HANDS-ON FLOOR PREPARATION
Dave Bigham, director of national accounts at National Flooring Equipment, busts some common misconceptions that contractors have when preparing a floor for renovation.
Rental companies and end users often have several mistaken beliefs about the floor preparation process. Sometimes, these can lead to the incorrect machine or tool being used on the job. When carried out by an industry expert, correct equipment training can solve these problems
ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL A common misconception when renting equipment is that, because a machine is so versatile, contractors can use it on several different jobs. While it is true that floor preparation machines are built to carry out a range of tasks, different machines often better suited to different conditions. Contractors can determine which machine to use on a new job if they know how to correctly analyse job site conditions.
By surveying the floor before the job, contractors can understand if there are parts of the room that require smaller or larger machines. For example, a ride-on stripper cannot operate correctly in tight corners just as a handheld grinder would be inappropriate in a large, open space. By making these assessments, contractors are able to choose the model and generate more accurate production rate.
When choosing their machine, contractors should also consider the material of the flooring, size of the job and what the customer expects. The combination of these things can affect the choice of machine, and the decision isn’t always obvious.
THE RIGHT TOOLS When renting a surface preparation machine, contractors might believe that the machine is ready to use without any alterations. However, choosing the correct tooling, adjusting handle height, blade position and angle are as important as selecting the right machine.
There are a variety of attachments that can adapt a machine for different removal applications such as diamond tooling, sandpaper pads or polishing pads. Contractors should choose their tooling in a similar way to they would select a machine, ensuring tools are correct for the size of the room and the original material on the floor. Following advice on the correct tooling ensures the fastest floor removal with minimum labour.
CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS The final finish of the floor may be the most important aspect of the job from the customer’s perspective. However, a contractor who is open with their customers throughout the work and adapts to their expectations will find that the job is more successful.
A customer’s expectations should be considered from the first survey. This includes understanding how the customer
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expects the final product to look. If the customer wants the space to be used as soon as the job is finished, contractors should consider renting equipment that removes dust and contaminants.
GETTING HELP Understanding the different flooring profiles that result from different types of surface preparation helps contractors choose the correct machine and also gives them the knowledge to make the correct decision in the future. However, if contractors are still struggling, they can approach their machine manufacturer for advice.
Proper training and support from an equipment manufacturer helps prevent contractors and rental companies from choosing a machine based on misconceptions. For example, National Flooring Equipment offers training on a global scale, providing customers access to a bank of online tutorials, as well as having representatives across the globe that can carry out dedicated training for its customers. Access to this service means that there is always someone to give advice on every aspect of surface preparation. This service also supports distributors and end users both before and after equipment training.
www.nationalequipment.com TOOLS & ACCESSORIES | 43
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