renovation and the appropriate profiles as to all profiles: the profiles must go unnoticed and be discrete. The company is working on a new solution where the profile changes the floor into a staircase. All common problems related to profiles are then avoided. For Perfilstar real wood and laminate are comparable in terms of price so the preference is based exclusively on the customer's choice. This company is convinced that renovation is more economical than new construction.

AZ_Zeitschriften_Text_ENG_190x65 DOMOTEX 27.11.15 09:25 Seite 1

We make binding connections.

Floor profiles and underlay sheeting for hard, elastic and textile flooring.

www.proline-systems.com

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Fastening systems for outdoor floors

TERRACE FASTENING – OBVIOUSLY INVISIBLE! FOR A NICE RESULT, BUT ESPECIALLY A LONG LIFESPAN The systems in a nutshell Strictly speaking, there are two groups of systems for achieving the intended objectives. You can apply the screws in such a way that they are invisible. This can be done by inserting the screws deep into the wood and covering them with wooden tabs (made of the same wood sort as the terrace). The tabs fit perfectly into the pre-drilled holes.

Another possibility is to screw the fastening system to the underside of the plank (under a particular corner) so that it protrudes along both sides so that it can be fixed to the beams. The second group of systems is that of the invisible clips. Here we encounter several licensed techniques, which may or may not be linked to a certain profiling of the floorboard (milled into the side of the plank). These systems are outlined in detail below. Since, strictly speaking, the clips are still more or less visible through the joints between the terrace boards, some systems include a special finish profile or a rubber cover strip like that of a ship deck floor.

Synthetics and stainless steel Photo – Archi Wood

It goes without saying that an invisible fastening system for assembling wooden terrace parts yields a more attractive end result than the age-old fitting method using screws or nails. Compare that with the difference as regards looks between an old wooden floor, where the nail heads were still visible in pairs, and glued strip parquet where you get nothing but a sublime and immaculate wood surface. As soon as terrace fastening with invisible systems withstands the test of economic comparison, all the doubts will be gone!

Surely you wouldn’t still hanker after the past?

Just like parquet!

In some ways the term ‘outdoor parquet’ is the result of technical developments which have brought aesthetic perfection a step closer. Today, it seems almost primitive to do otherwise. After all, who still hammers nails into a noble wood plank? Can anyone still drive a screw into a pricey terrace without suffering heartache? If we want to replace those screws and nails for fixing terrace boards with less destructive systems, we have several aims in mind. By making a fastening system ‘invisible’, we’re aiming primarily to make terrace floors more attractive.

From a functional perspective, that fastening system has to be capable of ‘coping with’ the natural movements of wood, and that was not always the case with traditional screwing systems. Finally, those fastening systems must continue to function effectively for several years.

The extent to which those objectives are achieved depends entirely on the type of system and materials used for construction. Most systems form a licensed combination of a specific technical fastening method and are finished in a specific material.

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The weather exposes us to various elements such as variable air humidity and fluctuations in temperature. All those weather changes affect the natural operation of wood and other materials. The main blessing of the weather is ‘natural’ ventilation, something that fastening system designers take into account. Whatever sort of fastener you choose, synthetics or composites and metals need special attention.

Metals are used for screws, amongst other things. It’s not advisable to use ordinary stainless steel screws or galvinised screws. Many tropical wood sorts contain certain substances which can affect non-ferrous materials. Due to the hardness of those wood sorts, the screwing requires a lot of force so that there is a real risk of damage to the top layer of the screw. This can set off a process of oxidation, the wood may become discoloured, or even the screw itself might break. And so, it is advisable to use stainless steel screws which are suitable for wooden terraces. In many systems the synthetics or composites form the raw materials for the clips themselves. These synthetics or composites are perfectly designed to follow the movements of the wood.

Lots of ignorance It is surprising, yet it’s a fact: Lots of buyers, contractors, and even fitters don’t know very much about these invisible fastening systems.

Lack of information? Who knows? Whatever the case may be, ignorance leads to misunderstandings and the result is that too many fitters are still stuck in the old systems. Let’s set out some important points relating to fallacies.

The cost of the fitting At first sight, the clip systems themselves appear to be extremely technologically complex. Therefore, lots of fitters and end users automatically assume that these systems are expensive and only meant for ‘wealthier’ clients. Add to that the large numbers of clips and accessories and you soon get clients who are put off by it all. Nevertheless, it is very simple to calculate in advance what the final cost price of the

installation will be, so it is possible to make a perfectly honest comparison. Most suppliers provide instructions on the required number of clips and some of them even do the cost price calculation for the fitter.

Usually, you can assume that the final fitting price will be comparable despite the more expensive materials and thanks to the time saved by the faster fitting. Certainly with fitters who have experience of these systems, the time saving is a benefit.

Degree of difficulty overestimated One thing is absolutely clear as regards experience in the use of such invisible fastening systems: The rule of ‘learning by doing’ certainly applies here. Fitters who work a lot with these systems achieve even greater time savings. Lots of fitters still have cold feet when it comes to the clip systems. However, the fear of spending too much time on the job and making mistakes is unfounded.

The value of the clips underestimated?

Together with the estimate of the cost price and the overestimation of the degree of difficulty, some people wonder whether it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Does the added value of these systems make it worthwhile paying for them and facing the challenge of a proper fitting? The answer is obviously and clearly in the affirmative. The lifespan of the wooden terrace is extended considerably due to two purely technical arguments.

- Non-destructive: The traditional method of fitting terrace boards with screws or nails was always destructive from the beginning.

From day one, we made gaping holes in the wooden terrace board.

Each hole was in some respects a ‘wound’ in the plank and created a

weak spot where the wood was susceptible to moisture and influences from the weather such as moss formation or bacteria. Moreover, splinters can form fairly easily at the fastening points, so there is an added risk of injuries. This is most certainly the case around swimming pools where people often want to walk around barefoot. If the damage caused by screws or nails gets worse, there is a risk of the floorboard coming loose prematurely.

- Swelling and shrinking of the wood: Wood is constantly in motion.

It is clear that the wood is unable to move at the point where there is a ‘fixed’ mechanical fastener at one point which is pressurised by the wood. However, we now know that the ‘power’ which wood exerts as it swells and shrinks is absolutely huge. This means that the wood will swell and shrink ‘in any case’, albeit obstructed by the screw or nail. This also means that the wood will increasingly damage itself at the fastening point (i.e. in one spot) precisely because of its natural behaviour. Clip systems are designed to allow the wood to exercise its natural movements. With several systems we can speak of ‘intelligent clips’, which adapt to the selected wood and even take account of the way in which the wood has been dried. Wood which has been dried naturally behaves differently to wood which is dried in a steriliser, and vice versa.

These ‘physical’ findings mean we can say that these terraces most certainly enjoy a guaranteed longer lifespan as a result of the clip system. In that respect the cost price and the (for some people) complex fitting are certainly worthwhile. The client gets an attractive terrace and for a longer period of time. Obviously, that also does no harm whatsoever to x the136 fitter’s reputation.1 05-12-2014 09:45 Pagina 1 adv. 92,5 mm:Opmaak

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Fastening systems for outdoor floors

What’s on the market?

Archi Wood

www.lithos.it

HardWood Clip® is the invisible wooden terrace fitting system developed

by Archi Wood. The fastening clip (in a top quality synthetic cover) is fixed to the floorboard grooves (sides) and screwed through the floorboards into the beams at an angle of 45° using self-drilling screws (SPAX in high quality A2 stainless steel).

HardWood Clip® is available in three types (3mm/5mm/7mm) to ensure the right distance between the floorboards, irrespective of the wood sort, degree of humidity during the fitting, and weather conditions. This system is highly discreet thanks to the (non-reflective) black matt finish and the antique brown colour of the screw (coloured all over). SoftWood Clip™ is virtually the same fastening system as the HardWood Clip®, but is designed solely for Thermowood or thermally treated wood sorts. The SoftWood Clip™ is available in two sizes (5 and 7mm). Square Clip™ is a simple and efficient system for fastening terrace tiles invisibly. The system is effective and universal. The Square Clip™ can be fitted or screwed onto any flat substrate, and no tools are required whatsoever. The system also allows you to dismount the tiles, change the configuration of the tiles, or replace a tile. The tiles never

come into contact with the substrate. An integrated system of drainage channels on both sides of the base ensures good drainage and ventilation, something which has a beneficial effect on the lifespan. Square Clip™ is designed to allow the wood to make its natural movements. The clip adapts to all wood sorts, sizes, and composites. The system is completely invisible.

Protac Ouest The invisible fastening system Deck/ Terrace Clip has Deck / Terrasse Clip been developed in collaboration with the manufacturer of NÖVLEK products. This fastening system is based on the HardWood Clip® system described above. The synthetic clip is reinforced with stainless steel. For the rest, the fitting and the principle are identical to the HardWood Clip® (see Archi Wood).

Bewood Bewood presents the Universal Clip from Cliplam, a Universal solution for fitting wooden terrace planks, composite, and bamboo.

It is available in 4 and 6mm in black or transparent. The clip is used without the need to drill through the terrace boards. The polymer coating of the Universal Clip provides protection against corrosion if there is contact with ‘salty’ air or chlorinated water.

The clip retains a distance of 5mm between the planks, but also adapts to the dimensional changes of the floorboards. The clip’s metal insert guarantees perfect fastening. The insert also guarantees that the planks put significant pressure on the beams to prevent them from sliding out of position in the course of the years. The screw is designed in black stainless steel and does not become deformed over the years.

Moreover, Universal Clip allows for speedy dismounting, if necessary.

B-Fix “THE VENETIANS” SKIRTING

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B-Fix presents a range of solutions for terraces and swimming pool boards. The range includes a number of types of invisible fasteners: B-Fix One, B-Fix Black One, and B-Fix Border. In addition, the assortment also includes various accessories. The system itself is designed in stainless steel with memory effect so that the wood can behave as normally and yet stay fixed perfectly in place.

Each plank can be removed

individually. The fastening system can be assembled on different profiles and can be deployed on an extensive range of wood sorts and composite. Thanks to the screws, the system adapts to different types of structures such as wood, aluminium, or a low structure. B-Fix can be applied horizontally and vertically.

Eurotec

Felix Clercx applies this with the Moso Bamboo Xtreme and the Fiberon WPC terrace planks.

Furthermore, the company also has an assortment of terrace planks in thermally modified ash, and these terrace planks can also be fastened with clips.

For this system they have developed a special synthetic clip which ensures that there is hardly any room between the terrace planks.

Silvadec Eurotec offers various visible and invisible fasteners for all wood sorts, taking account of the difference in tannic acid content and the dimensional stability of the various wood sorts. As regards accessories for the fitting, Eurotec has various tools. In 2016, Eurotec is launching a new invisible fastening system for terraces. The brand new Stone System can be deployed for wood, composite, and stone. The system is compatible with the Eurotec Profi Line (pedestals), the new line of which provides for three new feet, which can be adjusted to different heights.

This new series has been extended to include three new adapters: L-adapters (classic planks and composite), Click adapters for Eurotec alu profiles, and Stone adapters for stone tiles. Together with the new Alu System Profile EVO and the click adapter, you have the basis of the new invisible fastening system Stone System.

Exterpark According to Exterpark, they offer the only genuinely invisible fastening system. Other systems are certainly concealed, but still visible. This technology is available under the Välinge licence for manufacturers. The system provides a groove of 4mm for drainage and swelling. The floor looks like a parquet floor. Gone are the days when valuable objects or dirt got lost under the terrace. In 2015, Exterpark licensed its Magnet system. There are no screws, the fitting proceeds very quickly, and dismounting is very simple. With one simple press you can open the terrace at any point. Exterpark Magnet takes account of the major points for attention which fitters have to look out for: quick and easy fitting, cost price, lifespan, accessibility, maintenance, appearance, and stability. The cost price is reduced by omitting screws and the fitting time is three to five times faster.

