Cork Floor Tile Install Guide
Installation Guidelines for AmCork Parquet Cork Floor Tiles
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AmCork Install Guide - Parquet Floor Tiles
PREPARATION / ACCLIMATIZATION
Opened shipping cartons must be at the job site for 48-72 hours prior to installation. LEAVE TILES IN THE SHRINK WRAP PACKAGING until ready to install. During storage and installation, maintain temperature and relative humidity to level consistent to conditions that will prevail when building is occupied. With improper acclimatization, the floor could expand or contract after installation. Rooms and sub-floor temperature should be between 65-85°F. All substrates must be clean, dry, and dust-free prior to installation. All holes, cracks, and joints must be patched with a Portland cement-based or wood filler compound (follow manufacturer's instructions). Compounds must be properly cured before installation. Any abnormality in the subfloor will be transparent through cork parquet tiles.INSTALLATION OF TILES
For the best results, lay tiles with staggered joints and they should be installed tightly at the seamlines. Use a silicone sealer near bathtubs, commodes, etc. AmCork tiles are only compatible with hot water radiant heating systems. Do not install cork tiles over electric radiant heating systems. The temperature should not exceed 85 degrees. Sub-floors can include concrete, plywood, OSB or existing flooring, providing that they are structurally sound, solid & well fastened.
RECOMMENDED ADHESIVES
FUZE IT
FUZE IT (made by Liquid Nails) for a USER-FRIENDLY installation. This adhesive is UL certified Greengard Gold product that allows for tiles to be moved for positioning within a couple of minutes. The adhesive is sold in caulk tubes that each have a coverage of 20sqft. Adhesive is applied ONLY to the back of the tiles. A ¼” bead should be placed around the backside perimeter of the tile and spread either with a spackling knife or 1/8” V-notched trowel ensuring that the edges of the tiles have enough adhesive for a full and secure bond. Position the tiles tightly at the joints and tap down the tiles using a rubber mallet.
WAKOL D 3540 OR DRITAC 6200
WAKOL D 3540 OR DRITAC 6200, for a CONTACT CEMENT INSTALLATION. The WAKOL D 3540 is available in 1-gallon buckets and the DRITAC 6200 comes in 4-gallon buckets. Both have a coverage of 120-160 square feet per gallon. These adhesives are water-based products and are applied as a two-part contact glue. Apply a thin coat to the subfloor and the back of the tiles using a microfiber roller – such as a ½” nap high-density foam roller. DO NOT USE A TROWEL. The adhesive should be allowed to “flash off” dry until it appears clear, dry & “sticky” to the touch before installing the tiles. This contact method does NOT allow for play in the installation.
WARNING:
Too much adhesive or not allowing it to flash will cause the tiles to cup and not bond around the edges.
Too much adhesive or not allowing it to flash will cause the tiles to cup and not bond around the edges.
CLEAN UP & APPLICATION OF POLYURETHANE
Excess adhesive should be removed quickly using a damp cloth BEFORE it fully dries. Residential applications in” wet areas” such kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and entry or mud rooms as well as in high traffic areas should be re-coated with polyurethane to prevent dirt and liquid from penetrating through the joints. For any commercial application, the floor should always be sealed. We recommend that you use Bona Traffic HD polyurethane with at least 2 coats depending on the amount of traffic. DO NOT SCREEN THE CORK FLOOR. Before applying the polyurethane, clean it by mopping using BONA PREP agent (available in 32oz spray bottle with 500sqft coverage). This will de-contaminate the floor and make it “sticky” to enhance the bonding of the polyurethane.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Sweep and/or Vacuum floor regularly. Never saturate the floor with water when mopping. Damp mop floors as needed. You may use BONA cleaning products.
Use wide casters or felt tips under legs of furniture and heavy appliances such as the refrigerator, “furniture sliders” are a good option.
Cork flooring, like any wood floor, will fade if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. The use of drapes, window UV films and other systems is recommended to protect the floor.