First, a big thanks for all of the feedback on the last "mailbag" column, which looked at questions concerning residential resilient flooring. Answering your questions helped me recall many fond memories from my 15 years in the residential side of the business.
This marks the start of my third year contributing "Resilient Answer Man." In that span of time, I have, indeed, been called on to provide answers to people working in all aspects of the resilient business.
While new entrees are the life blood of any product category, manufacturers involved in resilient flooring are constantly being challenged to produce products that add a new dimension or address a specific need. This has lead to the introduction of resilient flooring options in recent years that have had the effect of expanding the category.
What were the job site conditions?...Was the floor preparation adequate?...What testing was conducted?...What adhesive was used?...How was it applied?... When you are troubleshooting, the questions seem endless, but there is a good reason for that.
Some years ago, when I worked in technical support management for a resilient flooring manufacturer, I was asked to serve on ASTM Committee F.06 on resilient flooring.
A customer recently came into the store where I work and asked for linoleum. I replied, "Do you mean sheet vinyl or real linoleum?" and she said "Linoleum, and you are the first flooring store of several I have been to that asked me that question!" I smiled from ear to ear. Misuse of the word "linoleum" is a pet peeve of mine. Sadly, it is one of many misused words in our industry.
This month, I'll further my previous discussions on concrete mosture emissions by detailing a "new" method of moisture testing that many feel is the best way to accurately predict the potential for moisture problems after the floor is installed. The relative humidity probe method, also known as the RH test or the "in situ" test, has been in use in Europe for more than 20 years but is relatively new to the United States.
The new resilient floor was installed perfectly. The required maintenance program was explained to the customer in full detail. The customer, in turn, conscientiously performed preventative maintenance such as applying proper floor protectors to furniture, adding window coverings to guard against excess sunlight exposure, and laying walk-off mats near entrances for people to wipe their feet. So where did that yellow stuff on the floor come from?
During the seminars I conduct -- whether my audience consists of installers, architects or salespeople -- I speak about the importance of testing all concrete before floor coverings are installed, regardless of its age or grade level. My very simple rule is: If it's concrete, you have to test it!
