NALFA News & Trends

The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) has announced 2011 dates and locations for its popular Installer Certification School. Once again, classes will be held in California, New Jersey and Georgia with the addition of Seattle, Washington in 2011.

2011 Installer Certification School Dates:

March 22 & 23: City of Industry, CA

April 19 & 20: Seattle, WA

May 16 &17: Salem, NJ

June 13 & 14: Calhoun, GA

July 12 & 13: City of Industry, CA

Sept 19 & 20: Salem, NJ

Oct. 17 & 18: Calhoun, GA

Nov 8 & 9: City of Industry, CA

DEC 6 & 7: Seattle, WA

The curriculum is an intense two days of instruction that covers all aspects of a quality laminate floor installation. Classes are kept small (a maximum of 6 people) to ensure the highest level of attention from the instructors and participation from the students. Hands-on instruction is central throughout the course, allowing participants the opportunity to practice what they learn.

The class is taught by veteran installer, inspector and consultant, Anthony Palandro (http://apfloorinspections.com/index.html). His knowledge of the floor covering industry dates back to 1972 and since 1998, he’s worked as an installation instructor for flooring distributors, manufacturers and industry associations. He’s earned a host of certifications, awards and memberships within the industry.

Upon successful completion of the class, installers earn NALFA certification and membership to the organization for one year. They are listed within the search directory on the nalfa.com website and have unlimited access to NALFA marketing assets to help promote their certification in their new business endeavors.

The cost of the program is $500 ($450 for NALFA members) and includes all instructional materials, on-site tools, meals, membership certificate, and an ID card. Certified installers may renew their membership yearly for a cost of $100. Interested participants can call Teiya Eubanks at 423-316-1566 for more information or to register.

NALFA has been setting the standard in the laminate flooring industry for the past 13 years. For more information, please visit www.nalfa.com.

(the following is an article written by Anthony Palandro, NALFA certified senior installer, which appeared in FCI Magazine)

As laminate flooring continues to gain in popularity, the need for proper installations grows in importance. For peace of mind, a laminate floor certified to NALFA standards is a good place to start.  These brands can easily be referenced at www.nalfa.com.

Through my experience teaching professional installers and also my years of installing, I have found there are several common mistakes that might occur during installations.  Fortunately, these mistakes are easy to avoid.

Laminate Needs to Float

Laminate flooring must float. Sometimes the installer gets comfortable and forgets this basic rule.  A ¼” to 3/8” expansion, depending on the product, is required at all vertical obstructions including doorframes and at each transition strip.

Doorframes: When undercutting doorframes, the installer should confirm there is enough room for expansion.  This may require cutting back the sheet rock.  It is also necessary to cut the baseboard back from the casing about one inch.  This will give the floor room to expand or contract in all directions.

Transition strips: Transition strips become problematic if an installer uses construction adhesive to secure the strip to the subfloor.  If too much adhesive is used, it oozes on the flooring and locks the entire floor in place.  If it is necessary to use an adhesive to secure the subfloor, silicone is a strong adhesive and remains flexible.  I recommend using the track that is included.  On wood subfloors, I recommend screwing the track down.  On concrete, I recommend drilling holes with a masonry bit and fastening the track with plastic anchors and screws.

Floor Flatness

Floor Flatness may also be a problem during installations. Installing over an uneven subfloor could result in excess movement that might cause gaping and possible breakage.  All subfloors require some preparation.  Industry standards specify that the surface of the subfloor must be flat to within 3/16” in a 10-ft. radius.  Laying a straight edge across the floor to find the high and low spots will check the flatness.  All high spots need to be ground down.  To fill low spots in the subfloor, I recommend using Portland-based leveling compounds approved for this application.  Allow the patching compound to dry thoroughly before proceeding with the installation.  Consider using a self-drying patch.  Also, never use additional layers of foam underlayment to fill voids.

Subfloor Moisture

Another issue to be checked before installation is the moisture content of the subfloor.  The moisture content of the subfloor is just as important for laminate as it is for hardwood floors.  High moisture in subfloors will cause peaked seams in laminate.  Laminate flooring has a core that is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture.  Similar to hardwood floors, laminate floors will expand or contract as it changes moisture content.  It is critical that all subfloors are tested prior to installation, and I recommend recording these measurements for future reference.  New concrete must cure for at least 60 days and then be tested.  Cover all concrete slabs, regardless of grade level, with a non-recycled resin 6-mil polyethylene film as a vapor retarder.

