Style SELECTIONS 66434887 Sheet Vinyl Flooring Instructions

Style SELECTIONS 66434887 Sheet Vinyl Flooring Instructions

Sheet Vinyl Installation Methods

There are three methods of installation suitable for sheet vinyl flooring. The installation method used is dependent upon the day-to-day activities and the overall floor dimension

1. Releasable full spread installation method using pressure-sensitive adhesive
2. Loose-lay installation (in areas 25 square yards or less and no more than 1 seam)
3. Permanent full spread installation method (must be used for “special needs” installations, all new construction and cold crack warranty jobs)

Sheet Vinyl Installation Preparation

Style Selections’ sheet vinyl flooring products can be installed directly over most existing floor coverings, EXCLUDING carpet (including needle felt), floating laminate, floating floor systems, Luan and cushioned vinyl flooring. You may install directly over Ceramic (well bonded with a skim coat), PVC, VCT (well bonded, on and above grade), Terrazzo (well bonded), glued laminate, glued hardwood and fixed wooden boards, provided they are installed over a wooden subfloor. Any resilient tile installed below grade must be removed, as well as the adhesive, prior to installing your new floor.

NOTE: Underlayments, Storage and Handling, Subfloor and Wall/Door Preparation, and Jobsite Conditions sections are the same for all three installation methods.

Wood Underlayments

• Wood subfloor systems require a double-layer construction. The top layer must be underlayment grade as specified and warranted by the manufacturer. Always fasten underlayment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Any failure of the flooring because of the underlayment is NOT the responsibility of the manufacturer or Lowe’s. Any porous wood underlayment must be primed.
• A moisture test is required using a pin-type moisture meter. The moisture content must not exceed 14%.
• Wood subfloors must be structurally sound and in compliance with local building codes.
• Double-layered APA-rated subfloors should be a minimum of 3/4-inch total thickness at 16-inch floor joist spread or a minimum of 1-inch total thickness if floor joist spread is greater than 16 inches, with at least 18-inch well-ventilated air space beneath.
• Insulate and protect crawl space with a vapor barrier.
• It is recommended that your chosen APA underlayment-grade panels be designed for installation under resilient flooring and carry a written warranty from the underlayment manufacturer.
• Underlayment panels can only correct minor deficiencies in the subfloor while providing a smooth, sound surface on which to adhere the resilient flooring.
• Always follow the underlayment manufacturer’s installation instructions.
• Wood subfloors directly fastened to concrete, or sleeper constructions, are not recommended.
• APA-rated Sturd-I-Floor panels are designed as a combination underlayment/subfloor and are designed for carpet only. Installing this resilient flooring over Sturd-I-Floor panels would require installation of a minimum 1/4-inch underlayment on top of the Sturd-I-Floor subfloor.
• Style Selections sheet vinyl flooring is not recommended to be installed directly over fire-retardant treated plywood or preservative treated plywood. The materials used to treat the plywood may cause problems with adhesive bonding. An additional layer of APA-rated, 1/4-inch-thick underlayment should be installed over top of any treated subfloor.

OSB

• OSB panels and joints must be fastened and reinforced according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Be aware that OSB panels and panel joints can exhibit high and low spots that may telegraph to the surface of the flooring after installation. It is the installer’s responsibility to take measures to correct such undulations and unlevel panel joints which are not covered by any Style Selections limited warranty.

• Some chips in the OSB structure can stain vinyl flooring and may require repeated primer to eliminate the staining potential.
  NOTE: It is highly recommended that any sanded areas be sealed with an acrylic floor primer before adhesive application. Particle Board

• Particle board underlayment panels must be underlayment grade as specified and warranted by the manufacturer.

• Surface must be primed using a PrimeCoat.

NOTE: Perform moisture tests using a reliable moisture meter in multiple locations. Moisture readings should never exceed 14% for plywood, OSB, particle board, chipboard, or solid hardwood subfloors. If moisture readings exceed 14%, conditions must be corrected at the job site before installing the Style Selections sheet vinyl flooring.

Resilient Floor Covering as an underlayment

• Must be single layered, non-cushioned backed, fully adhered, and smooth.
• Show no signs of moisture or alkalinity.
• Wax, polish, grease and grime must be removed.
• Cuts, cracks, gouges, dents and other irregularities in the existing floor covering must be repaired or replaced.

