Installation
<strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Must I glue the tiles down?</span></strong>
Answer: It depends on my application. If I am installing the tiles in a workshop or warehouse where vehicle or forklift wheels are going to be turning, and applying a sideways torque to the tiles, I should glue them down.
If the tiles are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, it is recommended to glue them to prevent excessive expansion and contraction.
<strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>What adhesive should I use to glue the tiles down?</span></strong>
Answer: The first choice is a two part poly-urethane adhesive, which cures very hard and provides the best bond. Qualichem’s QAR 209C is recommended. An alternative adhesive is a Neoprene “Contact” adhesive, such as Qualichem’s BAN 523.
<strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Can I seal the edges of the tiles to prevent liquids from penetrating between the tiles?</span></strong>
Answer: Only the Hidden Interlock tiles can be effectively sealed by using Qualichem QAN 475A which fuses the interlock system. The exposed interlocking tiles are difficult to seal.
<strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>How do I work out how many tiles to order?</span></strong>
As the interlock system is included in the overall dimensions of the tiles, and this means that the area needs to be increased by 4% in the final calculation.
<strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Installation Instructions</span></strong>
Plasti-flor interlocking vinyl floor tiles are simple to install. Proper preparation will ensure a hassle free installation and long-lasting high performance for the flooring’s life time.
Please read these instructions carefully before starting.
<strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Tools and equipment:</span></strong>
<strong>Loose-lay Installation</strong>
Rubber mallet or hammer, Chalk line, straight edge, Stanley knife, marking pen, Tape measure
<strong>Bonded Installation</strong>
As above plus Notched trowel with 4mm notches at 10mm intervals, 2 part poly-urethane adhesive, with drill and mixing blade to mix the two components.
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<strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Setting out</span></strong>
Unlike normal floor tiles, the interlocking system has to be taken into account for edging strips for doorways and ramps.
Select the most important doorway and place the tiles into it to ensure that the edging strip will function effectively. (If the doorway is recessed, the subsequent tiles will need to be trimmed to fit)
Use the chalk line to set out the first row of tiles.
<strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Installation</span></strong>
Allow the tiles to acclimatize properly by leaving them on site for 24 hours prior to installation. Sweep the sub-floor well, removing any dust or loose particles
Loose-lay:
Place the tiles 1 & 2 (Figure 1) in position in the selected doorway, (or wherever chosen), and join the tiles by tapping in the two outer corners, and then towards the centre of the interlock edge, using the mallet. The first row is joined sequentially as per figures 2 and 3; starting the second row, working outwards.
Once the main areas are installed, cut tiles to fit at walls and outer edges, leaving a 3mm gap to allow for expansion.
<a href=”http://www.plasti-flor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Installation-Diagram.pdf” target=”_blank”>Click here to view Installation Diagram</a>
<strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Floorcare Questions:</span></strong>
How do I look after my Plasti-flor floor?
Answer:
Plasti-flor interlocking tiles are high performance industrial floor tiles, which need minimum maintenance in most industrial applications. There are some precautions which need to be taken into account, however. Some solvents may affect the floor negatively if left exposed for extended periods of time. For example petrol, or brake-fluid must be cleaned off the floor as quickly as possible, as the flooring may become hard if exposed for too long. So as a general rule, remove any contaminents as quickly as possible.
Due to its non-slip properties, Plasti-flor has a slightly coarse texture on the surface. If aesthetics is important in the installation, you may decide to use a sealer to prevent the ingress of dirt etc.
A high solids cross linked sealer such as those supplied by WETROK can be used in accordance with their instructions, normally three or four coats being applied.
Routine Maintenance:
Clean the floor regularly with a damp mop,(wet washing may result in the ingress of water under the tiles, which will take time to dry). A good method is to first vacuum the floor to remove dust and dirt, followed by damp mopping.
Dry Maintenance method:
Spray clean using a rotary machine (175 to 1500 RPM) with an appropriate pad and spray buffing solution. Speak to WETROK for detailed instructions.
Wet Maintenance method:
Scrub or mop the floor with a neutral detergent solution (PH 7 to 8.6). In the presence of grease or oils, use a suitable degreaser.
Scrub the floor with a rotary scrubber with soft nylon brushes, which will improve the overall appearance of the floor, removing many minor imperfections.
Remove the dirty solution by vacuuming or mopping, and rinse the floor with clean water, and allow to dry.
Periodic strip and recoating of the sealer may be required, and this should be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
