Hardwood Floors Oct/Nov 2019

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“We learned the wires we uncovered were part of a sound system for hearing aids installed directly into the concrete slab,” says Baisas. The systemBaisas discovered is called a “hearing loop.” A hearing loop is an assistive listening system that amplifies single sources of sound such as a microphone or public address system and connects wirelessly to hearing aids. An array of wires is embedded into the concrete, creating an induction loop. This loop sends clear sound to the hearing aids, without distortion or background noise. FLOORING FOCUS “While we were repairing the slab, we had to be very careful that we did not hit any of those wires. They were in a large grid system about ¼” deep. Working around these wires

We wanted to make sure we gave them investment value in case they wanted to change the color someday or freshen it up,” explains Baisas. Feedback on the newly installed hardwood floor from both residents of the senior living facility and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. “The hardwood flooring fromLauzon was an excellent recommendation, and fit our budgetary constraints perfectly,” explains Jeffery Beeba, the assistant maintenance manager of the facility. “The overall look is stunning, and due to its resiliency, the floor should be an asset to us for years to come.” g

was a tedious, but necessary, process,” explains Baisas. To repair the uneven concrete slab, the team carefully poured self-leveler. After it cured and filled the cracks, they then put MAPEI PMB moisture barrier down. Once cured, Baisas and his team began installing ¾ by 3 ¼” Lauzon maple exclusive grade wood floor. To install the floor, Baisas used 983 MAPEI glue. It took a week and a half to complete the install. “The Lauzon flooring is pre-finished, engineered ¾” thick, and it has a 5.2mmwear layer on it. This layer makes it slightly thicker than a standard engineered wood floor. The benefit is that the wear layer will allow for sanding over the floor’s lifetime.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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