VOL 28.2 MARCH 2010 R38 incl. VAT

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE: Carpets • Industrial Flooring • Training & Skills Development

Decking • Contractworld Awards • Foundation of Design • Domotex 2010

Nouwens Commercial products forOffices • Executive Commercial • Churches • Shops • B&B’s

Visit our website at www.nouwens.co.za for further Nouwens Platinum Partner and Nouwens Appointed Dealer listings,

twEnty tEn

TweNTy TeN

Following on the success of Colours and the increased demand for creative commercial easicarpet solutions, Nouwens has styled the innovative Twenty Ten to the same exceptional quality standards.

Twenty Ten has been specially launched as a very appealing and affordable option for the numerous projects that are being built and upgraded for the 2010 FIFA World Soccer Cup. These include lodges, guest houses, hotels, conference and entertainment venues, etc. that need to look their best for the influx of tourists and visitors later this year!

It is important to note that according to the current South African grading systems, a polypropylene tufted carpet cannot achieve higher than a light commercial rating, but Nouwens has engineered a high-twist, heat-set yarn to optimise the performance of easifibre, whilst the sophisticated multicolour effect naturally enhances the serviceability of Twenty Ten. Unique Nouwens mill-applied and heat-cured easi-care carpet protector also forms an invisible, durable shield around each fibre to help against everyday spills and soiling.

Twenty Ten comes with a Five-Year Quality Guarantee as well as a Ten-Year Wear Guarantee.

the latest easicarpet innovation from nouwens Commercial is the recently launched Twenty Ten carpet range which is manufactured in easifibre, treated with easicare and with all the easicarpet benefits.

*** This product has been styled for specific commercial use and will perform the same or better than other local commercial tufted polypropylene styles.

For extra peace of mind, every easicarpet is endorsed with a 5 year quality guarantee, as well as a special 10 year wear guarantee.

opportunity

USe CLASS *** Heavy Domestic / Light Commercial*TyPe Cut PilePILe FIBRe 100% eASIFIBRe – with eASICARe Soil Resistant TreatmentwIDTH 3.66 mAVAILABILITy Std Range of 6 ColourseND per 10 cm ±40STITCH RATe per 10cm ±52LOOPS / TUFTS per 100cm² ±2 080PILe FIBRe MASS grams per m² ±950TOTAL MASS grams per m² ±2 000PILe HeIGHT ±5.5 mmTOTAL HeIGHT ±8 mmPRIMARy BACKING woven Polypropylene TapeSeCONDARy BACKING ACTIONBAC

Copenhagen

Madison Square

Kirman

Contracta Spec

Colours

every Hotels • Lodges • Boutiques • General Commercial • Airports

or contact Nouwens Carpets direct at the following numbers 011 796 5180, 021 447 2856 or 031 502 5730.

COMMERCIALFLOORCOVERING

LAMINATE FLOORING

SPORTS TURF SYSTEMS

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

OUR GREEN JOURNEY

RESIDENTIALFLOORCOVERING

TEL 033 897-77500

w w w.belgotexfloorcoverings.com

Our passion for the business has driven our success since inception n 1984.

– Stephan Colle, Chairman

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C O V E R S T O R Y AdhESiVES / COATingSChryso p77FloorworX p93Tile&FloorCare p73Zimbo’sTrading p5

CARpETSBelgotexFloorcoverings p2,p44-45,p54-55Desso p53FotakisBrothers FrontCover,p16-17InterfaceFLOR p59Nexus(BelgotexFloorcoverings) p26-27NouwensCarpets InsideFrontCoverSelborneCarpetWholesalers p76VanDyckCarpets p6,p12-13

CERAmiC, pORCElAin And STOnEFerreirasDecorWorld InsideBackCoverSanMarcoTileCentre p20

ClEAning & mAinTEnAnCEFloorworX p104MatcoMarketing p67MilliCare p41NumaticInternational p21,p80Sebo p57

ExTERiOR FlOORingBedsonFlooringandDecor p101BelgotexFloorcoverings p2Eva-Last p95

FotakisBrothersisintroducinganextensiveprogrammeofnewprod-uctsfor2010,inadditiontoprovidingitsnormalexemplarywholesaleser-vicetoitscustomers.

Thisincludesnewcarpetcollectionsinbothwoolandnaturalmaterials;Alloc,TuskandRhinolaminatestomeetthedemandsofallsectors;arangeofbambooflooring,and–laterintheyear–underlaysandvinylfloor-ing.Watchthisspace!Formoredetailsgotopages16-19.

hugE nEw pROduCT OFFERing

To page 5

37 61 91VOLUME 28 .2 • MARCH • 2010

G U I D E

Photo: Shutterstock, Inc.

Established for over 55 years, FloorworX is the only local manufacturer of semi-flexible tiles, fully flexible vinyl sheeting and tiles – all of which carry the SANS certification for quality.

FloorworX also distributes Quick-Step wood laminates, Kährs wooden floors and a comprehensive range of international resilient floorcoverings, including safety flooring, antistatic flooring, luxury vinyl flooring, static control tiles, linoleum, Novilon, rubber and sports flooring, together with a wide range of flooring adhesives, accessories and floorcare materials.

The Flooring Solutions Company

National Call Centre 0860 346 679

www.floorworx.co.za

Real Wood LaminatesKährs genuine wooden floors and Quick-Step laminate floors brought to you by flooring giant FloorworX. Heading up these product divisions is Peter Geyer, well-known wood and laminate guru.

For trusted advice and specifications contact Peter on 0860 346 679 or 083 380 6665.

�F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Training & SkillS DevelopmenTBelgotex Floorcoverings Academy p84 - 85FloorworX p86 - 87Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting p90Numatic International p80

WooD, laminaTeS & BamBooAzura Distributors p23Barrow Flooring Back CoverBedson Flooring and Decor p101Belgotex Floorcoverings p2FloorworX p4Fotakis Brothers Front Cover, p16 - 17Rhoms Timberworld p96 - 97Zimbo’s Trading p5

acceSSorieS anD oTher3M p21Frame Fibres p56Genesis p25Kirk Marketing p15Pretoria Institute for Architecture p107Transiton Transport (Transportation) p102 - 103

Note: Editorials excluded,

listed in alphabetical order

continued from page 3

Rhoms Timberworld p96 - 97Zimbo’s Trading p5

Flooring conTracTorSKevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting p90

inDuSTrial, reSin & concreTe Flooringa.b.e. Construction Chemicals p66Cemkolor p72Flowcrete SA p68 - 69Industrial Flooring Systems p75Mapei p74SA Industrial Linings p79Sika SA p65Tile & Floor Care p73Tuff Floors p76

raiSeD acceSS FlooringBates Access Flooring p60

reSilienT FlooringBelgotex Floorcoverings p2FloorworX p7Transit Floor Tiles p64Tuff Floors p76

SeamleSS FlooringQuartz Carpet p3, p9

G U I D E

S.A. WOOD & LAMINATEFLOORING ASSOCIATION

MEMBER

“TM”

Cape Town +27 21 511-4693 | Johannesburg +27 11 794-1012info@zimbostrading.co.za | www.zimbostrading.co.za

Wood specifyingat its best!

In this issue of FLOORS in Africa Van Dyck Carpets is highlighting its superb Consulate range of looselay carpet tiles, together with a full range of luxurious cut-pile carpets now available for both commercial and residential applications.

Consulate is a high-quality loop-pile, linear- patterned range available in 13 very attractive colours to suit any décor, manufactured to the highest local and international standards.

The same goes for the latest range of cut-pile carpets that has been reworked by Van Dyck Carpets and reintroduced into the market with the new styles, colours and construction meeting the demands of today’s fashion trends.

Please have a look out for Michigan, Embassy and Diplomat and get your samples.

All these ranges are made from 100% Xentrys heat-set nylon 6 yarns – a proven brand for many years with a higher lustre for deep and vibrant colour and manufactured by means of the latest technology for high performance and quality.

Van Dyck Carpets is also introducing a new cut-pile range from Balta, the celebrated Belgian manufacturer, under the brand name of Design Jewel – a woven Wilton product available in six attractive colours, offering great value for money with a very plush feel and rich look thanks to its heavy yarn weight and woven construction.

Please read more on pages 12-13 and 50-51 or contact Van Dyck Carpets on 031 913 3800.

Leading the way with innovative products

FLOORS is about ceramics, carpets, vinyls, wood, laminates, marble, granite, cement, stone ... any floor you can think of. It is also about accessories like rugs, adhe-sives and tools. Readers are welcome to contact us for any information. FLOORS is published six weekly by Media in Africa (Pty) Ltd. The views expressed by contributors are not necessar-ily those of the editor or publisher. We accept no responsibility for information published. PUBLISHER: Media in Africa (Pty) Ltd. Contact information: Tel (012) 347 7530 Fax (012) 347 7523 International: +27e-mail: floors@mediainafrica.co.zaPO Box 25260, Monument Park, 0105; Republic of South Africa Unit G, First Floor, Castle Walk Corporate Park, Cnr Nossob & Swakop Streets, Erasmuskloof Ext. 3, Pretoria, RSAFounder: Schalk BurgerEditor: Liezel van der Merwe Cell 082 7700 799Financial Director: Fanie VenterNews Editor: Dave Soons Tel 012 807 7012Business Unit Manager: Roxanne Mancini Cell 082 779 5751 Business Unit Co-ordinator: Madelein Smith Sales Executive: Margaux Brink Cell 083 283 1116 Design and Layout: Margita ThieleFinancial Manager: Sietske Rossouw Proofreader: Signa Evans & Hesca JoubertREPRO & PRINTING: Business Print Centre

ThiS year STarTeD oFF So much BeTTer2008 started off in the dark as we had so much load shed-

ding that we all had to buy generators which are now

somewhere in the garage between the weedeater and

the bicycles.

Then 2009 came with everyone’s eyes wide and whis-

pering recession, recession, recession.

This year, although always stuck in traffic, people are

more positive and business is picking up. The flooring

industry is alive and well. Now that’s AYOBA!

In this issue of FLOORS our main features focus on the

carpet, industrial and exterior flooring sectors. We also

report on training and skills development.

carpeTS – The FaST-moving SecTor!There are so many developments, technical advances and

other ‘happenings’ in the carpet sector that the specifiers,

designers and developers are hard-pressed to keep up

to date with all the trends and new technologies that are

regularly appearing.

FLOORS keeps you up to date with the latest informa-

tion and a complete report on Domotex 2010.

aDDreSSing The neeDIt’s generally recognised that skills and workmanship

upliftment is the only way forward for both the floor-

ing industry and the country in general. Many flooring

manufacturers, suppliers and contractors are operating

innovative programmes to correct this problem, and this

feature will look at what the industry is doing.

Have a look at the workshops available for this year.

Invest in your staff, yourself and our country’s future!

The preTTy WorkhorSeThere are so many developments in the industrial floor-

ing sector that many systems have moved beyond the

realm of ‘industrial’ flooring and entered the design arena

in a big way. It has become an extremely hi-tech and

highly competitive market.

See what the workhorses can do for your next project

– page 61.

We also showcase the best in decking which is always

one of the most beautiful exterior floorcoverings.

Enjoy this issue of FLOORS!

Liezel van der Merwe

Established for over 55 years, FloorworX is the only local manufacturer of semi-flexible tiles, fully flexible vinyl sheeting and tiles – all of which carry the SANS certification for quality.

FloorworX also distributes Quick-Step wood laminates, Kährs wooden floors and a comprehensive range of international resilient floorcoverings, including safety flooring, antistatic flooring, luxury vinyl flooring, static control tiles, linoleum, Novilon, rubber and sports flooring, together with a wide range of flooring adhesives, accessories and floorcare materials.

The Flooring Solutions Company

National Call Centre 0860 346 679

www.floorworx.co.za

R e s i l i e n t F l o o r i n g

�

Fa s h i o n a n d D e s i g n

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Domotex Hannover provided the setting for the

presentation of the Carpet Design Awards for 2010.

Offering prize money amounting to 10 000 euros,

the Carpet Design Awards celebrate exceptional

design, originality and quality in the market seg-

ment “Handmade carpets”.

A total of 124 carpets from 15 countries were entered in the competi-

tion for this year’s Awards, and a panel of judges comprising interna-

tionally acclaimed experts selected the winning entries from the 30

carpets that went through to the final round.

The chairman of the panel, David Sorgato, commented, “Domotex is

truly the only place in Europe where you can see such cutting-edge

design and creativity. It was utterly exhilarating and challenging for

me as the Chairman of the Jury this year to have such a variety of

opinions about each shortlisted entry from my colleagues who come

from such diverse backgrounds.”

The winners of This year’s awards were:

Category 1: Best Modern design standardChuk Palu Rugs, Burya

Category 2: Best Modern design superiorZollanvari AG, Mirage

Category 3: Best Modern design deluxeTheo Keller GmbH, Mosaic

Category 4: Best Traditional nomadic design superiorHanif Sons (Pvt) Ltd, Quicksand Caricature

Category 5: Best Traditional nomadic design deluxeCreation Roesner, Mrirt

Category 6: Best Traditional workshop/formal designWoven Legends, Inc./Özkent Hali, Tabriz

Category 7: Best old/antique Carpet SMY (Amin Motamedi), Bijar rug

Category 8: Best Collection Modern Jan Kath GmbH, Radi Deluxe Collection

Category 9: Best Collection Traditional Woven Legends, Inc./Özkent Hali, Shirvan Collection

Category 10: Best innovation Angel Trading, On the Rocks

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Quartz Carpet has the ability to seamlessly integrate spaces,

to create an indoor/outdoor flow. Quartz Carpet applicators

are trained to ensure that these floors meet all requirements of

thresholds, doorways and sliding doors at their existing levels and

heights.

This unique seamless stone flooring system is made from select-

ed sustainable glacial stones and resins. It creates a slip-resistant

texture that is natural, durable and smooth. It is available in nine

colourfast shades, and is 100% UV stable.

Quartz Carpet

Tel: 086 1782 789

Website:

www.quartzcarpet.co.za

Fa s h i o n a n d D e s i g n

“Every day my business does not do turnover I lose R8 000. That is why

I was delighted with the speed of delivery on this beautiful floor,” says Mr.

Sacks, a retail shop owner.

Imagine installing the world’s most appealing and fastest growing

floor, directly over your tiles! Well, now you can! Transform your home,

living areas, entertainment patios and swimming pool surrounds,

offices or commercial buildings with this revolutionary, high-adhesion

Quartz Carpet seamless stone flooring system.

The traditional way of updating old tiled floors, can be costly, dusty

and messy (the tiles need to be chopped up and removed). This

method is intrusive, time-consuming and inconvenient, if you need to

re-tile an area which is being lived or worked in.

Once tiles are chopped up and the rubble removed from site, the

floors then need to be re-screeded with new levels. This new screed

needs to cure for a minimum of 28 days and only then can the new

flooring system or tiles be installed.

Under these circumstances, commercial or retail operations can lose

tens of thousands of rands, as they would need to close their business

for extended time periods to renovate.

The popularity of Quartz Carpet can be attributed to the speed

(over 100m2 can be installed per day) and convenience of installing

the product, as well as the wonderful texture and seamless nature of

this natural stone floor.

Quartz Carpet can be applied directly over tiles and in most

instances can be installed in just one or two days! This means that the

area needs only to be left un-trafficked for a day or two, rather than a

month or two!

The cost saving would be on the relocation costs as well as time,

cleaning and inconvenience. The thinness (6mm) of the finished prod-

uct also means that door heights seldom need to be adjusted.

Flooring directly over tiles

Contractworld 2010 is a resounding success again

Fa s h i o n a n d D e s i g n

10F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

contractworld.award 2010The first prizes in the 2010 contractworld.award have gone to

entrants from Spain, Austria, Japan and Germany. Numerous top

architectural and interior design offices competed for Europe’s

most important and lucrative award for innovative interior design

concepts, now worth a total of 60 000 euros in prize money.

Just how important the contractworld.award is in the eyes of the

worldwide architectural community can be seen from the level of

international participation. More than half of the 623 projects sub-

mitted – 356 to be precise – came from offices outside Germany.

The jury was looking for innovative interior design concepts in

the four categories Offices, Hotels, Shops and Education/Healthcare.

The principal criteria on which the entries were judged were quali-

ty, functionality and aesthetic value, as well as innovative treatment

of space, materials, colour and surface texture or finish.

Now in its tenth year, contract-

world remains the biggest

forum for architecture and

interior design, and is a main

feature of the popular Domotex

exhibition every year.

Contractworld comprises three

main elements: contractworld.

congress – with lectures and

forums on the keynote categories

Office, Hotel, Shop and Education/

Training/Hardware; contractworld.

award – international architectural

awards in these categories for innova-

tive interior design concepts (shown

below); and the contractworld.exhibi-

tion – where manufacturers present

new floorcoverings and other products

for the contracting business.

shops/showrooMs/exhiBiTion sTands

Best of Category: Tierra, Tokyo

architect: Ryo Matsui Architects Inc., Tokyo, Japan

The Tierra hairdressing salon is located in Tokyo, Japan. A whole series

of hairdressing chairs are lined up inside a clearly structured space.

A separate area is accessed through a screen of filigree arches. These

arches, infilled with mirrors, are continued along both long walls of

the salon.

eduCaTion/Training/healThCare

Best of category: The Technical

University of Kaiserslautern

The University wins the first

prize in this category with

the project ‘Mini-campus

pfaffenberg – Building 1 at TU

Kaiserslautern’. For the conver-

sion of the architecture fac-

ulty building at the Technical

University of Kaiserslautern all

the internal partitions from the

1950s were removed to open

up the interior and create bright

new, almost transparent, spaces.

The jury’s verdict: The project

brings out the power and beau-

ty of what was already there

before, and opens up new ways

of appreciating existing spaces

and interiors.

Further information about these

awards and contractworld in

general can be found online at

www.contractworld.com.

Fa s h i o n a n d D e s i g n

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

11

offiCes/adMinisTraTion Buildings

Best of category: Landscape Hall, Manresa, Spain.

architects: bailo + rull/ADD +Architectura, Barcelona, Spain

The Town Hall in Manresa in Spain stands right in the town’s central marketplace. A new extension

has been inserted into the existing building. Despite the resulting unconventional form, which

stands in stark contrast to the existing architecture of the old town, the new extension has been

successfully integrated into the original stone building by the use of the same colour paint finish

throughout.

The jury’s verdict: The jury was fascinated by the way an addition to a historic building can both

fit in and yet retain its own distinctive character.

hoTels/spas/CaTering faCiliTies

Best of Category: Million

Donkey Hotel, Prata Sannita,

Italy

architect: feld72, Vienna,

Austria

This is a community project

devised by a group of archi-

tects with the active involve-

ment of the local village popu-

lation. The brief was to restore

the link between two parts

of the village that had been

separated by empty build-

ings. The result is a rambling

hotel complex made up of all

sorts of very different rooms

and functional areas, which

extends over various buildings

and former ruins.

The jury’s verdict: “An exem-

plary project, which has secured

the continued existence and

future of a social group and a

village.”

And what better to cover it with than the superb Consulate range of loop-pile, linear-patterned looselay tiles?

This high-quality range is available in 13 very attractive colours to suit any décor, and comes with a 5-year guaran-tee, Stain Shield protection and anti-allergenic properties as well as a 10-year warranty against excessive fibre wear.

It is manufactured according to the highest local and inter-national quality standards and has been fully tested in Van Dyck Carpets’ renowned Torture Tunnel. Van Dyck Carpets is an SABS ISO 9000 listed company.

When nothing but the best will do – remember to use Consulate.

Whatever the interior we’ve got the floor covered!

TOLL FREE: 0800 CARPET (0800227738)ww.vandyckcarpets.com

Carpets are better for allergy patients and all Van Dyck Carpets have the required VOC ratings.

14

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

What previous experience do you have in this industry? Ferreiras is part of the Iliad Africa group

and I have been with Iliad since 2008. Prior

to Iliad I was involved in property and

development for around seven years. With

my background as a Quantity Surveyor

this was the most obvious industry to get

stuck into.

What duties are involved in your neW position? As General Manager I have a wide range of

responsibilities that includes sales and mar-

keting through procurement and logistics.

What are your main objectives in this post? It is my goal to ensure that Ferreiras is at

the forefront of supplying the latest trends

and innovations in the tiling and sanitary-

ware industry. We source our products

from leading manufacturers around the

globe and we aim to deliver to our dis-

cerning clients in a way that will make it a

value proposition for them.

hoW do you see the future With ferreiras? I am quite upbeat about the future. We

have a great team with a mix of experience

and youthful energy; added to that we are

a passionate bunch that relish the chal-

lenges presented by tough economic con-

ditions as well as determined competitors.

What is neW at ferreiras? In the last couple of months we have intro-

duced some exciting new initiatives like

our in-house Interior Design Studio, our

Architectural Library and our first new look

showroom in Bloemfontein.

is ferreiras under any “green” or bbbee pressure? We do not see “Green” initiatives or BBBEE

as anything other than opportunities. We

currently focus on achieving a Level 6

compliance and we have identified several

initiatives which may assist us in bettering

our green footprint.

As part of the continuing programme of development

and improved customer service, Ferreiras Décor World

has recently appointed Pieter Pretorius as its new General

Manager. Recognised as being an experienced profession

in the trade, FLOORS in Africa asked him about his

new position.

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

15F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

GAUTENGTel: +27 11 444 1441 Fax: +27 11 444 1165

E-mail: sales@kirk.co.za Website: www.kirk.co.za

CAPE TOWNTel: +27 21 949 2226 Fax: +27 21 949 4531

KWAZULU NATALTel: +27 31 564 1175 Fax: +27 31 564 1143

PORT ELIZABETH

Tel: 0860 547573 Fax: 086 688 4980

Border Step

Finish Transition

Quality profiles are advised

Laminate flooring is predominately fitted as a floating floor and will

generally experience expansion and contraction in the South African

varying climate environment, and Kirk recommends Aluminium- and

PVC-based profiles as the most suitable for these applications.

Expansion cover

Transition cover

Finish cover

End cover

Aluminium is the most popular, offering the

widest range of profiles and giving the speci-

fier the final solution to almost all flooring scenarios

– including expansion, transition, finish, end, step

and adapt shapes used to solve expansion and

contract gaps against sliding doors, wide expanses

of flooring, staircases, transition between different

flooring types, and ending off a laminate floor to a

screed or vinyl and curvable floor types.

Dural’s quality Multifloor range is ideal for retro-

fit situations, where a profile has been forgotten.

This range is available in transition and expansion

and is fitted with plastic dowels. Available in 92cm

and 270cm lengths – ideal for contracts and DIY.

Multifloor can be fitted on laminates and wood

floors, and is of German manufacture.

Kirk’s quality “M.Trim” range of laminate trims

is aluminium and available in the most popular

range of anodised colours, complementing most

floors.

“Bendi” is a top of the range PVC curvable cover

available in transition, expansion, ramp and end

profiles. Available in wood foiled and solid PVC

colours. Manufactured in the UK.

For more information visit the website www.kirk.

co.za or contact your nearest Kirk branch for details.

Kirk Marketing

Head Office: 011 444 1441

Cape Town: 021 949 2226

Durban: 031 564 1175

Port Elizabeth: 0860 547573

fly me to the moon…

If all the carpets sold in a year in Great

Britain were laid end to end, they

would go all the way to the moon

and halfway back again.

16

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Fotakis ad dps

alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassalloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassalloc fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassfotakis bambooalloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassalloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassfotakis wool collectionalloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassallocalloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassalloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassalloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassrhinoalloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrassalloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

17F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Fotakis ad dps

floor splendour!

Call now for samplesJohannesburg 011626 3000 Cape Town 021 933 2620 Durban 031 705 3331

FOTAKIS BROTHERS brings you the latest in flooring splendour!

Wool Carpets, Bamboo, Laminates, Natural Fibre Flooring and

the best of South African manufacturers.

More variety from the company you trust!

fotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tuks allofotakis wool collection rhino alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk allotuskfotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk allofotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk allofotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk allofotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis wool collection rhino tusk allofotakis seagrassfotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk allofotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk allofotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection tusk allofotakis bamboo rhino

rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk allofotakis wool collectionfotakis wool collection rhino tusk alloc fotakis bamboo fotakis seagrass fotakis wool collection rhino tusk allo

Major expansion for a true flooring wholesaler!

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

18F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Established in 1936, Fotakis Brothers has established an unim-

peachable reputation as a true wholesaler, which means that

they do not deal direct with the consumer, and do not install any

floorcoverings. They are a dedicated wholesaler and distributor

to the trade. In the capable hands of Peter Fotakis and his three

partners Fotakis Brothers today is one of the leading national

floorcovering distributors – and by far the oldest.

This enables the company to specialise in the wholesale distri-

bution of broadloom carpets, natural fibre imported flooring, area

rugs, solid wood, bamboo and laminate floorcoverings sourced

from many countries, and all accessories associated with the

installation of flooring.

“Having been in existence for nearly three-quarters of a cen-

tury, Fotakis Brothers is here to stay, but the management teams

include young blood. In all three branches the sons of the direc-

tors are coming into the business with innovative ideas and new

drive,” says director George Prinsloo.

“For example, Peter Fotakis’ son Stratis is in Johannesburg;

Manny Stefano is in Durban with his sons Curt and Karl; and Keith

Ruthenberg in Cape Town with his son Lee. It is this tradition and

dedication that is the backbone of Fotakis Brothers and provides cus-

tomers with great peace of mind,” he says.

