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Recap: Sika STEP Training Event – Equipping Flooring Professionals for Success

Date: August 3^rd, 2023

Location: Anaheim, California

The Sika® Technical Educatio n Program (STEP) took a significant step forward in enhancing the knowledge and skills of flooring contractors and installers during our one-day training event. This regional event was part of the year-long Sika STEP Series, aimed at educating professionals about best practices for utilizing components of the Sika® Secure System.

Sika STEP – Going Beyond the Expected

The Sika STEP Series stands as a testament to Sika’s commitment to fostering excellence in the flooring industry. By bringing together experts, technicians, and eager learners, the event delved into an array of crucial topics designed to equip participants with the technical expertise required to excel in flooring installations.

Moisture Mitigation

Moisture mitigation is a critical aspect of successful flooring installation and more importantly, the longevity of your installation. Common issues that arise due to moisture include problems like “bubbling” and seam failure. To prevent such problems, thorough testing for moisture is essential. Testing for moisture will allow you to ensure you are meeting manufacturers’ requirements and industry standards. When it comes to moisture, two methodologies are used to test:

Qualitative Moisture Tests determine if moisture is present: Plastic Sheet, Mat Bond, Concrete Surface PH
Quantitative Moisture Tests reveal how much moisture is present: Calcium Chloride, Relative Humidity, Electrical Impedance

Once moisture issues are identified, effective solutions must be implemented. So, what steps can you take?

Reactive Penetrants: These reduce moisture transfer from the slab by reducing the surface porosity of the concrete by combining with the hydroxides within the cement paste
High-Performance Adhesives: It typically requires the slab to be “new” as well as have a properly placed intact vapor retarder
All-in-One Adhesives: It will create a membrane, using a specific trowel, that will keep the moisture in the subfloor
Rolled Moisture Barriers: Membranes utilize a specialty fabric that creates a buffer between the slab and the flooring material. This fabric is typically not attached or adhered to the substrate
Epoxies: It will create a membrane by penetrating the subfloor and embedding the moisture inside

Subfloor Preparation

Proper subfloor preparation sets the foundation for a durable and flawless flooring installation. In most cases, the longevity of your installation is directly related to the quality of the subfloor preparation. Let’s dive into the critical components and best practices of subfloor preparation that were covered at Sika STEP.

Self-Levelers: The process ensures seamless product distribution as it naturally moves from higher to lower regions, eliminating the need for additional tooling. Notably, surface tooling imperfections undergo self-correction, resulting in a polished final surface. Moreover, successive pours seamlessly merge, eradicating uneven bonding edges. This innovation holds significance due to the increasing prevalence of thinner vinyl goods and the trend toward larger floor tiles, making the achievement of smooth and integrated surfaces all the more crucial.

Flatness (FF) vs Levelness (FL): The concept of flatness pertains to the smoothness of a floor’s surface, which is chiefly influenced by finalizing procedures like screeding, smoothing, and troweling. In contrast, levelness refers to the extent to which the slab’s surface approaches a state of true horizontal perfection. It’s important to note that levelness is independent of the finish imparted by the craftsmen during the construction process.

Underlayment vs Topping: Underlayments are applied over existing subfloors to create a smooth and even surface for the installation of various floor coverings such as sheet vinyl, vinyl composition tile (VCT), wood, ceramic tile, and carpet. On the other hand, toppings serve a comparable purpose but function as the final finished floor themselves, eliminating the need for additional floor coverings. Toppings find application in settings like warehouse floors, light industrial spaces, and retail stores. Additionally, concrete toppings offer the flexibility to incorporate pigmented color dyes, stains, saw cuts, or mechanical polishing, resulting in visually appealing decorative concrete surfaces.

Types of Self-Leveling Underlayment:

General – Suitable for a wide range of substrates with efficient application.
Gypsum-based or Lite – Ideal for wooden framed buildings, alleviating pressure on floor joists.
Polymer Modified – Reduces the necessity for priming or extensive surface preparation.
Exterior – Establishes a durable surface capable of withstanding freezing and thawing conditions.

Surface Preparation

At Sika STEP we focused on how surface preparation is a critical and paramount step in the application process. It cannot be overstated how crucial it is to start with a dry, clean, and stable substrate. Before applying any treatment, ensure the removal of previous coatings, sealers, cutbacks, wax, or any other existing materials. Additionally, it’s essential to condition the substrate to the appropriate temperature before proceeding. Conduct a water drop test to determine if your surface is porous or non-porous. For OSB and wood subfloors, they must comprise at least two layers of exterior-grade plywood. The deflection of the subfloor must adhere to the parameter of L/360. To guarantee integrity, the wood must be securely fastened, bonded, and free from contaminants. For precise requirements, it’s advisable to consult the manufacturer for guidance.

