‘Bridging the gap’, a new perSPECtive

An industry specification for providing flat and level concrete

May 6th 2021

For the past sixteen months, NFCA has worked with a cross-section of industry professionals to write a generic specification that satisfies all involved when it comes to delivering an acceptable concrete slab. Structural engineers, cement manufacturers, architects, specification writers, general contractors, the concrete placement/finishing trade, flooring manufacturers and floor covering contractors have all had input into the development of this industry-wide solution. The specification document removes the ambiguity that has led to this multi million dollar problem, often described as the gap between the concrete and floor covering trades, by placing the responsibility to execute the necessary work in Division 1 of the architectural specifications. From here the Constructor can note the work requirements, carry the necessary costs to address the issue and pay the sub-trades to execute the work. If everyone uses this specification, everyone can bid equally, plan accordingly, avoid the delays and expensive extras and thereby deliver what we all want… a quality product, on time and on budget. This specification guide is offered to industry at no cost.

Below you will find the specification in three formats:

interior floor finishing performance requirements.pdf

Download File

interior floor finishing performance requirements.rtf

Download File

interior floor finishing performance requirements.docx

Download File

Note: Hyperlinks, within the above specification, to sections of the NFCA Floor Covering Reference Manual

can only be completed if you have paid for access to the manual or are an NFCA member.

SUPPORTING EDUCATION

To support this new spec, NFCA hosted two webinars on May 26th and June 23rd

with Keith Robinson, FCSC, FCSI, RSW DIALOG Design (author of the new spec).

You can access them below:

​Thank you to the following industry professionals who contributed their time and expertise on this committee:

Aaron Abbott – Senior Technical Product Manager – LATICRETE International, Inc.
John Alley – Commercial Architectural Services – Custom Building Products
Monica Baillie – Principal – Landmark Architecture Ltd.
Lawrence Chan  – Principal – Weiler. Smith. Bowers Engineers
Matt Dalkie –  Technical Services Engineer – Lafarge Canada Inc.
Kelvin Klapak – Senior Project Manager – Yellowridge Construction Ltd.
Diana Klingner – President and Board Chair – Concrete Canada, Forming, Placing, Finishing and Repair Assoc.
Kathie Kompauer – President – KDR Engineering
Dave Randall – Business Development Manager – MAPEI
Dave Sherley – Territory Manager – Custom Building Products
Don Styka – Director of Field Services – Tarkett
Keith Robinson – Research and Development I Specifications – DIALOG Design
Rob Visscher – Commercial Division Manager – Atmosphere Floors
Sherri Wildman – District Architectural Services Manager – Ardex Americas