To service their extensive client base properly, a comprehensive

fleet of vehicles has been established for direct delivery to clients,

which enables the company to provide a continuing and excellent

customer service of which they are justifiably proud.

In addition, Fotakis Brothers understands the needs of its customers

and has carried out intensive investigations into international prod-

ucts and identified products that will now be sold under its Private

Collection label.

The product basket has expanded in striving to put their clients in a

position where they can offer great products to encourage consum-

ers to buy from them, as opposed to going to other outlets to buy

their floorcoverings. Clients are also provided with many alternative

options – all part of the brilliant client service the company provides.

A range of solid high-quality bamboo flooring is amongst the latest

new products introduced by Fotakis Brothers. Available in two colours

with complementary profiles, this is a click installation system – tap

and go – which is extremely easy to install and very well priced. The

company feels this is an awesome product with which to meet the

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

19

increasing demand for innovative, eco-friendly floorcoverings.

Fotakis Brothers is also a major distributor of the world-renowned

Alloc laminate floorcovering, which incorporates the unique alu-

minium locking system that revolutionised the fixing methods of this

genre.

Today this mechanical locking system is well established in the mar-

ket, having set the standard for the whole industry, and Alloc is in a

leading position amongst flooring producers in the laminate flooring

market.

High quality and good designs characterises these products. Alloc is

a continuing innovator in new technology and development of new

directions in design of laminate flooring that Fotakis Brothers is proud

to represent in this country.

Other laminate products included in the Private Collection of

Fotakis Brothers are Tusk, which is in the mid-price range and has

proved to be of considerable interest in the marketplace, and Rhino in

the lower price bracket which provides excellent value for money in

various colours.

Carpets, of course, is the successful cornerstone of the Fotakis

Brothers sales programme, which now includes a beautiful collection

in wool, with two ranges for commercial applications: Milan and Paris,

and three ranges for residential carpets: Athens, Venice and Vienna.

Also included is the Natural collection, comprising four different

products available in coir, sisal, hemp/jute and sea grass.

Fotakis Brothers is extremely proud of this extensive range that

compliments the existing ranges from local manufacturers, and as

George Prinsloo says, “Architects and designers can specify these

products with confidence. It is a brilliant range and will perform well

in all sectors of the market”.

Anyone interested in learning more about the products, and service

that Fotakis Brothers provides, should contact the nearest branch

shown below, or visit the website www.fotakisbrothers.co.za.

Fotakis Brothers

Johannesburg: 011 626 3000

Cape Town: 021 933 2620

Durban: 031 705 3331

Website: www.fotakisbrothers.co.za

Revolutionary porcelain tiles

the in-house tile specialists can help establish the choice of tile,

quantity and style. In fact, San Marco offers practical support at

every stage of the job - from onsite measuring to technical and

décor advice.

Why not visit the San Marco Tile Centre near you for the best in

product and technical assistance. Contact them at the numbers

shown below, or visit the website www.sanmarcotile.co.za

San Marco Tile Centre

Tel: 011 918 3800

Fax: 011 918 3847

E-mail: sales@sanmarcotile.co.za

Website: www.sanmarcotile.co.za

T he selection of high quality local and imported ceramic and

porcelain wall and floor tiles as well as sanitaryware on dis-

play at the San Marco Tile Centre encompasses the sophisti-

cation and warmth of Italy with a unique South African flair,

but even this has been enhanced by the unique porcelain tile range

recently obtained from Florim of Italy under the brand name of Slim/4.

Described as a revolutionary new 4mm thick porcelain stoneware

tile range, Slim/4 utilises an entirely different technology from that

used to manufacture products currently on the market.

In fact, the tiles are made by a pressing rather than a compaction

process, which makes it possible to create a product that offers excel-

lent resistance to the broadest possible range of stresses, that has no

need for the incorporation of reinforcing fibre media, and that elimi-

nates problems associated with material tensioning and stability after

installation, whilst simultaneously facilitating cutting, drilling and

maintenance procedures.

Easily installed over existing floors, Slim/4 covers these substrates

without requiring time-consuming demolition work and reduces the

times and problems that are implicit in renovation projects.

It also does not require special installation techniques and reduces

the need to remove existing doors and windows, and avoids the cost

of removal and disposal of existing floorcoverings.

Fully compliant with international standards, Slim/4 offers techni-

cal characteristics comparable to porcelain stoneware tiles of greater

thickness, and reduces the deadweight on loading structures and

substrates.

Easy to clean, Slim/4 needs no special maintenance requirements.

These tiles are also available in 11mm thickness, and both are manu-

factured in 60mm x 60mm and 60mm x 120mm sizes.

Strategically situated in Boksburg, Bryanston, Robertsham and

Midrand, San Marco caters for markets with diverse tastes, meticulous

requirements and an assortment of budgets.

The top priority and policy of the company revolves around helping

customers find products and design that suit their personalised taste.

Coupled with this is the assurance of a stress-free and pleasurable

shopping experience that will provide each client with a comprehen-

sive and cost- effective tiling solution.

Although the endless variety of products and styles available at

San Marco can make it seem impossible to make the right decision,

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

20F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

21

Brand leaders introduce Numatic International is a specialist provider of cleaning products for industrial and hospitality industries

as well as residential applications and, with over 40 years of experience, the company has grown

into an international cleaning phenomenon.

Numatic South Africa is perfectly positioned for sustainable

growth as it introduces a fresh initiative for 2010, having recently

entered into a partnership agreement with 3M South Africa. This

partnership will ensure that customers have ongoing access to expert

floorcare advice.

3M is a recognised leader in research

and development producing thousands of

innovative products for dozens of diverse

markets, with operations in more than 65

countries.

The partnership means that Numatic is

now an official distributor of 3M floorcare

products, including the high-quality 3M floor-

care pads. 3M product manager Guinevere

Thomas says that this is a major step for both

companies and a first for Numatic.

“Numatic now has access to all our floor-

ing technology within the 3M Building

& Commercial Services Division,” says

Guinevere. “Cleaning is a science, and we

need to bring that science to the cleaners of

South Africa. That is why the combination of

the training resources of both companies will

be an important function in the future.”

Janine Lotz, sales manager for Numatic, agrees. “The partnership

with 3M will allow us to grow together, and provides a platform for

us to build on our existing infrastructure. Therefore, this initiative will

unlock many opportunities for both parties,” she says.

“Numatic South Africa boasts a passion for the floorcare and clean-

ing industry and offers a high standard of service to its customers,”

she continues. “We are no stranger to providing consumers with the

best value for their money, and strive to successfully keep customers

happy.”

“We look forward to a promising future with 3M and are honoured

to be associated with them. I believe that, together, our brands and

standards will remain supreme and take our partnership to new

heights.”

FLOORS spoke to Eddie Matthews of the mammoth Prestige Group

who attended the launch event for this initiative, and he feels that

this will impact the market in a very positive manner.

“The partnership between two big com-

panies such as these, with massive networks

throughout the country and reputations for

high quality and customer service, means

that a far wider coverage will be attained, and

both the industry and end-users will benefit

considerably as a result.”

Janine concludes, “Our motto for 2010 was

provided by Mahatma Ghandi, who said:

“We must be the change we wish to see in the

world”. Our initiative with 3M is the epitome

of this concept, and will be the guide for

considerable success and growth in the

future.”

In the simplest terms, what this means is

that, by virtue of the product range being

fully integrated, and in many cases inter-

locked, the majority of customer needs can

be satisfied - whether big or small – thus

enabling Numatic distributors to expand their business and build a

relationship with each and every customer in providing a better and

more comprehensive service.

Numatic International

Tel: 0861 numatic (686284)

The Best of all Wood Worlds

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

22F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Azura is one of South Africa’s foremost

importers and distributors of high-quality

laminate, engineered and bamboo floorcover-

ings, with an exemplary reputation for cus-

tomer service and reliability, and with a sales

programme that provides a wide selection of

décors and designs.

With over 100 ranges to choose from, the

up-to-date approach of Azura ensures that the

South African public is always in touch with

the latest trends and designs from around the

globe, having always associated itself with only

the leading manufacturers and brands, thus

ensuring the best quality for both domestic

and commercial use.

Those who are undecided about whether to

use engineered wood, bamboo or a high-qual-

ity laminate for their next flooring project, need

look no further than Azura Distributors, which

is importing and stocking the wood product

from BKB Parquet (Malaysia); bamboo flooring

from the celebrated Style programme(Australia);

and the best in laminate flooring from Balterio

(Belgian) and Euro Laminate (Germany).

Balterio has a production capacity of over 20

million square metres and its state-of-the-art

factory is fully integrated with its own in-

Experts in the field of laminate flooring since 1998, Azura Distributors has now

extended its offering of wood flooring to bamboo and engineered wood.

making a final decision on the floor-

ing. Visit the site and click on Room

Designer to activate this fun and cre-

ative feature.

Azura Distributors, a retailer’s wood-

en paradise, claims to be the first to

introduce the clic system to the local

market, and is now introducing anoth-

er innovation, with an environmentally

friendly clic Bamboo flooring.

Bamboo is the latest trend in floor-

ing at the moment and the brand

added to the Azura range is the cel-

ebrated Style Bamboo Flooring. This

strand-woven bamboo is of the high-

est quality available, and its revolu-

tionary uniclic fixing system ensures

easy installation with a perfectly

finished floor. Sytle Bamboo is also a

green product, making it even more

attractive to the retailer, the public,

the market, designers and decorators.

For the real wood lovers that want

natural wood with the added advan-

tage of being easy to maintain, why

not look at Azura’s latest import, BKB

Engineered Wood? This offers true

wood décors and incorporates a clic

system which ensures easy installation.

For further information on any of

these innovative and high-quality

products, contact Azura at the num-

bers shown below.

Azura Distributors

Tel: 011 837 8462

Fax: 011 839 1964

E-mail: info@azura.co.za

Website: www.azura.co.za

house design team, putting Balterio up with

– if not way ahead of – other laminate sup-

pliers. From the Azura Website (www.azura.

co.za) one can be linked to the Baletrio website

which has won an award for being the best

website in Europe for 2008. The Azura website

also enables you to create your own room

and change furniture, wall colour and match

your favourite Balterio laminate design before

Azura Distributors | www.azura.co.za | 011 837 8462 | info@azura.co.za

The besT of all worlds!

Belgium MalaysiaAustralia

SOLID bambOO LamInate engIneereD wOOD

Importers and distributors of internationally known quality brands

Visit our newly launched website at www.azura.co.za and explore with the online room designer.

Germany

P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s

Providing the

Phill Hunter of Multiturf in Durban recently completed

what has got to be this year’s most way out carpet

installation, when what is colloquially known as a

‘mozzy cab’ was completely decorated with artificial

turf to resemble a football field for Suncoast in prepa-

ration for the forthcoming World Cup Soccer event.

The installation required a special combination of materials,

using a clear vinyl material to protect the paintwork on the

car, and then the ‘turf’ was applied with a traditional adhesive

– including the cutting-in of the white ‘touchlines’.

Duraturf from Belgotex Floorcoverings and Tiger Turf from Van

Dyck Carpets were the two artificial grass products used on this

unusual application.

Not something you see every day, but it certainly highlights the

versatility of this type of material which is being produced by local

carpet companies and is in great demand for both residential and

commercial applications.

Genesis was established by Aidan Bruce in Middlesbrough in the northeast of England during 1989 and

since then has developed and expanded into one of the biggest and most respected manufacturers and

suppliers of finishing profiles for the ceramic tile market.

24F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Park your grass on the car!

A truly global brand, Genesis is now available worldwide provid-

ing innovative solutions to the everyday problems encountered

by contractors, specifiers and the DIY enthusiast. In 1996, Genesis

received the Queen’s Award for Export by achieving sales to over 100

overseas countries.

Part of the company’s extensive growth programme included enter-

ing into an agreement with Tile & Floor Care (TFC) in May 1995 as the

sole stockist and distributor of Genesis products in South Africa for

both the retail and contractor markets – a venture which has proved

to be highly successful.

At Genesis you will find the perfect solution to a host of different

finishing solutions for both floor and wall installations. The range is

unique and not only is it claimed to be the largest of its type in the

world, but it is the result of years of interaction with professional

installers, builders and designers – giving customers the right product

and advice to provide a superb, long-lasting finish.

The range of metal profiles manufactured by Genesis is without

doubt one of the most comprehensive available. Providing solutions

for wall and floor installations, there is a variety of profile shapes,

sizes and finish. The metal profile range offers products in alumini-

um, brass and stainless steel – providing function, performance and

aesthetics.

This means that this extensive range of profiles and finishes is avail-

able to suit most domestic and commercial applications. In addition

to the standard profiles there are formable options available in most

of the metal trim profiles. A bespoke service of colour matching to

over 400 colours is also available on request.

Other flagship products within the Genesis sales programme are

PVC Trim Plus; PVC 4D; Mosaic Edge Trims, aluminium listellos, and

movement joints to name just a few.

The bespoke manufacturing of product to suit individual project

requirements is another feature of the service that Genesis and TFC

can provide.

Recent examples of this service include: special movement joints

supplied to a huge shopping centre in Aberdeen, UK; work continu-

ing at Heathrow Terminal 5, having already supplied 300 lengths of a

bespoke stair nosing profile; and various projects currently underway

in Dubai, Doha and Oman.

The entire range emanates from a large factory complex in

Stokesley, North Yorkshire, UK, which also incorporates offices, consid-

erable warehousing space, and has three extrusion lines operating 12

hours, three days per week.

So what does the future hold for Genesis? Currently (and part of

an ongoing development programme), the company is hard at work

developing new floor finishing profiles, flooring tools, floorcare prod-

ucts and various design elements for standard ceramic tile profiles.

Anyone wishing to know more about Genesis and its extensive

range of finishing products – including full profile specifications

– should contact TFC at the toll free number 0800 00 6173, or visit the

website www.tfc.co.za.

www.tfc.co.za

Toll Free 0800 00 6173 www.tfc.co.zaToll Free 0800 00 6173 www.tfc.co.zaToll Free 0800 00 6173 www.tfc.co.za

TOLL FREE 0800 00 6173

Available from:

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Over 13 000m² of floor tiles were supplied by

Nexus (the commercial carpet division of Belgotex

Floorcoverings) for the eight levels of the

SASOL Library at the University of the Free State

in Bloemfontein.

P r o j e c t s

26

Great floors at Free State University LibraryGreat floors at Free State University Library

Balsan Origami tufted level cut loop tiles from the French

manufacturer were provided in the standard size of 500mm

x 500mm – in a distinctive green flecked colour – for use

throughout this refurbishment project, and were specified by the

architect for being of high quality and suitable for the very heavy foot

traffic that this facility experiences on a daily basis.

Rohan Viljoen of Huneberg Viljoen Architects of Bloemfontein said

these tiles were selected because of their high-wear qualities

and the fact that the library layout is often changed, which is

where floor tiles of this nature really come into their own.

“We also purchased 10% more tiles than were needed, to

accommodate for any localised wear or damage to tiles that may

need to be replaced in the future,” he said.

The flooring contractor for this auspicious project was

Raadzaal Matlokaal of Bloemfontein who has worked for this

architectural practice on several occasions before; in fact they

installed the floor tiles when this building was first built 23

years ago, and had the job of removing these self-stick tiles

before laying the Balsan product.

“However, this job presented some unusual difficulties for the

floor layer,” says managing director Dodds Pringle. “There are

literally tens of thousands of books on shelves in this building

which would have presented a massive logistical problem if

they were all to be moved, notwithstanding the fact that they

must all go back in exactly the same order!” he says.

27

P r o j e c t s

“To overcome this, we moved

the smaller shelves with the

help of the library staff, and

jacked up each large shelf indi-

vidually to allow the tiles to be

laid underneath,” he says.

Raadzaal Matlokaal was

established in 1964 and

claims to be the oldest con-

tractor in the Free State, but

Dodds said this is the first

time they have fitted Balsan

tiles. “I was very impressed

with their quality, and the

low-profile loop pile is cer-

tainly the right specification

for this application. These

were laid using a tacky adhe-

sive that allows for the tiles to

be uplifted easily, if required.”

In conclusion, Johan

Wasserman of Nexus says,

“We are very proud to have

been selected to supply the

floor tiles for this prestigious

project, which we rate as

being one of the best instal-

lations we were involved with

during 2009.”

“Nexus offers a range of

products designed to expand

the floorcovering options

available to architects, speci-

fiers and designers, and is

currently supplying products

to customers throughout

the world, so providing the

right product for this specific

application was all part of the

service,” he says.

Nexus (division of Belgotex

Floorcoverings)

Tel: 033 897 7500

Fax: 033 897 7700

E-mail: nexus@carpet.co.za

Website:

www.nexuscarpets.co.za

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

D o m o t e x

28F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Despite the effects of most of the world coming out of a major recession, Domotex Hannover 2010

ended with a substantial rise in attendance. Over the four days of the show, some 40 000 professionals

turned out to admire the products offered by 1 395 companies from over 70 different nations.

D o m o t e x

29F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

”With exhibitor numbers holding steady and a 12% growth in

visitor attendance, we have improved on last year’s results in spite

of the tough economic climate. Domotex has given the industry

some real momentum and charted the way ahead for the coming

year. The industry is starting 2010 on a confident note,” remarked

Stephan Ph. Kühne, member of the Deutsche Messe Managing

Board and with responsibility for Domotex.

“This success provides an indication of an improving economic

climate and demonstrates that our measures to fine-tune this

flagship fair to the needs of the market have been right on the

mark. This translates into even more tangible benefits for our

exhibitors and their clientele.”

This year the section reserved for handmade carpets and rugs

was moved to a larger location, and new special displays for spe-

cific target groups were provided throughout the exhibition.

The new trend show Souk Deluxe presented a diverse range of

these handmade items, and showcased the trends that can be

expected for the following year.

The Carpet Design Awards competition for handmade carpets

was as popular as ever, and the winners have been announced in

this issue of FLOORS.

These events formed part of the line-up of special events pro-

vided by Domotex, which also included:

FloorForum – a trend forum for high-class carpets and textile

floorcoverings – also reported on separately in this issue.

European Competition for Interior Furnishing – where young mem-

bers of the skilled trades from Europe compete with each other.

Initiative for Safer Working Practice – here the focus is on the

health and safety of floor fitters, with practical demonstrations

taking place every day.

Skilled Trades Forum – a lecture programme for the skilled trades,

where specialists discuss the challenges, opportunities and risks

confronting floor fitters.

The Carpet Cup – Innovative and creative carpet outlets were

singled out for awards in various categories.

And, of course, no Domotex exhibition would be the same with-

out the popular 2010 contractworld forum. This was the tenth

anniversary of this international forum for architects and interior

designers, and this year it was based on a new and enhanced

concept, with numerous international speakers invited to present

their views.

The new concept included the provision of a networking hub

for the contract flooring sector with even more presentations and

panel discussions being made available. This included theme-

focused forums, guided tours for the design professionals, high-

impact product presentations and informative workshops.

The 2010 contractworld awards are featured in this issue of

FLOORS.

Roxanne Mancini of FLOORS in Africa attended this year’s exhi-

bition, and her views are shown within this feature.

The next DOMOTEX HANNOVER runs from 15 to 18 January 2011.

30

D o m o t e x

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Always a source of innovation and inspiration, the

exhibitors at this year’s Domotex event in Hannover

during January did not disappoint. Here we bring

you a selection of some of the new ideas and trends

for your enjoyment and information.

1 A new rug, a new emotion from every angle, a new mood

for every season… using a highly technical process called

Variable Surface Technology a new range is introduced

called Elements – found in its Noble Fibres Collection – which cre-

ates gorgeous textural and natural rugs.

www.stepevi.com

2 A new textile carpet tile

concept that deliberately

breaks with tradition and

opens up new horizons in form,

function and design, enabling

architects to design high-qual-

ity, creative room architecture

aimed at the future.

Encompassing different ele-

ment sizes and quantities of

materials, tufted and woven

varieties, various patterns and

worlds of colours, these tiles are

just as appropriate in a hallway

as they would be in an executive

suite or conference room

www.vorwerk-carpet.com

3 LifeLine flooring products are providing sustainably safe,

clean and healthy environments using Enomer, a pioneer-

ing, ecologically-sound flooring material that is entirely

PVC-free, and supports good indoor air quality with a hardwear-

ing, tough surface that is easy to clean.

No plasticisers, no indoor emissions, no need for polishing – and

offering time and cost savings as well as eliminating dust.

www.upofloor.fi/www.lifelinefloors.com

4 For 35 years this company has been providing innovative

carpet design with extraordinary variations, and now pro-

vides more than 1000 different designs and colour shades.

Hi-tech brand fibres shape the inter-

play between light and dark colours,

soft and shining visual effects as well

as high and low structures and all to

be found in the current Object Carpet

Web Collection.

The collection is divided into four

product groups, according to the

artistic demands of modern archi-

tecture, and all woven carpet floor-

ings are extremely hardwearing and

make a perfect choice for high-traffic

areas such as administrative buildings,

hotels, retail stores or museums.

www.object-carpet.com

5 ‘Silence is golden’ says the old adage, and now there is a

range consisting of three groups of hi-tech underlays that

attempt to achieve this desirable state with laminate floors

– one made of open-cell polyethylene foam, another from natu-

ral, sustainable cork, and a third from polyolefins for high reduc-

tion of airborne and footfall sound.

This last-mentioned range also includes the bond PE-X Elastilon

version which allows the floorcovering to be bonded to the

1

2

3

4

5

D o m o t e x

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

6 A global player in linoleum, vinyl, carpet tiles and flock

flooring exhibited its new sheet collection – a vinyl-backed

floorcovering for professional applications in a wide variety

of market sectors. Available in 21 design ranges with over 300

items, the Flotex product is unique and claims a position between

resilient and textile floorcoverings. A new Coral entrance flooring

was also launched at Domotex.

william.burmanje@forbo.com

7 See-through wood? Luminoso comprises specially devel-

oped wood composite panels for which thin wooden lay-

ers are firmly glued together. Fibre optical waveguides are

embedded between the individual wooden layers, which conduct

the light. Depending on the available fibre optical waveguide,

the wood material lets daylight and direct sunlight pass through.

Truly an innovation!

www.luminoso.at

8 Heralding the onset of a

new ‘stone’ age, the Pure

Stone collection from

Balterio looks like stone and feels

like stone, but it is made of lami-

nate in tile form to mimic the effect

and appearance of Belgian granite.

The large, rectangular tiles

(120cm x 40cm) are available in

four different designs – limestone

white, limestone tobacco, Belgian

blue mottled and Belgian blue ground. No visible joints, either – due

9 Bergo Flooring are

manufacturers of

functional flooring in

tile form – two new concept

collections were launched

at Domotex to add to the

classic original floorings in

the Bergo sales programme.

Environmentally friendly

(even the packaging can be

recycled), they can be used

almost anywhere – indoors or

outdoors. No glue required, so

installation is very fast.

www.bergoflooring.com

Alloc was there with new designs for public areas, pro-

viding strength and beauty with extreme durability.

Classified in Class 34, these floors are used for hotels,

shopping centres and airports, as well as private homes.

Upgraded with several new designs, new stone décors have also

been added to the special collection Alloc Commercial Stone.

www.alloc.com

10

underlay, thus enabling solid timber floors and strip parquet to

be laid as floating floors.

Proline Systems GmbH

to the tiles being provided with subtle V-seams.

www.balterio.com

A great new decorative MDF-foiled skirting range has

been launched, based on classic designs combined with

modern foils. Characterised by its conceptual consis-

tency, high quality level and continual product devel-

opment, this range offers a wide choice in profiles, including new

inner and corner pieces. Installation is simple, with a unique and

patented fixing system to make it distinctive and user-friendly.

www.jewe.eu

With over a cen-

tury in working with

wood for any interior

or exterior applica-

tion, this company has added a

range of natural wood finishes,

perfectly trimmed for the needs

of the woods, and created from

renewable resources based on

12

31

11

6

7

8

9

11

12

32F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

The cool-and-fresh flower

look in laminate flooring

from Witex known as artria

is aimed at the young and

young at heart who wish to stamp their

own personality on their living style.

The selected floral or organic-styled sur-

face designs allow the realisation of numerous styles from classic to

funky. The 8mm thick floor panels with HDF-Protect core board and

additional profile sealing have a matt finish and are suitable for laying

over underfloor heating systems. Witex offers these planks (rated as

Abrasion Class AC3) with a special 15-year fade and stain warranty for

residential properties – 5 years for commercial applications.

www.witex.com

D o m o t e x

Here is an artificial

grass from Domo

with its roots in the

traditional textile

industry. It has a natural look and

feel, can be provided in box or roll

form, and is ideal for homes and

gardens, public spaces, children’s

playgrounds, sports applications

of all varieties, and for events such

as trade fairs.

FUNgrass is easy to install by

obtaining installation instructions

on the website.

www.fungrass.com

16

purified natural oils and waxes.

These finishes are not film-forming but open porous finishes,

which means the wood is still able to breathe.

www.osmo.de

Four new brands of residential vinyl flooring were

launched at the show.

Leoline is a collection of classic residential cushion

vinyl, with products ranging from entry-level to high-

end products.

Avenue is a special theme collection under the Avenue brand,

offering residential cushion vinyl with special attention to design

and presentation.

Itec is the company’s new contract flooring division offering

quality, reliability and service for the professional.