NOTE: The responsibility of determining if the existing flooring is suitable to be installed over rests solely with the installer/flooring contractor 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.

Concrete

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.

Moisture levels of concrete slabs before, during and after installation must be 8 lbs or less per 1,000 sq ft per 24 hours using an anhydrous calcium chloride test according to ASTM F1869 or, if using ASTM F2170 in-situ probes, moisture levels should be less than 90% RH (relative humidity). When using in- situ probes, penetrate a minimum of 40% of the slab. Do not test immediately after drilling holes and allow concrete to completely cool. Three tests should be conducted for areas up to 1,000 sq ft. Conduct one additional test for each additional 1,000 sq ft. All tests should be conducted at least five inches from an exterior wall. Always measure, record (photograph) and keep your test results. The slab pH must be between 5.0 and 9.0.

• Never use liquid adhesive remover or solvent cleaners for removing old adhesive residue or other substances on the substrate; their use will cause failure.
• On- or below-grade slabs must have an effective vapor retarder directly under the slab.
• Concrete floors shall be flat and smooth within 3/16 inch in 10 feet and 1/32 inch in 12 inches.
• F-Number System: Overall values of FF 36/ FL 20 may be appropriate for resilient floor coverings.
• Glossy or waxed floors may require a higher value of FF 75/ FL 50 to prevent telegraphing issues.

NOTE: Do not install flooring if moisture test results exceed recommended limits.

Old Adhesive Residue

• If the adhesive is asphalt-based (cut-back) or any other type of adhesive is present, it must be dealt with in one of two ways:
  1. It may be mechanically removed using methods such as bead blasting or scarifying, using a licensed professional contractor (See Asbestos Warning above).
  2. A portland-based self-leveling underlayment may be applied over it. Check with the underlayment manufacturer for suitability, application instructions, and warranties.

NOTE: Do not use chemical adhesive removers to remove existing adhesive.

NOTE: Never use solvents or citrus adhesive removers to remove old adhesive residue. Solvent residue left in and on the subfloor will affect the bond between the new adhesive and the new floor covering.

Other approved underlayments

• Self-leveling and patching compounds (latex fortified, portland cement based only)
• Gypcrete can be utilized when necessary due to radiant heat and in high-rise buildings. Gypcrete must be sealed using a manufacturer-approved acrylic primer to stabilize the surface for adhesive bond. All issues with gypcrete cracking, crumbling, powdering and resulting in the release of adhesive bond are NOT warranted by the manufacturer or Lowe’s.

Storage and Handling

Acclimation is recommended, if you cannot acclimate product, it is best to install in temperatures between 55°F and 85°F with a RH reading between 35% and 65% for best results. If you are taking the product from warehouse storage to installation site, please ensure that there is not more than a 15-degree change greater or less and a RH change greater or less than 10% from storage site. It is recommended when HVAC become operational to increase/decrease in minimum increments until desired temps are reached.

NOTE: Installer should always follow glue manufacturer’s recommendations for installation per instruction on glue carton or glue manufacturer’s website when installing

Subfloor and Wall/Door Preparation

• Floor must be clean, smooth, flat and dry. Remove all foreign substances such as wax, grease, dirt, construction markings and contaminants, and any substance or chemical that would interfere with a good bond. Fill all holes and cracks with a latex fortified, portland cement-based patching compound. Sand high spots to eliminate the possibility of telegraphing. Prime floor if needed with a manufacturer-approved acrylic primer to prevent over absorption of adhesives, dust containment, and to ensure a better bond of the adhesive to the subfloor.
• Any unevenness of more than 3/16-inch over a 10-foot span (5 mm over a length of 3 m) and 1/32 inch over a 12-inch (0.80 mm over a length of 304 mm) span per ASTM F710, must be leveled out.
• Fill any low spots in the subfloor and cracks or gaps 3/16 inch (4mm) in width or greater with a portland cement-based leveling compound.
• Ceramic tile and embossed flooring exceeding the above requirements will require skim coating with a portland cement-based patch to avoid bottom-up pattern telegraphing.
• Remove any existing floor molding. Removal of wall baseboards is optional, providing quarter round is installed to cover gaps between the flooring and the baseboard.
• Undercut door jambs, allowing the vinyl flooring to slip under door jamb/case molding.
• Sweep the subfloor clean. The floor must also be free of all contaminates.