Subfloor Preparation Application Tools

Subfloor Preparation Application

During the process of working with this material, there are key steps to follow. First, for mixing, it’s important to introduce the correct amount of clean water into a clean mixing barrel. Begin the mixing process while adding the powder, ensuring that the mixture remains free of lumps. Be cautious not to overmix or raise the mixing paddle above the surface, as this could introduce air into the mixture. When tackling larger projects, it’s advisable to mix 2-3 bags simultaneously, following the same procedure. When it comes to pouring the mixture, it should be poured directly onto the floor, and another batch should be mixed promptly to avoid cold joints. Starting in lower areas and using a gauge rake can help move the material to the desired locations. Special attention should be given to bridging expansion and control joints, initially using foam tape and cutting the leveler within a 4-hour window. For larger applications, pumping can be employed, and during pouring, a ribbon pattern is recommended to maintain a wet edge. To ensure a smooth application, rolling in two directions with a spike roller can help eliminate installation marks and trapped air. It’s crucial to avoid overworking the material to achieve the best results.

How Temperature & Humidity Impact Application:

Low Temperature – Longer Open Time, Separation
High Temperature – Shorter Open Time, Bad Levelling, Soft, Cracks
Too High Humidity – Longer Drying Time
Too Low Humidity – Problems with Hardening, ”Burning “, Low Physical Properties
Draught – Too Fast Drying of The Surface, Cracks

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sika STEP exemplifies Sika’s unwavering dedication to elevating the flooring industry through comprehensive education. The recent one-day training event, a part of the broader STEP Series, served as a platform for flooring professionals to gain valuable insights and skills concerning the Sika® Secure System components. Covering essential topics such as moisture mitigation, subfloor preparation, and surface preparation, the event emphasized the significance of these factors in ensuring successful and enduring flooring installations. The integration of expert knowledge, hands-on techniques, and cutting-edge insights showcased Sika’s commitment to fostering excellence within the industry. As the attendees departed equipped with newfound technical expertise and proficiency, Sika’s commitment to going beyond expectations in empowering flooring contractors and installers became strikingly evident, setting the stage for a future of exceptional flooring installations built upon a solid foundation of knowledge and skill.

Glossary of Flooring Terms for Installers

Whether you are a newbie installer or an experienced veteran in the industry, understanding flooring lingo can help you complete your job efficiently and accurately. To help you navigate, we’ve compiled a handy glossary of flooring terms specifically for installers and contractors.

A good starting point for any installer is knowing the difference between resilient and solid flooring.

Resilient flooring is any type of material designed to be flexible and sturdy, such as vinyl or laminate.
Solid flooring most commonly refers to hardwood.

The next set in our glossary of flooring terms to know revolves around the type of installation involved. Nail-down, floating, and glue-down are all common installation methods.

Nail-down is when the flooring is nailed to a subfloor or existing floor.
Floating floors are when the planks are attached to each other, but not attached to the subfloor. The planks are held in place using the tongue-and-groove method.
Glue-down installation is the process of, as the name implies, using a strong adhesive to secure the flooring to the subfloor.

Next up, you’ll want to be familiar with the elements of a flooring board itself. The most important pieces you need to know are the tongue, groove, and core.

The tongue of the board is a protrusion of the board on the long end, allowing the board to fit snugly onto other boards.
The groove is the channel along the end of the board that allows the tongue to fit in.
The core is the center of the board, usually composed of multiple layers of wood to give the board its structure and stability.

When preparing to install the flooring, there are a few extra pieces of equipment you should know.

Underlayment is a protective material that is installed between the sub-floor and the new flooring to increase soundproofing and insulate against both cold and heat.
Moisture barriers are also a must-know, as these are essential for preventing mold and mildew growth.

Finally, there are a few other terms that all installers should know.

Acclimation is the process of allowing the flooring boards to rest before installation in order to adjust to a job site’s temperature and humidity levels. Doing so helps to alleviate any expansion or contraction issues that could arise due to temperature and humidity changes.
Expansion gaps are also important as they are the small gaps left between the walls and the flooring that allow the flooring to expand and contract as needed.

We hope this glossary of flooring terms was helpful. If you have any further questions, our team of flooring specialists are here to help – Contact us here and we’ll be in touch soon!

Handling Weather Issues & Flooring Installs

As a flooring installer, there’s nothing more frustrating and disruptive than dealing with weather issues during flooring installations. From rainy days to humidity to extreme heat, there are plenty of ways for Mother Nature to put a proverbial wrench in the works. But don’t fret! Just because the weather isn’t cooperating doesn’t mean you have to cancel those flooring installations. Here are some tips for tackling weather issues so you can stay productive even when the skies are uncooperative.

Look at the Forecast

Before you begin your flooring installation, take time to look at the weather forecast. Pay close attention to the high and low temperatures, as well as relative humidity. All these factors can affect the quality of the installation, so it’s important to think ahead. Keep in mind that certain products require specific temperature and humidity levels to ensure they look their best.

Have a Backup Plan

The most important thing flooring installers can do when facing weather-related issues is to have a backup plan in place. This means being prepared for rain, humidity, cold, heat, and other extreme weather conditions. If the weather turns for the worse, you might need to reschedule, wait for better conditions, or find another way to complete the installation.

