Below are some basic facts and guidelines you can use ALONG WITH the manufacturer’s installation instructions for vinyl flooring:

• Vinyl flooring is not recommended for below-grade installation.
• Vinyl flooring can be installed using existing vinyl flooring, plywood, and concrete as a subfloor.
• Because of the harmful pollutants involved with removal of existing resilient/vinyl flooring, it is strongly suggested that the existing flooring not be removed. Rather, the new flooring should be installed over top of it. In addition, the existing flooring should NOT be sanded, drilled, sawed, chipped, pulverized, or bead-blasted. Underlayment can always be placed over the flooring to level and smooth out any floor imperfections.
• Although vinyl tile can be installed over existing vinyl subfloors, it should NOT be installed over existing soft, foam-backed or cushioned vinyl sheet flooring. It is also recommended that no more than two layers of vinyl flooring be down at a given time. If two layers already exist, a new wood underlayment should be placed prior to installation.
• If the subfloor is painted concrete, sheet vinyl and tiles requiring adhesive will not stick. The use of solvents to remove paint can sometimes over-penetrate the subfloor and compromise the integrity of the installation. Tiles with their own self-adhesive will stick, however.
• When measuring how much vinyl will be needed, measure only from the principle wall. Ignore offsets and other breaks.

FLOOR PREPARATION:<top>
Prepare your vinyl for installation 48 hours prior: in its original, unopened package(s), lay the flooring flat and leave it in the room where it will be installed. The vinyl needs to get used to the room’s temperature.
REMINDER: The room temperature should be kept at a minimum of 65°F (18°C) – and not exceed 100°F (38°C) for 48 hours before, during, and after installation. After 48 hours, the temperature should not drop below 55°F. If the room has a radiant heating system, the temperature of the floor normally should not exceed 85°F (29°C) at any given time.

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION:<top>
The subfloor must be prepared for successful vinyl installation. It may seem time-consuming, but your flooring’s life span and performance will be greatly increased. The floor should be:
• Level: If the subfloor is not completely level, the corners of vinyl tile may not meet exactly and the tiles may fluctuate in height.
• Clean: Subfloors should be free of wax, grease, oil, and/or dust. Strip any polish or finish from the surface. Underlayment can be used over subfloors if they are unable to be effectively cleaned (if surfaces have adhesive, oil, and/or wax residue, for example).
• Smooth: If necessary, patch or fill cracks with a latex patching compound. A leveler can smooth any texture or embossing on the existing floor and prevent the old pattern from showing through onto the new flooring.
• Dry: Floors should not show considerable signs of moisture or alkali. Always perform the manufacturer’s recommended moisture test.

If installing over existing flooring, make sure the existing floor is bonded to the original subfloor. Gapped seams and joints, tears, holes, and other damage must be repaired and cleaned prior to installation. Seek help from a professional if needed.

Any existing wood flooring being used as the subfloor for a new vinyl floor should be stripped and/or sanded prior to installation.

As with any floor type installation, make sure the subfloor is swept, vacuumed, cleaned, and free from debris. At this time all baseboard moldings should be removed as well.

INSTALLATION:<top>

CONSULT YOUR MANUFACTURER’S GUIDE FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS REGARDING YOUR PARTICULAR VINYL FLOORING.

There are two installation methods – full spread and perimeter installation.
FULL SPREAD INSTALLATION uses adhesive on the entire piece(s) of flooring.
PERIMETER INSTALLATION requires adhesive on the edges of the flooring.
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. A flooring professional or retailer can help you decide which method is recommended for your installation.

Some helpful reminders:
• Vinyl tile should be installed starting in the center of the room working towards the walls. The border tiles can be trimmed to accommodate the variation in room size.
• Tiles should be cut from the face side with a sharp knife. When cutting border tiles, cut up against the wall and any wall projections from the field tile. A helpful hint: Place the border along the outside edge of the field tile. Place another piece of same-size tile next to the wall on top of the first piece. Cut the first piece using the top piece as a “tracing pattern” guide.
• When using wood underlayments and existing vinyl flooring, lay the vinyl tile so the joints do not match the joints of the subfloor.
• Vinyl tiles will have seams. An application of seam sealer will create a virtually seamless appearance by coating the edges.

AFTER INSTALLATION:<top>
Once flooring has been installed using the manufacturer’s instructions, roll the flooring from the center to the outside edges. A normal kitchen rolling pin is adequate. Rolling activates the adhesives on the flooring and bonds them powerfully to the subfloor and also removes any entrapped air.

It may be necessary to cut door trims and/or the doors themselves to accommodate the change in floor height.
Replace any wall bases and moldings that had been removed prior to installation. Ask your flooring professional(s) and/or retailer for suggestions of what will complement your new flooring.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT WALK ON FRESHLY INSTALLED FLOORING. THE ADHESIVES AND SEALERS NEED TIME TO HARDEN.
• Do not walk on floors for at least 24 hours -- and allow only light foot traffic across floors for the next 24 hours.
• Do not disturb sealed seams for at least 24 hours after the seam sealer has been applied.
• Do not roll heavy objects directly on the floor for at least 5 days. To do so could cause permanent indentations in the flooring caused by the adhesive setting in these dents. Always place hardwood or plywood boards underneath before sliding heavy objects across the flooring. This precaution should be taken anytime heavy objects must be moved.
• Do not thoroughly wash your floor for 5 days.

REPLACING DAMAGED TILES:<top>

Always remember to keep additional tiles on hand should repairs need to be made in the future.

Occasionally one or more of your vinyl tiles may become damaged and need to be replaced. To remove a damaged vinyl tile, heat the damaged tile with a hair dryer until it is flexible. As soon as the tile is bendable, use a putty knife to pry the tile out of position. Clean the area and remove old adhesive from the subfloor and place the new tile(s) in its place.