Note: All substrates to receive resilient flooring shall be dry, clean, smooth and structurally sound. They shall be free of dust, solvent, paint, wax, oil, grease, residual adhesive, adhesive removers, curing, sealing, hardening/parting compounds, alkaline salts, excessive carbonation/laitance, mold, mildew, and other foreign materials that might prevent the adhesive from bonding.
CONCRETE SUBFLOORS
NEW AND EXISTING CONCRETE SUBFLOORS SHOULD MEET THE GUIDELINES OF THE LATEST EDITION OF ACI 302 AND ASTM F710, “STANDARD PRACTICE FOR PREPARING CONCRETE FLOORS TO RECEIVE RESILIENT FLOORING” AVAILABLE FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS, 100 BARR HARBOR DRIVE, WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 194 28; 610‐832‐9585; HTTP://WWW.ASTM.ORG.
- Required Moisture Testing - maximum moisture level per ASTM 1869 CaCl is 8 lbs. and ASTM 2170 In-situ Relative Humidity 90% per 1000 sq.ft. in 24 hours.
- Substrates shall be smooth, structurally sound, dry, clean and free of all foreign material such as dust, wax, solvents, paint, grease, oils, old adhesive residue, curing and hardening/ curing compounds, sealers and other foreign material that might prevent adhesive bond.
- On or below‐grade slabs must have an effective vapour retarder directly under the slab.
- Wet curing 7 days is the preferred method for curing new concrete.
- Curing compounds (DO NOT USE). If present they can interfere with the bond of the adhesive to the concrete. Seek assistance from a substrate manufacturer if curing agents are detected.
- Remove curing compounds 28 days after placement, so concrete can begin drying. Concrete floors shall be flat and smooth within 1/8" in 6 feet or 3/16” in 10 feet.
- F‐Number System: Overall values of FF 36/ FL 20 may be appropriate for resilient floor coverings.
- Expansion and isolation joints in concrete are designed to allow for the expansion and contraction of the concrete. Resilient flooring products should never be installed over expansion joints. Expansion joint covers designed for use with resilient floorings should be used. Control joints (saw cuts) may be patched and covered with resilient once the concrete is thoroughly cured, dry and acclimated.
- ASTM F2170 IRH (Internal Relative Humidity) are required for the Shaw warranty. Three tests must be conducted for areas up to 1000 SF, and one additional test, for each additional 1000 SF. 4100 Adhesive/ S150 - may not exceed 95% RH and 4151 Adhesive 99% RH.
- Concrete floors must be tested per the latest edition of ASTM F710.
NOTE: IT MAY NOT BE THE FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CONDUCT THESE TESTS. IT IS, HOWEVER, THE FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THESE TESTS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED, AND THAT THE RESULTS ARE ACCEPTABLE PRIOR TO INSTALLING THE FLOOR COVERING. WHEN MOISTURE TESTS ARE CONDUCTED, IT INDICATES THE CONDITIONS ONLY AT THE TIME OF THE TEST .
RADIANT HEAT
Radiant Heating: Radiant-heated subfloor systems can be concrete, wood or a combination of both.
The heating systems components must have a minimum of 1/2" separation from the flooring product. The system must be on and operational for at least 2 weeks prior to installation to reduce residual moisture. Three days prior to installation lower the temperature to 65°F, after installation gradually increase the temperature in increments of 5°F to avoid overheating. Maximum operating temperature should never exceed 85°F. Use of an in-floor temperature sensor is recommended to avoid overheating. Contact the manufacturer of your radiant heating system for further recommendations.
Electric Radiant Floors: consist of electric cables (or) mats of electrically conductive materials mounted on the subfloor below the floor covering. Mesh systems are typically embedded in thin-set. When embedding the system components, use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet or exceed Shaw’s maximum moisture level and pH requirements. Use of gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable.
Hydronic Radiant Floors: pump heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern under the flooring. Typically installed in channels under a wooden subfloor (or) imbedded in concrete slabs. Requires the installer follow a specific nailing pattern to avoid penetration of the heat system.
WARNING! DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP, DRY SCRAPE, DRILL, SAW, BEADBLAST OR MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERISE EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT , ASPHALTIC “ CUT BACK” ADHESIVES OR OTHER ADHESIVES.These products may contain either asbestos fibers and/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 and may govern the removal and disposal of material. See current edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) publication Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings for detailed information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures. For current information go to www.rfci.com
RESILIENT FLOOR COVERING:
- Must be single layered, non‐cushion backed, fully adhered, and smooth. Show no signs of moisture or alkalinity.
- Waxes, polishes, grease, grime, and oil must be removed.
- Cuts, cracks, gouges, dents and other irregularities in the existing floor covering must be repaired or replaced.
- Embossing leveler recommended to aid in proper bonding and to prevent telegraphing.