Moduleo – styled as the new brand for high added value modu-

lar design flooring, both for residential and commercial use.

www.ivcgroup.com

The next generation of dust care systems now

includes what is stated to be the cleanest dust con-

tainer ever – the Bona DCS 70 – which can be used

with all Bona and other sanding machines for totally

dust-free sanding – and which separates wooden chips and fibres

from the dust. With a long-lasting filter and an even bigger dust

bag, the totally sealed system prevents any dust from escaping

when changing the bag. And it is easier to transport thanks to the

ergonomic handles and big wheels, making it the perfect choice

for clean air, cost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

www.bona.com

Introduced as a new concept of floorcovering mate-

rials for living and working spaces, Fitnice is made

of vinyl-coated high-tenacity polyester fabric, with

a backing of recycled material which contributes to

its dimensional stability and a high level of soundproofing and

thermal insulation.

This material offers solutions for floor and wall coverings, and

for interior and exterior upholstery, and is provided with a 5-year

manufacturer’s warranty.

www.fitnice.com

Connected Systems is a

wide product range made

of compatible high-qual-

ity adhesives and parquet

finishes – both with certified low-emis-

sions. Loba and Wakol have combined

resources to develop a reliable system

of products for ensuring compatibility

between adhesives and floor finishes.

All new floor finish products from Loba

and Wakol are automatically tested for system compatibility and

are only included in the Connected Systems range after the respec-

tive tests for quality and compatibility have been passed.

www.loba.de

17

NCS (Natural Colour System)

from the Scandinavian

Colour Institute offers a fast,

convenient and trustworthy

service for the colour you need – to

calibrated colour standards – complete

with identity programmes and colour

manuals to facilitate your colour com-

munication. The use of the NCS system

for customised services with strategic

analysis of colour selections and mapping is provided, and dedicated

experts develop and establish processes to manage your colours.

www.ncscolour.com

18

Whitespace is an online

carpet toolkit with interac-

tive applications to inspire

brilliant design. You can

spec well-designed, eco-friendly prod-

ucts made from Antron carpet fibre

– broadloom, modular, and custom,

and tap the expertise of the Customer

Care team in real time. Store project

information online for access any-

where, anytime – making out-of-date out of the question.

www.whitespace.bz

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15

16

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D o m o t e x

for Laminate Collections

33F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

tomised flooring designs.

Pergo is also entering the vinyl market for the first time, which

marks the evolution of Pergo from a laminate company into a

flooring company. Vinyl Planks & Tiles represent a new type of soft

multi-layer flooring based on the same Pergo core values of dura-

bility, beauty, ease and trust.

Pergo Vinyl Planks & Tiles come in 14 various designs that range

between wood, stone and leather, with three different sized for-

mats. The easy-to-install, click board format of Pergo Vinyl floors

feature many of the already recognised features of Pergo lami-

nates with the added benefit that the floor is warm, quiet and

comfortable to walk on.

All of Pergo’s new laminate floors incorporate the recognised

technologies of previous Pergo floors, including TitanX, which

makes the floor more scratch- and impact-resistant. SoftTech tech-

nology, which reduces the noise generated when walking on a

laminate floor, is also available with a selection of Pergo laminates.

For the commercial and consumer market the product portfolio

is now divided into four categories: public Extreme, a floor ideal

for heavy footfall areas such as bars, retail spaces and hotels, with

a lifetime residential guarantee against wear, stains and fading

from sunlight; original Excellence for high-traffic domestic areas

such as kitchens and hallways, with a lifetime residential guar-

antee; living Expression which is also suitable for kitchens and

busy areas in the house, with a 25-year residential guarantee; and

domestic Extra, the new entry-level floor, best used in bedrooms

and living rooms, including a 20-year residential guarantee.

A new online Pergo e-showroom not only provides a window to

the full Pergo range but also offers the opportunity to ‘try before

you buy’ through a facility that allows you to upload a photo of

your room and test out different floors in your own setting.

A new selection of marketing materials and displays has been

prepared to accompany the launch of the new products to the

market. The PergoStore display system provides a smart and

compact way of displaying the new range of Pergo products with

display stands for product samples and the new catalogues.

Besides a new product catalogue, also available to the resi-

dential market is an inspiration folder which provides ideas and

advice on interior design and the importance of starting a room

design at the floor and working up.

For the commercial market, sector folders will be available for

the various industry areas, including hotels, offices and shops,

offering advice on how Pergo floors can best be used within each

space to create the desired atmosphere and impression.

A sample service will also be available for customers to preview

floors before they purchase, along with a specialised architect

book to advise and guide architects in their flooring selection.

Pergo’s environmental track record is also of the highest stan-

dard. Eighty percent of the content of the flooring consists of

surplus from the wood industry.

The company uses only renewable wood products such as pine

and spruce. Pergo was the first laminate flooring company to

receive the ISO 14001 certification for its environmental manage-

ment system.

Anyone wishing to know more about these exciting additions to

the Pergo range should visit the website www.pergo.com.

Marketed in South Africa solely by Barrow Flooring,

Pergo will have a year of extensive change in 2010,

as the company introduces 68 stylish new décors,

offers new textures and formats, launches a new

mid-price category, pioneers a universal click sys-

tem, provides customised flooring designs, and

enters the vinyl market for the first time.

The new décors are inspired by wood, minerals and the latest design

trends and bring the total designs available in the Pergo laminate

flooring range to 250.

Providing a textured finish adds increased authenticity to Pergo’s

floors. Several new synchronised textures are available in the Timeless

Oaks collection as well as a new synchronised slate texture in the

Stone collection. Two- and four-way bevelled edges are also available

on a number of décors to enhance the wood effect.

Four different sized formats have been added to enhance the wood

plank effect. They include a new longer plank (2 000mm x 210mm), a

narrow strip (1 200mm x 90mm) and a wider slab imitation format (1

200mm x 400mm).

Pergo’s new innovative fold-down technology, known as

PerfectFold, is a laying system by which the panels are simply laid in

position and click into place, making the installation process much

faster and easier.

A new concept Pergo is bringing to the commercial market is

myPergo, which enables commercial customers to create unique cus-

34F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

D o m o t e x

One of the major innovations at Domotex 2010 was the introduction of a World of

Flooring walking tour for the technical press which enabled visiting journalists to

find out more about the latest trends and products in parquet and laminate

flooring, and to meet the major players in this bourgeoning sector.

Wit

ex

This was attended by Roxanne Mancini of FLOORS, and her

report and impressions are shown below:

MOsO INTERNATIONAlThis company specialises in the development of innovative and

trend-setting products made of bamboo and claims to be the

European leader in this field. A new range of bamboo carpet

tiles was presented by Moso (the Chinese word for giant bam-

boo) at the show and, in line with their prediction that there is

an increasing demand for natural look-alike floors, the company

has produced new-look bamboo to replicate the natural state of

the material in a flooring application. Very attractive and being

well marketed.

WITEXRoxanne spoke with Mirco Schäpe, marketing manager of Witex

Flooring Products GmhH, who presented a new multi-layer floor

‘pure’, which opens up completely new perspectives for interior

designs. This new type of flooring consists of a water-resistant

core board with a concrete-look wear layer.

The surface looks and feels like concrete, but is much lighter

and more durable than the real thing. Provided as a glueless

installation.

Schäpe forecasts that renovation projects will be the major fea-

ture of 2010, and floating floors will be ‘hot’ this year.

BAlTERIOAccording to Franky Terrijn, marketing manager of Balterio, the

laminate market is becoming more and more fashionable, and

this was certainly apparent at their Domotex stand, with a wide

variety of new décors in trendy designs with innovation and

contemporary finishes in existing and new collections, which

included Pure Stone, Pure Naturals – and others using the patent-

ed Balterio ChromeZone technology (see Azura in this issue).

Longer planks, wider formats, darker designs and increased

tactility – together with an awareness of the acoustic proper-

ties of each design – are the benchmarks for future trends and

innovations.

Terrijn also feels that pure Zen-like lines will be part of the

future trends as people slow down and ‘smell the roses’ in terms

of what these floors can do for them. He also recommends to

the trade that product must be the hero in any showroom dis-

play; technology must be to the fore; and touching is important

– so allow customers to feel and enjoy the product.

MEIsTERWERkE scHulTE GMBHProduct manager Stefan Niemann has some strong views on the

role laminates will play in interior décor and design in the future.

He told Roxanne that the trend for digital design would increase

in 2010 to cover hitherto taboo features for floors such as Paisley

designs, and others.

D o m o t e x

35F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

balt

erio

Mo

So

He also sees darker colours being used, stripes in black and white,

and floors with huge contrasts. In fact, he feels that designs such

as using pristine, white floor with black furniture and similar décor

impressions will also become prevalent.

MeisterWerke also launched its new 250 Format Design collection

– a laminate floor with special design possibilities for shops and trade

fair stands, or for small properties, providing a fold-down installation.

Hot, hot, hot!

AMORINThis company featured the Wicanders Vinyl Commercial Collection,

the new Parquet line with five collections, Decolife, and the new cork

collection GO-4-Cork.

This last-mentioned look-alike product was highly regarded at the

expo, both from a technology and an aesthetic viewpoint, Amorin

having produced an original product with unique characteristics.

clAAsENThis company set out to prove that laminate planks are not only

attractive on floors, but can also create an impression for walls and

ceilings with its wide range of décors, surfaces and formats.

The Claasen megaloc fixing system makes these laminates suit-

able for continuation of the floor décor, for providing single stripes,

squares, or for covering an entire area – anything is possible.

käHRs PARkETT DEuTscHlAND GMBH Kährs launched its first exclusive

collection of wood floors from the

new Supreme Range last year, and

this year introduced its new Avenue,

Elegance Supreme, and Artisan col-

lections.

The Supreme range features a

stunning traditional plank design,

with one 20mm collection offered in

dimensions previously not available

in modern multi-layered format. All

options are crafted from the fin-

est sustainable Oak, using modern

eco-friendly methods and providing

Kährs high performance.

Roxanne says that the wood and

laminate sector is to be congratulat-

ed for instigating this type of event

that enabled journalists and editors

to meet the senior executives of

these companies and to obtain their

views firsthand. Face-to-face expla-

nations of design techniques, tech-

nologies and processes also allow

the media to pass this knowledge

on to their readers in a meaningful

manner.

Great adhesives MAPEl, an international leader in the adhesives

sector for the building industry, presented their new

systems and products specifically for laying wood

and resilients at the recent Domotex exhibition.

The vast, in-depth ranges of both new and improved systems and

products on show at this important trade fair in Hanover are the

undisputed proof of the Mapei know-how, gained through decades

of global experience.

Care for the environment is one of the mainstays of

the Mapei corporate philosophy. The company’s

commitment to manufacturing products which

are increasingly eco-sustainable is embodied in

its research programme to create and develop

products which also improve the wellbeing of

buildings.

This led to the creation of Mapei’s range of

‘Eco’ products certified EC1 or EC1 R, awarded

to all those products with an extremely low

emission level of volatile organic compounds

(VOC) awarded by GEV, the association which

checks emission levels of products used for floors. All

Mapei products which comply with international standards on

eco-sustainability also bear the Green Innovation logo.

The central theme of this initiative is their collaboration with the

American organisation, the US Green Building Council, of which

Mapei has been a member for more than 5 years.

This organisation developed the LEED System (Leadership in Energy

& Environmental Design) which classifies and certifies buildings

according to a specific points system.

The Mapei range currently includes more than 150 products which

meet the LEED requirements and are identified with the Green

Innovation logo.

INTERNATIONAlITy Mapei is in close contact with its customers and specific construc-

tion requirements all around the world thanks to the network of 56

facilities in 25 different countries and 5 different continents, and also

thanks to an efficient network of local technical support departments.

INNOVATION Each year, 12% of the Mapei workforce is involved in research and

development and 5% of total turnover is invested in this field. More

than 70% of research funds are invested into the development of eco-

sustainable products (more than 85 million Euro every year).

RElIABIlITy Thanks to years of experience in the international arena, and its com-

mitment to research, specialisation and constant contact with the

building world, Mapei can meet all market requirements with effi-

cient, innovative solutions and may safely claim to be technology you

can build on.

The 2010 edition of Domotex is further demonstration of Mapei’s

competence in the specific field of laying all types of resilients and

wood, embodied in the offer of complete, specific systems for all solu-

tions, from substrates to adhesives and varnishes for wood.

Mapei provides specific solutions for any type of wooden, resilient

and textile flooring. Starting from binders to pre-blended mortars for

screeds, Mapei offers Mapecem, special quick-setting and quick-drying

(24 hours) controlled-shrinkage hydraulic binder; Mapecem Pronto,

pre-blended, quick-setting and quick-drying (24 hours) con-

trolled-shrinkage mortar; Topcem special quick-setting

and quick-drying (4 days) controlled-shrinkage bind-

er; and Topcem Pronto, pre-blended, quick-setting

and quick-drying (4 days) controlled-shrinkage

mortar with extremely low emission levels of

volatile organic compounds (certified EC1 R).

Also, Mapei has smoothing and levelling

compounds such as Ultraplan Eco certified

EC1 (extremely low emission levels of volatile

organic compounds) self-levelling ultra-quick

hardening (12 hours) smoothing and level-

ling compound for thicknesses from 1-10 mm; or

Ultraplan Maxi certified EC1 self-levelling ultra-quick

hardening smoothing and levelling compound for thicknesses

from 3-30 mm, and soundproofing with the Mapesilent System: a

modular system of special panels, sheets and soundproofing acces-

sories which are installed directly in contact with the floor slab before

installing the screed.

sOuNDPROOf flOORs Apart from the Mapesilent system (rolls or panels), which is a consoli-

dated system for soundproofing against the noise of footsteps, Mapei

presents the unique Mapesonic CR soundproofing membrane in rolls

laid underneath the floor – made from grains of cork and rubber

which is laid directly on all types of substrate, including on old floors,

before laying any type of flooring material (ceramic, stone, parquet,

resilients, etc).

Correct preparation of the substrate is fundamental in obtaining

professional results with the highest performance.

Amongst the Primers the ultra-new Eco Prim Grip universal bonding

promoter made from acrylic resin and inert silica with an extremely

low emission level of volatile organic compounds (EC1), together with

the Mapei consolidating and waterproofing primers Eco Prim PU1K

and Eco Prim PU 1K Turbo (certified EC1 R), The Mapei systems are

particularly interesting for use in the resilients sector, for both civil

building applications (schools, offices, hospitals, libraries, etc.) and for

providing eco-sustainable solutions.

Mapei

Tel: 011 552 8476

E-mail: info@mapei.co.za

Website: www.mapei.co.za

D o m o t e x

36F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

carpetsfeatureEven with ceramic and porcelain tiles

gaining considerable market share

both locally and internationally, lami-

nate floorcoverings finding favour in

many sectors, and resilients holding

their own, carpet is still the dominant

floorcovering in numerous countries

worldwide.

37

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

38F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Even with ceramic and porcelain tiles gain-

ing considerable market share both locally

and internationally, laminate floorcoverings

finding favour in many sectors, and resilients

holding their own, carpet is still the dominant

floorcovering in numerous countries world-

wide.

still dominating!The reasons for this are not hard to find: carpets can meet any

décor requirement and are hardwearing, relatively easy to install

and maintain, cost-effective, provide safety in use, assist with sound

reduction, and have an excellent service lifespan.

Although carpets have been around for aeons, technology in this

sector is still developing rapidly as can be seen from many other

articles in this feature – so much so that it is easy to forget what the

basic norms, features and benefits are of the various types of carpet

available to the designer and the end- user.

Leading manufacturers are going several steps further in terms of

producing carpets that continue to challenge the design envelope

but can, for example, actively improve interior air quality – demon-

strably reducing the amount of dust and other particles in the air.

This introductory article to our annual feature aims to put this right,

with a summary of the various types of carpet currently on the mar-

ket, and the materials that can be used.

Some of the more common typeS available in South africa are:Woven: Woven carpet is produced on a loom and is very similar

to woven cloth. This type of carpet includes Axminster and Wilton,

which are often confused as brand names, but are in fact forms of

weaving. An Axminster carpet has always been synonymous with

both quality and a luxury form of flooring.

Today most carpet is manufactured utilising the tufted method

which is a cost-effective, faster method of production. However,

unlike tufted carpet an Axminster is woven, and produced as a cut-

pile. Each individual yarn colour that goes to make up the carpet pat-

tern is woven with the weft.

After the required yarn colour has been woven into the backing it

is cut automatically to the required pile height and then reinserted

when this colour is next required.

The fact that the individual pieces of yarn or tufts of carpet are

woven with the weft demonstrates that an Axminster or Wilton carpet

provides quality, longevity and as well as a luxurious feel underfoot.

The quality of an Axminster and the fact that many colours can be

used in a roll of carpet ensure that it is often the flooring of choice for

prestigious buildings where quality, multicoloured patterns in wool/

nylon yarns and an element of luxury are simultaneously required.

Wilton carpet, like Axminster carpet, is woven. However the dif-

ference between the two methods is the way in which the carpet

is woven. Whereas the Axminster yarn is woven into each weft, cut

to the required pile height and then reinserted when that colour is

needed again – the Wilton carpet yarn is a continuous strand woven

all the way through the length and buried in the back until required

to form the pattern when it is raised to the surface. Wilton carpets can

Obj

eCt

Car

pet

step

evi

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

39F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

be in cut or loop pile or a combination of both to provide texture,

and they also have multicoloured patterns.

tufted: This type of carpet is produced on a tufting machine

by using either a single or multicoloured or sometimes a non-

coloured yarn. If the last-mentioned is being used, then the car-

pet will be dyed or printed with a design as a separate process.

Tufted carpet is the more economical of the carpet-producing

methods. Unlike Axminster and Wilton carpet, a tufted carpet is

produced by adding yarn onto a pre-existing backing and held in

place using a special adhesive, and a secondary backing of preci-

sion synthetic yarn, jute or foam is applied for extra strength. This

method is an extremely fast way of manufacturing carpet.

However, it must be realised that tufteds are not necessarily

inferior; one can also get high-quality tufted carpets in quality

synthetic/wool yarns with today’s development and technology.

Carpets that are tufted can either be cut pile, loop pile, or a

combination of both.

cut and loop piles: The cut- and loop-pile construction com-

bines both looped and cut fibres, providing a variety of surface

textures for durability in all location grades. Cut and loop carpets

are available in either solid or different colours. The several differ-

ent layers in this carpet can hide dirt and footprints in formal and

informal areas.

Saxony: This consists of tightly twisted cut piles that are heat-set

straight. They utilise two or more threads that have been twisted

together in a yarn, providing a very soft, even-surfaced texture

for informal as well as formal areas. However, they will show foot-

prints and even marks from vacuum cleaners.

textured Saxony: Here the yarns are heat-set with a kinky

effect – for a more texturised Saxony look - for medium to heavy

domestic use. They also offer a multicoloured look that will hide

tracks and footprints.

plush/velvet: Both plush and velvet yarns offer a uniform colour.

They offer a very even, velvety surface. This type of carpet is ideal

for formal areas due to its luxurious appearance.

frieze: Frieze is a highly twisted cut-pile type of carpet where its

construction will tend to curl in different directions at the surface

to hide footprints and vacuum marks.

level-loop pile: Level-loop pile carpet is durable as well as track-

resistant, as opposed to cut pile carpets where the free end of the

pile yarn can lie in different directions. Higher loops in the carpet

will create a more luxurious look, and they will also help to pre-

vent dirt from filtering into the carpet.

needlepunch: These carpets are made by interlocking individual

fibres together – the most frequently used fibre is polypropylene.

All the fibres are anchored into a resin backing to give excellent

stability and durability. Most commonly used in loop-pile con-

struction, needlepunch carpets provide exceptional value and are

probably the best-selling carpets on the market.

fibre & yarnSCarpet fibres come in two main groups: natural and synthetic.

Carpet can be made from many single or blended natural and

synthetic fibres, selected for durability, appearance, ease of man-

ufacture, and cost.

Natural fibre generally means wool, which is particularly suit-

able for carpet as it not only looks good has exceptional appearance

retention properties – wool grows old gracefully! Wool is also not

flammable or prone to static electricity build-up.

The most important yarn constructions are:

Wool and wool blended with synthetic fibres: Wool has excellent

durability, can be dyed easily and is fairly abundant and naturally sus-

tainable. When blended with synthetic fibres such as nylon the dura-

bility of wool is increased and blended wool yarns are used exten-

sively in the production of modern carpet, with the most common

blend being 80% wool to 20% synthetic fibre. Wool acrylic blends are

also very popular locally because of the natural wool look – acrylic is

also fondly referred to as ‘the poor man’s wool’.

nylon: Until recent times this was the most popular synthetic fibre

used in carpet production. Nylon can be dyed topically or during the

extrusion process – solution dyeing – which is a very popular appli-

cation for carpet manufacture. Nylon can be printed easily and has

excellent wear characteristics.

New generation nylon is very popular because it is durable, colour-

fast, stain-resistant and resilient to soiling and matting. It is often

blended with wool to improve the overall wear of the carpet.

polypropylene: This polymer is used to produce carpet yarns

because it is less expensive than others, very resistant to wear and to

permanent staining, moisture and mildew, whilst remaining colour-

fast. Large-looped Berber carpets made from this fibre are mostly

recommended for light domestic use and will flatten sooner than

other fibres.

Berber carpets with smaller loops tend to be more resilient and

retain their new appearance longer than large-looped Berber styles.

Commercial grade level-loop carpets have very small loops, and

commercial grade cut-pile styles are also well constructed to provide

exceptional wear capability.

polyester: Used in carpet manufacturing, primarily as spun yarns for

Saxony constructions and is well supported in South Africa. Polyester

has good heat-setting properties and is inherently stain-resistant

because it is hydrophobic and does not have dye sites.

acrylic: This fibre has a very natural look and is more affordable. It is

used successfully in blends with wool or other synthetic fibres.

hoW green are the carpetS?Two major issues are currently facing the flooring industry – the

embracing of green building techniques in every aspect. The best car-

pet manufacturers are taking issues of sustainability and environmen-

tal impact very seriously – not only as good corporate citizens, but as

a fast-growing area of competitive advantage.

In terms of the carpet sector, in this article we will briefly outline

what is and should be being done regarding the former – which

will be followed by a detailed feature on how the green issues affect

the whole industry in our Sustainability feature in the next issue of

FLOORS in Africa.

How the industry is faring with regard to Black Economic

Empowerment is discussed in the feature on Skills Development and

Training in this issue.

These are extremely important issues which, apart from the steps

that the Government may be taking, affect the flooring industry in

several ways. In particular, an ever-increasing number of architects,

40F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

The Carpet & Décor Centre group has been involved and trading

in the floorcovering industry since 1968. After over 40 years of

service and experience the group has established itself as a market

leader and has seen phenomenal growth.

Operating out of a head office in Crown Mines, Johannesburg and

with nine strategically placed national branches, Carpet & Décor

Centre has earned a respectable reputation from its customers,

clients and suppliers, with the size of the business allowing the

company to give real value for money, and a customer service that

is second to none.

The Carpet & Décor Group is focused on adding value and a cus-

tomer-driven corporate image which benchmarks against world-class

standards and services.

The inherent values of the company include delivering products

and services of the highest quality that enable Carpet & Décor not to

only meet but exceed all customer expectations.

The aim is also to develop and maintain successful and strategic

“win-win” partnerships with suppliers, and to continually develop and

train its members to maintain a culture that supports a total-quality,

efficient, effective and productive environment.

Carpet & Décor is recognised as a stalwart of the floorcovering

industry, and its affiliation to the relevant Associations is testimony

For all your floorcovering needs

to this fact, with the company being active members of

the Gauteng Master Builders Association (GMBA); and the

Southern African Wood & Laminate Association (SAWLFA).

Carpet & Décor is a Level 1 AAA+ BEE Empowerdex rated

company with a score of 135% as well as being appointed as

a Nouwens Platinum Partner.

Carpet & Décor

Tel: 011 837 3856

Fax: 011 837 3876

E-mail: zbho@carpetdecor.co.za

Website: www.carpetdecor.co.za

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

interior designers, contractors and end-users – together with

their clients, government departments, buyers and NGOs

– are now insisting on certain criteria being met in terms of

both ‘green’ and ‘black’ before any tenders are accepted.

In general, they are looking for eco-friendly products pro-

duced by environmentally acceptable processes that accommodate

all the requirements for the conservation of air, water, land, natural

resources, fauna, flora, and the minimising of pollution in all its forms.

Basic criteria include energy and electricity saving with the control

of lights, airconditioning plant, and so forth; the reduction of water

and chemical usage; the use of wastewater and recycled materials;

and the use of sustainable materials.

Waste recycling and disposal (to prevent the use of landfills), and

the reclamation of old floorcoverings, together with the reduction of

the company’s carbon footprint by controlling the methods of get-

ting product to the market or end-user are other important consider-

ations in ‘going green’.

Many larger companies have embarked on extensive ISO 14001

programmes to assist in achieving their environmental obligations;

others have aligned themselves with the local Green Building Council

which, in turn, assists professionals in understanding the ramifications

of green building.

Either way, the adoption of quality environmental controls in every-

thing the company does is a prime and essential requirement of

future trading within the South African flooring industry. Don’t miss

our Sustainability feature in the next issue of FLOORS in Africa.

Some information contained in this article was extracted from the fol-

lowing websites, to which acknowledgement and thanks are given:

www.carpet.org; www.floorbiz.com; www.carpet-rug.org; plus our

thanks also goes to the local experts who have contributed to this

annual feature in the past.

vOr

wer

k

Don’t just clean it. Care for it.

42F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

The FLOORFORUM 2010 event at this year’s Domotex

was presented by renowned designer Ulf Moritz in

which he emphasised the four major design trends

for carpets for 2010/2011 – Authentic, Dramatic,

Decorative and Exclusive.

