1.

Q: Should I use an adhesive remover to remove adhesive residue from a subfloor before installing a new floor?

A: Many adhesive removal products contain solvents that leave a residue within the subfloor. This residue can negatively affect the new adhesive and bleed through the new floor covering. Floor covering warranties do not cover instances where existing subfloor conditions cause damage to the flooring or installation failure.

2.

Q: Can I install an EMVAC floor on a radiant-heated substrate? 

A: EMVAC flooring may be installed over radiant-heated subfloors as long as the surface temperature does not exceed 29°C (85°F). Temperatures above 29°C (85°F) will cause the flooring to soften and increase the risk of irreversible indentation.

3.

Q: Why can't you install flooring directly over paint or other coatings on a subfloor?

A: The bond of the flooring to the subfloor is only as good as what you bond to. If you bond to old paint, sealers, polish, or other foreign matter, you are dependent upon the bond of that material to the subfloor to hold the flooring in place. Since we cannot determine how strong that bond may be, it is best to bond directly to the substrate.

4

Q: What is a sleeper-constructed subfloor and why can't I install flooring over this?

A: This is a wood subfloor installed over an existing concrete subfloor without well ventilated air space below. Concrete on or below grade will have some moisture in it due to its proximity to the ground. When there is not enough ventilation, moisture will build up causing not only installation failure, but possible rotting of the wood. Suspended grade subfloors that are not sufficiently dry can experience the same problems.

5

Q: Why should new tile not be installed over existing tile that is below grade?

A: Tile over tile is not recommended on a floor below grade. A basement is below grade and concrete below grade will almost always have moisture in it. A single layer of tile allows any moisture in the concrete to escape through tile joints. When you place new tile over existing tile, you cover the tile joints and cut off the escape route for the moisture. This traps the moisture beneath the tile and can cause loosening of the old tile as well as the new tile.

6.

Q: What board underlayment products should I put in place before installing resilient floor products?

A: Underlayments for resilient floors should be structurally sound and designed for resilient flooring underlayment purposes, with a minimum thickness of 1/4". The panels should be smooth enough so that the texture or graining will not show through the finished flooring. They should also resist dents and punctures from concentrated loads. The panels should not contain any substance that may stain vinyl such as edge patching compounds, marking inks, paints, solvents, adhesives, asphalt, dye, etc. Check with your supplier or panel manufacturer. Install the underlayment in strict accordance with the board manufacturer's recommendations.

1.

Q: What type of moisture conditions exist that can cause problems in vinyl flooring installations?

A: Concrete Floor Moisture -- Concrete floors directly in contact with the ground are never completely dry. Also, the moisture content of new concrete is high, regardless of grade levels. Vinyl floors may be seriously affected when installed directly over concrete which is not sufficiently dry.

Wood Floor Moisture -- Wood floors constructed on sleepers directly over on-grade or below-grade slabs are susceptible to ground moisture penetration. Such moisture is trapped under the vinyl flooring, resulting in deterioration of wood fiber. For this reason, vinyl tiles are not recommended for installation over this type of subfloor.

Surface Moisture -- Vinyl floors may be installed in areas where excessive moisture may be spilled on the floor. Providing that the correct adhesive has been used and the floor has minimal seams, there will be no damage to the floor. However, water should be mopped up immediately, and the floor should never be intentionally flooded.

2.

Q: What kind of Sub-Floors can be used?

A: Concrete Sub-Floors (on-grade, suspended or below-grade)
EMVAC vinyl tile may be installed directly onto dry concrete sub-floors. The concrete sub-floor should be a dry, smooth, level surface, free from score marks, grooves or depressions and free from all foreign materials or residues such as paint, oil, adhesives, sealers, soil or other extraneous substances that can inhibit proper tile adhesive bond to sub-floor. Concrete curing compounds are not recommended. If the use of such compounds is specified, EMVAC should be consulted in advance of installation or acceptance of the sub-floor. Radiant heated floors should not exceed a maximum temperature of 27°C (80°F).The recommended temperature at the time of installation is 21°C (70°F) degrees. Epoxy adhesive must be used in this situation.
 

Wood Sub-Floor:
*Wood sub-floors must be solid, well nailed at the joists and free from movement. All paints, wax, grease, dirt, dust or any other extraneous materials must be removed to insure proper adhesive bond.
*Particle boards, strand boards, flake boards are not recommended or approved for vinyl floor underlayment.
 

Existing Resilient Floors:
EMVAC vinyl tile may be installed over existing resilient flooring provided the existing floor is firmly bonded to the sub-floor, is smooth and free of all waxes, finishes, grease, paints, soil, dust or other extraneous material.

Rough or Uneven Surfaces:
Rough or uneven surface must be smoothed before installation of tile. A two part patching compound such as a latex underlayment is recommended. If the area to be smoothed is large or the surface has cracks and/or severe undulations, a cementitious based leveling compound or crack filler may be needed. Please contact EMVAC for additional information.

3.

Q: What type of primer?

Please contact Roberts distributors for the acrylic primer