Richard focuses on a problem that will be all too familiar to those who work in contract flooring
– site conditions, and specifically, the all-too-frequent lack of heating onsite.

I’D like to start with a thank you to CFA Council member David Brady of RJM Flooring in Scotland who has supported and championed this project in 2022 with ideas to increase the benefits and support that we offer to members.

Thinking back to my early days working with LVT, I can remember too many occasions when I would be contacted by a flooring contractor and asked for any help (as a manufacturer) we might be able to offer. This was often when faced with a site where they simply didn’t feel the temperatures were acceptable. The products that CFA members install basically require a steady temperature in the working area of between 18 and 27deg C to ensure a successful installation.

Below those temperatures (and particularly in extremes) the performance of subfloor, adhesives and other materials can be affected. Sheet materials, including resilient and textile, are difficult to handle and cut if not acclimatised.

It’s not pleasant working in lower temperatures, and this can of course lead to failures, such as bubbling and lifting. David tells me that this is one of the main ‘discussions’ he has with clients at this time of year. More so than moisture in subfloors, which helped add focus to the extent of the problem.

British Standards offer a lot of advice, because correct temperature is important for the installation of resilient, timber and textile materials, all of which need appropriate site conditions. The 2022 Guide to Contract Flooring was updated in terms of site conditions and is of course free to access via the download section of the CFA website. It not only covers heat, but also lighting and working with other trades. All of this needs managing.

CFA has created some really useful additional benefits for CFA members to help with site conditions and particularly the problem of heat, or the lack of it, on many sites. For 2022 CFA members are being supplied with:

• A special Winter Warning card that can be left on-site to give an indication of site conditions and temperature. Like indicative moisture testing, it has a scale that indicates whether it is too cold, too hot, or a bit like the three bears and the porridge, just about right!
• An email footer (template) that can be included on all emails sent to clients over the winter period. It outlines what is required under British Standards and best practice in (section 2 of) the Guide to Contract Flooring 2022.
• For members section 2 of the Guide to Contract Flooring in a data sheet format. Making it easier to send by email.
• A simple (less technical) flyer that provides a more visual explanation and short quotes from leading industry experts that can also be sent by email or printed and used on site.

We have produced the ‘Winter Warning’ site cards before and for CFA members they have proved really helpful. CFA members have been sent one at the start of the winter season and can obtain more from the CFA Offices by emailing info@cfa.org.uk

CFA is active in all sorts of areas, offering practical help and support to make trading as a contract floor laying company that little bit easier. There is a whole piece around this relating to how we educate the wider industry and our client base about this issue. Therefore, CFA have begun to work with umbrella bodies such as Build UK to create more awareness. Top down as well as bottom up. For David it is about trying to bring it to the same place as he feels we have (or RJM have) for moisture in subfloors.

A technical challenge and no magic wand, but a much better common understanding amongst clients that ultimately allows CFA members to provide a quality installation service and value for money. That sums up the CFA’s intentions in much of what we do.

As this is my final article of the year, on behalf of all the CFA council and the wider CFA team, I would just like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, peaceful and prosperous new year.

The CFA is a leading trade association representing the flooring industry. If you would like an application pack or further information on the benefits of membership, contact the CFA offices on the details below.
0115 9411126
info@cfa.org.uk
www.cfa.org.uk