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

43F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

The Exclusive design trend is the display category for top quality to

luxurious tradition carpets featuring classic patterns, value and time-

less quality.

Whilst following and appreciating the expert view, FLOORS also can-

Authentic best describes

carpets made of natu-

ral materials featuring

organic structures that

appear almost hand-

crafted. A natural, origi-

nal look and the func-

tional use of materials

result in carpets that are

easy to harmonise and

pleasing to the eye.

By contrast, the bold,

extravagant and ultra-

modern carpet designs

under Dramatic provide

the avant-garde look

which is strongly influ-

enced by fashion and

lifestyle trends, making

a big, almost emotional

impact on the viewer.

Decorative is no less

eye-catching but more

romantic, translating

vassed the opinions of visitors to the exhibition, to find out what

their feelings are about the future carpet trends, and although

some felt that there was less product development in this area

because of the recessionary cutbacks in 2009, there are still some

interesting design trends to be noted.

On the manufacturing side it was noticed that the promotion

of tufting machines that make woven-look carpet tiles is on the

increase, and there are more ‘soft touch’ yarns being exhibited.

Interesting wool and natural fibre imitations were in evidence,

and the combination of yarns of different thickness in one carpet

is also a trend to be watched. Shaggy’s are still popular in Europe,

although these have hardly caught on in South Africa. Incidentally,

the artificial grass offerings are on the increase in Europe.

In terms of design, there are more organic designs to be seen,

with the accent on subtleness – fewer stripes, and less strong or

bold designs. Subtleness is also depicted in the use of comple-

mentary colours in carpet designs although, despite the fact that

many bright colours were on display, the chocolate browns and

beiges are still the high-volume sellers.

For carpets, the culmination of the Domotex event was the pre-

sentation of the Carpet Design Awards, which have been detailed

elsewhere in this feature.

appealing, imaginative patterns

based on romantic and folklore

influences in a distinctive and

original style idiom.

your Style

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

44

Floors are fundamental statements of your personal style,

reflecting your lifestyle, trends and preferences.

That’s the basic philosophy behind Belgotex Floorcoverings’

latest marketing campaign, Define Your Style, designed to help cus-

tomers express their style from the ground up.

“People’s choice of flooring is influenced by their personality and

lifestyle, and there’s a carpet, laminate or vinyl guaranteed to suit

every style,” says Helen Dwyer, marketing coordinator of Belgotex

Floorcoverings.

Featuring a number of inspirational looks and styles using the

different Belgotex Floorcoverings brands, Define Your Style aims to

appeal to different personalities by providing a look or style that

people can relate to.

“It is all about customers identifying with one of our styles and giving

them ideas on how to get the look using our products,” explains Helen.

“From the adventurous trendsetter that wants the best of the best;

to the sophisticated yet practical contemporary or the pared-down

Belgotex Floorcoverings’ latest marketing

campaign, “Define Your Style”, is designed to help

customers express their style from the ground up.

Glam RockLodge Luxury

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

45F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

minimalist that prefers clean lines

and open spaces; to the ardent

nature lover that loves all things

natural and textured; to even the

traditional, more conservative clas-

sic, Define Your Style demonstrates

the versatility of Belgotex Carpets,

Nexus, Duraturf, Berry Floor lami-

nates and IVC cushioned vinyl to

project your tastes and create your

ideal environment.”

“Even in the office, the company

defines its corporate identity or

management style through their

décor,” she continued.

Six different looks with apt descrip-

tors such as Lodge Luxury, ‘Boujwa’

Boudoir, Fresh Produce, Glam Rock,

Homeland Harmony or Organic

Expressions, each appeal to different

personalities and show you how to

get that look with the flooring of

your choice.

Over the next few issues. FLOORS in

Africa will take a closer look at each,

starting with those on Belgotex

Carpets:

“We want customers to identify

with a look and to feel a sense of

belonging, as well as giving them

new ideas on how to achieve that

effect,” says Helen.

“For example, Lodge Luxury fea-

tures deep chocolate and mocha

tones with soft leather furnishings

and dark wood finishes on Belgotex

Carpets’ Granada in colour Mascade

to create a sense of affordable luxu-

ry. But you can create a similar feel

using Woodmark Birma 745 from IVC

or Berry Floor’s Naturals’ Java,” she

continued.

Fresh Produce features bold graph-

ics, bright primary colours and modu-

lar design in a home office environ-

ment, with a SuperWeave carpet Sago.

Modem vinyl and plastic finishes cre-

ate a playful atmosphere. Alternative

flooring suggestions to create a

similar look are Essex Chardonay or

Woodmark Amazone 832, both ideal

for medium to heavy traffic.

Sophisticated and glamorous Glam

Rock adds nightlife to your home

life with dramatic deep colours and

textures such as cut-pile Westminster

Black City coupled with chrome and silver finish-

es. Think crystal chandeliers and electric neons.

Quietly understated Georgian carpeting com-

bined with intricate wallpaper and bold accent

colours achieves Boujwa Boudoir’s ecletic mix

of textures and patterns that blends classic and

modern in this bedroom setting. To create a

haven of peace and tranquillity, try Woodmark’s

Amazone 845 or Berry Floor Naturals’ Smoked

Oak for a similar effect.

Define Your Style will be carried through all

the Belgotex Floorcoverings marketing and

communication activities including exhibitions,

print and competitions, with an extensive print

campaign being launched in the consumer

décor titles in March.

Check out which products and colourways

best define your style on www.belgotex-

floorcoverings.com and look out for Define

your Style for resilient floors in the next issue of

FLOORS in Africa.

Belgotex Carpets

Tel: 033 897 7500 Fax: 033 897 7700

Website: www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za

Fresh Produce

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

46F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Commercial products

With its history imbued with the highest

standards of manufacture, and enhanced with

a background of family tradition and incom-

parable craftsmanship, Nouwens Carpets has

been providing quality carpets to the South

African market since 1962.

Madison Square

CopenhagenKirman

Commercial products

It all started with Cornelis Nouwens, the Dutch carpet crafts-

man from Tilburg in Holland, and was followed up by the

next generation of Pieter and Luci Nouwens who currently

hold the reins. Over 48 years the company has developed

into an innovative market leader, with a sound reputation for

quality and craftsmanship. Nouwens Carpets in Harrismith

houses a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant producing

carpets from fibre to finished product – this has the obvious

benefit that quality can be controlled throughout the entire

process.

Being a family business, Nouwens has been able to re-invest

and develop quality technology, constantly updating and

commissioning of the latest systems available in the world.

This has ensured that Nouwens produces products which

more than hold their own internationally.

The company’s commitment extends way beyond the prod-

uct, to major support programs for the local community, con-

servation of energy and resources, waste control and concern

for the environment with specially selected chemicals and

updated manufacturing equipment and systems.

Today, Nouwens Commercial has an amazing sales pro-

gramme that offers a wide selection of products at price

points ranging from entry-level Easicarpets to exclusive

Platinum Edition ranges. These products regularly find favour

in executive and general commercial applications – from

the most prestigious to the practical and really hardworking

applications.

Although the entire Nouwens product collection carries

various commercial wear ratings, we have identified six

styles which are particularly suitable for commercial appli-

cations. These include three flagship Platinum Edition wool

ranges: Copenhagen, Kirman and Madison Square, the ever

popular Nouwens Commercial nylon Contracta Spec and

two specially styled, entry-level Easicarpet ranges – Colours

and Twenty Ten. Without exception, each of these styles is

a perfect example of the ultimate Nouwens carpet crafts-

manship.

To support this, Nouwens has a team of experienced profes-

sionals who are able to assist the architect, interior designer,

contractor or developer in making the right choice of carpet

for any commercial application. After all, a successful installa-

tion starts with a suitable product specification!

Nouwens Carpets

Tel: 011 796 5180

Tel: 031 502 5730

Tel: 021 447 2856

Tel: 058 622 1101

Website: www.nouwens.co.za

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

47F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a really exciting innovation of the highest quality

but, due to its unique construction, it offers heavy commercial,

pure wool benefits at prices way below those of conventional wool

carpets!

Copenhagen comes in a weave and a rib pattern and has been

widely used in many commercial installations ranging from offices

and boardrooms to hotels and lodges – all with rave reviews!

“So much more than just a carpet.” This contemporary interpreta-

tion in pure wool simply has it all – a modern natural look in the

most desirable quality carpet fibre available, even today.

The superfine Nouwens 6-ply yarn, durable weave and

ActionBac finish qualify Copenhagen for a Heavy Commercial

SABS use class. Copenhagen feels great underfoot when installed

on a quality underlay, but is equally suitable whether fitted in

this manner or applied direct to a screed for that modern mini-

malist feel.

Copenhagen also comes with all the possible peace-of-mind

endorsements – the SABS mark of quality, Nouwens Wool

Collection, Platinum Edition and a Five-Year Quality Guarantee.

Madison square

Proud member of the Nouwens Platinum Edition, the hardwear-

ing Heavy Commercial Madison Square has won favour both

locally and abroad for commercial and hospitality installations.

Contrasting effect colours punctuate the textured geometric

squares to achieve a versatile but very tailored look which must be

seen in a larger piece to really appreciate its beauty. Being wool,

another feature of Madison Square is that it meets the aesthetic

needs of our times – a new appreciation for the value of quality

craftsmanship, a return to nature and concern for the environment.

Why wool? Well, wool makes a definite quality statement,

imparting that cosy natural feel only wool can bring. When it

comes to installations such as top hotels the world over, where

appearances really count, the fibre of choice is still wool because

of its superb appearance retention and the fact that it really is

forgiving and easy to clean.

Madison Square also comes with all the possible peace-of-

mind endorsements – the SABS mark of quality, Nouwens Wool

Collection, Platinum Edition and a Five-Year Quality Guarantee.

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

48F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

KirMan

Fact is – wool is simply the best all-round carpet fibre. Nouwens

has tailored the Medium Commercial Kirman range to provide

a classic flooring solution for executive commercial areas as

well as upmarket lodges and boutique hotels. Four very taste-

ful Kirman neutrals each come in three different patterns – a

textured rib, lattice and basket weave, which can be very effec-

tively combined for an innovative décor effect. It is the textured

effect, in high-performance tight loops, that ensures Kirman’s

lasting good looks.

One of the first Nouwens Platinum Edition ranges, Kirman has

earned itself a place of honour as a firm trade favourite. This

is thanks to its appealing sophisticated look, its brilliant track

record and the regular updates of patterns and colours.

Kirman also comes with all the possible peace-of-mind

endorsements – the SABS mark of quality, Nouwens Wool

Collection, Platinum Edition and a Five-Year Quality Guarantee.

ContraCta speC

The Nouwens Contracta success story goes back as far as

February 1992 and the secret of its success lies in the origi-

nal wrap-spun, Antron 6.6 nylon base, which makes this

heavy commercial carpet both affordable and unbelievably

hardwearing.

This, together with the serviceable effect colours and

stylish plush appearance, has made Contracta an all-round

favourite. The only change over the years has been the way

in which the colour effects have moved with the times…

Hundreds of thousands of square metres of this awesome

product have been used in offices, shops, hotels, lodges as

well as carpet tiles converted by Dyemension Dyenamics

– many of which have been repeat orders from satisfied

users.

Contracta Spec also comes with all the possible peace-of-

mind endorsements – the SABS mark of quality and a Five-

Year Quality Guarantee

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

49

Colours

Nouwens easicarpet introduces a totally new quality culture in

polypropylene fibre carpets. Colours was designed as a supe-

rior entry-level, commercial carpet alternative for those instal-

lations which for some reason or another do not qualify for a

more costly investment.

According to the current South African grading systems, a

polypropylene tufted carpet cannot achieve higher than a light

commercial rating, but given the exceptional value-for-money

benefits, the popularity of Colours, for all kinds of commercial

applications, has continued to grow since its introduction in

2006!

Track record says it all, and the super performance features of

Colours once again highlight the skill of the Nouwens carpet

craftsmen – they have engineered the high-twist, heat-set yarn

to optimise the performance of easifibre, whilst the sophisti-

cated multicolour effect naturally enhances serviceability.

Unique Nouwens mill-applied and heat-cured easi-care car-

pet protector also forms an invisible, durable shield around

each fibre to help against everyday spills and soiling.

Colours comes with a Five-Year Quality Guarantee as well as a

Ten-Year Wear Guarantee.

twenty ten

Following on the success of Colours and the increased demand for

creative commercial easicarpet solutions, Nouwens has styled the

innovative Twenty Ten to the same exceptional quality standards.

Twenty Ten has been specially launched as a very appealing and

affordable option for the numerous projects that are being built

and upgraded for the 2010 FIFA World Soccer Cup. These include

lodges, guest houses, hotels, conference and entertainment ven-

ues, etc. that need to look their best for the influx of tourists and

visitors later this year!

It is important to note that according to the current South

African grading systems, a polypropylene tufted carpet cannot

achieve higher than a light commercial rating, but Nouwens has

engineered a high-twist, heat-set yarn to optimise the perfor-

mance of easifibre, whilst the sophisticated multicolour effect

naturally enhances the serviceability of Twenty Ten. Unique

Nouwens mill-applied and heat-cured easi-care carpet protector

also forms an invisible, durable shield around each fibre to help

against everyday spills and soiling.

Twenty Ten comes with a Five-Year Quality Guarantee as well as

a Ten-Year Wear Guarantee.

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

50F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Van Dyck Carpets is proud to announce

that a full range of luxurious cut-piles is

now available, suitable for both residential

and commercial applications.

cut-piles now available

After the discontinuation of most of the cut-pile ranges in the

beginning of last year, Van Dyck Carpets worked on a major

facelift of these cut-piles to bring the styles, colours and construc-

tion more in line with the latest fashion trends.

The latest additions to this programme are Michigan, a multi-

coloured cut-pile with a random design available in seven off-

the-shelf colours and another seven make-to-order colours, and

Embassy, a plain cut-pile design available in seven natural/earthy

stock colours and a further seven make-to-order colours.

Both these ranges are made from 100% Xentrys heat-set nylon

6, with a yarn weight of 1 100 grams per square metre, and a total

weight of 2100 grams per square metre.

Because of the dense construction and lower pile height, both

these ranges are very suitable for general commercial applica-

tions such as offices, hotels, boardrooms, lounges, and for upmar-

ket residential applications.

Their colour ranges are also suitable for these different applica-

tions with the stock colours focusing mainly on earthy/natural

tones and the make-to-order colours including some stronger

varieties for commercial applications.

Other colours can also be made for special project applications and

the minimum quantities for this kind of request are only 1 200m².

Because of Van Dyck Carpets’ unique dying facilities there is almost

unlimited flexibility in respect of colours and styles, making these cut-

pile ranges very popular for projects where the client and specifiers

are looking for something different and out of the ordinary.

These new ranges complement other stalwarts in the Van Dyck

sales programme such as Diplomat, a 2-coloured graphic and pat-

terned cut-pile in the same weight and construction as Michigan and

Embassy and available in two styles/designs and thirteen colours

(Trident – a trellis design, and Cosmo – a leopard design), and

Sorrento – a lower weight cut-pile more suitable for residential use

and known as one of the best value-for-money products available,

which is also produced in thirteen colours.

All the above ranges are made of 100% Xentrys heat-set nylon 6

yarns and this yarn is a proven brand for many years now. Xentrys has

the most advanced production facilities on the market, and its latest

spinning technology and a wide range of finishing equipment enable

the production of high-performance carpet yarns and fibres.

The Xentrys yarns used by Van Dyck Carpets have a higher lustre for

deep and vibrant colour, and in the finishing of the carpet production

all nylon carpets are treated with a Stainshield protection in order to

prevent the carpets from soiling and to make them easier to clean,

enabling them to look better for much longer.

Another new cut-pile range that has just been launched is Design

Jewel, a woven Wilton carpet that replaces a product previously Michigan

Design Jewel

to put the green record

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

51

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

Referring to the article Carpet is the green way to go! that appeared

in the previous issue of FLOORS in Africa, some inaccuracies

have been discovered and, after discussion with the Green Building

Council of South Africa (GBCSA), Van Dyck Carpets has requested that

we publish the following corrections.

Firstly, in the main article, it was stated that Van Dyck Carpets “are

certified in accordance with the requirements of the Green Star

Office”.

In this regard it needs to be clarified that the GBCSA and the Green

Star SA rating system do not certify, endorse or accredit products. The

Green Star SA rating system certifies entire buildings only. The rating

system does lay out certain requirements for products, but building

project teams must submit documentation demonstrating compli-

ance with those requirements when submitting for their building

certification. Products may contribute to Green Star SA credits, but

official certification is for buildings only.

Van Dyck Carpets would like to confirm however that they have

VOC ratings for all their products that meet the requirements of the

Green Star rating IEQ13 re volatile organic compounds on flooring

and that these tests were done by CETEC Pty Ltd an independent lab

in Australia.

Secondly, the column entitled How can Van Dyck Carpets help your

Green Star rating? has a number of inaccuracies, including the state-

ment that the carpet can help with 19 points in a Green Star SA rat-

ing. In fact, carpet can only directly contribute to 2 points, with a pos-

sible 3rd highly unlikely. To address each of the items in this column:

lEO-9 Thermal Comfort and lEO-10 Individual Comfort Control relate to

mechanical system design and individual occupant control of air sup-

ply or temperature, not to use of carpet.

IEO-12 Internal Noise Levels relates to external noise ingress and inter-

nal noise from building services, and not to use of carpets.

IEO-13 Volatile Organic Compounds: Carpet and Flooring does relate

directly to carpet product properties, and carpet may contribute to

this credit.

IEO-14 Formaldehyde Minimisation relates only to formaldehyde in

composite wood products and not to use of carpets.

lEO-iS Mould Prevention relates to maintaining humidity levels below

certain levels and does not relate to use of carpets.

WAT-3 Landscape Irrigation measures potable water reduction for irri-

gation over the actual area that is landscaped, and replacing vegeta-

tion with outdoor carpet cannot help to achieve points.

Mat-3 Reused Materials awards points for using previously-used, sec-

ond-hand material in the building, not installing material that can be

reused in future, and does not relate to new carpet.

Mat-5 Concrete relates to decreasing the amount of Portland cement

and virgin aggregate in concrete mixes, and cannot be achieved by

decreasing the amount of concrete used by using carpet.

Mat-7 PVC Minimisation relates to replacing PVC with alternative

materials, and non-PVC-backed carpet can contribute to this credit.

Mat-l1 Local Sourcing awards points for products only if all of the raw

materials in the product are harvested, extracted or recovered, and

the product completely processed and manufactured, within 400 km

(for one point) or 50 km (for 2 points) of the project building site. It is

unlikely that a carpet product would meet these criteria.

In summary, carpet can only contribute to IEQ-13 for low-VOC mate-

rials and to Mat-7 for non-PVC-backed carpet. In rare cases, a carpet

may also meet the requirements of Mat-11 Local Sourcing. Although

the use of carpets can help to minimise the impact on the environ-

ment thanks to their built-in and unique properties, they will not con-

tribute to any other Green Star rating points.

Anyone wishing to know more about the GBCSA or the Green Star

SA rating system should visit the website www.gbcsa.org.za or make

direct contact at Tel: 021 659 5990; or e-mail: info@gbcsa.org.za.

Van Dyck Carpets would like to apologise for the incorrect informa-

tion and any inconvenience caused, and would like to thank Mr Jason

Buch, the Technical Manager of the Green Building Council of South

Africa for rectifying these misunderstandings and misinterpretations

of the Green Star Rating.

known as Gracious Living. This new woven product is imported from

Belgium, manufactured by Balta and available in six colours: Beige,

Cream, Antique Gold, Moss, Damask (burgundy) and Ebony (black).

This product is made from 100% PP B-Tron Stainshield Heat-set fibre

with a yarn weight of 2300 grams and a total weight of 2850 grams,

and is also highly suitable for commercial and upmarket residential

installations. Because of its heavy yarn weight and woven construc-

tion, it offers a very plush and rich carpet at an affordable price.

For the same reason it is very popular in applications such as more

luxurious government offices, court-rooms, conference facilities,

hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, and many more.

Design Jewel is available in 4m width and, being made of polypro-

pylene, it is bleach-resistant. However, it is important to note that,

while bleach can be sprayed onto a polypropylene and solution-dyed

nylon carpet to take out the stains, if the bleach is not removed

properly then it will react over time and it can degenerate the yarn

along with the backing and latex compounds. As a result of this Van

Dyck Carpets does not recommend the use of bleach on any of their

carpets.

All the above ranges have been Torture Tunnel tested and carry a

Five-Year Guarantee and Ten-Year Limited Wear Warranty on condition

that a proper maintenance plan is in place.

For more info on this and other ranges contact Van Dyck Carpets on

the numbers provided below.

Van Dyck

Tel: 031 913 3800

Fax: 031 912 1220

Website: www.vandyckcarpets.com

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

the Sound of Work

52F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Desso is one of the world’s leading carpet manufacturers, and

has been making carpets for some 80 years. In this article Pieter

Smits van Waesberghe, managing director of Desso South Africa,

looks at how the office is changing.

Anticipating change is the art of looking over horizons and

making educated guesses. For the designer it means spotting

trends and understanding shifting dynamics. In designing for the

office environment it means recognising how the very nature of

work continues to change.

For Desso, it means using design and new technology to bring

to market carpet ranges that can meet any design specification –

while being environmentally responsible, and offering additional

benefits such as sound reduction.

Another report agrees. The Distributed Workplace summarised

the findings of a two-year study into the future of the office and

found that the information age has exposed the inadequacies of

traditional ways of working.

It also concluded that there is likely to be a blurring between

working and living because technology has rendered obsolete

the concept of the workplace as the only place to work.

In the past, for a company like Desso, corporate office design

primarily focused on the functionality of our designs – fuelling

growth, for example, in modular carpeting. This has allowed dif-

ferent areas in an office to be delineated by colour, with walkways

between spaces. Modular carpeting, with hugely varied colour

palettes and price-points now offers, quite literally, limitless

design options.

In addition to that more traditional design process, we’ve also

invested in better understanding the dynamics of the changing

office – understanding the roles of colour and texture, and how

interior designers are integrating workstations, conference and

break-out areas in new ways – and, in practical terms, how the

home and the office are becoming extensions of one another.

For some years now we’ve been addressing those more philosophi-

cal trends by listening to those people at the forefront of interior

design. We travel the world to conferences and trade exhibitions,

looking at the latest trends in interior design, and how emerging

technologies will further change the face of our working lives.

More recently, we’ve gone further by initiating “circles of architects” in

our main markets internationally. It has allowed us to test our thinking

on design leaders, and to benefit from their professional insight.

One result of that process has been the development of our

Carpetecture ranges, a concept that offers greater synergy with archi-

tects and interior designers because it allows them to choose designs

that will best support the emotive qualities of the rest of the architec-

tural process.

The original Carpetecture designs were initially inspired by the

repeated strata and parallel lines that run through commercial build-

ings – for example, their horizontal ceilings and repeated brick pat-

terns, but with the softer and more natural colours we associate with

the home.

Although the Carpetecture range has greatly expanded, the con-

cept of merging the home and the office has been hugely successful,

identifying and responding to a trend that is picking up momentum

as more people work from home, and as the dynamics of work con-

tinues to change.

We’ve also recently introduced SoundMaster that offers a significant

60% improvement in acoustic performance. It absorbs sound like a

sponge absorbs water, improving the acoustics in offices, hospitals or

schools – offering unrivalled performance over other flooring options.

Underlining Desso’s environmental commitments, Soundmaster

is made from 100% recycled polyester, specially chosen both for its

advanced sound insulation and eco-efficiency.

SoundMaster perfectly illustrates Desso’s Cradle to Cradle phi-

losophy, which was pioneered by German chemist Prof Michael

Braungart, and which aims to create only products that can be entire-

ly recycled to provide the raw materials for new products.

Using colour and reducing ambient sound are relatively simple and

cost-effective ways of improving the overall ‘feel’ of an office, but which

can profoundly influence how people function within that space.

It’s about putting people at the heart of the design process, using

light, colour and sound reduction to influence attitude, motivation,

creativity and productivity.

Until recently, our business was about trying to anticipate design

trends and using our own resources to deliver new carpet designs.

Now, in a more complex office environment, it’s also about under-

standing the new technologies and what changes are just around

the corner – the design dynamics that will change what the office of

tomorrow will look like and how we will work within it.

That is a step-change in office design because it is bringing together

technologists, architects, interior designers and business managers in a

different and collaborative way. It’s no longer simply about understand-

ing the emerging technologies, but about using the whole design pro-

cess to create work environments in which people are put first.

Desso South Africa

Sales contact: Natashia Mundell – 082 901 7601

Tel: 021 422 0742

E-Mail: nmundell@desso.co.za or psmitsvw@desso.co.za

Website: www.desso.com

+ 10dBSOUNDREDUCTION

+ 60%ACOUSTIC IMPROVEMENT

The Floor is Yours

DESSO SoundMaster®

DESSO introduces SoundMaster® – the optimal solution for improved sound reduction and acoustics.

SoundMaster® offers a contact sound reduction value of minimal + 10 dB in addition to the standard sound impact value, thereby setting a new industry standard in carpet performance. In addition, it offers a 60% improvement in acoustical performance in comparison to our standard carpet designs.