Jobsite Conditions

• It is recommended that resilient floor covering installation shall not begin until all other trades are completed.
• Areas to receive flooring shall be clean, fully enclosed, with the permanent HVAC set at a uniform temperature range of 55°F (13°C) and 85°F (29°C) and maintained following the installation.
• Adhesive working and open times vary based on job conditions, substrate, temperature and humidity.

Temperature – Ambient

• Controlled environments are critical for testing and installation. Fully operational HVAC systems are the best way to ensure temperature and humidity control.
• We recommend not installing resilient flooring products until the work area can be temperature controlled. Minimum installation temperature is 55°F (13°C) with a maximum installation temperature of 85°F (29°C) and humidity below 65% for 48 hours prior to, during and after pre-installation testing.

Temperature – Radiant Heat

• Radiant heated substrates must never exceed 85°F (29°C) surface temperature.
• Several days prior to installing resilient products over newly constructed radiant heated systems, make sure the radiant system has been on and operating at maximum temperature to reduce residual moisture within the concrete.
• Three days prior to installation, lower the temperature to 65°F (18°C), and 24 hours after installation, gradually increase the temperature in increments of 5°F.
• After continuous operation of the radiant system, ensure the surface of the floor does not exceed 85°F (29°C).
  NOTE: Never install cabinets or other affixed, vertical objects over a sheet vinyl product.

Asbestos Warning

Warning! DO NOT MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERIZE EXISTING PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT, ASPHALTIC “CUTBACK” ADHESIVES OR OTHER ADHESIVES. Previously installed resilient floor covering products and the asphaltic or cutback adhesives used to install them may contain either asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of asbestos or crystalline dust is a cancer and respiratory track hazard.
Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless you are positive that installed product is a nonasbestos 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.

APPROVED INSTALLATION METHODS

Releasable Full Spread Installation Method Using Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive

Materials Required for Installation

• 3/8” short nap paint roller
• Acrylic double-face tape for vinyl floors
• Sharp utility knife/extra blades
• Hand seam roller/wallpaper roller
• Push broom
• Straight edge
• Waterproofed-when-cured seam sealer for sheetvinyl
• Acrylic floor primer
• Pressure-sensitive adhesive

NOTE: We recommend placing a single order for all rolls required for larger installations and commercial flooring projects.

Releasable Installation Instructions using Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive

Inspection of flooring material prior to installation is required. Any defects should be immediately reported to the retail store from which the flooring was purchased before installation. The manufacturer or Lowe’s will not be responsible for labor costs to repair or replace material with defects that were apparent before or noticed at the end of an installation.

1. Prepare substrate for the surface to be clean, smooth, flat and dry. Undercut all wooden door jambs to maintain a 3/8-inch relief gap.

2. Place acrylic double-face tape for vinyl floors at all doorways where a transition strip is needed, next to sliding doors, in front of tubs and shower stalls, and similar areas where an expansion gap will not be covered with trim. Place double-face acrylic tape around all floor vents to eliminate air migrating under vinyl and causing bubbles. Do not tape along walls or around perimeter of room, as this is not perimeter install flooring.

3. Align the pattern with the most dominant wall to achieve the best appearance in the room. Using a sharp utility knife, trim away excess material along the walls and cabinets, etc., leaving approximately 2 inches of vinyl at these areas to be trimmed off later (rough cut).

4. If a seam is required, please follow the “Seaming Instructions in a Releasable Full Spread” installation method with pressure-sensitive adhesive.

5. Make relief cuts at corners and projections to allow the material to lay flat before the final cuts are made. Final trimming should be done by cutting in with a utility knife or trimmer leaving a 3/8-inch expansion gap. The gap allows for subfloor movement caused by changes in atmospheric conditions.
   The material should not touch the wall, corners or objects at any point or bubbles or wrinkles may occur. The material must lay flat to stay flat. Final cuts must be made prior to applying adhesive.

6. Fold back material one half at a time and roll on a consistent layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive with the 3/8-inch short nap paint roller.

7. Before placing the material in the adhesive, make sure the adhesive is completely dry (must be dry and tacky to the touch). There should be no transfer of adhesive to material. If the adhesive is not completely dry before installation of material, the adhesive will continue to release vapor-causing bubbles under the vinyl material.

