Flotex flooring by Forbo Flooring

Fourteen years ago, Jesse Barber established his decorative concrete business, initially focusing on overlays, countertops, micro-toppings, and color staining. After four years, he started integrating epoxy floor systems into his services to provide more durable decorative finishes for both residential and commercial clients. Barber observed that traditional staining, coloring, and sealing applications were sufficient for low-traffic areas but quickly deteriorated in commercial settings, leading him to seek more robust solutions. His research led him to Arizona Polymer Flooring, a supplier of epoxy floor systems, prompting him to adopt their epoxy and polymer products. This transition allowed him to deliver higher-quality and more durable projects, contributing to his business growth over the past decade. Currently, 75 percent of his projects are residential, with the remaining 25 percent commercial. His operations are supported by one field employee and his wife, Debbie, who manages all administrative tasks. A significant turning point for Barber was realizing the superior durability of clear polyurethane finishes when used with epoxy systems, compared to the sealers he previously applied to stained floors. He emphasizes that while creating visually appealing floors is important, their long-term appeal depends on their ability to withstand wear and tear. Polyurethane finishes are more scratch-resistant, with most superficial abrasions being easily repairable through light sanding before a new topcoat application. Barber highlights two recent commercial restaurant projects to illustrate the design versatility and quality achievable with epoxy systems. For the 2,400 sq.-ft. Zombie Dogs’ restaurant in Dayton, OH, Barber created a metallic industrial look by hand-troweling a blend of three colored epoxies (Epoxy 400): 50 percent mercury, 25 percent gunmetal, and 25 percent pearl. The project involved a floor with both new and old concrete sections, which Barber lightly ground to prepare for the base gunmetal epoxy coat, serving as a primer. The next day, he lightly sanded this base coat before hand-troweling the mercury and pearl epoxies to achieve a variegated appearance. He explains that pouring beads of different epoxies and troweling them together creates the desired color and pattern variations, with the thicker viscosity of the epoxies contributing to the design's depth. On the third day, a light sanding was followed by a clear polyurethane 325 topcoat. In the kitchen area, the same color scheme was used, but a more durable and sanitary topcoat, Epoxy 600 with 60-grit aluminum oxide, was applied for easier maintenance. At the Mellow Mushroom restaurant in Louisville, Barber designed a multi-area abstract and blended layout using four Epoxy 400 colors: mercury, coffee, pearl and blue mixture, and gunmetal and blue mixture across a 3,000 sq.-ft. new concrete floor. He began by lightly grinding the surface for optimal adhesion. A Mongoose decorative concrete saw was used to score the pattern for the design. Barber then taped off sections and applied the outer colors first, followed by the pearl and blue middle section on the subsequent day. He notes that for patterned projects, logistical planning is crucial, particularly ensuring sections are completed before the epoxy sets. This often involves creating defined seams at room thresholds to manage large projects over several days. After all color applications, Barber grouted the score lines and applied a Poly 325 topcoat. Barber’s growing epoxy flooring business mirrors a broader industry trend, particularly in the Louisville area. He attributes this to the superior maintenance and cleanability of epoxies with polyurethane topcoats, which are more durable and resistant to spills and stains. He observes that in food service environments, spills can be quickly addressed with a dry mop, and routine cleaning can be done with a wet mop, ensuring the surface remains presentable. While other concrete finishing options like polishing have their merits, Barber finds epoxies offer a more stain-resistant surface, especially in demanding settings like restaurants. He differentiates his services by offering artistic, custom looks, which, despite being slightly more expensive, effectively market his capabilities. He believes customers are increasingly seeking unique, modern floor designs. Daniel Owen, owner of Arizona Polymer Flooring, confirms the rising interest in metallic epoxies over the past five years, emphasizing the necessity of a clear polyurethane topcoat to preserve the high-end aesthetic and ensure longevity. Without it, the floor would quickly dull. Owen states that the aesthetics, ease of cleaning, and durability of an epoxy floor system with a clear urethane coat significantly enhance its appearance and lifespan, with metallic epoxy systems particularly helping contractors deliver unique, modern looks to their clients. #EpoxyFlooring #DecorativeConcrete #FloorSystems #CommercialDesign #ResidentialDesign #PolyurethaneFinish #ConcreteDesigns #CustomFlooring #InteriorDesign