Felix Clercx Felix Clercx has different sorts of fastening systems, depending on the type of terrace plank. For the ‘blind’ fastening of the series of hardwood terrace planks the company uses the B-fix Clip system. B-fix is a high quality stainless steel clip system with easy assembly and specially designed for strong and durable fastening of hardwood terrace planks.

For their products with a minimal swelling coefficient they use the Cobra clip system. Cobra clips tighten the terrace plank on the base construction and provide a strong and motionless construction.

Silvadec presents an invisible fastening system which is an interplay of stainless steel screws and clips. Apart from the fact that the fastening is invisible, the main benefit of this fitting system is the speed at which the terrace is completed. After all, there only has to be one screw fitted between the joints instead of two in a traditional system. The clip automatically absorbs the natural movement of the wood. The range includes different sorts of clips. There is the simple clip with a stainless steel screw, the reduction clip whereby several corners of a plank can be combined with one clip on one support beam, a start and an end clip, and , new for 2016, a screw in composite and steel and in composite and stainless steel. Other accessories include an anti-slip insert, LED lights, and a rubber section to hide the clip.

Vetedy Softline® system is a 100% invisible fixation system which enables to use deck elements without any visible screw. The invisible fixation clip is made in a composite material which ensures a very high mechanical resistance. It is fixed to the support structure with the help of stainless steel screw on strip which are installed with a screwdriver especially design for this work. Even with this high mechanical resistance, the clip stays flexible enough to perfectly support the natural movement of the wood. The bottom of the fixation allows to perfectly isolate the wooden boards from the support in such a way to totally protect them from an eventual stagnation of water on bottom side. Softline® system benefits from a very good warranty in time under any climate.

We can also notice that no addition of product is required for this system, meaning it is “maintenance free”! it has been already installed in a variety of climatic conditions such as Finland (cold), Dubaï (hot), Lybia (dry), Indonesia (wet) and without any problem. Softline® system exists for 15 years and has more than widely prove its durability as the first decking installed are still practical today!

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Outdoor bamboo floors : dos and don’ts

BAMBOO IS STILL AN ECOLOGICAL CRACKER PATIO CONSTRUCTION CALLS FOR ADVICE AND A CRITICAL SURVEY IN ADVANCE

Photo – BambooTouch®

Far many people have been ‘ disappointed’ within a short space of time with the purchase of an outdoor terrace for this to be taken lightly. A terrace is usually quite pricey, so, obviously, clients hope they will be able to enjoy it for many years. Sadly, all too often, it’s the subject of a degree of experimentation. Furthermore, all too often, we tend to skimp on the purchase price. That's the wrong attitude!

The durability of the terrace, along with its professional installation, to a large extent depends on the quality of the ‘raw materials’, and those raw materials might be anything.

Whether it is wood, wood products, composites, bamboo, or palm, critical information can save a lot of grief from the outset. This is the job of the fitter.

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Bad experiences Disappointments are inextricably associated with the construction sector. This is an old sore, that's for sure. Disappointments can occur at every stage of construction, and their origin can either be traced back to unprofessional fitting or failures in the materials used. In the professional sphere of terraces, there have been several disappointments over the course of time. The reason for this is that life outdoors is a relatively ‘recent’ phenomenon (due to global warming?) and there is a great deal of 'exploration', innovation, and experimentation. Constructing terraces requires a sound knowledge of the outdoor climate and its behaviour. Unlike indoor materials, outdoor building materials are put to the test more severely. These bad experiences didn’t arise for the first time with the 'new' fashion in terraces, in which

wood and wood-related materials are coming more and more to the fore. They were already an issue for natural stone, bluestone, and ceramic terraces, where the use of stabilised sand, mortar for pointing, permeable concrete, and such like are primary considerations which have sometimes been trifled with. However, things have progressed here as well, and technology has brought everything under control.

the right support

A testimonial In the past, we recounted an anecdote from our immediate surroundings about a family which arranged to have a fairly large balcony built with stairs down to the garden and garden terrace in a sort of teak or bankirai hardwood. The fitter was quite an experienced ‘carpenter’, who was certainly no novice. Unfortunately, the construction collapsed after only two years. The wood split in countless places and every plank warped (strangely enough) in different directions. A bad batch? Probably.

I recently read about a similar experience involving a Dutch family, who arranged to have a wooden terrace attached to the house and connected to a pond, made of bald cypress, a North American sort of wood that is one of the few conifers that loses its needles in winter, just like the larch and dawn redwood (metasequoia). The wood of the bald cypress is highly resistant to rotting. In America, it is used, amongst other things, for roofing, gutters, and coffins. And so, at first sight, it wasn’t a bad choice, but things turned out differently than expected.

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Let the client speak ‘Offering thick bald cypress for wood is quite rare, since the timber is considered to be acidic (like red cedar). And so, it should last a long time. The plants are as soft as velvet when you walk on them barefoot.

No nasty splinters. And so, the bald cypress seemed the ideal timber for a patio. Three, or maybe four years later, the first signs of decay started to appear. As a result of weather, wind, and sun, the planks had become brittle and fragile. To prevent accidents, we replaced the planks, and when we saw that this was a recipe for disaster, we instead decided to undertake some temporary patchwork. Plywood boards over the weak spots.’ You hope it never happens to you!

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PAD. 20 - STAND E17

HALL 8 - STAND 8229

The search for an alternative The family from the Netherlands is extremely ecologically minded in its choice of materials. A hardwood terrace made of tropical timber, even if it is FSC-certified, was not the preferred option. The fact that large trees have to be felled and transported over large distances did not meet the aspirations with regard to the 'ecological footprint'. Instead, the family was considering 'robinia', a local Dutch species of hardwood.

They learnt that large batches were imported from Hungary, and sometimes even from Canada and Russia. The fact that robinia forks quite low means that it yields few long planks. They gave oak some consideration, but rejected it. Douglas was also considered.

They chose bamboo.

The Dutch family's quest ended in China. The ecological aspect of bamboo, as type of grass reproduced at breakneck speed, ultimately proved decisive. They opted for a combination of an ecological raw material and state-of-the-art architectural technology by opting to have parts of the terrace in so-called 'strand-woven' bamboo: an industrial and technological process used to create bamboo planks offering an unrivalled hardness.

Strand-woven... unrivalled hardness The bamboo stem is first cut into thin strips. These strips are boiled at a very high temperature and then cooled again. The strips end up in a metal press, in which certain resins are added to the bamboo. The whole thing is now cold-compressed at very high pressure. The panels

THE RIGHT SUPPORT FOR THE

BUILDING INDUSTRY what is essential is invisible to the eye Italian

QUALITY TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION

www.impertek.com Floor Forum International 80

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Outdoor bamboo floors : dos and don’ts

resulting from this compression technique have a natural structure that perfectly resembles tropical timber. Every plank is different. The most important thing is that this method provides us with the hardest material that exists in the market. With a hardness of 103.5 MPa, strand-woven bamboo is twice as hard as oak. The exceptional mechanical properties of these boards make them ideally suited to outdoor flooring. The stability of strand-woven bamboo surpasses that of teak.

Two specialists : BambooTouch®

Acquiring and transferring knowledge Fitting timber and timber product terraces is a specialist trade within joinery, in which floor fitters can undoubtedly become proficient.

Technical skills are obviously essential, but understanding materials is, more than ever, an important part of the chances of success.

Understanding materials also involves understanding the basic materials used such as types of wood compositions made up of composites, engineered systems, forms of fastening technology, and accessories, as well as metals and plastics. The floor fitter has to study and, above all, ask specialists for advice. This is the only way to advise end customers in a professional manner and to provide them with the answers to fulfil their (as ever individual and unique) aspirations.

Bamboo for outdoor flooring The above-mentioned 'strand-woven' bamboo is a bamboo-based technological solution, but there are others. Since the composite market cannot be ignored, there’s also a composite of bamboo and polyethylene, which can be moulded for certain invisible fastening systems. We went to see what the market has to offer.

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Easy to use without heavy grinding equipment or harmful chemicals. This diverse tool, which mounts to any standard floor buffer or auto scrubber, uses diamond coated blades to grind tough coatings away!

CONCRETE PREP TOOL The Diamabrush™ patented metallic blade is ideal for cleaning hard floors like concrete and terrazzo as well as a great prep tool for coated floors, screeds, levelled floors, and adhesive preparation.

A 25 or 100 diamond grit is bonded to metallic backing and assembled to a flexible, spring-steel blade. The flexible blade allows the diamond to remain in constant contact with the floor.

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Bamboo appears to be the perfect alternative to terraces made of tropical wood sorts. It has proved its quality for many years and is primarily a remedy to counter deforestation. Composite is an excellent solution for those looking for a paved terrace with the appearance of wood. There’s little or no maintenance and the colours are stable.

Composite bamboo is harder than other composites, more stable, and less prone to warping. A solid bamboo terrace should be heat-treated in order to avoid fungi. Adhesive bonding is extremely important to prevent premature delamination. In the case of composite, it's all about the composition of bamboo powder and recycled plastic. Other than stability, the ecological aspect is, of course, an argument of foremost importance. Naturally, easy fitting is a welcome bonus. For building bamboo terraces BambooTouch® recommends the invisible SoftWood Clip™, whilst for composites the company has its own system.

Felix Clercx In the opinion of Felix Clercx, bamboo particularly gains market share in utility construction, where architects specify the products. The environment and sustainability are important factors in this. Felix Clercx only includes highly compressed modified bamboo in its range of products. Compared to tropical hardwood, it has an equivalent strength class and the same appearance as tropical hardwoods such as bankirai and padauk. It is completely CO² neutral and has the same fire resistance. To offer the surface a durable means of protection, it has to be maintained continuously. Felix Clercx offers Moso Bamboo decking combined with the Cobra clip system. It carries a 10-year warranty against rot and mildew.

Special

Waterless adhesives

ADHESIVE DOESN’T NEED ANY WATER ONLY EMULSION ADHESIVE STILL CONTAINS WATER Lots of water in this edition! Waterproof floors, waterborne lacquers, and waterless adhesives. Strictly speaking, there isn’t a lot to say about the last of those three. After all, it’s only emulsion adhesives which still contain water. They create a physical adhesive bonding, whereas most other adhesives create a chemical bonding. With a chemical bonding it is still possible that the reaction between two or more substances comes about through contact with moisture, but that is often extracted from the ambient air.

The disappearance of water Elsewhere in this edition we have outlined the role of water in various building materials and products. The chief task of water is to make it possible to apply, disperse, or spread the product, and it is then considered to have disappeared for the most part. Never entirely, but for the most part! We gave as examples all those materials which have to be left to dry once they have been applied and thereby form the source of the infamous ‘residual building moisture’. We’re talking here primarily about concrete, various sorts of mortar, screeds, or plaster for the walls. The water enables us to apply and spread the products. when the water disappears (evaporates), the product becomes hard. That hardening (setting) process and the extent to which the products have to dry is now relatively well known and calculated. It’s quite clear that water isn’t the only solvent. However, the principle of binding by means of the disappearance of the ‘fluid’ is always the same. The evaporation of the solvent is a purely physical process. There are no products which ‘react’ to each other, as is the case with chemical adhesive bonds.

Why glueing?

In various fields, and not least in the construction industry, countless materials have to be bound together. After all, construction implies by definition that we bring loose materials together to form a greater whole.

Erecting a wall means quite simply piling up and connecting loose bricks.

To make the wall durable (so that it stays upright), the bricks need to be unified with each other. Glueing is an extremely effective method of doing that, and we can illustrate this easily: If you demolish a wall of glued Ytong blocks with a break hammer, you see that the strongest part of the wall is the adhesive bond. That stays in place whereas the blocks themselves get smashed.

Specific advantages

damaging the material. Acoustically, adhesives have the advantage of being more or less elastic so that they eliminate vibrations.

