Installation Instructions

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13.3.1 Trowel Selection - Select the appropriate adhesive and trowel notch
configuration recommended by the carpet manufacturer and/or adhesive supplier, or
refer to the list shown in Table II as a minimum.
13.3.2 Adhesive Application - Spread floor adhesive uniformly over the substrate with an
appropriate trowel, leaving ridges of sufficient height to achieve full and complete
coverage of both the substrate and carpet backing. Trowel notches wear down
during use. Maintain a clean and properly notched trowel throughout the installation
process. After sufficient open time, press carpet into the adhesive and roll with an
appropriate roller as specified in section14.7.
CAUTION: Bond failure most often is caused by:
 inadequate adhesive application from incorrect trowel notch size and/or trowel notch
configuration or improper trowel angle during application
 improper type and grade of adhesive t
 incorrect open time and/or working times
 bond breakers or substrate contaminants such as, but not limited to, residual curing and
parting compounds
 pH and moisture-related problems
 lack of protection (see Section 20)
 premature traffic or cleaning before adhesives have adequately cured
13.3.3 Open Time – Appropriate open time varies depending upon environmental
conditions, substrate porosity, backing system and adhesive type. Refer to the
adhesive and/or carpet manufacturer for recommendations regarding open time.
13.3.4 Working Time - ( also referred to as slip time) – length of time after covering the
adhesive with carpet to make adjustments or manipulate the carpet without
negatively impacting the permanent bond.
13.4 Alternative Adhesive Systems – Alternative field-applied systems, such as spray
adhesive or roll-adhesive films, are available. Refer to carpet manufacturer
information whether an adhesive system is acceptable.
13.5 Seam Adhesive (“Sealer”) - For carpet systems that require seam sealing, apply
an appropriate seam adhesive in sufficient quantity to seal both edges trimmed for
seaming, covering the thickness of the primary and secondary backing without
contaminating face yarns (See Figure 1). This insures that all edges trimmed for
seaming are protected from edge ravel. Allow seam adhesive to dry before
proceeding with the installation to prevent transfer to the face yarn. An additional
bead of seam adhesive is applied to the cut edge of one side only, after that side is
first placed into the floor adhesive. In order to weld the seam edges together, while
the seam adhesive is still transferrable, abut the edges to form the seam.