Carpetime, a family-owned business established 41 years ago by Joel D. Primack Sr., has become a prominent provider of flooring solutions for homes, businesses, and offices across Northeast Ohio. With two locations in Perry Township and Jackson Township, the company has built a strong reputation for customer satisfaction and product reliability, leading to a high volume of repeat business. Joel Primack Sr. attributes this success to a commitment to customer service, offering strong guarantees, and standing behind their products. Initially, when Primack Sr. entered the flooring industry, approximately 95% of sales were for carpet, followed by ceramic tile and wood. Over the decades, Carpetime has adapted to changing consumer preferences while maintaining its core values. The company places a high emphasis on its installation crews and the precision of its measuring services, ensuring minimal errors and a positive customer experience. Joel Primack Sr. emphasizes the importance of being helpful and providing customer samples for home evaluation, contributing to a near non-existent complaint ratio. Joel Primack Jr. joined his father's business full-time at the age of 19, learning the intricacies of the trade directly from his dad. He notes a recent resurgence in carpet sales, contrasting with a period where hard surfaces were more popular due to ease of maintenance. This shift is attributed to advancements in manufacturing, making modern carpets easier to clean and maintain, incorporating various protective features. Despite initial challenges with inventory during the pandemic, Carpetime has successfully navigated these disruptions and is now operating on a business-as-usual basis. The stores offer a wide selection of flooring options from major national brands, ensuring a diverse range of choices for customers. Carpetime has served a broad spectrum of clients, including schools, government offices, churches, and new construction projects. Much of their business is generated through word-of-mouth referrals, complementing their advertising efforts. Both Joel Primack Sr. and Jr. express pride in the relationships they have built with customers over the years. Primack Sr. highlights the company's recognition as a leading name in floor covering, asserting their ability to compete effectively in the market. Primack Jr. further elaborates on the satisfaction derived from forming relationships, assisting individuals, and enhancing the aesthetics of their homes. It is estimated that Carpetime has served at least four generations of homeowners since its inception in 1980, a testament to its enduring legacy and commitment to community. #FlooringCompany #CustomerService #FamilyBusiness #NortheastOhio #CarpetSales #HomeImprovement #BusinessLongevity #FlooringTrends

Epoxy flooring is presented as an optimal choice for various spaces, from garages and basements to retail shops and warehouses, due to its durability, longevity, and affordability. This resinous floor coating can be applied over existing hard flooring like concrete or wood and offers a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures. When properly maintained, an epoxy floor can last for over 25 years. The article details several popular styles of epoxy flooring. Standard epoxy, often used in commercial settings, is the most budget-friendly option and allows for solid colors or geometric patterns, with non-skid additives available for wet environments. Metallic epoxy is highlighted for its unique aesthetic, created by mixing metallic pigments into the resin, resulting in one-of-a-kind swirl patterns or designs that mimic natural scenes like ocean waves or lava. Decorative flake epoxy, frequently chosen for residential use in areas like garages and home offices, involves applying acrylic chips over the resin and then sealing them with a topcoat, providing texture. These flakes come in various colors, sizes, and broadcast densities, allowing for significant customization. The installation process for standard epoxy typically spans one to two days. It begins with a thorough cleaning and inspection of the concrete subfloor to identify and remove debris and assess structural stability. Any damage found, such as cracks, chips, or pits, must be repaired to prevent future issues. Following repairs, the surface undergoes preparation, which involves using a floor grinder with a diamond grinding wheel to roughen the concrete. This crucial step ensures proper adhesion of the epoxy to the subfloor, preventing premature failure. Once the surface is prepped, the epoxy mixture is poured and spread to the desired thickness using specialized tools. The epoxy then needs to cure, being safe to walk on after 24 hours but reaching full cure only after 72 hours. The cost of professional epoxy floor installation in 2020 varies based on several factors, including the size of the space, the chosen epoxy type, and the complexity of the design. Generally, larger areas have a lower per-square-foot cost, while smaller floors may incur a slightly higher per-square-foot price to cover material costs. A standard epoxy floor typically costs between $3 and $7 per square foot. The article advises caution regarding DIY epoxy installations, particularly those using kits from big box stores, as these often lack the quality of professional-grade materials. Mistakes during DIY application can be costly to rectify, potentially requiring complete removal and reinstallation. Therefore, for a high-quality, long-lasting epoxy floor, hiring a professional contractor is recommended due to the precision and timing required for successful installation. The article concludes by encouraging readers to consider the various styles, colors, and patterns available to complement their space and to engage a professional contractor for their epoxy flooring project in 2020. #EpoxyFlooring #HomeImprovement #FloorInstallation #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DurableFlooring #FloorCoating #ResidentialFlooring

The success of flooring installations is significantly influenced by the technical layers between the subfloor and the final floorcovering. This segment of the industry is marked by continuous innovation, with suppliers developing products that are more environmentally friendly, cleaner, and faster to install. These materials address a variety of critical issues, including moisture mitigation, acoustical abatement, crack isolation, mold prevention, underfoot comfort, and adhesion. Suppliers, who once offered a narrow range of specialized products, have now either created even more specialized solutions or expanded their product lines significantly. Some, like Healthier Choice, have even branched into floorcoverings. The market has seen a notable shift from soft surface to hard surface flooring over several decades, a trend further accelerated by the rise of rigid LVT products. This transition has led to