Installation Guide

3
• For concrete substrates, conduct moisture testing (moisture vapor emission rate {MVER}) maximum of 5 lbs
and/or percent relative humidity (in-situ probe) maximum 80%. Bond tests must also be conducted for
compatibility with the substrate.
Keys to Successful Installation:
• Proper conditioning of both the jobsite and the flooring is necessary. Do not expose the installation to wide
ranges in temperature and moisture/humidity levels in the home.
• Store, transport and handle the flooring so as to prevent creases or other distortions in the sheet. Always roll
face-out on a cardboard tube. Distortions will generally not disappear or shrink on their own. Sheet must be
lying flat at time of installation.
• Just prior to installation, lay flooring out flat to acclimate to conditions and allow the roll-up stresses to relax.
• Undercut door trim to allow for free movement of the flooring there as well.
• Island cabinets are permissible on top of the flooring but perimeter base cabinets should be cut around.
• Seams must be double cut, net, with no fullness. Do not straight edge and butt seams. Do not stretch or
compress at seams as this will lead to small buckles.
• Do not compress the edges of the sheet in any way when installing adjacent flooring materials. Installation
of carpet, metal strips and other transition moldings should not push fullness into the flooring.
• Always protect flooring from rolling loads from other trades and replacement and/or movement of
applicances.
• Radiant heated substrates must not exceed a maximum surface temperature of 85°F (29°C).
• As with many flooring products, the full spread adhesive methods generally require somewhat more
attention to the condition of the substrate so that it will not telegraph irregularities through the finished floor.
1. Preinstallation Care & Materials Estimating
• When transporting or storing floor prior to installation, do not kink or distort.
• Always roll flooring face out until ready to install.
• Just prior to installation, lay flooring out flat to acclimate to conditions.
• Flooring and room temperature should be a minimum of 65° F (18° C) for 48 hours preinstallation, during
installation, and 48 hours after installation. Minimum 55° F (13° C) thereafter.
• Plan layout for minimum number of seams.
• Accurately measure length and width of room. Include recessed areas/doorways.
• Allow an extra 1-1/2” of flooring on each end for trimming.
• If more than one piece of flooring is needed, allow for correct pattern match at seam.
2. Prepare Subfloor
Inspect and prepare subfloor. Subfloor must be clean, dry, and smooth. A subfloor is the surface over which your
new Armstrong sheet flooring is installed.
IF INSTALLING OVER …
PREPARE
VINYL FLOORING
Must be noncushioned-backed and firmly bonded.
•
Utility knife to remove loose vinyl
Check for loose vinyl, gapped seams, cuts, tears,
rips, or other damage.
• Use New Beginning® Floor Stripper & Cleaner to remove
dirt and wax buildup
• S-194 Patch, Underlayment and Embossing Leveler mixed
with the S-195 Underlayment Additive
• Use smooth edge trowel for applying S-194 and S-195
mixture
• Use medium grit sandpaper or sanding block for
smoothing rough areas of the Embossing Leveler