Acoustics and parquet We can illustrate what we’ve said above in connection with spreading pressure and acoustic implications with an example which, once again, has really happened! A parquet floor fitter, a skilled worker, was asked to fit parquet onto an existing and extremely glossy ceramic tile in a living room. The choice was for strip parquet in merbau. This dates back about 15 years when there was still a certain reserve about glueing directly onto tiles. The floor fitter opted to fit a subfloor in multiplex, which he anchored approximately every 15cm with a screw in the tile floor. The merbau strips were fully glued and nailed onto the multiplex panels. The result?

A jewel of a floor. The was a problem, however. Every footstep sounded the same as with a laminate floor without a subfloor. If the multiplex had been glued onto the ceramic tiles (after possibly fitting a primer or after roughening up the surface), that problem wouldn’t have arisen. Glueing unites concrete, screed, subfloor, and floor covering to form a whole and yield completely different acoustics (cf. the law of mass).

Without water With the knowledge at our disposal today, the aforementioned parquet floor fitter could also have fully glued the subfloor onto the tile floor.

Most forms of adhesive technology don’t need any water since they don’t bring about a physical adhesive bond, but a chemical adhesive bond. Silane adhesives, PU adhesives, and MS polymers lie at the base of chemical adhesive reactions. Chemical adhesive reactions occur if two or more substances enter into a chemical reaction. With dual component adhesives the components react amongst themselves. With single component adhesives a second component is needed for the adhesive reaction and that is found in the atmosphere. This is usually the damp which is present in the air. Examples of adhesives which extract the second component from the surrounding air include urethanes, silicones, and cement adhesive. Their biggest asset is that they don’t contain any water, so they can’t give off any water to the wood to cause it to swell. This is also why these adhesives are usually suitable for widen and long solid wood floorboards, depending on their composition.

What’s on the market?

Adesiv

There are several other methods (techniques) for binding materials together, such as screwing, nailing, welding, and soldering. Glueing has a number of specific advantages which are decisive, certainly when it comes to fitting parquet. For example, glueing gives us an even spread of pressure. In contrary to a bolt connection, the entire glued surface contributes to the transfer of strength. This means that the pressure in and on the joint is spread evenly. Moreover, glueing doesn’t change the structure of the materials to be glued. This is obvious in contrast to welding or soldering. In contrast to a bolt joint, an adhesive bond is gas-proof.

Furthermore, glueing offers the possibility of joining different materials to each other and in some cases the connection can be undone without

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Adesiv claims that 90% of adhesives are waterless. This applies to all 2-component PU adhesives and the new 1-component PU adhesives and silane adhesives. The biggest advantage is that the glue doesn’t give off any water to the wood. Adesiv has an extensive range of waterless glues. Some examples are the EURO 5, EURO F1, PELPREN PL6, WB MONO MS, and WB MONO MS LE. Euro 5 is a

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Waterless adhesives

dual component epoxy polyurethane adhesive which doesn’t contain water and have very low VOC emissions. This product is specifically for glueing wooden floors of all kinds onto cement bases or non-absorbent existing floors (marble, tiles, floor mosaic, or wooden support blocks).

Euro F1 and Pelpren PL6 are dual component adhesives based on epoxy-polyurethane. They do not contain water and are specially for glueing wooden floors onto any type of concrete substrate or onto existing non-absorbent floors (marble, tiles, Palladian, or wooden substrates). WB Mono MS single component adhesive is specially for glueing pre-finished wooden floors onto concrete substrates or onto existing non-absorbent floors (marble, tiles, Palladian, or wooden substrates).

Blanchon As regards waterless adhesives, the Blanchon assortment offers two spreadable glues, one glue in sausage shape, a skirting board adhesive, and one ship deck joint kit. All these products have the A+ label as regards indoor emissions. AB 2000 is a hybrid polymer adhesive for fully glueing solid parquet in widths of up to 200mm and multi-layer parquet of up to 400mm wide. This glue is supple and elastic and suitable for use with floor heating. The AB 1300 is also a hybrid polymer glue. With this extremely effective adhesive it is possible to glue wide solid wood boards of up to 130mm and multi-layer boards of up to 260mm. This adhesive, too, is supple and elastic and offers outstanding adhesion on most substrates. Both glues are easy to apply and provide a firm adhesive groove. Both glues are EC 1R classified (GEV Emi code). The packaging, too, is extremely handy and reduces waste as much as possible. The glue appears in aluminium bags (6kg) which are easy to handle and practical. The sausage-shaped adhesive is suitable for cordon glueing. It is a hybrid polymer adhesive supplied in an aluminium sausage-shaped pack for applying with an adhesive spray gun. The skirting board glue is a PU adhesive in a cartridge.

Bona As regards waterless adhesives, Bona offers both reaction PU adhesives and reaction silane adhesives. Bona R770 is a dual component polyurethane parquet adhesive which conforms to DIN 281. It is also suitable for glueing laminate floors. The glue binds without shrinking by means of a chemical reaction. It contains neither water nor organic solvents. Bona R778 is a dual component polyurethane parquet adhesive for parquet and solid wood boards and conforms to EN 14293 (hard). The glue also binds without shrinking by means of a chemical reaction and contains neither water nor organic solvents. Bona R850 is a soft elastic single component silane parquet adhesive for parquet floors. The set glue, like conventional glues, is capable of withstanding the pressure as the wood swells, whilst resistance to shrinking is very low. This reduces pressure on the subfloor. The glue binds by means of a chemical reaction with the damp in the atmosphere and has an open time of 20 minutes. Bona R870T is a hard elastic single component silane adhesive for parquet floors and conforms to EN 14293 (hard). It is a system with ‘pure binding’; it doesn’t contain any softeners or other fluid binding agents

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and that makes spreading or other forms of application easier. The set glue can withstand the tensile strength of wood as it swells. Its hardness helps the floor to stabilise, especially solid wood floors.

Devo® Devomat Industries offers floor fitters an extensive range of Devo® adhesives for parquet floors. The product formulas are created through the application of several years of experience and deployment of the very latest forms of technology. They use only the best raw materials and the production to the highest quality and ecological standards. Devomat adhesives are deployed in a very wide scope of applications. MSP glues are used for multi-layer and pre-finished floors and parquet. The single and dual component PU adhesives are deployed mainly for (even wide) solid wood floorboards. All adhesives can be deployed on both cement-bound and anhydrite screeds, tile floors, Fermacell, and such like, and with or without floor heating. The range of waterless adhesives from Devomat consists of single and dual component glues. The single component adhesives include the semi-elastic polyurethane adhesive Devo® Glue PU 300 1C and three MS polymer adhesives: Devo® Glue MSP 150 1C (semi-elastic), Devo®Glue MSP 200 1C (lightly elastic), and Devo Glue MSP 300 1C (hard elastic). As regards dual component adhesives, Devomat offers Devo® Glue PU 570 2C and Devo® Glue PU 650 2C. Both are polyurethane epoxy adhesives for glueing wooden floors onto cement-bound subfloors or onto existing floors.

Henkel/Thomsit As regards waterless adhesives Henkel has both PU and silane adhesives under the Thomsit trademark. P675 Elast (ready-for-fitting parquet), P685 Elast Universal (solid wood and ready-for-fitting parquet), and P695 Elast Universal Strong (for all wooden floors) are based on the FLEXTEC technology developed

by Thomsitie. P 675 and P 685 are soft elastic adhesives, whilst P 695 is a hard elastic adhesive. At Thomsit a hard elastic adhesive is an extra strong and rapid adhesive so that it is also suitable for more critical sorts of parquet, which can normally be glued only with a 2-component PU adhesive. A soft elastic adhesive is not suitable for this. The top product at Thomsit is the P 695 Elast Universal Strong. The benefits of this adhesive include the following: It contains neither water nor solvents, so there is no chance of the wood swelling; it is permanently elastic; it reduces the tensile stress on the substrate; and it is suitable for almost all substrates without the need for a primer.

Henkel also presents the Thomsit P 625, a low-emission dual component polyurethane glue which contains neither water nor solvents.

Lecol Lecol presents an extensive range of waterless adhesives under the Wakol trademark. The parquet glue Wakol MS 230 is a single component elastic MS polymer adhesive which is particularly suitable for fully glueing multi-layer parquet with tongue/groove joint. Due to the growing need to glue multi-layer parquet securely in place, Lecol has developed a new adhesive which is particularly suitable for this purpose. Wakol MS 260 is

a single component hard elastic MS polymer adhesive. Wakol MS 290 is a single component chip-resistant MS polymer glue which is suitable for all sorts of standard parquet, wooden subfloors and cork floors, all sizes and wood sorts, and is therefore universally applicable. Furthermore, the adhesive also has all the assets of an MS glue, so it is the perfect parquet glue for parquet floor fitters. Apart from the MS polymer adhesives, they also have a number of PU adhesives, including the Wakol PU 215 and PU 225. Wakol PU 215 is a dual component PU adhesive for the chip-resistant glueing of 10mm of solid parquet, 6 and 9mm traditional parquet, mosaic parquet, end grain blocks, thick strips, multi-layer parquet, solid wood boards, and cross-cut RE/WE on absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors indoors. Wakol PU 215 conforms to the standard DIN EN 14293. Wakol PU 225 Parquet Glue is suitable for glueing 22mm solid parquet (thick strips and wide floorboards) only onto a wooden subfloor (chipboard, mosaic, and such like) in combination with invisible fasteners. In the Netherlands, as regards PU adhesives, Lecol offers the Lecol PU 230 (beige)/233 (brown) and 240 (22mm solid wood).

Pallmann Pallmann has three waterless adhesives. Pallmann P5 is a 1-component parquet adhesive with a hard elastic adhesive groove and a long working time. Pallmann P6 is also a 1-component adhesive. Pallmann P9 is a 2-component PU adhesive which does not contain any water or solvents. It conforms to the standard DIN EN 14293 and is suitable for all types of parquet. It is also ideal for moisture-sensitive wood sorts and sizes and for glueing underlays onto UZIN which is suitable for parquet. Pallmann P9 is a pasty polyurethane adhesive parquet adhesive with no water or solvents. It doesn’t cause the wood to swell because no moisture can be extracted from the wood. The glue is suitable on substrates with sufficient strength, such as sand-cement, calcium sulphate, and mastic asphalt covering floors, chipboard, and suitable UZIN underlays, as well as onto warm water floor heating.

Rectavit Rectavit has several waterless adhesives in its assortment. Its silane adhesives include: 248 multilayer, 248 cordon, 255, 248, 249, and 249 express. As for PU adhesives they can list 1K PU 247 and 2K PU 245.

Rectavit 255 Fibre Tech is a universal, elastic, and fibre-reinforced parquet glue based on Fibre Tech Reinforced MS polymer specially for fully glueing all types of parquet with tongue and groove systems. The 2K PU 145 is a dual component parquet adhesive based on polyurethane. This is for chip-resistant glueing of moisture-sensitive parquet sorts, large-size parquet, mosaic parquet, solid parquet, exotic parquet, and ready-for-fitting parquet onto substrates

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such as screed, concrete, stone, tiles, wood, and metal, and also onto anhydrite substrates with floor heating.

Rubio Monocoat Rubio Easy Bond parquet adhesive is a new generation of 1-component parquet adhesives based on silane polymer technology. Rubio Easy Bond parquet adhesive doesn’t contain any softeners, so there’s obviously no migration of softeners.

This doesn’t change the composition of the adhesive, so consequently there is no risk of premature ageing. The most important ingredients which make Rubio Easy Bond parquet adhesive fluid and durable are the polymers. There’s no longer any need to think with Rubio Easy Bond. The adhesive is suitable for just about all wood sorts and all substrates. This includes solid wood and multi-layer parquet, raw or industrially finished, mosaic parquet, and engineered parquet, as well as cross-cut wood, cork, and other challenging wood sorts. This ‘new generation’ adhesive takes the best from all the good and thereby combines important properties such as hard and elastic in one and the same adhesive.

