Installation Guide

Chapter IV — Installation Systems 854.
Job Conditions/Preparation:
• Resilient flooring should only be installed in temperature-controlled
environments. It is necessary to maintain a constant temperature before,
during, and after the installation. Therefore, the permanent or temporary
HVAC system must be in operation before the installation of resilient
flooring. Portable heaters are not recommended as they may not heat the
room and subfloor sufficiently. Kerosene heaters should never be used.
• Substrates must be dry, clean, smooth, and free from paint, varnish, wax,
oils, solvents and other foreign matter. In renovation or remodel work,
remove any existing adhesive residue* so that no ridges or puddles are
evident and a thin, smooth film remains.
• When using S-240 Epoxy Adhesive, remove any existing adhesive residue*
so that 80% of the overall area of the original substrate is exposed. If these
requirements are not followed, curled and/or loose tile could result. For Tile-
On, remove wax or other finishes with a commercially available liquid wax
stripper. Replace or repair indented or otherwise damaged areas.
• Allow all flooring materials and adhesives to condition to the room
temperature for a minimum of 48 hours before starting the installation.
• The area to receive the resilient flooring should be maintained at a minimum
of 65°F (18°C) and a maximum of 100°F (38°C) for 48 hours before, during,
and for 48 hours after completion. When using S-240 Epoxy Adhesive, the
maximum room temperature should not exceed 85°F (29°C).
• During the service life of the floor, the temperature should never rise above
100°F (38°C) nor fall below 55°F (13°C). The performance of the flooring
material and adhesives can be adversely affected outside this temperature
range.
• For concrete substrates, conduct moisture testing (moisture vapor emission
rate [MVER]) and/or percent relative humidity (in-situ probe). Bond tests
must also be conducted for compatibility with the substrate. Please refer to
Chapter III, Subfloors and Underlayments.
• Radiant-heated substrates must not exceed a maximum surface temperature
of 85°F (29°C).
• Concrete floors should be tested for alkalinity. The allowable readings for
the installation of Armstrong flooring are 5 to 9 on the pH scale.
Precautions:
• S-240 Epoxy Adhesive is recommended for SAFETY ZONE in areas that may
be exposed to frequent surface moisture and/or cooler temperatures.
• S-240 Epoxy Adhesive may also be used to install the first 3 to 5 rows of
SAFETY ZONE when used in areas that will be affected by surface moisture
and/or cooler temperatures.
• Tiles are to be heated from the back only, never the face.
* Some previously manufactured asphaltic “cutback” adhesives contained asbestos (see warning
statement on page x). For removal instructions, refer to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s
publication Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings.