Seam sealing with the KOOLGLIDE System
July 21st, 2008 | Category: Installation
Seam sealing with either a latex or hot melt adhesive type works with the system.
-
For GOOD use a latex adhesive
-
For BETTER use hot melt glue sticks
-
For BEST use the Kool Stick hot glue gun sticks to eliminate hinging and reduce peaking
The adhesive on KOOLGLIDE Kool Stics is the same as on the KOOLGLIDE tape, and when the seam is bonded, the seam sealer and tape adhesive melt together forming a solid bond.
An alternative method can also be used with the glue gun. Place and align the seam tape to one side of the carpet using the round tip on the glue gun and the Kool Stic adhesive.
This seals the edge and also bonds the adhesive to the tape. Place the other section of carpet to the seam and bond using the KOOLGLIDE tool. This causes the seam sealing adhesive and the tape adhesive to melt, forming a solid bond to each edge of the carpet and the tape.
Lowe’s Training and Certification Program
July 21st, 2008 | Category: Training
[reprint from The CFI Professional Convention Issue]
Under the direction of Seam Master and KOOLGLIDE, CFI is assisting in the Lowe’s Carpet Training and Certification programs. Since the first week of January 2008, over 1,500 installers and sales associates have participated. This is a 2-day, intensive training event with separate sessions for the two groups. The installers participate in “hands-on” skills training that includes seaming, pattern matching, powerstretching, direct-glue techniques, stair upholstery, estimating, professionalism and customer service. The sales associates are introduced to the CFI proven methods of installation; learn how to “sell” quality installation, participate in problem solving situations and receive pointers as to preparing the customer for the installation.
Everyone completes the CFI installation written test. All installers who participate in the hands-on sessions, successfully pass the written test and oral discussions receive the CFI Carpet R-1 Certification. The sales associates receive the CFI Sales Associate Carpet Certification.
Acting under the direction of Robert Varden, Director of Technical Services for Seam Master, CFI will conduct 46 events in 2008. Attendees receive a carpet installation binder prepared by CFI to use for future reference. It was a major undertaking for Robert to construct and supply four large training crates that are shipped to each location.
Installers and sales associates are singing the praises of the CFI training and requesting additional events. Many of the installers are attending CFI events in their areas to achieve higher levels of certification.
KOOLGLIDE Tool Price Increase Effective July 15, 2008
July 10th, 2008 | Category: News
Receive Special Discount on Orders Between July 15th & August 15th, 2008
Since the introduction of the KOOLGLIDE Carpet Seaming System several years ago, we have been able to hold tool prices even though there has been a steady escalation in component costs by buying our components in advance. With component and transportation costs increasing even more rapidly in recent months, our production costs have increased more than $50 per tool, and we now have no choice but to pass along the increase to our customers. Therefore, for orders received on or after July 15, 2008 our sales price for a KOOLGLIDE tool will increase by $50. This is the first price increase ever to our customers.
To help offset the price increase, we are offering a special discount of 10% of the new price on tools ordered between July 15th through August 14th, 2008.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing support and effort in making the KOOLGLIDE Carpet Seaming System such a success. More than 10,000 installers have adopted the KOOLGLIDE system of carpet installation since it was first introduced, and more than 500,000 feet of seams are being installed with KOOLGLIDE each month. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Robert K. Rothfuss
President
Impax Technology Group
Paul M. Vidor
President
Seam Master Industires
Tape Adhesive Not Melting? Check These Tips!
July 10th, 2008 | Category: Installation
Occasionally the tape adhesive may not melt on one side. This can happen through a variety of ways. Here are some helpful hints to prevent this from happening.
Make sure the tool is set on the L (Low) setting when seaming. If the tool setting is accidentally turned on the T (transverse) setting this will cause the melting cycle to be 50% less than on the L and the tape adhesive will not melt properly.
Always roll the seam after activation. If this is not done, the adhesive may have melted but did not transfer to the carpet backing.
Align the tool properly to the tape. If the tool is too far over on one side of the seam this will cause the tape to be heated on one side of the seam and not on the other.
Keep the distance from the tape to the bottom of the tool equal to or less than ¾”. At the maximum distance allowed between the tool and the tape, the tool may only partially heat the tape just as if you have the tool on the T setting. Pressing down on the tool to decrease the distance will solve this problem.
Keep the tape away from heat vents or other metallic objects. If the tape is very close, this may lower the field strength of the tool and cause less adhesive melting on the tape.
KOOLGLIDE Included in Lowe’s 2008 Carpet Installer Training Classes
June 30th, 2008 | Category: Training
The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) and KOOLGLIDE personnel have teamed up to conduct carpet installation training for Lowe’s installers at Lowe’s locations during 2008. New and improved carpet installation techniques are explained and practiced in a hands-on teaching environment. Lowe’s installers successfully completing this program receive CFI membership and certification, which includes KOOLGLIDE certification.
CFI, a non-profit organization, has been recognized as the leading installer training organization for more than 15 years, reaching over 27,000 installers in 7 different countries.
KOOLGLIDE Tape Melting Pattern
June 19th, 2008 | Category: Installation
A customer sent in a tool the other day with the following note attached: “The iron leaves two rows of un-melted adhesive on either side of the center of the tape. Please repair.”
This is exactly how the KOOLGLIDE tool should work. The KOOLGLIDE tool generates the heating pattern in the center and the edges of the tape. It may not look like much compared to hot iron adhesives that melt across the entire width of the tape, but many years of research done by tape manufacturers and carpet mills have found that as little as 1” of tape adhesive on each side of the seam is more than adequate to bond carpet sections together. The KOOLGLIDE allows for misalignment of the tool to the seam tape and still permits enough melted adhesive to enable the carpet to be power stretched.
What is the KOOLGLIDE Utility Tape used for?
June 19th, 2008 | Category: Carpet Tapes
Utility tape can be used to fasten ceramic tile to walls, wood floors to concrete or to wood, carpet base to walls, to name a few applications.
Vinyl base molding should not be used with the Utility tape. The plasticizers in the vinyl can cause the glue on the tape to come off the molding after time.
New, Improved Silicone Backed Tape Coming to Distributors Soon
June 12th, 2008 | Category: News, Carpet Tapes
A new, improved KOOLGLIDE Silicone coated tape will begin to appear at distributors soon. What is different from the earlier tape? The new tape has a superior Silicone treatment to the back of the tape which keeps it from sticking to the carpet pad. The paper is denser which allows more Silicone to stay on top of the paper rather than soaking into the paper, which in turn, makes it more effective. Also, the color of the new tape backing is different – it’s a milky light brown compared to the uncoated tape and the previous Silicone tape.
“I have a glue gun that is not working. Where do I send it to have it fixed or get a replacement?”
June 11th, 2008 | Category: Accessories
Seam Master Industries handles service of all glue guns. You may contact Seam Master at 1-800-255-1401 or www.seammaster.com.
Does the KOOLGLIDE System have the Green Label Seal of Approval?
June 11th, 2008 | Category: Green/Environmental
The owner of an interior design store recently asked a flooring installer if the KOOLGLIDE Carpet Seaming System has the Green Seal from the Carpet & Rug Institute. The answer is YES and NO, because the CRI cannot test the System. We spoke with the CRI about this and they explained that the testing procedure for VOC measurement would not work for the KOOLGLIDE System. In traditional hot iron systems, as the iron heats up and cools down, it is putting out VOC’s which can be measured. Since the KOOLGLIDE System does not come into direct contact with the adhesive, it does not create smoke nor odor, therefore there are no VOC’s. The KOOLGLIDE System has the perfect score…a big zero!
