FLOORS in Africa Journal 7'2010

VOL 28.7 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 R38 incl. VAT

IN THIS ISSUE: Ceramic, Porcelain & Stone • Below the Surface • Luxury Flooring

Cersaie Review • Upcoming Events • Specification Considerations

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,

COlOurS

Colours

Nouwens easicarpet introduces a totally new quality culture in polypropylene fibre carpets. Colours was designed as a superior entry-level, commercial carpet alternative for those installations 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 sophisticated multicolour effect naturally enhances serviceability. Unique Nou-wens mill-applied and heat-cured “easi-care” carpet protector also forms an invis-ible, 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.

Nouwens “easi carpet” introduces Colours – a polypro-pylene fibre carpet – designed as a superior entry-level, commercial carpet alternative for those installations which do not qualify for a more costly investment.

*** Thisproducthasbeenstyledforspecificcommercialuseandwillperformthesameasorbetterthanotherlocalcommercialtuftedpolypropylenestyles.

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

usEClAss*** HeavyDomestic/lightCommercial*TYPE Cut/loopPilePIlEFIBrE 100%EAsIFIBrE–withEAsICArE soilresistantTreatmentWIDTH 3.66mAVAIlABIlITY 9standardColoursENDsper10cm ±40sTITCHrATEper10cm ±52TuFTs/looPsper100cm² ±2080PIlEFIBrEMAssgramsperm² ±1050ToTAlMAssgramsperm² ±2230PIlEHEIGHT ±6mmToTAlHEIGHT ±8mmPrIMArYBACKING WovenPolypropyleneTapesECoNDArYBACKING ActionBac

Copenhagen

Madison Square

Kirman

Contracta Spec

Twenty Ten

every Hotels • Lodges • Boutiques • General Commercial • Airports

or contact Nouwens Carpets direct at the following numbers 0117965180, 0214472856 or 0315025730.

C O V E R S T O R Y

ACCESS FlOORing & CAblE MAnAgEMEnTBates Access Flooring p62

AdhESiVES / COATingSa.b.e. Construction Chemicals p40FloorworX p97Smoothedge p27

CARpETSBelgotex Floorcoverings p2Nexus (Belgotex Floorcoverings) Front Cover, p32 - 33, p78 - 79Nouwens Carpets Inside Front CoverTuntex p89Van Dyck Carpets p6, p12 - 13

CERAMiC, pORCElAin And STOnEFerreiras Decor World Inside Back CoverKenzan Quality Tiles p9Tiletoria p91

ClEAning & MAinTEnAnCEFloorworX p45Matco Marketing p31Numatic International p15Tile & Floor Care p29

From corporate logos to tailor-made

patterns and textures, Nexus’ Custom-

X which includes sublimation print-

ing, SDX yarn technology as well as

needlepunch, offers design freedom

on any carpet tile for areas from 100m²

upwards, and this has been the pre-

ferred choice of African Bank for the

refurbishment of their premises in

Boksburg.Custom X is about working

with the Nexus design team and creat-

ing a carpet that meets the require-

ments of the client. It can be whatever the client wants – a certain

pattern, colour and/or yarn.Read the story on pages 32-33 of this

issue for details of the Nexus service that is causing architects and

designers to take another look at floor tile design.

bAnking On nExuS

Topage5

41 57 73VOLUME 28 .7 • OC TOBER NOVEMBER • 2010

G u I D E

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34

WOOd, lAMinATES & bAMbOOBarrow Flooring Back CoverBedson Flooring and Décor p77Eco-logic Bamboo Flooring p5Elastilon p36 - 37FloorworX p85Rhoms Timberworld p86 - 87Teragren p36 - 37Tiletoria p91

ACCESSORiES And OThERBelgotex Floorcovering p67Comfort Creations p88Domotex p20Frame Fibres p65, p66Genesis p30, p35Kirk Marketing p17, p19, p21, p23Pretoria Institute for Architecture p100Revestir p8The Office Plant p99Transiton Transport (Transportation) p94 - 95

Note: Editorials excluded,

listed in alphabetical order

continuedfrompage3

ExTERiOR FlOORing & pAVingBelgotex Floorcoverings p2

induSTRiAl, RESin & COnCRETE FlOORinga.b.e. Construction Chemicals p40Cemcrete p83Concrete Laser Flooring p39, p56Flowcrete SA p69

RESiliEnT FlOORingBelgotex Floorcoverings p2FloorworX p4Transit Floor Tiles p16Traviata Flooring Systems p82Wonder Flooring p25

SEAMlESS FlOORingQuartz Carpet p3

G u I D E

�F L O O R S o c t o b e r N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Roxanne Mancini

BUSINESS UNIT MANAGER

EDITorIAlCoMMENT

In line with the company’s ongoing commitment tooffer more sustainable products, Van Dyck Carpetsis proud to announce the official launch of Florpoint/ Graveltex Earth during October. Everyone in theflooring industry in South Africa knows the popular,well established Florpoint / Graveltex range, as theseproducts have been tried, tested and trusted for over15 years.

The “Earth” version of these products is a “greener”version of these two stalwarts, engineered in sucha way as to introduce recycled content without losingthe overall look and performance of the originalproducts. If anything, thanks to their intelligentdesign these products will perform even better thanthe originals. Read more about the environmentalbenefits of these new products on pages 12-13.

Another green product launched by Van Dyck Carpetsalmost a year ago is our environmentally friendlyEco-lay range of underlays. Made from 100% recycledpost-consumer rubber, Eco-lay underlays areengineered in such a way that they have an increasedlife span of 10 years (double the average life spanof most other underlays). The success of the Eco-layrange has been overwhelming and shows once againVan Dyck Carpet’s commitment to environmentallyfriendly flooring solutions. Read more about theseproducts on page 70-71.

And it won’t stop here. Keep on the look out formore product re-engineering to come as our greenjourney continues. And please remember it is notjust any green carpet ... it’s a Van Dyck Carpet.

Residential Carpets • Commercial CarpetsRugs • DIY • Sport & Leisure Grass • Underlays

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

SA

The latest tiles from italyMedia in Africa visited the popular Cersaie exhibition in

Bologna, Italy, and brings you the latest in international

trends and technologies for Ceramics, Porcelain and

Stone.

We also take a look at the basic requirements for a

successful tile installation and highlight defects often

found in Natural Stone.

Fashion meets performance and products are manu-

factured to last. Read more about this exciting industry

from page 41.

nothing but the best!Perhaps we should have called this Luxury

Floorcoverings feature Floors for Special Buildings

because, although not all the floorcoverings are excep-

tionally luxurious, the projects on which they have

been used certainly are.

We have featured a selection of very special local and

international buildings and their flooring, including a

wood floor that is still going strong after 115 years; a

great hotel penthouse refurbishment; two 5-Star hotels

in Africa being built by a local architect; luxury khayas

at a top game reserve; South Africa’s latest airport

building; and a revelation in hospital floor design.

Read more from page 73.

below the surfaceEveryone is keen on floors that look good, but what

happens underneath is of prime importance. Get it

wrong and the floor will lose its appeal, and even

fail. In this issue we have taken a look at floor slabs,

screeds, moisture, underlays, and floor heating

Find out when to use what for the various types of

floorcovering – refer to our informative feature from

page57.

The flooring industry is alive with great product

launches and offerings! Enjoy this brilliant issue of

FLOORS!

Floorfully yours,

Roxanne Mancini

Liezel van der Merwe

EDITOR

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 neces-sarily 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: [email protected] 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: Styart HarveyCell 072 997 8940 Design and Layout: Jakolien StrydomFinancial Manager: Sietske Rossouw Proofreader: Signa Evans & Hesca JoubertREPRO & PRINTING: Business Print Centre

Liezel van der Merwe

In appreciation of the support afforded us by this sector, we would

like to invite architects and designers to participate in our magazine,

so that we can contact you for comments on certain issues. You may

even like to become contributors to FLOORS.

AninvitationtoarchitectsanddesignersFloors in Africa has attained the highest circulation

figures of any magazine in the Architectural section

of the latest Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) report

with a distribution of 5 722 copies of each issue.

We would also be interested in receiving details of recently complet-

ed or current projects where the flooring played an important role in

achieving the overall design concept.

Anything we write would be cleared with you before we go to print,

and full details of your practice or company given in each case. This

will provide you with the opportunity of extensive free publicity,

highlighting your creativity and architectural prowess.

Contact Roxanne Mancini on 012 347 7530 for further information,

or send us an e-mail at [email protected] with the project

details that we can start on.

Inthenextissue…

Don’tmissthenextissue!Takealookatthemainfeatureswewillbecovering:

Successful projectsLast year everyone wanted to talk about

the truly outstanding projects they

were involved in and why their prod-

ucts or systems were used, so we are

repeating it this year to give every-

body the chance to tell the world

how good they are once again! This

is your chance to be in this exciting

feature if you missed it last time!

Adhesives & installationSpecifiers cannot be expected to keep

up with all the developments within the

floorcovering industry, and yet this impor-

tant sector is one of the most hi-tech, with

fast-moving developments and improve-

ments in application and performance

characteristics a regular occurrence. We

look at the latest developments and tech-

niques to keep them up to date.

Townhouse livingAnother new feature that will look at the

flooring requirements with the current trend

of living in security complexes, upmarket

(and even golf ) estates, and everything in

between. We will talk to developers, estate

managers, architects and others to find out what

is favoured, both indoors and out.

Roxanne Mancini [email protected] Stuart harvey [email protected] Tel: +27 12 347 7530

otteryHypermarketchooses Italianclass!

“Budget price is always an issue; forgivingly based

on the quantum we required, we were able to afford

an excellent quality Italian floor tile from Kenzan

Tiles. It was essential that the tile would withstand

the high-traffic volumes which this Hypermarket

enjoys.” - Sean Hayden of KMH Architects

Fa s h i o n & D e s i g n

�F L O O R S o c t o b e r N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 0

These are the words of Sean Hayden of KMH Architects. This

celebrated practice formed in Cape Town in 1912 is currently

handling the refurbishment of the Ottery Hypermarket, where the

new mall tiles have already been installed and are looking great,

but there are still more aesthetic changes to come.

The flooring component of the project was a challenge for the

architects. Nothing about the building at the Ottery Mall was

conventional. A typical example is the shop fronts, which are void

of any consistency and are neither aligned nor matching in height.

In order to accommodate the variation at the shop face, a perim-

eter border tile was introduced which in turn featured a piano-key

pattern in the middle.

Sean Hayden said, “We are familiar with who has what type of floor-

ing products on the market, we were specifically looking for a Grade

One tile, which was calibrated and rectified (same size and thickness)

to ensure that it would survive the foot traffic of a busy centre.”

“Kenzan were professional, there were no hiccups and

they were always at our beck and call, which we valued

throughout the project,” says Sean.

Nathalie Glenn from Kenzan provided further detail on the project.

“It was a very technical project, with a number of challenges,” she

says. “But our Italian factory gave us the backup and outstanding

service that we needed. They have extensive knowledge and experi-

ence, excellent products, are flexible, and honour all their promises.”

“It is nice to know that the new flooring can confidently take the

Ottery Mall into its next 20 years,” she concludes.

Kenzan Quality Tiles

Cape Town: 021 510 8310

Johannesburg: 011 467 8533

Port Elizabeth: 041 373 6456


When choosing floorcoverings, the options are

many and varied. Visitors to BAU 2011, which is

claimed to be the world’s leading trade fair for

architecture, materials and systems which takes

place from 17 to 22 January 2011 at the New

Munich Trade Fair Centre, will be able to review the

whole spectrum of materials, colours and designs

currently available on the world market in floorings.

Floorcoverings:Theagonyof

10


F L O O R S o c t o b e r N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 0

choice


11F L O O R S o c t o b e r N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Resilient coverings (linoleum, PVC, rubber, cork) and textile floor-

ings will be on show; laminates and parquet flooring are also

on display; and tiles and ceramics will be exhibited. Here leading

manufacturers from all over the world will be showcasing their lat-

est creations for the design of interiors and exteriors.

Architects and interior designers are increasingly discovering

floors as being an important element in the overall design. They,

their customers, and the flooring specialists that advise them and fit

the products, are confronted with a very wide choice.

The advantages of traditional coverings such as wood, stone and

tiles are their robustness and timeless quality. New formats and new

surface structures have emerged, and wooden floorboards, wood-

blocks, stone slabs and hand-painted tiles have enjoyed a renais-

sance in recent years.

Modern materials are often a mix of natural and synthetic – and

here, too, the choice is broad, from textile floorings made of natural

and man-made fibres to resilient floors of linoleum, PVC, rubber

and cork.

Colour and surface design or structure are just two of the factors

to take into account when choosing a flooring material. Others

include: What will it look like in several years time? How does it feel?

Does it smell? How do you use it, what can it withstand and what is

it meant to prevent? How long should it last, how do you clean it,

and what is the budget?

Also, it must be remembered that floorcoverings play a part in the

overall architectural design, so questions as to whether they should

harmonise or contrast with it also need to be addressed.

One important trend when it comes to sustainability is recycling,

not just in the case of resilient floorings such as PVC or linoleum,

but also carpet tiles. Some manufacturers are now taking their

products back after use and recycling them into fibres or backings.

Carpet tiles have other advantages too – they act as sound insula-

tion, are very robust even under frequent use, and can easily be

replaced as required.

In textile and resilient floorings in particular a whole host of new

products has been developed. These range from new ways with nat-

ural, renewable materials such as cork, hemp, wool and leather, and

products made from natural and synthetic base materials, such as

rubber (also called elastomeric), through to purely synthetic fibres

and plastics (vinyl floorings) and coatings of epoxy resin.

Added to this are more unusual choices such as strongly struc-

tured or even flocked textile coverings, alongside exotic options

such as those made of paper, seagrass and pineapple fibres. Visitors

can look forward to an exciting display at BAU 2011 where over 1

900 exhibitors from more than 40 countries are expected to take

part, and more than 210 000 visitors from around 150 countries.

14

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


Customising

Delivering value to its clients forms a core part of

Numatic’s product offering. As one of the largest suppli-

ers of exceptional cleaning solutions, Numatic has identi-

fied an emerging trend in clients’ cleaning demands. In

response, the cleaning giant now customises the colour of

its products to suit the corporate identity of its customers.

–respondingtomarkettrendscorporatecolours

Janine Botha, National Sales & Marketing Manager for Numatic,

says, “Historically, cleaning equipment and the cleaning process

itself was considered to be a function completed behind closed

doors. However, as business requirements evolved a new trend has

emerged. Cleaning and the equipment used is becoming a vital part

of a corporate institution’s image.”

Most businesses, offices, banks, shopping centres and airports have

no option but to clean their premises during normal office hours,

bringing this process into the public eye.

Business owners are becoming increasingly aware of how clean-

ing equipment can be used as an opportunity to subtly portray their

corporate identity, while sending a positive and hygienic message to

the market.

Botha continues, “Providing companies with technologically

advanced cleaning equipment branded in their corporate colours

demonstrates that the company cares about the finer details and

their customers’ wellbeing.

Numatic’s process of developing branded products starts by under-

standing the client’s corporate identity. Once this has been achieved,

Numatic’s media division in the UK produces a graphic which the

client signs off before the colours are mixed and the purchase order

is put through for production. Delivery takes place within eight to 12

weeks from the date of order.

Numatic has produced branded cleaning products for a number

of respected companies in South Africa including SAFIC, Prestige

Cleaning Services, Supercare Services Group, the Red Carnation Hotel

Group and selected Holiday Inn Hotels.

For more information on Numatic’s service offering to corporate cli-

ents, visit www.numatic.co.za.


1�F L O O R S o c t o b e r N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 0

GreatGolfDayforNumaticA full field of golfers enjoyed the 2010 Numatic

Golf Day held at the Eagle Canyon Country Club,

Honeydew, on 9 September which saw some great

weather, some even better golf, and a great day

had by all!

With a 4-ball alliance competition (two scores to count), the win-

ning combination was Alan Wintermeyer, Dale Cowley, Erik

Smith and Warwick Mills of Supercare. Customers from as far afield as

Botswana took part, as well as visitors from the Numatic International

Head Office in Chard, Somerset, England.

The prizes were presented by The 40 Year-old Rookie golf profes-

sional Michael Schultz, who was also the MC and guest speaker,

entertaining the guests for over an hour with golf tips and quips for

the occasion.

He also conducted an auction at the event that raised R20 000 for

Friends of Rescued Animals (FORA) which is a shelter for homeless

dogs and cats, opened in August 2003. It is a non-profit organisation

run by a dedicated team of volunteers.

The shelter, based in Luipaardsvlei, Krugersdorp, accommodates

600 dogs and 200 cats, and is a safe haven for homeless and abused

animals to live whilst awaiting adoption or, failing this, to live out the

rest of their lives in a safe environment, in keeping with FORA’s ‘No

Kill’ policy.

Now in its 16th year of operation in South Africa, Numatic

International started in southwest England, and from humble begin-

nings in 1969 has grown to be one of the foremost cleaning and

floorcare companies in the world, with subsidiary companies in France,

Germany and The Netherlands in addition to its Johannesburg office.

Numatic South Africa is serving the cleaning industry with a wide

range of quality vacuum cleaners, mopping units, janitorial and

hotel trolleys, and floor machines of all descriptions, and offers a

comprehensive sales, support and training service for its entire sales

programme.

The company is committed to support and comply with B-BBEE

standards, and feels that its success in this country is due to its

emphasis on job creation, the sharing of knowledge and expertise,

and its investment in people.

With product development and customer care high on Numatic’s

future programmes, South Africa can expect the high standards set

by the company to be maintained.

Numatic International

Tel: 0861 NUMATIC (686284)

Website: www.numatic.co.za

16



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: [email protected] • www.transittiles.com

Elevatingthefloors!Take a look at the floor the next time you get into

a lift. If it has a raised pastille pattern the chances

are that you are being transported on a high-qual-

ity PVC studded tile floor manufactured by Transit

Floor Tiles.

You might also be admiring the quality workmanship of JD

Installations – a company in Pretoria West that specialises in

the complete refurbishment and modernisation of lifts – offering a

complete re-fitment service for every lift manufacturer, and a keen

customer of Transit for their fit-and-forget floor tiles.

Owner José Dias says he uses Transit for over 80% of the new lift

floors he provides because these can be readily installed with a

contact adhesive to steel or wood subfloor platforms, some with

Masonite sheeting over them, and he has no problems with their

quality and dimensional stability.

One of the favourite tiles in the Transit sales programme for these

applications is the 8x8 which has an improved pastille design, and

another is the New Quadra Super, which has a gloss base and the

radiused curve to the top of each pastille allowing for easier cleaning.

The 8x8 tiles are 300mm x 300mm with a base thickness of 2,20mm,

a stud height of 0,80mm, a total thickness of 3mm, and feature eight

rows of 8 round studs each 25mm in diameter.

Aesthetically Transit has the edge on many other products in these

applications as they have been in business for 25 years and, in addi-

tion to having a modern and hi-tech appearance, Transit Tiles are

extremely robust, dimensionally stable, extremely durable and ideally

suitable for elevators or other applications where a high degree of

traffic is expected.

