Installation Guide

INSTALLATION
4. Remove curing compounds 28 days after placement, so concrete can begin drying.
5. Concrete oors shall be at and smooth within 1/8" in 6 feet or 3/16” in 10 feet.
6. F ‐ Number System: Overall values of FF 36/ FL 20 may be appropriate for resilient oor coverings.
Note: Perform Bond testing to determine compatibility of adhesive to the substrate. Shaw 9050 primer can be utilized to
promote adhesion. Expansion joints in concrete are designed to allow for the expansion and contraction of the concrete.
Resilient ooring products should never be installed over expansion joints. Expansion joint covers designed for use with
resilient oorings should be used. Control joints (saw cuts) may be patched and covered with resilient once the concrete
is thoroughly cured, dry and acclimated.
LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
All recommendations and guarantees as to the suitability and performance of lightweight concrete under resilient ooring are
the responsibility of the lightweight concrete manufacturer. The installer of the lightweight product may be required to be
authorized or certied by the manufacturer. Correct on ‐ site mixing ratios and properly functioning pumping equipment are
critical. To ensure proper mixture, slump testing is recommended.
a. Lightweight aggregate concretes having densities greater than 90 lbs. per cubic foot may be acceptable under resilient ooring.
b. Concrete slabs with heavy static and/or dynamic loads should be designed with higher strengths and densities to support such loads.
c. Surface must be permanently dry, clean, and smooth, free of all dust, and structurally sound.
d. Perform Bond testing to determine compatibility of adhesive to the substrate. Shaw 9050 primer can be utilized to promote adhesion.
Radiant Heating : Radiant-heated suboor systems can be concrete, wood or a combination of both.
The heating systems components must have a minimum of 1/2" separation from the ooring product. The system must be on
and operational for at least 2 weeks prior to installation to reduce residual moisture. Three days prior to installation lower the
temperature to 65 degrees (18.3°C), after installation gradually increase the temperature in increments of 5° F to avoid
overheating. Maximum operating temperature should never exceed 85°F( 29.4). Use of an in-oor temperature sensor is
recommended to avoid overheating. Contact the manufacturer of your radiant heating system for further
recommendations.
Electric Radiant Floors : consist of electric cables (or) mats of electrically conductive materials mounted on the suboor below the oor covering. Mesh
systems are typically embedded in thin-set. When embedding the system components, use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet
or exceed Shaw’s maximum moisture level and pH requirements. Use of gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain Portland or
high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable.
Hydronic Radiant Floors : pump heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern under the ooring. Typically installed in channels under a
wooden suboor (or) imbedded in concrete slabs. Requires the installer follow a specic nailing pattern to avoid penetration of the heat system.

RESILIENT FLOOR COVERING
1. Must be single layered, non ‐ cushion backed, fully adhered, and smooth.
2. Show no signs of moisture or alkalinity.
3. Waxes, polishes, grease, grime, and oil must be removed.
4. Cuts, cracks, gouges, dents and other irregularities in the existing oor covering must be repaired or replaced.
5. Embossing leveler recommended to aid in proper bonding and to prevent telegraphing.
6. Do not install over rubber based substrates.
NOTE: THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DETERMINING IF THE EXISTING FLOORING IS SUITABLE TO BE INSTALLED OVER TOP OF
WITH RESILIENT, RESTS SOLELY WITH INSTALLER/FLOORING CONTRACTOR ON SITE. IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT AS TO
SUITABILITY, THE EXISTING FLOORING SHOULD BE REMOVED, OR AN ACCEPTABLE UNDERLAYMENT INSTALLED OVER IT.
INSTALLATIONS OVER EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING MAY BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO INDENTATION.
Quarry Tile, Terrazzo, Ceramic Tile, Poured Floors (Epoxy, Polymeric, Seamless)
a. Must be totally cured and well bonded to the concrete.
b. Must be free of any residual solvents and petroleum derivatives.
c. Waxes, polishes, grease, grime, and oil must be removed.
d. Show no signs of moisture or alkalinity.
e. Cuts, cracks, gouges, dents, and other irregularities in the existing oor covering must be repaired or replaced.
f. Fill any low spots, holes, chips and seams that may telegraph through the new ooring.
g. Grind any highly polished or irregular/smooth surfaces. Quarry tile or Ceramic tile grout joints and textured surfaces must be lled with an embossing
leveler or substrate manufacturer approved material.
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