DESSO South AfricaJohannesburg - Cape Town021-422 0742 www.desso.com

A4 Soundmaster Ad South Africa.indd 1 09-02-2010 08:25:17

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

56F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

‘Only restricted by your imagination’ is a well-worn cliché, but with

the carpet tile collections, textures, colours and patterns that are

available, it is truly applicable to this type of floorcovering, particu-

larly as it is a modular product that gives designers unprecedented

freedom to be creative.

Texture in floor design has come into prominence in recent years,

and once again the versatility of carpet tiles can play an important

role. For instance, the floor can be laid in several different ways, each

providing a different effect.

Apart from the pre-textured tiles that are available, carpet tiles can

be fitted in broadloom, tessellated or random-lay configurations to

give the designer an endless array of flexible options that will meet

the requirements of any modern interior design in today’s working

environments. They can even be fitted over most existing floorcover-

ings if required.

Relatively inexpensive and easy to install, these modular products

allow the end-user to keep the floors looking fresh, or to change the

floor design with the introduction of highlight sections.

In addition, tiles in heavy-traffic areas are easily replaced at minimal

cost, or can be swapped with tiles from less busy areas of the office to

radically extend the lifespan of the floor.

Most carpet manufacturers and distributors now have carpet tiles

in their sales programmes, and most ranges make a contribution to

the drive towards ‘green’ products with the use of reclaimed materials

in their manufacture, or their ability to be successfully recycled when

their lifespan as flooring reaches its conclusion.

Carpet tiles first emerged in the 1960s, but in general terms

they didn’t really take off until the IT revolution started. The

development and expansion of computers in offices – with

their requirement for underfloor access becoming increasingly neces-

sary – made carpet tiles the floorcovering of choice, as they can be

lifted on an individual basis to provide access without disrupting the

entire office.

Also, in many commercial applications such as high-rise office

blocks, it was necessary to design a floorcovering which could be eas-

ily transported to the office floors – a need which has been more than

adequately met by using carpet tiles.

Carpet tiles are produced in sheet form and then stamped out to

the required size (usually 50cm x 50cm), but as they are now available

in such a wide range of colours and styles, they are regularly regarded

as being a major part of the overall design scheme, with a propensity

to complement and even enhance any interior décor.

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

57F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

• No water, no soap, no shampoo!

• Immediate use of carpet

• Kills germs, bacteria, dust mites

• No detergent residue & no shrinkage

• Fibre protector helps prevent future stains

• Do it yourself / Call out Sebo service

SEBO DUO DRY CARPET CLEANING SYSTEM

Tel 086 111 4250 • Fax 011 763 4033e-mail: sebo@internext.co.za

www.sebo.co.za

APPROVED BY

clean enough to eat off

Recommended and approved by:

Duchesse

Sebo offers a complete carpet care solution. The vacuum cleaners

remove loose and dry matter, but for soiling and stains Sebo provides

the Duo system.

Cleaning without using water, it is effective and avoids wet cleaning

problems such as carpet shrinkage, adhesive damage, smell and long

‘area out of use’ periods due to lengthy drying times.

The Duo system comprises a brushing machine, the Duo, and carpet

cleaning powder duo-P. The Duo brushing machine features twin con-

tra-rotating brushes which open up the carpet pile and work the duo-

P carpet cleaning powder deep into the pile and around every fibre.

Carpet is a long time investment – therefore, get Sebo to take care

of your investment. It’s also part of your corporate image, so you need

to maintain a clean and hygienic appearance.

The Sebo dry carpet cleaning system is formulated to clean your

entire carpet without soaking it with water! This amazing cleaning

system will clean carpets to like-new condition, and removes even

the most stubborn stains.

The duo-P dry carpet cleaning powder is made of 100% biodegrad-

able granules moistened with detergent and is environmentally

friendly and safe to use.

When the powder is worked into the carpet with the Sebo Duo

Applicator, soil and stains are lifted out by the sponge-like granules.

Within about 10 minutes, the powder is dry and removed by vacuum-

ing, leaving the carpet dry, fresh and ready to use. Also, a built-in fibre

protector helps to protect against future stains and soil.

Sebo

Tel: 0861 114 250 Fax: 011 763 4033

E-mail: sebo@internext.co.za

Website: www.sebo.co.za

58F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Journey to Mission Zero

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

InterfaceFLORFLOR is committed to becoming a fully sus-

tainable company, leaving zero carbon footprint by 2020.

It is now over 15 years since Ray Anderson, founder and chairman of

InterfaceFLORFLOR Inc., the global modular flooring specialist, set his

company on the path to becoming the world’s first sustainable busi-

ness by 2020.

Now defined as Mission Zero, the company’s drive to achieve a

zero environmental footprint plays a central role in the organisation’s

ethos and culture and has set InterfaceFLOR on a course that has

characterised its development ever since.

Mission Zero is InterfaceFLOR’s promise to eliminate any negative

impact the company may have on the environment by considering the

effect of every creative, manufacturing and building decision it makes.

InterfaceFLOR addresses sustainability on seven fronts. These

involve eliminating waste and harmful emissions; maximising use of

renewable energy; recycling waste materials and reusing products;

developing resource efficient transportation methods; creating a cul-

ture that integrates the principles of sustainability into working lives;

and creating new models for businesses.

Encouraging other companies to follow its lead in resource friendly

manufacturing policies and processes is also a central part of

InterfaceFLOR’s environmental mission.

In 1994, after reading Paul Hawken’s ‘The Ecology of Commerce’,

Anderson had an epiphany or a (‘spear in the chest’ as he often refers to

it) and realised that his company’s “take, make, waste” cycle of manufac-

turing products was environmentally and fundamentally flawed.

Anderson and InterfaceFLOR subsequently set out on a “mid-course

correction,” changing the company’s business model to consider and

reduce the environmental impact of every creative, manufacturing

and building decision made and pioneering the sustainability move-

ment for the industrial world.

When the company reached its 15th milestone anniversary – hav-

ing started Mission Zero on 31 August 1994 - Lindsey Parnell, CEO

and President of InterfaceFLORFLOR, the modular flooring division of

InterfaceFLOR Inc. said, “15 years ago InterfaceFLOR was one of the

first companies to publicly commit to sustainability and set a real tar-

get of where we wanted the company to be in the future.”

“Mission Zero continues to underpin every dimension of our com-

pany, from process, product and profits to people and place. I firmly

believe that this holistic approach is what has allowed us to make the

progress we have to date. We still have some way to go in achiev-

ing our 2020 goal; and to get there we will continue to evaluate,

adapt and innovate our products, services and processes.”

InterfaceFLOR is now over halfway in completing Mission Zero

and has made significant progress towards reaching its 2020

goal. A waste reduction programme has allowed InterfaceFLOR

to generate over US $405 million in avoided costs; energy effi-

ciency programmes have resulted in a 67% reduction in green-

house gas emissions on an absolute basis since 1996; a commit-

ment to renewable energy and further changes to the produc-

tion process have allowed for 100% use of renewable electricity

in the company’s manufacturing processes throughout Europe.

The company also continues to push the boundaries of sus-

tainable manufacturing, having recently developed and intro-

duced two leading-edge technologies in its facilities in Europe

to significantly reduce manufacturing waste.

A bespoke ultrasonic cutting machine, which is based on

NASA technology, will double output and enable InterfaceFLOR

to eliminate several hundred tonnes of waste per year from the

manufacturing process.

The company has also pioneered Cool Green, a system which

allows manufacturing and carpet waste to be recycled back

into its products for the first time, which not only reduces the

material sent to landfill but also heralds a new dimension of

‘green’ manufacturing for the company in Europe.

InterfaceFLOR has won numerous design and innovation

awards for its market-leading modular floorcovering products.

In addition, it has also become widely recognised as a pioneer

in sustainable manufacturing and business practices, and is

currently ranked first in Globescan’s survey of sustainability

experts worldwide.

InterfaceFLOR

Tel: 011 608 3324 Fax: 011 608 2730

60

F e a t u r e : C a r p e t s

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

9 Voyager Street, Linbro Park, PO Box 1628, Gallo Manor, 2052Tel: +27 11 608 4270 • Cell: +27 82 604 5242 • Fax: +27 11 608 4278 E-Mail: jbates@mweb.co.za • Website: www.batesaccessflooring.co.za

Accessing the ultimate solution

Bates Access Flooring is one of the leading specialist

suppliers and installers of raised access flooring and

associated flooring products, and also provides cable

management systems and supply related access floor-

ing accessories and floorcoverings.

Raised access flooring is the ultimate solution for new or renovated

spaces. The access floor systems provided by Bates are manufactured

and distributed locally and internationally, and the panels used are

structurally rigid steel, cement filled, with a non-combustible flat

full hard top sheet, resistance welded to the steel bottom section of

irregular isotropic domed or linear domed formation.

Bates Access Flooring supplies access flooring solutions

that are ideal for the flexible high churn environment of the

modern office. The finishes available are carpeting (factory

laminated or loose-lay carpet tiles), electrostatic vinyl tiles,

and high pressure laminates.

All access floor solutions are non-combustible, extremely

strong and have great load bearing capacity. Bates Access

Flooring offers access flooring solutions that are ideally suited

for general office environments; computer rooms; equipment

rooms; control rooms; network rooms; patch rooms; internet

service providers; call centres and casinos.

This also means that Bates Access Flooring provides solu-

tions for managing the flexible hi-churn requirements in

modern office environments where flexibility in office plan

reconfiguration is important, and in managing the movement

of underfloor services with regard to data, power and HVAC

management.

The precision engineered modular panel, with its unique

isotropic or linear design is a structurally rigid steel assembly

with a cementitious core and conductive baked paint finish, is

non-combustible and provides a solid quiet finished product

that is ideal for today’s modern hi-tech environment.

Bates Access Flooring

Tel: 011 608 4270 Fax: 011 608 4278

E-mail: jbates@mweb.co.za

Website: www.batesaccessflooring.co.za

industrial flooringfeatureIndustrial flooring is an extremely hi-tech

and highly competitive market, but there

is so much development in this sector that

many systems have moved beyond the

realm of ‘industrial’ flooring and entered

the design arena in a big way.

61F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

F e a t u r e : I n d u s t r i a l F l o o r i n g

Must read article!

Such a vast array of industrial flooring

Industrial flooring is an extremely hi-tech and

highly competitive market, but there is so

much development in this sector that many

systems have moved beyond the realm of

‘industrial’ flooring and entered the design

arena in a big way.

F e a t u r e : I n d u s t r i a l F l o o r i n g

62F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Apart from the obvious essential applications in factories

and warehousing, the food and beverage industry, exhi-

bition areas, sports centres and many more, recent inno-

vations have created a demand for the more aesthetic, coloured

and custom-designed floors required by entertainment areas,

showrooms, boutiques and other retail applications – that can all

be met by this sector.

ConCrete The ubiquitous concrete floor is more than holding its own in

this sector, and it can be said that this is often the first thought

for anyone requiring a floor made from local materials that can

handle heavy loads.

The use of aggregate screeds and a variety of hardening agents

and toppings – added to the fact that concrete actually gets

stronger over time – means that these floors provide tough, long-

lasting floors that require minimum maintenance while providing

resistance to rolling and grinding stresses, impact and pressure,

thermal shock, and plant traffic of all varieties.

Floors that are subjected to intense load conditions, including

heavy point loads and impact stresses, are often reinforced with

plastic or steel fibre to ensure maximum stability and integrity at

joints, as well as superior crack control.

life

lin

e

63F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

F e a t u r e : I n d u s t r i a l F l o o r i n g

Concrete is no slouch in the aesthetic area

either, and polished concrete has become the

flavour of the month for many architects and

interior designers – even in residential applica-

tions. In addition, coloured concrete can be

provided in certain instances, but it has been

proven that stained concrete is subject to fad-

ing over time.

However, concrete is eco-friendly, using locally

available materials and having the ability to be

recycled at the end of its life. It can also help

with indoor air quality and the reduction of

lighting costs in some instances, it can store

heat, has a long working life and requires mini-

mal maintenance.

This last-mentioned benefit is particularly

important because, although polished concrete

must be provided by a specialist flooring con-

tractor that has had considerable experience

in this application – thereby making the initial

installation more expensive than the traditional

materials in projects such as schools and similar

– this is rapidly recovered by a fast payback in

very low maintenance costs.

epoxy and polyurethaneHeavy duty epoxy screeds are often used in

factories where floors are subject to high impact

wear, abrasion and chemical attack.

Larger areas may require movement joints if

there is likely to be any movement in the under-

lying screed.

Old and damaged concrete can also be suc-

cessfully resurfaced in an epoxy screed. However,

decorative epoxy screeds using coloured quartz

are not as resilient to high impact wear and abra-

sion, but are resistant to chemical attack.

Given the inherent performance characteristics

of epoxy floors, they can provide

technologically sound solutions

for almost any industrial applica-

tion, and UV- and heat-resistant

polyurethane screeds are now

commonly specified.

These floors have very good

mechanical strength, and epoxy

and polymer screeds on con-

crete floors provide a seamless

floor with heavy-duty wear

characteristics and the ability to

perform in areas with forklift and

heavy truck traffic.

The self-levelling varieties are

commonly used in kitchens,

dining rooms, storage areas,

car workshops and suchlike,

because they protect the con-

crete from wear, chemical corro-

sion and chemical deterioration,

combined with ease of cleaning

and low maintenance. With no

cracks or angled corners, these

floorcoverings provide the ulti-

mate in hygienic flooring.

Mostly, these floors are anti-

slip, fire-resistant, anti-bacte-

rial, and can be provided with

dust-repelling treatments and

antistatic properties – making

them ideally suitable for use in

laboratories, hospitals or any-

where that sensitive electronic

equipment is being used, or

where a static-free environment

is imperative.

Apart from producing a clean

working environment and a

non-slip surface, these floors

increase the light reflectivity and

brighten the work area, which

saves electricity and enables

work efficiencies to be maxi-

mised.

otherNowhere is the aphorism ‘Horses

for courses’ more apt than in

the industrial flooring sector,

because these floors often need

to be resistant to oils and grease,

non-skid and slip-resistant, and

are regularly called upon to

solve specific problems such

as those found in wet and cold flo

or

wo

rx

64F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

6 different patterns 8 standard coloursComplete Stair SystemEnhanced abrasion resistanceSuperior chemical resistanceJumbo Tiles – a ‘look-alike’ ceramic tileConductive floor tiles for electronically sensitive areas also available

Tel (011) 397 3330 • Fax (011) 397 3810 • e-mail: transitf@mweb.co.za • www.transittiles.com

F e a t u r e : I n d u s t r i a l F l o o r i n g

room applications.

This means that many other types of flooring material can

fall under the industrial banner, depending on the application.

Different varieties of ceramic tiles, vinyl sheeting and vinyl tiles,

PVC and rubber products, interlocking tiles, and several other

forms of specialist floorcoverings all have a role to play.

Ceramic tilesCeramic and porcelain tiles can provide a versatile solution in

various industrial applications. If properly installed, a ceramic tile

will outperform and outlast many other flooring products in the

same situation, and tiles are easy to clean and maintain.

Glazed ceramic tile resists stains, odours and dirt, is scratch-

resistant, does not retain allergens or bacteria, and can be hosed

down as required in certain applications. So it becomes apparent

that tile can be used in a wide variety of industrial applications

for food and beverage manufacture and preparation, in projects

where dust-free cleanliness is a prime requisite.

It is also fire-resistant, and will not burn or emit toxic fumes. A

lighted cigarette, when dropped on the floor, even if allowed to

lie, will not do any damage to ceramic tile.

Even hot kitchen pans or skillets will not scorch or melt the

surface of glazed ceramic tile, and in these applications the water

resistance of ceramic tiles means spills from common liquids

found in a kitchen are not a big concern.

resilient floorcoveringsVinyl sheeting and tiles have a role to play in industrial flooring,

particularly where relatively seamless surfaces or anti-static prop-

erties are required. Easy to clean and provided with covings and

edgings that eliminate corners in which bacteria can thrive, these

products find favour in a wide variety of light industrial and engi-

neering applications.

The PVC and rubber products – including the interlocking tile

varieties – are commonly used in industrial areas where foot

comfort is necessary for workers standing at machines or coun-

ters all day; they are also water- and oil-resistant, and enable the

workshop floor to be keep free of dirt, metal particles and swarf

in light engineering facilities.

The various matting options available also contribute to the anti-

stress requirements of the workplace, and these in turn compete

in terms of non-slip, easy-to-clean, impact-resistant, functional sur-

faces that can cope with and protect against wet underfoot condi-

tions by providing an integral drainage system in their design.

South Africa is a global innovator in the performance and capa-

bilities of some industrial floorcoverings, but the technological

advances are extensive and ever-changing, so specifiers should

investigate the source of the materials and the expertise of the sup-

pliers and contractors they intend to use for their industrial flooring

projects – particularly as there are relatively few local standards or

codes of practice, and no specialist associations in this country.

∆ Products being applied inside clarifiers

Repairs at Saldanha Steel Repairs at Saldanha Steel When Saldanha Steel undertook a substantial renovation project, Sika

was contracted to supply the construction products for the repairs

and refurbishment of the internal floor and wall areas.

The combined value of the project amounted to approximately R6

million and BKS/ Mittal, the on-site engineers, called on Sika to pro-

vide advanced quality products and professional training for the con-

tractors, Potgieter Boudienste, Phutuma Projects and Lattie Potgieter.

The floors, which had an existing screed, and other substrates had

to undergo extensive remedial work which involved the cleaning,

sanding and water-jetting of all surfaces. After prep work was com-

pleted the areas had to be resurfaced in a very short time due to the

limited shutdown period allocated by the plant.

The repairs, relining and renovations completed during the course

of this project included three surface areas on which Sika products

were applied. The internal floor and wall areas of the Midrex/Corex

clarifiers were first prepared for resurfacing by vigorous cleaning of

the existing substrates.

The Sika solution allowed for a shorter application time. 5 500m²

of Sikagard-63N was used following the application of Sikagard-720

EpoCem ZA. Sikagard-63N is a two-part epoxy resin coating used for

protecting a wide variety of substrates against the effects of highly

aggressive chemical environments, corrosion and weathering.

Sikagard-720 EpoCem ZA is a superfine epoxy-cement sealing mor-

tar whose primary function is as a thin film sealer and moisture bar-

rier on both floors and walls.

Because Sikagard-720 EpoCem ZA acts as a temporary moisture bar-

rier it allows epoxy and polyurethane coatings to be applied within

approximately 24 hrs without the problem of osmotic blistering from

damp substrate. Normally new floors would have to wait until mois-

ture levels are below 4% before applying a coating, which could take

weeks.

Having no specialist experience of using Sika products prior to this

project, the contractors had to be trained by Sika before application

and, to their credit; all surfaces were completed on schedule.

For further information on Sika products and systems, visit

www.sika.co.za.

F e a t u r e : I n d u s t r i a l F l o o r i n g

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

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F e a t u r e : I n d u s t r i a l F l o o r i n g

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Popular flooring system for George dairy plant

Emmerich states.

The product is ideal for the floors of warehouses, railway platforms,

printing works, explosives magazines, loading bays, paper storage

and packing areas, cold rooms, flour mills and ships’ decks.

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals Limited

Tel: 011 306 9000

Website: www.abe.co.za

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals’ abeco mastic flooring sys-tem was used for the repair of concrete flooring at Milfos Dairy Systems.

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals’ popular abeco mastic flooring sys-

tem was used for the repair of concrete flooring at the Milfos Dairy

Systems plant in George on the Garden Route.

Johnie Emmerich, a.b.e.’s technical sales consultant in the southern

Cape, says about 360m² of the existing concrete floor was covered

with a 12mm thick application of abeco mastic by the contractor,

C&M Concrete Floors.

abeco mastic provided a seamless surface for the high-traffic dairy

plant floor. “abeco mastic is a unique flooring system in that it per-

forms exceptionally well in high-traffic areas – it actually seems to

revel in such conditions,” he says.

“The system provides a non-slip matt finish and, when heavy, sharp

objects – which would normally scar the floor – fall or are dropped

on its surface, the abeco floor simply ‘heals’ itself, smoothing out the

damaged area over a short period of time,” Emmerich adds.

abeco mastic is a cold-laid bituminous mastic consisting of stone

chippings, portland cement, sand and a binder. The product has been

successfully used in flooring applications for close to 50 years (a.b.e. is

celebrating its 70th anniversary this year).

“Single areas laid with abeco mastic have often exceeded 10

000m². Construction joints are usually unnecessary – the abeco

mastic joints simply disappear after a few days of traffic exposure,”

F e a t u r e : I n d u s t r i a l F l o o r i n g

67F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Safe and comfortable

Occupational safety at the workplace is one thing; increasing produc-

tivity by reducing fatigue for employees that spend all day on their

feet is another, but anyone with these concerns can benefit enor-

mously by using the versatile Safety Duckboard system from Matco.

This unique product is supplied in a 460mm x 460mm tile format,

18mm thick, which interlocks to provide an attractive, anti-slip sur-

face for any size of floor area, and it is particularly beneficial in areas

where continuously wet underfoot conditions prevail because its

design facilitates good drainage – the water simply runs through or

underneath the duckboard.

Manufactured from high-quality PVC, the Matco Safety Duckboard

is a modern protective floorcovering that can absorb high impact,

and is ideal for warehouse applications, where it is particularly useful

for keeping goods off the floor.

The impact resistance of the duckboard also provides a level of pro-

tection for any items that may fall off a bench; and to meet the ISO

requirement for demarcation areas around machines, these tiles can

be provided in a range of colours (depending on quantity).

The industrial applications that can be served by using this versatile

matting system are legion; they can be used inside refrigeration rooms,

change rooms and shower cubicles because they will not rot or sustain

mildew, and can be hosed down to keep the areas fresh and clean.

The Matco Safety Duckboard is one of the quality products within

the Matco sales programme for industrial applications which can

accommodate the needs of both light and heavy engineering appli-

cations. It can be used with considerable benefit behind counters, in

canteens and kitchens – it is even finding favour in restaurants and

other food preparation areas.

Anyone interested in obtaining a sample, a quotation, or learning

more about this impressive range should contact Matco at the num-

bers shown below or visit the website www.matcomarketing.co.za.

Matco Marketing

Tel: 011 452 7961

Fax: 011 452 7965

E-mail: nicole@matcomats.co.za / jean@matcomats.co.za

Website: www.matcomarketing.co.za

Tile Size – 460 x 460mmThickneSS – 18mm

ApplicATionS• Any area in which wet conditions prevail

• Behind Bar counters• inside Fridges

• Workshops• Warehouses

MATcomatting systems

comfortable to stand on • Facilitates good drainagenon-Slip • protective floor covering

Absorbs high impact • constructed from pVceasy to install • inter-locking • Attractive

Matco Head Office

Tel: 011 452 7962 • Fax: 011 452 7965jean@matcomats.co.za

nicole@matcomats.co.za

www.matcomarketing.co.za

Safety Duckboard

www.flowcrete.com

Ensuring level floorsColloquially known as The King of Screeds, the Isocrete K-Screed has been the most commonly specified product in the Flowcrete range for the past four decades – allowing for the early installation of sensitive finishes with the minimum risk of cracking.

Just look at the benefits it provides:• Speeds up installation times• Earlier foot traffic, with faster time on site for

following trades• Low shrinkage formulation• Choice of thickness levels• Excellent compressive strength and drying

times• Minimised risk of cracking• Excellent impact resistance

Full technical information available from:Flowcrete SAJohannesburg: 011 394 1980Durban: 031 461 3411Cape Town: 021 797 0214Website: www.flowcrete.com

Flowcrete’s commitment to exceptional design, technical support and advisory services, from initial enquiry through to installation, is at the heart of our business philoso-phy. Our global success is driven by our commitment to excellence: excellence in products, excellence in service and excellence in people.

Flowcrete can transform any environment and offers you the unique Floorzone packageFlowcrete’s unique Floorzone concept consolidates the flooring needs of your entire project – building up the surface of the floor from substrate to finish. Combined with excellent aesthetics our systems are backed by comprehensive product warranties, ensuring that Flowcrete floors are built to last.

Transforming airport environmentsThe airport encompasses a number of specialised zones, ranging from passenger terminal buildings, control towers, cargo buildings and aircraft hangars through to fire stations and back-of-house operational and mainte-nance facilities.

WELCOMETO FLOWCRETE – for the world at your feet

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Passenger Terminal BuildingsAirport terminal buildings – from flight check-in through to baggage reclaim – require eye-catching floor finishes as well as subfloor screeds with extreme wear, scratch and abrasion resistance so as to withstand heavy volumes of foot and trolley-wheeled traffic. Resin floor finishes from Flowcrete are not only visually stunning but also low-maintenance and hygienic with excellent durability.

• Mondéco Crystal • Flowfast Terrosso • Peran SL • Isocrete K-Screed

Aircraft HangarsAircraft hangars are built to protect – a key reason as to why Flowcrete manufactures industrial floor coatings that offer the necessary durability as well as chemical, impact, wear and fire resistance requirements of back-of-house hangar facilities. In particular, Flowcoat SK, a system uniquely tailored to withstand the corrosive effects of Skydrol aviation fluid and ensure safety underfoot with an adjustable anti-slip profile.

• Flowcoat SK • Flowcoat TL • Flowcoat SF41

Airline CateringAirline catering kitchens are responsible for producing hundreds of fresh in-flight meals each day. With time being of the essence, demanding ca-tering companies require hygienic flooring solutions such as Flowfresh, a system that incorporates a natural silver-ion-based antimicrobial technology, Polygiene®, to destroy any bacteria, including E-coli and Salmonella, that settle on the surface of the floor.