Stauf Waterless Adhesives are based on chemical reactions between resin, hardener and air humidity. These adhesives are also called as reactive adhesives. The most advantage with water- and solvent free adhesives means no danger of wood swelling.

STAUF offers various waterless wood flooring adhesives. All these wood flooring adhesives are very low emission certified (Emicode EC1-R or EC1-R plus).

- STAUF SMP 950: Still the one and only 100% silane based SMP wood flooring adhesive without any kind of migresives (no VOC, SVOC, VVOC) and therefore suitable for all sub floors and wood flooring types.

- STAUF SPU 570: STAUF SPU 570 enables one to achieve bonding which had previously only been possible using shear-resistant, single-component PU adhesives. It can also be used as universal parquet adhesive to bond solid or multilayer types of parquet.

Tover Most wooden floorings are now laid with waterless adhesives in order to avoid too long sanding and curing time. Reactive glues carve the lion’s share, they can be silane, polyurethane or epoxy-polyurethane based. They enable indeed a secure and quick laying on any support, absorbent or not, for any wood species and sizes.

Tover offers in his range MS-polymer adhesives (Tovcol MS and MS Start) particularly suitable in green-building, solvent and isocyanate free, without any symbol of risk. Professionals who prefer two-component glues may choose between 100% polyurethane (Tovcol PU2C), hypoallergenic, hard elastic glue and an epoxy-polyurethane product (Tovcol TP2C), solvent free and odourless. All of them got the A+ Certificate for the low VOC content for a durable and safe laying.

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Providers of entrance mats : a must for any project

SELLING A FLOOR MAT CAN'T BE THAT DIFFICULT CERTAINLY NOT WHEN THE REASONS FOR BUYING ONE ARE SO OBVIOUS

Photo – Emco

We hear so much these days about ‘supplementary business’. A right mouthful! And sometimes what we’re dealing with are farfetched by-products and accessories which floor fitters might offer to go with the fitted parquet or wooden floor so they can increase their turnover. Take the water temperature indicator in floor heating, for example.

Nice, if anything goes wrong, as it can be regarded as a type of insurance policy. But what about selling products that are actually essential to life? Which are ‘guaranteed’ to extend the life of the floor? Because that’s what a mere floor mat is! It protects the wooden floor and prevents damage. So simple, isn’t it!

Floor fitter and marketer Many young floor fitters have got the message. In addition to laying a parquet floor, which is still a noble profession, there’s a great deal more business to be done than people fully realise, without the urge to sell undermining the nobility of the profession.

Craft workers and sellers Many craft workers consider themselves to be ‘artists’. And rightly so!

Whether we’re dealing with ceramics, painting, carving, or sculpture, good craft workers are artists. This even goes for a ‘clog maker’ who, just like a floor fitter, has to be familiar with different types of wood, the ease with which they can be worked, and the way they react to changes in humidity and temperature. Artists, they certainly are. But, and there is a ‘but’, to the extent that craft workers apply their craft to make a living, they also have to be sellers and marketers. They have to ‘persuade’ in order to sell their products. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

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Maintenance products and accessories Slowly, but steadily we’re getting used to whipping out the box of tricks with by-products and accessories once the parquet or wooden floor (or LVT, PVC, or laminate) has been laid. Wood-nourishing products that are likely to be used occasionally at best are then recommended to the customer. A ‘Swiffer’ with a ‘magnetic’ cloth to pick up dust rapidly and regularly between servicing also comes highly recommended. Shrewd floor fitters then offer a professional brand of which you can’t buy the replacement cloths at your local store. You see, it’s a matter of retaining clients.

Floors of delicate wood Parquet is vulnerable. We all know that. However, the finishes that have been developed in recent years mean we can treat that statement with a pinch of salt. Indeed, let's be honest: parquet is not invulnerable!

Depending on the type of wood (including density) parquet is ‘impressionable’. But, even though a lacquer coating may make it durable and virtually abrasion-resistant, strictly speaking, no material is entirely ‘scratchproof’. Take the strongest lacquer on the market, specially designed for floors which have to take very high traffic. With a simple nail or a tiny pebble you can easily make a substantial mark on it. From there, you soon realise that heavy dust and rubbish can result in scratches and other damage simply if you walk on them in your shoes.

The cheapest maintenance In the light of the above, we can safely say that the cheapest way to maintain your parquet and keep it looking good is the ‘preventive’ way.

Here, more than ever, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Countless products and remedies (chemical and mechanical) are available to repair

local patches of wear and tear caused by use or accident. Avoiding the damage or at least reducing the risk of damage is likely to increase its durability and cost less.

Projects attack the problem head-on There isn’t a single floor fitter who, when accepting an assignment in a commercial project (e.g. shop, hotel, or restaurant), needs to go up to the owner or entrepreneur to recommend a doormat with a view to protecting the new floor. If architects or interior decorators have done their jobs properly, such matters will normally have already been included in the tender for the project. And that is entirely logical. A fancy boutique will depend on one for its appearance. ‘You can’t make a first impression twice.’ We know that. A prim and proper shop draws people in. Its appearance forms part of its allure. A surge of people (particularly when the weather’s bad) can cause that impression to disappear altogether. A doormat (usually part of the floor) at the entrance therefore forms part and parcel of nearly all projects.

Floor fitters must sell.

In private households, floor fitters have the additional task of offering advice. For there are very few private clients who will spontaneously think of protecting their parquet in advance by providing a doormat. To most people the need occurs several days after the floor has been laid and they normally go down the road to buy a doormat whose colour to some extent matches the colours in the entrance or living room. Trial and Error is what we call it – an emergency decision taken in haste and unlikely to be efficient. It is up to floor fitters to recommend a foot-cleaning system at the outset, preferably using a variety of mats. Here, too, we can learn from the project market where the three-zone system is well established.

Wiping your feet … in stages The three-zone theory (source: Emco) is a sophisticated concept in which the different types of dirt (coarse, fine, and damp) are absorbed by a series of graduated mats. In theory, therefore, you first remove the coarse dirt using a solid mat before moving on to a mat that catches the finer dirt. Then, a third mat can be used to catch any moisture. For the first two zones heavy-duty functional inserts (bristle/coconut) in profiles are usually recommended, which ensure that the coarse dirt is removed and falls between the profiles. The third mat is made up of special hollow fibres that absorb the remaining dirt and moisture.

A consecutive system of mats in areas accessible to the public ensures that the floor of the shop or office, for example, stays clean. That undoubtedly has an effect on the appearance, but also and above all on the durability of the floor. And that, indeed, is every bit as important for the private end-user as it is for the commercial entrepreneur.

What’s on the market?

Basmat The great advantages of a Basmat doormat boil down to lower maintenance costs and less use of maintenance products. Safety also plays a part. These mats reduce the risk of slipping. Typical advantages of aluminium mats are their quality and durability, not to mention their added decorative value. Basmat mats are not just mats. They can be made to any dimension and they are ecological and recyclable.

Their structure is exceptionally strong. To clean them, all you need is a hoover. In the standard models, Atenea, Hermes, and Apollo, Basmat offers thicknesses of 9, 17, and 22mm. Basmat also offers one surface model and three special models: Artemis (9mm), Cronos (17mm), and Zeus (17mm) without grooves between the profiles.

EMCO Mats serve several functions inside a building. First of all they are used for the removal of dirt and moisture at the entrance in order to save on cleaning costs, keep the premises tidy, ensure a longer life for the floors, and reduce the risk of slipping. In addition to the removal of dust and moisture, they contribute towards the design of the premises and the interior decoration, for through the many different inserts, colours, shapes, and heights, they create an aesthetically pleasing entrance with the help of entrance mats. This immediately gives clients a favourable impression. Apart from the functions mentioned, these days, the entrance mat can also be installed by way of guiding the blind, acting as direction indicators for visually impaired visitors. Mats are certainly part of a floor fitter’s arsenal, ensuring premium floors, for mats are the best way to keep them good looking and scratch-free in the long term. That’s because mats ensure that most of the dirt and moisture is brushed off the soles of people’s feet at the entrance. EMCO offers various types of mats, the best-known series being the Emco Diplomat, the Emco Marshall, and the Emco Senator. Within these types further specifications can be made with respect to insert and height.

Milliken OBEX® Especially in commercial and public buildings there is the constant search for solutions to keep the access clean and safe, while bearing in mind the constraints of the maintenance budget. A study by the Worldwide Cleaning Association has shown that 70 to 90% of all dust enters the house through the front door. Without a floor mat, this can amount to 12kg for every 1,000 people. A good 40% of the cleaning budget is generally spent on floors (Carpet & Floor Covering Review).

Milliken OBEX® offers a Mat in Box concept in which Prior, Tergo, and Forma tiles in units of six assembled tiles are offered. These can be easily cut with a knife and assembled with a hammer. In addition, the OBEX® product range offers various modular access systems. These are functional but bear in mind the architecture and the design of the building. OBEX® offers solutions in the three-zone method: outside mats, inside mat (zone 2 dirt removal) + inside mat (zone 3: dry).

Rolls and a large number of textile mats on rubber supports are of course also available.

ROSCO ROSCO offers system solutions for floor and wall coverings and many creative solutions for bathrooms, sanitary, and wellness areas. ROSCO is both a wholesaler and a manufacturer of an extensive range of technical solutions for floor and wall tiles, parquet flooring, stone carpets, sanitary, carpets, and laminate. For more than 30 years ROSCO has been producing mat frames and premium entrance mats in-house. Offering a wide range, ROSCO provides a variety of designs for all applications and situations: rectangular, square, round, or entirely fitted to whatever unusual shape your entrance may be. They are the perfect solution to all entrances, whether in private dwellings or commercial developments. In addition to this complete range, ROSCO also offers personalised logo mats that enable firms to stamp their identity on their entrances and reception areas. These are made from nylon brushes, coconut fibres, or polyamide fibres and are low in maintenance costs. It is important to know that every entrance has its own special requirements. In a private house the mat need not be as durable as, for example, in a newsagent’s; a dolomite driveway will bring in far more sand than paving in concrete slabs and it might be necessary to cater for wheelchair patients, etc. That’s why the range of ROSCO mats is big enough to enable client to make the right choice.

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Flame-retardant lacquers : properties & legislation

LACQUER OR OIL WHICH DOES NOT AFFECT THE FIRE FIRE SAFETY BEGINS WITH FIRE-SAFE BUILDINGS

Photo – Loba

A fire is the most ruthless ‘ intruder’ to enter a building. It always comes unexpectedly and drifts in usually silently and unobtrusively with no warning at all. It usually starts with a small fire, but, if it is not extinguished in time, it spreads at lightning speed to become an uncontrollable colossus. Fire spares nothing or no one. You can at least look a burglar in the eye pleadingly, but you can’t really do that with a fire.

Fighting fire has always been a reality. Nowadays, certainly with the conversion of the European Building Products Directive into a Building Products Regulation which is binding on EU member states, it is a universal concern.

Fireproof building materials play a major part!

The great fire of London London has experienced more than one major fire. In 1212, a severe fire reduced a good proportion of the city to ashes and over 3,000 people perished. Over four centuries later, the city witnessed the real Great Fire of London. Thankfully, the casualties were kept to a minimum (it is estimated that about six people died), but the material damage was immense. The Great Fire of London ravaged no fewer than 13,200 houses and 87 church buildings, including St. Paul’s Cathedral. Although

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the ‘disaster’ which hit the capital of England saw few fatal casualties, it did condemn countless people to a life of poverty. The wealthy classes fled London to move to one of their other residences, whilst the middle classes lost everything on a single day and, from that time onwards, shared in the sufferings of the poorest people. It was an unparalleled social drama. The only good to result from the fire was that it did put an end to the Great Plague (the bubonic plague), which, during the previous year, had felled almost 18,000 occupants of the city. The fire also killed the rats which had spread the plague everywhere.