8. Position the material in place so that no shifting can occur. Do not lift the vinyl into place because it may shift slightly and wrinkle.

9. Starting in the center of the floor, remove air from under material using a push broom.
   NOTE: Do not use any type of flooring roller, i.e., 75 or 100 pound. Do not twist material when placing it onto the adhesive.

10. Repeat steps 6–8 for the remaining portion of the flooring installation.

11. Use quarter round or baseboard to cover the exposed expansion gap. When installing quarter round or any molding, make sure that they are fastened only to the wall and do not pinch the material at any point.

NOTE: The manufacturer recommends an application of acrylic floor primer prior to applying adhesive to any substrate to ensure a proper bond to the flooring product.

NOTE: Material not installed in accordance with manufacturer-recommended guidelines, including all problems caused by using non-recommended adhesive, seam sealer/bond, underlayment and/or improper preparation of the substrate, are not covered by the manufacturer or Lowe’s warranty.

Seaming Instructions in a Releasable Full Spread Installation Method using Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive

1. After adhesive is rolled on and completely dry, position the flooring by overlapping the seam edges. (Make sure to match patterns.)
2. With a straight edge and a sharp, new utility knife blade, cut through both layers of flooring material (double-cut) at the designated match point. Make sure the utility knife blade is held in an upright position for a clean, 90-degree cut.
3. Remove and discard waste material.
4. Fold back about 8 inches of the vinyl on one side of the seam and apply a small bead of acrylic seam sealer to one edge of the vinyl that is on the floor.
5. Tuck the seam edges together and wipe off excess bond/sealer with a clean, damp cloth.
6. Use a resilient flooring-type hand roller (or wallpaper seam roller) to squeeze out any remaining bond/sealer from the seam. Immediately clean seam with a damp cloth followed by a clean, dry cloth.
7. Protect the seam and allow it to dry (approximately 6 hours).

Additional Instructions/Notes

• DO NOT slide or roll heavy appliances or furniture over or across the flooring. Always lift objects and place them on the flooring or reposition appliances and furniture using hardboards or sliders between the object and flooring while gently repositioning them.
• In-floor heat/AC registers may rest on the vinyl floor, but leave space under registers that are attached to the floor or wall. They should not pinch the flooring material. Be sure to allow a larger opening around the screw to enable movement.
• Apply caulk next to bathtubs, showers, sliding doors or similar areas.
• For bathroom installations, it is not necessary to remove the toilet. Make relief cuts around the perimeter of the toilet and make sure the vinyl flooring is lying flat before trimming off the excess material. Apply caulk around the toilet, next to bathtubs and showers to prevent moisture from getting under the vinyl.
• Make sure furniture legs have large-surface, non-staining plastic floor protectors or non-staining felt pads. The protectors should be at least one inch in diameter and rest flat on the floor. The heavier the item, the wider the floor protector should be. Replace small, narrow metal or dome-shaped glides with smooth, flat glides that are in flat contact with the floor.
• Do not use a trowel for application of pressure-sensitive adhesive.
• Never use tape around the perimeter of the room.
• Never apply flooring to wet adhesive. This could cause permanent bond or wrinkling.
• When installing shoe molding, do not compress trim to floor or nail trim into flooring.
• For metal door jambs that cannot be undercut, leave a 1/8-inch expansion gap and caulk with 100% silicone caulking.

Loose-Lay Installation Method

Loose-Lay Installation Method is only appropriate for up to 25 square yards and only 1 seam.

NOTE: Areas with rolling traffic, heavy pivot points, high traffic and stairs/steps/landings are not recommended for Loose-Lay application.

Materials Required for Installation

• Acrylic double-face tape for vinyl flooring
• Sharp utility knife
• Straight edge
• Push broom
• Acrylic seam sealer for sheet vinyl (if seaming is required)

NOTE: If a seam is required, you will also need either a vinyl or wallpaper seam roller.

