Noticias

The Natural Stone Council (NSC) has elected its 2015 officers. NSC 2015 officers are: Moe Bohrer of Anderson Bros. Johnson/Michels, chairman; Brenda Edwards of TexaStone Quarries, vice chairperson; Jim Owens of TexaCon Cut Stone, secretary and Jeff Buczkiewicz of Mason Contractors Association of America, treasurer. Kathy Spanier was named chair of the NSC sustainability committee; Dan Posthuma of Michels Corp. has joined the environmental regulatory compliance committee, Matt Pruitt of Elberton Granite Association and Ted Huppert of Grazzini Bros. are co-chairs to the MSHA/OSHA regulatory compliance committee and Holly Luehring of Michels Corp. has joined the website committee. Bohrer highlighted NSCs 2014 accomplishments atStonExpo West/Marmomacc Americas, which included joining the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC),establishing an associate membership category for stone associations outside of the U.S. and the release of the ANSI/NSC 373 Sustainability Standard, NSCs commi ...    

Mullican Floorings hardwood flooring underlayment has exceeded the emission requirements in Californias Section 01350 Indoor Air Quality legislationthe most stringent test requirement for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in North America. According to the company, everything was handled, compliance tested and VOC emission test certified, by Berkeley Analytical. The lab follows the protocol and methods required by California standard CA01350 for IAQ testing. The companys underlayment product, known as Moisture Mat, features a moisture vapor permeance of less than one, making it a superior vapor retarder under wood flooring applications, according to the company. By reducing the rate of moisture migration below the floor system and allowing the wood to acclimate gradually, Moisture Mat helps increase the useful life and appearance of finish surfaces by protecting against moisture-related floor problems such as buckling, cupping or cracking. Moisture Mat is an example of Mullicans continu ...    

AEG Facilities has partnered with Arenas Parks Stadium Solutions (APSS), making APSS the preferred flooring and painting contractor of AEG. The five-year partnership with APSS, which was brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, opens opportunities for the company to bid on the provision of services for flooring and painting renovations or upgrades at AEG affiliated venues around the world, according to the company. Through this partnership well have the opportunity to expand our business worldwide, said Vinny Caccamo, APSS director of sales. Bob Newman, president of AEG, added, When we select a preferred contractor for any category, we do so because we are confident that they will provide the professionalism and quality of service that is in-line with our dedication to enhancing the live entertainment experience for our fans. This global partnership with Arenas Parks Stadium Solutions will further our goal of having fans feel the same level of excitement, energy and world-class experience t ...    

Lignomat is offering sale prices on all of its moisture meters until April 15. Wood and many other building materials absorb and release moisture. Lignomat pin and pinless moisture metersdetermine the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) in these materials. Once EMC has been reached and relative humidity and ambient temperature are not changing, wood is dimensionally stable. No more shrinking or warping will occur, according to the company. For more information, visit. ...    

Coverings, which will be held April 14 to 17, will offer education sessions that will focus on topics of particular interest to the green professional community, and feature the added benefit of CEU credits. Along with the more than 1,000 global exhibitors showing a range of innovative products and technologies, the free CEU credits and conference sessions are a primary reason green professionals attend the leading tile and stone exhibition, according to show organizers. Sessions are categorized by professional experience, ranging from novice to corporate leader. Coverings is an AIA/CES approved provider, a NKBA CEU provider partner, and is IDCEC approved. Conference topics relevant to green professionals will include discussions on the processes and criteria for specifying green building products, including tile and natural stone; understanding the demand for health-related product information and knowing how to incorporate tile and stone products into green projects. Sessions will inc ...    

Every Wednesday beginning March 25, and running through April 29, Jamie Vallee, Impactas product manager, will host a 30-minute Webinar on acoustical underlayments for wood floor applications. According to Sound Seal, maker of the Impacta brand, products are premium acoustical underlayment systems engineered specifically for wood floors. During this Webinar series, Vallee will review Impactas three types of underlayment installationsnail down, floated and glue down. to register. ...    

The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) has released its Quarterly Sales Trends Report, providing data and insights into near term and regional demand trends, sales forecasts and other industry issues. According to the association, initial 2015 sales growth forecasts are positive with NAFCD distributors forecasting 6% growth versus 3% growth in 2014. NAFCD manufacturer members currently expect to maintain the 11% growth rate posted in 2014. NAFCD members are anticipating 5% to 6% profit growth on average in 2015. Distributorspecific insights from the report show that input costs are expected to increase 2% in 2015, similar to the increase in 2014. Profits are forecast to increase 6% for distributors in 2015, a two-point improvement compared to 2014. Distributors are anticipating lower fuel prices to add .7 points of growth. The Q1 2015 growth forecast for manufacturers has increased moderately over the past 30 days. Manufacturer cost outlooks are also modes ...    

Parex USA, parent company of Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey and Merkrete, has added two new hires to Merkretes marketing department. Kevin Rantin brings with him over 25 years of sales and Marketing experience in the building and irrigation industries. According to the company, Rantins appointment as marketing director is part of a broader initiative by Parex USA to focus on growth in both the commercial and residential markets and increase awareness of all brands with architects, builders, distributors and applicators. His experience in sales, marketing and operations will be an asset to managing the marketing department and expanding Parex USAs position in the market. Tiffany Awischus has been promoted to the position of product manager for Merkrete. Awischus joined Parex USA in 2013 as a flooring manager in the RD Department. Her experience as RD manager in the cement industry will complement her new position in marketing. The addition of Kevin and Tiffany to our marketing team will h ...    

Coverings, taking place April 14 to 17 in Orlando, Fla., will offer more than 75 free sessions, many of which will focus on topics of interest to tile and stone installers. Conference topics relevant to the contractor and installer segment will include an industry update on the latest tile standards and specification issues; best practices for working with other building professionals and consumers; guidance on working with specific materials, such as wood construction and thinset tiles and a review of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Reference Manual . Sessions will include: Questionable Substrates? Jobs I Would Not Do Unless the Situation Changed. NTCA Five Star Contractor and recognized industry consultant, Frank Canto will discuss jobsite conditions, suitable substrates, questionable substrates in which significant preparation needs to be considered, and projects that should not be accepted in their current condition. Monday, April 13, 1 to 2 p.m. Stone Tile Care Str ...    

Toronto-based Supra Floors/ElastilonUSA has obtained a 20-year patent on its Elastilon product, a solution for consumers and professionals that allows the installation of hardwood floors without glue or nails. Elastilon Strong self-adhesive installation system has been used for more than a decade in Europe by professional installers and homeowners. According to the company, it can be installed with any wood floor and without any special equipment. Elastilon creates a free floating floor out of solid or engineered wood that can expand or contract with changing moisture conditions without the gapping, cupping or creaking that can occur with nail- or glue-down installations. According to Levana Schwartz, president of ElastilonUSA,Elastilons patented closed-cell polyethylene can be laid over any type of clean and level surface, from new concrete sub-floors to wood and tile. Elastilons non-toxic self-adhesive forms a lifetime bond with the wood flooring, protecting it from moisture below and ...