Installation Guide

7
7.5 Wood - Wood substrates are required to be structurally sound, flat, dry and securely
anchored. Substrates, such as plywood, hardwood, particleboard, oriented strand
board, or other materials, are required to be flooring grade (APA approved) and
installed according to manufacturer specifications. Irregularities, imperfections and
joints are required to be properly patched and prepared. It is required that all
protrusions be properly prepared.
7.6 Metal - It is required that metal floors create a smooth, even plane, and be free of
grease, oil, soil and rust. It is required that metal or raised access flooring be
structurally sound, flat and properly secured.
Note: Adhesives applied to bare metal surfaces can cause rapid oxidation or other chemical
reactions. Sand and clean bare aluminum prior to adhesive application to remove oxidization.
7.7 Resilient Flooring – Installing carpet over resilient flooring may be acceptable as
long as the resilient flooring is securely bonded to the substrate and properly
prepared. Additional concerns are carpet backing and adhesive compatibility.
Note: Installing a second layer of finish flooring material, including some carpet types, can trap
moisture and result in widespread failure, even over substrates that previously had never
shown signs of moisture or moisture-related problems.
CAUTION: Some sheet vinyl, resilient tile and cut-back asphalt-based adhesive may contain
asbestos and/or crystalline silica. Inhaling dusts from these materials creates a cancer and
respiratory system hazard. Lacking documented evidence to the contrary, e.g., current testing,
assume that these materials contain asbestos and treat them in the manner prescribed for
removing floors containing asbestos. Recommended work practices prohibit sanding, dry
scraping, bead-blasting or mechanically pulverizing resilient flooring, backing or lining felt. Do
not use powered devices that create asbestos dust when removing “cut-back” or asphalt-based
adhesives. It is required that removal procedures comply with federal, state and local
government agency regulations covering the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing
materials (ACM).
7.8 Carpet over Carpet - Refer to carpet manufacturer for guidance before installation.
7.9 Radiant-heated Floors – Radiant-heated floors require special consideration in the
selection of carpet, carpet cushion, installation methods and adhesive. (Radiant
heated floors should not exceed 85°F.)
7.9.1 Unless absolutely certain about the location and depth of heating components,
attach tack strip and transitions using adhesive.
7.9.2 The maximum surface temperature of radiant-heated substrates cannot exceed
85ºF/29ºC.
8.0 Substrates
8.1 Surfaces such as terrazzo, ceramic and natural stone - Remove finishes and
prepare flooring surfaces to ensure adhesion. These surfaces are required to be