Article Number : 980 |
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| Date | 4/9/2006 11:50:13 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=980 |
| Abstract | Hicksville, N.Y.—In the resilient category, just like any other, new technology and production techniques means there is more than one way for industry mechanics to install the latest the segment has to offer. Last time we covered the varying techniques used to install the latest resilient floors... |
| Article | Hicksville, N.Y.—In the resilient category, just like any other, new technology and production techniques means there is more than one way for industry mechanics to install the latest the segment has to offer. Last time we covered the varying techniques used to install the latest resilient floors. In part II we’ll discuss the adhesives and underlayments that have been developed to be installed with today’s resilient floors; the differences in installing resilient flooring today as opposed to the past; and the status of installation training for the resilient category. “In the 1990s,” said Mark Brown, director of marketing for Tarkett Residential, “vinyl sheet flooring was predominantly installed in residential applications by either the ‘full spread’ or ‘perimeter bond’ methods. Tarkett has long touted the benefits of glueless installation of resilient flooring. Fortunately, the recent introduction of glueless laminate flooring in North America has resonated with the installer community due to the performance and cost advantages of this method. “We find the most effective way to gain installer support for our FiberFloor product, and the glueless installation method,” he explained, “is through comprehensive training on the product manufacturing process. For example, the introduction of our Fiber-Floor has created a buzz in the residential resilient market that has resulted in increased interest and attendance in our installation clinics. Training needs to be increased not only among installers, but at all levels along the sales and contractor chain. Once you understand how the product is constructed, it becomes clear why glueless installation is the ideal choice.” “S-599 Premium vinyl backed sheet flooring adhesive has been developed for use with Armstrong commercial vinyl backed sheet flooring and luxury vinyl tile,” said Scott Wise, manager, installation/technical service for Armstrong World Industries. “It offers improved working time, initial grab and moisture resistance. Also, in many cases, the flooring installer has the flexibility of choosing whether to set the flooring into it wet or dry to the touch. The materials of today, due to advanced manufacturing methods, are more dimensionally stable, with added flexibility, are easier to handle, and easier to cut. With added flexibility for fitting and handling, these materials do not require the time-consuming fitting methods of old.” Adhesives are more technologically advanced, Wise noted, offering better bonding characteristics, better resistance to moisture, alkalinity and microbial growth. “They still need the attention to detail from the installer to apply the proper thickness of adhesive film and to place the material into the adhesive at the proper time for the job site conditions. If these are done correctly, these adhesives will perform well beyond their required expectations.” “Many of the new installation accessories developed seem to provide moisture control,” said Tarkett Commercial’s Diane Martel, vice president of marketing, and John Kozak, installation services manager. “Most of these products dictate upper limits of vapor emissions, but all require exact adherence to subfloor preparation and application directions. Our advice in selecting any such system is to choose one from a supplier well known for quality but also offers full technical support and warranty coverage for the system. Such suppliers should have a long list of successful long-term applications. “The use of pressure-sensitive adhesive is typically used for carpet tiles as opposed to sheet vinyl and is usually applied with a trowel as opposed to the paint roller method that we recommend,” said Deanna Quinn, director of marketing for IVC U.S. “We don’t require any kind of specific subfloor prep materials but we do emphasize that the key to overall sheet flooring installation is the subfloor. “Again,” she explained, “the type of adhesive and application method are relatively new. Typical multi-purpose adhesives ‘grab’ the vinyl and pull it to the floor in a permanent set. This makes every subfloor imperfection noticeable. With our product, the adhesive keeps more of a horizontal grip to keep the floor from shifting but is also releasable so that any subfloor repairs can be easily made and/or the floor can easily be replaced in the future with a more updated pattern.” Mannington has always offered Triple Options installation on all residential resilient flooring, noted Terry Fitzpatrick, manager, installation services for the company. “Depending on the particular job site conditions, installers have the ability to choose which one works best for them—loose-laid, perimeter fastened, or full spread. Of course, not all options are suitable for all situations; they need to consider things like whether the area is temperature controlled, and the amount and type of foot traffic the floor will have to withstand, among other things.” Regarding seam sealing, Fitzpatrick said, “We have tried and true products that have performed well over the years. Our MLG33 is a chemical weld product that is designed to work with our low gloss, realistically-textured products. “Today’s resilient floors have more surface texture and lower gloss than years ago,” he explained. “This is actually an advantage, since those features can mask minor subfloor irregularities as opposed to years ago where they were accentuated by brighter, smoother, shinier floors.” “The basics are still critical to a good installation: subfloor selection and preparation; material handling; job site conditions; cutting and fitting,” said Fitzpatrick. “To help with the basics and with more intricate parts of installation, Mannington offers week long training sessions for professional installers at our Salem Installation Training Center in New Jersey.” —Louis Iannaco |