Moral of the story Why this anecdote? Because the whole drama began with building materials which were not fire-resistant. The erected houses were all made of wood. That wasn’t a problem in itself, but the houses were as dry as a bone and, to make them weatherproof, had often been treated with products which were extremely inflammable (such as pitch, Carboline, and such like). That only made matters worse.

That’s what this article is all about, namely the extent to which products ‘contribute’ to the development and spread of a fire.

Fire-safe building To be able to speak of a fire-safe building, the circle has to be round. In other words, all aspects of fire safety must be respected or else there is no guarantee of fire safety. We can compare it perfectly well with insulation: ‘A little insulation’ is absolutely pointless. And so, when a building is designed, we also take account of the flammability of materials and their possible contribution to a fire, but also the chances of the fire spreading to a different room (compartmentalisation) or to a neighbouring building (fireproof town planning). If we have done our homework properly on the materials and the structure of the building, we still have to ask the question ‘what if?’ What if a fire should happen to occur? The provision of fire detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers is a necessary supplement to the concept of a fire-safe building, just like the provision and marking (signalisation) of fire exits and escape routes. Prevention officers from the public fire service don’t like leaving anything to chance and there are still architects and project managers who respond to certain ‘requirements’ in a dismissive manner by saying, ‘Isn’t that all a little exaggerated?’ There are still mayors who blow the whistle on ‘their’ chief fire officer because the excessively strict measures could deter potential entrepreneurs from doing business on their territory. Obviously, in a community it’s necessary to weigh up interests. However, the fire which devastated virtually the whole of London in September 1666 shows the possible consequences of a faulty assessment.

Fireproof wooden floors To realise how we can protect wooden floors, we have to draw a distinction between two essential properties of a building material: the fire

resistance and the fire class of building materials. These terms constantly get mixed up. However, the meaning of those terms determines both the objective (of the properties of the material) and the way in which (or the means by which) the objective can be achieved.

Fire resistance When we talk about fire resistance, we are talking about the function of a building material in the total construction and the length of time for which the material actually performs that function effectively. In other words, the fire resistance (now REI/formerly RF) of a building element is the time in minutes that a building element meets the following criteria simultaneously: - Stability (R): The time that the element retains its load-bearing function (for elements with a load-bearing function).

- Flame resistance (E): The time during which no flames spread to the non-exposed side of the wall (for partition elements).

- Thermal insulation (I): The time during which the temperature on the non-exposed side does not rise above a certain thermal threshold.

To express this simply, fire resistance is the capacity of a material to resist the power of the fire for a certain time. And so, fire resistance is expressed as a ‘time span’.

Fire class The reaction to fire of a material is partly the extent of flammability of that material and the extent to which that material contributes to the development of the fire. Fire reaction is expressed in seven ‘classes’. The fire reaction classes are defined in the standard EN 13501-1.

Basically, whilst all floors must pass the tests in accordance with the

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Flame-retardant lacquers : properties & legislation

standard EN 13501-1, there are some exceptions: Anyone who reports class F(fl) (the worst class or the class which indicates that the product has not been tested) is exempt and likewise anyone who produces a product which is on the CWFT list (Classification Without Further Testing). For wooden floor coverings this is the European standard EN 14342 ‘Wood flooring – Characteristics, evaluation of conformity and marking’. This standard contains the relevant requirements for CE marking and refers to suitable testing methods.

CLASS

CONTRIBUTION TO FIRE

FLAMMABILITY

Class A1 Class A2 Class B Class C Class D Class E Class F

No contribution at all Hardly any contribution Very limited contribution Major contribution High contribution Very high contribution Indeterminate

Non-inflammable Virtually non-inflammable Hardly inflammable Inflammable Fairly flammable Very inflammable Highly inflammable or untested

The classes can be supplemented with a division for smoke development (S 1 to 3) and drip formation (D 0 to 2). The list of floors in chart 1 of the CWFT (EN 14342) concerns different types of wooden floors equipped with their finish. And so, to meet the requirements of the standard, the floor, together wit its finish, has to conform to the prescribed class. In other words, a compliant parquet lacquer must not have an adverse effect on the fire reaction class. In the CWFT chart classes Cfl-s1 and Dfl-s1 are satisfactory. However, the member states can impose higher requirements, for instance, for public buildings. For

ECØ V Single-component water-based polyurethane lacquer

Voc free!

example, for a public building in Italy class B(fl) is required for both the standard rooms and the fire exits. Some countries impose even stricter requirements (B(fl) for the materials used in the fire escapes. If higher demands are made, the products must be tested pursuant to the standard 13501-1. Various makers have been able to prove via tests that their lacquers do not adversely affect the fire class of materials with European class B(fl). In contrast to flame-retardant paint, parquet lacquer doesn’t extend to protecting the floor (by ‘swelling’, for instance), but rather it doesn’t increase the contribution of that material to a possible fire. At present, there are systems being developed in which the fire reaction of wooden floor could actually be improved. Some producers already offer such products.

What’s on the market?

Bona

According to its own testimony, Bona doesn’t have any flame-retardant lacquers as such in its range. However, Bona lacquers illustrate very well what we mean by that term and what we want to explain in this article. As we’ve already said, the European Standard for fire resistance EN 13501-1 sets seven classes for fire resistance, ranging from A to F, where A is the best and F the worst. What is tested is also the floor construction in its entirety i.e. adhesive, sort of floor (e.g. wood, stone, or PVC), and finish. Even if a wooden floor were to obtain a test result to put it in class A, it would automatically be put in class B, since class A is reserved for inorganic materials such as stone, metal, and concrete.

Various Bona lacquers have been tested for this, applied to a chipboard (subfloor panel) pursuant to European standard Bfl-s1 chipboard and have all obtained class Bfl-s1, which is the best possible class if you work with organic materials. This means that Bona lacquers do not adversely affect the flammability of the floor, but they don’t improve it either! If the subfloor had been awarded a class C or D, that class would also have been the final test result.

Blanchon

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Blanchon doesn’t sell any fire resistant lacquers in the literal sense of that term. Fire resistant lacquers make combustible materials non-inflammable or slow down the inflammation considerably through the addition of certain additives. Blanchon lacquers are favourably placed in the European classes and that is down to the qualities of these products, not the extra additives. Blanchon is active in all ranges of lacquers, including waterborne polyurethane in one or two components, traditional PU with seven products in two classes. The test reports show that the Belmont, Intensive, Polysolid, and SVP Aqua are in class Cfl-s1 and the Océanic and RA Aqua are in class Dfl-s1. chimiver.com - info@chimiver.com

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Ciranova Flame-retardant building products require certification. For wooden floors the certification is given in the CE label (EN14342), especially in the section ‘reaction to fire EN13501-1’. By means of standardised tests, the products are divided into classes (Euroclass) depending on their contribution to fire.

These tests are carried out by recognised institutions, and as regards floors the most important one is the ‘radiant panel test for flooring EN ISO 9239-1’. An important detail in this connection is the fact that it is not the coating in itself which is tested, but the entire composite. And so, the Ciranova product Aquafix project 2K is put in fire class Cfls1 (fl for flooring & s1 for minimal smoke development) if it is applied in three coats (in a ratio of 100g/ m²) and on full oak (22mm). The product Aquafix Project 2K, developed

by Ciranova, can only be applied on site.

EN ISO 11925-2, and EN ISO 9239-1. The fact that it was awarded a Bfl s1 was an absolute first, the B-standard is the highest obtained quotation which an oil system has ever achieved. The s1 also stands for considerable restriction of smoke development. The RMC FR System can be applied both industrially in the factory or on site. Basically, this system is suitable mainly for the project market. This is illustrated by the growing demand from architects for such projects as hotels, restaurants, and public spaces.

Tover

Lecol/ Loba Lecol presents its Lobadur WS Sealer FR. This latest dual component sealer fits in excellently within the now much used Loba system and gives sufficient certainty due to its outstanding fire-retardant properties and the excellent spreading possibilities on the floor.

WS Sealer FR provides a proven flame resistance and considerably reduced smoke development, for which lots of demands are made, especially in projects. The lacquer is suitable for all chip resistant glued parquet and other wooden floors with a similar weight of >470kg/m³. Lobadur WS Sealer FR should always be applied in combination with other products in order to comply with the NEN 13501-1 Class Cfl-s1 standard.

Lobadur WS Sealer FR forms a middle coat in the trusted Loba System.

Rubio Monocoat The Rubio Moncocoat FR Oil System is the first flame-retardant oil system in the world to present a Bfl-s1 certificate on oak. Since it is based completely on the Rubio Monocoat signature technology (in which a molecular binding is created with the upper fibres of the wood in one single coat), there is no need for further coats, in contrast to many existing systems. A flame-retardant oil has to restrict smoke development and provide as much fire prevention as possible. The RMC FR System consists of a flame-retardant pre-treatment with RMC FR Base and a finish with RMC FR Oil. This yields durable protection and colouring via molecular binding. They have also endeavoured to create a system which is extremely safe, durable, and economical. The RMC FR System has been tested according to the standards EN 13501-1,

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A fire retardant lacquer must be able to slow down the flame spread on the floor; this means it must guarantee an increase of the support performances, not only keep them unchanged. Tover Firestop SQ got in 2010 the Cfl-s1 certification, passing the tests on a highly flammable support with the application of only 3 coats of products (300g/m²). In the last two years Tover developed in cooperation with Turin University a Research Master working among other themes on new flame retardant finishes; in the coming days new formula lacquers, also isocyanate free, with far higher properties with respect to the norm will be certified by the Milan Masini Research Institute. Another great success for Tover R&S Laboratory.

WOCA The Danish technological institute for Fire Safety (DBI) has tested WOCA Diamond Oil and WOCA Hard Wax Oil and their influence on the fire reaction of a wooden floor in accordance with EN/ISO 9239-1. EN/ISO 9239-1 is a European test procedure to determine the fire reaction, fire spread, and smoke emission of a horizontally fitted floor covering, which is exposed to a source of heat rays. The test was carried out by applying WOCA Diamond Oil and Hard Wax Oil to 21mm oak floorboards. It emerged from the test that the two WOCA products had no effect on the fire reaction of the oak floorboards. The test showed that the wooden floorboards (5mm engineered oak), which had been classified as CFL when untreated, retained their CFL grade after the treatment with WOCA Diamond Oil or WOCA Hard Wax Oil.

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Special

New trends in cork floors

A NATURAL PRODUCT WITH UNPRECEDENTED DECORATIVE ASSETS CORK REMAINS POPULAR AMONGST YOUNG AND OLD We wrote it once in the title of an article: ‘If your child could choose, then cork would be the choice’. That says a lot! And it’s not just children who choose cork. Whilst children certainly do appreciate the pleasant, warm, and gentle feel of cork under their bare feet, parents are charmed by the acoustic properties to ensure that the hustle and bustle of children in the play room is modified, or at least ‘muffled’. Cork is conquering all rooms in private homes, but also in commercial buildings where those acoustic, thermal, antibacterial, and anti-static properties are bearing fruit. Above all, there are the endless decorative possibilities.

From bark to wallpaper Cork is found everywhere! In the home, in industry, in projects, or in scientific research. It’s used for craft material and, for example, cork has also made itself at home as a notice board. It’s also generally known that the lightness of cork means that the material is also used for floats or buoys. What is less well known, however, is that it is used frequently in space technology due to its excellent fireproof properties. Even items of clothing are produced from cork or even the ring joints which are put between the different parts of wind instruments, for instance. Finally, we also find cork in our shoe soles and in various packings in cars. Less frequent in our part of the world, but certainly another use is cork as exterior wall cladding. In the house cork can even appear in the form of furniture items such as side tables. But the most important applications of interest to us, obviously, are those where it is used as a floor or wall covering.