Tips for Handling Weather Issues During Flooring Installations - Use High-Quality Materials.png

Take Protective Measures

Protective measures are another way to prevent weather-related issues during flooring installations. Make sure to cover the materials with a waterproof barrier while unloading them, ensure the area they are in is protected from the elements, and take the time to keep the elements out. You may also have to take additional time prepping the job site to make sure the humidity and temperature are in-line with the flooring’s warranty.

Use High-Quality Materials

Be sure to use the best materials for the job too. High-quality materials provide the highest level of protection against reasonable amounts of heat, moisture, and humidity. Installing materials that are of lower quality could ultimately lead to damaged flooring, especially in harsh weather conditions.

While weather issues during flooring installations can present serious challenges, the job can be easily completed with the right preparation. By following the above tips, you can ensure that your flooring installations go off without a hitch even in the most extreme weather conditions.

Have any questions? Contact us here and one of our trained flooring specialists will be in touch soon.

Safety Tips for Hardwood Flooring Installation

Installing hardwood flooring is an intensive job, and if not done safely can cause serious injury. That’s why we’re offering up a few safety tips for hardwood flooring installation. As a flooring installer, it’s important to take safety seriously, and following these tips can help ensure that your projects go off without a hitch.

Most importantly, wear proper attire when installing. There are some specific types of shoes that provide more protection for your feet, such as steel-toed boots. You should also cover your face with safety glasses and/or a mask when necessary. These items will help protect you from sawdust, fumes, and flying debris.

Next, it’s important to assess the environment where the installation will take place. Before beginning, clear the installation space of any items that could get in the way and become damaged, as well as any tripping/hazards, uncovered cords, wires, nails, and screws. Make sure you have enough room to move about freely, and all of the tools and supplies needed. And throughout the project, don’t forget to be mindful of any other potential hazards that may be present.

It’s also important to use the right tools for the job. Check the manufacturer’s directions for any specific tools that may be needed and make sure that all tools are in good working condition before you begin the installation process. Avoid using any tools that appear to be damaged or malfunctioning in any way.

Finally, use caution when using power tools. Tools such as saws and drills carry serious risks, so make sure you’re familiar with the operating instructions and any safety precautions before you begin. Always make sure that your work area is free of any debris and make sure to keep your hands and clothing away from any moving parts.

Heavy lifting can be a major hazard during floor installation projects, so make sure to use appropriate lifting methods. This means always lifting with your legs and not your back. If the material is too heavy, find someone to help you. It’s also important to take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion.

These safety tips for hardwood flooring installation are just the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to safety on the job, it’s important to take the extra step to ensure that safety is always top of mind. As flooring installers, it’s up to us to make sure the job gets done safely and that everyone’s safety is taken into account. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and your own common sense when it comes to keeping yourself, your team, and the job site safe.

Benefits of High-Quality Hardwood Flooring

For professional flooring installers, one thing that can’t be overlooked are the benefits of high-quality hardwood flooring. While there are plenty of flooring materials to choose from, no material can quite match the benefits of quality hardwood.

Durability – A key benefit of high-quality hardwood flooring is its durability and strength. Quality hardwood is able to stand up to wear and tear for generations when properly maintained, creating a lasting impression and investment. And for busy households or homes with pets, hardwood remains looking its best without needing much upkeep like other flooring options require.

Cost-Effectiveness – One of the greatest benefits of high-quality hardwood flooring is the value it adds to a home. A well-maintained hardwood floor can last for decades or even centuries with the right care, so it provides an excellent return on investment. In fact, installing hardwood floors can even increase the value of a home significantly and make it much easier to sell.

Green Forest - Eco-Friendly High-Quality Hardwood Flooring

Eco-Friendly – Yet another benefit of hardwood flooring is that it’s one of the most eco-friendly choices out there. Hardwood is much more sustainable than other materials like carpet or linoleum, making it a great choice for those looking to “go green”. Hardwood is also a renewable resource, meaning it won’t deplete over time unlike synthetic materials.

Ease of Installation – When it comes to installation, hardwood flooring is generally easier to install than other materials. It typically only involves gluing, nailing, or stapling down the wood onto a subfloor, meaning installation can be completed quickly.

When you put all of the benefits of high-quality hardwood flooring together, it’s no wonder why it’s so popular, and why so many flooring installers opt for it. Quality hardwood flooring’s extreme durability, lasting longevity, excellent return on investment, and ease of maintenance makes it a go-to choice for many homeowners.

So, consider using a high-quality hardwood floor for your next project such as Allora, our premium made-in-Italy hardwood available in select character – minimal knots and cracks expertly filled and stained to blend into the flooring – and select – impressively clean with very few pin knots and an attractive, uniform grain. You and your customers will be thrilled with the results!

If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our flooring specialists, contact us here. We look forward to helping you find your project’s perfect flooring fit.