Transit Floor Tiles

Tel: 011 397 3330 Fax: 011 397 3810



PVC concave edge trimAluminium Formable square edge

Brass round edge trim Stainless steel listello

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

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kirk.co.zaCAPE TOWN

Tel: +27 21 949 2226 Fax: +27 21 949 4531KWAZULU NATAL

Tel: +27 31 564 1175 Fax: +27 31 564 1143PORT ELIZABETH

Tel: 0860 547573 Fax: 086 688 4980

Structural movement and expansion joints for floors, walls, columns, ceilings, roofs, car garages,

bridges. Fire Barriers also available.

M Trim is a brand of PVC, brass, aluminium,stainless steel and anodised profiles used for

tiles, carpets, vinyl and laminate floors.

Quality Profiles for wood and laminate floors.

Quality Tile Cleaners,Strippers and Sealants.

PVC curvable profiles for multi-shaped flooring. Commercial and domestic applications.

TrimsprovidetheperfectfloorfinishKirk Marketing is a leading Southern African supplier of trims and

top-quality accessories to the flooring industry. With a superior

range of products and branches situated throughout the region,

Kirk prides itself on its extensive experience and knowledge

gained through combined 50 years in the industry.

Stainless steel quadrant edge

Brass elite straight edge

Aluminium elite straight edge

PVC round edge

With this considerable expertise, training and product knowledge, the Kirk Marketing

design team has developed the superior and highly functional M.Trim collection, used

extensively for tile, carpet, vinyl, wood and laminate flooring.

These trims have been produced specifically for the market throughout Southern Africa

whilst being professionally designed and manufactured to international standards.

In application, trims are used for the final finishing of tiled floors and walls, with the prima-

ry elements being aesthetics (listellos, corners, edges, etc.), functionality (ramps, gap fillers,

shapes, corners, stairs, etc.) and the protection of tile edges.

The four most widely used materials for tile trims are PVC, aluminium, brass and stainless

steel, but they can also be manufactured in zinc, copper, mild steel, recycled materials and

more, depending on the requirements of the project. However, it should be noted that PVC

is not designed for floors other than its use in stair nosing applications.

Brass is a popular choice for use on floors and walls. It is a heavy-duty and resilient prod-

uct, and although tarnishing can occur in some corrosive environments, this can be easily

polished to revive the shine.

Aluminium trims is available in natural finish, anodised colours and powder-coated in any

colour, quality products such as M.Trim are recommended if the floor is to look and perform

as expected.

Stainless steel is tough, hardwearing, and suitable for all conditions depending on the

Grade used. Several grades and surface finishes are available, and trims in this material

can also be custom-designed to meet any requirement, making it a popular option with

specifiers.

For your final tile trim solution, or technical advice on any application, contact the M.Trim

experts on the following numbers.

Kirk Marketing Head Office: 011 444 1441 Helpline: 086 110 2165

Cape Town: 021 949 2226 Durban: 031 564 1175 Port Elizabeth: 0860 547 573

Email: [email protected] Website: www.kirk.co.za

WhO dO YOu Think iS ThE biggEST CERAMiC TilE MAnuFACTuRER in ThE WORld?

Sitting down? According to Ceramic World Review magazine, which

is devoted to ceramic tile and sanitaryware production technologies,

the answer is UAE-based RAK Ceramics.The Ras Al Khaimah company

dominated rankings of the top 25 ceramic tile manufacturers in 2009 with a total produc-

tion output of 115-million m² from 15 manufacturing facilities located in six countries;

and a US$1-billion global revenue with exports to over 150 countries. Two years ago RAK

Ceramics was ranked fourth with a production of 106-million m², but has expanded and

increased its production facility even during the recent economic slowdown.

FlooringsolutionsforGreenNutFarmMapei South Africa, part of the global Mapei

Group and an industry leader in the supply of

building materials, has supplied Green Nut Farm,

based in Hazyview, with epoxy flooring solutions.

Mapei South Africa supplied Mapefloor i 300 Sl, a two-com-ponent, multi-purpose, neutral-coloured epoxy floor surfac-ing treatment, for green nut Farm, based in hazyview.

Green Nut Farm, a macadamia nut grower, has had the flooring

solution applied to its packaging, production and receiving

areas, and the final floor finish has been implemented over an area

of approximately 800m2 by Maroda Concrete Preparation – a local

flooring applicator.

Mapei has supplied Mapefloor I 300 SL a two-component, multi-

purpose, neutral-coloured epoxy for industrial flooring treatment.

According to Garth Meyer, product manager (Flooring), the prod-

uct can be applied at a thickness of up to four millimetres and is

ideal for applications in environments such as the food industry,

pharmaceutical applications, shopping centres, and the chemical

and automotive industries.

“Mapefloor I 300 SL is a strong, durable product which has high

abrasion resistance and aesthetic appeal. The product can be

applied as a self-levelling system, which results in a seamless floor

surface,” he says. “This product is also available in a non-slip option.

Mapei has developed the product without using solvents or nonyl-

phenol, which makes the product ideally suitable for applications in

the food processing industry as it does not present any risk of food

contamination.”

In order to lay the new floors, Green Nut Farm’s processing equip-

ment needed to be removed from its production plant, and a contrac-

tor was hired to perform this task, but as a result of the high mass of

the processing equipment, the existing floor surface was damaged,

making it unsuitable for the application of the Mapefloor I 300 SL.

To overcome this challenge, Maroda Concrete Preparation used

Mapei Ultraplan – a cementitious, polymer-based, self-levelling sys-

tem. The product exhibits ultra-fast hardening properties and was

applied at a thickness of ten millimetres.

Once the original floor surface was repaired, Maroda Concrete

Preparation used Primer SN – an epoxy-based primer to seal the

floors and prevent any risk of delamination between the freshly

repaired floor surface and the Mapefloor I 300 SL.

Mapei has also supplied Mapefloor I 500 W, which was used for the

washbay area. This is a two-component, epoxy resin-based treatment

in water dispersion, which is permeable to vapour for industrial floors.

Meyer notes that the product is water-based, and is safe for the

environment and applications which require a vapour-permeable

floor coating. “Mapefloor I 500 W is a fantastic product, which has

been developed in Mapei’s development laboratories. Even though

the product is water-based, it is not subject to shrinkage,” he says.

“The product offers resistance to chemicals and abrasion and can

be applied to concrete after only four days of curing. After applica-

tion, the system offers a seamless, aesthetically appealing appear-

ance with high abrasion resistance.”

Feedback from the customer has been positive for the product as

well as for Maroda Concrete Preparation’s knowledge and expertise

in completion of the project.

Mapei

Tel: 011 552 8476

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.mapei.co.za18





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

E-mail: [email protected] 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

React 100

React 300

React 1000

Structural movement and expansion joints for floors, walls, columns, ceilings, roofs, car garages, bridges.

Fire Barriers also available.

M Trim is a brand of PVC, brass, aluminium,stainless steel and anodised profiles used for tiles,

carpets, vinyl and laminate floors.




specifyexpansionjointswithconfidence!

Kirk Marketing is proud to be the sole South African agent for

Vexcolt Expansion Joints since 2003, and has been successful in

specifying them for numerous prestigious South African projects

by offering a wide range of options that are aesthetically pleasing

and effective.

Vexcolt is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of expansion joints, movement joints

and fire barriers. Its expansion joints are designed to accommodate the needs of the

flooring industry, regardless of the floorcoverings being used.

In South Africa the Vexcolt range has become extremely popular – with a portfolio of archi-

tectural expansion joints to meet any flooring requirement and covering joint widths ranging

from 25mm to 600mm depending on the application and the need, in addition to which

these products are all provided with the Vexcolt 10-year manufacturing guarantee.

To ensure that the designer’s problems or requirements for expansion joints are adequately

and professionally solved, Kirk Marketing is involved with the design team in selecting the

correct system to suit the building specifications, offering on-site technical advice and training.

Specifying the correct expansion joint is vital for any application, and the technical team at

Kirk Marketing is actively involved from the beginning of the project with the selection and

installation of the expansion joint systems to avoid failure of the joints, which can be costly in

terms of time and money.

Kirk Marketing has specified Vexcolt expansion joints successfully into many South African

projects nationwide, including Gold Reef City Casino (Johannesburg); the Gautrain (Gauteng);

Golden Horse Casino (Pietermaritzburg); The Grove Shopping Centre (Pretoria); Hemingways

Mall (East London); Loch Logan Shopping Centre (Bloemfontein); Palms Retail Centre (Lagos)

and University of the Western Cape, to name but a few.




glueless Carpet tile

Beaulieu Canada and TacFast Systems International say they have formed a partnership

to provide a totally adhesive-free, free-floating carpet installation system.

Beaulieu Canada will market and sell TacFast LocPlate products that feature a free-float-

ing substrate and carpet products with a loop fabric covering the underside. The floor-

ing surface attaches to the hook substrate by engaging the hooks and loops creating a

mechanical bond that holds the flooring surface in place securely, yet is releasable.

The LocPlate product line is a modular floor that can be installed over any subfloor, with-

out any attachment to the subfloor and supports the installation of a variety of flooring

surfaces, making it a universal subfloor system, the companies said.

“Adding a loop to the underside of our carpet broadens our product offerings as we will

offer our entire commercial broadloom line with TacFast,” said Marcel Poirier, Beaulieu

Canada’s vice-president of commercial business.

Floordaily.net

20



EpoxyflooringsystemfortwonewDurbanbeachfacilitiesAn epoxy flooring system from a.b.e. Construction

Chemicals was used to provide the flooring for two

new facilities on the Durban Beach Promenade.

The company’s abescreed epoxy flooring system was used as the

flooring system for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Media Centre

on the South Beach Promenade, as well as for a new World Cup res-

taurant and its kitchen, ablutions and boat room on the North Beach

Promenade. Both have now become public entertainment facilities

on the revamped promenade.

Brad Hunt, a.b.e. Technical Sales Consultant in KwaZulu-Natal, says

abescreed was applied to a minimum thickness of 6mm over a 625m²

area at the Media Centre floors. The specialist flooring applicator was

Inter Civil Projects, and the main contractor G. Liveiro & Son. The proj-

ect/building was designed by Jay & Nel Architects.

The same thickness abescreed system was applied for the floor-

ing of the new restaurant opposite Durban’s Mini Town. “The a.b.e.-

approved applicator, Seal Con Systems, first applied a coat of a.b.e.

flooring resin and scattered a.b.e. Silica Sand number 1 coarse silica

sand, followed by 6mm thick abescreed coating, which was then

sealed with two coats of a.b.e.’s abecote PU water-based clear matt

coating,” Hunt explained.

Design Workshop were the architects appointed by the City of

Durban to handle the design and help oversee the construction of

the building.

abescreed is a four-component, solvent-free flooring system com-

prising a clear resin and activator blended with a pre-packed graded

aggregate and coloured pigment.

Hard-wearing and chemical-resistant, abescreed is a decorative

mortar that provides seamless flooring surfaces. The product is slip-

resistant and ideal for areas subjected to heavy mechanical wear. “The

flooring system is ideal for restaurants, schools, factories, laboratories,

food processing plants, supermarkets and garages,” Hunt states. “It

provides far longer life than unprotected concrete floors and requires

low maintenance.”

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals

Tel: 011 306 9000

Website: www.abe.co.za

part of the durban beach promenade facilities for which a.b.e.’s abecote flooring system was used.



Grout & tile cleaner Water based Tile sealant

Multi pupose cleaner Colour sheen enhancer

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

E-mail: [email protected] 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

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




Tel: 0860 547573 Fax: 086 688 4980








Qualitytilecarechemicals

Marketed in South Africa exclusively by Kirk Marketing, M-Chem

is a comprehensive range of quality tile care chemicals, devel-

oped through extensive market research and tests that allow Kirk

Marketing to introduce these unique high-quality products with

confidence for cleaning, stripping, sealing and maintaining floors,

covering almost every eventuality and tile type, and specialising in

full specifications on the entire range.

Kirk Marketing provides a comprehensive sales and delivery service, product training and

technical information that enable tile and hardware retailers to provide the best product

and advice, thus giving complete customer satisfaction. A chemical specialist within Kirk

Marketing is available for site inspections, to offer further assistance and will inform on best

product to use.

A lot of new developments are using a wide range of natural stones which have now

become available. It is imperative from an architectural viewpoint that M-Chem chemicals

are specified for these jobs, and specifications are all available on Autospec. M-Chem is

locally manufactured.

Apart from a qualified sales team, Kirk Marketing also has a national distribution network

with offices in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town – each carrying stock,

enabling Kirk Marketing to provide a superior customer service. M-Chem products are all

individually colour-coded, so one can tell from a distance the product being used, thus elimi-

nating any confusion.

M-Chem is continually developing new ideas for the tiling industry, and the latest product

M-Clean is a scented lime/lemon multi-purpose cleaner and available in a 750ml spray bottle.

It is pre-diluted at 1:5 and has 1-litre concentrated refills available. All the necessary markings

are on the bottle to ensure that the end-user is able to refill and dilute to their required need.

In respect of the chemical range, Kirk also supplies a range of application tools.




ThE gREEkS hAd A WORd FOR iT!

Did you know that the word ceramic is derived from the

Greek word κεραμικός (keramikos)?

(and we bet you thought it was Italian!)

22



InnovativesolutionsinhealthcareIn hospital environments floors must be closely controlled as

they can transfer bacteria and transmit diseases to patients. With

over eighty years of experience, Forbo understands that hygiene

is a major concern for hospitals and has developed Sarlon Tech

Sparkling – now being marketed in South Africa by FloorworX.

STAPHYLOCOCCUSAUREUS

ESCHERICHIACOLI

PSEUDOMNASAERUGINOSA

S. AUREUSMRSA

R R R R

sArloNTECHsPArKlING 5,0 6,1 5,5 4,7

MArKETProDuCT1 0,5 -0,2 -0,9 2,1

MArKETProDuCT2 1,8 1,4 -0,6 4,1

MArKETProDuCT3 5,0 2 0,9 4,7

MArKETProDuCT4 5,0 4,8 0,5 4,7

R > 2 = Antibacterial performance is effective

R < 2 = Antibacterial performance is not effective

This innovative product offers Bacteri’Protect – the most effective antibacterial treat-

ment available for hospitals; Stain’Protect – the first treatment on the market that is

resistant to Betadine and Eosin; and the best indentation performance of acoustic certi-

fied products; in addition to being a totally eco-friendly product.

Antibacterial performance tests performed by CIBA laboratory in compliance with the JIS Z

2801 standard protocol.

In line with current sanitary requirements, Sarlon Tech Sparkling is tested by

accredited laboratories and assists in the fight against nosocomial infections, and

Bacteri’Protect is a new antibacterial treatment using silver ions, tested and approved

by the Pasteur Institute in Lille, France. It is also effective against the Pseudomonas

Aeruginosa strain.

The ion solution in the varnish and the wear layer of the floorcovering guarantees

permanent and constant action which strengthens durability over time, unlike chemi-

cal additives. It also guarantees a product that is totally innocuous for the surrounding

environment. In addition, Sarlon Tech Sparkling has the highest ranking of the VOC

Indoor Emissions standard, and is recyclable.

Finally, the Stain’Protect feature of this product provides a genuine shield against

stains, with a high resistance to standard products used in hospital environments.

It is also effective against chemical products such as ammonia, white spirit and ace-

tone and domestic products such as bleach.

In the current climate of sanitary challenges, Forbo reflects its solutions through

the development of new eco-friendly solutions by increasing both private and public

awareness and, in turn, this is replicated by the inclusion of Sarlon Tech Sparkling in the

FloorworX sales programme – which already finds favour in a myriad of South African

healthcare programmes.

FloorworX Marketing

Tel: 011 406 4146

Fax: 011 406 4205

www.floorworx.co.za



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




Tel: 0860 547573 Fax: 086 688 4980

Aluminium foiled Multifloor transition

Aluminium Multifloor expansion

Aluminium foiled Clipper Finish Aluminium Stepfloor








Uniquelaminatefloorprofiles

Two of the major elements of the Kirk

Marketing sales programme are the Bendi

quality profiles that are ideal for curved floors,

and Dural – offering an extensive range of

profiles for wood and laminate floors.

Square end coverExpansion cover

Bendi Transition Clip

The Bendi range of curvable profiles marketed by Kirk

Marketing is extremely popular in South Africa. The Bendi

Transition clip is a curvable profile used as a transition cover

for multi-shaped floors or different levels such as laminate to

carpet, wood to laminate, and laminate or wood to tile.

Other curvable profile used are the Bendi Ramp clip, the Bendi Cover clip and the Bendi

Square clip. These curvable profiles are used as a ramp cover , an expansion cover and an

end-cover respectively for multi-shaped flooring on different height floors or on same-level

flooring or against the wall or border. All the above Bendi profiles allow for movement of

your laminate or wood flooring and the Bendi Clip system can bend on a radius of 80cm.

Laminate flooring is predominantly fitted as a floating floor and will generally experience

expansion and contraction in the South African varying climate environment, and Kirk rec-

ommends aluminium-based profiles as the most suitable for these applications.

Aluminium is the most popular, and the Dural range of profiles (manufactured in Germany)

provides solutions to accommodate expansion, transition, finish, end, step and adaptable

shapes to solve expansion and gaps against sliding doors, large floor areas, staircases, transi-

tion between different flooring types, or finishing for a laminate floor to a screed or vinyl and

curvable floor types.

Dural’s quality Multifloor range is also ideal for retrofit situations where a profile has been

forgotten, and is available in 92cm and 270cm lengths – ideal both for contracts and DIY.

Kirk Marketing offers a comprehensive sales, delivery and technical advisory service for any

flooring profile.




interiors 2011

This major exhibition for the construction and building industry held every year in the

UK will include a new flooring section – showcasing the latest developments, trends,

products and technologies to over 38 000 anticipated visitors.

This expo takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 23 to 26

January 2011, and anyone wishing to know more should contact Sunny Patel at +44

207 921 8415 or by e-mail [email protected].

FLOORS in Africa will follow up after the event to bring you all the latest news.

NewshowroominWestlakePreviously situated in the Steenberg Village

Shopping Centre at Tokai, Gill Mackintosh

Flooring has moved into new retail premises at

the Westlake Lifestyle Centre in the southern

suburbs of Cape Town.

Established in 2003, Gill Mackintosh Flooring offers Sisal, Coir,

Hemp, Seagrass, wall-to-wall carpeting, resilient vinyl, and lami-

nate and engineered wooden flooring, together with high-quality

design, advice and personalised service, which includes an installa-

tion team offering expert installations.

All installations are fully supervised, and Gill offers complimen-

tary overlocking of off-cuts as well as ensuring that comprehensive

instruction is given to the client or staff of the installed product.

The new showroom can be found at 14A Westlake Lifestyle Centre,

Westlake Drive, Westlake, and contact can be made by telephone:

021 702 2208; Cell: 072 487 0053, or e-mail [email protected].


DecorativeandaffordablevinyltileoptionsWonder Flooring, the exclusive dis-

tributors of Armstrong and Wonstep

vinyl flooring ranges throughout

Southern Africa, have found unprec-

edented demand from architects,

interior designers and building and

flooring contractors for these superb-

ly versatile vinyl tile ranges.

24



Apart from the favourable price, a few of the

other motivating factors towards this trend

among specifiers are as a result of the unique fea-

tures of these ranges.

These include through-grain chip construction,

which means the tiles retain a consistent appear-

ance even in areas of differential wear. Also, the

marble effect on the tile renders a quality finish

– if the grain is laid in the same direction, the tile

appears as a sheet product. This effect is obtained

through the manufacturer’s unique cutting process



and the resultant squareness of the tile.

