Hardwood Floors April/May 2026

EDUCATION PREVIEW

Prevent Callbacks SOLVING COMMON ISSUES TO JOBSITE TROUBLESHOOTING:

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NWFA

We all have been faced with business decisions to move fast and get on to the next project, but there is a lot of risk and hidden cost in a “do it right now” mindset. As a former installer, and current Bostik technical representative, I’d like to share some of the callback issues we investigate

“Callbacks come from shortcuts” is a phrase my grandfather engrained in me growing up in the wood flooring world. Callbacks are the “anti-profit” aspect of a business and, unfortunately, create a bad image for our industry. It has been my experience over the years that so many of these callbacks are related to a “do it right now” versus a “do it right”mentality.

from an adhesive manufacturing perspective. CURED ADHESIVE RESIDUE Contributing factors may include:

• Inadequate clean up or messy installation practices • Adhesive application techniques and trowel selection Unfortunately, this is a common callback for installers. Trowel selection and general “cleanliness” during installation is the main culprit for adhesive residue callbacks. Utilizing a trowel that provides the recommended coverage and transfer of the adhesive, while not placing too much adhesive down, is crucial. Excessive adhesive that is applied can “squeeze up” between the boards and requires wiping to remove.

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