Instructions / Assembly

FLOOR PREPARATION AND EXISTING ADHESIVES

It is the responsibility of the Flooring Contractor to ensure that all installation guidelines are followed.

Floor Preparation

Floor must be at, smooth, and clean of any substance that may prevent a good adhesive bond.

• Remove dirt, wax, grease, paint, oil, dust, and any other substances from the oor surface.

• Do not use solvent cleaners or oil based sweeping compounds to remove these substances.

• Fill in cracks and uneven oor areas with cement-based patching or leveling compound.

• Prime patched and leveled areas with latex primer as per manufacturer’s guidelines.

Note: Do not disturb ooring or adhesives containing asbestos until you contact the Resilient Floor Covering Institute for

guidance on proper removal/handling of asbestos.

Existing Adhesives

Existing adhesives must be handled properly to prevent potential bonding and/or reactive issues.

• Remove existing adhesives* from the oor to create a at, smooth, and clean surface.

• Do not use chemical or citrus-based adhesive removers to remove existing adhesives.

• When asphaltic cutback adhesive has been removed, oor must be sealed with OptiSeal.

*When installing EcoFlex Air, removal of existing adhesive is not necessary, unless high moisture is present.

Note: If oor has been chemically abated, contact Mohawk Group Technical Services at 800.833.6954 for guidance before

starting installation process.

Mohawk Group is not responsible for improper oor preparation or failure to follow installation guidelines.

FLOOR PRIMING

• Concrete: Prime if oor is extremely porous or has excessive dust. Note: Any existing sealer or primer must be tested

for compatibility with Mohawk Group’s adhesive. Terrazzo, Marble, Vinyl Tile (VAT or VCT), Linoleum and other smooth

nonporous surfaces do not require priming. Damp mop only. If patching is required on these surfaces, prime the

patched areas if required by patch manufacturer.

• Gypcrete or substrates with excessive dust must be cleaned and then primed with a product such as PrimeCoat to

ensure proper bonding.

• Bond Test must be performed over concrete substrates with unidentied sealers or primers: Adhere a small area

of 2 to 3 feet of carpet and allow it to dry completely. Let it set for 24 hours. If the adhesive is bonded tightly,

proceed with installation.

• Wood substrates are required to be structurally sound, at, dry and securely anchored with ¾” minimum thickness.

Substrates, such as plywood, OSB or other materials must be ooring grade (APA approved) and installed according to

manufacturer specications. Irregularities, imperfections and joints must be properly patched and prepared. Primer such

as PrimeCoat is required over any wood substrate.