Some other features and benefits include a heavy-

duty formulation; high rolling-load integrity mak-

ing it ideal for wheeled traffic such as trolleys; easy

installation, economical options compared to other

flooring types; and textured tone-on-tone mottle

that masks traffic damage. Also, the low emissions

of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with these

ranges will inhibit ‘sick building syndrome’.

These tile ranges are available in 2mm and 2,5mm

thicknesses, and comprise exciting and varied

colourways. They have been extensively used in

retail chain stores, factories, educational institutions

and prisons.

Some of the projects that our vinyl tile ranges

have been successfully used in include Game

Stores; Checkers Hyper; Kokstad Prison; Durban

International Airport; Diepkloof Prison; and various

public and private Schools.

For further information on these exciting floor

ranges, contact Wonder Flooring at the numbers

shown below, or visit the website.

Wonder Flooring

Tel: 0860 29 80 80


Website: www.wonderflooring.com

Going greenwithflooringadhesiveWith worldwide ecological and environmental

issues bearing down hard on the flooring industry,

all aspects of flooring materials in terms of manu-

facture, supply and installation now come under

close scrutiny by architects, designers, contractors

and end-users as they all seek to ‘go green’.

26



In terms of installing carpet and resilient floorcoverings, perhaps

the biggest challenge has been in providing environmentally

friendly adhesives, an area that has regularly used alcohol, glycol,

methanol, ammonia (with their associated hazardous vapours) in

their manufacture.

This problem has now been solved by Smoothedge with the

introduction of its Earthbond range, comprising a revolutionary sol-

vent-free acrylic bond adhesive that contains only very low levels of

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and none of the above harmful

substances; and Earthtac PSA – a pressure-sensitive adhesive with

the same beneficial qualities.

Earthbond offers a total solution to the potential hazards com-

monly associated with traditional floorcovering adhesives; it does

not contribute to sick building syndrome and is suitable for hospi-

tals, retirement homes, hotels, office blocks and restaurants where

hazardous vapours may present potential health risks.

Local adhesives are solvent based and contain very high quantities

of Volatile organic compounds – ±140grams of VOC for solvent-

based adhesives. Earthbond is the only water-based adhesive for

carpet and vinyl installations in South Africa.

Use of this adhesive improves air quality, causes fewer health

problems (if any) and emits very little odour during installation,

becoming odourless when dry. As a water-based acrylic adhesive,

Earthbond is totally solvent-free, and provides outstanding adhe-

sion to the substrate.

Smoothedge is a member and keen supporter of the Green

Building Association and it is interesting to note that several major

banks aiming to achieve ‘Green Building’ status have specified and

used Earthbond.

To complete the range, Earthtac PSA has been developed as a

pressure-sensitive adhesive with low VOC content which is manu-

factured to the highest quality standards and enjoys all the ‘green’

features and benefits of Earthbound adhesive.

This high-quality adhesive has been used extensively in South

Africa in heavy commercial applications such as banks, furniture

stores and exhibitions centres. In use, it can be brushed or rolled on

and it remains permanently tacky after flash-off, as well as providing

an excellent hold.

Established in 1966, Smoothedge has vast experience in meeting

the needs of the flooring industry, and has gained an exemplary

reputation throughout the trade with superior products such as car-

pet grippers, aluminium edgings and flooring tools.

In 1986 Smoothedge took the decision that adhesives were an

important growth area and, having carried out extensive research

into the design and manufacture of specialised flooring adhesives,

has also developed new formulations for outdoor use with contact

adhesive including a non-flammable contact.

It is this diligent investment in development programmes aimed

at meeting the requirements of its customers and end-users that

has led Smoothedge to the provision of the Earthbound and

Earthtac PSA adhesives.

Providing a broad range of customers with solutions for all their

fitting needs is the main aim of Smoothedge, and this continued

research and development, resulting in innovative solutions to

everyday installation problems, will ensure that the company will

remain firmly established as a reputable and innovative supplier in

the forefront of the South African flooring industry.

Smoothedge

Tel: 011 555 5360

Fax: 011 555 5378

28



Coolcrete concrete stain is manufactured and

marketed for the decoration of concrete floors in

South Africa by Tile & Floor Care (TFC), which is

one of South Africa’s leading floor care specialists.

The product is styled as being a (genuinely) pen-

etrating concrete stain, because the liquid pen-

etrates into the concrete and a chemical reaction

takes place that permanently changes the colour

of the concrete. It does not peel, crack or flake.

Bringingblandcementfloorstolife!The stain can be applied to old or new cement. The cement

must be unsealed, unpainted and porous, so that the stain

can penetrate and react. Once the stain is applied and penetrates

into the pores of the cement, the metallic salts in an acidic water-

based solution react with the calcium hydroxide (free lime) in the

hard cement and yield insoluble permanent colours.

Coolcrete stain is available in four colours, namely: Riverstone

(brown), Cobblestone (gold), Limestone (green), and Soapstone

(blue) and is presented in 1-litre, 5-litre and 25-litre packs.

The stain works very well as a stand-alone decorative finish or it

blends effectively with natural finishes such as sandstone, slate,

travertine and marble.

One of the many advantages of this product is that you are lim-

ited only by your artistic flair, because the colours may be used

together to create any type of pattern or shade. Your cement

floor will be seen to be beautiful, like never before.

The use of Coolcrete has clear advantages for several reasons.

For example, TFC knows and understands porous flooring sub-

strates, and thus has provided a performance-tested product.

The stain will be protected by tried-and-tested TFC sealers, thus

providing stain resistance and longevity.

The product is aimed at the DIY consumer, and thus is pro-

duced to be very user-friendly, plus the fact that it is a very

cost-effective decorative application that provides a fashionable,

natural choice of finish.

Coolcrete is available nationally through all TFC distribution

centres, which means that it is readily available anywhere. This

also means that the product is backed by the TFC support infra-

structure and experience.

Tile and Floor Care

Tel: 011 822 6901

Toll-free: 0800 00 6173

Fax: 011 822 6902

Website: www.tfc.co.za

�0




�1F L O O R S o c t o b e r N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 0

ProtectionofyourfloorsstartsoutsideTwenty years ago, access matting options were

pretty well cut-and-dried with only a couple of

varieties to choose from. Today, improved tech-

nologies, extended durability and improved func-

tionality have been incorporated into the variety of

access matting types now available.

Traditionally, there are vast reasons why a facility manager

would consider implementing a matting system. Some might

consider it a safety factor or use mats to display logos, while others

comment that mats are a necessity that help improve cleanliness

throughout the facility. In reality, there is no one right reason why

matting is important. There are actually a variety of benefits to its

implementation.

High-performance matting systems help to stop dirt and water at

the door, minimise the tracking of soil and water into the facility, and

protect floors, as well as providing a safe surface that is slip-resistant.

Reduction of fatigue is also a factor which is often overlooked.

Picking up dirt can be a nuisance. It can also be pricey. By install-

ing a suitable matting system, the cost of manpower and need for

cleaning chemicals are reduced.

It takes just one phone call to Matco – one of South Africa’s fore-

most experts on all types of access matting – to get the informa-

tion you need on the style of matting you require – based on the

volume and type of foot traffic expected. In addition, location of

access matting plays a very important role.

The answers to these questions will determine what type of mat-

ting is required, as well as whether the matting needs fitting into a

recessed well or laying on a prepared surface. In this latter case it

is important to use bevelled edging to keep the mat in place and

reduce the risk of tripping. However, mats laid in recesses have three

times the lifespan of a loose-laying mat, and never get misplaced.

Matco is an importer and manufacturer of matting for all applica-

tions, with a knowledge of matting coupled with years of experi-

ence and an extensive sales programme that has been the core of

the company’s success in meeting any entrance matting require-

ment – selecting the right size, the correct materials, and the per-

fect installation techniques to keep the flooring looking as good as

when it was first specified.

Matco Marketing

Tel: 011 452 7961

Fax: 011 452 7965

E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]/

[email protected]

Website: www.matcomarketing.co.za

Nexus (the commercial division of Belgotex

Floorcoverings) is currently supplying a total

of approximately 7 000m² of custom-made

Shadow SDX floor tiles for the refurbishment of

African Bank in Midrand.

Custom-madetilesforAfricanBank

In collaboration with the experienced Custom-X design team from

Nexus, Lily Theron of African Bank was able to create a nylon car-

pet tile that represents a significant change from the needlepunch

tiles previously used.

Emphasising the merits of Nexus Custom-X designs, marketing

services manager Helen de Villiers says, “Flooring is a fundamental

element to define your style – it communicates the company philos-

ophy and reflects the corporate identity, so it should entail collabo-

ration between client and designer to marry performance demands

with design imperatives.”

“We’ve noticed a definite move towards modular carpet tiles

where broadloom carpets once accounted for 60-70% of sales,”

noted Frank Moffat, CEO of Belgotex Floorcoverings.

“Architects, designers and consequently clients are more confident

about moving away from trusty needlepunch ranges to more excit-

ing tufted tiles,” he added.He attributes this trend to improvements

in both yarn technology and greater colour and design possibilities

Incorporating a subtle geometric square design, Shadow SDX pro-

vides an excellent choice for heavy commercial applications such

as this project, where the need to disguise soiling is essential to the

purchasing decision.�2


P r o j e c t s

Nexus (division of Belgotex Floorcoverings)

Tel: 033 897 7500

Fax: 033 897 7700


upgrading project.”

Informed by international design trends, the plush comfort and

variety of Nexus’ stock or specially tailored carpet designs (Custom-

X) are well suited to the creation of a hushed warmer atmosphere

that will stand up to the rigours of commercial and industrial

applications.

Modular tiles from Nexus allow the replacement of worn pathways

without affecting the rest of the room. Colour-matching concerns

are a thing of the past with the development of exacting colouring

techniques and advanced SDX fibre technology that allows a fabu-

lous variety of subtle and bold patterned carpets that effectively

hide soiling.

High-traffic areas such as entrance halls or passages need durable

carpets. Nexus offers a variety of fashionable or traditional colour-

ways, patterned or plain, and textures that can be combined for

dramatic effect or matched to any corporate identity.

The SDX carpet ranges are stainproof needing only a mixture of

50% bleach and 50% water to remove the most stubborn of stains

that occur in an office environment returning them to their original

condition and with simple vacuum cleaning, it is all the mainte-

nance normally required.

Made from 100% Stainproof SDX (Solution-Dyed Nylon) fibres

which means that they are both stain-proof and UV-resistant, these

50cm x 50cm tufted level-loop-pile tiles are of Heavy Commercial

grading, and incorporate a NexBac backing system.

NexBac is a premium, multi-layered, bitumen-based backing sys-

tem developed specifically for tiles, combining superb dimensional

stability with superior lay-flat characteristics, and eliminating fray-

ing, buckling and bending in tile installations.

“We selected a durable, attractive finish in black and tan for use

throughout the building that achieves the result we were looking

for,” says the Revamp Team of African Bank, “and we are confident

that this will provide us with excellent service for at least another

seven years.”

The installation of the new floor is under the initial contract of

Linka Flooring, who also had the task of stripping out the old Berber

Point tiles previously used. “We then prepared the subfloor to

accept the Shadow SDX tiles, which are being installed using a pres-

sure-sensitive adhesive,” says Linka Flooring’s managing director,

Denis Peche.

Linka has been in operation for ten years, based in the 5-Star

Business Park in Honeydew and, although the company has worked

with Nexus before, this is its first contract for African Bank.

It was planned that the installation of new tiles throughout the

entire building should be achieved with a minimum of disruption

to the existing operation – about a third of the floor area has been

installed already, with the work still proceeding.

Mark Orton of Nexus Johannesburg says, “This installation is

going well and, as the largest carpet manufacturer in the Southern

Hemisphere – with a factory that is certified and compliant with ISO

9001 and ISO 14001 – Belgotex Floorcoverings and Nexus are proud

that African Bank has selected our product for this prestigious

P r o j e c t s

��F L O O R S o c t o b e r N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 0

�4

P r o j e c t s


One of the wonderful aspects of this

home is its natural character, which

is defined by the Table Mountain

Sandstone on the walls. This was

handcrafted by the original builder.

The sandstone forms a magnificent

backdrop to the living areas.

Abeautifulhome castinstone

Flow and form were extremely important

as the owner wanted to create a tranquil

space where he could come home to relax and

unwind. Quartz Carpet’s seamless, uncomplicat-

ed flow provided the perfect solution as it could

also accommodate the underfloor heating.

However, another reason for this flooring

choice was that Quartz Carpet was able to

accommodate and flow into the non-uniform

edges of the sandstone walls. As the family had

young children, the floor also needed to be

soft, stain-resistant, durable, hygienic and easy

to clean and maintain.

The original home had slate floors, but

because of the visual heaviness of the stone

walls, the flooring needed to be a lighter, more

modern and uplifting material to complement

and contrast.

Jeremy Stewart from Quartz Carpet says, “The

home has a definite Eurocentric feel, but with

a touch of Africa infused. It has a warmth that

makes you want to stay inside just that little bit

longer.”

Quartz Carpet

Tel: 086 178 2789

Fax: 021 7974743

Website: www.quartzcarpet.co.za

UniquefloorcoveringsforoysterBoxrefurbishment

Having undergone a major refurbishment that

took over two years to complete, the celebrated

Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga now boasts over

400m² of Synergy bamboo floor provided by

Teragren South Africa, installed with the use of

Elastilon Strong self-adhesive underlay.

Formed in 1994, Teragren is a US-based manufacturer of fine

bamboo flooring, panels and veneers, and its Synergy strand-

woven bamboo flooring with Xcora technology is manufactured

in a process that fuses bamboo fibres with an environmentally

safe adhesive under extreme pressure to form homogeneous,

high-density sheets that are sliced and milled into flooring planks.

As a result, Synergy technology is much harder than red oak,

�6

P r o j e c t s


making it perfect for high-traffic areas in both residential and com-

mercial settings. Synergy is also FloorScore-certified, one of the most

rigorous air quality standards in the world.

Of the four distinctive blends of bamboo strands available,

Chestnut colour was used for this project.

Elastilon Strong underlay is marketed in South Africa by Suntups,

and this patented revolutionary peel-and-stick membrane has a per-

manently elastic cross-linked, closed-cell polyethylene construction

with a non-toxic, self-adhesive upper surface that bonds directly with

the hardwood, creating a solid, inseparable floor – making it ideal for

use with bamboo flooring.

While sealing the underside of the boards, Elastilon allows for

natural expansion and contraction inherent in hardwood floors with

humidity changes, which helps to eliminate cupping.

This project was completed under the control of y2k Architects in

conjunction with Giuricich Bros, the main contractor, and highlights

the successful installation of two quality branded products in a 5-Star

beachfront hotel environment, where the floor enhances the overall

ambience of the décor and caters for the high-traffic requirement.

Teragren South Africa Elastilon South Africa

Tel: 082 928 0393 Tel: 011 610 1700

P r o j e c t s


AddinglustretoconcretefloorsAlthough Concrete Laser Flooring in Durban has

only been in existence for a little over three years, it

has already established a firm reputation for quality

workmanship and attention to detail.

These are the qualities that have already enabled CLF KZN to suc-

cessfully complete many major projects – including the exten-

sive polishing of concrete floors at Moses Mabhiba Stadium, Moses

Mabhiba People’s Park, and the Orchidea Hotel in Johannesburg.

The work carried out at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium – built

to accommodate 70 000 spectators at matches for the FIFA 2010

Soccer World Cup – entailed CLF KZN completing 10 000m² of con-

crete polishing in front of the retail area. Concrete polishing was also

used as the preferred method of aesthetic finish on the recent beach

front promenade upgrade including 2km of precast covers, 7000m² of

concrete bands and 1 000m² at the new restaurants.

At the adjacent Moses Mabhida People’s Park, CLF KZN were respon-

sible for placing and polishing over 24 000m² of concrete surface

beds. 12 000m² track around two football fields – a total length of 1,1

kilometres were placed to falls and densified to withstand the high

amount of foot traffic.

“By placing and polishing the concrete ourselves we eliminate split responsibilities and achieve an optimum aesthetic finish,” says CLF

KZN director Nic de Carvalho. “On these projects it also enabled us

to provide a consistent high quality and to meet the extremely tight

time constraints.”

Internal floors are placed using the laser screed method in areas

exceeding 2 000m² per day, and this wide-area pour method ensures

that far fewer construction day joints are required on any project.

The CLF KZN branch provides a professional, high-quality concrete

placing and polishing service throughout South Africa, and one of its

recent successful contracts was completed at the Orchidea Hotel in

De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

As part of the ongoing Johannesburg CBD refurbishment pro-

gramme, Southpoint Properties renovated this hotel, creating 60

rooms, and renamed it The Lamunu Hotel. On this project CLF KZN

polished and dyed the floor, thus allowing the architect/designer to

add a creative touch to the polished concrete.

“In applications such as this, the concrete can either be dyed during

the polishing process or an integral colour concrete can be used as

was the case for the Moses Mabhiba commuter station, depending

on the design requirements,” says De Carvalho.

“Polished concrete is an exceptionally functional floor; it is harder

and stronger than other floor finishes, and in comparison with

unfinished concrete it has 40% more abrasion resistance, 20% better

impact resistance, and a 30% increase in ambient light reflection.”

“It also provides a more level surface, lower maintenance cost with

less wear and tear on cleaning equipment, and lower lifecycle costs

based on the cost of the initial installation,” De Carvalho concludes.

Concrete Laser Flooring (CLF) Durban

Tel: 011 323 2900 Tel: 031 705 2388

Fax: 011 823 2103 Fax: 031 705 1614

E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected]�8

P r o j e c t s


Concrete Laser Flooring was established in

Johannesburg during 2004. Following its success

in providing quality industrial flooring from its

Gauteng base, together with the acquisition of

Norton Construction products that enabled CLF to

provide an exceptional turnkey service for new or

the renovation of existing floors – it was a natural

step to offer these services in KwaZulu-Natal with

the opening of a facility in Pinetown.

Qualityconcreteflooringandpolishingthe Moses Mabhiba Stadium and the adjacent People’s Park (a total

of over 36 000m²); the successful completion of warehouse flooring

for Pepkor (22 000m²); Unilever (45 000m²), Grindrod (9 000m²); and

Heneways (9 000m²).

CLF KZN director Nic de Carvalho says, “The formation of a branch in

KwaZulu-Natal not only enables the company to provide a full service

in Durban and the coastal areas, but it adds another element to our

overall sales programme, because with the use of state-of-the-art

equipment from various international suppliers, CLF KZN can meet

the increasing demand and any requirement for high-quality polished

concrete throughout Southern Africa.

Years of contracting experience combined with world-class prod-

ucts and equipment has resulted in CLF becoming one of one of

the world’s finest industrial flooring contractors, having gained an

enviable reputation for the contracts it has successfully completed

throughout Southern Africa, and its capability of supplying quality

flooring products throughout the world.

Concrete Laser Flooring (CLF) Durban

Tel: 011 323 2900 Tel: 031 705 2388

Fax: 011 823 2103 Fax: 031 705 1614

E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

This led to the formation of CLF KZN (Pty) Ltd in 2007, and since

then this venture has never looked back in meeting the demand

for concrete placing and floating; concrete grinding and polishing;

and floor coatings throughout the Province.

