TRAIN TO GAIN
Continuous learning is essential not only to ensure the best results are achieved, but up-to-date knowledge will enable flooring contractors to retain a competitive edge. F. Ball discusses.
Training has always been integral to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism in the flooring industry. Basic training should cover subfloor preparation, including the identification of different subfloor types and how they should be prepared, the use of repair and floor levelling compounds to create a smooth base, and selecting adhesives based on compatibility with different floorcoverings. It should also include instruction on how to avoid common causes of floor failure, chief of which is still unmanaged subfloor moisture.
CHOOSING THE
OPTIMUM PRODUCT Having a good knowledge of the range of products available will help contractors choose the optimum product for a particular job. For example, particular vinyl adhesives are recommended to avoid visible trowel serrations showing through vinyl floorcoverings. In cases where floorcoverings will be subject to both fluctuations in temperature and heavy foot- fall, hybrid products, such as temperature-tolerant, pressure- sensitive adhesives with instant grab can be used for a quick and easy installation process.
As new products are being developed to help meet ever more exacting expectations it is also important for flooring contractors to top up their knowledge on an ongoing basis. For example, advancements in technology have enabled F. Ball to create Styccobond F73 PLUS, a one-part, moisture- curing adhesive for both internal and external heavy-duty applications, which is also solvent and isocyanate-free. The product is easier to apply and faster curing than traditional epoxy and polyurethane alternatives, requiring as little as 90 minutes to secure floorcoverings. It can also be welded from just two hours.
CHANGES AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY Contractors need to keep abreast of wider changes affecting the flooring industry too. For instance, calcium sulphate screeds are increasingly common in newbuilds and require specific treatment to insure against floor failure. In such cases, traditional cement-based levelling compounds will not be suitable and the use of a compatible calcium sulphate- based levelling compound is recommended. Regular training helps contractors understand different materials and the benefits of using compatible products.
In another change, the recent move to standards-based apprenticeships has also brought new training requirements. One hour of ‘off the job’ training must be completed for every four hours spent working by flooring apprentices, which more companies are giving opportunities to as a way to tackle their skills shortages.
ACCESSING TRAINING Fortunately, there is no shortage of high-quality training available to flooring contractors at little or no cost. Flooring
twitter.com/TContractFloors
industry training centres, such as Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) training centre in Loughborough, offer a wide range of training courses, covering everything from subfloor preparation to estimating costs and quoting. Thanks to the apprenticeships, levy, which came into effect in 2017, many flooring companies enrolling apprentices on training courses such as these can claim back up to 95% of the cost.
Similarly, manufacturers such as F. Ball offer training courses at no cost to contractors, providing hands-on opportunity to view product demonstrations, trial the application of products, and benefit from the expertise of experienced workshop leaders.
SOCIALLY DISTANCED LEARNING While many training centres are now operating again following the COVID-19 lockdown it is still useful to know about other training resources, including online alternatives.
For example, the website of F. Ball and Co. Ltd. is a repository of high-quality learning materials, including a library of video tutorials covering all aspects of subfloor preparation and flooring installation. The step-by-step demonstrations show how to use all of the company’s products, including how to mix and apply levelling compounds and adhesives, and provide expert practical tips and advice, such as how to ensure optimum coverage of adhesives using a trowel.
There’s also a comprehensive guide to subfloor preparation and an FAQ section, which covers some of the F. Ball technical department’s most commonly asked queries, for when a quick answer to a flooring question is needed. As well as taking phone calls, the technical department can advise during video calls, such as via WhatsApp, and where appropriate, F. Ball’s technical representatives are available for complimentary site visits where they can advise on suitable products and approaches for the job at hand.
These resources will also be helpful for supplementing learning once training centres are operating as normal.
www.f-ball.com TRAINING | 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
