Installation Instructions

2
SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION
CONCRETE(cont)
New concrete staircases must be properly cured. A drying
time of one month per inch of concrete is generally required
after a slab is poured and protected from the weather.
Lightweight aggregate concrete floors, and floors with steel
or plastic pan construction, and floors poured over a
permanent moisture barrier usually require an extended
drying time. If lightweight aggregate concrete weighs less
than 90 pounds per cubic foot, a topping of regular concrete
at least one inch thick is required. To expedite drying time,
adequate heat and ventilation should be provided.
Alkalinity (pH) Test: To determine the pH of the
concrete surface, use wide range pH paper, its associated
pH chart, and distilled or deionized water. Place several
drops of water on a clean surface of concrete, forming a
puddle of approximately 1” diameter. Allow the puddle to set
for 1 minute, then dip the pH paper into the water. Remove
immediately and compare to chart to determine pH reading.
Additional information regarding these tests and results can
be obtained through VPI’s Technical Service Department.
Exceptionally smooth concrete: If concrete surface
is exceptionally smooth, with little porosity, it should be acid
etched with a 15% diluted solution of muriatic acid before
installing flooring. Neutralize the concrete after etching by
rinsing with clear water and ammonia using 6-8 oz. of
ammonia per 1 gallon of water.
Previously covered concrete: Completely remove all
remaining floor down to bare concrete. Be sure to eliminate
all residual adhesive, or completely cover the sub-floor with
a high-quality cementitious underlayment, warranted for
such applications.
TERRAZZO STAIRCASES
Inspect the terrazzo for any sealer or film on the surface.
This must be removed before proceeding with the
installation.
CERAMIC TILE
All ceramic tiles must be bonded securely to the substrate.
Any loose tiles must be removed. Clean existing ceramic tile
using muriatic acid/water and neutralize with ammonia, as
directed for smooth concrete. After floor has dried, apply a
thin rich coat of Portland cementitious underlayment with a
liquid latex binder to achieve a smooth surface prior to
installation of stair tread.
EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING
VPI does not recommend, nor do we warrant, any
installation over existing resilient materials. All resilient
material must be removed prior to any installation of VPI
products and the subfloor prepared per VPI’s
recommendations.
WOOD STAIRCASES
Stair tread may be installed over wood staircases. Wood
staircases must be double construction with a 1” minimum
thickness, structurally sound, securely fastened and free
from deflection/spring. The substrate must be dry, clean,
free from raised nails, screws, paint, oils, solvents, floor
finishes and urethanes, and any other extraneous materials.
METAL DECKS
Metal substrates must be thoroughly rough sanded and
primed with Rust-oleum Professional Primer or equivalent.
Metal decking must be flat, dry, clean and free from dust,
paint, asphalt, old adhesives, grease, oil, rust and other
extraneous material. Level all surface irregularities with a
Portland cement/liquid latex mixture underlayment.
ADHESIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Read adhesive instructions on containers for care and clean
up. Perform an adhesive bond test with actual tread,
adhesive, and substrate prior to installation to determine
adequate performance.
Stringer Adhesive
VPI 100 2 Part Epoxy Adhesive is a solvent-free, adhesive
that is designed to permanently install dimensionally stable
rubber or vinyl stair stringers. VPI 100 rubber/ vinyl stair well
system adhesive can be spread over porous and non-porous
surfaces free of moisture. It can be used on all grades of
concrete on above or below grade in the absence of
moisture, as well as suspended approved wood floors
(APA). This adhesive has excellent resistance to plasticizer
migration and sets to a tough permanent bond. See
adhesive label for detailed application instructions.
One gallon covers 210-250 linear feet of 7” stringer using a
1/16” x 1/16” x 1/16” square notch trowel.
Cure time of 24 hours.
Stair Tread Adhesive & Nose Caulk
VPI 503 One Part Adhesive is a solvent-free, acrylic
adhesive that is designed to permanently install
dimensionally stable rubber / vinyl stair well systems. VPI
503 rubber/ vinyl stair well system adhesive can be spread
over porous and non-porous surfaces free of moisture. It can
be used on all grades of concrete on above or below grade
in the absence of moisture, as well as approved suspended
wood floors (APA). This adhesive has excellent resistance to
plasticizer migration and sets to a tough permanent
bond. See adhesive label for detailed application
instructions.
One gallon covers 75’-90’ linear feet of 20” integrated stair
tread using a 1/16” x 1/16” x 1/16” square notch trowel
One gallon covers 125’-150’ linear feet of 12” regular stair
tread using a 1/16” x 1/16” x 1/16” square notch trowel.
Cure time of 48 hours – 72 hours for heavy traffic and rolling
loads.