With Better Technology and New Opportunities, Adhesive Makers Refuse to Stay Put

In addition to adhesives specified for various floor surfaces and carpet backings, today's products are tailored to address climate, moisture and other installation conditions. There is also increased demand for products that can lessen the time an installation crew is on the clock. Of course, most notably, the industry rule book has been almost completely rewritten over the past decade by a hodgepodge of state and federal environment rules aimed at reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

"As an industry we have become more sophisticated," says Jack Raidy, president and CEO of Taylor Adhesives, which has focused on moisture control products that are designed to speed installation time. "We are working with [floor covering] manufacturers to make sure we have an adhesive that is right for their product. We are addressing the moisture level on slabs and we have to make sure we meet the environmental concerns and that the VOCs are at acceptable levels. There is a lot we have to accomplish," he says.