Staggered Joints

End joints on adjacent rows need to be staggered according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Poorly staggered end joints coupled with an uneven substrate will result in planks disengaging.  Boards are staggered to add structural integrity.  The best way to determine the distance between end joints is to read the instructions.  For many of us who have installed countless floors, instructions are often passed over. The floor you are installing today is not the same floor you were installing a few years ago.  If you have not recently read the latest instructions, there is a possibility that you are making a mistake.

Laminate flooring is praised for ease of installation, but mistakes are still possible.  Proper installation is an important factor in the consumers overall satisfaction with the product.  Consumer satisfaction means more laminate flooring being chosen and more installations for installers.  There is a payoff for you for a job well done.

Anthony Palandro has been in the floor covering industry since 1972. He works as an installer, inspector, consultant and expert witness. He is currently the instructor for the NALFA Installer Certification School.  Since 1998, Anthony has been working as an installation instructor for Bayard Sales, a local Philadelphia flooring distributor, as well as for Pergo and Kahrs Wood Floors.

The NALFA Installer Certification School is nearing its one-year anniversary and its popularity continues to grow. Professional laminate installers are learning of the class through outlets like facebook and twitter, and investing in the opportunity to hone their skills and build their clientele. As one participant noted, “we care about our installations and want to do the job right the first time, that’s why we took the NALFA class.”

NALFA's curriculum focuses on hands-on training

The curriculum is an intense two days of instruction that covers all aspects of a quality laminate floor installation. Classes are kept small (a maximum of 6 people) to ensure the highest level of attention from the instructors and participation from the students. Hands-on instruction is central throughout the course, allowing participants the opportunity to practice what they learn.

Small class sizes enhance learning

When asked why they decided to sign-up for a recent class in Salem, NJ, participants noted a desire to be more helpful to customers, learn more advanced techniques and join in the effort to raise awareness of the skills of the trade. Upon leaving, one installer commented, “This was a wonderful and valuable experience. When you think you know it all about laminates, you find new ways to install that you never thought of before.”

The class is taught by veteran installer, inspector and consultant, Anthony Palandro (http://apfloorinspections.com/index.html). His knowledge of the floor covering industry dates back to 1972 and since 1998, he’s worked as an installation instructor for flooring distributors, manufacturers and industry associations. He’s earned a host of certifications, awards and memberships within the industry.

Veteran instructor, Anthony Palandro

Upon successful completion of the class, installers earn NALFA certification and membership to the organization for one year. They are listed within the search directory on the nalfa.com website and have unlimited access to NALFA marketing assets to help promote their certification in their new business endeavors.

The cost of the program is $500 ($450 for NALFA members) and includes all instructional materials, on-site tools, meals, membership certificate, and an ID card. Certified installers may renew their membership yearly for a cost of $100.

One class remains in 2010, which will be held December 13-14 in Salem, NJ.  To register, please call Teiya Eubanks at 423-316-1566. Class dates for 2011 will be announced at Surfaces this coming January and posted through the association’s website, www.nalfa.com.

Before diving into the wide selection of laminate flooring products, consider these 6 factors that can have a big impact on your final decision.

1. Consider design factors such as color, pattern, style, and finish

When it comes to design options, there is no shortage with laminate floors. Do you want a high-end hardwood look or a cool and contemporary stone look? Do you want dark and rich colors or light and airy? Determine the desired look for your room prior to starting the shopping process.

2. Consider functional factors such as traffic, sub flooring, grade of floor, temperature, humidity, and budget

Where is the room where you will be installing laminate? A main entry hall or kitchen that receives a lot of traffic may require a laminate floor with a higher wear rating, whereas installing on an upper floor may require a different type of underlayment compared to installation on a lower floor. Always check the manufacturer’s warranty before buying. The subfloor is another important consideration that will help you determine the type of testing and underlayment you will need.

3. Review available products that meet design and functional requirements and provide ease of installation, product quality, and a good brand reputation

Research, research, research. The more you know about the brand of your choice, the better prepared you will be to buy and install. Consumer reviews and 3^rd party endorsements (like NALFA) are a great way to ensure you’re buying the right product for your unique design and installation needs.

4. Identify which appropriate products are NALFA-certified, for highest quality assurance

Once you’ve identified the brand you want, check out which products are NALFA certified. The NALFA certification seal is testament to that product’s quality because it has passed the 10 rigorous tests and the high standards of the organization.

