Installation Instructions

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of 90 to 120 days before running moisture tests. These time periods may vary and
concrete may require additional time, dependent upon local environmental conditions.
Moisture shall be tested according to ASTM F-2170 (Standard Test Method for
Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes). When
tested according to this method, the internal relative humidity must not exceed 80%.
The moisture vapor emission can be tested at the concrete surface according to ASTM
F-1869 (Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of
Concrete Subfloors Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride).
The Quantitative Calcium Chloride Moisture Test Kit contains anhydrous calcium chloride. It
employs the principles of both chemical absorption and entrapment of moisture vapor. A pre-
weighed amount of anhydrous calcium chloride stored and sealed in a clear plastic cylindrical
container is placed on a clean area of the concrete slab to be tested. It is then unsealed,
opened and covered with a larger transparent plastic cover adhered to the slab with a
moisture-tight sealant. The test is run for approximately 60 hours and the amount of moisture
absorbed by the calcium chloride is determined and converted to pounds of moisture/1,000
square feet/24. The results should be no more than 5 lbs./1,000 sq. ft./24 hours.
In areas 1,000 square feet or less, a minimum of three tests shall be made; for each
additional 1,000 square feet, one additional test should be made. These tests should be
made simultaneously and the test units should not be concentrated, but not closer than
5 feet from the edge.
CAUTION:
ALL MOISTURE TEST RESULTS ONLY INDICATE THE CONDITION OF A CONCRETE
SLAB FOR THE ACTUAL AREA TESTED AND ONLY AT THE TIME OF THE TEST.
ACCURATE TEST RESULTS WILL ONLY BE ACHIEVED WHEN TAKEN IN A ROOM
ACCLIMATED TO ITS EXPECTED NORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION. MOISTURE
VAPOR EMISSION FROM CONCRETE SUBFLOOR VARIES BOTH FROM ONE AREA TO
ANOTHER AND OVER TIME FOR NUMEROUS REASONS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF
THE FLOORING CONTRACTOR OR INSTALLER.
Although the dryness of an on or below grade concrete slab can be determined at the
time of installation, it is not a guarantee that the slab will be free of excess moisture
forever.
NOTE: Tarkett
®
does not warrant or guarantee flooring problems caused by the
presence of excessive moisture or alkali.
Surface Alkalinity on Concrete Substrate
Concrete, by its very nature, is a highly alkaline material. Under normal conditions
this situation does not affect resilient floor coverings and their adhesives. This
does become a factor when concrete surface alkali salts build up, usually as the
result of excessive moisture vapor transmission through the concrete slab. Moisture
carries alkali salts from the interior of the slab to the surface, which are left
Concrete Subfloors
Note: Regardless of the type of concrete or cement-like material used as a base
for Tarkett
®
FiberFloor
®
, the responsibility for use or suitability rests with
this products manufacturer or specifier, not with Tarkett.
All concrete floors, old or new, should be tested for moisture and proper
bonding of the resilient flooring.
Tarkett FiberFloor may be installed on all grade levels. Concrete floors shall be
constructed in accordance with the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 302.1 R-96
Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction and ACI 360R Slabs on Grade with a
minimum compressive strength of 3,500 psi. In some cases, shrinkage compensating
concrete is used to minimize or eliminate cracking caused by dry shrinkage in floor slabs.
Such slabs should be constructed in accordance with ACI 223-83 Standard Practice for
the Use of Shrinkage Compensating Concrete. These guides and practices are available
from the American Concrete Institute, P.O. Box 9094, Farmington Hills, MI 48333.
The single, most-important consideration affecting resilient flooring installation is
knowledge and proper preparation of the construction site. Prevention of moisture
and alkaline transmission through the slab into the adhesive film and resilient
flooring eliminates potential problems.
Proper site preparation, slab construction and the use of an effective moisture vapor
retarder will more likely make a successful installation. A 10-mil polyethylene sheet
or equal is recommended. The sheet must remain intact and must not be damaged
or ruptured prior to or during the concrete pour.
Regardless of the age of an: on, above or below grade concrete slab, installation
failures can occur due to the presence of moisture in the slab. The moisture can
come from the slab itself, if not completely dry or from the ground as the slab
comes to equilibrium with ground moisture. A slab may seem dry, but actually has
moisture passing through it and evaporating. As moisture passes through a slab, it
can carry with it alkaline salts from the ground and/or slab itself. Moisture and
alkali cause various installation problems such as adhesive deterioration, bumps or
ridges, color change, and mold and mildew growth. Any or all of these conditions
might be expected to occur in an undeterminable period of time after installation if
a severe moisture condition is present before, during or after installation.
Installers and resilient flooring manufacturers have little control over these factors.
Installation failures due to the presence of moisture or alkali are not warranted
by Tarkett. Although the dryness of an on or below grade concrete slab can be
determined at the time of installation, it is not a guarantee that the slab will be free
of excess moisture forever.
Moisture Testing
It is the contractor’s, as well as the installer’s responsibility to test all concrete
substrates, both old and new, for moisture content to determine if it is sufficiently
dry to install Tarkett resilient flooring. A concrete slab shall cure and dry a minimum