Installation Guide

Please contact Technical Services at 888-387-9881 with any questions. 0213_2021 | EH | 03/2021 | 2 of 12
Resilient Floor Covering as an Underlayment
• Must be single layered, non-cushioned backed, fully adhered, and smooth.
• Show no signs of moisture or alkalinity.
• Wax, polish, grease and grime must be removed.
• Cuts, cracks, gouges, dents and other irregularities in the existing oor covering must be repaired or replaced.
NOTE: The responsibility of determining if the existing ooring is suitable to be installed over rests solely with the installer/ooring contractor on
site. If there is any doubt as to suitability, the existing ooring should be removed, or an acceptable underlayment installed over it. Installations over
existing resilient ooring may be more susceptible to indentation.
Concrete
New and existing concrete suboors should meet the guidelines of the latest edition of ACI 302 and ASTM F 710, “Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete
Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring” available from the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Moisture levels of concrete slabs before, during and after installation must be 8 lbs. or less per 1000 square feet per 24 hours using an anhydrous calcium
chloride test according to ASTM F1869 and pH must be between 5.0 and 9.0; or, if using ASTM F2170 InSitu Probes, should be less than 90% RH (relative
humidity). Three tests should be conducted for areas up to 1,000 Sq. Ft. One additional test, for each additional 1,000 Sq. Ft. Always measure, record and keep
your testing results.
• Never use liquid adhesive remover or solvent cleaners for removing old adhesive residue or other substances on the substrate; their use will cause future
failures in the new ooring.
• On or below-grade slabs must have an effective vapor retarder directly under the slab.
• Concrete oors shall be at and smooth within 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span.
• F-Number System: Overall values of FF 36/ FL 20 may be appropriate for resilient oor coverings.
• Glossy or waxed oors may require a higher value FF 75/ FL 50 to prevent telegraphing issues.
Old Adhesive Residue
If the adhesive is asphalt-based (cut-back) or any other type of adhesive is present, it must be dealt with in one of two ways:
1. It may be mechanically removed using methods such as bead blasting or scarifying, using a licensed professional contractor (See Asbestos
Warning above).
2. A Portland-based self-leveling underlayment may be applied over it. Check with the underlayment manufacturer for suitability, application
instructions, and warranties.
Other approved underlayments
• Self-leveling and patching compounds (latex fortied Portland cement based only).
• Radiant heat oors (not exceeding 85°F (29°C) and approved by the manufacturer for the use of their product with resilient vinyl ooring applications).
• Gypcrete can be utilized when necessary due to radiant heat and in high rise buildings. Gypcrete must be sealed using a Mohawk PrimeCoat acrylic
oor primer to stabilize the surface. All issues with gypcrete cracking, crumbling, powdering and resulting in the release of adhesive bond are NOT
warranted by Mohawk.
Storage and Handling
• Flooring must be acclimated in the room of installation between 55-85°F (13°-29°C) for 48 hours before installation. These temperatures should be
maintained before, during and thereafter the installation is complete.
• Always store and transport rigid luxury vinyl ooring on a at surface in neat stacks to prevent warping. Never store the cartons upright or in moist, dusty
rooms or in places with extreme temperatures. Cartons should be evenly stacked and away from any heating/cooling ducts or direct sunlight.
• Installation in enclosed Three Season Rooms: acclimate product and room at 55°- 85°F (13-29°C) for 48-hours prior, during and 48 hours after installation is
complete. Maximum installation span for Three Season Rooms is 40’ x 40’ (12.2m X 12.2m) with a 1/2” (13mm) minimum expansion for the perimeter or all
vertical objects.
Suboor and Wall/Door Preparation
• Floor must be clean, smooth, at and dry. Remove all foreign substances such as wax, grease, dirt, construction markings and contaminants, and any
substance or chemical that would interfere with a good bond. Fill all holes and cracks with a latex fortied Portland cement-based patching compound.
Sand high spots to eliminate the possibility of telegraphing. Prime oor if needed with a Mohawk acrylic latex primer to prevent over absorption of
adhesives, dust containment, and to ensure a better bond of the adhesive to the suboor.
• Any unevenness of more than 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span (5 mm over a length of 3 m) must be leveled out. Remove bumps in the suboor by
sanding or scraping.
• Fill any low spots in the suboor with a Portland cement based leveling compound.