louder interiors, necessitating solutions to mitigate sound, such as wall and ceiling treatments, or the creation of quiet zones with rugs. Hard floors also amplify sound transmission between floors, a significant concern in multi-level commercial spaces like corporate offices and hospitality venues, and in the multifamily residential sector where hard surface flooring is increasingly replacing carpet, leading to noise issues for tenants. Acoustical underlayments are now in high demand, with many flooring material suppliers offering various options, including unattached rolls, pads, and poured or pumped solutions. Another major challenge in the subfloor market is managing moisture in concrete. Construction timelines are often tight, frequently leading to insufficient concrete curing time. The resulting moisture and salts from the concrete can compromise adhesives and damage flooring installations. The industry has responded with solutions ranging from moisture barriers and sealants to accelerated timelines for other installation elements, such as rapid-drying underlayments, adhesives, and faster flooring installation systems. Leading suppliers in this sector were interviewed to understand their solutions for residential and commercial flooring markets, their product offerings, and current developments. These suppliers can be broadly categorized into three groups: products placed directly under the floorcovering (e.g., carpet cushion), radiant heat systems, and products that bond to the subfloor. Leggett & Platt, a major manufacturer of underlayments, rubber padding, and foam cushion, focuses heavily on the residential market. Their rebond carpet pad is a significant product, alongside their rapidly growing styrene butadiene (SB) rubber underlayments for hard surface flooring, such as Whisper Step, which provides high Delta IIC ratings. They also offer ACI-125 for use under ceramic tile, providing crack protection and sound reduction. Foam Products, initially a footwear insole manufacturer, transitioned to producing attached pads for laminates and later unattached underlayments for hardwood, laminate, and vinyl plank products. They primarily use polyurethane due to its superior performance and compatibility with flooring. Their premium products, like Eco Ultimate Silencer and Eco Silencer HD FOF, are Greenguard Gold certified for low VOCs and offer excellent acoustical and moisture control. Future Foam, with over 30 foaming facilities, specializes in higher-end polyurethane foam, rebond products, and hard surface underlayments, serving both residential and commercial sectors. Their acquisition of Foamex plants and FXI-Innocor facilities has expanded their production capabilities, and they've seen significant growth due to the surge in home improvement. Healthier Choice, founded with a focus on healthier rebond products using low-VOC polyurethanes, has expanded its offerings to include solid and engineered hardwood flooring and rigid LVT. Their product lines include memory foam for residential carpets, denser polyurethane for commercial applications, and recycled fiber cushions. They are also launching an area rug cushion with anti-slip properties. MP Global, known for its QuietWalk acoustical underlayments, offers products for both hard and soft surfaces, with a significant portion of their content derived from recycled fibers. Their QuietWarmth heated film system has seen substantial growth, especially for homeowners investing in their homes. Warmly Yours, an electric flooring heating system manufacturer, reported significant sales gains in various home areas, with increased adoption under engineered hardwood, laminate, LVT, and nailed hardwood. They offer a range of underfloor heating systems, including cable products, rolls, mats, and systems for concrete. They also provide underlayments compatible with their heating systems, such as cork and synthetic cork. ThermoSoft, another underfloor heating specialist, utilizes patented FiberThermics heating elements for efficient and safe heat conduction, featuring a Thermal Cut Off for overheating protection. They offer various systems like WarmStep mats and ThermoFloor mats for diverse installations. Schluter Systems, known for its uncoupling membranes like Ditra, also provides radiant heat systems (Ditra-Heat and Ditra-Heat-Duo), with the latter featuring integrated bonding fleece for thermal breaks and sound reduction. They also develop floor profiles for luxury vinyl. In floor prep and adhesives, Taylor Adhesives, now part of Meridian Adhesives Group, offers a broad range of products for hard and soft surface flooring. They've focused on moisture mitigation and acoustical abatement solutions and have launched Taylor Time, an educational platform for the industry. Schönox HPS North America provides cutting-edge products like AP Rapid, a self-leveling compound with sound insulation that dries rapidly without HVAC. Their HS Sturdy, a repair and smoothing compound, uses Hybrid Active-Dry technology. Laticrete, a long-standing innovator in polymer-fortified thinset adhesives, has expanded into membranes, grouts, sealants, and concrete remediation products like Supercap. They're also introducing the Spartacote High Yield System with Lux Additive, which increases reflectivity for indoor grow facilities. Mapei Group, a global supplier, offers underlayments, adhesives, grouts, and its Mapeheat line of radiant heat systems. Lastly, Ardex, with its Ardex Americas subsidiary, introduced self-leveling cement underlayment and Self-Drying technology, and now offers a full range of subfloor prep materials, uncoupling systems, mortars, grouts, and waterproofing systems, including rapid-setting solutions like Ardex K 40 Rapid and Henry 647 PlumPro. Many of these firms also prioritize environmental certifications like Greenguard Gold and FloorScore. #FlooringUnderlayments #FloorPreparation #MoistureMitigation #AcousticalAbatement #RadiantHeat #Adhesives #HardSurfaceFlooring #MultifamilyHousing #ConstructionInnovation