The Czech parquet layers' guild invited Heinz Brehm and Josef Heller from the European Association for the Promotion of Training in Parquet Laying and Flooring Technology (EUFA) to work on a training project.
In November, eight Czech parquet layers met with the two EUFA representatives in Osečná near Liberec for a seminar.
The aim of the seminar was to lay the theoretical foundations for the professional and complaint-free installation of parquet flooring at master craftsman level.
The first part dealt with the preparation of measurements as a basis for offers and successful installation work. The content covered the legal requirements, measuring techniques, filling out measurement sheets and calculating areas. Using given examples, the measurements required for laying floors in a herringbone pattern, for example, were determined. Finally, the starting bars were torn and sawn in series. The auxiliary fence for the circular saw was helpful here. Each participant received a fence in recognition of their hard work on the course.
The examination of a suitable room climate is important when working with wood. Contents were: Wood and humidity, shrinkage and swelling, deformation due to the influence of changing humidity. Calculations were used to determine the specific effects of these changes. The importance of measuring wood moisture on delivery of the goods was discussed and how customers can prevent damage by setting the right room climate.
Most of the time was spent on subsurface testing. Various moisture measurement techniques were practised - using the HM BOX, electronic testing devices, CM device and the KRL measurement technique (From german: “Korrespondierende Relative Luftfeuchte”, English: “Corresponding relative humidity”), moisture detection with adhesive foil.
The possibilities of constructing drywall subfloors were discussed. This was mainly against the background that moisture damage can be avoided, waiting times are shortened and the work remains with the parquet layer.
There was also a discussion about measuring evenness. Czech parquet layers are not familiar with the mandatory requirements of DIN EN 18202 for German parquet layers. They have their own regulations.
Finally, the gluing technique for applying parquet was discussed.
Vice President Jiří Dvořák and board member Josef Černý were responsible for the organisation. The president of the guild, Mariana Mahulíková, informed herself about the successful training programme during her visits.
The participants received scripts on the topics prepared by the EUFA, which were translated into Czech. The extensive translation work was carried out by Jan Klika.
However, working with people of two languages can only be successful if language barriers are overcome. Mrs Hana Tomešová was on hand with perfect and energetic language. The translation went so quickly that the speaker had the feeling that Mrs Tomešová already knew what he was going to say.
It was an exciting time for all participants in the Czech Republic. Each side was able to take a lot of experience home with them.
The Czech parquet layers would like to receive further training.
Written by: Josef Heller, EUFA Writer