NOTE: We recommend placing a single order for all rolls required for larger installations and commercial flooring projects

Loose-Lay Installation Instructions

1. Prepare substrate for the surface to be clean, smooth, flat and dry. Undercut all door jambs to maintain a 3/8-inch relief gap.
2. Align the pattern with the most dominant wall to achieve the best appearance in the room. Using a sharp utility knife, trim away excess material along the walls, at cabinets, etc., leaving approximately 2 inches of vinyl at these areas to be trimmed off later (rough cut).
3. Place acrylic double-face tape at all doorways where a transition strip is needed, next to sliding doors, patio door sills, in front of tubs and shower stalls and similar areas where an expansion gap will not be covered with trim. Place acrylic double face tape around all floor vents to eliminate air migrating under vinyl and causing bubbles. Do NOT tape along walls or around perimeter of room.
4. Apply an “X” of acrylic double-face tape under appliances and pivot points making sure not to overlap the tape.
5. Make relief cuts at corners and projections to allow the material to lay flat before the final cuts are made. Final trimming should be done by cutting in with a utility knife or trimmer leaving a 3/8-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room and cabinets. The gap allows for subfloor movement caused by changes in atmospheric conditions. The material should not touch the wall, corners or objects at any point or bubbles or wrinkles may occur. The material must lay flat to stay flat.
6. Use the push broom method to thoroughly remove the air from under the vinyl. Make certain all air is removed.
7. Use quarter round or baseboard to cover the exposed expansion gap. When installing quarter round or any moldings, make sure that they are fastened only to the wall and do not pinch the material at any point.

Seaming in a Loose-Lay Installation

1. Position the flooring by overlapping the seam edges. (Make sure to match patterns.)

2. With a straight edge and a sharp, new utility knife blade, cut through both layers of flooring material (double cut) at the designated match point.
   Make sure the utility knife blade is held in an upright position for a clean, 90-degree cut.

3. Remove and discard waste material.

4. Carefully fold back about 6–8 inches of the vinyl along both edges. Apply a strip of double-face tape where the seam edges come together. Press tape firmly to floor. Remove backing from the top of the tape and carefully place back one edge over the tape.

5. While the other edge is still folded back apply a small bead of waterproofed-when-cured seam sealer for sheet vinyl to the edge of the vinyl that is on the floor.

6. Tuck the seam edges together and wipe off excess bond/sealer with a clean, damp cloth.

7. Use a resilient flooring-type hand roller (or wallpaper seam roller) to squeeze out any remaining bond/sealer from the seam. Immediately clean seam with a damp cloth followed by a clean, dry cloth.

8. Protect the seam and allow it to dry (approximately 6 hours).

Additional Instructions/Notes

• DO NOT slide or roll heavy appliances or furniture over or across the flooring. Always lift objects and place them on the flooring or reposition appliances and furniture using hardboards or sliders between the object and flooring while gently repositioning them.
• In-floor heat/AC registers may rest on the vinyl floor, but leave space under registers that are attached to the floor or wall. They should not pinch the flooring material. Be sure to allow a larger opening around the screw to enable movement.
• Apply caulk next to bathtubs, showers, sliding doors or similar areas.
• For bathroom installations, it is not necessary to remove the toilet. Make relief cuts around the perimeter of the toilet and make sure the vinyl flooring is lying flat before trimming off the excess material. Apply caulk around the toilet, next to bathtubs and showers to prevent moisture from getting under the vinyl.
• Make sure furniture legs have large-surface, non-staining plastic floor protectors or non-staining felt pads. The protectors should be at least one inch in diameter and rest flat on the floor. The heavier the item, the wider the floor protector should be. Replace small, narrow metal or dome-shaped glides with smooth, flat glides that are in flat contact with the floor.
• Never use tape around the perimeter of the room.
• When installing shoe molding, do not compress trim to floor or nail trim into flooring.
• For metal door jambs that cannot be undercut, leave a 1/8-inch expansion gap and caulk with 100% silicone caulking.

Permanent Full Spread Installation Method

The Permanent Full Spread Installation Method can be used for “special needs” areas, such as those with rolling traffic, extremely high traffic, or areas with increased concrete moisture up to 8 lbs. The permanent full spread installation method must be used in new construction.

NOTE: If you elect to permanently install your Style Selections sheet vinyl flooring using this method as opposed to the Releasable Installation Method, labor rates exceeding residential releasable removal and underlayment will not be covered.

Materials Required for Installation

• New 1/16” X 1/32” X 1/32” U-notch trowel
• Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive

NOTE: The manufacturer or Lowe’s will not be held responsible for problems that may arise from alternative adhesives. Please contact the alternative adhesive manufacturer with issues.

