International Home Products Centiva Floors - Manual (Page 11)

11
INSTALLATION
Commercial
& Residential
There are three (3) basic requirements necessary to assure a long lasting, attractive Centiva ® floor:
1. Proper Subfloor Preparation
2. Installation
3. Adhesives
The following guidelines will help to ensure complete satisfaction with your installation by fulfilling these
requirements. Centiva tiles and planks are suitable for surfaces on above and below grade. Centiva can be
installed over concrete or wood subfloors.
1.0 SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
1.1 Testing A calcium chloride test (moisture test) is essential on all concrete floors. This test should be performed in several areas: the
perimeter of the room, at columns, and wherever else moisture might occur. The moisture level from the concrete should
not exceed 3.0 lbs./1000 sq. ft. in a 24 hour time period. If the concrete exceeds the moisture limitations, the installation
should not proceed until the problem is corrected. A moisture problem can be corrected by sealing the concrete with any of
the many brands of concrete sealers available. After the sealer has been applied, always retest to ensure that the problem has
been corrected. A moisture test indicates the conditions at the time of testing only. The flooring contractor cannot be held
responsible if the moisture appears in the future causing adhesive failure. A new concrete floor contains a high percentage of
moisture; therefore, it must be allowed adequate drying time. This drying time normally requires 28 to 30 days, but it can vary
depending on several conditions such as the type of concrete used, average air temperature, and the thickness or location of
the slab.
1.2 Preparation
New Floors
Underlayment panels can be used to correct deficiencies in the subfloor and to provide a smooth, sound surface for Centiva tiles and planks.
There are numerous suitable underlayment panels such as Structurwood, Multiply, and Masonite brand underlayments. The
most common of these is ¼” APA underlayment grade plywood. Particleboard, strand board and flake board are NOT RFCI
recommended underlayments; therefore, they are not recommended as a subfloor for Centiva tiles and planks.
Always fasten underlayment panels in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations because any
failure of the underlayment or Centiva flooring as a result of the underlayment is the responsibility of the
underlayment manufacturer and installer. Suitable underlayment with a fully sanded surface and a minimum
thickness of ¼” is preferred. Always make sure that the subfloor is free of any foreign material such as dust,
grease, oil, polish, and loose material that may cause staining, telegraphing, or adhesive failure.
Concrete subfloors are acceptable as long as the concrete’s moisture content is within the specified
parameters.
A Portland based patching compound or leveler should be used to cover seams, cracks, indentations, and subfloor
irregularities. Calcium sulfate/plaster/gypsum based compounds are NOT recommended as they may harbor and promote
mildew growth, offer poor bond and adhesion strength, and/or have low indentation resistance.
1.3 Preparation
Existing Floors
Centiva vinyl tile or planks contain no asbestos fibers. When removing existing resilient floor coverings,
carefully observe the following warning:
Existing resilient floor coverings and black asphalt adhesive may contain asbestos. Improper procedures used to remove these
products could release asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos fibers, if inhaled, may cause serious bodily harm. Do not sand or
dry scrape these materials. A preferred alternative to removal is to install a new floor over the old asbestos-containing floor
whenever possible. If removal of existing floor covering is necessary, be sure that all precautions are taken and proper
procedures are followed. For information regarding proper removal procedures, please consult Centiva or the Resilient Floor
Covering Institute, 401 East Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Rockville, MD, 20850, phone: 301-640-8580. Check state and local
laws regarding removal of asbestos-containing materials.
After removing existing flooring, make sure to remove also old cutback adhesive, grease, wax, or other foreign matter.
Painted and/or varnished surfaces must be sanded and dust free. In some cases old concrete subfloors must be shot blasted
and a floor leveler should be applied prior to installation. Poor subfloor preparation may telegraph later on through the
Centiva flooring causing visible irregularities. Between floor prep and start of installation, make sure to keep the floor dry, free
from dirt, dust and grit.