Installation Guide

January 11, 2016
For further information please contact customer service at 1-866-843-8453 from Monday to Friday.
Installation Guide
GENERAL INFORMATION
Proper subfloor preparation and use of correct subfloor materials are key essentials in attaining a successful installation. It is important that all materials are
compatible and therefore we recommend adhesives, primers and smoothing compounds manufactured by Roberts. For guidance refer to the instructions
provided by the manufacturers of these materials.
Upon receipt of flooring, immediately remove any shrink-wrap and check materials for damage and the correct style, color, quantity, batch numbers and
immediately report any discrepancies. Claims for visual defects can only be accepted prior to installation and cutting.
TESTING AND PREPARATION OF SUBFLOORS
It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure the subfloor does not suffer from moisture or hydrostatic pressure. Prior to installation the moisture content
of the subfloor must be established and corrected if necessary. Newly poured concrete must cure for a minimum of 90 days. Old and new concrete
floors must be checked for moisture using the ASTM F710 standard for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring and or ASTM F1869 for
Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride. Before fitting, ensure the subfloor surface is clean, dry,
even, smooth, and free from cracks. A smooth, even and absorbent surface is necessary for correct installation of Elemental LVT flooring. It is generally
recommended that a floor smoothing underlayment be applied prior to the laying of resilient floorcovering. Use only APA underlayment grade plywood
of 1/4" minimum thickness or Lauan plywood with a grade of BB or CC. Allow expansion spacing of butt joints of 1/32"-1/16". Stagger joints 4’ on a 8’
sheet (minimum of 16"). When installing over radiant heating system the heating elements must be cast 1/2" below the surface of the subfloor. The system
must be operational for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to installation for proper calibration. The system should be turned off for a minimum of 3 days prior
to installation and remain off for a week after installation to allow the adhesive to fully cure. Maximum working temperature on the surface of the floor is
80°F (27°C).
Non approved substrates are: OSB (Oriented Strand Board), particleboard, treated plywood, strip wood floors, chipboard, Masonite, cementitious backer
boards, free floating flooring, rubber or self stick flooring. For more information regarding subfloor preparation, please call customer service and speak
to one of our installation experts at 1-866-843-8453.
INSTALLATION
To achieve best results, acclimate ELEMENTAL material and adhesives in the areas they are to be installed for a minimum of 48 hours before, during and
after the installation. Minimum floor temperature should be 59°F (15°C), minimum room temperature of 65°F (18°C) and a maximum relative humidity
content of 65%. Keep away from heating and cooling ducts and direct sunlight. Ensure that the site conditions are kept at a constant level while the
adhesive achieves full bond strength.
ELEMENTAL LVT flooring comes in several sizes and formats including planks, square tiles, rectangular tiles, and should only be installed by professional
flooring installers that have demonstrated successful installations of jobs similar in size and scope. Tiles may be installed running in the same direction
(block or staggered) or quarter turned using arrows printed on back for orientation. Install as specified by Architect or end user. ELEMENTAL plank flooring
must have end joints offset by at least 6" and staggered to create a random appearance that avoids alignment of end joints. ELEMENTAL LVT flooring
can be laid out to run either parallel or diagonal to the room or primary wall.
Plan the layout of the room as specified by the Architect, designer or end user. Measure the r oom in both directions and mark a chalk centerline, ensuring
that it is square to the wall with the main doorway. You may choose to loose lay the tiles to check that no small cuts will be required around the perimeter. Make
adjustments as necessary. The adhesive should be applied using the proper adhesive spreader recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. Spread only the
amount of adhesive, which can be covered within th e open time. Refer to the label on the adhesive container for the open time of the adhesive. The amount
of time in which you have to place the flooring will vary with temperature and humidity. The higher the temperature and the lower the humidity, the faster
the adhesive will set. Do not use fans to force-dry adhesives. The main floor area should be divided into small sections leaving the perimeter tiles un-
adhered until the main field area has been installed. When a section has been installed it should be thoroughly rolled in both directions (90°) with an
articulated roller. Roll floor as soon as conditions permit without tiles moving or adhesive bleeding to the surface. Roll floor again at 90° to the first within
45–60 minutes depending upon site conditions. Early trafficking should be avoided, as this will disturb the adhesive bond.
For further information please contact customer service at 1-866-843-8453 from Monday to Friday.
ELEMENTAL CARE & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
ELEMENTAL LVT flooring is manufactured with a high performance UV cured urethane and ceramic bead surface treatment, which provides improved
maintenance characteristics and options for the end-user in commercial environments. All floor coverings require some care to look their best and many
problems can be prevented before they occur. The area of usage, type and frequency of traffic on the floor will determine the type and frequency of
maintenance needed. Proper cleaning, care and maintenance are an essential part of keeping your ELEMENTAL LVT floor looking attractive and safe.
These guidelines will help to maintain the appearance and extend the life of your ELEMENTAL LVT Commercial flooring.
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