• Acrylic double-face tape for vinyl floor
• Sharp utility knife/blades
• Straight edge
• 100 lb roller
• Plastic putty knife
• Two clean cloths
• Denatured alcohol
• Waterproofed-when-cured seam sealer for sheet vinyl (if seaming is required)
  Acrylic floor primer (If priming the floor is necessary)

NOTE: We recommend placing a single order for all rolls required for larger installations and commercial flooring projects.

Permanent Full Spread Installation Instructions

Inspection of flooring material prior to installation is required. Any defects should be immediately reported to the retail store from which the flooring was purchased before installation. The manufacturer or Lowe’s will not be responsible for labor costs to repair or replace material with defects that were apparent before or noticed at the end of an installation.

1. Prepare substrate for the surface to be clean, smooth, flat and dry. Undercut all wooden door jambs to maintain a 3/8-inch relief gap.

2. Align the pattern with the most dominant wall, and using a sharp utility knife, trim away excess material along the walls, cabinet and other permanent objects, leaving approximately 2 inches of material to be trimmed off later.

3. Make relief cuts at corners to allow the material to lay flat before the final cuts are made. Final trimming does not require a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch expansion gap when using pressure-sensitive adhesive as this is a permanent installation.

4. Fold back half of the material and apply pressure-sensitive adhesive to the substrate using the appropriate trowel. If a seam is required, leave an 18- inch dry zone at the edge of the seam. Then follow the Seaming Instructions in a Permanent Full Spread Installation found below.

5. Do not immediately place the material into wet adhesive. To avoid bubbling, allow time for the adhesive to flash before positioning the material.
   When testing the adhesive with a finger, there will be a slight transfer of adhesive to the skin when it’s ready for installation. Do not allow the adhesive to dry completely.

6. Position the material in place and remove air under the material using a 100 lb roller over the entire adhered vinyl.

7. Repeat steps 3–5 for the remaining half of the flooring material.

NOTE: Lowe’s recommends an application of acrylic floor primer prior to applying adhesive to any substrate to ensure a proper bond to the flooring product.

NOTE: Material not installed in accordance with manufacturer-recommended guidelines, including all problems caused by using non-recommended adhesive, seam sealer/bond, underlayment and/or improper preparation of the substrate, are not covered by the manufacturer or Lowe’s warranty.

Seaming Instructions in a Permanent Full Spread Installation Method

1. After positioning the flooring, overlap the seam edges. (Make sure to match patterns.)

2. With a straight edge and a sharp, new utility knife blade, cut through both layers of flooring material (double-cut) at the designated match point.
   Make sure the utility knife blade is held in an upright position for a clean, 90-degree cut.

3. Remove the discarded waste material.

4. Fold back both sides of the seam area and apply the pressure-sensitive adhesive to the dry zone. Allow the adhesive to flash before placing the material into the adhesive.

5. Place one side of vinyl into the adhesive and roll the seam using a 100 lb roller.

6. Apply small bead of acrylic seam sealer along the edge of the installed vinyl.

7. Place the edge of the uninstalled vinyl against the edge of the installed vinyl and press into place.

8. Remove excess bond/sealer using a plastic putty knife, followed by wiping the seam area using a clean, dry, cloth followed immediately with a clean cloth dampened with appropriate cleaner.

9. Using a clean cloth, repeat until all residue is removed from the surface of the vinyl and protect the seam for six hours minimum.

Additional Instructions/Notes

• DO NOT slide or roll heavy appliances or furniture over or across the flooring. Always lift objects and place them on the flooring or reposition appliances and furniture using hardboards or sliders between the object and flooring while gently repositioning them.
• In-floor heat/AC registers may rest on the vinyl floor, but leave space under registers that are attached to the floor or wall. They should not pinch the flooring material. Be sure to allow a larger opening around the screw to enable movement.
• Apply caulk next to bathtubs, showers, sliding doors or similar areas.
• For bathroom installations, it is not necessary to remove the toilet. Make relief cuts around the perimeter of the toilet and make sure the vinyl flooring is lying flat before trimming off the excess material. Apply caulk around the toilet, next to bathtubs and showers to prevent moisture from getting under the vinyl.
• Make sure furniture legs have large-surface, non-staining plastic floor protectors or non-staining felt pads. The protectors should be at least one inch in diameter and rest flat on the floor. The heavier the item, the wider the floor protector should be. Replace small, narrow metal or dome-shaped glides with smooth, flat glides that are in flat contact with the floor.
• Never use tape around the perimeter of the room.
• When installing shoe molding, do not compress trim to floor or nail trim into flooring.
• For metal door jambs that cannot be undercut, leave a 1/8-inch expansion gap and caulk with 100% silicone caulking

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Preventative Maintenance

• Prevent indentations and scratches by using non-staining floor protectors on the legs of chairs, appliances and all heavy furniture. Floor protectors should be at least one inch in diameter.

