Armstrong Alterna is a luxury vinyl tile (LVT) product designed for both residential and commercial applications. It offers a versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing flooring solution that can be installed using either a tight-fit or grouted method. The product is made in the USA from limestone and features an advanced aluminum oxide finish that provides long-lasting wear resistance. This article provides a detailed and accurate overview of the installation process for Armstrong Alterna, based exclusively on the technical specifications and manufacturer guidance from the provided source documents.
Introduction
Armstrong Alterna is a high-performance luxury vinyl tile product that is engineered to offer both durability and aesthetic appeal. The product is available in a range of colors and styles and is suitable for installation over various substrates including concrete, wood, and drywall. The installation process for Alterna includes specific adhesives and tools, with detailed instructions provided for both residential and commercial applications.
The key features of Armstrong Alterna include a thickness of 0.160 inches (4.1 mm), a standard tile size of 16 inches by 16 inches, and compatibility with both tight-fit and grouted installation methods. The installation guide emphasizes the importance of proper surface preparation, the use of recommended adhesives, and post-installation care to ensure long-term performance and warranty coverage.
This article is structured to provide a step-by-step guide to the installation of Armstrong Alterna, including surface preparation, adhesive application, tile layout, grouting (where applicable), and finishing touches. The information is sourced directly from official Armstrong installation guides and product specifications.
Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is a critical first step in the installation of Armstrong Alterna. The surface must be sound, clean, dry, and smooth to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation. According to the manufacturer, the following substrates are approved for use:
- Concrete
- Wood
- Drywall (painted or unpainted)
- Ceramic
- Formica
However, installation over surfaces such as debris, grease, loose paint, cracked ceramic, or loose formica is not recommended and may compromise the integrity of the installation.
Before applying adhesive, the surface must be free of contaminants that could interfere with the bond. The installation guide also warns against the use of Armstrong New Beginning or other floor strippers for cleaning the grout or maintaining the installation, as these products are too harsh and can degrade the premixed acrylic grout used in grouted installations.
Adhesive Application
Armstrong recommends the use of specific adhesives for the installation of Alterna, depending on whether the installation is grouted or tight-fit. For grouted installations, the recommended adhesive is S-295, which is applied using a trowel with a 1/32" D, 1/16" W, and 1/32" size. For tight-fit installations, S-288 is recommended and should be rolled with a 100-lb. roller.
In both methods, the adhesive must be allowed to become dry and tacky before placing the tiles. The adhesive should not transfer to the finger when lightly touched, indicating that it is ready for the next step. The tiles must be placed carefully to ensure even coverage and proper alignment.
For grouted installations, the tile spacing must be between 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) and 1/4 inch (6.4 mm). This spacing allows for the use of Armstrong S-693 Premixed Sanded Acrylic Grout, which is applied after the tiles are in place and thoroughly rolled in both directions. The grout should be applied with even pressure to ensure full coverage and proper setting.
Tile Layout
The layout of the Alterna tiles is an important step that ensures the final installation looks balanced and aesthetically pleasing. The installation guide recommends that the tile joints be at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) away from subfloor/underlayment joints and expansion joints. This spacing helps prevent stress on the tiles and ensures a more stable installation.
To begin the layout, the center point of the room should be identified by considering the most prominent walls. Two perpendicular lines should be drawn on the subfloor to divide the room into equal quadrants. Starting from the center point, a dry layout of the tiles can be performed to determine the spacing between the last full tile and the perimeter walls or cabinets.
For 16-inch by 16-inch tiles, the installation guide suggests that a balanced layout will result in border tiles being at least 8 inches (20.3 cm) in size. This helps avoid the appearance of uneven edges and ensures a more cohesive look. When installing over an existing resilient floor, it is important to ensure that the new tile joints are at least 6 inches away from the original seams.
Installation Procedure
The installation of Armstrong Alterna can be performed using either a tight-fit or grouted method. Both methods require careful attention to detail and adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Tight-Fit Installation
In a tight-fit installation, the tiles are placed directly against one another without the use of grout. This method is ideal for those who prefer a seamless appearance. The recommended adhesive for this method is S-288, which should be rolled with a 100-lb. roller to ensure even distribution and proper adhesion.
The tiles should be placed carefully to avoid pinching or warping. A small gap should be left at any adjoining surfaces to allow for expansion and contraction. After installation, the entire area should be rolled in both directions with a hand roller or rolling pin to ensure proper contact between the tiles and the adhesive.
Grouted Installation
For a grouted installation, the tiles must be spaced between 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) and 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) apart. This spacing allows for the use of Armstrong S-693 Premixed Sanded Acrylic Grout, which is applied after the tiles are in place and thoroughly rolled. The rounded edges of the tiles mean that the appearance of the finished grout joint will be approximately 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) wider than the actual tile spacing.
Once the tiles are in place, the grout should be applied with even pressure to ensure full coverage and proper setting. The manufacturer also recommends allowing 10% cutting allowance for most installations to account for irregularities in the room shape or unexpected obstacles.
Post-Installation Care
After the installation is complete, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for care and maintenance to ensure the longevity of the flooring. One of the key guidelines is to avoid washing or scrubbing the new Alterna flooring for at least 5 days after installation. This helps prevent excess moisture and cleaning agents from interfering with the adhesive bond and the hardening of the grout.
The manufacturer also emphasizes that the use of Armstrong New Beginning or other floor strippers is not recommended for cleaning the grout or maintaining the installation, as these products are too harsh and can degrade the premixed acrylic grout.
For residential applications, Armstrong offers a Lifetime Limited Residential Warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty includes coverage for wear through, manufacturing defects, rips or tears from normal household use, permanent indentations, and bottom-up discoloration from underlayment panels, alkali, mold, or mildew growth.
The warranty also covers curling of the tile edges. However, it is important to note that the warranty is contingent upon proper installation and adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines. For commercial applications, a 5-Year Commercial Warranty is provided, which offers similar but limited coverage.
Additional Considerations
Armstrong Alterna is not limited to floor installations. The product can also be used for wall installations, where it can serve as a decorative backsplash, accent wall, or focal point. For wall installations, the same adhesives and installation methods apply, with the added requirement that the tiles be thoroughly rolled after installation to ensure proper adhesion.
When installing Alterna on walls, it is important to ensure that the surface is flat and free of debris, grease, or loose materials. The tiles must also be spaced appropriately to allow for expansion and contraction, and the grout lines must be carefully applied to maintain a consistent appearance.
The manufacturer also provides guidance for installations above or below grade, making Alterna a versatile option for a wide range of environments. The product is suitable for use in both residential and commercial settings, including kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
Conclusion
Armstrong Alterna is a high-quality luxury vinyl tile product that offers both durability and aesthetic appeal. The installation process involves careful surface preparation, the use of recommended adhesives, and precise layout techniques to ensure a long-lasting and visually pleasing result. The product is available in a range of colors and styles, making it a versatile option for a variety of interior design applications.
Whether installed using a tight-fit or grouted method, Alterna provides a reliable and cost-effective flooring solution that is backed by a comprehensive warranty. The manufacturer's detailed installation guide ensures that both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts can achieve a successful result with proper adherence to the recommended procedures.