• Flowfresh HF • Flowfresh MF

Transport ServicesRailway platforms, bus terminals, shuttle stops and underground metro stations all require wear-resistant flooring systems that create a welcoming platform underfoot for air passengers travelling to and from the terminal building. Flowcrete’s Mondéco seamless terrazzo range is ideal to service the needs of these busy environments, delivering a seamless surface that is built to last.

• Mondéco Crystal • Mondéco Classic • Mondéco Exotic

Car ParksFor most the car park is where the airport experience begins and ends. Deckshield waterproof car park decking from Flowcrete not only visually improves the appearance of car parks but also protects and waterproofs the structure. Deckshield comes with a highly accredited fire rating, boasts excellent durability and wear resistance and is available in a decorative range of welcoming colours.

• Deckshield ED • Deckshield ID

Maintenance BuildingsMaintenance buildings play a big role in keeping the airport’s operations moving. Flowcrete offers a number of industrial floor coatings and systems suitable for use in back-of-house maintenance areas that are able to meet a host of performance criteria including high mechanical, chemical and impact resistance as well as being easily cleaned and maintained.

• Flowfast Quartz • Flowshield Quartz • Peran STB

Flowcrete SA Johannesburg: 011 394 1980 | Durban: 031 461 3411 | Cape Town: 021 797 0214 | Website: www.flowcrete.com

The epiTome of

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Flowcrete is a world leader in the manufacture of seamless industrial and

commercial flooring, spanning the globe with manufacturing facilities across

Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Flowcrete South Africa is the regional manufacturing and

commercial centre for its specialist resin flooring operations,

supporting commercial and industrial flooring projects across the

entire sub-Saharan African region.

This includes supplying world-class seamless flooring solutions

and construction chemicals, and innovative industrial and deco-

rative commercial resin flooring through to high-performance

coating, lining and adhesive systems, with an

extensive portfolio of specialist performance

flooring systems designed to innovatively

transform any environment.

The dedicated team of Flowcrete South

Africa is inspired by excellence in people,

products and service as well as continual inno-

vation and sustainable growth. An in-depth

understanding of the resin flooring industry,

together with a passion for creating engaging yet efficient envi-

ronments, all combine to meet the requirements of any industrial

flooring application.

Flowcrete manufactures a wide range of seamless flooring prod-

ucts, which fulfils the needs of both the commercial and indus-

trial sectors. In the industrial marketplace, these include ultra-fast

curing systems, the hardest-wearing resins for industry, through

to high-technology antistatic systems.

A polyurethane resin flooring system – Flowfresh HF – is also

available, used to create a durable surface in a number of indus-

trial environments. Excellent chemical resistance, durability and

strength – these are just a few benefits of this heavy-duty flooring

product.

Other benefits include: bacteria- and fungi-resistant; non-tainting

and non-dusting; withstands high mechanical stress and has high

abrasion resistance as well as providing a positive slip resistance.

It is heat-resistant to 120ºC at a 9mm thickness and, having mini-

mal joints, it is easy to clean and sterilise – it is even steam-clean-

able.

Flowcrete sales and marketing director Craig

Blitenthall says, “A new industrial floor can play a

vital role in enhancing the working environment

– with a positive effect on the bottom line.”

“This not only improves the appearance of any

workspace with a bright and easily cleaned floor

finish, but other innovations such as cleverly

placed demarcation lines and bright signage can

actually help to create cleaner, tidier and safer environments in any

industrial application,” he says.

For more information on how Flowcrete can help you to select the

best system for your next industrial application (new or refurbish-

ment), contact Flowcrete South Africa at the numbers shown below,

or visit www.flowcrete.com.

Flowcrete SA (Pty) Ltd

Durban - 031 461 3411

Johannesburg - 011 394 1980

Cape Town - 021 797 0214

E-mail: southafrica@flowcrete.com

Flowcrete manufactures a wide range of seamless

flooring products...

coloured cement

F e a t u r e : I n d u s t r i a l F l o o r i n g

Cemkolor was created with the undertaking to achieve a fresh approach to the world of decorative cement products and

applications, and has embarked upon a comprehensive research and development programme with both European and South African companies to manufacture durable, attractive and cost-effective products for both domestic and commercial projects.

The contract division has been established in South Africa for the last 10 years and has been involved in some of the major commercial installations in the last decade.

As experts in decorative coloured cement, Cemkolor will guide you through from concept to installation. Cemkolor has been founded on the principle of customer satisfaction together with the supply of quality-assured product and services to ensure the continuing and rapid development of the decorative cement product market.

Cement offers a clean, modern and ultra stylish feel that is easily maintained and can be applied to both walls and floors – offering a complete one-stop solution.

Specialising in everything from coloured floors and walls to imprinted paving, some of the main products that are included in the Cemkolor sales programme include:Colour hardener – A smooth floor coating that structurally strengthens floor surfaces whilst decoratively colouring the floor and providing a

hardwearing functional surface.

Tuscany Plaster – A rough, aged/distressed exterior and interior coating that ages over time to create an authentic plaster from a bygone era as the name suggests.Velvaskim – A beautiful, ultra-smooth mottled plaster for interior walls to create a warm living wall finish that is full of character.Cempaint – A rough-textured coating that is washed/painted onto wall surfaces. It creates an attractive contemporary rough finish that matures over time. Used both internally and externally.Chemstain – A reactive com-pound to permanently stain or etch colours into existing surfaces.Bush Scratch Plaster – A very rough coloured plaster for interior and exterior walls.

For further information on the company and its product range can be obtained from the website www.cemkolor.co.za alterna-tively give them a call to talk

concepts for your projects.coloured cement

Cemkolor Tel: 011 708 6284 Fax: 011 708 7811 E-mail: cemkolor@mweb.co.za Website: www.cemkolor.co.za72

A complete range of epoxy and polyurethane fl oorings systems for industrial and civil environments, showrooms, shopping centres and supermarkets.

• Continuous surfaces without joints

• Water-repellent, hygienic and easy to clean

• Excellent mechanical resistance and resistance to chemical agents

• Available in several colour shades

• Very short application times

• Long-lasting

Mapefl oor System

Application

Systems for resin oorings.

Contact us: +27 11 552 8476 or info@mapei.co.za

ADHESIVES • SEALANTS • CHEMICAL PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING

www.mapei.co.za

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Industrial Flooring Systems (IFS) is a leading South African specialist

contracting company that installs high-performance flooring for all

industrial environments. The core focus of the company is the instal-

lation of floor finishes in the Industrial, Commercial, Pharmaceutical

and Food & Beverage producing environments. Added to this is the

recent commencement with the floor finishes for the Department

of Public Works (DPW) in association with the Department of

Correctional Services (DCS) for the new prisons currently under con-

struction in the Western Cape totalling some 17 000 square meters of

floors and a further 5 000 linear meters of coved skirtings.

IFS commenced business in 1982 and takes pride in the fact that

it provides quality floor finishes with a sound back-up and support

infrastructure. For a broader overview view the company profile on

the website www.ifs.co.za, where you can also view previous con-

tracts and references, identify the client base and view the relevant

contact details for a branch closest to you.

In 2003 the efforts of IFS were rewarded when a Fulton Award of

Commendation was made to the company in recognition of the work

carried out at the SALT (SA Large Telescope) project at Sutherland.

This highly technical application was designed in association with

Technical Finishes and applied by IFS. The finish required was for a

super-flat, smooth, heavy-duty concrete surface.

In order to ensure that our clients’ flooring installations are con-

High-performance flooring

sistent with their requirements and that the cost of ownership

represents true value, IFS works closely with all the major indus-

trial flooring manufacturers, including BASF; Mapei; Plascon;

Stoncor (Pro-Struct); Sika; Resdev; Flowcrete; Technical Finishes;

Polyscreed and abe.

This close association includes regular technical meetings to

ensure that the staff of IFS is kept up to date with developments

in the suppliers’ product ranges.

Industrial Flooring Systems (Pty) Ltd.

Tel: 021 535 4152 Fax: 021 535 4156

Web: www.ifs.co.za

Email: info@ifs.co.za

Leading specialist contracting company

C a p e T o w n 0 2 1 5 3 5 - 415 2 G a u T e n G 0 11 7 9 4 - 6 2 2 4 e a s T e r n C a p e 0 41 3 74 - 4 3 2 8

Industrial Flooring Systems (Pty) Ltd.

Applicators of High Performance Industrial Flooring

Core focus on installation of floor finishes in the following sectors: industrial • commercial • pharmaceutical • food & beverageGoal of providing a superior contracting service to manufacturers of specialist flooring products.

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F e a t u r e : I n d u s t r i a l F l o o r i n g

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Oily WOrksHOp FlOOrs?

011 873-1292 | info@tuffloors.co.za | www.tuffloors.co.za

Easy installatiOn

saFE

nO adHEsivE

COst EFFECtivE

Is your workshop floor looking unsightly, cracked with peeling paint

and contaminated by oil, or just old and in need of a re-vamp?

Manufactured in South Africa, Plasti Lock vinyl floor tiles are not only a

cost-effective solution to your floor problems, but also hardwearing and

easy to install. The tiles clip into one another like pieces of a jigsaw puz-

zle and therefore adhesive is not required in some of the applications.

The tiles are used indoors and can be installed over hard carpets,

tiles, concrete and wooden surfaces with ease, providing that the

sub-floor is relatively level and hard.

Two ranges are available in these versatile floor tiles:The Original, made from superior-grade recycled and/or virgin-based

vinyl – available in two surface patterns and a range of colours, and

the Big Brother – available in the 5 and 7mm thick stud pattern and

manufactured from black reclaimed material.

Tuff Floors (Africa)

Tel: 011 873 1292 Fax: 011 873 3328

E-mail: info@tuffloors.co.za Website : www.tuffloors.co.za

• Carpets (Broadloom & Tiles)• Vinyl cushion floors• Vinyl floor tiles• Underlays• Underfloor heating• Fitting accessories

SELBORNE CARPET WHOLESALERS cc

For excellent service

SELBORNE CARPET WHOLESALERS cc

JOHANNESBURG Tel (011) 493-6600

KROONSTAD Tel (056) 212-7665/2128295

PRETORIA Tel (012) 335-0201

DURBAN Tel (031) 569-3371/2/3

CAPE TOWN (021) 418-3128

Fax: (021) 418-3127 • Cell: 082 442 8795

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For more information please contact your

CHRYSO representative at 0861 CHRYSO

CHRYSO Southern Africa (PTY) Ltd. 0861 CHRYSO

GAUTENG: 26 Malcolm Moodie Crescent, Jet Park Tel: +27 (0)11 395 9700 Fax: +27 (0)11 397 6644

DURBAN: Unit 3, 14 Travertine Crescent, Briardene Tel: +27 (0)31 564 0325 Fax: +27 (0)31 564 0583

CAPE TOWN: 57 Assegaai Road, Parow, Industria Tel: +27 (0)21 933 5953 Fax: +27 (0)21 933 5991

PORT ELIZABETH: cr Lower Valley Road, Alabaster Str Tel: +27 (0)41 582 4260 Fax: +27 (0)41 582 4261

Environmentally Friendly Tile Adhesive with

Dust Less Technology

astounding performance of

The performance of Chryso South Africa’s new “green” dustless tile

adhesives has astounded seasoned building industry professionals.

For example, the tile adhesives were recently applied for internal

and external tiling during the construction of one of the sprawling

upmarket mansions in the Waterfall Country & Equestrian Estate in

Sunninghill, Sandton.

The emphasis is strongly on responsible ecology at this presti-

gious 200-hectare estate being developed by Century Property

Developments. The estate features over 2 000 indigenous trees with

free irrigation water provided for the affluent homeowners who live

on 8 500m² stands.

Chryso’s Davco SAC 28 ECO premium-grade tile adhesive, and Davco

TTB tile adhesive – both dustless tile adhesives – were used by tiling

contractor, Julio Building & Tiles, for the expansive tiled areas in the

multi-million-Rand House Rebel in the Waterfall estate, for which Jan

du Plessis was contract manager.

Julio Jorge, owner of Julio Building & Tiles, commented afterwards,

“I was extremely sceptical about the new dustless adhesives at the

start. ‘Prove it!’ I said. After all, in my many years in tiling, I had never

seen tile adhesives that do not produce dust. But I was wrong. The

two Davco products produced hardly any dust… my workers could

not believe their eyes.”

Jan du Plessis was also extremely impressed. “There was hardly any

dust when the bags were emptied… It was the ideal product for this

estate – and this particular eco-friendly residence.”

Hannes Engelbrecht, marketing manager of Chryso SA, says the

Davco dustless tile adhesives are made from recycled materials and

produce about 80% less dust than traditional tile adhesives. “The

result is improved air quality, healthier working conditions, less mess

and faster clean-up on site.”

“The adhesives spread easily and provide exceptional workability,

longer open time, and high bond strength, and no special effort or

steps are required in the tiling process,” he stated.

The Davco tile adhesives also offer waterproof properties, and are

non-toxic and non-flammable.

Chryso

Tel: 011 395 9700 Fax: 011 397 6644 Website: www.chryso.com

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industrial flooring par excellence!

As well as being South Africa’s only manufac-

turer of vinyl floorcoverings, including semi-

flexible tiles, fully flexible vinyl sheeting and tiles,

and a prominent importer of a comprehensive

range of international resilient floorcoverings,

laminate and wood flooring, FloorworX (a member

of the Accéntuate Group of Companies) has two

products in its sales programme that are ideally

suitable for industrial applications.

This includes the internationally acclaimed

Norament 825 natural rubber floor tiles which are

specially designed for heavy-traffic areas, and

made available with a classic round pastille surface

in a solid colour.

Floors surfaced with Norament 825 are slip-

resistant (in accordance with OSHA requirements),

pleasantly warm underfoot, and permanently resil-

ient. They also combine high walking comfort and

a good sound absorption value of 9db.

Ideal for budget-conscious commercial applica-

tions such as healthcare facilities, retail chains,

stadiums and schools, they are also excellent for

wheeled traffic (with an ultra-low vibration), and

are available with colour-coordinated accessories

and stair treads. Colours include medium and Dark

Grey, Black, Deep Blue and Safari Tan.

FloorworX Industrial Floor is a flexible vinyl floor

sheeting designed for high-wear applications

where performance is a prerequisite, which is man-

ufactured with a wear surface that is embossed or

studded to ensure its non-slip properties. Available

in a range of 7embossed and 7 studded colours,

FloorworX Industrial Floor is provided in sheet-

ing 1m wide and 15m in length, in either 2mm or

3,5mm thickness.

Amongst its many attributes, this sheeting

provides excellent recovery from indentation; a

flammability of SANS 0177 Part 4 – Class 2; and

good resistance to everyday chemical substances

– although FloorworX is able to give advice on

resistance to specific chemicals, if required. It

can also be classified as an electrically insulated

floorcovering; not conductive or antistatic in

nature.

Full technical information on these products is

available by contacting FloorworX at the numbers

shown below, including installation guidelines and

cleaning suggestions.

FloorworX Marketing Department

Tel: 011 406 4146

Fax: 011 406 4205

Website: www.floorworx.co.za

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S.A Industrial Linings (Pty) Ltd

Tel: (011) 392 3983 Fax: (011) 392 3977 Website: www.sails.edx.co.za E-mail: john@sails.co.za

S.A Industrial Linings (Pty) Ltd

HigH-quality flooring materials as well as linings!HigH-quality flooring materials as well as linings!SA Industrial Linings (SAILS) has been in existence for

over 27 years, during which time it has gained an envi-

able reputation for the design, manufacture and appli-

cation of specialist corrosion resistant lining systems to

concrete and steel throughout Africa.

Highly qualified staff add their collective experience to proven tech-

nology to assist clients with design and selection of suitable materials

for a wide range of applications, including acid resistant brick and tile

linings; carbon brick linings; Flakeglass tank linings; fibreglass linings;

epoxy and polyurethane resin coatings

and screeds, pulp chest lin-

ings; to meet the

requirements

of the food

and beverage

industries,

chemical

plants and the

mining industry.

In addition, SAILS

provides an extensive range of rapid hardening concrete

repair mortars, wet to dry epoxy primers, epoxy and self

levelling polyurethane floor screeds, epoxy bolt-hole grouts;

epoxy tile grouts and bedding mortars; and non-shrink,

super flow cement grouts.

Anyone wishing to know more should contact SAILS at the

numbers provided below or visit their website.

SA Industrial Linings

Tel: 011 392 3983/7

Fax: 011 392 3977

E-mail: john@sails.co.za

numatic addresses the pressing

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80F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

profit. They aim to uplift and develop communities and are seen as an investment in society and essential for good corporate citizenship.

ConCern for The environmenTConserving resources and reducing waste save money and this is of considerable concern to Numatic, who provide practical solutions for their customers to implement. This will ensure any business is environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.

For example, when an office cleaner mops the kitchen floor he or she probably uses the same spaghetti mop used to clean the toilet floors earlier in the day.

Not only is this extremely unhygienic but it also increases the risk of spreading disease-causing bacteria to advance to the area where food is prepared and eaten. In addition, spaghetti mops waste a lot of water and rely on harmful chemicals to disinfect the floors and facilitate cleaning.

Dewald Botha, general manager of Numatic, says, “The Mopmatic system is designed to provide a practical answer to the disciplined maintenance of floors by people in sensitive or critical areas where standards are all important. It is easy to use and with minimal changes to your cleaning process you can soon boast an environ-mentally friendly, cleaner and healthier working environment.”

The Numatic Mopmatic Buckets are colour coded, ensuring that dirt and bacteria are not transferred from one mop head to another. All mop handles are fitted with flat press technology which allows the operator to clean and dry mop heads with minimal spillage. In addition, Mopmatic trolley options are compact and versatile mak-ing transport and storage a key factor to its success.

The operation of this product is easy to follow and will ensure that spending on water, cleaning products and new cleaning equipment is dramatically reduced. Numatic has taken every aspect of a clean and healthy office environment into consideration and has a solu-tion to suit all cleaning needs.

Just another example of Numatic’s attention to detail and care for the environment.

To end on a lighter note… One of the highlights of the Numatic social calendar is its annual golf day – held every year in October – which is looked forward to and well supported by Numatic cus-tomers.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Numatic sales pro-gramme, training programmes and its concern for both skills devel-

opment and the environment, should make contact on the telephone numbers shown below, or visit the website

www.numatic.co.zaNumatic InternationalTel: 0861 numatic (686284)Website: www.numatic.co.za

Perhaps the biggest issues facing the South African flooring and cleaning industries are those dealing with black empower-

ment, skills training and corporate social investment – and Numatic International SA is dealing with them in a planned and constructive manner.

Sales manager Janine Lotz says, “The key to our success is in creat-ing jobs, sharing knowledge and investing in people. Our products are about creating jobs thereby spreading the wealth, and the suc-cess of our business is based on sharing our knowledge gained over 40 years’ experience in the cleaning industry.”

“Our products are simple in design but designed to be powerful and reliable. With superior engineering and thought process behind our designs it is the end-user and time-saving processes that are in the forefront of our minds,” she says. “We have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise but only through sharing our knowledge to empower individuals do we give meaning to our products and company.”

Numatic is also a keen supporter of the BBBEE initiatives, and is committed to comply with these standards, based on the Codes of Good Practice on Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment – having gained Compliance Level 4 with a recognition factor of 100% (Classification QSE) and a total score of 67,3.

SkillS TrainingThe recently announced partnership with 3M allows Numatic to considerably enhance it own skills training programmes, which in this case take the form of structured, planned training programmes held at its well-appointed Training Centre in Johannesburg, as well as informal, on-site training as required.

These programmes, for Numatic staff and distributors together with the staff of major customers, are certainly intensive and com-prehensive, and those that accomplish all the requirements of these courses are provided with a Numatic certificate of competence.

Another important aspect in this regard is covered by the Numatic Annual Awards – the last of which took place in November 2009. All Numatic’s floorcare distributors are invited to participate in a year-long assessment programme (detailed on individual scorecards) and the best of the best is recognised by being presented with an award.

SoCial reSponSibiliTy Levels of corporate investment in social causes – known as cor-porate social investment (CSI) – has steadily grown in importance in South Africa, and the pressure is on for companies to be seen to be doing good work for their communities.

CSI initiatives are projects that are in addition to a company’s normal business activities and are not for

trainingfeatureThe need for skills development and

higher standards of quality workman-

ship within South Africa is of paramount

importance to the country as a whole

– not just to provide income, uplift-

ment and regular employment to the

previously underprivileged, but also to

ensure future economic growth.

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Meeting the need!

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Meeting the need!

The need for skills development and higher stan-

dards of quality workmanship within South Africa

is of paramount importance to the country as a

whole – not just to provide income, upliftment and

regular employment to the previously underprivi-

leged, but also to ensure future economic growth.

The lack of adequately trained employees has been an increasingly

prevalent problem in the flooring industry, and although many

companies have established their own product and installation train-

ing programmes to ensure that contractors are conversant with the

requirements of the relevant product ranges, in real terms this does

not fully address the overall problem.

There is no doubt that these individual efforts have an important role

to play in upgrading the skills and installation procedures of fitters and

floor layers in general, and those attending and meeting the require-

ments of the various training courses will get first hand experience,

expert tuition and certificates showing a certain level of competency.

However, they are not CETA-accredited courses and are mostly not

based on NQF learning modules, although in some cases these cours-

es do count towards the BEE ratings of the participating companies.

In the same vein, another step in the right direction is the exceptional

development that has recently evolved from the carpet industry – with

the major local manufacturers having collaborated under the guidance

of a professional facilitator in the provision of a comprehensive carpet

fitter’s handbook and training manual, which will also act as a guide for

the training of carpet fitters. (See separate article in this feature.)

SkillS DevelopmenT levieS aCTAn extensive feature in the corresponding issue of FLOORS last year

carried a full description of the Skills Development Levies Act of 1999,

the Skills Development Levy, and the involvement in skills improve-

ment by the Construction Education & Training Authority (CETA).

Many readers found this to be exceptionally useful, particularly as

it was reported on in an uncomplicated form (no officialese),

and we have had several requests for this to be repeated and

updated. Although we do not intend to provide chapter and

verse again on these subjects, we have shown below the

basic principles and guidelines.

Perhaps the most pertinent aspect of the Skills

Development Levies Act is that certain employers and organi-

sations are required to pay 1% of gross payroll as a levy,

which goes towards the funding of the skills development of

the South African workforce in general. The levy may not be

deducted from workers’ pay.

Prior to 01 August 2005, the payroll threshold for the pay-

ment of SDL was R250 000 but since that date (with few

exceptions) any organisation with a gross annual payroll in

excess of R500 000 must pay SDL. Employers who ‘qualify’ to

pay SDL must register with SARS to this effect.

However, if your organisation was paying SDL before 1

August 2005 you may be SDL-exempt because your payroll

now does not reach the required amount, so check with SARS

to see if you are still liable to pay this levy.

Of the monies collected, 80% goes to the relevant Sector

Education & Training Authority (SETA) and 20% to the Skills

Development Fund to pay for training. Employers can get back

up to 50% of this money as a refund if they train their workers.

The relevant SETA for the flooring industry is the

Construction Education & Training Authority (CETA –

www.ceta.org.za) and to claim for training against SDL the fol-

lowing steps need to be taken:

• Register with CETA

• Decide what employee training would enable you to

meet your strategies for growth, management and other

succession planning, upliftment programmes, career

development, skills needs, and so forth, and produce a

training plan for the year.

• Compile and submit a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) to

CETA, and if you find this difficult there is a template on

Must read article!

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

83

F e a t u r e : Tr a i n i n g & S k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t

CETA’s website and other assistance given so that you can prob-

ably submit it online.

CETA will then evaluate your plan and inform you at what level it

will comply for a levy rebate. The CETA training year runs from 1 April

each year until 31 March the following year – so you are too late to

start in 2010, but the WSPs need to be submitted by 30 June – so

don’t miss out on 2011!

Each year your company will need to submit a WSP detailing the

planned training for the forthcoming year, and an Annual Training

Report detailing the training actually done in the past year.

If you cannot register employees on a full learnership programme

because of the time it may take, register them with CETA on a pro-

gramme that will enable them to accumulate credits towards a SAQA-

registered qualification.

The CETA website provides the criteria and application forms in

respect of learnerships.

CETA’s primary objective is to influence the course of training and

skills development in the construction sector. Various skills develop-

ment projects and learnerships are initiated with a view to devel-

oping a skilled and motivated construction workforce whose skills

are recognised and valued in terms of the National Qualifications

Framework (NQF).

The NQF system consists of eight different levels, allowing educa-

tion and training to take place within a formal structure that can be

monitored and controlled by Government.

NQF 1: General education and training (GET) levels – primary training

and development up to Grade 8 and 9 and ABET 4.

NQF 2 to 4: Further education and training (FET) level – secondary edu-

cation including certificates and qualifications up to Grade 12 or N5.

NQF 5 to 8: Higher education and training (HET) levels – higher edu-

cation such as university degrees, doctorates and further research.

It should be noted that CETA does not offer training, but one of its

objectives is to ensure that people who have acquired skills, but do

not have the required qualifications, participate in the Recognition of

Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process.

ConTinuing profeSSional DevelopmenT (CpD)CPD is the means by which members of professional associations main-

tain, improve and broaden their knowledge and skills and develop the

personal qualities required in their professional lives and, effective from

01 January 2007, CPD is compulsory for all architectural professionals.

According to the Architectural Profession Act 2000 (Act 44 of

2000) section 22(2), the South African Council for the Architectural

Profession (SACAP) may determine conditions for the renewal

of registration.

