Floor covering installation is a very important consideration in any flooring purchase. A floor covering does not become a finished product until installed. Fortunately, there are many knowledgeable installation experts. Unfortunately there are also many workers that stay they are flooring installers when they are really floor covering butchers.
There is a Difference Between Floor Covering Installation and Butchering!
Installation is a key element in product performance. This fact cannot be stressed enough.
Common examples of improper installation are seaming problems. Other problems can also occur when improperly installed.
- Carpet seams not properly sealed may fray. This will allow the backing to separate along the seam edge.
- Floating floors, where planks not joined properly may separate.
- Hardwood floor, not properly nailed down may squeak or move.
- Sheet vinyl seams, not properly sealed will open, shrink and turn upward.
The floor covering industry is striving for improvement in many areas including the area of floor covering installation. Carpet and Rug Institute – RCI has developed a “seal of approval”. issued to companies meeting specific installation criteria. The CFI – Certified Floorcovering Installers Association and the FCIA – Floor Covering Installers Association have developed excellent programs for improving the quality of floor covering installers. The National Wood Flooring Association – NWFA and the World Flooring Association – WFCA both offer continuing education as do many other trade organizations.