Installation

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Glue Down Commercial Resilient Tile | INSTALLATION
pH – Concrete oors must be tested per the latest edition of ASTM F 710.
pH reading must not exceed 10.0.
Readings below 7.0 and in excess of 10.0 affect resilient ooring and adhesives.
Rinsing the surface with clear water is the best way to lower alkalinity. “DAMP MOP”
Note: It may not be the oor covering installer’s responsibility to conduct the tests. It is, however, the oor covering installer’s
responsibility to make sure these tests have been conducted and that the results are acceptable prior to installing the oor
covering. When moisture tests are conducted, it indicates the conditions only at the time of the test.
Use only Portland-based patching and leveling compounds. Do not install Mohawk resilient ooring over gypsum based
patching and/or leveling compounds.
Lightweight Concrete
All recommendations and guarantees as to the suitability and performance of lightweight concrete under resilient ooring
are theresponsibility of the lightweight concrete manufacturer. The installer of the lightweight product may be required to be
authorized or certied by the manufacturer. Correct onsite mixing ratios and properly functioning pumping equipment are critical.
To ensure proper mixture, slump testing is recommended.
Lightweight aggregate concretes having densities greater than 90 lbs. per cubic foot may be acceptable under resilient
ooring.
Concrete slabs with heavy static and/or dynamic loads should be designed with higher strengths and densities to
accommodate such loads.
Relative Humidity (RH) – Tests must be performed per the latest edition of ASTM F 2170 or manufacturer’s
recommended moisture test procedures. Three internal relative humidity tests should be conducted for areas up to 1000 SF.
One additional test, for each additional 1000 SF.
Wood Substrates
A moisture test is required using a pin-type moisture meter. The moisture content must not exceed 15%.
Wood suboors must be structurally sound and in compliance with local building codes.
Double-layered APA rated plywood suboors should be a minimum 1” total thickness, with at least 18” well-ventilated air
space beneath. Insulate and protect crawl spaces with a vapor barrier.
It is recommended that your chosen APA underlayment grade panels be designed for installation under resilient ooring
and carry a written warranty covering replacement of the entire ooring system. Any failures in the performance of the
underlayment panel rests with the panel manufacturer and not with Mohawk.
Underlayment panels can only correct minor deciencies in the sub-oor while providing a smooth, sound surface on which
to adhere the resilient ooring.
Always follow the underlayment manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Wood suboors directly fastened to concrete, or sleeper construction, are not recommended.