out of tape measures and overcoming the curves that defeat stair spiders, the Academy teaches a simple way to get the perfect measurements on all shapes and sizes of stairs, every time. It’s getting these details right that’s often the difference between a first- class job and a disaster that seems never to go away.
WHERE FLOORING
EXPERTS ARE MADE There’s no doubt that the flooring industry has its fair share of self-taught installers, many of whom have racked up many years, if not decades, of successful work. However, that’s not to say that there’s no room to improve and even the most battle-hardened installer can learn a thing or two at the Academy. In fact, a course at the Academy can be a way to unlock even more business and tackle those jobs previously thought out of reach.
FANTASTICALLY QUIET Wood, laminate and LVT floors may be beautiful and practical but they are also noisier than their softer counterparts. Fortunately, with floorwise by their side, installers can soften the sound of footsteps – called impact sound – and reduce the buzz of background noise – airborne sound – with a range of dedicated sound- absorbing underlays.
Many ‘acoustic’ underlays struggle to deal with both types of sound, but the rubber sponge constructions of floorwise Acoustica underlays are capable of absorbing airborne as well as impact sound, something particularly true of the range topping Acoustica Gold Supreme. Using a high- density rubber crumb construction, this 3.5mm thick product not only delivers impressive impact and airborne noise reduction, but also supports click joints and copes with subfloor irregularities. With a built-in moisture barrier, this really is a fantastic quality wood and
08 | WHAT'S NEW?
Lee Thompson, technical manager, The Academy for Excellence in Flooring, said: “We often find self- taught installers will be wary about complicated jobs or simply just avoid them altogether. At best this is somewhat deflating for confidence and at worst it is damaging to business. Taking a course at the Academy is a way that they can gain skills and make sure they are ready for any challenge.”
Take stairs for example, a notoriously problematic topic for wood, laminate and LVT floors. Even measuring them can cause problems. Taking the errors
laminate underlay that’s ready to take on the toughest challenge.
For more cost-conscious wood and laminate installs, the Whisper collection provides some great options including Whisper Gold, a 5mm high-density PE underlay packed with features including 21dB impact sound, absorption of minor subfloor irregularities, cushioned support and a built-in water vapour barrier. Even Whisper basic foam underlay provides 18dB of impact noise reduction, meaning that whatever the budget, you can have a quieter wood or laminate floor with floorwise.
The popularity of LVT makes it impossible to ignore in any comprehensive collection of sound battling underlays,
The Academy also teaches how to fix problems, so that experienced self-taught installers can become the expert of the moment, fixing the problems that others simply can’t. Teaching how to replace a single damaged plank whether it be laminate, LVT or even nailed down solid, rather than having to remove skirtings and lift the entire floor; is just one example of how a course at the Academy will turn you into a flooring superhero.
“A damaged plank will often see installers break out in a sweat, but that really need not be the case,” continued Lee. “We’ve a record of seven-and- a-half minutes for taking out and replacing a nailed down solid wood board – the worst kind of floor to have damaged during an installation. The principles are the same no matter what floor, so with the worst-case scenario in the bag, installers can tackle a similar situation with complete confidence.”
www.quick-step-academy.co.uk
but with different properties to wood and laminate it needs special treatment. So floorwise has developed Acoustica LVT to achieve 18dB of impact sound insulation along with excellent airborne noise absorption. Its ultra-high density 1.5mm thick construction also soaks up minor subfloor imperfections without compromising joint stability.
www.floorwise.co.uk
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