With the ability of offering a one-stop shop from layerworks to final

coating and joint sealing, CLF KZN has already added a host of top

companies and organisations to its satisfied customer list, including

Coca-Cola, Massmart, Barrows, Unilever, SAB, Unitrans, Midas, and

major property groups such as Collins and GrowthPoint.

Amongst the high-profile projects recently completed are the

extensive concrete placing and polishing contracts carried out at

P r o j e c t s


sealantfornewcommunitysportsstadiumsa.b.e. Construction Chemicals supplied the con-

struction sealant for two sports stadiums in

KwaZulu-Natal which, after being used as training

venues for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, are

now important community facilities.

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals sealants were used on the pre-cast concrete elements of the new uMhlathuze Stadium in Richards Bay.

Deon de Kock, technical sales consultant for a.b.e. in Durban, says

the company’s Dow Corning 813C silicone sealant was applied

to seal all the joints on the precast concrete seating elements of the

upgraded Sugar Boy Xulu Stadium in Claremont, Durban; and the

new uMhlathuze Stadium in Richards Bay.

As part of the upgrading of the Sugar Boy Xulu Stadium – named

after a soccer legend of the 1960s – the seating capacity was

increased from 1700 to 6500. uMhlathuze Stadium is a new 8000-seat

facility that forms part of Richards Bay’s Veld-en-Vlei Sports Complex.

De Kock says Dow Corning 813C is a low-modulus, neutral-cure sili-

cone sealant which can cope with exceptionally wide joints and well

as joint movements of up to 50%. “The joints sealed at the stadiums

were, on average, between 30 to 50mm,” he stated.

Dow Corning 813C sealant provides exceptional unprimed adhesion

to both porous and non-porous substrates, and is resistant to ozone

and UV radiation and temperature extremes. “The sealant can be used

on concrete, stone masonry, brick, aluminium, plastic, wood, as well

as glazed surfaces. It requires no maintenance and provides long ser-

vice life,” De Kock added.

For the Sugar Boy Xulu Stadium, the sealant was applied by

approved a.b.e. applicator Inter Civil Projects; while the applicator for

the uMhlathuze Stadium was the new KZN branch of Ultimo Seal of

Gauteng.

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals is the local distributor of the Belgian

Dow Corning sealants which hold European Technical Approval

through independent testing to European Technical Approval

Guidelines (ETAG002).

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals

Tel: 011 306 9000

Website: www.abe.co.za

40

P r o j e c t s


CERAMIC, PORCELAIN & STONE

featureFloor tiles are available in a wide variety of

colours, shapes, sizes, textures, and features,

providing unlimited design possibilities, and

apart from being able to be used almost

anywhere, they will last for a very long time,

when these are properly looked after and

maintained correctly.

F e a t u r e : C e r a m i c , P o r c e l a i n & S t o n e


Basicsofgoodtileinstallations

Floor tiles are available in a wide variety of colours, shapes,

sizes, textures, and features, providing unlimited design

possibilities, and apart from being able to be used almost

anywhere, they will last for a very long time, when these are

properly looked after and maintained correctly.

42





Tile choices are numerous, and architects, interior designers,

developers or property owners can choose from ceramic,

porcelain, stone, terracotta, marble, or slate tiles, in colours to

complement any décor.

Ceramic tiles can be used on floors, walls, countertops,

ceilings, pools, showers, outside walls, but the tiles must be

properly selected and properly installed for each individual

application. Substrate selection and preparation for flooring

applications are also important.

Many people don’t realise the environmental aspects of using

tiled floors. Firstly, most modern tile factories are energy-effi-

cient, and with hi-tech recycling techniques there is little or no

waste discharge.

In addition, many overseas manufacturers are investigating

the recycling of scrap tiles into new production, and technol-

ogy is being developed to use scrap glass and municipal waste.

(Most factories already use broken or scrap material which they

grind down and re-use.)

Also, tile is made from naturally occurring minerals that are

extremely abundant. There is no shortage of clay worldwide,

and tile lasts a very long time. Unlike other materials that are

replaced every 7 years or so and dumped in a landfill, tile,

stone and the exotic hard floorcoverings can last for centuries.

Screeds are an important aspect of any flooring installation.

Any type of floorcovering requires a smooth, level, dry, clean

surface on which to install the flooring, and anything less can

result in cracked and broken tiles, uneven surfaces, and even

floor failure – but these are covered in the Below the Surface

feature in this issue.

However, to get the full functionality of a tiled floor, as well as

adding the essential finishing touches that enhance its appeal,

you need to use the right accessories and pay attention to the

grouting, sealing and cleaning of these floors, so this introduc-

tory article will concentrate mostly on these aspects.

Despite the fact that ceramic tile is a very durable floorcover-

ing, tile edges are brittle and prone to cracking and chipping

when left unprotected; the answer is to use a trim of the cor-

rect profile.

TrimsThere are proprietary trims available for any tile or stone

floorcovering, including expansion and transition joints, trims

for finishing, ends, steps and adaptable shapes used to solve

expansion and installation gaps at the junction with sliding

doors and staircases – and for the protection of the tile edges

at the transition between different flooring types, screeds or

curved surfaces.

Sloped profiles are available to address height differences

between the tile layer and other floorcoverings – particularly

important in applications that need to accommodate wheel-

chairs or people with disabilities. Trim profiles may also be

used to provide decorative features or accents within the floor.

Tiled floors are easy to clean and they promote a hygienic

environment, but poorly designed transitions between floors

and walls can collect dust and dirt and are difficult to keep

clean.

Where hygiene is of the utmost concern, such as in hospitals, com-

mercial kitchens and bathrooms, coving is often required in specifica-

tion documents. Coving is a ceramic base that provides a rounded

transition between the floor and wall, making cleaning easier.

Structural, movement & expansion jointsIf your need is for a large ceramic tiled floor – such as in a large, open-

plan office – the tiling must be divided into sections and movement

joints placed about every 5-10m in either direction.

Care must be taken to ensure that movement joints in the tiling

relate to, and are continuous with, the structural movement joints of

the building, although they will be formed separately – preferably iso-

lated by a PVC sheet or other suitable material. Any movement joints

within the substrate should be followed through to the surface.

Movement joints are also necessary where tiling is laid over the

abutment of different materials or where abnormal stresses, vibra-

tions or thermal movement is likely to occur. Drying and settlement

of the substrate should also be considered and accommodated at the

design stage.

There are numerous specialist suppliers of trims and joints in South

Africa, and the most reputable of these will provide technical infor-

mation and advice on their use and installation. All the major tile

manufacturers and suppliers will also be able to help in this respect.

groutWhen choosing a tile, pay particular attention to choosing the right

grout to accentuate the look and life of the tiles. Not only will the

right type of grout protect the life of the tiles, but a great grout

colour can turn an ordinary tile installation into a great one, and

really enhance the design of any tiled floor. Before purchasing grout,

decide whether you need cement-based or epoxy grout, and pick the

required colour.

Of the three basic grout types the most common is Portland

cement-based grout, which is available in sanded, unsanded, and

latex-modified varieties. Sanded and unsanded cement-based grouts

are the least expensive and the easiest for DIY enthusiasts to work

with. They are readily available in home improvement stores, and

come in a wide variety of colours.

When choosing sanded or unsanded grout, think about the size

of the spaces between tiles and the tile product you are using. Sand

makes grout more durable and resistant to cracking or shrinking, and

should be used if the joints or spaces between tiles are larger than

3mm. Sand is abrasive, however, and should not be used on polished

tiles or marble unless the tiles are protected with tape.

Modifying cement-based grout with latex makes the grout more

water-resistant than other cement-based grout products. Some

cement-based grout mixes include latex, or it can be added during

the mixing process. Latex additives have the additional benefit of

making grout colours more vivid. Latex additives also help in resisting

fungus growth in wet or damp areas such as showers.

Occasionally, a tile project will require the use of a specialised epoxy

grout. These grouts are more expensive and more difficult to install

than cement-based grout, but have the benefit of being resistant to

damage by chemicals.

If you are installing tile in an area where you need an extremely

strong or water-resistant grout, epoxy grout may be a good choice.

44



It is available in sanded or unsanded

varieties.

One of the first things to do before

grouting is to choose the right grout

colour. The tiles could look terrible if

the right grout colour is not selected.

You can, of course, use grout as part

of the overall design, by having a

carefully selected and different colour

grout to enhance the tiles and match

your decorative scheme.

Consider where the tile will be used.

Light-coloured grout is impractical

for areas that get dirty quickly, such

as entryways. For high-traffic areas,

choose a colour that won’t need to be

scrubbed daily to maintain its look.

For bathrooms, consider grey or light-

brown grout; white grout will ‘yellow’

in wet areas.

Next, consider the tile itself. Light

colours draw attention to the tile and

are a good choice if you really want

to showcase the tiles. Light grouts are

also good at hiding imperfections in

tile spacing.

Darker colours, in addition to being

highly stain-resistant, draw attention

to the pattern of the tile. If you’ve

worked hard to lay your tiles in an

unusual pattern, consider a darker

grout.

One final word about grout. If you

are renovating an existing floor, there

are specially formulated chemicals

and treatments available to clean old

and dirty grout and restore it to its

original colour, although it is recom-

mended that a grout sealer is applied

once it is clean.

Cleaning and maintenance Most ceramic, porcelain and natural

stone tiles have factory treatments or

at least manufacturer’s or supplier’s

recommendations in terms of special-

ist items such as anti-stain and anti-

slip treatments, polishes and sealants,

but one also needs to pay full atten-

tion to the general cleaning require-

ments of these floors.

In general, these floors tend to be

water-resistant but any stains or spills

should be attended to immediately.

The use of a mild detergent is essen-

tial if there is any grease or oil on the

CE

RA

MIC

A S

AN

T’A

GO

ST

INO



floor; using just water alone, whether it is cold or warm,

is not effective in removing this kind of spill.

But the supplier’s or manufacturer’s instructions

should be followed carefully, because a solution that is

too strong can be as ineffective as one that is too weak.

Also, the detergent must be left on the floor long

enough to allow effective removal of grease before rins-

ing. Scouring or brushing can increase the effectiveness

of detergent.

If the stain remains stubborn, try to loosen the spot

with a soft brush or synthetic scouring pad, but avoid

steel wool or metal brushes as these can scratch the

surface of the tiles. Mildew is a common problem with

ceramic tiles and this can be tackled with a solution of

equal parts water and ammonia, together with a soft

brush.

Care should be taken to ensure that water used to

clean the floor is effectively removed, or there is a risk

of slipping. The use of a dry mop after washing will

reduce the drying time but will not eliminate the slip

risk – you should ensure that the floor is left to dry

completely.

With natural stone floors it pays to take advice from

your supplier, because each stone has its own level of

porosity which makes some stone floors more suscep-

tible to staining than others, and he will know if sealing

the stone is an option to consider. In this case, the seal-

ing should be performed by a reliable professional.

This article provides you with the basics of selecting,

laying, grouting, and cleaning of tiles, but you should

seek the full advice of experts for each aspect of the

purchasing and installation of the materials if you wish

to achieve the results you are looking for.

Acknowledgement and thanks are given to the following

websites for information used in this article: www.wfca.

org; www.ceramicworldweb.it; www.flooringknowledge.

com; www.archrecord.construction.com.NATURAL STONE WAREHOUSE

Internationaltradeinceramictile

With most countries showing an increase in

export sales during the first six months of

2010 (Italy had an increase of 3,5% for a total

of 147,2 million m²), showing a slow recovery

from what was regarded as a very difficult

year for the ceramic tile industry during

2009, it is interesting to note the state of play

regarding the main players in the market.

46



CERAMICHE SUPERGRES:PAVIMENTI

CERAMICHE SUPERGRES:PAVIMENTI LEA

is discovered. From a total value of €10,17 million (R97,6 million),

China achieved only 19,7% of the grand total, Spain 16,5%, and the

remainder (excluding Italy) were all considerably less.

Italy achieved 32% of the total value, which means that they are

demanding premium prices for their high-quality tiles, and the mar-

ket is responding favourably, with nearly 57 million m² exported to

France; 41,3 to Germany, and 40,8 to the USA.

This disparity in value seems to indicate that China and Spain are

undercutting price in order to gain or maintain market share, which

might imply to the trade that their products are cheap or inferior,

which is debatable.

Ceramic Tiles of Italy



For decades Italian and Spanish manufacturers ruled the roost in

export markets, but with China increasingly entering the market

since the turn of the century, the international situation now looks a

lot different.

The market reached a total of 1 720 million m² by the end of 2009,

and whereas Italy and Spain used to dominate the statistics, they rep-

resented just 30% of the market last year (Italy 16,3%; Spain 13,7%).

The biggest performer was China (28,7%) and all other countries

formed the balance of 41,3% – from Europe, South America and

others – but none of these countries achieved 5% of the total.

Turkey was closest with 4,8%.

However, it is interesting to compare the total square metres

involved with the total value attained. Here a different scenario

LEONARDO CERAMICA

48



Beawareofthedefects!

The website www.findstone.com/defects.htm (to

which acknowledgement and thanks are given)

provides a wide array of information on natural

stones, including the following defects that buyers

(and specifiers) should be aware of:

Shade variationSlabs and tiles should be sorted to ensure uniformity of shade.

Normally, any colour can be sorted into three shades. Sorting is

simple – just lay all the material on the floor and look from differ-

ent directions. If you intend to buy the entire quantity over a period

of time, then you should make a point to know from which specific

quarry the material will be supplied, as there will always be a differ-

ence between quarries.

grain variationIf the grain varies between fine and coarse, these tiles or slabs should

also be sorted uniformly by grain size. Sort this the same way as for

shade. The further you see it from, the easier it is to sort.

OilingMany black granites are light black. To make them temporarily look

blacker, industrial oil is rubbed on after polishing. This oil evaporates

after some months, leaving the slab looking very shabby. Test with a

burning match; this will heat an oiled surface and the oil will rub off

on your finger.

ColouringSimilarly, red oxide is put on red granites to make them look redder

and to fill cracks. To check this, rub the surface hard with your finger

and see if some red colour rubs off. By wetting the sawn surface (the

back side of a polished piece), you can see the true colour and nature

of any granite.

Colour patchesThese are darker or lighter patches or bands of single colours due



to mineral localisation; in black this occurs as ‘oil patches’ – patches

which look as if oil has been spilled. These are actually permanent

patches, and you should pay less for such materials.

After laying and seeing from different angles, it is easy to see which

pieces have these defects. Tapping with your fingernails or a spoon

may give different sounds on these patches compared to the rest of

the granite.

double colourSometimes two different grain sizes occur in the same slab, giving the

appearance of a double colour. Pay less for such materials.

Cracks Test by pouring water, wiping and letting dry. Water that goes into a

crack evaporates last.

StainingMany granites stain. Test before buying with wet spices or oil kept

on it for a few minutes. Even if staining is not your worry, if you are

going to wash the surface frequently, then check how long tap water

remains absorbed. Some granites change colour when wet. Since dry-

ing is a slow process, the surface looks unattractive during the interim

period when part of it is wet and part is dry.

holesSome crystallic granites do not have a smooth surface. The surface

chips or there are pin-holes. Avoid this type for horizontal applications.

Having decided on a particular granite, it is important to note that

shade and grain should be as uniform as possible in the entire lot;

there are natural colour variations in granite, as with any natural

stone, but this does not mean that the stone is defective.

It is important that sufficient tiles are obtained to complete the job

as there can be shade variations between batches; however, natural

stone is still probably the easiest material to match up after many

years as Mother Nature never discontinues a product line, as can hap-

pen with man-made materials.

Lastly, it should be stressed that all natural stones should be sealed

to prevent staining. It is important to use a penetrating sealer, as this

does not change the appearance of the stone, nor does it give a var-

nished effect (although colour enhancing and “wet” look sealers are

also available) but it protects the stone from the inside. This will gives

far more time to wipe up accidental spills, as any liquid will pool on

the surface and not be absorbed by the stone.

Thanks is also given to Natural Stone Warehouse for additional infor-

mation used in this article.

NATURAL STONE WAREHOUSE

�0



FlooringtrendsatCErsAIE2010



FLOORS in Africa was there, represented by Marlene van Rooyen,

editor of our sister publication WALLS & ROOFS in Africa, and all

the aspects of the greening of this sector of the flooring industry

that were encountered at CERSAIE are discussed in a separate article

in this issue, entitled It’s ‘Green for Go’ in Flooring. That leaves us free

to bring you the latest trends and innovations that were on display.

The environmental issues that the world faces were

highlighted throughout CERSAIE 2010 as ceramic

and porcelain tile manufacturers all vied to pro-

duce even more eco-friendly products using the

whole gamut of ‘green’ processes.

By far the greatest number of new ideas and designs were related

to wall tiles this year, with floral patterns, embossing and faux

embossing, the creation of mock wallpaper looks, wood, glass and

special effects well to the fore, and large-format wall tiles well rep-

resented – even to the extent of using them as sliding doors! Self-

cleaning wall tiles also attracted a lot of attention.

As in recent years, large-format floor tiles are still popular, par-

ticularly when laid with others of varying size to create special floor

effects; slabs 2m long in various widths; tiles of 80cm x 80cm and

bigger seemed to be in everybody’s sales programme, and porcelain

tiles of this size installed to provide a seamless appearance create a

feeling of spaciousness not usually associated with a tiled floor.

They are particularly effective when using tiles with a wood or nat-

ural stone look. In fact, they even seem to have even more power to

LEA

�2



deceive than the vinyl and lami-

nate floors that started the whole

trend in look-alike flooring.

Very little in the way of floral

patterns or bright colours in

flooring was seen this year,

following the emphasis on

appearing like wood and stone,

but muted colours were appar-

ent when used with florals that

give an overall embossed look.

There was also a high percent-

age of all-white and solid black

floors that look stunning in the

right application, and other

finishes that were selected to

match rather than complement

the tiled walls, often custom-

made. Following the same

theme, there was one manufac-

turer that had produced its own

paint range to match its new

floor tile ranges.

Other new ideas that were

noticed included glitter tiles; glit-

ter grouting; glass mosaic inlays;

natural stone mosaics; emboss-

ing or relief effects that go right

up to the edge of the tile; and

custom-made tiles and mosaics

(mostly for walls) that depict the

picture or photograph of your

choice, using digital printing

technology.

Another design that caught the

eye was large-format tiles with

ribs or raised designs that pro-

vide a matt top surface but with

a background that is ‘polished’.

Specialised tiles for swimming

pools and other wet areas were

featured – one range termed

as ‘aerated’ floor tiles because

they act as pavers but have

holes drilled in them (similar

to the traditional airbrick) to

reduce the weight when trans-

porting or installing. ‘Grating’

tiles were also on display that

enable water runoff in these

applications.

One of the world’s leading

manufacturers of adhesives

and sealants has introduced an

innovative soundproofing sys-

tem for buildings that is applied CERAMICHE SUPERGRES



directly under tiles.

Comprising thin sheets made

from recycled cork and rubber

bound with a high-quality poly-

urethane composition, this new

system is laid directly on any

type of substrate, including old

floors, before laying any type of

flooring material. It is also suit-

able for use with heated floors.

Easy to install, and ideal for

new buildings where it can be

laid directly onto concrete floor

slabs, this nnovation makes

considerable reductions to

sound transmission, and also

provides a certain amount of

thermal insulation.

