Installation Guide

11
Note: It is the general contractor or building owner’s responsibility to supply a substrate that
meets agreed upon specifications as defined by ASTM E1155-96 (2008).
13.2.1 Treated Wood – Wood that is chemically treated to alter properties relating to
outdoor exposure or flame resistance is not a suitable substrate for direct glue-down
applications. Floor covering adhesives would be subject to chemical degradation
when applied to these surfaces.
13.2.2 Painted Surfaces - Painted surfaces may be suitable for adhesive application;
however, contact the carpet and adhesive manufacturer for recommendations.
CAUTION: Lacking documented evidence to the contrary, e.g., current testing, assume that all
paints contain lead and treat them in the manner prescribed by existing local, state, and Federal
lead abatement regulations.
13.2.3Resilient Floor Coverings – It is not recommended that carpet adhesive systems be
used directly over existing sheet vinyl, laminated or solid vinyl tile, and some rubber
flooring products. These materials may contain plasticizers that could migrate into
the carpet adhesive and loosen the bond. Contact individual manufacturers for
specific recommendations. Direct glue-down installations over vinyl composition tile
(VCT) are acceptable as long as all tiles are tightly adhered to the substrate and all
waxes, sealers, floor finishes and other foreign materials have been removed.
Caution: any resilient tile may have the possibility of containing asbestos.
This can be verified by an independent testing laboratory. Vinyl asbestos tile
requires specific precautions. Refer to local, state or Federal regulations.
13.2.4 Surfaces such as terrazzo, ceramic and natural stone - Remove finishes and
prepare flooring surfaces to ensure adhesion. These surfaces are required to be
structurally sound and well bonded to substrate. Fill grout lines flush with approved
cementitious leveling or patching compound. Follow the open time
recommendations of the adhesive manufacturer when adhering carpet to nonporous
substrates.
13.2.5 Primers – Primers are used to enhance substrate adhesion characteristics and
address porosity. Substrates that are overly porous, chalky or have varying degrees
of porosity require priming. Priming under or over patched areas and between layers
of patching compound may be required by the patching compound or the adhesive
manufacturer. Priming may be recommended for carpet with factory applied
adhesive systems. Ensure that priming products are compatible with substrate
conditions, patch and adhesives.
13.2.6 Liquid Adhesive Removers - These products are not recommended for use on a
substrate that will receive a floor covering to be installed with adhesive.