Floor and wall covering Strictly speaking, floors and walls are the two most important elements in the home for which cork is deployed. Gone are the days when cork was used solely in the children’s room or the play room for the warm and ‘silent’ furnishing of floors and walls. Reinforced with its intrinsic qualities, cork has gradually conquered the entire home, including the bathroom and kitchen. We draw a distinction between glued cork and floating cork.

Points for attention with glued cork The oldest and still the most well known cork floors are made to be glued fully. As regards those floors, it is absolutely essential that the subfloor is perfectly level. After all, a glued cork floor is a soft floor covering (cf. vinyl, linoleum, or wall-to-wall carpet), which adopts the condition of the substrate. Faults in the substrate will show up in the cork floor. And so, a glued cork floor can be fitted perfectly onto a flat surface, a flat substrate of connected plates with tongue and groove, smooth multiplex panels with tongue and groove, or MDF. A screed has

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to be perfectly dry and will usually have to be levelled. Glued cork floors usually have a thickness of 3.2 or 4mm.

Points for attention with floating cork Floating cork floors usually have a click system like that of laminate, with which they can be fitted quickly and easily. A common size for the floorboards is 30 x 90cm. The common thicknesses are between 10 and 12mm. Most floating cork tiles are finished with various coats of lacquer. And so, they are pre-finished and ready for fitting. The advantage of these floors, apart from the fast fitting, is the fact that they can be used immediately. To sum up, we can say that glued cork can be used for both walls and partitions, or even for ceiling furnishing, and that also brings other exceptional acoustic benefits. Floating cork tiles are made specifically for floors.

Decorative versatility Nowadays, cork appears in two completely different forms. It can retain its old traditional appearance or it can take on a completely different appearance as a result of digital print technology. In both cases there is a knowing look towards the world of parquet and wooden floors. In the first case due to the fitting types, patterns, and sizes, and in the second case due to the success of classic (or modern) wood decors.

Cork as cork The appearance of a classic cork floor is affected by several elements.

For example, there is already a wide variety of possibilities as regards structure. The designs consist of various sorts such as ground structures, bark patterns, or hand-made patterns. One renowned supplier of glued cork floors has no fewer than 30 different patterns in a colour range of over 60 different shades. The possible shapes and sizes also add to the decorative possibilities. Depending on the supplier (manufacturer), cork can be cut in different shapes and sizes, with or without a bevelled edge. Finally, those cork tiles give us the choice between different fitting patterns: brick bond, semi-brick bond, wild bond, herringbone, etc.

Other floors are following suit Success breeds success! Amongst various sellers we found cork floors which are available in a wide range of wood sorts. These are offered for both glued or floating floors and for wall cork. Some floating floors, fitted with a click system, cannot be distinguished from laminate. People talk here of cork laminate. Furthermore, as is the case with laminate, here, too, imitations of stone, natural stone, or even polished concrete are available. We found another design from a manufacturer which offers a solution for extremely high traffic floors and does so by fitting the cork floor with a top layer in vinyl or linoleum.

Trends for 2016 Kurkfabriek Van Avermaet

Wicanders

Cork has taken on a brand new look thanks to the latest technological developments. After all, like many materials, cork can also be printed digitally. This means that various wood and natural stone patterns can be applied to the cork layer before the floorboards are finished with various coats of durable varnish. This technique makes it possible in a simple manner to make a very comfortable and acoustically absorbent floor which everyone spontaneously mixes up with a stylish wooden parquet, an authentic wooden floor, or even a genuine natural stone floor. Thanks to new print techniques with resolutions higher than 1000dpi, Kurkfabriek Van Avermaet is capable of presenting new prints with unprecedented clarity and brightness. Since this technique can also be applied to glued cork tiles, fitting them in bathrooms and other damp rooms is also within reach. For that matter, glued cork doesn’t need an expansion joint so that the product can be fitted continuously on the entire floor and connect up around staircase stairs, railings, and doorsteps. Another trend in architecture! The latest generation of digitally printed cork floors can be fitted with a profile which very closely resembles a brushed wooden plank. This feel ensures that even the greatest lovers of real wood will change their minds.

Wicanders floors are gaining ground on the commercial market and are also doing well on the residential market. Cork is ‘in’, partly due to its outstanding ecological properties.

The collections appear in a multitude of colours, decors, and patterns, so clients have a free choice and always find something to their taste. The variation comprises an infinite spectrum ranging from classic cork to designs developed by the Italian designer Antonio Bullo for the Novel Symmetries collection, which is greatly appreciated by trendsetters.

The natural cork look is doing well, and is even the best-seller. Apart from that, there is also a clear trend towards light colours. As far as dimensions are concerned, there isn’t any one fashion which really stands out. The big attraction for 2016 is the Novel Symmetries collection with 12 new cork designs. The colour shades range from white and grey to dark brown with some natural cork colour tints in between. In the glued floors, too, the preference is for contemporary looks such as in the Sensations Collection. The best-sellers are patterns with lines or blocks. The Lane and Reed collection has been a success.

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PVC, vinyl and LVT floors : extra business for floor fitters

ABOUT FLOOR COVERINGS AND DIVERSIFICATION FLOOR COVERING SUPPLIERS HAVE STARTED TO DIVERSIFY

Photo – Wicanders

A parquet fitter no longer just lays parquet floors. This is a fascinating development economically. Parquet fitters nowadays possess a wide variety of skills and are no longer limited to simply laying wooden floors as they have done for centuries. In a way, a parquet fitter can be compared with a pastry chef. Pastry chefs are outstanding in the creation of cakes and desserts. A niche market! Yet they actually possess ALL culinary skills. However, not all chefs possess the skills of a good pastry chef. A parquet fitter can fit all types of floors, but not all floor fitters can fit parquet flooring. That’s just a fact!

Luc de Tapijtenman (Luc the Carpet Man) We don't even use a proper company name. The name ‘Luc’ says it all. Even though we could have spelt it with a ‘k’. Luc has always been known throughout the region and in the Province of Antwerp (Belgium) as a ‘world famous’ carpet fitter. He sold carpet, linoleum, vinyl, the so-called ‘Ballatum’, marble-effect linoleum, etc. His shop was actually a large showroom with rolls of every type of floor covering available on display along both showroom walls and in a central aisle. The bravest of customers could purchase their floor coverings by the running metre and return home to attempt the job themselves. This was usually carried out using the ‘dry or floating’ technique. Luc laid the floor coverings that required full adhesion. His floors were skilfully laid leaving a perfect result. Vinyl or linoleum would be cut tidily into the wall and finished with a 10 cm skirting board. A true ‘craftsman’! Apart from rolls of floor coverings, Luc was also selling conventional floor tiles to

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be installed using adhesive along with numerous other products and accessories.

Luc also supplies parquet flooring Over the years, Luc’s showroom has evolved and been modernised and is now very different to the old days: you now enter the shop and stand immediately in the ‘Parquet and Laminate Flooring’ department, a large area specifically developed to offer a wide range of solid wood flooring, engineered flooring and a vast range of laminate flooring. Luc had expanded his range quite considerably. Flooring was in demand and Luc reacted like any other seasoned ‘entrepreneur’. However, Luc had never fitted parquet! And so, he contacted a number of independent parquet fitters who worked for him on a commission basis, and why not? This was considered common practice in the flooring sector.

This resulted in exactly the same happening in another sector, but in reverse, or almost the same anyway.

Parquet fitters started laying vinyl The growing demand for vinyl, PVC, and linoleum flooring, with or without a click system, resulted in large numbers of parquet fitters recognising the need for versatility. This demand for versatility could not be ignored. It soon became a necessity. Unless you were prepared to respond to change, you would lose clients. Rolls of carpet and other types of floor covering did not suddenly start appearing in parquet showrooms. Suppliers preferred to work with flooring samples. There is one crucial difference between the services offered by parquet fitters and Luc: installation. Parquet fitters are trained to master the various

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PVC, vinyl and LVT floors : extra business for floor fitters

techniques and lay all of the flooring themselves. In other words: Luc is the chef that can offer pastries, but doesn’t produce them himself parquet fitters are pastry chefs that can also prepare other dishes.

Versatility is essential Parquet fitters spent years resisting the supply of floor coverings other than traditional parquet or wooden flooring. This negative attitude stemmed from professional pride and an enormous fear of being rendered redundant due to the emergence of new flooring sectors.

Professional pride The use of floor coverings other than traditional wood required a change of ‘religion’ from the parquet fitter. For years, parquet fitters struggled to accept the replacing of the ‘hallowed and revered’ real wood with laminate flooring. However, product improvements have helped to change attitudes enormously. A succession of product innovations has transformed quality laminate flooring into a product that has gained a degree of respect from parquet fitters. The further expansion of the floor covering range has proved to be more problematic.

This involved combatting the second fear.

Loss of work Parquet fitters feared it for years - clients that opt for laminate or a similar product are clients lost to the parquet sector. Actually, it does sound logical. A client that opts for laminate in the nursery isn’t going to need parquet. However, traders had underestimated consumers and had drawn the wrong conclusions. If a consumer chooses to have laminate or cork flooring fitted in a bedroom, this is a conscious decision made following a great degree of deliberation. In other words, if the parquet fitter doesn’t fit laminate or cork flooring, the client will choose another trader.

What’s on the market?

LVT, PVC and (click) linoleum has proved an excellent addition to the parquet fitter’s range of flooring. This means more rooms within the home and the resulting additional floor area that the parquet fitter can cater for, therefore increasing their turnover. Solid parquet flooring in the living room can blend seamlessly with the LVT (or LVP) in a play area by using a matching wood design to match the parquet flooring.

The same applies to parquet or laminate flooring on a landing which may be flanked by 100% PVC flooring in the bathroom. Once again, in a matching wood type.

What can parquet fitters provide nowadays?

Solid parquet flooring The older generation of parquet fitters was reluctant to accept new innovations or products and systems that were in conflict with their traditional working methods. This attitude has proved to be completely outdated with the arrival of a new generation.

Engineered flooring The use of engineered parquet flooring became increasingly popular.

The consumer now demands that parquet fitters abandon their traditional working methods in favour of new flooring techniques. Double and triple layer parquet flooring are now commonplace.

Laminate flooring In the early days, very few parquet fitters would ‘lower their dignity’ to fit imitation flooring. Nowadays, premium laminate flooring is considered prestigious. Parquet fitters have been converted en masse, possibly due to the overwhelming success of laminate flooring.

Prefinished That laminate flooring can be considered a worthy alternative to

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traditional floors is certainly confirmed with the arrival of prefinished flooring. Prefinished flooring with a click system allows it to be laid using exactly the same working methods as laminate flooring.

Cork Floating cork floors can be compared in many aspects to parquet and laminate flooring. This flooring is usually provided with a click system allowing fast and simple installation.

Bamboo The various bamboo flooring types offer a similar range to that of wood.

Another attractive option for the parquet fitter.

Vinyl tiles and vinyl plank flooring The range of vinyl tiles and vinyl plank flooring vary considerably in terms of quality and price. This is where parquet fitters come into their own, being able to recognise the difference in quality, something that is often beyond the normal DIY enthusiast.

PVC tiles PVC is an excellent material for the manufacture of flooring. PVC is moisture resistant and therefore highly suitable for wet areas. 100% PVC flooring can even be used in showers. Parquet fitters consider this to be an emerging market.

Linoleum Linoleum is now available in rolls, strips and tiles. The range of colours and designs available is almost infinite. Manufacturers have also provided these products with a click system, resulting in further additions to the range offered by the parquet fitter.