Finally, it had to happen! One of

Italy’s oldest and most respected

manufacturers has introduced

a new dry-fixing system that is

said to revolutionise the laying of

cement tiles – Clip Tile.

Practical, hygienic, easy to

lay and reusable, Clip Tile is a

porcelain stoneware tile that

makes flooring easy in just a

few simple steps, thanks to its

plastic frame that has an auto-

matic coupling system.

It is this automatic hooking

with its mechanical precision

that enables the tiles to be laid

without glue and joint fillers,

and there is neither inconve-

nience, dirt, excessive noise,

nor fumes when installing. It

also decreases the transmission

sound, and is suitable for fitting

with heated floors.

This article manages to touch

on a selection of new ideas that

featured at this year’s CERSAIE

exhibition. The amount of new

development and technology

that was on display, coupled

with the keen attention being

paid by manufacturers to the

environmental issues (reported

on separately in this issue),

underlines the fact that the

ceramic tile industry continues

on a path of customer service,

innovative design, and social

responsibility.CERAMICHE SUPERGRES

It’sgreenforgoatCErsAIE!

Unlike many alternative floorcoverings, ceramic

and porcelain tiles do not carry the same public-

ity impact as the more obvious ‘green’ products

(bamboo, cork, linoleum, and others) – except that

the basic raw materials are in almost inexhaustible

supply, and the installed tiles can last for several

lifetimes – but this sector of the industry is certainly

not standing still in meeting their eco-commit-

ments.

The main precept is to produce floorcoverings that present no

harm to man or the environment.

The majority of exhibitors at Cersaie 2010 were keen to broadcast

their environmental and social responsibility programmes and, in

line with most other industries, there is great emphasis placed on the

greening and improvement of the manufacturing plant efficiencies.

In a nutshell, this involves reducing the consumption of energy,

water and non-renewable raw materials, increasing the logistical

performance to reduce CO2 emissions in transportation; reducing

waste generation on the job site; reducing the weight load on the

buildings; taking less storage space; and making the optimum use

of recycled materials.

This also entails the use of the waste generated by the production

processes themselves, together with the first objective to save energy

and to develop ways of producing at a lower financial and environ-

mental cost.

Bearing in mind that 40% of Europe’s carbon dioxide emissions

come not from cars but from buildings and their heating and air-

conditioning systems, this means that the architectural profession

is under considerable pressure to provide environmentally friendly

buildings.

Legislation is being passed in almost every country to incentivise

the use of green and sustainable materials and systems – often

through the establishment of national Green Building Councils

– and tender documents often stipulate the level of ecological input

they expect.

Therefore, floorcoverings play an important role in ensuring these

objectives are met, because designers and contractors are assessed

on the greenness of the products they use and the companies that

provide them, together with the manner in which they are installed.

The lightweight larger-format porcelain tiles on display at Cersaie

made great play of the fact that they are easy to transport and han-

dle, save time in installation because they are easier to cut and drill,

and they reduce the number of joints which use less material.

Some porcelain stoneware slabs boast a unique new feature: the

application of micrometric titanium dioxide powder which turns slabs

into an eco-active ‘super material’ with concrete anti-bacterial and

anti-polluting properties that help to improve the environment. One

manufacturer claims to have demonstrated that 1000m² of their por-

celain flooring material cuts nitrogen oxide levels to the same extent

as 20 timber trees!

The US Green Building Council’s LEED green building certification

system holds a lot of sway in Europe, and in Italy in particular. Hence,

the Green Building Council of Italy is an emerging member of World

GBC, with more than 330 members, all leaders in different positions of

the Italian and international building sectors. More than 70 projects

are registered in Italy, and there are around 100 LEED Professional

Credential holders.

Also, many ceramic flooring manufacturers look to comply with the

requirements of the European Ecolabel system. This is a voluntary

scheme, established to encourage businesses to market products and

services that are kinder to the environment.

Products and services awarded the Ecolabel carry the flower logo,

allowing consumers – including public and private purchasers – to

identify them easily.

However, the environmental criteria of this system are tough, and

only the very best products, which are kindest to the environment,

are entitled to carry the EU Ecolabel.

The criteria are agreed at European level, following wide consulta-

tion with experts, and the label itself is only awarded after verifica-

tion that the product meets these high environmental and perfor-

mance standards.

In the next issue of FLOORS in Africa we will be running a main

feature on Contributing to Sustainability where we will be studying

the main eco-friendly products and processes outlined in this article,

along with other floorcoverings.�4



CERAMICHE SUPERGRES

Available in a wide range of colours, Interbau tiles provide cre-

ative, attractive and technically safe solutions as well as good

quality characteristics throughout the range with absolute resis-

tance against frost.

An experienced and qualified consulting team allows for individual

planning of logistics for any pool according to customers’ requirements.

Tile Africa Contracts also supplies and fits tiles and bathroomware on

a national scale and offers an invaluable service to architects, contrac-

Qualityswimmingpooltilesavailable

Tile Africa Contracts supplies Interbau swimming

pool tiles to private, hotel, spa, leisure and public

sports pools.

tors and specifiers.

In addition, Tile Africa Contracts provides on-site technical advice

as well as an aftercare service and its methods of installation and the

materials supplied are in line with local and international standards.

Thanks to the support of a chain of 37 retail stores located coun-

trywide across all nine provinces, Tile Africa Contracts guarantees a

national footprint, with retail stores that not only offer inspirational

lifestyle displays and quality products and service to consumers, but

also serve as an offset point for contractor projects and as a boardroom

for architects and specifiers to discuss their requirements with the

Contracts Division.

For more information on Tile Africa Contracts contact them at: 011 970

2124 or visit the website: www.tileafrica.co.za.



BELOW THE SURFACEfeature

Everyone is keen on floors that look good,

but what happens underneath is of prime

importance. Get it wrong and the floor will

lose its appeal, and even fail. In this issue

we have taken a look at floor slabs, screeds,

moisture, underlays, and floor heating – to

find out what and when to use for the vari-

ous types of floorcovering – although this

introductory article deals mainly with floor

slabs, screeds and toppings.

F e a t u r e : B e l o w t h e S u r f a c e


�8



Everyone is keen on floors that look good, but

what happens underneath is of prime importance.

Get it wrong and the floor will lose its appeal, and

even fail. In this issue we have taken a look at floor

slabs, screeds, moisture, underlays, and floor heat-

ing – to find out what and when to use for the vari-

ous types of floorcovering – although this introduc-

tory article deals mainly with floor slabs, screeds

and toppings.

Belowthesurface

WARMUP



The general requirements of substrates for floors

include the need to provide a clean, sound,

rigid subfloor to support the floor and any antici-

pated loads without distortion or movement. The

floorcovering also needs to be securely fixed and

applied onto a dry, mature and stable subfloor

of acceptable smoothness and flatness to ensure

long-term performance from the floor.

Before any screed or floorcovering is applied,

these concrete bases must be allowed to dry to

an acceptable moisture level of 75% RH or less

– determined with the use of a hygrometer. If 75%

RH cannot be reached, a moisture barrier must be

used – either plastic sheet or a surface-applied liq-

uid membrane.

The concrete on which the screed or topping

is to be laid should be hard and strong (with a

characteristic strength of at least 20 MPa). Weak,

friable concrete is not suitable as a base for a

screed or topping as the achievement of adhesion

between such material and the screed or topping

is not possible.

The base concrete should be free of random

cracking. Floor screeds or toppings are unable to

bridge over cracks in the base and such cracks will

in time reflect through the screed or topping.

On many projects precast concrete bases are

used in slab form, and these are subsequently

screeded.

Screeds and toppingsScreeds and toppings are commonly used as a

means of providing smooth flat floors in residential,

commercial and industrial buildings. Toppings may

also be used to increase the structural depth and

strength of the base slab.

In the case of surface-important floorcoverings

such as vinyl sheet or tile and others, a proprietary

self-levelling screed is often preferred to ensure

that the screed will not ‘grin through’ the finished

floor.

A screed is in effect a layer of well-compacted

material (commonly a mixture of cement and

fine aggregate) that is applied at the appropriate

thickness to a base that has a surface suitable for

receiving a floor finish, and is not to be confused

with topping, which is a layer of high-strength

concrete designed to provide a dense, abrasion-

resistant surface on a concrete base, or to increase

the structural depth and strength of a base slab

(structural topping).

Screeds are generally not suitable as wearing sur-

faces in commercial buildings, schools, or in indus-

trial premises. Preferred methods of floor construc-

tion for such premises are full-thickness, trowelled

concrete or a topping on a concrete base.

60



FibresSynthetic fibres specifically engineered

for concrete are manufactured from

man-made materials that can withstand

the long-term alkaline environment of

concrete. Synthetic fibres are added to

concrete before or during the mixing

operation, and benefit concrete in both

the plastic and hardened states. Some of

the benefits include reduced settlement

and shrinkage cracks at the plastic stage;

lowered permeability; and increased

impact, abrasion and shatter resistance.

Originally steel fibres were mostly used

as a substitute for secondary reinforce-

ment or for crack control in less critical

parts of the construction, but today steel

fibres are widely used as the main and

unique reinforcing for industrial floor

slabs, and other concrete products.

Concretes containing steel fibre have

been shown to have substantially

improved resistance to impact and great-

er ductility of failure in compression,

flexure and torsion.

MoistureExcessive moisture in concrete floor slabs

and screeds can lead to a host of prob-

lems in all types of floorcoverings, such

as: adhesive degradation, delaminating

of the floor covering from the slab and

within itself, condensation, blistering,

movement and deterioration of the

covering.

For most types of floorcovering except

ceramic, porcelain and natural stone,

excess moisture can lead to swell-

ing, cupping and movement of the

floorcovering which in turn may result in

floor failure and even structural damage.

This is particularly critical with wood,

laminate, bamboo flooring or resilient

floorcoverings.

Excess moisture in floor systems can

also promote mould growth. Most of

these problems can be related to the

floorcovering being installed on a sub-

floor that is not sufficiently dry. It is

therefore important to ensure that the

floor slab or screed is sufficiently dry to

accept a covering or coating.

With floor screeds, the standard of

materials and workmanship will greatly

affect the quality of the final material.

The technical aspects of concrete bases,

MA

PE

I



screeds, toppings, and moisture are legion, and anyone in doubt or

seeking information should view the website where a considerable

amount of the above has been obtained – the Cement & Concrete

Institute website www.cnci.org.za – or get in touch with their tech-

nical staff personally on 011 315 0300.

Finally, perhaps the two most common ‘below the surface’ items

used with any finished floorcovering are the underlay and floor

heating, which we will deal with briefly.

underlaysModern underfelt has moved on apace with the accent on recycling

of old waste and textile material to produce underfelts that are dust

free, have no impurities, are inexpensive, and are environmentally

friendly due to saving these materials from ending up in landfills.

They are also in great demand by consumers and contractors alike.

These days there are specialist underlays for all types of

floorcoverings. They can act as a cushion between uneven sub-

floors and the underside of the floorcovering; they can assist in

reducing pressure on the interlocking mechanism of a floating

floor which in turn improves their structural integrity, and some

underlays are additionally designed to prevent moisture penetra-

tion from the subfloor below.

Others can provide insulation or sound dampening services

between floors; and some simply act as a cushion to make standing

and walking on the floorcovering a more enjoyable experience.

One thing all underlays have in common: they all provide addi-

tional comfort in some form and add considerably to the overall

performance and lifespan of the floorcoverings.

ECHO FLOORS

CYBER FLOOR

9 Voyager Street,

Linbro Park

Tel: +27 11 608 4270

Cell: +27 82 604 5242

Fax: +27 11 608 4278

E-Mail: [email protected]

www.batesaccessflooring.co.za

62



Floor heatingThe term underfloor heating has largely gone out of common use,

as have considerable systems that induced the terminology. These

systems were installed in a concrete screed of some thickness, which

meant that they were expensive to run because they didn’t start heat-

ing the room until the ‘slab’ on top of the heating wire had warmed up.

Although there are several different systems available today, the

accent is on installing immediately under the floorcovering regardless

of what type of floor is being used.

To avoid excessive cost the floor heating systems for ceramic, porce-

lain, natural stone, and resilient sheet or tile floors will essentially need

to be positioned at the time of installing the floorcovering – retrofitting

is not an economic solution in these cases.

However, there is a floor heating system suitable for every type of

floor, and they can even be supplied as a loose-lay fitment under car-

pets or rugs on hard floors.

Modern technology has provided systems that are fully programma-

ble, entirely safe, energy-efficient, unobtrusive, and that add comfort

and value to any building.

Access floors and cable managementOne of the most important features of modern office building and

layout is the need to accommodate the myriad cabling and other

equipment necessary to meet the requirements of computer and com-

munication technology in use today – and this is adequately catered

for below the surface with the provision of a quality access floor and

cable management system.

A raised access floor conceals all cabling while allowing easy access

for maintenance or changes and the floor voids can also be used as

plenums for air distribution.

Access floors provide maximum flexibility for the modern office and

enable office churn to be accommodated for any company or their

existing and new tenants.

Raised access floors have been installed and used successfully in this

country for decades with no serious repercussions or major failures,

and the easy way to obtain a trouble-free installation is to use a proven

system that has been designed and installed by a reputable and expe-

rienced contractor.

In fact, if you have a requirement for any of the materials or items

mentioned in this article, it pays to consult an expert and to ensure that

the installations are carried out by a competent, reliable company.

Acknowledgement & thanks are given to the websites www.cnci.org.

za and www.concretenetworks.com for information contained in this

article.

These quality products can be expected to give many years of

service with the minimum of maintenance and can handle the

heaviest of traffic, and these desirable features of Cemcrete’s flooring

products are limited only by the quality of the preparation before

application and the nature of the substrate to which they are applied.

In a desire to deliver quality finishes to customers and the indepen-

dent applicators and contractors that apply these products, Cemcrete

offers comprehensive training in assessment of existing substrates

and preparation for successful application of floor coatings.

In addition, the three-day course covers the design and laying of

new floor screeds as well as providing practical tips for solving on-site

problems. The course is conducted by an in-house technical trainer

who has many years of contracting experience.

Courses are held at Cemcrete’s training facility in Industria,

Johannesburg, and incorporate both theory and ‘hands on’ practical

training. Due to the practical nature of the training, the number of

attendees is restricted, so early booking is essential.

Bookings can be made by phone at 011 474 2415 or on the website

www.cemcrete.co.za. The course fee of R1 710 (VAT included) cov-

ers the three-day course and training materials, as well as lunch and

refreshments.

Trainingforinstallingqualityscreeds

Specifically designed in its own laboratories to be

‘fit for purpose’, Cemcrete’s floor coating products

are manufactured to the highest quality.



64



savingtimeandmoneybycheckingthesubfloorThe most common subfloor encountered in South Africa is

concrete, although occasionally the flooring contractor may

have to install on a wooden or metal subfloor.

Whichever subfloor is encountered, it should always be thoroughly examined

before any installation work is started. Subfloors must be hard, dust-free, smooth,

level and dry, and no flooring must be laid until all faults in them have been repaired.

Any dampness, moisture or water will affect the adhesive and the flooring will

eventually curl at the edges or even lift off the

subfloor. A dirty subfloor or one that has patches of

grease or paint on the surface will also prevent the

adhesive from bonding to it.

An uneven subfloor will not only result in a rough

floor, but also loss of bond will occur since the

flooring will follow the contours of the substrate.

It is generally accepted that the specifier and

main contractor must ensure that the subfloor is

acceptable in respect of level, smoothness, sound-

ness, dryness and cleanliness before any resilient

flooring specified can be laid.

If the subfloor is not acceptable, the flooring con-

tractor should inform the main contractor in writ-

ing of the situation at hand.

To remove dust or dirt, sweep or vacuum the

floor thoroughly. If the subfloor surface remains

dusty after sweeping or vacuuming – perhaps due

to over-trowelling on the concrete, it is advisable

to seal the surface with a coat of primer. If the

subfloor seems porous, it should also be primed,

and the primer should be allowed to dry before the

floorcovering is installed.

Grease or oil patches and/or paint can be

removed by using paint strippers, although larger

areas may require a degreasing compound. The

subfloor should be washed to remove the stripper

and oil/paint residue, and allowed to dry.

Sometimes the subfloor needs repairing before

installation of any floorcovering can start. The most

common method of obtaining a good surface is by

the use of a smoothing compound, and FloorworX

recommends that Pavelite is used.

Pavelite is a cementitious compound for repair-

ing damaged, uneven or rough screeds prior to the

installation of floorcoverings. Its rapid-drying prop-

erties enable the flooring contractor to lay floors

soon after application, saving time and money.

Pavelite gives a fine smooth finish which

improves adhesive coverage; applied with a

straight-edge steel trowel in a smooth layer up to

12mm thick in one application. Trowel marks and

high spots must be removed with coarse sandpa-

per or a carborundum stone when the screed is

dry. Leave the screed to dry for at least 3 hours. If it

is thicker than 5mm, leave overnight to dry.

If Pavelite is applied correctly, it will not craze and

is resistant to rising alkaline moisture. Rigid process

control ensures consistent high quality, enabling

the flooring contractor to use the product with

confidence.

For more information, contact the FloorworX

National Call Centre on 0860 346 679.

FloorworX Marketing

Tel: 011 406 4146

Fax: 011 406 4205

www.floorworx.co.za64



long-lastingunderfelt

Double Life Underfelt is manufactured by Frame

Fibres from 100% recycled textile waste at its state-

of-the-art manufacturing facility in KwaZulu-Natal.

Frame Fibres is ISO 9001 and ISO 14000 accredited.

The manufacturing process starts with textile waste that would

normally end up in landfill sites being regenerated into fibres

through a tearing process. The fibre is then blended, de-dusted and

cleaned to remove any impurities and, through a carding and needle-

punch process, converted into underfelt.

Double Life Underfelt is available in 35-linear-metre rolls and widths

of 3,5 metres in weights of 600g/m² (for Light Domestic applications);

800g/m² (for Medium Domestic); 1 000g/m² (Heavy Domestic/Light

Commercial); 1 200g/m² (Commercial).

The major characteristics of Double Life Underfelt are that it is long-

lasting, dust- and odour-free, of consistent quality, strong, resilient;

and competitively priced. It is also available at all major carpet whole-

salers countrywide.

Frame Fibres

Tel: 031 710 7722

Fax: 031 710 4497



laminatefloor?Keepitsilent!Silent Floor is manufactured by Frame Fibres from

80% recycled textile waste. It was developed

with input from the laminate flooring industry as

an economical sound dampener for this type of

floorcovering.

In its manufacture Silent Floor uses a thermobonding process which

creates a uniform, non-collapsible and easy-to-install product, and

it significantly reduces the noise associated with people walking on

laminated flooring. In addition, it has high insulating properties, and

can be installed with underfloor heating.

As a lightweight product, Silent Floor is easy to transport and install,

but 200-micron HDPE plastic must be laid between the screed and

Silent Floor to prevent moisture migration from the screed.

Silent Floor is available in 35m x 1m rolls in a 3mm thickness, and is

distributed through laminate flooring wholesalers or through Frame

Fibres head office at the contact numbers shown below.

Frame Fibres

Tel: 031 710 7722

Fax: 031 710 449766



The key to a strong, reliable and sustainable floor is

a quality screed product that will smooth out any

lumps or bumps on the surface of the structure

prior to the installation of final floor finishes.