- Do not install over rubber based substrates.
NOTE: THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DETERMINING IF THE EXISTING FLOORING IS SUITABLE TO BE INSTALLED OVER TOP OF WITH RESILIENT , RESTS SOLELY WITH INSTALLER/FLOORING CONTRACT OR ON SITE. IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT AS TO SUITABILITY, THE EXISTING FLOORING SHOULD BE REMOVED, OR AN ACCEPTABLE UNDERLAYMENT INSTALLED OVER IT . INSTALLATIONS OVER EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING MAY BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO INDENTATION.
SHAW 4100 / 4151
Installer friendly, premium high strength (non‐staining) acrylic adhesive, designed to permanently install SHAW flooring. May‐be used on all grades of concrete: on, above, or below grade in the absence of excess moisture, as well as suspended approved wood floors.
Note: To properly apply adhesive snap white chalk lines along areas where adhesive will be spread to ensure an even and straight line of adhesive. Spread adhesive with a 1/16” (wide) x 1/32” (depth) x 1/32” (apart) trowel to cover the chalk line on one side and meet up to it on the other. If glue is spread over the chalk line it will need to be removed. (DO NOT overlap adhesive.) ‐ Troweling new adhesive over an area already spread may result in telegraphing. Be very careful not to leave any adhesive ridges or puddles.
Porous substrates: Resilient flooring may be placed into adhesive after 10 –20 minutes open time. Install resilient flooring into adhesive when the spacing in between the adhesive transitions from opaque to clear. Roll with a 100 lb. roller immediately after flooring is placed, ensuring complete contact with the adhesive. DO NOT exceed the working time of the adhesive.
Non‐porous substrates: Once the adhesive is troweled backroll the adhesive to prevent trowel ridges from telegraphing. Install resilient flooring into adhesive when it becomes 80% clear (dry to touch, is tacky with minimal transfer to fingers). This will normally require 30 to 45 minutes of drying time at suggested installation temperature and humidity, DO NOT exceed working time of the adhesive (refer to adhesive label).
Roll with a 100 lb. roller immediately after flooring is placed, ensuring material has complete contact with adhesive.
IMPORTANT : DO NOT use Shaw 4100 as a pressure sensitive adhesive. Loss of adhesion can result if the flooring is not installed within the working time of the adhesive. DO NOT allow the adhesive to “skin” over or dry. Too much open time will result in an insufficient bond and may promote telegraphing of the trowel ridges. Perform Bond testing to determine compatibility of adhesive to the substrate. Shaw 9050 primer can be utilized to promote adhesion if needed.
Note: Open time and working times may vary based on temperature, humidity, substrate porosity, trowel size and air flow.
Wet adhesive overspray or drips should be cleaned with soap and water on a clean cloth. Sheet Dried adhesive may require the use of a solvent adhesive cleaner. Between uses, clean the spray tip immediately with a clean wet cloth to prevent accumulation of dried adhesive. Empty aluminum spray cans should be relieved of excess pressure and recycled or disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
IMPORTANT : Recommended to perform a bond test in order to determine adhesive working time per job site conditions. The strength of the bond test will indicate whether Shaw 9050 floor primer is necessary.
9050‐ PH BLOCKER/FLOOR PRIMER: 9050 is an acrylic solution made to neutralize excess alkali that is also recommend as a primer coat to prevent over absorption of adhesive and to ensure a better bond. Formulated with an antimicrobial agent, it provides protection against bacteria, fungi, and mildew in the wet or dry state. Contains no solvent, alcohol, or other hazardous materials per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200. Non‐photo chemically reactive per rule # 102. Available in 4 ‐gallon pails.
RESILIENT SHEET VINYL PRODUCTS
INSTALLING RESILIENT SHEET VINYL PRODUCTS
- Required Moisture Testing - maximum moisture level per ASTM 1869 CaCl is 8 lbs. and ASTM 2170 In-situ Relative Humidity 90% per 1000 sq.ft. in 24 hours.
- PH of concrete sub‐floor surface must be between 7 &10.
- The permanent HVAC system turned on and set to a minimum of 65°F (20°C) or a maximum of 85°F, for a minimum of 7 days prior to, during and after installation. After the installation, the temperature should not exceed 85°F.
- Flooring material and adhesive must be acclimated to the installation area for a minimum of 48 hours prior to installation.
- Use only Shaw approved flooring adhesives.
- Use a 1/16" wide x 1/32" deep x 1/32" apart (U) notch trowel only, unless using S150-95 Spray Adhesive.
- Material should always be visually inspected prior to installations. Any material installed with visual defects will not be considered a legitimate claim as it pertains to labour cost.
- Shaw’s sheet products are dimensionally stable. They will not shrink or compress. It is recommended to allow material 24 hours unrolled and lying flat on the job site prior to installation.