A selection from the range Wicanders The Auhentica and Hydrocork collections from Wicanders are suitable for household and commercial use. Parquet floor fitters should welcome these floors for their strong assets. Firstly, they are waterproof and therefore suitable for damp rooms. Their limited thickness and the low telegraphic effect of the floating fitting makes them perfect for renovation. Furthermore, there is also the ease with which the planks are cut and their new Press Fit system, developed by Amorim Revestimentos. Finally, the endless variety of decors means that they suit any interior concept. The Authentica, thanks to the inlay of 2.7mm cork, offers better acoustic and thermal installation and greater impact resistance. Wicanders has both floating and glued floors. According to Wicanders, these floors in no way threaten the success of parquet since they are designed for different target groups. Parquet traders can offer both with no problem at all. Hydrocork has good Sales figures within the Wicanders assortment and, in particular, the ‘rustic’ wooden design in light versions, beige, or white. Authentica, with 28 new trendy colours, is gradually starting to make progress.

Parcolys Flooring PVC synthetic floors can be used in all applications from residential applications such as in bedrooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, living

rooms, and kitchens to commercial applications such as in shops, hotels, restaurants, and such like. These floors provided added value in the floor fitter’s assortment: In comparison with laminate we are talking here about floors (parcolux or parcostone) which can be cleaned perfectly well with soap and water. In comparison with vinyl these floors have the advantage of an impenetrable top layer which ensures, for example, that marks from shoes, all suitcases, coloured pencils, or other items can be washed out perfectly well. In comparison with wall-to-wall carpet stains left by wine, coffee, or other elements can be removed very easily. Parcolys Flooring floors are fitted with a click system. This year, Parcolys is launching the parcolux large on the market; this is a larger size, namely 30cm by 150cm as compared to the normal size of 17cm by 120cm. This means that the fitting is even faster.

With the Ante Mare hotel near Barcelona, Spain, Parcolys Flooring has already recorded a good reference. The fact that the floors have a unique anti-slip top layer means they are easy to fit and clean means they are very much in demand as an upgrade as compared to LVT.

Quick-Step Quick-Step Livyn-vinyl flooring is suitable for both larger projects and residential use. It is water resistant making it perfectly suitable for use in wet areas. Quick-Step Livyn can even be installed in areas subject to extreme heat and temperature variations, due to its dimensional stability. The flexibility of vinyl demands good preparation and fitting, especially when installed using adhesive.

Certainly work for the most skilled fitters. Quick-Step also offers installation training in their “Quick-step Academy for excellence in flooring”. This allows inexperienced vinyl floor fitters to quickly get started. This flooring is perfectly suited to the larger project. The Livyn collections are also available in class 33 (the same collection, but with a higher class wear layer). The Livyn products are provided with a superior top layer: this means they are resistant to stains and marks (e.g. from shoe soles), with a matte, natural sheen and extremely high scratch resistance. These products are practically odour free. The new ‘Pulse’ collection is the latest star product from the Quick-Step range.

Revolutionary techniques have made this luxury vinyl collection the

most realistic designer floor yet as well as the most practical. Wear resistant, waterproof, warm and offering sound insulation, equally attractive as wood and above all, phthalate-free.

Santana The Santana LVT flooring has a PVC top layer and is suitable for both normal and intensive household use.

One of the many advantages of this flooring is that it can be quickly laid on less even surfaces. Other advantages include: easy to fit, less waste due to offcuts, sound insulating, strong, in fact, all of the advantages associated with cork - warmth and sound insulation, improved walking comfort (soft/softer floor surface), physical considerations (absorbs shocks to the feet, legs, joints, and spine), and high impact resistance.

Santana is only available with the click system (all versions manufactured using cork). Santana considers this flooring system competition for wall-to-wall carpet and laminate flooring. A worthy product to expand the range of the parquet fitter. This type of flooring is highly suited for use on larger projects such as hotels, office blocks and other buildings used by the general public. The 5 designs in the Resista Plus collection are considered by Santana to be among its star products. Available in both HDF with a click system and a water resistant, compression system version with a cork core.

Viligno Viligno LVT flooring has been created with the focus firmly on design. It combines all the advantages of a vinyl floor with the true to nature reproduction of authentic materials. The Viligno collection features a range of tiles and wood designs indistinguishable from the real thing. Viligno vinyl flooring is suitable for both new builds and restorations, can be fitted by do-it-yourself enthusiasts, it is durable, thin, soft underfoot, easy to maintain, waterproof and environmentally friendly. Viligno flooring gives an interior a prestigious appearance, adding value to your home. Apart from residential applications, Viligno vinyl flooring is perfectly suitable for commercial projects. This flooring would be a welcome addition to the range offered by any parquet fitter: the dry back flooring is particularly suited to larger projects and is usually fitted by the professionals. The substrate preparation and the application of adhesive should be carried out by experienced floor fitters.

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∂ Industry news Sondermann Profile - SONPRO - producing flooring profiles

Georg Sondermann delivers the new systems „Sonwood, Sonvin, Sontex & Sonstair“.

The brand SONPRO stands for „1st profile choice“. Georg Sondermann has developed several new systems and industrial customers chose him already at the beginning of 2016 as an innovative partner.

He and his team have decades of experience in the production of metal profiles for floors and stairs. He has built the first machines himself and he is looking after every detail and lives for quality so mostly every product has a technical advantage over the existing products on the market.

Who are your distribution partners?

We are protecting the sales structures from our partners. Mainly our production is implemented for industrial flooring producers who like to have our products as accessories for their floors. Beside that, we are looking for exclusive wholesalers of carpets, design- und vinyl-floors.

Sondermann is standing worldwide for reliability, competence and excellent technic. Quality- and future-oriented, creative profiles made of aluminium, stainless steel and brass for flooring. Every aluminium profile SONPRO delivers in stainless steel anodized or in anodized silver, gold, sand, bronze, but even in powder coated white. For creating round flooring installations, several bendable and punched Sontex-Profiles in different heights and dimensions are available.

New Profiles and Prototyps on Demand If customers wish, only within 2 or 3 days the prototype is ready, after Georg Sondermann is developing new shapes for his customers himself because he knows exactly after decades of experience what is possible under the technical point of view. For industrial customers every product is packed in their CI and large big sample collections can be manufactured.

How could you reach this fast acceptance?

Customers like to work with a partner you can trust. They know SONPRO is only looking for a long-term partnership for the next decades. „A new customer was totally convinced, after I showed him my new development and he mentioned that he wants to work with Sondermann in the next decades and not with any old supplier.“

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EPLF and MMFA: “This surely cannot be the political intention!”

German Working draft on new requirements for building works relating to health protection (ABG) widely rejected.

Border closures and upper limits are currently dominating political discussion.

Germany relies on European solutions, but with construction products, the opposite is the case – German bureaucracy is opting for a special national strategy. At the end of 2014, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) withdrew the German Ü mark of conformity as a symbol of approval, but now the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt: German Institute for Building Technology) is working hard on a solution to circumvent this. Under the pretext of health protection, their real intention is to continue to secure jobs for bureaucrats and to go it alone nationally. Here, the EPLF Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring and the MMFA Multilayer Modular Flooring Association (both based in Bielefeld/Germany) state their joint position on this matter. Germany’s prosperity depends on foreign trade. In 2015, for example, it exported goods valued in excess of one trillion euros, significantly more than a third of its gross domestic product. Almost no other country in Europe benefits so much from the single market as Germany does. Yet there is Euroscepticism in Germany, seemingly representing a kind of collective masochism – and if German authorities are now acting in the same vein, alarm bells should definitely be ringing. So what is this all about? We are talking here about case C-100/13 which was brought to the European Court of Justice (ECJ), where the European Commission brought a legal action against the Federal Republic of Germany for erecting trade barriers in the single market for certain construction products through the practice of imposing German technical building approvals in the form of the Ü mark (Ü-Zeichen). The view of the ECJ is that the so-called Lists of Construction Rules (Bauregellisten) constitute additional requirements for effective market access and the use of these construction products in Germany, even though the products in question are covered by harmonised standards and hence bear a CE marking. The judgment of 16th October 2014 ruled that the European Commission was justified in bringing this action, so the DIBt, which has authority in Germany, has had to phase out the practice of awarding the Ü mark of conformity.

Special

Top Quebec companies focused on export

QUEBEC REBALANCES THE BOOKS OUTSTANDING MANAGEMENT CONTINUES TO BEAR FRUIT First of all, we’re going to brush up on some general knowledge to help us understand the political system of Quebec and the place which the province occupies in the much larger Canada. In many areas Quebec is still an outsider, and that’s partly due to both ‘the past’ (its history as a French colony) and the ‘present’. In this article we’re going to play around with some statistics, and that will also be the main ingredient. Recently, the government has published its economic plan 2015-16, so what better opportunity is there to get a sight of the weal and woe of this magnificent region where natural beauty and forest, and therefore a highly developed timber industry, is cherished.

Top of the class Canada has 10 provinces, the biggest of which in terms of surface area is Quebec with about 1.6 million square kilometres. Yet Quebec is more than just the biggest province of Canada; it’s also the most prosperous. The French colonial past still leaves its mark here via its French mother tongue. The rest of Canada speaks predominantly English. Half of the province consists of extensive (maple) forests, tundras, lakes, and rivers. Quebec is so long that the northern part lies in the polar region and is part of the eternally frozen Canadian Shield. The highest points are in the south with Laurentides Park at 1100 metres and Mount Tremblant at 960 metres. With an ambitious socio-economic plan, the government of Quebec decided in 2011 to improve the welfare of the north of the province. The so called ‘Plan Nord’ (see below) covers no fewer than 1.2 million square kilometres, good for 72% of the total surface area of Quebec. Quebec has about 760,000km² of forests.

Together with Ontario and British Colombia, it also leads the woodworking industry in Canada. That’s a major industry when we note that 10% of all professionally active Canadians operate in this industry.

Yearning for autonomy Regions which do better than the rest of the entity to which they belong often face the same problem, namely the strong yearning for independence.

European member states

voted against, albeit with a tiny majority. In 1995, there was a very tight majority of 50.3% (or 50,000 votes). The federal government wants to take the wind out of the separatists’ sails by political and judicial means. In the judicial field the federal High Court has declared that the unilateral separation of Quebec from Canada is unlawful, but in the event of a ‘broad majority’ of the population of Quebec wanting independence negotiations must be started with a view to amending the constitution to make independence possible. Since 1995, support for separatism has diminished.

Economics: ‘Plan Nord’ In 2011, the government of Quebec launched the Plan Nord, an ambitious economic and social development project which will inject investments of over 80 billion Canadian dollars (58 billion euros) into sectors such as energy, mining, forestry, bionutrition, tourism, and transport, as well as in the conservation of fauna and the environment and for the preservation of biodiversity. The Plan Nord, which will unfold over a period of 25 years, will create a new demand for workers, knowledge, and skills, the favourable effects of which will be felt everywhere in Quebec, and offer countless opportunities for international collaboration. The Plan Nord covers the entire region north of 49° latitude. This covers about 1.2 million square kilometres, 72% of Quebec. The region possesses one of the major reserves of fresh water in the world, with about 500,000 lakes and thousands of rivers. It contains vast potential in terms of untapped water, wind, and solar energy.

This huge territory comprises over 200,000km2 of managed forests, accommodates extraordinary fauna, and forms one of the final regions in the world with high potential for the natural conservation of extensive natural and still unspoilt areas.

Forests and timber industry Sustainable forest management has always been a major theme for the Plan Nord. The province has at its disposal about 20% (760,000km²) of all Canadian forest area (4,000,000km²). For that matter, sustainable forest management is important for the whole of Canada.

A forest which is growing

Nowadays, there are plenty of them. Let’s consider Catalonia, the most prosperous region of Spain, which has been wanting to break away from ‘Madrid’ for years. Or, at the heart of the European Union, in Belgium, where more and more Flemings think that there is an imbalance between the source of prosperity on the one hand and, on the other hand, how it is spent and divided up between Wallonia and Flanders in a manner which is basically unfair. We could give other examples, too. Usually, the separatist movements fail to make their ‘point’ strongly.

