Installation Instructions

PREMIUM RESILENT TILE
(PRT)
Installation and Maintenance
Instructions
VPI Corporation
3123 S. 9
th
Street
P.O. Box 451
Sheboygan, WI 53082-0451, U.S.A.
920-458-4664 ● Fax [phone]
www.vpicorp.com
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Install & Maint. PRT 15: 11-01-15 http://www.vpicorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1S-Install-Maint-PRT-15.pdf
Alkalinity (pH) Test: To determine the pH of the concrete
surface, use wide range pH paper, its associated pH chart,
and distilled or deionized water. Place several drops of water
on a clean surface of concrete, forming a puddle of
approximately 1” diameter. Allow the puddle to set for 1
minute, then dip the pH paper into the water. Remove
immediately, and compare to chart to determine pH reading.
Additional information with regard to these tests and results
can be obtained through VPI’s Technical Service Department.
Exceptionally smooth concrete: If concrete surface is
exceptionally smooth, with little porosity, it should be acid
etched with a 15% diluted solution of muriatic acid before
installing flooring. Neutralize the concrete after etching by
rinsing with clear water to which a few ounces of ammonia
have been added.
Previously covered concrete: Completely remove all
remaining floor down to bare concrete. Be sure to eliminate all
residual adhesive, or completely cover the sub-floor with a
high quality cementitious underlayment, warranted for such
applications.
TERRAZZO FLOORS
Inspect the terrazzo for any sealer or film on the surface. This
must be removed before proceeding with the installation.
CERAMIC TILE
All ceramic tiles must be bonded securely to the substrate.
Any loose tile must be removed. Clean existing ceramic tile
using muriatic acid/water and neutralize with ammonia, as
directed for smooth concrete. After floor has dried, apply a
thin rich coat of Portland cementitious underlayment with a
liquid latex binder to achieve a smooth surface prior to
installation of resilient flooring.
RADIANT HEATED FLOORS
PRT tile may be installed on radiant-heated floors, provided
that the surface temperature does not exceed 90º F. and the
nominal operating temperature runs at 72°F.
EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING
Whenever possible, remove all old floor covering and sand off
all the old adhesives. Any texture or embossing in the original
installation may telegraph through the PRT tile and become
visible on the surface of the new installation.
Do not install tile over any resilient floor covering
on or below grade – only above grade.
If you are going over resilient floor covering, use the following
procedures: the floor covering must be sound and adhered
tightly to the floor. Remove any loose or broken areas and
replace them either with sound material or with a Portland
cementitious underlayment with a liquid latex binder, which
should also be used to level any floor irregularities and to fill in
any open seams. Thoroughly sand the surface with coarse
sandpaper, using an edge sander next to the walls and in
spots that a regular sander may have skipped. Completely
remove all the old sealers and waxes to ensure a proper bond.
WARNING! If you intend to sand, remove or dispose of an
existing resilient floor covering, backing, lining felt or adhesive
you should be aware that these products may contain
asbestos fibers. Sanding, removal and disposal of asbestos
containing material can place fine particles of asbestos in the
air. It has been determined that the inhalation of free airborne
asbestos fibers may be injurious to your health. Fines may be
assessed against persons violating these regulations.
NOTE: PRT resilient floor coverings and
adhesives have never contained asbestos.
WOOD FLOORS
Tile may be installed over existing sound, suspended plywood
floors of double construction. Do not install directly over wood
strip or plank sub-floors. Prepare such floors as follows:
 Sub-floor must be solid, well nailed at joints and free from
spring. Missing or unsound boards must be replaced.
Install ¼” underlayment grade or exterior grade plywood
or ¼” underlayment grade hardboard. If floorboards are
badly warped, use thicker plywood.
 Fill all holes, cracks and seams with wood putty or
equivalent filler. Sand all patched areas and uneven
joints. Any irregularities allowed to remain may telegraph
through the tile and be visible on the surface of the new
installation.
METAL DECKS
Metal decking must be flat, dry, clean and free from dust,
paint, asphalt, old adhesives, grease, oil, rust and other
extraneous material. Level all surface irregularities with a
Portland cement/liquid latex mixture underlayment. Lightly
sand or (scuff) the surface for better adhesion.
WORK BENCHES
Tile can be applied to either wood or metal workbench
surfaces. The bench surface must be flat, dry, clean and free
from paint, oil, grease and other extraneous material. Metal
surfaces should be lightly sanded for better adhesion.
OTHER TYPES OF INSTALLATION
For recommended procedures on other types of installations
not covered in these instructions, contact VPI Technical
Services before installation commences.