| Precautions
and Procedures:
Avoid Potential Problems:
It cannot be stated and emphasized often enough that complete satisfaction and
appreciation of Cork Decor flooring is directly dependent on proper installation. Cork
flooring problems are not caused by the product itself but by improper installation
practices (i.e., use of wrong adhesives or polyurethane's, poor subfloor preparation) or
by not following the manufacturer's instructions as shown on the labels of the products to
be used. Avoid installing Cork Decor floors in any areas with excessive subfloor moisture
(i.e. moist below grade basements or freshly poured concrete or leveling compounds not
completely cured). It is the responsibility of the installer to test for excessive
moisture. When using leveling compounds, complete drying of compound is critical for
proper adhesion. While the cure time may be a few hours, the complete drying time of these
compounds can take 24 hours or more. It is, therefore, important to read the
manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Color Variation:
Cork Decor floorings are high quality, natural materials and should be handled
accordingly. Some shade variation is an inherent and attractive characteristic of natural
products. Both wood and cork, as natural materials, may change color when exposed to
sunlight over prolonged periods of time. Cork will tend to fade while most woods will
darken/mellow. These subtle color changes do not take way from the beauty of these
materials and cork flooring under normal wear and proper installation/maintenance, will
last upwards of 30 years.
Recommended Adhesives:
Experience
has demonstrated time and again that the best adhesive for installing Cork Décor floor
tiles is a “water-based contact cement”. Cork
is unique in that it is a porous material and therefore allows the water in the adhesive
to evaporate and create a strong bond. In
addition, contact cement is available locally in nearly every hardware store and home
center, enabling the consumer to avoid expensive shipping charges and purchase locally. Although years of experience with contact cement
has shown it to be a reliable and effective adhesive in nearly every case, Jelinek Cork
makes no warranty that it is the ideal adhesive for your floor. We strongly suggest that one or two tiles are
tested in a low visibility area prior to installing the entire floor.
Subfloor Preparation:
1. Proper preparation of the subfloor is essential for the
successful installation of cork floor tile. Remove paint, wax or any other substance that
may prevent proper bonding. All subfloors must be smooth, dry, clean and free of dirt,
grease, wax or anything that would hinder a good bond. Subfloors must be level and
moisture free. For existing wood floors, use a paint or varnish remover, then scrub with
tri-sodium phosphate. In severe cases, it may be necessary to machine sand the floor. When
these steps have been completed, the floor must be washed, rinsed and allowed to dry.
2. Wood Floors must be leveled and all cracks filled with a wood filler
or similar material. The floor should then be sanded to assure uniformity. If conditions
require, existing floors may be covered with 3/8 or 1/2 inch plywood with both sides
finished. Plywood must be securely anchored.
3. Concrete floors (new or existing) must be leveled with latex fill as
needed. Prime the concrete with standard concrete primer. NOTE: We do not recommend
installing cork floor tile on or below the grade, unless precautions are taken to
guarantee that moisture will not penetrate through the subfloor.
4. If installing on existing vinyl or other smooth surfaces, rough up
surfaces to ensure adhesive bond. Existing vinyl and sheet goods subfloors must be in good
condition, firm and clean.
Tile Installation:
1. Remove cork tiles from packaging materials and place
open tiles in the room where installation will take place for 48 hours prior to
installation. Temperature should be between 60ºF and 70ºF (15ºC and 21ºC) with normal
levels of humidity during this period as well as during subsequent installation.
2. Follow the manufacturer's laying instructions for application of
adhesives. For adhesives requiring a trowel application be sure to use the proper trowel
size to ensure the correct amount is applied.
3. Carefully roll tiles with a standard 100 or 150 pound tile roller.
Tiles should be rolled a minimum of four times in each direction. To clean excess adhesive
from tiles after installation, use a damp cloth if the adhesive is wet or mineral spirits
if it is dry.
4. Tiles may be cut with a linoleum or utility knife. Be sure knife is
sharp.
5. After installation, restrict heavy traffic for 24 hours or more,
depending on type of adhesive used.
6. Urethane or flooring wax can be applied on tiles which are not
prefinished immediately following installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
It is quick and easy to install Jelinek Cork floors. Detailed instructions are provided
with all orders. Jelinek personnel are also available to assist if instructions are not
clear or if special circumstances exist. Please call or e-mail with any questions.
These directions are general guidelines for floor and/or wall
installers. It is the responsibility of the installer to determine the correct adhesive to
be used based on job site conditions. It is the installers responsibility to follow all
instructions accurately not only to apply the appropriate amount of adhesive using
appropriate applicators (i.e., trowel, brush, etc.) but also to determine proper drying
and cure times based on existing conditions at the time of installation.. |