In Canada it is an obligation to plant three new trees for every tree which is cut down. And so, this means that the Canadian forest, far from diminishing, is actually growing. Furthermore, the number of forests with a sustainable forest management certificate is growing year by year. Various certificates are issued in Canada, including the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative). However, they attach most importance to their own certification system CSA (Canadian Standards Association), which was set up by the sectors concerned over two decades ago at the request of the Canadian government.

Quebec is no different

Quebec is doing well again.

In Quebec, which is French-speaking, there is also a strong separatist movement. Since 1981, the people of Quebec have twice held a referendum on the issue of independence, and on both occasions they

The highest proportion of certified forests in Quebec bear the FSC certificate. The total surface area of FSC certified forests is 19,742,435ha.

(2012). Officially, 1,418,646m³ of that may be harvested (cut) per

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Special

Top Quebec companies focused on export

annum. The centre of gravity of the timber industry is also found in Quebec. Some important activities in woodworking are carried out by sawmills, panel and wood product producers, and paper producers. The potential wood harvest from public forests amounted to over 31,712,100m³ in 2010-11, about 70% of which was coniferous trees and 30% deciduous trees. The total capacity was 44,332,000m³. The actual harvest for that same period was 20,405,000m³ from public forests and an estimated 5,794,000m³ from private forests.

Economic plan The Plan Nord is one specifically defined plan. The government has also announced its economic plan (budget) for 2015-16 for the next few years. That, too, looks good!

Budget in balance In 2014 and 2015, there was a budget deficit of 2,350 million Canadian

dollars. The government plans to bring this back into balance in 201516. This has to be done because expenditure is increasing more slowly than income. The rise in consolidated expenditure for 2015-16 a good 1.5% and even 2.1% for 2016-17. The rise in income for the same period is 4.3 and 3.1% respectively. This is based on growth forecasts since 2014. Measures to bring these figures into balance will also include a considerable reduction in government spending.

Faster growth After the dip in 2013 when the real GDP recorded growth of just 1%, that figure for 2014 was over 1.5%. The rise in GDP in 2014 was a result of growing exports. According to figures from the customs office, international export of goods grew by 10.9% in real terms in 2014. In 2015-16, the aim is for a real growth in GDP of 2%. This has to come from an increase in foreign trade, but they are also working to increase national demand.

An introduction:

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BOA-FRANC/MIRAGE

WICKHAM HARDWOOD FLOORING

In 1983, Pierre Thabet took over a small carpentry business (SainGeorges). Initially, the company made unfinished floorboards and staircase steps. In 1990, they started producing pre-lacquered floors under the Mirage trademark. Two years later, they started exporting floorboards to the United States. In 1997, they built a sorting line. In that same year, they became the first North American manufacturer of solid wood floors to be awarded the ISO 9001 certificate. From 1999, the company also started making multi-layer floors under the Mirage Engineered trademark. In 2002, the company built a new factory and, in 2007, presented a new Mirage floors application in the shape of Mirage Lock.

This was a veneer floor with a click system for floating fitting. BoaFranc is now one of the rare companies selling three separate forms of floor technology, namely solid wood, engineered, and glueless engineered. Over the past decade, the company has won various prizes. In 2012, it won the Great Prize of Quebec for Quality, the highest distinction, awarded by the government. In 2013, it was the laureate for the Gold Prize during the Canada Prize for Excellence 2013. In 2016, it has been selected for the ‘Best Employer of Canada 2016’ for small and medium enterprises, Gold level, following a study by Aon. The company employs 375 people and the annual capacity is 3,700,000m². For 2016, the company has announced a new length with planks of 7-3/4 inches. Some new colours have also seen the light (Treasure and Tree House). In the Flair collection White Mist stands out. www.boa-franc.com - +001 418 227-1181

Wickam Hardwood Flooring was formed in 1989 in Wickham, near Drummondville. Thanks to years of efforts, the company has grown into a major player with quality products, which are appreciated all over the world. Initially, they concentrated entirely on the production of solid wood floors which were unfinished. Over the years, they have invested continually to increase their production capacity and their quality even more. In 1996, the company invested in an automatic production line for lacquering solid wood floors. This changed the strategic profile of the company. Wickham Hardwood Flooring now has at its disposal a sawmill, drying facilities, a transformation factory, and a finish line. Their core business is both solid wood floors and multi-layer. The company exports a major part of its products to Europe, the United States, Asia, and the Middle East. They employ over 125 people at present and turnover in 2015 was 35 million Canadian dollars. They are facing lots of challenges and investments for 2016, such as new engineered floors, new markets, and new collections. The Wild West Collection and the Winery Collection will seduce buyers. www.wickhamhardwood.com - +001 819 398-6303

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LAUZON Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring is a Canadian company formed in 1985 by its current president and CEO David Lauzon. The company operates in 10 locations and employs 400 people. They take care of the entire production process themselves, from the meticulous selection of the wood to the finish of premium wooden floors. In all phases they deploy state-of-the-art technology, both with sawing (hybrid sawmill) and sorting (high-tech scanner). Lauzon offers solid wood floors in three collections, namely Designer (best), Ambiance (better), and Essential (best). In terms of finish, in the 1990s, the company developed the exclusive and high-tech Titanium Finish, which contains no solvents or VOC. For some wood sorts they add UV protection. A green company?

Absolutely! Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring manages its own forests, which, all together, are bigger than the state of Connecticut. Their core business nowadays is Hard Maple. In 2015, their turnover was 70 million Canadian dollars. 450 work at Lauzon and their annual capacity is 2.5 million square metres. New for 2016 is the unique Echo texture, which brings the wood grain to life. The light gloss on the sides brings out mellow designs. They export products to the USA, Asia, and Europe. www.lauzonflooring.com - + 001 819-427-5144

LES BOIS DE PARQUETS VAUCLUSE

PG HARDWOOD FLOORING

Les Bois de Parquets Vaucluse inc. is a manufacturer of unfinished hardwood strip flooring respecting the highest standards of quality in the Canadian industry, the factory is located in Quebec, in the city of l’Assomption close to Montreal. Production began in 1989 and our experience with overseas and U.S. shipment gave us knowledge to serve you anywhere with personalized service.

Our sales department is able to take care of everything from booking container, reserving transport to bringing the material to the port. Our annual production is estimated at 2 millions board feet of a natural, resistant an ecologic product. Our team is composed of 30 qualified employees who care about selling a high quality wood flooring at a competitive price. Since 2015, Les Bois de Parquets Vaucluse inc. has aquired new machinery to manage all the waste product for recycling into kindling wood. www.vaucluse.org - +001 450 588-6997

Les Bois de plancher PG was formed in 1979 by Richard Garneau and Julien Paré. Richard Garneau already had 20 years of experience in producing wooden floors. Today, Claude, Hélène, and Julie Garneau are the owners of the company. In 1997, they started with pre-finished floors (Les produits ModelMD). They have invested regularly over the years (new lacquering line in 2008 and new solid wood production in 2010). In 2012, the company entered into partnership with the Solidarity Funds FTQ, which has invested two million Canadian dollars to help the company grow. They specialise in making solid wood parquet, with pre-finished as an option. The company sells a good 5,000 products. In 2016, their programme includes a new collection, which is fully FSC approved. The company is also state-of-the-art in terms of informatics, as is shown by Poka, a revolutionary tool geared towards helping with training and knowledge transfer within the factory. This tool is used frequently by 80 employees, including for communication with each other. In January 2016, 135 people work at Les Bois de plancher PG inc. For 2016, they are promising some new products and colours mainly in the Unique collection. New is the Symbiosis collection, which maintains a balance between a lacquered and oiled parquet. In the Fortune series, too, there are two new products on the way. It’s all go here!! www.pgmodel.com - +001 418 796-2328

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∂ Product news CSP : COSMETIWOOD® Unique wood-filler, developed by CSP Engineering and ready-to-use in wood flooring industry.

- Available in several colors - Excellent attachment on the wood and hardly shrinking.

- Very good behavior for planning and sanding, without crumbling.

- Beautiful absorption of colors and oils, thanks to its structure related to wood.

- Ecological product, harmless to people and their environment.

- Available in buckets of 9.6 kg and/or pots of 0.7 kg For more information about CosmetiWood®: admin@csp-engineering.be

OSMO New UV protection that preserves the natural colour of wood The new Osmo UV-Protection-Oil Extra Natural preserves the natural colour tone of wood and after the treatment there is no permanent wet look. It is well-suited for light-coloured low-extractive wood species and enables a significantly longer lasting preservation of the colour tone of horizontal wood surfaces: as a self-priming finish it guards against the greying process by the factor 12 in comparison with untreated wood. The UV-Protection-Oil Extra Natural contains active ingredients for preventive protection of the coating against mould, algae and fungal attack.

PRIMAVERDE : CURTAIN-WALL DUSTPROOF PARTITION Sandpapering parquet floors generates dust. However, you don’t have to suffer this inconvenience in the entire building. To contain dust to one room, Primaverde supplies the Curtain-Wall partition. The Curtain-Wall Pro-Kit has a variable width of 7.2 metres and up to 4 metres high.

Curtain-Wall divides the room. Whilst one side of the floor is being treated, life goes on as normal on the other side. Thanks to the system of telescopic tubes, one person can set up Curtain-Wall within a few minutes. Moreover, Curtain-Wall also gives a clear indication to those ‘walking by’ that work is in progress. This prevents people from walking on a treated floor by accident. You can find more information about Curtain-wall on the web site.

THE NEW PALLMANN SPIDER IS A REAL ALL-ROUNDER Innovative wood floor sanding machine for a perfectly sanded surface Perfect preparation of a wood floor, prior to coating is essential. So it is important that the wood floor is in great condition. The new wood floor sanding machine Pallmann Spider uniquely provides the highest standard of easy preparation and is capable of tasks from powerful sanding to gentle buffing combined with really simple handling both on and off the job site. Planetary gearing, a powerful drive and a newly developed drive mechanism with connection to external vacuum guarantee an efficient sanding result and provide the perfect sanded surface. This innovative, smooth-running machine has low-noise levels. The Pallmann spider is powered by a strong power 2000 W-motor. A soft start and an infinitely variable rotation speed (50-400 RPM) makes it easy to use on multitude of tasks.

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EFWEX

European Floor & Wall Exhibition

13/15.03.2016 -FLANDERS EXPO GHENT (B) EVERY DAY FROM 10.30 A.M. TO 6.30 P.M.

THE TOP TRADE FAIR FOR PARQUET – LAMINATE – VINYL – PVC – OUTDOOR TERRACES – OUTDOOR WALL CLADDING – ACCESSORIES – CHEMICALS

Visitors get double benefits!

VISIT THE SHOW AND KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE SECTOR.

‘ARCHITECT@EFWEX’ PROVIDES CREATIVE INSPIRATION. The separate ‘ARCHITECT@EFWEX’ section is fitted with the new ‘Traffic’ top floor from Balterio. This section offers visitors an attractive and visual presentation of the trendy use of wooden floors, outdoor wall cladding, vinyl, and LVT in major projects of architects, designers, and interior designers from Belgium and elsewhere. Inspiration from and for the architect, interior designer, floor fitter, floor specialist, and building promoter.

NEW AT EFWEX: INNOVATION@EFWEX

INNOVATION@EFWEX is a 170m² large stand attractively designed to accommodate brand new and innovative products.

Don’t hesitate to visit these highlights at the show!

As the icing on the cake, moreover, visitors have the chance to win* a mini i-pad*, a Samsung Galaxy s4*, a Metabo site radio*, Bona spray mops*, …

FREE ADMISSION for professionals subject to prior registration on www.efwex.eu. (* Not applicable to students, guides and exhibitors.)

Register now as a visitor on www.efwex.eu and get your free entrance ticket!

Ultrabond

Bring the sky into the room.

Ultrabond Line, for a perfect bond to guarantee hold, quality and respect for the environment with every type of parquet.

Product info