Installation Guide

4
PLYWOOD
If installing a new plywood subfloor, use APA
Underlayment Grade.
• S-194 Patch, Underlayment and Embossing Leveler mixed
with the S-195 Underlayment Additive
For new or existing plywood subfloors, check for
loose panels, gapped joints, knots, nail holes,
• Use smooth edge trowel for applying S-194 and S-195
mixture
or other damage.
• Use medium grit sandpaper or sanding block for
smoothing rough areas of the Embossing Leveler
CONCRETE/CERAMIC
Must be clean, dry, and dust-free.
• S-194 Patch, Underlayment and Embossing Leveler mixed
with the S-195 Underlayment Additive
Check for cracks, scaling, levelness, and other
damage.
• Use New Beginning® Floor Stripper & Cleaner to remove
dirt and wax buildup
If installing over ceramic tile, terrazzo, or marble,
ensure that the tiles are firmly bonded.
• 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 underlayment
3. Room Preparation and Procedure
• The flooring must be cut 3/16” to 1/4" away from all vertical surfaces such as walls, cabinets, pipes, etc. to
allow an expansion zone for seasonal movement. (This gap will be covered with moldings or wall base.)
• Door trim, where the expansion zone cannot be covered with wall base, must be undercut to allow for free
movement of the flooring underneath.
• Moldings and wall base covering the expansion zone must be raised slightly to allow for free movement of
the flooring. The wall base should be nailed into the wall surface, not
the floor surface.
• Plan the layout for a minimum number of seams.
• Do not install over particleboard subfloors, single layer STURD-I floor panels, existing residential tile that is
below grade, any cushioned vinyl, wafer board, carpet, strip or wood or plank flooring.
• Always keep the flooring rolled face-out until ready to install.
4. Fitting
• Your vinyl sheet flooring should be unrolled and allowed to lay flat in a separate room or area with similar
conditions as the installation area.
• Do not lay it out over carpet or other soft surface. The subfloor should be solid to prevent distorting the
flooring while working or walking on top of it.
• Precut the pieces accurately. It is much easier to cut pieces close to size in an area where you can lay them
out flat. Generally, allow 1-1/2” (31.8 mm) for each end wall. (With two or more pieces, make sure you have
cut them long enough for pattern matching purposes.)
• Cut seams net. Pieces that are cut and fit in the morning should be adhered that morning. Pieces that are
cut and fit in the afternoon should be adhered that afternoon.
• When installing over an existing resilient floor, lay out the installation so the new seams are a minimum of 6”
(15.2 cm) away from the original seams. When going over tile floors, seams should fall in the center of the
tile.
• Recommended fitting procedures include straight scribing, pattern scribing and freehand knifing.
5. Apply Installation Tape
• Before moving your flooring to installation area, it’s best to apply double-face flooring tape where needed at
doorways and underneath heavy moveable appliances.
• Tape should be placed in the form of a large X under the appliance. Do not overlap tape. Leave release
liner on top surface of tape and press tape securely to the substrate using a dry cloth and hand pressure.
• If more than one piece of flooring is used, tape at seam will be applied after the flooring is in place and the
seam is cut.