Deliveringitslevelbestinhidden strength

68



Manufactured and marketed by Flowcrete, Isocrete has been the

market leader in floor screeds internationally since 1969 and

has been involved in some of the largest and highest-profile screed-

ing contracts to date for clients including Dubai International Airport

and Larnaka International Airport, Cyprus.

Known in the industry for delivering ‘the level best in floor screeds’,

Flowcrete’s award-winning cementitious screed system, Isocrete K-

Screed, combines high strength, rapid installation and excellent mois-

ture control with compatibility to a number of bolt-on subfloor systems.

Containing the innovative K-Additive, a plasticising and accelerating

admixture used to modify and enhance the performance of sand and

cement-based screeds, Isocrete K-Screed is chosen for its ability to

deliver a strong level platform on which to lay a host of floor finishes,

including tiles, carpet, wood, vinyl and resin, on the fast track.

Flowcrete completed a major installation at Dubai International

Airport in one of the largest assignments undertaken by the com-

pany. A selection of Flowcrete’s specialist systems – including screeds,

car park decking, hygienic and fast-track floors – has helped the new

Terminal 3 and Concourse 2 developments to take off in style.

For the final deck coating in the multi-storey car park, Flowcrete’s

flexible waterproof Deckshield system was specified, with some

110 000m² installed on all five levels, including the top deck.

For the multi-storey car-park facilities, the entire area was first

installed with Isocrete K-Screed. Some 40 000m² of the same system

was also installed beneath the external tiles at the passenger set-

down area in the Departures Hall.

Flowcrete has also been involved in a high-flying flooring project at

Cyprus’ new hub for international travel, Larnaka International Airport

– representing one of the largest infrastructure projects ever under-

taken on the island.

With a total footprint of over 100 000m², the ultra-modern airport,

which opened its doors in November 2009, has the capacity to handle

passenger traffic of up to 7,5 million people annually with a provision

to extend this to nearly 10 million when the need arises.

Flowcrete has supplied more than 40 000m² of its fast-drying screed

material, Isocrete K-Screed, which has been installed across the dual-

level facility in both Departures and Arrivals.

Despite being hidden from view, Isocrete K-Screed has a proven

track record across the globe. The system is known for its ability to

deliver environmental and performance benefits that greatly out-

weigh those of traditional concrete.

Flowcrete South Africa has branches in Johannesburg, Durban and

Cape Town, and for more information contact Verity King at the num-

bers shown below, or visit the website.

Flowcrete SA (Pty) Ltd

Marketing Services

Tel: 031 461 3411


Website: www.flowcrete.com

70



Theultimateeco-friendly

Van Dyck Carpets is proud to

announce the first anniversary

of Eco-Lay TM – its own brand of

environmentally friendly flooring

underlays, manufactured from

the finest quality recycled rub-

ber granules that are bonded

together using synthetic rub-

ber binders to produce a firm,

comfortable, high- performance

crumb-rubber underlay. Apart

from using recycled materials,

Eco-Lay is in itself recyclable at

the end of its useful life (a truly

cradle-to-cradle product).

The benefits of Eco-layEnvironmentally friendly Made from 100% recycled rubber and fully recyclable at the end of its lifetime

low VOC levels Conforms with the VOC levels required for Green Star rating

Saves Energy Superior thermal insulation keeps rooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

Absorbs noise Densely packed rubber reduces noise levels by up to 40%

increases floorcovering lifespan By absorbing indentations caused by constant foot traffic.

100% Rebound Never collapses in high-traffic areas.

Added Comfort Smooth, soft rubber construction provides excellent underfoot comfort and excellent anti-fatigue properties

high performance 10 year guarantee

improves Vacuuming By improving air flow

non-absorbent Does not absorb water or any other fluids

Anti-microbial and anti-allergy Does not rot or harbour infestations of fungi or house mites

Stick-down Compatible Double- and single-stick applications produce perfect finishes every time.

under-Floor heating Insulates heating pads from the underlying concrete – saves energy and increases heating speed

underlayIdeally suitable for every carpet, vinyl, wood

or bamboo floorcovering, even in heavy-

wear applications and high-traffic areas,

Eco-Lay is a proven material in prestigious

applications, worldwide.

A quality underlay has a direct influence on

the lifespan of a carpet and can increase its

life by up to 40%, as well as assisting with its

appearance retention.



Van dyck Carpets buys RubberlayVan Dyck Carpets is proud to announce that they just bought the plant and machinery as well as marketing and brand names of Rubberlay, and by doing so they will become the sole manufac-turer and distributor of rubber underlays in the South African mar-ket. All these rubber underlays products will be commercialised under the name Eco-lay, a well-established brand name for over one year now. This acquisition will enable Van Dyck Carpets to improve the overall service levels of the Eco-lay range and bet-ter cope with the ever increasing demand for environmentally friendly flooring solutions.“Insurance for your carpet, silence for your wood, use the greener option and keep your flooring looking good”And always remember it’s not just underlay, its Van Dyck’s Eco-lay.

It does not rot or harbour infestations of fungi or house dust mites,

and therefore can also help to reduce allergens that are common in

modern households.

Once installed, most underlays collapse over time, which has a sig-

nificant impact on the floorcovering by losing its support. This may

be particularly pertinent with laminate floorcoverings, because these

floors do require an underlay to support the joins, and underlay col-

lapse can cause floor failure in these applications over time.

Eco-Lay products are not air-filled and therefore do not collapse;

their unique compound formulation ensures that the individual rub-

ber granules are kept in close physical contact with each other to

provide a strong lattice structure that is bonded to a non-woven poly-

propylene scrim.

Most underlays are highly absorbent when it comes to fluids and

spillages of any kind, which means that musty and unpleasant odours

in rooms emanate mostly from the underlay and not the carpet.

The Eco-Lay rubber underlay is not affected by spillages in this way.

In fact it is totally non-absorbent and unaffected by moisture – even

to the extent that flooded rooms can be dried in situ without the

need for removing the underlay.

The smooth, soft rubber construction of Eco-Lay also provides con-

siderable anti-fatigue properties and excellent underfoot comfort.

In all applications of Eco-Lay the subfloor must be level, smooth, dry

and dust-free. The installation of Eco-Lay is relatively simple, and can

be achieved using stretch-fit, single-stick or double-stick installation

techniques to provide perfect finishes every time, although these

may vary slightly in relation to the type of floorcovering being used.

Full installation guidelines are available in hard copy from Van

Dyck Carpets or can be requested in digital format via the website:

www.vandyckcarpets.com

Amongst its technical attributes, Eco-Lay absorbs noise, providing

up to 25dB (or 40%) noise reduction. It also has a thermal resistance

(R) value of up to 1,25 Togs, which is in the top echelon of thermal

insulation for underlays in the country.

It can be used safely and effectively with floor heating pads as it

thermally insulates the pads from the underlying concrete slab. This

also saves energy and increases the heating speed.

The environmental benefits of Eco-Lay are legion: it is made from

100% recycled rubber (mainly car and truck tyres) which reduces

the impact on landfills; it is fully recyclable at the end of its lifetime

(making it a cradle-to-cradle product) which once again reduces the

impact on landfills.

Eco-Lay also has a Total Volatile Organic Compound emission rate of

0.1 mg/m²/hr (24 hours) and a 4-Phenylcyclohexene emission rate of

<0.01 mg/m²/hr (24 hours), which means that these products easily

pass the requirements for Green Star rating.

Because of its excellent thermal insulation properties the product

keeps rooms cool in summer and warmer in winter, bringing signifi-

cant energy savings and reducing your carbon footprint.

Fully tested and approved by independent international test

centres, Eco-Lay is guaranteed for 10 years against manufacturing

defects, despite the fact that most underlays do not carry any perfor-

mance guarantees.

The current Eco-Lay range comes in three different thicknesses,

being 3mm, 5mm and 6,5mm, making it extremely suitable for any

kind of floorcovering, application and budget.

Eco-Lay is manufactured by Van Dyck Carpets and is one of the

many environmental product ranges offered by the company.

Van Dyck Carpets

Tel: 031 913 3800

Toll free: 0800CARPET (0800227738)

Website: www.vandyckcarpets.com

InternationalpedestalcompanyopensinsouthAfrica

Since 1987 Buzon Pedestal International has been

one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of screwjack

polypropylene pedestals, now exported through-

out the world.

Used in a variety of applications, their infinite height options and

slope correction ability enable project designers to create a flat

floor surface in almost any environment.

Since 2005, Buzon Pedestals have been used throughout South

Africa on numerous prestigious projects. Resulting from this success,

Buzon International is proud to announce the launch of its regional

office, Buzon South Africa, based in Johannesburg in order to better

serve all the current projects throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Buzon South Africa was launched in September 2010 and will work

with local agents in all major centres in the region. A full technical

design service is offered and full installation training will be provided

to ensure installations all conform to sound engineering design prin-

ciples and Buzon standards.

The reputation of Buzon pedestals is the result of extensive project

experience and a willingness to satisfy the needs of architects, speci-

fiers, quantity surveyors and construction professionals. A team of

designers and engineers is ready to provide immediate support for

any project – wherever required.

Buzon South Africa is a licensed regional distributor for Buzon

Pedestal International, and is a wholly owned division of Richard

Bentley Consulting (Pty) Ltd.

Director Richard Bentley introduced the Buzon pedestal to South

Africa in 2005 as a lightweight deck support solution for a heritage

restoration project that was being undertaken.

Since then, Buzon has been used throughout South Africa in a wide

variety of different projects, some of which can be seen on the local

applications gallery page on the website: www.buzonsa.co.za.

Richard Bentley

Buzon Southern Africa

Tel: 011 463 7324 / 083 399 5174


Website: www.buzonsa.co.za72



LUXURY FLOORINGfeature

Perhaps we should have called this feature

Floors for Special Buildings because, although

not all the floorcoverings are exceptionally

luxurious, the projects on which they have

been used certainly are.

F e a t u r e : L u x u r y F l o o r i n g


74



In this article we have featured a selection of very special local and

international buildings and their floors, including a wood floor that

is still going strong after 115 years; a great hotel penthouse refurbish-

ment; two 5-Star hotels in Africa being built by a local architect; luxu-

ry khayas at a top game reserve; South Africa’s latest airport building;

and a revelation in hospital floor design.

We originally intended to highlight South Africa’s most expensive

Perhaps we should have called this feature Floors

for Special Buildings because, although not all the

floorcoverings are exceptionally luxurious, the proj-

ects on which they have been used certainly are.

Nothingbutthebest!

home – a penthouse that sold fairly recently for R110-million, but

this proved not to be possible. However, what better way to start

an article on luxury flooring than by featuring one that is not only a

luxury floor, but that has stood the test of time since 1895 despite

considerable abuse!

Built by the Herold Family in Cleveland, Ohio, this building was

sold by them in 1914 to Simon Hattler, a German immigrant, and

this family lived in it for 65 years, which is why it is known today as

The Hattler House.

The home has many beautiful features that attracted the current

owners to purchase it, first of which is the intricately detailed wood

flooring. These floors had been covered in soot because Rose, the

final Hattler family member to live in the home, had been burning

FRONTIER LODGE



trash to keep warm after the furnace stopped working!

The next owner, Benny Bonanno, uncovered these floors as he was

preparing to lay down carpet, and brought them back to their origi-

nal superb condition and design.

A worthy start to our Luxury Floors feature, and anyone that wants

to know more about this interesting house should visit the website

www.clevelandareahistory.com (to which acknowledgement and

thanks are given).

The 5-Star Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, which is part of Meikles

Ltd, is situated on the iconic V&A Waterfront with its own jetty, offer-

ing generously proportioned guest rooms with great views of Table

Mountain and the harbour.

The 120 luxury rooms include stylish loft rooms, single, two and

three bedroom apartments, and two 80m² penthouse suites with

generous lounge and dining areas; each has its own 45m² private ter-

race, a garden and outdoor jacuzzi.

Each room of the hotel is custom-designed with unique and refresh-

ing décor, following a recent refashioning process completed last year

throughout the hotel by well-respected Cape Town interior designer

Kathi Weixelbaumer, which included the complete refurbishment of

all the floors.

Every carpet in the hotel was replaced with custom-designed

broadloom provided by Nouwens Custom Weave to Kathi’s design,

using an 80/20% wool/nylon weave with a different colour styling for

the rooms on each floor.

Carrara marble was used for the refurbishing of the bathrooms. This

was imported from Italy, and supplied and fitted by Marble Mill of

Diep River, Cape Town, which has been established since 1988.

Marble Mill supplied and fitted the Carrara marble floor tiles, vani-

ties, bath surrounds and wall cladding slabs in the bathrooms, and

the restrooms in the public areas were done in a mix of Grey Bardiglio

and Carrara marble slabs, sourced from a specialist supplier in Italy.

The renovation of the bathrooms was done floor by floor without dis-

rupting the operation of the rest of the hotel.

Commenting on this project, Marble Mill director Dennis Gardiner

says, “Renovating the hotel on a floor- by-floor basis has not been

done in this country before. This experience will stand us in good

stead in projects of a similar nature and everyone at Marble Mill is

very proud of what we achieved at the Cape Grace Hotel.”

It is interesting to note that the Cape Grace is a member of the

exclusive Leading Small Hotels of the World (a brand extension of the

internationally recognised and respected organisation The Leading

Hotels of the World) which is dedicated to luxurious, boutique 5-Star

properties that are fast becoming the preferred choice for upscale

travellers who look for charm, uniqueness, personalised service and

guest recognition in their accommodation.

Whilst on the subject of hotels, Francois Pienaar (Co-Arc

International Architects, Johannesburg) – the internationally cel-

ebrated architect that designed such iconic buildings as the Nelson

Mandela Square in Sandton, together with Legacy’s Michelangelo

Hotel (which is also acclaimed as a member of The Leading Hotels of

the World) – is currently working on the designs of new 5-Star hotels

in Ghana and Nigeria – The Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, and The

Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos.

Unfortunately we were not able to obtain the flooring information

before we went to print, so we hope to run these projects in a future

issue of FLOORS in Africa to emphasise the architectural, design and

project management expertise that is available in South Africa.

The world-renowned MalaMala Game Reserve, which has been in

existence since 1927, offers a range of accommodation across three

camps to appeal to every type of traveller: the MalaMala Main Camp,

Sable Camp and, featured here – Rattray’s on MalaMala – which is

the crème de la crème of the luxury safari industry.

Opened in November 2005, Rattray’s is the latest addition to the

MalaMala portfolio, portraying an elegant reflection of a colonial

era and providing the ultimate exclusive safari in style, privacy and

sublime comfort through eight luxury khayas accommodating a

maximum of 16 guests.

Each khaya (Zulu for ‘home’) overlooks the Sand River, and has

rooms totalling 128m², together with a verandah and pool deck. The

khayas have hardwood floors with underfloor heating for the winter,

together with concrete tinted screeds in the bathroom areas.

The wood is Rhodesian teak laid on a concrete surface bed,

supplied and installed by Krombou Konstruksie of Hazyview, and

oriental carpets for each khaya were supplied by Paco Rugs of

MALAMALA

76



Greenside, Johannesburg.

The architect for this project was Barry St. Leger Denny of

Durban and, when asked what regular treatment or special clean-

ing requirements were used on the floors, he said ‘the architect’s

secret blend of water, meths and Cobra polish’ is used!

The FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup has come and gone, but it left

behind some magnificent new stadiums and several other edi-

fices that South Africa can be proud of – none more so than the

sparkling new King Shaka International Airport north of Durban,

that was officially opened by President Jacob Zuma on 8th May

this year.

Designed by Osmond Lange Architects and Planners to accom-

modate an anticipated 7,5 million passengers per annum, this

impressive new facility boasts a Terminal Building with a floor

area of 103 000m². Surely this represents the largest tiled floor of

the year?

A total of 55 000m² of imported, full-bodied Italian porcelain

tiles in Iridium colour were used for this project, supplied by

Rudolph & Van Vuuren of Johannesburg, who also shared the

installation contract with Durban Tiling.

Rudolph & Van Vuuren was formed in 1965, although in 1979 its

profile was changed from construction to tiling contracting for

the corporate market, but now also includes homeowners and

private businesses on its client list.

The ground floor contains three interesting and specially

designed circles in the Arrivals section. Designed by Osmond

Lange Architects, they comprise granite supplied by International

Slab Sales of Durban in nine different colours interlaid with grade

316 stainless steel rings, all cut by water-jet machines by Tile

Styles Aqua Water Cut in Durban to provide 3m, 16m, and 20m

diameter circles – all very big and impressive designs. The thick-

nesses of the granite slabs were a combination of 20mm and 30mm.

Water-jet cutting is computer-generated precision cutting for

natural stone tiles and slabs, porcelain tiles, glass and most metals

with very quick turn-around times, minimal wastage on material, no

heat transfer when cutting, and extremely precise cutting, which is

evident from the intricate and appealing designs at the airport.

Tile Styles was formed in 1990 by Marc and Sue D’Offay and under

Marc – a master contractor with a background in art and design

– it has branched out with great success into the world of artistic

design, leading to the formation of Tile Styles Water Cut twelve

years ago, specialising in water-jet cutting of flooring materials for

the residential and commercial sectors, both locally and in neigh-

bouring countries.

Apart from the main tiling contract, Durban Tiling also completed

the installation of these outstanding designer circles that provide

such an attractive and welcoming feel to the Terminal building.

Having started this review of luxury floors with a beautiful old wood

floor in the USA, we are ending it with a ceramic floor also from North

America. Looking for exciting floors for this introductory feature

article, we stumbled across an award-winning ceramic tiled floor

designed specifically for a hospital. Not a luxury floor you might

mutter, but take a look at these beautiful floors installed just a few

years ago. (From the website www.onedreamdesign.com/humanspace/

tile.shtml to which acknowledgement and thanks are given).

When Adam Rubinstein was hired to design the interior of the Heart

Hospital & Heart Institute of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, CA, he

looked for an entirely new approach.

Rubinstein was of the opinion that hospital design had been tre-

mendously hampered by ultra-conservative administrators afraid of

anything but routine, sterile, white or bland colouration and, in his

view, it is this white colouration that becomes easily soiled, dirty-look-

ing and, over time, depressing to look at.

Following this precept, he set out to help foster wellness by lifting

patients’ spirits with colour and exciting surroundings throughout the

entire hospital.

Ricchetti tiles were used in the hallways and the 12 intensive-care

suites, laid in fanciful patterns in complete contrast to the seamless

one-colour floors so often used in these applications.

The lobby floor, consisting of terrazzo, marble and granite tiles, was

cut with a wet saw on a jig to create one equilateral triangle, two half-

triangles and a 25mm x 25mm strip. The tiles were then arranged in

hexagons that radiate from the centre of the room.

As a result, the Association of Italian Ceramic Tile Manufacturers

selected Rubinstein and his One Dream Design as the recipient of

its Sixth Annual Assopiastrelle Design Award – which recognises an

American architectural or interior design firm that has enhanced the

image of Italian ceramic tile in the United States – and well worthy of

a mention in our feature!

In compiling this introductory article, it proved to be extremely dif-

ficult to feature a wide variety of high-profile buildings, mostly for

security or confidential design or facility management reasons, but

those that have been featured underline once again the versatility

and high standard of workmanship available in this country, from

design through to eventual use of the buildings, and the durability

and innovation of various floorcoverings used in other countries. The

luxury flooring industry is in good shape worldwide!

KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

LUXURY LEISURE LASTING VALUE

SOLID Timber DeckingMaximising the use of your social areaBedson Decking as the seamless transitionbetween indoor and outdoor living

www.bedson.co.zawww.mesopotamiaflooring.com

gauteng: Pretoria 012 803 4376kZn: Hammarsdale 072 622 7400

BELGO NEXUS

New BerberPoint Eco from Nexus, the commercial

division of Belgotex Floorcoverings, is the green

alternative for architects’ first choice in carpeting.

TheGreenFlooringAlternative

80



EVEREST 50 AlpS 50

TundRE 20iSlAnd 50

glACiER 20

AnTARCTiCA 20

pRAiRiE 20

AndES 50

Offering all the outstanding specification and performance char-

acteristics of BerberPoint 920 but with the option of recycled

content, BerberPoint Eco provides a foundation for specifiers and

designers to build their green credentials.

The structured needlepunch range is made from Stainproof Eco

Fibre comprising recycled polyester made out of PET plastic bottles

combined with a polypropylene blend to produce an eco-friendly

top-cloth. Recycling one tonne of plastic bottles saves one and a

half tonnes of CO2 versus landfills and incineration.



Modelled on the top selling colours of BerberPoint 920, eight best-

selling colourways are available, each with a predetermined per-

centage of recycled content in the top-cloth ranging between 20%

- 50% from lightest to darkest tones. ToPCloTH

BITuMENBlEND-INCluDEsrECYClEDCoNTENT(FlY

AsH)AsPArToFTHECoMPouNDMIX

FIBrEGlAsssCrIMrEINForCEssTruCTurAl

sTABIlITY

BITuMENBlEND-INCluDEsrECYClEDCoNTENT(FlY

AsH)AsPArToFTHECoMPouNDMIX

sECoNDArYBACKINGProVIDEsANEATAND

AEsTHETICAllYAPPEAlINGFINIsHANDIMProVEsTHElAY-FlATCHArACTErIsTICs

oFTHETIlE

ture to produce an environmentally friendly backing with proven

low VOC levels.

The NexBac Eco production process can save up to two hundred

tonnes of fly ash from landfill sites and reduce consumption of

an equal amount of calcium carbonate (a natural resource also

known as chalk).

BerberPoint Eco backed with NexBac Eco results in 27% to 34%

recycled content overall, depending on the recycled content of

the top cloth chosen.

All Belgotex Floorcoverings’ products bear the Environmental

Choice logo for environmentally friendly initiatives and processes.

For further information on BerberPoint Eco or any of Nexus’

other Eco Collection ranges, please visit the website: www.nex-

uscarpets.co.za or call Belgotex Floorcoverings at the numbers

provided below.

Nexus (division of Belgotex Floorcoverings)

Head Office: 033 897 7500


Cape Town: 021 907 3400

Durban 031 313 9600


BerberPoint Eco extends the company’s renowned Eco Collection

and is manufactured according to stringent ISO 14001 environ-

mental standards. It is available in either modular or broadloom

options. A selection of optional backings for modular carpet ranges

including either ResinBac, NexBac or new NexBac Eco is available on

request.

For the ultimate eco-friendly carpet solution, select a green backing

alternative too:

New NexBac Eco is a green backing alternative available for any

Nexus tile range and contains 35% recycled content. It is produced

using post-industrial waste fly ash derived from an industrial steam

generation process which is blended with the normal NexBac mix-

Luxuryvinylflooringwidelyaccepted

Since its introduction earlier this year, Traviloc luxury

vinyl flooring has been widely accepted by the

specifying community.

82



Traviloc’s aesthetics, maintenance and hygiene benefits have seen

it used in sport, leisure, retail and upper-end domestic projects.

It has been specified in new hotels and major refurbishments in

KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape – most notably the revamp of the

President hotel in Bantry Bay in Cape Town where some 13 000m2 of

flooring is already underway.

The waterproof characteristics of Traviloc have recently been instru-

mental in the product’s acceptance in one of the country’s major

gymnasium groups. Having started in four of the flagship operations,

Traviloc will be used on an ongoing basis.

The luxury vinyl wood plank’s hand-scraped finish, quietness under-

foot and the fact that no expansion joints are required have to date

ensured that it has been favoured for applications in numerous upmar-

ket houses, such as the Serengeti Golf estate outside Pretoria that has

seen its first floors completed, together with other developments that

have been completed. Traviloc’s versatility has also seen it used in a

large number of smaller residential refurbishments.

The hygiene and maintenance benefits of Traviloc have seen it

installed in a major oncology centre on the East Rand, following simi-

lar applications in medical suites in Fourways and at the OR Tambo

Airport clinic.

For the retail market, the Uniclic locking system gives a truly unique

advantage. The ease and speed of the Uniclic system allow landlords

and building owners to complete new tenant installations noise-free,

dust-free and odour-free. No glues or underlay are required at all.

In line with the manufacturer’s sustainability commitment, Traviloc is

produced from 100% virgin vinyl. This means it complies with the strict-

er European norms and is completely DOP- and formaldehyde-free.

Based in the USA and with 23 manufacturing facilities across the

USA, Canada, the UK, Asia and South America, the manufacturer of

Traviloc is a global player in flooring. As such they submit to Social and

Environmental Responsibility audits by ITS, are ISO 14001 certified and

carry other accreditations for VOC emissions, indoor air quality and

packing materials.

For further information contact Traviata Flooring systems at the num-

bers shown below, or visit the website.

Traviata Flooring Systems Cell: 082 595 2061 (Hugh Krog)

Tel: 011 453 0296 E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.traviata.co.za

The concept of luxury has been present in

various forms since the beginning of civilisation.

Throughout the years, many attempts have been

made to define luxury using the price-quality

dimension, stating that higher-priced products in

any category are “luxury”.

LuxurywithaconscienceSimilarly, researchers have also used the uniqueness aspect of

luxury. Prof. Jean-Noel Kapferer, takes an experiential approach

and defines luxury as items which provide extra pleasure by flatter-

ing all senses at once.

FloorworX offers you accessible luxury with a conscience.

Design trends are constantly changing and choosing material can

be difficult when thinking long term, but one thing is certain – the

use of sustainable and healthy products is here to stay. As a result,

top industry professionals and design-savvy consumers not only

want a product that says “luxury”, but also ones which are environ-

mentally responsible.

Wood floors offer both. Your interior settings can change many

times over the years while your floor remains timeless, only adding

value to your new design. Wood floors conform to their environ-

ment and add value with age.

Most architects and designers agree that wood will be the pre-

ferred building material of the future. An increase in the use of

wood will stimulate the planting of new forests, resulting in a

reduction of carbon dioxide. If using wood can reduce the amount

of pollution in the air while creating an upscale feeling in even the

smallest setting, why choose any other material?

More reasons for choosing wood include its being sustainable and

strong; versatile and beautiful; biodegradable; and it is part of our

cultural heritage. Wood also stands for quality and hence it is a very

aspirational floor to own.

Quality is something that has been on top of the Kährs agenda

right from the start. All the production units within the Kährs

group have implemented quality and environmental management

systems according to ISO 9001 and ISO14001 and are registered

under EMAS.

During the last five years, the availability of wood floors of differ-

ent colours and species has increased enormously internationally as

wood has become the floorcovering of choice in hotels, luxury item

retail stores and designer homes.

Choosing a wood floor is an investment. Now you can own a Kährs

floor too.

FloorworX Marketing

Tel: 011 406 4146

Fax: 011 406 420584



Everyone’s favourite floors...

Solid WoodEngineered and Laminate Floors

Decking

complete wooden floor solutions • floor & deck maintenance • professional advice and designs

0861 TIMBER • 011 465 4150

www.rhomstimberworld.co.za

NATURALLY, YOU PREFER QUALITY!

CARPET TILES LIKE NO OTHERelegance design quality style

CapeTownBranch:AdelammersFax: +27 86 627 4725Cell: +27 82 888 0596Email: [email protected]: +27 72 722 7072Email: [email protected]

ContactDetails:Headoffice:JaniceHanscombeOffice: +27 11 873 4582Premi cell: +27 82 887 1683Fax: +27 86 542 1079Cell: +27 72 839 9539Email: [email protected]

www.tuntex-carpet.com

Well acceptedattheGreenBuildingCouncilConferenceTuntex Carpets SA – the South African subsidiary of

the well-respected Sunhou Tuntex Fiber & Carpet

Company – took an exhibition stand at the Green

Building Council Conference held in the Cape Town

Convention Centre in September 2010, where its

sales programme was well accepted in terms of

design, quality and dimensional stability of the

backing.Tuntex Carpets has the following certifications:Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) – Green Label Plus Certification ISO 9001:2000 – Quality Management System CertificateISO 14001:2004 – Environmental Management CertificateMember of The Green Building Council, South Africa

This was the ideal showcase for Tuntex products as the attendees

were from the building industry and related professions, and

from discussions with visitors to the Tuntex stand is was clear that the

pricing of the polypropylene and Nylon 6.6 ranges meets the budget

rates for the various quality and design requirements of architects,

designers and relevant specifiers.

With an in-house design department Tuntex offers the service of

custom designing in various qualities and with the option of either

500mm x 500mm or 609mm x 609mm tile sizes. A minimum quantity

of 3500m² is required.

Tuntex nylon carpet tiles comply with a Class 2 Fire Rating in accor-

dance with SANS 10177 Part 4, which makes the range acceptable for

use in any office installation.

In addition, the Tuntex sales team in conjunction with Tim Donkin

from Invista Antron – the nylon suppliers for Tuntex – can assist with

all technically related questions in terms of quality and wear of the

Tuntex Nylon 6.6 ranges. Tuntex also offers a 10-year guarantee on all

its nylon ranges.

Tuntex SA – Head Office Fax: 086 542 1079

Premi Cell: 082 887 1683 E-mail: [email protected]

Cell: 072 839 9539 (Janice Hanscombe) www.tuntex-carpet.com



Introducingtheoriginoftrue beauty

The Poliface range of high-quality laminates

includes ranges that are suitable for all types

of residential and commercial applications

and meets the current trends in interior

design, enabling the architect, designer,

developer or end-user to match the floor

perfectly with the taste and identity of each

installation.

�0



As part of its development and growth programme,

Tiletoria has recently been appointed as the sole dis-

tributor for the proven Poliface laminate flooring collection

– encompassing the whole of the African continent.

The impressive Poliface range has advanced technical char-

acteristics, including excellent impact and abrasion resistance;

colour fastness; resistance to fire, burns and stains; anti-aller-

genic properties; and improved sound reduction.

Poliface laminates are also very easy to install with the

unique, glueless Inloc Clic fixing system, which allows the floor

to be used immediately after it has been installed.

Available in a wide variety of wood grain colour and finishes,

these systems include matching skirting and mouldings to pro-

vide the perfect detailing of the floor.

The latest member of the Poliface laminate family is Poliface

Origo – a beautiful concept originating in pure wood. Because

wood is durable, renewable, natural and resistant it is the per-

fect solution that needs to be seen and touched.

Origo recaptures the ambience of old-style comfort, beauty

and charm in the interior decoration of the most sophisticated

spaces, and is available in three styles – Savannah, California,

and Columbia.

Low in maintenance and easy to clean, Origo Poliface is the

perfect solution to flooring at its most beautiful.

The Poliface range is provided with a 15-Year Residential

Guarantee that the decorative laminate surface will not wear

through, the floor will not stain and it will not fade due to sun

or artificial light.

Manufactured in accordance with EN 13329:2007, and classi-

fied at AC4/32 for domestic and commercial use, Poliface Origo

is also available with the Silent sound insulation system on

special request, in keeping with all the other products in the

Poliface range.

For further information contact Tiletoria at the numbers

shown below and let the experts assist you.

Tiletoria

Tel: 021 511 3125

Fax: 021 511 3119


Nouwens–Theteambehindthebrand

At Nouwens it is about a culture, an exclusive

brand and the people who make it happen. We

take pleasure in introducing the team more directly

responsible for customer service and communica-

tion, but we cannot go without saying that there

is a very loyal and committed factory team in the

wings who ensure the ongoing quality and avail-

ability of the product around which everything

revolves! Collectively the staff has just under 2000

years of experience and service at Nouwens.

Nouwens Johannesburg Sales office operates from Northlands

Production Park in North Riding. Front row are senior sales con-

sultants Barbara Ryan, Gary Johnson – Branch Manager, Clive

Brinck and Lenie Grobler. Back row is sales consultant Shane

Groenewald, Deena Moodley and Xolani Jadezweni both on

reception / internal orders and senior rep Ronald Harvey.

Mohamed khan –

customer service and

senior sales consultant

consultant

Nouwens Cape Town Sales Office is located at the Waverley

Business Park in Mowbray. Front row are Rozanne Kennedy – cus-

tomer service consultant, Dorothy Botten – receptionist / inter-

nal sales, Lynne Stevenson – admin. The four gentlemen sales

consultants are Jason Page, Matthew Nefdt, Len van den Bergh

– branch manager and Kevin de Coriolis who is based in PE to

cover the Eastern Cape area.

�2

N e w s


The Nouwens Head Office Team – from left to right Lianne van Coller on orders /

admin, Gloria Monareng – on creditors / admin, Bel Brooks – financial mange-

ment, Johannes Msibi – filing clerk, Mandy du Plessis – CEO, Cheryl Bam – Debtors,

Beverley Clarke – orders and Elise Bence who is helping out till year end.

Nouwens Carpets National

Management Team – As Luci

Nouwens prepares to go into

semi-retirement and Pieter has

moved into full time manage-

ment of Nouwens Custom Weave,

they have appointed a top profes-

sional management team to take

over their executive functions at

Nouwens Carpets – from left to

right: Mandy du Plessis – Chief

Executive Officer as from September

2010 and based in Harrismith. Oscar

Grobler – Chairman of the Board of

Directors, John Faul – Production

Manager since April this year, based

in Harrismith and Luci Nouwens

– Director also based in Harrismith.

Nouwens Durban Sales office operates from fresh new

premises in Fish Eagle Park at Mount Edgecomb. Graham

Blair is the branch manager assisted by senior rep Tracy

Muller. As from the beginning of October, new admin

/ receptionist lady Melissa Naidoo, holds the fort when

Graham and Tracy are doing their rounds.

The Nouwens Carpets Branch Managers, Graham Blair

– Durban, Gary Johnson – Johannesburg, Len van den

Bergh – Cape Town.

N e w s


Owned by Johan Jansen van Vuuren and Sven Viljoen, Transiton Transport is now in its 10th year of busi-

ness since it reverted to its own name following the liquidation of Roadcorp in 2000.

Operating from the same premises, Transiton enjoys

the support of its major clients such as Belgotex

Floorcoverings, Nouwens Carpets, Crossley Carpets, Fotakis

Brothers, Wonder Flooring, Carpet Brokers, MF Wholesalers

and Selborne Carpet Wholesalers, and provides a deliv-

ery service to an area that encompasses the whole of

South Africa and stretches into neighbouring countries

– Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Deliveringagreatservicetothecarpetindustry

Deliveringagreatservicetothecarpetindustry

Asked why Transiton finds it necessary to have a specialist

flooring delivery operation, Johan says, “Carpets have spe-

cial requirements; for example, they are difficult to handle

without special equipment, and it is not possible to load

anything else onto a truck with carpets – such as spices or

oil – as the smells will be absorbed by the carpet.”

In recent years Transiton has found that its major clients

are now selling floorcoverings other than carpet, and this

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times with credibility, honesty and integrity; to maintain

the highest levels of professionalism in all its dealings; to

be innovative, flexible and adaptable in a continuously

changing environment; to train, develop and provide equal

opportunity for its staff; and to strive for excellence in

safety, health and environmental matters.

Finally, Transiton is very proud of the fact that due to its

‘just in time delivery’ service, once again the company

scored an average of 99,3% on TIME-EFFECTIVE DELIVERY

this year, and wants to thank all its clients – factories and

wholesalers for their support over the past decade. “We

look forward to living our vision of continually striving to

be the best road freight transporter for our customers into

the future,” concludes Johan.

Transiton Transport


Pietermaritzburg: 033 397 9904

Cape Town: 021 905 9117/8

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.

has extended the service that it provides. “Transiton is

in essence the distribution arm of the clients – not just a

transporter,” says Johan. “We are part of the clients’ offer-

ing to their customers – getting products to clients more

quickly and effectively. In this manner Transiton provides

the way to get product sold to customers quickly and

safely.”

In relation to this, Transiton has become an essential part

in growing and maintaining the market share of the carpet

industry. In addition, its customers have no need to hold

stock, as deliveries from wholesalers or manufacturers are

quick and effective. Customers can now provide a better

service to their clients by meeting the strict deadlines that

are commonplace in the construction industry.

From the start Transiton experienced an existing demand,

but has since developed the market by instituting more

direct deliveries, servicing the outlying areas, and deliver-

ing to neighbouring countries.

Transiton sees its future as continuing to be the distribu-

tion arm of their clients and, apart from remaining cost-

effective and efficient, the company will develop with its

clients and continue to meet their needs. “We aim to part-

ner with our clients to provide the transport solution for

their operations,” Johan states.

As the company’s Mission Statement avows, through its

professional, experienced and dedicated staff Transiton

Transport is committed to creating value for all stakehold-

ers by providing the highest levels of service and support

to its customer base by having the right product at the

right place at the right time.

This is reflected in Transiton’s core values: to deal at all

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Competentfemalesitesafetyofficers

Women make competent safety officers on building sites

because “safety is part of a woman’s daily routine – whether

at home or work”, says Lizzie Peterson, the Gauteng Master

Builders Association’s top Health & Safety manager for 2010,

speaking at the annual Health & Safety Awards function held by

the Gauteng Master Builders Association (GMBA).

Peterson, Health & Safety Manager at Ambient Contracting

Services in Edenvale, says the construction industry is now rap-

idly moving away from the perception that building is a male-

dominated industry. “Women are beginning to make their mark.

We are already there in the safety field – and it’s just a stepping

stone towards getting our hands on other duties.”

She believes women succeed as safety officers because “our

approach is tough yet softer and, above all, showing respect for

our fellow workers comes naturally”, she says.

But it is not easy for a female safety officer to promote health

issues, such as AIDS- prevention on site. “Most men do not

like discussing sexual issues with women who are not part of

their family. This is where a humble and professional attitude

is required – female health and safety guardians should put as

much emphasis as possible on the dangers involved instead of

preaching to the workers. We also need to show empathy with

those who are HIV-positive,” she adds.

Peterson says workers on a building site tend to appear

strong and healthy but, because of the environmental hazards

– such as cement dust, fuel, and toxic chemicals – they are

exposed to on site, the preservation of the workers’ health is a

major challenge.

Last year’s top student, Sebenzile Magugu, was one of the top

three performers in the GMBA’s 2010 Award for Best Site Safety

Officer. Magugu was honoured for her work on Giuricich Bros.

Construction’s new Toyota Dealership site in Rhodesfield.

Christelle van Rooyen has been appointed as Office Manager/

Administrative Assistant for the Free State Institute of Architecture as

from 01 September 2010.

The previous incumbent, Anja van der Merwe of Jan Ras

Argiteksgroep BK, says that although they are still sharing offices with

the FSIA, she is now working full-time for the practice again.

“Thank you to all at SAIA and Regional Institutes for 11 years of your

support and co-operation. It was a pleasure being part of the SAIA

family,” she says. “We wish Christelle every success and all the best for

the new position.”

