Installation Instructions

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Fill and level underlayment joints and all other irregularities with a high-quality,
non-shrinking, latex-fortified, cementitious patching compound.
Note: Tarkett® does not recommend or warrant the use of any products containing
gypsum as a satisfactory patching compound for full-spread installations
of Tarkett FiberFloor
®
. Tarkett will not accept responsibility for flooring
failures related to the use of gypsum type patching compounds.
Existing Resilient Floors
Due to the problems associated with the removal of old resilient products and their
adhesives, it may be desirable to leave the existing flooring intact with the last
alternative being removal.
If using the “Glueless Installation System,” FiberFloor may be installed over two
layers of non-cushioned, existing vinyl flooring. When using the “Full Spread”
Installation System, FiberFloor may be installed over a single layer of properly prepared,
non-cushioned, existing vinyl flooring only.
Many installations over existing floors are satisfactory. However their success is
dependent upon the condition of the existing floor covering. Leaving the old floor
covering down under a new installation increases the possibility of indentations,
telegraphing of the old floor, and poor adhesion. There is also a high degree of risk with
cemented installations over sheet vinyl flooring with unfilled wear surfaces, urethane
finishes and old floor coverings installed on concrete that show evidence of excessive
moisture or alkali.
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.
WARNING!
DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP, SCRAPE, DRILL, SAW, BEADBLAST OR MECHANICALLY
PULVERIZE EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT OR ASPHALTIC
“CUT-BACK” ADHESIVES. 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.
The existing floor must meet the following requirements:
> The existing floor must be fully and well adhered. Carefully inspect bond along walls
and seams, and repair if necessary.
> The existing flooring must be properly installed over a recommended substrate.
> The existing floor must be no more than two layers for glueless installations and no
more than one layer for full spread installations.
Construction Adhesives
Certain industrial grade adhesives used in the construction trade to adhere subfloor
panels have been known to discolor resilient flooring products even if covered over with
plywood underlayment or trowelable underlayments. Any construction adhesives used
in subfloor construction must be guaranteed to be non-staining for resilient flooring
materials by its manufacturer. Tarkett® cannot accept responsibility for discoloration
problems related to the use of construction adhesives.
Storage and Handling
Underlayment panels should be stored indoors in a dry, covered area. Panels shall be
laying flat over a minimum of two supports. It is extremely important for both remodeling
and new construction applications that the underlayment panels be allowed to acclimate
to room conditions, and that the underlayment panels are protected from extremes of
heat and moisture before, during and after installation.
Installing Underlayment Panels
Installation of underlayment panels shall be performed in accordance with their
manufacturer’s recommendations to preserve their warranties.
Laying the underlayment panels should begin in one corner of the room. Lay all
underlayment panels in the same direction. Underlayment panel edges and subfloor
edges should be offset at least 8". A space of 1/4" to 3/8" shall be left between the panels
and the wall around the perimeter of the room. Stagger panel joints so that four corners
do not meet. Cross joints should be staggered at least 16". The panel edges shall be
lightly butted together. New underlayment should not be installed over heavily cushioned
flooring. These may not provide a firm base for underlayment board application, resulting
in an up-and-down or scissoring action at the seams. Telegraphing of underlayment joints
and nail pops may also occur.
Fastening Panels
Nails: Cement-coated or resin-coated fasteners can stain resilient flooring. Use
non-coated ring-shank or screw type underlay flooring nails. The length of the nail shall
not exceed the total thickness of the subfloor and underlayment. Space nails 2" to 4" on
center at panel edges and 6" on center throughout the field.
Staples: Stapling underlayment panels using a staple with a divergent chisel point is
recommended. Staples should be spaced 1" to 2" along the edge and 3" to 4" on center
throughout the field.
Begin fastening at one corner of underlayment panels and work diagonally across
panels (fan nail). Fasteners shall be set flush or just slightly below the surface of the
underlayment.
Underlayment Preparation
The underlayment must be dry, clean, smooth, level and structurally sound. The
underlayment shall be swept and/or vacuumed to remove any dust and debris. Any surface
materials present such as paint, wax, grease, oil, adhesive residues, crayon, pen marking,
etc., that may prevent a proper bond or migrate to the surface of the flooring causing
discoloration, must be removed.