Installation Instructions

SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION
CONCRETE(cont)
New concrete must be properly cured. A drying time of one
month per inch of concrete is generally required after a slab
is poured and protected from the weather. Lightweight
aggregate concrete floors, and floors with steel or plastic pan
construction, and floors poured over a permanent moisture
barrier usually require an extended drying time. If lightweight
aggregate concrete weighs less than 90 pounds per cubic
foot, a topping of regular concrete at least one inch thick is
required. To expedite drying time, adequate heat and
ventilation should be provided.
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
Landing 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 landing 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 sub-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.
WOOD FLOORS
Landing 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 Landing Tile and be visible on the
surface of the new installation.
METAL DECKS
Metal substrates must be thoroughly rough sanded and
primed with Rust-oleum Professional Primer or equivalent.
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.
OTHER TYPES OF INSTALLATION
For recommended procedures on other types of installations
not covered in these instructions, contact VPI Technical
Services before installation commences.