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Introduction- Best Installation Practices
By following these simple steps, based on Australian Standards AS1884 Floor Coverings - Resilient sheet and tiles, you will create the best possible environment for a successful installation of your new flooring products. This will increase the performance of these products and give you peace of mind for many years to come.
Preparation
Recently, in conjunction with Carpet Court, Polyflor had the opportunity to be involved in launching the new store in Springvale, showcasing the Laneway range. At Polyflor, we believe there are several critical factors in the quality of a finished installation. The quality of the subfloor preparation can heavily impact the result.
Before an installation begins, all contaminants must be mechanically removed from the surface. This can include existing floor coverings, paint, or any surface treatment including curing compounds. These can interfere with bonding to the subfloor. The substrate must be clean and porous. Following this, the substrate should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove any dust, dirt and loose materials.
Always control the environment where the installation of the vinyl floor coverings is to occur. The recommended temperature range is between 15 degrees and 28 degrees celsius, but controlled to within 2 to 3 degrees celsius within this range. This stable controlled temperature should be maintained for a minimum of 24 hours prior to, during and 24 hours after installation.
Moisture Control
Before an installation begins, all contaminants must be mechanically removed from the surface. This can include existing floor coverings, paint or any surface treatment including curing compounds. These can interfere with bonding to the subfloor. The substrate must be clean and porous. Following this, the substrate should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove any dust, dirt and loose materials.
A moisture test is required to be completed before any installation of vinyl flooring. For concrete substrates, the only suitable test is an in-situ probe test as per ASTMF270. High moisture can cause the adhesive to fail over time, resulting in the vinyl separating from the floor or moving, causing gaps or peaks.
Most of Polyflor's products can be installed with a moisture level less than 80% RH. If the moisture results are greater than 80% RH, then moisture control needs to be applied prior to installation. Please contact your Polyflor representative if you are unsure on the recommended moisture level for your chosen vinyl product, or which moisture control products to use.
Priming
Priming the substrate before applying levelling compounds serves a specific purpose to improve the bond strength between the substrate and levellers, especially on non-absorbent substrates. Primers also improve the compatibility between difficult to adhere substrates and the levellers. By applying the correct primer, you are eliminating potential complications in the life of your product.
Surface Correction
Every installer knows that a smooth, flat surface is essential for achieving quality results. Creating a smooth subsurface that won't telegraph trowel marks to the floor covering surface demands a high-quality levelling compound. Clause 3.1.4 in AS1884 provides guidelines on acceptable surface quality.
If using a water-based adhesive over a moisture barrier or non-porous substrate, the levelling compound needs to be a minimum of 3 mm deep. This is so the adhesive can dry. Ramping to create falls or height transitions can be an alternative to a levelling compound and should be applied over a primed surface.
Final surface correction or patching can be done with a smoothing compound. Two coats of a smoothing compound are not equivalent to a 3mm levelling compound.
Choosing your Adhesive
Choosing the appropriate adhesive for installing floor coverings is essential for a high-quality installation. Water based adhesives need to be applied with a V1 notched trowel and polyurethane adhesives should be applied in wet areas and high temperature areas with a U1 notched trowel and vinyl installed within the recommended working time of the adhesive.
The vinyl should be rolled with a heavy roller shortly after it has been placed into the adhesive to ensure a good bond has been achieved and any trapped air has been removed. Temperature conditioning is critical to vinyl laying. Maintaining a stable temperature during the laying process will ensure the adhesive bond is strong and will prevent expansion or contraction of the vinyl during normal everyday use.
Avoiding heat sources on the floor while laying, e. g. direct sunlight, is paramount. North and West facing windows should be covered to prevent sunlight entering.
Choosing the right Floorcovering
Choosing the right floor covering for your needs is just as important as how it is installed. By choosing the correct product, which is fit for the purpose it is intended to be used, you will have a product that is as beautiful as it is functional and provide many years of enjoyment. All of Polyflor's vinyl products feature a tough polyurethane coating, creating an easy to clean surface.
This provides protection against everyday wear, ensuring optimum long-term performance of your floor. Floor coverings, when part of the complete design concept, can have a significant impact on the look and feel of a space, enabling the creation of truly bespoke interiors. Polyflor and Kiesel are proud to have provided Carpet Court with the highest standard of flooring, leaving them with the confidence of flooring that will stand the test of time.
One System Warranty
Please note that it is also very important to use products that are compatible with one another and that have been designed and tested to work together. For the best results, use Kiesel primers, patching and levelling products, as well as Kiesel adhesives to form a Polyflor One System installation package. This will ensure compatibility of all products and full Kiesel technical support.
Our materials offer a multitude of different installation options that make them a preferred choice with installers. Easy to trowel, reliable bonding, no hazardous vapours or odours and excellent coverage. Our products set high standards. When Polyflor vinyl is installed with Kiesel products and installed as per the supplied custom written One System Recommendation, the warranty is extended from 10 to 15 years.
This One System Recommendation is available through consultation with your Polyflor representative prior to installation. For information about the best products to suit your individual needs, please contact our Technical Department at technical@polyflor.com.au.