NewofficemanagerforFsIA

Mohawk is expanding on its Ricky the Rhino promotion from

last year and this time will let six African elephants at the

Dallas Zoo test the performance and stain resistance of its

SmartStrand carpet.

For two weeks, the animals will be turned loose on the

Mohawk carpet.

Mohawk is also introducing a new Human Habitat element

to the challenge, where zoo guests can visit four different

household situations: a living room, kitchen, bedroom and

foyer.

Each living situation will incorporate Mohawk flooring

products – carpet, laminate, ceramic and Mohawk’s brand-

new strand woven bamboo – with visitors allowed to interact

with the exhibits.

“We have an extraordinary product and we’re challenging

it in an extraordinary way to prove the unmatched durabil-

ity of SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona,” said David Duncan,

Mohawk’s vice-president of marketing.

FloorDaily.net

TheBigsix!

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Nexus, the commercial division of Belgotex Floorcoverings, recently

completed a nationwide launch of its new BerberPoint Eco carpeting

that provides a comprehensive green alternative for architects and

designers.

To introduce this exciting new development, events were held

in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Port

Elizabeth, and all were well attended by the professionals – archi-

tects, designers, and specifiers.

BerberPoint Eco provides a superb green alternative for specifiers

TheGreenFlooringAlternative

and designers, offering all the outstanding specification and per-

formance characteristics of BerberPoint 920 but with the option of

recycled content in its manufacture.

Available in modular or broadloom options, BerberPoint Eco is

part of the company’s Eco Collection as a structured needlepunch

range made from Stainproof Eco Fibre, comprising recycled polyes-

ter made out of PET plastic bottles combined with a polypropylene

blend to produce an eco-friendly top-cloth.

NewcarpetmuseumfundedbylotteryThe UK-based Carpet Museum Trust has been provided with a R20-mil-

lion fund to establish the centre in Stour Vale Mill in the West Midlands

of England which was built in 1855 and was originally itself a carpet

factory.

A vintage working loom from the Victorian period will be one of the

features of the museum, which will focus on Kidderminster’s role in

Britain’s carpet-making industry.

Floordaily.net

gET pACking!

For those of you that plan well in advance,

now is the time to start considering your trip to

Stone+tec Nürnberg 2011, the International Trade

Fair for Natural Stone & Stone Processing Technology

– it takes place in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 22

to 25 June 2011.

Full details on next year’s event can be obtained by visiting

the website: [email protected].

Representatives from FLOORS attended an international product fair

showcasing the finest equipment and technology in the building

sector, which was successfully hosted by Pan Mixers South Africa

(PMSA) – one of Africa’s leading manufacturers of concrete block,

brick and paving machinery.

The fair, which was held on 15 and 16 September 2010 at PMSA’s

factory in Graniet Street, Jet Park, featured a range of new products,

including a European-manufactured Fiori self-loading concrete

mixer that has an on-board weighing system.

Following the success of last year’s event, PMSA hosted the fair for

a second year running to provide industry with the perfect opportu-

nity to learn more about new trends and technology in the industry.

PMSA director Walter Ebeling says: “We feel that it is our responsi-

bility as market leaders to showcase the technologies that are avail-

able to our customers. Last year’s fair was a great success, with more

than 400 people attending the two-day event. We have made this

year’s event bigger and better, with additional exhibitors, product

launches and demonstrations.”

Guest speakers at this event included Clem Sunter, a world-

renowned global strategist and scenario-planner, who held an

intriguing talk on the future of the South African construction

industry, and Jean Tresfon, who gave a presentation on ‘green’ build-

ing and how the concrete industry can capitalise on this growing

trend.

Attendees were also provided with tips and advice by numerous

experts in their respective fields, including a talk presented by the

Cement and Concrete Institute (C&CI) on the sustainability of the

concrete industry.

Established in 1976, PMSA is a leading manufacturer of a wide

range of concrete block, brick and paving machinery, turbine and

counter-current pan mixers and batching plants for the Concrete,

Refractory and Ceramic industries.

PMsA’sinternationalproductfairbackbypopulardemand

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“Last year, Chryso expanded its product range to include

cementitious products such as grouts, repair materials, water-

proofing and other construction products. This move has been

extremely successful and the a.b.e. acquisition will accelerate our

growth into these market sectors.”

“Future plans for a.b.e. include reinforcing the management

team, upgrading the production facilities, and strengthening the

research and development programmes while using existing a.b.e.

channels into the market to intro-

duce new products that further

enhance the a.b.e. current product

range.”

“I am extremely excited about this

deal and see benefits for Chryso

and a.b.e. as well as for suppliers

and customers,” Seymore adds.

Chrysoacquisitionofa.b.e.ConstructionChemicalsThe complex process of Chryso Southern Africa acquiring a.b.e.

Construction Chemicals, which started in February this year, has

now reached its final stages. The move will result in a.b.e. delist-

ing from the JSE, with Chryso taking ownership and manage-

ment control of the company by the end of September 2010.

Norman Seymore, the current managing director of Chryso, will

be CEO of both businesses after the acquisition is completed.

“Initially, a.b.e. and Chryso will run independently from one

another while integration possibilities and opportunities are

studied. However, there will be strong cooperation between all

the departments and divisions of the two companies,” explains

Seymore.

“Chryso Southern Africa has established itself as a major sup-

plier of concrete and cement admixtures in South Africa due to

its investment in plant infrastructure and new technologies as

well as technical and customer support. a.b.e. provides specialised

construction products to the building, civil engineering and main-

tenance industries, and is a long-standing and successful business

with a large network of branches and distributors,” he says.

Norman Seymore, MD of Chryso, will assume the posi-tion of CEO of both Chryso and a.b.e. Construction Chemicals, after the Chryso acquisition is completed. >>

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ECOnOMiSing!

An elderly man in Mumbai calls his son in New York and says, “Hate to ruin your day, son, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are getting a divorce; 35 years of marriage... that much misery is enough!” “Dad, what are you talking about?” the son screams.‘We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,’ the old man says.‘We’re sick of each other, and I’m sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Hong Kong and tell her!’Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone.‘Like heck they’re getting divorced,’ she shouts, ‘I’ll take care of this.’She calls Mumbai immediately, and screams at the old man, ‘You are not getting divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR??’ and she hangs up. The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. ‘Okay’, he says, ‘It’s all set. They’re both coming for our anniversary and paying their own airfare.’

FLOORS recently visited the Teragren South Africa Head Office in

Durban and established that we will be spearheading the marketing

of Teragren’s exciting new Portfolio range which will be available in

South Africa next year, along with its other quality ranges of solid

bamboo flooring and panels.

Formed in 1994, Teragren is a US-based manufacturer of fine bam-

boo flooring, panels and veneers that believes in providing both

high-quality products and excellent customer service together with

environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing and business

practices.

Teragren South Africa is headed up by Sean Howell, who has good

experience with solid flooring and engineered panels. He is very

excited about the role that the Southern African Wood & Laminate

Flooring Association (SAWLFA) is playing in regulating an industry

which sorely needs a shared knowledge base from which to draw on,

whereby the public can enjoy the benefits of solid flooring and pan-

els knowing they are dealing with credible suppliers and installers.

Bamboobrandisgrowing

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Sika has introduced the Sikalastic 800 Series of highly impermeable

membrane products distributed by Sika in South Africa.

The Sika 800 Series comprises a range of new products with product

characteristics that include being highly impermeable; elastomeric –

which provides their load-bearing and impact-resistant qualities, and

well as being creep-resistant; tough in terms of being shear- and tear-

resistant; abrasion- and erosion-resistant; and seamless – even when

complex curves and bends are required. They also have the capability

of bridging and spanning across cracks and joints.

Easy and fast to apply, (gel 3-11 seconds, dry in one minute); these

membranes provide strong adhesion to the substrate, have no vola-

tile organic compounds, and the final finish avoids the need for a

protective screed.

Full information on these new products can be found on the web-

site www.sika.co.za.

New rangeofmembraneproducts

Carpet and Rug Institute President Werner Braun says California’s AB

2398, Carpet Product Stewardship Bill, could “usher in a whole new

phase of carpet recycling”. The bill represents new thinking in the

area of product stewardship in that it incentivises carpet recycling

by rewarding those entrepreneurs and inventors who produce mar-

ketable products made from post-consumer carpet.

The bill, which has been passed by both houses of the California

Assembly and is awaiting the Governor’s signature, generates rev-

enue through an initial assessment of 5 cents per square yard of

carpet sold in California.

Further, manufacturers, either singly or as a group, will be required

to establish a stewardship plan with the state for implementing car-

pet recycling. Stewardship plans will encompass consumer educa-

tion efforts, the assessment of fees, and progress measurement and

reporting.

To develop their required stewardship plan, manufacturers will

work with California regulatory agencies with the help of the Carpet

America Recovery Effort (CARE), which was founded in 2002.

“There is nothing else in the sustainability arena that compares

with this Carpet Stewardship Bill,” said Shaw Industries’ Rick Hooper,

who served on the CRI committee tasked with negotiating the bill

with California legislators.

CRI News

GroundbreakingCaliforniaCarpetrecyclingBill

Autumn-winterceramictilecollectionsnowonlineThe Product Gallery, a web page containing the autumn-winter 2010-

2011 collections of Italian ceramic tiles and ceramic sanitaryware

produced by Confindustria Ceramica member companies, is now

online. More than 250 new images can be viewed in the gallery at

http://products.italiatiles.com.

Together with the previous five six-monthly collections, this brings

to more than 1 500 the number of high-resolution images present,

making this the largest multimedia site in the world for these indus-

trial design products.

The Product Gallery is designed to provide rapid information on all

new products in two different ways: via the individual product sheets

complete with technical characteristics; and via vignettes illustrating

products in some of their possible applications. Floor and wall tiles

and ceramic sanitary articles are presented in a range of materials and

both modern and classic colours.

Kirk Marketing was established in 2002 and its initial products were

tile trims designed by a team with more than 11 years experience

in this sector of the flooring industry.

To facilitate the distribution of its product ranges throughout

Southern Africa, Kirk established its head office and main ware-

house in Gauteng, followed quickly by warehouses and offices in

Cape Town and Durban. In 2006, to cover the Eastern Cape, a sales

office was opened in Port Elizabeth with a warehouse following in

2008.

Now, as the company celebrates its 8th Anniversary, Kirk

Marketing has opened a new showroom at its head office in

Johannesburg that will enable its full sales programme to be

displayed and demonstrated, including high-quality trims, tools,

chemicals, laminate flooring and accessories

FLOORS in Africa attended the official

opening of this extensive

showroom which

now allows

Kirk

Birthdayopeningfornew showroomto encourage retail customers, architects, designers, quantity

surveyors and contractors to visit and see the actual products on

display – which includes its proprietary M.Trim range; M.Tools, a

comprehensive range of tiling tools; and M.Chem, a user-friendly

quality range of tile care chemicals.

Kirk Marketing also enjoys distribution agreements with major

international manufacturers including BENDI quality profiles ideal

for curved floors; DURAL – offering an extensive range of wood,

laminate trims and quality tile trims; RUBI – superior electric and

manual tile cutters; and VEXCOLT, one of the world’s leading sup-

pliers of structural movement joints. All these ranges will also be

found on display in the new showroom.

Kirk are primarily wholesalers for the bulk of their products, and

with over 600 customers throughout Southern Africa the full range

of products is distributed to the whole of South Africa and neigh-

bouring countries including Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and

Angola. Additionally, Kirk exports worldwide from the Gauteng

office and warehouse.

Kirk’s mission statement is simple: “Kirk Marketing is dedicated to

be the leader in our industry through commitment to our products,

clients and staff with integrity and without compromise.”

With priority goals of having the correct products and

solutions for the market place; the insistence on hav-

ing an unequalled service ethic; and the aim of

setting and maintaining a high standard of

product, support and expertise to the

flooring industry, Kirk is geared to

supply you.

You should take the oppor-

tunity of contacting the

numbers shown below

to obtain a conducted

tour of the new

showroom,

together with

obtaining full

technical

informa-

tion. It

is well

Kirk Marketing Head Office: 011 444 1441 Helpline: 086 110 2165 Email: [email protected] Website: www.kirk.co.za


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CAn i uSE A STEAM ClEAnER On MY lAMinATE FlOOR? Wow! Certainly not! Basically, your laminate flooring is relatively

simple to maintain. Regular sweeping and/or using a vacuum

cleaner should be sufficient.

You can occasionally clean with a mop slightly moistened with a

cleaning product recommended by your supplier or installer, but

make sure you mop up any spills quickly. Like wood floors, you

should never flood a laminate floor with water. And, don’t use

soap-based detergents, abrasive cleaners, scouring powder, wax or

any type of polish.

iS iT RiSkY TO ChOOSE TilES bASEd On phOTOS in A CATA-lOguE RAThER ThAn On TilE SAMplES? The short answer is yes. The printed colour, although very similar,

will almost invariably be different from the real thing, and even

gloss finishes or textures may not be effectively portrayed by the

printed version. So, you can use a catalogue to make a preliminary

selection of several tiles, but then use samples of the tiles to make

the final decision.

Another important point concerns the batch of tiles you receive.

Make sure the tiles all come from the same production batch to

ensure colour consistency. Large areas of tiling may require tiles

from several different production batches, and these may have

slightly different tones.

Although it is the same tile and colour, these tone differences are

an inevitable result of the technological characteristics of the pro-

duction process.

Take advice from your supplier or installer; it may be necessary to

mix the tile boxes to spread what will be miniscule differences in

colour throughout the area to be tiled.

dO i hAVE TO hAVE An undERlAY WiTh MY CARpET?No. It’s your choice! However, although it is perhaps not quite as

necessary in a low-traffic area such as a bedroom, a good qual-

ity underlay will enhance the feel and the service life of even the

cheapest carpet, and is well worth the extra expense.

Don’t accept the old ‘give-away’ underlays that seemed like (and

probably were!) waste material; today’s underlays are selected

for their performance in defined areas, and will really contribute

towards underfoot comfort, appearance retention and a longer life.

Other benefits of using a decent underlay are: the provision of bet-

ter acoustic performance; improved thermal insulation; and better

impact resistance.

WhAT iS A ‘RESiliEnT’ FlOORCOVERing?Resilient flooring means materials that have a relatively firm sur-

face, yet characteristically have ‘give’ and ‘bounce back’ to their

original surface profile from the weight of objects that compress

their surface.

Resilient flooring materials are made in various shapes and sizes

including both tile and sheet form. Common types of resilient

flooring include: vinyl; vinyl composition; linoleum; rubber; cork;

and PVC – available in tile form only.

In residences, resilient flooring is commonly used in kitchens, bath-

rooms, entryways, family rooms and increasingly in other areas

of a house or apartment where rugs are used in conjunction with

resilient flooring.

Epoxy floor screeds used in the decorative industry

Last month I wrote about the main differences between epoxy screeds and polyurethane screeds and their role in the food and beverage industry. Strangely enough, the main difference if we were to talk Rand values is the lack of knowledge of the polyurethane system, which is why the epoxy screed is still so popular and why it sells so well.

This month I am writing about epoxy screeds again, not for industrial use but for the decorative market. I have been very busy assisting in developing the first 3mm thick epoxy screed system in Africa, using imported coloured stone aggregate.

It is being launched, sold and marketed exclusively through the largest paint/flooring franchise group in Africa. This type of flooring system has been in existence for several years overseas and has seen widespread global success.

Last year I was involved in applying this system (which is in keeping with international standards) at the 1 400m2 Multichoice Customer Care Centre in Gauteng. The success of this project made us think about fast-tracking it into the South African market, where there is a massive gap in the market for this floor type.

The market has always craved quality seamless flooring finishes and the only real options are pigmented cementi-tious floor screeds, which are not uniform in colour or appearance.

Shrinkage cracks can develop easily in these cementi-tious systems. However, epoxy screed floors are incredibly hardwearing, impact-resistant, stain-resistant, chemical-resistant, jointless, anti-slip, hygienic, underfloor-heating compliant, colourfast and easy to clean and maintain.

The floor colour is consistent throughout, which makes it a suitable companion for many different housing and archi-tectural styles, from classic to modern to contemporary. Should you be interested in contacting me in this regard you can e-mail me at [email protected].

Q&A

Jeremy StewartFlooring specialist and owner of Quartz Caret102

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CREATIVE CONSULTANTA fresh approach to visual solutions

Agatha Romanos: 082 453 [email protected]

Author George Pendle, a frequent traveller, has

developed a website that depicts airport carpet he

and others have seen on their travels. His website,

carpetsforairports.com, recruits travellers to take

photos of carpets and send them in.

CarpetsforAirportswebsite

“Trapped in an airport? Bored out of your skull? Become an Airport

Carpeteer”, the website suggests. “All carpets gratefully received.

All photographs fully credited.” The site also provides opinions, many of

them humorous, about carpets designs and their surroundings.

Pendle said he prefers carpets in airports because they are more wel-

coming than other surfaces.

In a profile by the Los Angeles Times, Pendle said, “Flooring is consid-

ered mundane. We’re all too busy looking at the sky and the planes to

look at the ground beneath us. So I thought it would be a fun experi-

ment to compare and contrast airport carpets from around the world.”

Floordaily.net

FLOORS found the website interesting with not much in the way of tech-

nical information and other detail, and a bit slow to traverse the globe!

However, it does have a certain appeal.

In this issue we bring you the last of the views and opinions (on renovations and conversions) expressed by speakers at the contractworld.congress held in conjunction with Domotex Hannover 2010 earlier this year.

STRAngE FORMS OF liFE

In Portugal, we are often confronted with the job of converting an existing building. However, we

have a relatively neutral attitude to this idea. After all, the old is not necessarily good only because it

has been re-designed, and it cannot therefore be guaranteed to last forever.

Converting a building only makes sense if it seamlessly joins up to the here and now of the pres-

ent. A reconstruction merely for the sake of the past is of no benefit to anyone and, in the end, even

harms that which one actually wants to preserve.

Or, as John Ruskin aptly said 150 years ago, “So-called preservation can be the worst kind of destruc-

tion.”

SpATiAl pROCESSES

When we want to convert an old building for modern use, it is important for us to preserve at least

part of the physical traces of the building’s past. Clients often see things differently – they basically

want a new building.

But an architectural process that concerns existing buildings is not a form of new building construc-

tion but the architecture of the palimpsest. What already exists or has half disappeared is overlaid

with layers of the present. Part of the architecture is already there.

In principle, the aim is to understand what the existing structure lacks in order to function well

today under completely different conditions and then to add what is lacking to that which exists.

ARquiTECTuRA COnCRETE

If you take a particular letter out of all the words of a text, it is usually still possible to read the text

and understand it. This perhaps means that the missing letter was superfluous. Pieces of archi-

tecture of the past that continue to exist in the form of ruins are such texts with missing letters.

Nevertheless, they still have meaning for us.

If we are asked to partially convert preserved historical buildings, we are therefore not interested

in putting all the missing letters back into place. The gaps in the text are important places for our

imagination in order to credibly measure the distance between the past and present.

Nuno Griff

Embaixada, Lisbon,

Portugal

Enrique Subejano

Nieto Subejano Arquitectos, Madrid,

Spain

Claus Anderhalten

Anderhalten Architekten, Berlin,

Germany

FoundationFoundation

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FLOORS in Africa Journal 7'2010

Documents

Transcript of FLOORS in Africa Journal 7'2010