INSTALL adds concrete to expertise
Posted Date:
2/13/2018
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[Glassboro, N.J.] The last year has seen huge growth in the concrete segment. And industry experts predict that growth to increase in the coming year. So much so that INSTALL (International Standards & Training Alliance) has added concrete to its offerings of installation training. Polished concrete training began last June, and the company said that since then, “millions of square feet have successfully been installed for retail, industrial and corporate projects.”
FCW spoke with John McGrath, INSTALL director, who said that 2017 was a good year for the concrete and resinous flooring market.
“Concrete polishing has grown significantly for INSTALL in 2017. We have recruited a team of contractors and negotiated a competitive agreement with them to win work,” he said. “This has been very successful. We have supported our labor with training classes every month. Our curriculum was created by working with the industry and manufacturers.”
Polished concrete is an ever-growing segment that is found mostly in industrial settings, as well as retail. McGrath added that concrete is currently seeing a spike in installations for the educational market, with continued growth in corporate markets too.
The biggest hurdle for concrete to overcome is competition from other hard surface products. But polished concrete has advantages that other hard surface products do not, specifically the ease of maintenance.
McGrath noted that concrete is a good match for consumers who are looking for minimal maintenance. “Concrete polishing competes aesthetically, functionally, sustainably (and with) maintenance and durability,” he said. “It excels with slip resistance; saves on lighting needs because of its reflectivity; has no carbon footprint; and, can last for decades.”
Concrete is also a big contender performance-wise, McGrath said. From design to stability, concrete has evolved in recent years to adhere to what consumers want.
For INSTALL, there are important things to remember when installing concrete. “We believe in managing expectations,” McGrath explained. “Up to date specifications with the new ASCC (American Society of Concrete Contractors) standards help to educate the customer and set a professional standard. Once the standards are set it is important that the customer or their representative investigates the installation team for formal training and industry certifications.”
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