Installation Instructions

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thickness where no transition molding exists. For broadloom where no transition
molding is used, apply a minimum of 1/8” bead of seam sealer to the edge of the
carpet along the entire transition.
Wall base - when vinyl or rubber wall base is used in a direct glue or double glue
carpet installation, cove base or base-with-toe is highly recommended.
5.5 Carpet over carpet
In the absence of manufacturer’s specific recommendations to the contrary, carpet
should not be installed over existing carpet.
6.0 Testing
Most residential stretch-in installations do not require moisture testing.
Before direct glue-down, double-glue down and free floating carpet tile systems, the
owner or general contractor, or their designated testing agent, is required to submit to
the flooring contractor a written report on the moisture and alkalinity conditions of the
concrete substrates.
Refer to the manufacturer’s written instructions for guidelines regarding allowable
moisture and pH limits for their products. The Moisture Vapor Emission Rate, Relative
Humidity & Alkalinity testing must be performed to give an accurate assessment of the
concrete condition and the test results/data of each test shall be within acceptable
limits.
Proper testing is essential for a successful installation and any deviation
from these industry accepted test methods often results in an installation
failure and may void manufacturers’ warranties.
NOTE: It is recommended that qualified independent third-party testing
agencies be used for determining moisture and alkalinity conditions of a
concrete slab. Testing by an independent third party specialist to
determine installation suitability is a prudent and necessary safeguard for
general contractors, owners, architects, flooring product providers and
installation contractors to reduce the risk of concrete slab moisture
related flooring problems. As a minimum, testing agencies or individuals
are required to demonstrate verifiable experience in concrete moisture
testing or be certified by a recognized organization.
6.1 Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) Testing
MVER tests must be conducted in accordance with the current version of ASTM F
1869, not to exceed manufacturer’s requirements (ASTM F1869 - Standard Test
Method for Measuring Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous
Calcium Chloride).