• Do not flood the floor or subject it to standing water.

• Protect your floor from tracked-in dirt by using mats at all outside entrances. Mats should have a non-rubberized backing and be marked as non-staining.

• Avoid tracking-in tar or asphalt from driveways.

• Avoid high-heeled shoes on your floor as they can cause permanent indentations.

• Protect your floors against burns. Burns from cigarettes, matches or other extremely hot items can cause permanent damage.

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods as this can cause discoloration.

• Ensure furniture legs have large-surface, non-staining plastic floor protectors or non-staining felt pads. The protectors should be at least one inch in diameter and rest flat on the floor. The heavier the item, the wider the floor protector should be. Replace small, narrow metal or dome-shaped glides with smooth, flat glides that are in flat contact with the floor.

• Heavy furniture or appliances that are not moved often should be equipped with flat, non-staining composition furniture or cups of appropriate size.
  To keep your floor clean, follow these proper care and maintenance guidelines:

• Sweep the floor regularly with a soft-bristle broom to remove loose dirt.

• Wash the floor with non-abrasive, neutral pH floor cleaner.

• For everyday maintenance, a mop moistened with warm water will suffice.

• Spills should be cleaned up immediately.
  DO NOT USE the following on your vinyl flooring:

• Soap-based detergents

• Abrasive or mop-and-shine products

• Floor wax

• Vacuum cleaners with a rotating beater bar

• Ammonia

• Bleach solution greater than 3%

NOTE: Always read the cautionary information on all cleaners prior to use!

NOTE: Never push, pull or drag furniture, appliances or other items across the floor. When moving furniture or heavy items, always lift and carry the items. To minimize the risks of scratches and gouges when moving heavy objects, place plywood underlayment between the flooring and object to be moved.

How to Treat Stains, Spills & Scuffs 

Follow the remedies in order. Unless instructed otherwise, use a clean, white cloth or towel with products recommended for vinyl flooring. Always rinse the affected area with clean water after treatment.

The Stain or Spill

Acids, alkalis, blood, ketchup, mustard, food, fruit, fruit juices, candy, cleaners, strong soaps, dye, dye markings, urine and feces, grass, iodine, mercurochrome and rust.

The Remedy

• First, remove as much solid material as possible.
• Scrub area with full-strength cleaner.
• Rub the area with isopropyl alcohol.
• If rust stain does not respond, use lemon juice or a cream of tartar solution.

Paint & Solvent Spills

Dry-cleaning fluids, lacquer and latex paint, nail polish, solvents, oil-based paints, wood stains and varnish.

The Remedy

• If substance is dry, gently peel it from the floor. Avoid sharp instruments that could scratch floor.
• Scrub area with non-abrasive cleaner.
• Rub lightly with odorless mineral spirits or paint thinner.

NOTE: Do not use acetone or nail polish remover!

Substances That Won’t Wipe Up

Adhesives, chewing gum, oil, grease, candle wax and tar.

The Remedy

• First, remove as much solid material as possible.
• Carefully remove excess with a spoon or fingernail.
• Scrub area with non-abrasive cleaner.
• Rub lightly with odorless mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol or lighter fluids.

Scuffs & Smudges

Rubber heel marks, shoe polish, scuffs and smudges.

The Remedy

• Rub the scuff with fingertip, rubber will come right off. The friction from the rubbing will remove rubber.
• Scrub area with non-abrasive cleaner.
• Rub lightly with isopropyl alcohol or lighter fluid.

CAUTION! Isopropyl alcohol, lighter fluid, odorless mineral spirits and paint thinner are flammable solvents. Carefully read and follow cautionary information on their perspective labels. Keep traffic off treated area for 30 minutes.

Please contact Technical Services at 888-387-9881 with any questions. 0198_2024 | JB | 03/2024 | 8 of 8

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