Installation Instructions
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FIBERFLOOR
®
ID_20190628_EN_FIBERFLOOR_SHEET
pH testing of concrete subfloors must be performed in accordance with ASTM F710 Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to receive Resilient
Flooring. When installing FiberFloor® using the FLOATING INSTALLATION SYSTEM the concrete surface pH should be between 7-9. When installing
FiberFloor® using the FULL SPREAD-PERMANENT or RELEASABLE APPLICATION refer to the substrate pH limitations on the
Q Bond One or 959 Vinyl and Plank adhesive pail label.
ADDITIONAL SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES
Many installations over existing floors produce satisfactory results. However, their success is dependent upon the condition of the existing floor covering.
Installing over existing flooring increases the possibility of indentations and telegraphing of the old floor. Note: The final decision to cover an existing floor
with new flooring rests with the flooring contractor and/or installer. Tarkett will not accept responsibility for floor failures where the condition, type or improper
preparation of the existing floor is the cause for the failure. When installing FiberFloor® over an existing flooring follow the recommended guidelines below.
Ceramic, Porcelain and Natural Stone tiles must be smooth, even and well bonded with a grout line depth less than 1/16” (.625). If grout joint
depth exceeds the maximum allowable depth, fill with Portland based patching compound following manufacturer’s guidelines. Installing
FiberFloor® over existing Ceramic, Porcelain and Natural Stone tiles is only recommended when using the floating installation method. If a
glue-down installation method is desired contact Tarkett Technical Services.
Resilient Vinyl floors must be smooth, even, free of wax and sealers, non-cushioned and well bonded to the substrate.
Strip Wood Hard Wood Floors must be smooth, even, flat, with a maximum gap width between boards of 1/16” (.625). Installing FiberFloor®
over Strip Wood Floors is only recommended when using the floating installation method. The use of ProSheet™ Plus3 is recommended. :
Follow the detailed ProSheet Plus 3 installation instructions found at www.tarkettna.com
Heated flooring systems must be installed 2’’ below the concrete subfloor and the operating temperature must not exceed 85ºF (29.4ºC). During installation,
lower the radiant heated floor temperature to a minimum 65º F (18.3º C). This temperature should be maintained for at least 24 hours before, during and 48
hours after completion of the installation. Gradually increase the temperature in increments of 5°F every 24 hours but do not exceed 85°F (29.4°C).
Residual adhesives should be mechanically removed. Do not use chemical adhesive removers or solvents. Always follow RFCI’s Recommended Work
Practices for Removal of Resilient Floorcoverings. Caution: Some resilient flooring products and adhesives contain "asbestos fibers" and special handling of
this material is required.
Refer to ASTM F2419 Standard Practice for Installation of Thick Poured Gypsum Concrete Underlayments and Preparation of the Surface to Receive
Resilient Flooring for guidelines when pouring gypsum underlayments or preparing for use as an underlayment under Tarkett products. Follow the Gypsum
Underlayment manufacturer’s recommendations for proper application and preparation.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
All substrates must be dry, clean, structurally sound, smooth and free from all existing adhesive residues.
The substrate must be flat within 1/8” in 8’ (3.17mm in 2.4m).
Fill and level concrete cracks, construction joints, control joints, depressions, grooves and other irregularities. Use a latex fortified, cementitious patching
compound and follow the manufactures recommendation for preparing.
Sweep and vacuum or damp mop substrate to remove all dust and debris.
ProSheet Plus 3 can be used if needed in on or above grade applications only. Follow the detailed ProSheet Plus 3 installation instructions found at
www.tarkettna.com.
DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP, DRY SCRAPE, DRILL, SAW, BEADBLAST OR MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERIZE EXISTING RESILIENT
FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT OR ASPHALTIC “CUT-BACK” ADHESIVE OR OTHER ADHESIVE.
These products may contain either asbestos fibers or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard.
Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the product is a non-
asbestos containing material, you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to determine asbestos content.
Various federal, state and local government agencies have regulations governing the removal of in-place asbestos containing material. If you contemplate
the removal of a resilient floor covering structure that contains (or is presumed to contain) asbestos, you must review and comply with all applicable
regulations. Refer to the current edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor
Coverings” for detailed information and instructions for removal of resilient floor coverings
“Refer to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Existing Resilient Flooring for best work practices”
located on RFCI’s website at www.rfci.com
Prior to removing, an existing floor follow the RFCI Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings (unless state or local law
requires other measures). If there are visible indications of mold or mildew or the presence of a strong musty odor in the area where resilient flooring is to be
removed or installed, the source of the problem should be identified and corrected before proceeding with the flooring work.
The EPA mold guidelines are contained in two publications “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home” (EPA 402-K-02-003) and “Mold Remediation in
Schools and Commercial Buildings” (EPA 402-K-01-001). Appendix B of the “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” publication describes
potential health effects from exposure to mold, such as allergic and asthma reactions and irritation to eyes, skin, nose and throat. These publications can be
located on EPA’s Website at www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/
GETTING STARTED
FiberFloor® floors may be installed using the floating or full spread, permanent or releasable installation method.
Use Q-Bond One or 959 Vinyl Tile and Plank Adhesive using a 1/32”x1/16”x1/32” U notch trowel allowing the adhesive to reach a semi-wet state with
adhesive transfer to the finger with a light touch. For the releasable method use Q Bond One only
FiberFloor® floors are intended for indoor use only.
Do not install cabinets over FiberFloor® if the FLOATING INSTALLATION SYSTEM is used.
A minimum 1/4” (6.3mm) expansion space is required around all walls and vertical objects. Allow a 1/2” (12.7mm) expansion space for installations over
wood substrates that may be effected by moisture or external temperature and humidity fluctuations (i.e. crawlspaces, mobile homes)
If distortions are noticed in the flooring prior to installation, reverse roll the flooring on a core and allow it to remain for 15 minutes to remove the distortions.
Inspect FiberFloor® for visible defects and damage before and during installation. Do not install damaged material. Tarkett will not accept responsibility for
claims on flooring installed with obvious defects. Contact your supplier immediately if a defect is found.