5. Select a NALFA-certified product

You’re almost there! Now that you’ve identified the brand and NALFA certified product that you want, select the perfect color to transform your room from the collection available.

6. Purchase and install, either DIY, or using professional installers

Laminate flooring is easy to install for the do-it-yourselfer. Watch NALFA’s informative installation video to see just how easy it can be. Looking for a professional installer? Make sure you hire one that’s been through our NALFA installer certification school for the highest-quality, longest-lasting finished room

by Anthony Pallandro, NALFA Certified Installer

Laminate flooring is designed to be a floating floor that may be installed over virtually any type of sub floor. And by “floating”, we mean that it doesn’t need to be nailed or glued to the sub floor. Laminate planks are assembled together using an extremely strong mechanical locking system that creates a beautiful finished floor. One of the biggest benefits to installing a floating floor is the limited amount of floor prep needed. The need to remove old floor coverings and adhesive, many of which have asbestos content, can be a real hassle. On large commercial jobs the cost of hiring an asbestos abatement company and bead blasting the concrete may be feasible, but on most residential jobs this is cost prohibitive. Floating the floor eliminates the need for removal, in most cases.

This being said, it in no way means that floor prep is not needed. Always check to confirm that the finished floor height will not be a problem. For example, for installations in the kitchen, remove the front panel of the dishwasher and check for leg adjustments. Locking it in place with the floor could cause some problems. Also, check for clearance at the top of the refrigerator. Finding out that it doesn’t fit back its cubby hole after the floor is installed can also be a problem.

Most manufacturers recommend that the floor be flat to within 3/16” in a 10 ft. radius. These measurements are consistent with most other types of floor coverings. On floating floors, vertical movement needs to be kept to a minimum. I often hear installers complain that it is difficult to determine if prep is needed when carpet is on the floor. I can assure you, floor prep is needed. I have been installing for 38 years and I can count on my hands how many times I have seen a flat floor that dose not require prep.

Checking for flatness

I like using a laser level. It’s fast and efficient. I shoot a line to a target with a ¼” scale marked on the face. Then, sliding the target along the floor will indicate areas that require leveling. If the line moves up on the target the floor has a low spot, if the line moves down, the floor has a high spot. Use a pencil to mark the areas needing attention. You can also use a straight edge. Lay the straight edge on the floor. 3 quarters stacked equal 3/16″. You can also use a spacer.  Anywhere that you can slide the spacer or quarters under the straight edge need fixing. 3 planks clicked together make a nice long straight edge.

Fixing the floor

In many cases I prefer to sand or grind down the high spots as opposed to bring the rest of the floor up to meet the high spots. On concrete floors, I use a grinder with a diamond wheel. Make sure to use a dust shroud and a vacuum attached. You can trash a house in seconds without it. For low spots, fill with a Portland based leveling compound. I like to use self drying levelers. Or, patch a day ahead to avoid adding water to the back of the planks which could be a big problem.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Remember, new concrete must cure for a minimum of 60 days before it’s tested for moisture.
2. Cover all concrete sub floors with manufacturers approved vapor retarder.
3. Wood sub floors must be structurally sound and deflection free.
4. I like to use a sander or portable planer to take down high areas. The seams on OSB are always an issue. Remember to set the nails before using the plane.
5. To fill in low spots, use patching compounds that are intended for this use. Check the instructions for thickness limitations.

1. NALFA stands for the North American Laminate Flooring Association. We are the ONLY trade organization exclusively dedicated to the laminate flooring industry.

2. Our organization was founded in 1997 by a group of US and Canadian laminate manufacturers and importers who saw a need to promote the continuous and responsible growth of the laminate industry.

3. One of our primary missions is to help consumers navigate through the confusing and stressful floor buying process through research and education.

4. Industry leaders who participate on the NALFA board of directors and serve on NALFA committees do it on a completely volunteer basis. They receive no compensation for their services.

5. NALFA became an accredited ANSI standards developing organization in 2008 and has published testing standards for laminate flooring and underlayment products. Today, these tests are an industry standard for quality.

6. The NALFA certification seal is given to laminate flooring and underlayament products that pass the rigorous ANSI product standards testing. It represents the highest quality you can buy. Look for the seal before you make the deal!

7. NALFA membership is open to a wide variety of businesses who support the laminate flooring market: manufacturers, marketers, importers, retailers, installers, testing labs, buying groups, and suppliers of laminate flooring goods or services.