How To Guide
Commercial Installation Guideline Page 1 of 4
ITEC II05042011
IVC US recommends the following guidelines for preparation and installation of all IVC US commercial
products. Please contact IVC US Technical Services at 888-225-8287 with any questions or visit
www.ivcgroup.us.
Section 1: Installation Preparation
Handling procedures: The job site and all flooring material and adhesive must be kept between 65°F
and 85°F for 48 hours before, during, and after installation.
PLEASE NOTE: If removal of existing resilient floor covering is required, follow all recommended
Resilient Covering Flooring Institute (RFCI) work practices at www.rfci.com.
Acceptable Substrates
Wood underlayment: Wood underlayment panels must be American Plywood Association (APA) rated
underlayment grade as specified and warranted by the manufacturer. All wood subfloors require a double
layer construction
i
.
Concrete: See Grade Levels
Gypsum concrete: Seal gypsum concrete with FLEX-PRIM Acrylic Latex Primer prior to applying floor
patch and adhesive to stabilize the surface for adhesive bond
ii
.
Grade Levels
Suspended: An acceptable suspended floor is a concrete or wood substrate with a minimum of 18”
(460mm) of well-ventilated air space beneath it. IVC US recommends that a moisture vapor barrier be
placed on the ground below the air space.
On-Grade: An acceptable on-grade floor is a concrete substrate in direct surface contact with the ground
at the surrounding ground level. The concrete slab should be protected from moisture penetration and
incorporate a proven moisture vapor barrier.
Below-Grade: An acceptable below-grade floor is a concrete substrate partially or completely in contact
with the ground below the average surrounding ground level. The concrete slab should be protected from
moisture penetration and incorporate a proven moisture vapor barrier.
Acceptable surfaces
• VCT (well bonded on or above grade only – in the absence of waxes or sealers)
• Ceramic (well bonded & properly prepared)
• Terrazzo (well bonded & properly prepared)
• Self-leveling and patching compounds (Portland cement based only)
• Resilient floor (no more than 1 layer, well bonded, non-cushioned)
• Radiant heat floors (not exceeding 85°F)
Unacceptable Surfaces
iii
• Inter-flex and any perimeter bonded products
• Soft-back vinyl
• Cork
• Carpet
• Any floating floor system
• Resilient tile installed below grade