- Install all cuts and rolls in consecutive sequence.
- Direction is dependent upon the actual layout. Refer to the Product Specification for proper direction.
- Ensure that all recommendations for sub‐floor and jobsite conditions are met prior to installation. Once the installation has begun, you have accepted these conditions.
NOTE: Recommended to use floor protection after installation. DO NOT use a plastic adhesive based protection system.
SEAMING:
Seams may be cut by either the straight edging/edge trimming one side & recess scribing the second sheet, or the overlap & double cut method.
- Recess scribe method ‐ On non‐patterned material, trim approximately 1/2" off one selvage edge of seam with a straightedge and sharp knife or edge trimmer. Cut second sheet allowing proper extra length. Position the second sheet with a 1/2"–1" overlap over first sheet at the seam. Set recess scribes so that the seam will have a slight gap, about half the thickness of a razor blade. If cut too full, it will result in bubbles or ridges. Recess scribe seam. Repeat for as many sheets as necessary to complete the area.
- Double cut method‐Utilizing a straight edge and a new razor blade hold the knife straight up and down and cut through both pieces in one cut. Cutting through the top layer while scoring half of the bottom layer at the same time, and finishing with a hook blade, is acceptable.
- On patterned material, overlap the selvage edges to align the pattern width and length. For wood patterns align the bevel edge of the planks. Place a 4 " wide scrap of material under the seam area. Place a straight edge directly over the beveled edge of the plank. Using a new razor blade hold the knife straight up and down to cut through both pieces in one cut. Cutting through the top layer while scoring half of the bottom layer at the same time, and finishing with a hook blade, is acceptable.
NOTE: SET RECESS SCRIBES SO THAT THE SEAM WILL HAVE A SLIGHT GAP, ABOUT HALF THE THICKNESS OF A RAZOR BLADE. IF CUT TOO FULL, IT WILL RESULT IN BUBBLES OR RIDGES. DO NOT SEAM FACTORY EDGES.
RESILIENT TILE AND PLANK PRODUCTS
- Required Moisture Testing - maximum moisture level per ASTM 1869 CaCl is 8 lbs. and ASTM 2170 In-situ Relative Humidity 90% per 1000 sq.ft. in 24 hours. PH of concrete sub‐floor needs to be between 7 &10.
- The permanent HVAC system is turned on and set to a minimum of 65°F (20°C) or a maximum of 85°F, for a minimum of 7 days prior to, during and after installation. After the installations, the maximum temperature should not exceed 85°F.
- Do not stack more than 5 cartons high.
- Flooring material and adhesive must be acclimated to the installation area for a minimum of 48 hours prior to installation.
- Use a 1/16" wide x 1/32" deep x 1/32" apart (U) notch trowel only (unless using S150-95 Spray Adhesive where no trowel is required).
- Material should always be visually inspected prior to installation. Any material installed with visual defects will not be considered a legitimate claim as it pertains to labour cost.
- Make sure all material is from the same batch number. Install tiles running in same direction (arrows are on back of tile).
- Ensure that all recommendations for sub‐floor and jobsite conditions are met prior to beginning the installation. Directional designs are optional, however, once the installation is started, you have accepted those conditions.
- Shaw tile and plank ‐ Install using conventional tile and plank installation techniques. Plank products should have a minimum of 6 – 8" seam stagger.
- Carefully determine where to begin tile or plank installation.
- It is customary to center rooms and hallways so borders are not less than half a tile or plank.
- Working out of multiple boxes at a time is recommended.
- In hallways and small spaces, it may be simpler to work lengthwise from one end using a center reference line as a guide.
- Make sure cut edges are always against the wall.
- To properly cut LVT /LVP products score the top side of the material with a utility knife. Bend the product and f inish the cut through the backside. This will ensure the cleanest cut. It may be necessary to use a heat gun to cut around vertical obstructions. Allow the heated LVT /LVP to return to room temperature before installation.
- Cutting resilient product into a fine point may lead to delamination. Use an ethyl cyanoacrylate based glue to help fuse the resilient point together. Be sure to clean all glue from the top surface immediately. Alcohol based glues may cause resilient products to swell.
- Roll the plank/tile with a 3 section 100 lb. roller Re‐roll the entire glued floor area with the 100 lb. roller within the working time of the adhesive. Continue to roll the floor throughout the working day to ensure a proper bond.
Note: Do not use tape to secure floor protection during construction or renovation. Use ram board or similar to protect the floor.
Shaw warrants its sheet, tile and welding rods to be free from manufacturing defects for ten years from the date of purchase. Shaw does not warrant installers’ workmanship. Workmanship errors should be addressed to the contractor who installed the floor. Your Shaw commercial floor should be professionally installed by contractors who have demonstrated expertise in installing commercial floors. For complete warranty information, limitations and terms and conditions please call customer support: