THE MOHAWK GROUP CLEANS UP CARPET INSTALLATION WITH SELF-LOCK™

Problem: From wasteful glue buckets and messy transfer papers to inefficient downtime and costly procedures, traditional carpet adhesives can create a sticky situation for the facility.

Solution: The Mohawk Group's Self-Lock™ is a no-hassle, easy to install (and remove) adhesive system that is manufactured directly to the back of each carpet tile, eliminating waste and adhesive off-gassing, and improving jobsite efficiency.

Carpet adhesives present a plethora of challenges - from the inconvenience of downtime and compromised air quality to the high cost of shipping heavy buckets. Detaching from the dilemmas of traditional carpet adhesives, Self-Lock™ from The Mohawk Group - including Lees Carpets, Mohawk Commercial and Bigelow Commercial - eliminates all of the environmental concerns associated with adhesives while reducing costs and minimizing downtime.

Adhesive for the Ages

A proven technology with more than eight million yards installed, Self-Lock is a patented, pre-applied, releasable adhesive system available exclusively on carpets backed with Encycle™, The Mohawk Group's patent-pending, PVC-free (polyvinyl chloride) modular carpet backing system. Applied directly to the back of each carpet tile as part of the manufacturing process rather than at the time of installation, Self-Lock eliminates the need to buy, ship, store or apply adhesives. Also eliminated is the need to spend time and money spreading adhesive and awaiting the set-up time traditionally required before installation.

As an added benefit, Self-Lock tiles are packaged back-to-back to ensure they are easy to handle during installation. Without the need for the adhesive set-up and spreading process, not only are Self-Lock jobs cleaner, but also more efficient - saving considerable downtime by essentially cutting installation time in half. And with the onus of quality control on the manufacturer, customers can enjoy the invaluable benefit of peace of mind knowing that The Mohawk Group has ensured proper adhesive type, amount and set-up needed for a successful installation.

Flexible and Economical

Engineered specifically for commercial spaces with heavy foot and wheeled traffic, Self-Lock provides the sheer strength needed to keep tiles in place while maintaining the benefits of a fully releasable modular installation. Allowing for immediate access to floor traffic, Self-Lock carpet tiles can also be picked up and put down repeatedly without loss of bonding strength, making it ideal for spaces with floor access needs. Easily stacked and stored, Self-Lock makes in-house repairs easy and efficient without the need for spreading glue - saving time and money.

"Self-Lock carpet tiles are the Post-It™ notes of the flooring industry," said Scott Rives, marketing director for The Mohawk Group. "With Self-Lock, facility managers can achieve modular installations using fewer valuable resources in terms of time and money - simply peel the tiles apart and place on the floor."

The Self-Lock system prevents shifting even at pivot points, on ramps and under rolling chairs. And because it leaves no adhesive residue, the system is compatible with raised access floors where adhesives should be avoided. Self-Lock will not transfer to the subfloor, making it ideal for older buildings with floors that need to be preserved such as old hardwoods, or for facilities that may want to change surfaces on a seasonal basis. Designed to perform with most cable distribution systems, Self Lock also permits constant access and promotes easy maintenance for these wire systems.

Unlocking A Sustainable Future

Always standing tough is The Mohawk Group's dedication to sustainability. Self-Lock exemplifies the company's commitment to developing sustainable technologies that make good business sense for its customers - and the environment.

"As an industry, we are increasingly conscious of the effect our processes and products have on our customers and the environment. With Self-Lock, we have designed a proven, sustainable technology that is efficient and effective for both," said Diann Barbacci, vice president of sustainable design for The Mohawk Group. "Packaged back-to-back with an alternating pattern of pre-applied adhesive, Self-Lock eliminates transfer papers or the need to discard adhesive buckets. Our ability to completely eliminate waste is a significant achievement - not only for our company, but also for the industry."

Self-Lock's environmentally friendliness goes beyond packaging by eliminating off-gassing experienced with standard adhesives, making Self-Lock ideal for installations in occupied spaces. At the end of Self-Lock products' useful life, The Mohawk Group will reclaim and recycle the carpet back into new Encycle modular products through its ReCover program.

Just one of The Mohawk Group's many innovative carpet performance features, Self-Lock guarantees superior performance for the life of the installation. The adhesive system meets the most stringent rules for VOC emissions, assuring adherence to the highest environmental standards.

A leading commercial carpet manufacturer, The Mohawk Group - including Karastan Contract, Lees Carpets, Mohawk Commercial, Bigelow Commercial and Durkan Hospitality, produce award-winning broadloom, modular and custom carpeting for every installation. Providing superior performance, cutting-edge style and revolutionary innovation, The Mohawk Group is a pioneer in the design of sustainable carpeting and continues to drive environmentally sound practices inside and outside of its facilities. For additional information, look for The Mohawk Group at www.themohawkgroup.com or call (800) 554-6637.