With vinyl flooring continuing to gain much more traction in the market, owing to beneficial properties and an appealing aesthetic, vinyl flooring and wall-protection solutions specialists Polyflor South Africa (SA) has launched the Polysafe QuickLay polyurethane reactive (PUR) collection for adhesive-free installation.

“The Polysafe QuickLay PUR collection is a response to a growing need for loose-lay flooring solutions that would save on installation time, eliminate the need for adhesives and make future replacement easier,” says Polyflor SA CEO Tandy Coleman.

She adds that the collection can be used as a temporary or permanent floor covering and achieves the same performance and durability as other Polyflor flooring ranges, but with the added benefit of being adhesive-free.

“When installing Polysafe QuickLay PUR, subfloor preparation is considerably reduced, as it can be laid directly over a variety of existing floor coverings, including new concrete substrates of up to 97% relative humidity. The special formulated studded emboss works as a barrier and allows for moisture to escape from the subfloor.

“The adhesive-free installation also promotes indoor air quality and low volatile organic compounds emissions, which creates a healthier environment.

“The Polysafe QuickLay PUR collection features a contemporary tonal colour bank of 12 shades with a matt surface finish. The collection also features the renowned Polysafe polyurethane reinforcement for optimum appearance retention and superior cleaning benefits. It is ideal for circulation and heavy traffic areas, such as corridors, dining areas and cafes, where there are risks of water spillage and other contaminants.”

Flooring Training

The Flooring Industry Training Association (Fita) has scoped a new qualification for floor fitters, which Coleman – also a Fita chairperson – states will hopefully be registered this year, after which Fita can start writing the learner material. The new qualification covers 13 flooring types over three levels.

She states that Fita hopes this qualification will attract new floor fitters to the industry and enable current installers to upskill. “As manufacturers, we run many of our own training courses and also do a great deal of on-site training, working with teams during installation. Currently, there is a basic National Qualifications Framework Level 1 course available, which is mainly carpet based.”

The flooring industry needs better skills and more formalised training and accreditation, adds Coleman. “Once Fita starts designating registered members against their skills set, based on the scope of the new qualification, it will set a standard in the industry, where clients and specifiers will be able to request a certain level of skilled, Fita-certified workers to install the various floor types.”

She explains that this will provide peace of mind, knowing that such workers are accredited to a standard and there is a body that will assist, should there be an installation issue.

She concludes by mentioning that installers can also use their accreditation or designation to tender for contracts, providing them with an opportunity to apply their skills.