CPD refers to the following activities which should take

place throughout a person’s architectural career: continuing

education and training; systematic maintenance, improve-

ment and broadening of knowledge and skills; and the devel-

opment of personal qualities necessary for the execution of

professional and technical duties.

The CPD system functions in five-year cycles. During this

time registered persons must obtain 25 CPD credits in order

to qualify for renewal of registration. The 25 credits must be

spread across the three different categories listed below.

Category oneDevelopment Activities, e.g. workshops, conferences

Category TwoWork-based Activities, e.g. architectural work, lecturing, men-

toring

Category ThreeIndividual activities, e.g. membership of recognised voluntary

associations, studies, publishing articles

A minimum of three (3) credits across the categories must

be earned per annum, and credits in excess of five (5) for the

year may be carried forward to the following year. There is a

maximum number of CPD credits which can be accumulated

per annum in each of the three categories.

The recognised Voluntary Associations (VAs) and Accredited

Learning Sites (ALSs) have an important role to play in the

implementation of CPD in that they can offer Category 1

activities. VAs can also validate and monitor Category One

activities offered by other providers.

Any developmental activities offered by third parties with-

out validation can only be claimed within Category Three.

The recognised VAs are able to charge a fee for validating

such activities and should encourage broader participation of

the whole profession. VAs may offer a discount to their mem-

bers as a further benefit.

Anyone wishing to know more about the CPD requirements

and how to become a validated voluntary association should

visit the website www.scacapsa.com.

Meanwhile, FLOORS is researching the possibility of how the

flooring industry can contribute and assist the professionals

with their CPD programmes, and will report on this in detail

in a future issue.

A c a d e m y

Belgotex Floorcoverings • Tel: 033 897 7500 • Cell: 082 561 6072 • E-mail: allan.dewit@carpet.co.za • Website: www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za

Fe a t u r e : Tr a i n i n g & S k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

84

Belgotex Floorcoverings continually invests in the training and upliftment of the trade, with particular

emphasis on performance enhancement, and over the past few years the Belgotex Floorcoverings Academy

has trained and enhanced the skills of scores of many people within the industry.

Belgotex Floorcoverings academy is leading the way Belgotex Floorcoverings academy is leading the way

The response during 2009 was again exceptional, and the

courses that ensued very successful, so in 2010 Belgotex

Floorcoverings reiterates its commitment to the industry

by running another comprehensive training programme

throughout this year.

The courses cover Technical Sales (Carpets); Berry Floor/

Theory & Sales; Carpet Installation; Berry Floor/Practical; and

Measuring, Estimating & Costing; Speciality Products. A brief

description of the contents of each course follows.

TeChniCal SaleS (CarpeTS)

The technical sales training given on these courses entails

very comprehensive and detailed sessions that enable del-

egates to acquire a competent sales approach, covering such

subjects as Telephone technique; The appointment; Knowing

your product; Principles of store layout; Closing the deal; and,

importantly, After the sale as well as covering SABS and all

other technical aspects of carpets.

Know your Product covers the manufacturing process in

detail, and includes details of the finished product from fibres

to cleaning, together with all the features and benefits to the

homeowner of the different fibres, yarns and constructions.

This section also covers the unique Belgotex Floorcoverings

technologies that are available, including EcoWash, Orange,

Stainproof, and more – and area gradings are explained to

ensure that the right products are recommended for the dif-

ferent rooms in the home. Guarantees, warranties and the

standard claim policy are also discussed, and an explanatory

booklet given.

The headings under this session are largely self-explanatory,

but the professional explanation of how to handle each of

these components of sales training brings a new meaning to

the words, and equips any delegate to further his career.

berry floor Training: Theory & SaleS

This session covers all the aspects and theoretical product

knowledge (including the SABS Code of Practice) for the Berry

laminate flooring range – discussing and explaining every-

Stainproof

Berry Floor

A c a d e m y

Belgotex Floorcoverings • Tel: 011 345 2944 • Cell: 082 561 6072 • Fax: 011 345 2988 • E-mail: allan.dewit@carpet.co.za • Website: www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za

Fe a t u r e : Tr a i n i n g & S k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Belgotex Floorcoverings • Tel: 033 897 7500 • Cell: 082 561 6072 • E-mail: allan.dewit@carpet.co.za • Website: www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za 85

plea

Se

no

Te!

The programme for 2010Please note that the dates and venues for the

2010 programme will be published in the next

issue of FLOORS in Africa or contact your local

Belgotex Floorcoverings branch.

thing from the manufacturing process to what is required to

provide a successful installation.

This includes measuring, estimating, pricing, the correct

procedures for the pre-installation preparation and the instal-

lation itself. The installation of under-laminate heating is also

discussed in detail.

Information is also provided on the South African Wood

& Laminate Flooring Association (SAWLFA) and EPLF – the

European Producers of Laminate Flooring.

berry floor Training: praCTiCal

Hands-on installation of the laminate floorcovering, together

with the need for professionalism by the installer, the impor-

tance of pre-installation preparation, and the correct and safe

use and maintenance of the installation tools. The measuring

and laying out of the floors to achieve a perfect installation

are also demonstrated.

CarpeT inSTallaTion Training

Here the need for professionalism is emphasised once again,

and pre-installation preparation and the correct and safe use

of the installation tools, together with their correct mainte-

nance, is also covered.

Then the attendees get down to the practical hands-on

installation of patterned carpets in both stretch and stick-

down applications. Needlepunch carpeting and carpet tiles

are included, and floor preparation, planning, layout and

other ‘tricks of the trade’ that assist in providing a professional

installation are demonstrated.

Two other important areas are covered here: the installation

of carpet on stairs, and the installation of under-carpet heat-

ing systems.

meaSuring, eSTimaTing, planning & CoSTing

This workshop course provides an introduction that includes

preparation and meeting customers, together with gathering

information – getting the facts and surveying the installation

– and includes practical exercises.

Measuring – discussion on the equipment required, the

techniques employed, and the measuring of rooms, hall-

ways and stairs.

Estimating & Planning – covers the detail required for plain

and patterned carpets, and the correct seam positioning.

Calculating – discusses infills, splits and borders.

Measuring accessories – underlays, adhesives.

Presenting the plan – sketching, scale-plan preparation and

quotations.

SpeCialiTy proDuCTS

This course deals specifically with a wide range of products

– some of which have been recently introduced to South

Africa by Belgotex Floorcoverings. This includes Duraturf

recreational/artificial grass; Sportec rubber flooring; and the

outstanding IVC vinyl flooring range – all of which have been

enthusiastically received in the marketplace. Product descrip-

tions, preparation and laying techniques, and application suit-

ability are amongst the items that will be discussed for each.

Emphasis will also be placed on instructing delegates

on the actions, procedures and products from Belgotex

Floorcoverings that make the company one of the most

environmentally aware manufacturers and suppliers in the

country.

At the end of each course the delegates are provided with a

Belgotex Floorcoverings Academy certificate and all the rele-

vant brochures and literature covering the subjects discussed

during the day.

Anyone interested in obtaining further information – or

making a booking to attend the Academy courses when next

in your area – contact Allan de Wit at the numbers shown

below.

IVC

86

F e a t u r e : Tr a i n i n g & S k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

2010 FloorworX training programme

FloorworX has once again developed a compre-

hensive training programme for 2010, covering

Quick-Step laminate flooring, Kährs natural wood

floors, Bona flooring products – including sanding

and sealing techniques, and the extensive range of

FloorworX vinyl tiles and sheeting.

Established flooring contractors are invited to send their staff to

these courses at no charge, although prior booking is essential.

Courses are conducted by leading experts in their respective

fields, and have been developed in accordance with NQF learn-

ing modules. Proficiency certificates are issued at the end of each

course.

floorWorX vinylS

DATE TYPEOFTRAINING TIME

17 february (Wed) Floorprep, Vinyl Tiles 09h00-15h30 each day

& Skirting

12 may (Wed) Floorprep, Vinyl Tiles 09h00-15h30 each day

& Skirting

18 august (Wed) Floorprep, Vinyl Tiles 09h00-15h30 each day

& Skirting

10-11 march Sheeting & Floorprep, 09h00-15h30 each day

(Wed/Thurs) Coving & Welding

9-10 June Sheeting & Floorprep, 09h00-15h30 each day

(Wed/Thurs) Coving & Welding

15-16 Sept Sheeting & Floorprep, 09h00-15h30 each day

(Wed/Thurs) Coving & Welding

27 January (Wed) Floorprep & Novilon 09h00-15h30 each day

20 october (Wed) Floorprep & Novilon 09h00-15h30 each day

Should you wish to attend any of the above-mentioned

training sessions, please contact Teresa Martins on

011 406 4024 or e-mail at tmartins@floorworx.co.za.

booking

F e a t u r e : Tr a i n i n g & S k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t

87F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

fiTTing of SpeCialiST proDuCTS

DATE TYPEOFTRAINING TIME

QuiCk-STep laminaTeS anD kÄhrS real WooD praCTiCal

20 February (Sat) Practical Training 08h30-12h00

17 July (Sat) Practical Training 08h30-12h00

16 October (Sat) Practical Training 08h30-12h00

QuiCk-STep proDuCT knoWleDge

21 April (Wed) Product knowledge 10h00-14h00

14 July (Wed) Product knowledge 10h00-14h00

SanDing & Sealing

bona flooring proDuCTS SanDing & Sealing

2-3 March Bona Products 09h00-16h00

(Tues, Wed) Sanding & Sealing

Should you wish to attend any of the above-mentioned train-

ing sessions, please contact Maria Sanfona on 011 455 2970

or e-mail at maria@interiorwoodenfloors.co.za

Advanced booking is essential, and a deposit of R100 to

secure the booking is required. The deposit will be refunded

on attendance of the scheduled booking.

booking

banking DeTailS

Account Name: FloorworX Africa (Pty) Ltd t/a FloorworX

Account Number: 4072727303

Bank: ABSA

Branch Code: 632005

Reg no: 2004/009876/07

88F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Who WaS The faCiliTaTor?

The facilitator for the recently launched Carpet Fitter’s

Handbook and Facilitator’s Guide produced by the South

African carpet manufacturers under his guidance was Eric

Goddard, founder and managing director of Technical

Training Services.

Eric has considerable experience – starting in 1975 – both

in industrial training and in the textile and carpet industries,

culminating in forming his own training consultancy in 1990.

Together with his son Wayne this consultancy has over 50

years industrial training experience.

Technical Training Services has worked under contract to

the Textile Industry Training Board and now CTFL SETA since

their inception, and Eric also developed the study material

for the N1, N2 and N3 theory component of the apprentice

development programme – and thus also set the National

examinations for these subjects.

Amongst the services provided are management of the train-

ing function; new employee screening and selection (especially

technical staff ); conducting full learnership programmes in all

SETA-registered Learnerships; development of detailed, com-

pany-specific training manuals; and much more.

Technical Training Services

Tel: 031 765 1778 E-mail: eric@ttservices.co.za

industry support needed for this bold initiativeindustry support needed for this bold initiativeWe know that this is just the beginning and much more work is required and would greatly appreciate the trade’s support for this initiative and look forward to their positive and constructive comments. Frank Moffat, Belgotex Carpets

Many new learners join installation teams and lack written and illustrated instruction manuals to guide them, and the Installation Handbook will provide a first class teaching aid, with the purpose of making known to the trade the acceptable method of installation and the way to carry it out. Dave Williams, Crossley Carpets

Over the years many attempts have been made to structure fitter training for our industry and as carpet manufacturers we identified a very logical starting point to get the ball rolling...We are proud to launch this very practical Fitter’s Training Handbook together with a Facilitator’s Guide as a standard training module and trust that it will be well accepted and widely used to the advantage of all!Luci Nouwens, Nouwens Carpets

This Handbook will go a long way towards formalising the industry installa-tion procedures, and in training according to agreed standards. Following the “Standard Claims Policy” produced by the manufacturers, the “Carpet Fitters Handbook” is another successful joint manufacturer project and a meaningful contribution to our industry.Bern de Smedt, Van Dyck Carpets

Shortage of skills and inadequate standards of workmanship have

reached almost critical levels in South Africa – and nowhere more

so than in the flooring industry – but the initiative recently launched

by the South African carpet manufacturers represents a quantum

leap in the right direction.

For years attempts have been made by the carpet industry to address

these issues, without success, but a recent initiative launched jointly by

Belgotex Floorcoverings, Crossley Carpets, Nouwens Carpets and Van

Dyck Carpets will go a long way towards alleviating the problems.

Under the guidance of experienced facilitator Eric Goddard of

Technical Training Services, this joint venture by the carpet manu-

facturers means that, for the first time, have combined their efforts

and resources in the financing, compilation and production of a basic

user-friendly Carpet Fitter’s Handbook, together with a Facilitator’s

Guide for onward training.

In the longer term this should result in the improvement of installa-

tion skills in the industry, as well as raising the consumer’s perception

of the industry.

The Carpet Fitter’s Handbook covers all aspects of carpet and carpet

tile installation, with instructions that are easy to follow – ably assist-

ed by the inclusion of numerous explanatory photographs.

The chapters included in the Handbook cover the professional-

ism required of the textile floorcovering installer; full descriptions of

carpet types and carpet-fitting tools; subfloor preparation; underlay

types and adhesives; installation methods and systems; installation of

patterned carpets; carpet industry definitions; and problem solving.

The Facilitator’s Guide will assist with comprehensive and uniform

onward training in accordance with the Handbook, and there are

also support resources in the form of Coaching & Facilitating Carpet

Fitters; theory assessment papers; assessment sheets; and an installa-

tion checklist.

The carpet manufacturers will distribute the Handbook and Guide

and will continue to initiate training, using this format for all their fit-

ter training programmes to provide some uniformity.

The question has been asked regarding whether these publications

will have official approval from CETA or SAQA, and the short answer

is that the Handbook has been prepared in such a way that it can

eventually tie into various national training initiative requirements,

and Eric Goddard was specifically approached for his experience in

the carpet industry and his knowledge and daily involvement with

various learnerships according to CETA standards.

Facilitator Eric Goddard says, “There is already a standard registered

for this trade, and the programme will cover all the minimum require-

ments and more. The intention is to register this under the new leg-

islation QCTO (Qualification Council for Trades and Occupations), but

there is an initial problem with the fact that the trade falls under the

Construction SETA, whereas the carpet manufacturers fall under the

Textile SETA.”

However, there is a consensus of opinion that the carpet industry

as a whole should take some initiative to establish standards and rec-

ognition for fitter training in order to uplift both the industry and the

customer experience with regard to carpets.

F e a t u r e : Tr a i n i n g & S k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t

gOing glOBalRepresented in South Africa solely by Zimbo’s Trading, LOBA – the German-based

surface specialist for parquet and hardwood floors – is offering professional

product training seminars under the motto “Pros learn from the pro”.

F e a t u r e : Tr a i n i n g & S k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

89

It takes a certain amount of know-how to

achieve the optimal results possible with pro-

fessional products, and every craftsman has his

own areas of speciality. While some are familiar

with a certain product or technique, others may

be looking for a few tips or a little guidance.

To help create a common basis of knowledge

among craftsmen in this area Loba has devel-

oped a systematic training programme for both

Germany and abroad. True to its motto “Service

On Top!” these training events are adapted to the

specific needs of the respective audience.

As Loba’s export business continues to grow

so does the number of craftsmen seminars the

company is offering outside Germany. Every year

around 50 regional training events are organised

by Loba importers and branch offices around the

world.

Through these seminars Loba is able to offer

its regional customers special training designed

in accordance with the needs of the respective

import market. These seminars are organised

around a specific theme, such as renovation or

floorcare, and have a strong focus on practical

application. On average these seminars attract

between 25 and 100 participants.

“We have developed a clear training pro-

gramme structure made up of modules that build

on each other systematically. However, the con-

cept is still flexible enough to be adapted to the

individual needs of the participants,” says Antonio

Riccio – Loba’s export manager.

“Our German customers also profit from the

exchange of experience between our application

engineers and parquet-layers around the world

who use our products,” he says.

For example, the first of a series of 10 seminars

planned for Poland was held in Wrocław during

February. A total of 25 participants accepted the

invitation from the Loba subsidiary LOBA-Wakol

Polska, which has been in operation in Warsaw

for roughly 10 years.

With the long-standing tradition of parquet-

laying in Eastern Europe, Poland represents an

especially interesting market with great growth

potential. This market includes public and pri-

vately owned buildings, new

construction and projects involv-

ing the renovation and recon-

struction of old buildings.

Participants included both

retailers and parquet-layers,

some of whom had had previous

experience with Loba products.

The seminar presented several

products from Wakol as well as

primers, waterborne finishes,

oils, maintenance products and

tools from Loba. All in all it was

a very successful event, and the

satisfied participants went home

with valuable knowledge and

experience.

Loba has been a specialist in

parquet and hardwood flooring

since 1922, and is currently one

of the leading manufacturers of

floor finishing and floorcare sys-

tems for parquet, wood and cork

floors in Germany. In fact, it is

the only company in its industry

that concerns itself exclusively

with these products.

This long-standing, family-run

company has become a tech-

nology leader in Europe owing

to its strong specialisation and

innovative strength. Flooring

professionals in 50 countries

around the globe swear by the

environmentally friendly, water-

borne finishing systems from

Loba and the unrivalled quality

standards.

The extensive product range

also includes floor oils and

waxes, products for industrial

use, and cleaning and mainte-

nance products.

Anyone wishing to know more

about Loba, its products and

training programmes should

contact Zimbo’s Trading at the

numbers shown below.

Zimbo’s Trading

Johannesburg: 011 794 1012

Fax: 086 556 4694

Cape Town: 021 511 4693

Fax: 021 511 4694

E-mail: info@loba.co.za

Websites: www.loba.co.za /

www.zimbostrading.co.za

kevin Bates takes training to the floor

F e a t u r e : Tr a i n i n g & S k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t

Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting has introduced what is believed to be the first formal, registered

training initiative for installers in the South African flooring industry.

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

90

Many manufacturers within the flooring industry have

established training courses for their staff and cus-

tomer employees. They provide certificates confirming

attendance and participation in the course, but they have no

SAQA recognition, consequently they aren’t formally recognised

nor do they provide an accredited qualification.

Neil Duncan, managing director of Kevin Bates Flooring &

Carpeting, says the company believes there is an urgent need to

attract young, ambitious people to the industry. Furthermore we

need to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience from

long standing members of our industry to newcomers.

“Consequently, we have embarked on this new training initia-

tive to ensure that Kevin Bates has suitably qualified installers to

safeguard the company’s future sustainability,” Duncan states.

Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting, introduced the training

scheme in April 2009, selecting four of the company’s most expe-

rienced flooring fitters and installers, and four new recruits as its

initial student intake for the one-year training course. They have

subsequently registered a further twenty two learners to com-

mence training in 2010.

The professional training company, Tjeka, has been engaged

to facilitate the training in terms of SA Qualifications Authority

(SAQA) guidelines.

Tjeka managing director, Frans Toua says, “Tjeka is accredited

by both CETA and BBBEE as a competent training and examin-

ing body, and the training for Kevin Bates covers all types of

floorcoverings to NQF level 1 and 2 under the terms of the agreed

learnership contract entered into with each trainee.

“The training covers aspects such as measurement, drawing

interpretation, practical fitting, and health and safety issues, fol-

lowed by on-site assessments and written examinations covering

the practical aspects of installation.”

On successful completion of the learnership requirements,

learners will be registered with the Construction Education

Training Authority (CETA) as qualified installers of floor coverings, and

receive their National Certificate in Construction: Installation of Floor

Coverings.

He says the new training initiative has been enthusiastically wel-

comed by the Kevin Bates installation teams. “Many cannot wait to

study for their own qualifications,” he adds.

Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting, which last year celebrated its

40th anniversary, has since 1969 handled many prestigious contracts,

including recent projects such as the flooring for the new SAA

International Departure lounges at OR Tambo International Airport,

Phase 1 of the Liberty Life regional office at Umhlanga Ridge, Phase

3a of Standard Bank offices in Constantia, the Discovery Health call

centre in Durban, Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, RMB offices

in Sandton, ABB Holdings premises in Longmeadow, Formula 1

Hotels nationwide, and King Shaka International Airport outside

Durban.

Colin de Kock, executive director of the Gauteng Master Builders

Association, has welcomed the Kevin Bates training venture. “It rep-

resents another instance where a GMBA member has taken positive

steps to combat the serious shortage of skills in the construction

industry,” he said.

Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting

Tel: 011 608 4270

Fax: 011 608 4278

exteriorfeatureBy popular demand, FLOORS is introdu-

cing a new, regular section in the maga-

zine devoted specifically to the vari-

ous types of materials used in exterior

applications.

F e a t u r e : E x t e r i o r

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

91

F e a t u r e : E x t e r i o r

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

92

decking at itsBy popular demand, FLOORS is introducing a

new, regular section in the magazine devoted

specifically to the various types of materials used in

exterior applications.

Decking, tiles, cobbles, paving, concrete, artificial grass – the list is

endless – and although we will not be running a full feature article

in each issue, you have carte blanche to have your say in this section

and to keep the professionals in touch with your products and systems.

Over the past few years there has been a considerable increase in

the popularity of decking for both residential and commercial appli-

cations and, as a result, there has been a proliferation of available

products and systems that all compete in this niche market sector.

There is no doubt that the provision of a deck in any application – in

your home, around hotel swimming pools or lounge areas, for safari

lodges and entertainment areas, and many other leisure applications –

instills an immediate feeling of relaxation and even outdoor opulence,

and certainly increases the aesthetic appeal and value of the property.

Not so long ago the choice of decking material was simple. You could

have wood or wood! As a result the hardwood and engineered wood

varieties of decking – together with some innovative finishes, treat-

ments and fixing systems – are still preferred by many people, but

there are now numerous suppliers and modern systems with entirely

different attributes all competing for their share in this market.

Often seen as the main deterrent to having a natural wood

deck these days is its need for regular care and maintenance; in

some cases sanding, staining and resealing is an annual chore,

although with some wood types it is possible to go two or three

years before such treatments are necessary. Nevertheless, not

paying attention to the preservation of a wooden deck can

obviously lead to deterioration, rotting and the eventual failure

of the deck.

With the upsurge in interest of people and designers wanting to

establish decks in their homes or the projects they are handling,

many other decking materials have been introduced – all of

which seem to be aimed at providing lower maintenance options

for the end-users with what are claimed to be longer-lasting and

often eco-friendlier systems.

Vinyl, aluminium, plastic and, more recently, bamboo decks are

available alternatives to wood, but perhaps the biggest recent

change to the industry has been the introduction of composite

decking.

This is typically made from a combination of different materials

(wood and plastic mostly) processed to give the appearance of

wood. The wood used can be lumber industry by-products such

as sawdust, chips and wood fibre, and this is mixed with either

virgin or recycled plastic, usually with a pigment and preservative

added. Those that use wood by-products and recycled plastic cer-

Must read article!

Eva-

last

93F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Keep your genuine wooden floor looking beautiful

Established for over 55 years, FloorworX is also the only local importer of Bona water-borne finishes and dust free sanding machines. Bona’s water-borne finishes are a sound environmental choice for the coating of wooden floors. Setting quickly, the complete range of NMP-free finishes enable sanding to start sooner. Bona’s dust care system with HEPA filters remove 99.9% of the sanding dust in a room, thus giving contractors a healthier working environment and our customers a cleaner home.

the Flooring solutions Company

tel: 011 406-4290/4295

www.floorworx.co.za

On Track for

Sustainabi l ity

F e a t u r e : E x t e r i o r

The initial cost

of FRP decking is

significantly higher

than conven-

tional alternatives,

despite its overall

long-term value.

With this system

decks should be

designed so that

full-width planks

are used (planks

cannot be cut to

narrower widths,

like wood, to fill in

small gaps), oth-

erwise gaps will

be left between

planks.

Earlier mention of bamboo decking is worth another brief

visit. With unique treatment during the manufacturing

procedure, strand-woven bamboo decking is decay-proof,

moisture-resistant, and provides insect prevention and high

temperature resistance.

And, of course, the source material is from carefully har-

vested plantations – but as it is a grass rather than a wood,

bamboo is a rapidly growing material that reproduces further

growth after it has been cut – making it a very environmen-

tally friendly material.

This is but a simple overview of some of the better materi-

als that are available for decking applications, but it pays to

check the specifications and credentials of the manufacturer,

supplier, and the installing contractor to ensure that you are

getting the best possible value for your money.

tainly fall within the

realm of being green

products.

Normally this mix-

ture is then heated,

extruded into board

lengths and cooled,

and the composite

decking material is

then seen to be heavi-

er than wood, but

more dimensionally

stable. WCP Materials

won’t warp or rot, it

does not splinter, and

there is no need for

painting, staining or

sealing.

Kept swept, and with

stains seen to straight away, all that is needed to keep it looking good

is soap and water whenever necessary.

Another new decking material recently added to the market is

made of pultruded fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP). Pultrusion is a

process in which continuous strands of fibreglass are pulled through

a bath of polyester resins to coat the fibres, and then through a die to

give the desired profile.

FRP decking materials are strong enough to be used as structural

beams in industrial applications that require resistance to chemical

attack and fire. The material is also highly scratch- and impact-resis-

tant and is coloured throughout, which allows it to retain its looks

with only periodic washing.

As with most decking systems, FRP decking is typically sold as an

entire system, including deck boards, attachment clips, trim, and

handrail material.

