By Paul Pleshek, NAFCT
It is the quintessential statement heard when evaluating a flooring issue. You walk in and ask how the flooring is installed, the installer explains the process and says some version of, “I have been doing it this way for 30 years and it has always worked.”
While we probably have all said that statement at one time, the fact is that mindset is a trap, guaranteed to eventually cost you money. With the “30 years” statement you are basically admitting you are no longer evolving with the industry. Since the rapid evolution of the industry makes 30 years’ experience with a given product virtually impossible, subscribing to that mindset will have you using obsolete methods and procedures.
Let’s take a quick trip in the time machine. In the 1950s, broadloom carpet was introduced. Initially the seams were hand sewn, making the cost of installation too high for most people. In the late ‘60s, hot melt systems were developed and carpet suddenly surpassed hardwood, which was perceived to be high maintenance because of regular buffing and waxing. Later came the orange and avocado shag carpet. By the ‘80s, sheet vinyl had gained popularity especially in kitchens and bathrooms. These trends were followed by engineered wood floors, ceramics, Berber carpet, laminate, bamboo, LVT, rigid core, etc., etc., etc.
And I’m just discussing the floor coverings. Start adding in the advancements in adhesives, moisture mitigation, levelers, patches and underlayment. Since successful products are quickly imitated or duplicated, new trends come in and older materials become obsolete.
Additionally, each and every advance in materials or sundries requires educating yourself about subfloor qualifications, installation procedures and applications. It is your professional responsibility to understand the installation instructions of the flooring material and all the associated sundries. Each material comes with inherent qualities and weaknesses that must be accounted for in the installation process.
Thankfully, there have never been more educational opportunities in the flooring industry. Many manufacturers understand the necessity of constantly educating their partners about their products. Most manufacturers offer some type of educational opportunities, either in person or through webinars. Much of that education is technical in nature.
Associations, like the National Association of Floor Covering Technicians (NAFCT), handle the continuous changes in the industry in several ways. Subject matter experts like manufacturer technical reps are invited to present technical webinars to educate the industry regarding changes and advancements in materials, and how those changes impact installation professionals.
In addition, industry changes necessitate regular updates in the educational programs and certifications offered. As soon as a new certification is approved and classes are offered, the review and update process begins. Small changes are implemented immediately while large updates are incorporated into the program and made accessible online to those who have already attained certification.
In flooring, like many other industries, the only constant is change. Rapid evolution requires flooring professionals from every segment of the industry to be in a constant state of learning and education or they are falling behind.
Author Jim Clemmer wrote, “There are two kinds of people: those who are changing and those who are setting themselves up to be victims of change. As the world continues to march on around us, if I am only maintaining the status quo–if I’m not growing–then I’m falling behind.”
The fact is, if you are doing anything the same as you were 30 years ago, most likely you are doing it wrong.