MO

sO

RH

OM

s

94F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

unique composite

As one of Africa’s leading innovators and suppliers

of high quality wood plastic composite decking

(WPC), Eva-Last’s core business is to supply con-

tractors, decking installers and homeowners alike

with unrivalled technical service and exceptionally

high quality building materials.

F e a t u r e : E x t e r i o r

All Eva-Last products have undergone extensive research and develop-

ment over many years and have been sourced from all over the globe.

The materials used in the manufacturing of WPC decking are either

by-products from various other industries such as papermaking or are

recycled, giving the entire product offering by Eva-Last an eco-friend-

ly and sustainable status, recognised by a number of institutions both

locally and at a global level.

Over the years, Eva-Last has gained unrivalled technical experience

in the installation and general behaviour of WPC materials when

installed as decks and other common applications. As an industry

leader in this regard Eva-Last is able to assist all clients (contractors,

installers or DIY enthusiasts) with the installation, care and choice of

the appropriate board for the desired application.

Furthermore, Eva-Last stocks and supplies all materials required

to successfully construct a deck, from structural materials to the last

screw, all of which have been proven to work and are specialised for

every requirement. Take a look at the detailed information of two of

the WPC decking ranges below.

The eva-TeCh rangeThe Eva-Tech Range of Wood Plastic Composite Decking holds a

unique combination of strikingly attractive looks and lifelong durabil-

ity, making it the perfect complement for any style of architecture in

any environment.

The resilient composition of the material is maintenance-free

and will not require treating, sanding, sealing or staining, saving

vast amounts of money and time throughout the life of the deck.

The material is composed of 60% reclaimed wood fibre and 40%

recycled high density polyethylene, and thus is proud to carry the

approved ‘green’ product emblem of the Green Building Council of

South Africa.

The complete deck has a flawless finish thanks to the unique

hidden fastening system engineered in the boards, eradicating

unsightly and dangerous screws from the surface of the deck and

creating a barefoot friendly surface.

Offered in an array of colours, dimensions, styles and finishes you

are sure to find the perfect match for your terrace within the Eva-

Tech Range.

CorreCTDeCkBy using tougher plastics in its composition and utilising a solid

board, the CorrectDeck range is considered by many worldwide to

be the most durable and long lasting decking board around.

Composed of 60% hardwood fibre and 40% polypropylene, the

decking board does not require any periodic maintenance; further-

more the board has a built-in resistance to staining, fading, mould

and mildew. The CorrectDeck range is suitable for all applications

and environments and will withstand the harshest of climates.

The CorrectDeck range also utilises a unique hidden fastening

system – again eradicating unsightly and dangerous screws from

its surface. The board has a hot-rolled embossed wood grain finish,

giving it a very natural look and feel, and is available in a variety of

colours.

Imagine having all the benefits of a timber deck without any of

the hassles! Eva-Last now brings the beauty of the rainforests to

any home or corporate environment, but eradicates all the head-

aches of wood.

Put your trust in Eva-Last, and enjoy your deck hassle-free for

years to come.

Eva-Last

Tel: 011 462 1221 Fax: 011 462 1240

E-mail: cameron@eva-last.co.za Website: www.eva-last.co.za

• ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIENTIOUS

• NO PRODUCT RECALL IN 20 YEARS!

• MORE THAN 90% recycled materials used in manufacture

• TOTAL WOOD FIBRE ENCAPSULATION for stability & moisture resistance

• NATURAL COOLING ALLOWS STRESS FREE PRODUCTION PROCESS

• WARRANTY – Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty

• CAN INSTAL WITH DIRECT GROUND CONTACT due to unique moisture resistance

Everyone’s favourite decking...

N a t u r a l l y , y o u p r e f e r q u a l i t y !

Decking Solid Wood

engineered and laminate floors

floor & deck maintenance • complete wooden floor solutions • professional advice and designs

0861 tiMBer • 011 465 4150

www.rhomstimberworld.co.za

Moisture-resistant composite decking

F e a t u r e : E x t e r i o r

98F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Marketed solely in South Africa by Rhoms Timberworld, MoistureShield Composite Decking

is tough, good-looking, and finding favour in a wide variety of applications,

in both engineered and solid profiles.

It is made from 90% recycled content (30% from post-consumer

and 60% from pre-consumer materials) to produce an extremely

environmentally friendly decking option which will not rot or decay,

resists termite damage, is non-toxic, and does not require staining,

painting or sealing – as well as being colourfast.

The AERT sales programme being marketed by Rhoms

Timberworld includes two decking products: LifeCycle (2 colours)

and MoistureShield (6 colours) – all board types come with a limited

lifetime transferable warranty, or with a 20-year warranty.

As a major importer and supplier of hardwood, laminate

floorcoverings, engineered, parquet and solid wood floors,

Rhoms Timberworld has been in the forefront of the industry for

many years.

The company has a team of experts able to advise on the best

materials for any specific project, and in particular will help

architects, interior designers and contractors and end-users in

F e a t u r e : E x t e r i o r

99F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

selecting the correct deck board for any decking project

– including assisting with the correct deck design for both

commercial and residential applications.

Having been manufacturing composite wood build-

ing products for over 20 years, Advanced Environmental

Recycling Technologies Inc (AERT) is a recognised pioneer

in the industry, having discovered an eco-friendly way to

create high-quality building components using reclaimed

wood fibres and recycled plastics.

Since then, AERT has further developed and patented its

proprietary waste plastics reclamation technologies which

allows the company to recover waste plastics from the by-

product of other recycling operations, as well as from pre-

and post-consumer was streams.

In 1992, AERT introduced its first composite decking

products that resist swelling, rot and termites – and are easier to maintain

and longer lasting – due to a patented process known as total encapsula-

tion.

This process means the products are manufactured under several unique

patents where the wood fibres are aligned and encapsulated in plastic,

which surrounds and bonds to the wood fibres, making them moisture-

resistant. This also means that MoistureShield can be installed with direct

ground contact, without voiding the warranty.

The wood fibres reinforce the plastic, making it stiffer and greatly reducing

its thermal movement. The decking planks are extruded and allowed to cool

slowly (not water-cooled), which means the boards will not twist or warp.

Rhoms Timberworld

Tel: 011 465 4150

Fax: 011 465 3788

Website: www.rhomstimberworld.co.za

100F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

A focus onEstablished in Pretoria 22 years ago by owner and CEO Oscar Bupo, Bedson Flooring

and Decor has enjoyed regular and substantial growth to become a leading

supplier of decking and flooring products both nationally and internationally.

F e a t u r e : E x t e r i o r

As a fully integrated, environmen-

tally conscious company with

a sound knowledge of forestry

management and wood process-

es, Bedson Timbers aims to be the

preferred supplier of exotic hard-

woods and value-added timber

products to the international tim-

ber and consumer markets – from

the forest to the marketplace.

The company is strategically

focused on fulfilling a need in the

international architecture, design,

construction, and furniture manu-

facturing and consumer markets

for exotic hardwoods as well as

flooring and decking.

As part of the Bedson Africa

Business Group with offices in

Mozambique, Kenya, Egypt,

Argentina and Uruguay, it has four

operating divisions – wholesale,

retail, value-added timber and

flooring, and a forestry division.

Other companies within the

group include natural and herbal

health (Sonora Pharmaceuticals)

and animal health.

Its customer base includes

installers, builders, contractors,

architects and interior decora-

tors, homeowners, commercial

and industrial clients, who are

offered an extensive range of

exotic and hardwood flooring

and decking, including the high-

ly respected Colorado brand and

a wide range of South American

species.

Bedson Timbers has regional

offices and warehousing in

Durban and is currently estab-

lishing a new showroom at its

Pretoria premises and its own

warehousing in Durban. This

will enable the company to

provide an even better service

throughout Africa and the

Indian Ocean islands.

With two wood-processing

plants – strategically located

in Argentina and South Africa

– Bedson supplies rough sawn

timber, decking and flooring

products worldwide.

In addition, Bedson’s com-

pany-owned forests in Uruguay

provide flexibility and reliability

by giving the company access to

established strategic resources

to consistently supply its target

markets. This investment forms

part of a 300-year-old sustain-

able project, and the planting is

carried out in strict accordance

with FSC principles to preserve

the bio-diversity and to ensure

sustainability.

Its South African factory is fully

equipped with planers, moulders,

cross-cutting machines, re-saw-

ing machines, and other modern

plant, and it also has significant

in-house drying capacity through

its drying kilns where wet off-saw

timber is taken down to the req-

uisite moisture content (below

10%) – controlled by a computer-

ised system that also accurately

controls thickness and width

dimensions.

Bedson Flooring and Decor

Tel: 012 803 4376

Fax: 012 803 1685

E-mail: sales@bedson.co.za

Website: www.bedson.co.za

WOOD FLOORING AND mARket stANDING

S LID

F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

As South Africa’s foremost specialists in the transportation of flooring materials with

branches and depots in Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, and Cape Town, Transiton Transport

are able to provide an unmatched flooring delivery service to the trade.

To find out what their cus-

tomers think of the Transiton

service, FLOORS spoke to two of

their most important customers

– Keith Ruthenberg of Fotakis

Brothers in the Cape, and Jim

Johnson of Carpet Brokers,

Johannesburg – to get their

views.

The best there is!

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F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

102

The best there is!

TRANSPORT

This article is brought to you with the sponsorship of Transiton

Transport – South Africa’s foremost specialists in the transportation

of flooring materials to the trade.

Keith RuthenbeRg How has Transiton benefited your business?

They are not the cheapest, but they are certainly the best and

most reliable. The carpets always arrive in perfect condition.

Can you give an example where Transiton really delivered excep-

tional service?

Not really. Their service has been consistently good over the

years.

Would you say that they put customer satisfaction first and why?

They have a lot of competition out there, but they are specialists

in their field and do the job right.

Do goods always arrive on time and in perfect condition?

As a rule yes, their goods handling skills and equipment are the

best.

Do they always meet their delivery promises?

We have had very few problems given the volumes involved.

If they experience problems, do they keep you notified?

Yes, generally their communication is extremely good.

What would you say is their biggest contribution to your business?

Nothing is too much trouble for them; they have even deliv-

ered fine Cape wines on time for the Johannesburg Christmas

party. I will certainly recommend them as a top class carpet

transporter.

Jim Johnson How has Transiton benefited your business?

Their reliability and countrywide network mean you can always

depend on them.

Can you give an example where Transiton really delivered exceptional

service?

Nothing springs immediately to mind, and this is because, whatever

they are asked to do, they seem to cope.

Would you say that they put customer satisfaction first and why?

I have been dealing with Transiton for 20 years and they always go

out of their way to meet any requirement.

Do goods always arrive on time and in perfect condition?

Their network of branches and top-class fleet means they always

deliver on time and the goods arrive in perfect condition.

Do they always meet their delivery promises?

Yes.

If they experience problems, do they keep you notified?

They keep us fully informed on the status of each delivery.

What would you say is their biggest contribution to your business?

Perhaps the main benefit of using Transiton is that they are dedicat-

ed to the carpet industry, so your delivery is not loaded onto a truck

with cans of oil and all manner of other goods. I consider Transiton

to be an asset to the industry.

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F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Media in Africa has just launched its brand-new website. This new

site is a huge upgrade from the previous one and promises to give

advertisers, readers, clients and anyone interested in industry specific

information all that they would want on a site that is easy to navigate,

well structured and loaded with interesting facts and essentials.

The magazines can now also be viewed online – making it quick

and easy for potential and existing advertisers and clients to see

exactly what each individual magazine can offer.

The new website features a section for each of their niche maga-

zines: Floors in Africa, Walls & Roofs in Africa, The Great Flooring

Guide, 25º in Africa and INTIEM & Intimacy4us.

Each section gives detailed information on the following for every

magazine: background information, the latest rates, dates and fea-

tures lists, target market and readership, technical specifications,

feedback from clients and the magazine’s contact details.

Furthermore, you can also subscribe to the magazines and e-news-

letters and read about Media in Africa’s various local and international

accolades.

Let niche marketing work for you today – visit www.mediainafrica.

co.za. After all, niche marketing is where your focus should be!

For more information contact:

Media in Africa: 012 347 7530

Hesca Joubert: hesca@mediainafrica.co.za

Floors in Africa now

It has been brought to our attention that there were errors

in the report on the floors installed by Albert Carpets at the

Cape Town Stadium (initially known as Green Point Stadium),

in our last issue.

Firstly, ‘the InterfaceFlor Furrows carpet’ was not fitted on

a 5mm rubber underlay, as InterfaceFlor Furrows is a carpet

tile which is not laid on an underlay. The carpet tiles were

laid onto the screed with TacTile. With TacTiles you can

create a durable installation of InterfaceFLOR Commercial

carpet tiles over your existing floor without permanent

adhesion. The TacTiles adhere tiles to one another, creating

a “floating floor” – making for easy installation, removal and

replacement.

Secondly, the strand-woven bamboo was laid on 3mm cork

underlay from Amorim Cork over 150 micron plastic and not a

rubber underlay as mentioned in the article.

Apologies to all concerned in the hope that no damage was

done, and although not our fault, we accept the red card!

Kicking off on the wrong foot!

Established for over 55 years, FloorworX is the only local manufacturer of semi-flexible tiles, fully flexible vinyl sheeting and tiles – all of which carry the SANS certification for quality.

FloorworX also distributes Quick-Step wood laminates, Kährs wooden floors and a comprehensive range of international resilient floorcoverings, including safety flooring, antistatic flooring, luxury vinyl flooring, static control tiles, linoleum, Novilon, rubber and sports flooring, together with a wide range of flooring adhesives, accessories and floorcare materials.

The Flooring Solutions Company

National Call Centre 0860 346 679

www.floorworx.co.za

Introducing Revolutionary Floorcare . . .

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105F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

meRVYn RobeRtson

(23 August 1955 – 7 January 2010)

On the 7th January, we at Polyflor lost a colleague and friend.

One of the lights of the company dimmed forever.

Mervyn, in his own way, was a legend in the flooring

industry. He had many years of experience and his knowl-

edge was very well respected. His talent for relating to

people in all the different sections of the industry was

exceptional.

In the five short years with us he made his presence felt in

so many different ways. His huge sense of humour lightened

many a gathering. He bore his illness bravely with fortitude

and forbearance. His devoted wife, Hanlie, was ever at his

side through this difficult time, and his close family were

supportive and loving.

Mervyn joined the flooring industry in 1979, after serving

his country in the army. He had a background in customer

service and sales representation. He had been with Marley/

Dunlop/FloorworX from 1979 to 2005, when he then joined

Polyflor.

He had a strong passion for his work and his customers.

Mervyn also had a great love of animals. His three standard

poodles were his pride and joy. He enjoyed nothing better

than going off into the bush, golfing with his friends and

riding his motorbike.

He left us this message:

“We all have dreams and plenty of goals, lots to do and

to achieve. Time flies by; do not hesitate to do the things

you love. Life is great, enjoy every minute, surround your-

self with people you love and that love you. Thank you for

being part of my life, enjoy yours everyday to the extreme.

Remember to consider others and ask God to show you the

way. This is just a snippet to remember me by.” Mervyn

Thank you, Mervyn, we will miss you but you will never be

forgotten.

FloorworX, the member of the Accéntuate Group that is South

Africa’s only local manufacturer of semi-flexible tiles and fully

flexible vinyl sheeting and tiles – all carrying the SANS certifica-

tion for quality – has revamped its website www.floorworx.

co.za to provide a modern, user-friendly and fully informative

source for every product in its vast sales programme.

This includes, apart from the locally manufactured products,

international resilient floorcoverings such as safety flooring,

antistatic flooring, luxury vinyl flooring, Quick-Step wood

laminates, Kährs wooden floors, static control tiles, linoleum,

Novilon, rubber and sports flooring.

It also includes a wide range of flooring adhesives, accesso-

ries and floorcare that can also be acquired through FloorworX.

The new website not only provides full product descriptions

with an indication of its projected use in each case, but it also

gives a technical specification for each, together with recom-

mended adhesives and maintenance instructions.

A new sector provides details of the benefits of using

FloorworX products in a wide variety of applications, including

Health, Education, Retail, Housing/DIY, Leisure and Transport.

Downloads are also available, including data sheets, techni-

cal bulletins and a floor layer guide.

A must for anyone seeking information about FloorworX

products, make a note of www.floorworx.co.za.

New website is the place to be!

A new partnership between the South African Council for the

Architectural Profession (SACAP) and media and events company

alive2green signals a new era for members of the architectural com-

munity.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits need to be

obtained by architectural professionals in order to remain registered

with SACAP, a compulsory registration that allows these professionals

to practise in their field.

Over a five-year cycle 25 credits need to be obtained with a mini-

mum of three a year and one compulsory annual Category 1 credit.

From February 2010, architectural professionals will be able to

redeem valuable CPD Category 3 Credits from purchasing a copy of

either Volume 1 or Volume 2 of the Green Building Handbook.

The Handbook chapters will be grouped together into learning

modules which have been approved for accreditation by the South

African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).

From April 2010 architectural professionals will be able to redeem

Category 1 CPD credits from the same Modules in the Handbooks

by writing and passing the online multiple choice tests which will be

prepared for each chapter and available online at www.greenbuild-

ing.co.za.

SACAP authorises CPD creditsobtAinAble fRom gReen building hAndbooKs

106

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F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

Can i clean my laminate floor with vinegar?All that is needed to keep a laminate floor clean is regular

sweeping or vacuuming (or both), and an occasional rub

over with a clean, damp mop – but never use a wet mop or

lots of water when cleaning.

Don’t ever use soap, detergent, or cleaners with wax

either, because they will leave a film that makes the floor

dull, and laminate floors must never be waxed, polished,

sanded or refinished.

If you wish, you can mix one cup of vinegar or ½ cup of

ammonia in five litres of water. Not normally necessary, but

it’s your call!

What should i avoid using when cleaning a marble floor? Detergents containing lemon, vinegar or acids should not

be used on marble or other calcareous floors; scouring

powders and creams should also be avoided as they con-

tain abrasives that may scratch the stone.

Apart from regular sweeping, the best way to clean any

natural stone floor is by using a clean mop, a mild liquid

detergent and clean, warm water – but the floor surface

should be rinsed thoroughly after washing.

The water should be changed regularly when the floor is

being washed to ensure that dirt is not mopped back onto

the floor. Care should also be taken to ensure that not too

much soap or detergent is used as this may leave a film and

cause streaks on the floor.

Finally, if you are having problems with moss and algae

on outdoor natural stone surfaces, a water and mild bleach

solution should do the trick.

We need a new floor for a workshop which will be sub-jected to oil spills and will have to resist mechanical impact and abrasion from pallet trucks. What do you recommend? Also, we previously had a problem with surface laitance and contaminants when preparing a surface. What do we do to overcome this?The normal recommendation would be a 5mm epoxy

resin screed, which will have a sealed surface so it will not

absorb spills, but is also textured so that it has good slip

resistance. Also, the hardwearing properties and impact

and abrasion resistance of an epoxy floor are some of

the main reasons why they are so popular in this type of

application.

Regarding your second question, encapsulated shot blast-

ing with vacuum dust recovery or grinding will provide the

answer. However, in both instances, take the expert advice

of a reputable supplier or contractor; subsequent rectifica-

tion can be a costly business!

Jeremy StewartScreed, Resin, and Concrete Expert CEO

– Quartz Carpet, SA

it’s All About the stone

Both decorative epoxy screeds and industrial epoxy screeds,

if using the same type of aggregate with the same measure

of hardness can have the same strength against impact resis-

tance, scratch resistance, and general wear and tear.

The source and method of obtaining the grain/aggregate

is of vital importance to the strength of the stone and the

ultimate strength of the total system.

The best aggregate to use is natural alluvial stone that

is obtained from river beds. This stone must contain no

less than 99% SiO2, be washed and fire-dried and have a

residual moisture of less than 0,2%. It should also be 100%

contaminant- and dust-free.

There are South African companies that sell crushed stone

aggregate. These stone aggregates have hundreds of cracks

and fissures in them as a result of the crushing process.

These stones when subjected to impact or abrasion can

shatter and the flooring system can fail. Bags of this stone

can be filled with dust and contamination which will alter

the colour and binding ability of the floor.

Therefore always ensure that the stone used is natural,

alluvial and uncrushed.

Coloured natural alluvial quartz aggregate has a hardness

score on the Mohs (measure of hardness) scale of about 8

with a diamond being 10, whereas crushed stone may not

even register a reading because it is so weak.

Heavy-duty epoxy screeds are used very successfully in

factories where floors are subject to high-impact wear:

forklift traffic and gouging; abrasion and chemical attack.

Decorative epoxy screeds, using coloured quartz are not as

resilient to high-impact wear and abrasion, but are resistant

to chemical attack.

Larger areas may require movement joints, should there be

any movement in the underlying screed. Old and damaged

concrete floors if prepared by a knowledgeable flooring con-

tractor can be successfully resurfaced in an epoxy screed.

It is important that coloured quartz is polyurethane-coated

and not epoxy-coated, as the epoxy-coated stone will yel-

low over time, which is hugely accelerated by exposure to

the sun. Also, screeds that are applied

externally must be applied using a poly-

urethane binding system, otherwise they

will begin to yellow and chalk from day

one and ultimately fail.

Jeremy Stewart

Flooring specialist and owner of Quartz

Carpet

Q&A

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107F L O O R S M a r c h 2 0 1 0

advert isement

Following the success of Interbuild Qingdao 2009, the 5th China

International Construction & Decoration Materials Exposition

held during October at the Qingdao International Exhibition

Centre, the sixth version of this event will take place from 17 to

19 July 2010 at the same venue.

Fifty thousand visitors representing more than 600 firms from

North America, Europe and Asia came to see over 500 exhibi-

tors from China and abroad participating in the 2009 exhibition,

where the major display categories included flooring, doors,

windows, and kitchen/bath along with their related support

industries.

For information on visiting or exhibiting at the 2010 China

International Construction & Decoration Materials Exposition

at the Qingdao International Exhibition Centre, contact

US/North American Agent Dave Spreen by e-mail at:

dspreen@humboldt1.com.Dave Spreen, our US flooring correspondent, reports that Floor

Covering Soft has launched the FloorEstimate Pro 2010 edition – the

next generation flooring layout and estimating program for commer-

cial and retail flooring contractors and dealers.

FloorEstimate Pro 2010 stands out from competing products due to

its versatility as a web-based enterprise estimating application that

can be collaboratively worked on, edited, and updated from any loca-

tion, allowing everyone involved to share and be notified of the most

current information.

Anyone wishing to know more should contact Dr. Steven Wang at

Floor Covering Soft, Tel. +626 683-9188 or visit the website: http://

www.FloorCoveringSoft.com.

Do you need . . .

dave soons, Jacquerie marketing cctel: 012 807 7012; e-mail: dsoons@mweb.co.za

fax to e-mail: 086 601 7842

lino PAtent

Did you know

that linoleum

was patented

in 1863 by

Frederick Walton

of London?

Also, you might be interested to

know that Hugh Grant’s father was a

carpet salesman.

A new brochure? Copywriting? A full service is available from

design to final print from Jacquerie.

We also undertake research and copywriting for press

releases, articles or sales leaflets.

Whatever your needs, contact us for full details and rates.

Now in its 12th year, Decorex Cape Town 2010 brings a breath of

fresh air to the world of interiors: aired in softness and beauty and

energised for a new start, which includes Conversations on archi-

tecture, DIY Décor and the Plascon 2010 Colour Palette.

Also worth visiting are those displays entitled Finest in finishes;

Cutting edge kitchens & bathrooms; The Pick ‘n Pay Living green pavil-

ion; Alluring room settings; and the South African Handmade Collection.

Decorex Cape Town runs from 23 to 26 April 2010 at the CTICC.

For more information visit the website www.decorex.co.za.

Decorex Cape Town 2010

108

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Views and opinions from speakers at con-

tractworld.congress held in conjunction with

Domotex Hannover 2010 earlier this year.

the AesthetiCs of CommeRCe

We see design not as a better way of decking out rooms but as the art of holistic design. This may

have something to do with the Italian word ‘disegno’ which, historically, was used for painting, sculp-

ture and architecture together. We do not like being referred to as interior designers because there

is no such thing as interior and exterior space. In our projects we therefore work more and more

frequently as the solely responsible architect for all aspects of the space in question.

shoP sPiRAl

In our Gyre mini-mall in Tokyo we wanted to combine the iconic quality of the flagship stores on

Omotesando, the luxury shopping El Dorado, with the performance capability of a shop-in-shop

concept. In order to accommodate our mall on the narrow piece of land that was available, we

decided on a spiral as the principle of access. Because, unlike a flagship store, a department store is

always a kind of public space, we equipped the building with exterior staircases and terraces that

remain accessible even after the shops have shut. We see the building not as a diamond in the city,

but as a converted and programmed component of public space.

Within – Without

In European cities, small-scale shops play a vital role in that they animate urban space.

Contemporary shopping concepts, however, cannot be made to fit into their environment so easily

due to the large scale of their architecture. We respond to this challenge with different strategies. In

our Cité des Tendances we accommodate a shopping mall in unused spaces below the pedestrian

esplanade of the La Défense office district. We vertically combine large retail complexes in the city

centre with offices and apartments on the roof as in our ‘Life in town’ project in Paris in order to

ensure the wide variety of functions that makes a city a city in a small space.

Milena Mussi

Iosa Ghini Associati SBL, Bologna, Italy

Manuelle Gautrand

Manuelle Gautrand Architecture, Paris, France

Jakob van Rijs

MVRDV, Rotterdam, Netherlands

These architects and designers were specifically involved in shop design.