Armstrong Flooring is a leading provider of commercial flooring solutions, offering a range of resilient, vinyl, and engineered tile products suitable for high-traffic environments. Proper installation is critical to ensuring the durability, aesthetics, and performance of these flooring systems. This guide provides a detailed overview of installation procedures, subfloor preparation, adhesive requirements, and post-installation care based on the official documentation and technical specifications provided by Armstrong Flooring.
The following sections cover key aspects of commercial flooring installation, including acceptable subfloor types, surface preparation, adhesive and grout recommendations, handling and storage best practices, and maintenance considerations. This information is derived directly from manufacturer guidelines, product manuals, and technical instructions available through Armstrong Flooring and its partners.
Installation Overview and General Requirements
Armstrong commercial flooring products, such as resilient sheet flooring, vinyl plank, and engineered tile, are designed for use in a wide range of environments, including office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. According to the documentation, installations must adhere to strict environmental and structural conditions to ensure the long-term integrity of the flooring system.
Environmental Conditions
Resilient flooring should only be installed in temperature-controlled environments. A constant temperature must be maintained before, during, and after the installation process. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system must be operational to ensure consistent conditions. Portable heaters are not recommended, as they may fail to adequately heat the subfloor and surrounding area. Kerosene heaters should never be used due to the risk of uneven heating and potential damage to the flooring material.
Subfloor Preparation
Proper subfloor preparation is essential for a successful installation. The subfloor must be dry, clean, and flat. Any existing flooring or coatings must be removed or treated according to the specified guidelines. For example, if installing over an existing resilient flooring layer, it must be a single, non-textured layer that is fully bonded to the subfloor. Additionally, the subfloor must meet local and national building codes and structural requirements.
Armstrong Flooring products can be installed over various subfloor types, including:
- Concrete: Must be dry, clean, and free of contaminants. For glazed or very smooth surfaces, the floor should be roughened with appropriate tools or compounds such as S-466.
- Wood: Suitable for suspended wood, OSB, or treated plywood subfloors with a minimum 1/4” underlayment. A well-ventilated air space of at least 18” must be maintained below the wood subfloor.
- Metal: Requires a roughened surface and the application of a Portland cement-type underlayment at a minimum thickness of 1/8”.
Existing Resilient Floors
When installing over an existing resilient flooring layer, it is important to ensure that the existing material is in good condition and does not pose any health or safety risks. The documentation specifically warns against sanding, dry sweeping, drilling, or mechanically chipping existing resilient flooring, as these materials may contain asbestos or crystalline silica. Inhalation of such dust can cause serious health risks, including respiratory and cancer-related illnesses. If asbestos is suspected, the material should be tested and removed by trained professionals following the recommended practices outlined by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute.
If the existing resilient flooring is non-asbestos-containing, it must still meet certain conditions:
- It must be a single, non-textured layer.
- It must be fully and firmly bonded to the subfloor and underlayment.
- Any wax, polish, or finish must be removed using a recommended floor stripper.
- Indentations or damaged areas must be repaired or replaced before installation.
Armstrong Flooring does not recommend installing new flooring over rubber or slip-resistant floors, as these materials may interfere with adhesion or cause indentations in the new flooring.
Adhesive and Grout Requirements
The selection of appropriate adhesives and grouts is crucial for the performance and durability of Armstrong commercial flooring. Different products require specific adhesives and grout types, and the manufacturer provides detailed guidance on compatible materials.
Adhesive Recommendations
- S-295 Flooring Adhesive: This adhesive is recommended for use with Armstrong AlternaVersaStyle and other engineered tile products. It is suitable for both tight-fit and grouted installations.
- S-466: A leveling compound used for repairing low areas and cracks in ceramic, quarry, or marble subfloors. It is also used for roughening glazed or smooth surfaces.
- S-693 FlexStrong™ Grout: A premixed sanded acrylic grout recommended for grouted installations of engineered tile.
It is important to note that the responsibility for adhesion performance and warranty claims typically lies with the adhesive compound manufacturer, not with the flooring or adhesive manufacturer.
Grouted Installations
For grouted installations of engineered tile, the following guidelines apply:
- Tile Spacing: Tiles should be spaced between 1/16” (1.6 mm) and 1/4” (6.4 mm), depending on the design and aesthetic preferences.
- Spacers: Use tile spacers designed for this purpose to ensure even spacing.
- Grout Joint Appearance: Due to the rounded edges of engineered tiles, the visible grout joint may appear slightly wider than the actual spacing.
The installation process for grouted tiles requires careful handling and storage to prevent damage or distortion. All materials should be stored on a flat surface, and temperature control is essential to avoid curled edges or raised joints.
Handling, Storage, and Post-Installation Care
Proper handling and storage practices are essential to maintaining the quality and performance of Armstrong commercial flooring products. The large format and increased thickness of engineered tile require extra care to prevent damage during installation and storage.
Handling and Storage
- Storage Surface: Always store flooring on a flat, stable surface to prevent warping or distortion.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent temperature between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C) for the room, subfloor, tile, and adhesive.
- Subfloor Flatness: Ensure the subfloor is flat to prevent raised or curled edges and to maintain the integrity of grouted joints.
Post-Installation Care
After installation, it is important to follow specific care and maintenance guidelines to preserve the appearance and longevity of the flooring.
- Traffic Restrictions: While tiles may be walked on immediately after installation, heavy rolling traffic should be avoided for at least 72 hours.
- Protection During Reinstallation: Use hardboard or underlayment panels when moving heavy furniture or appliances back into the room to protect the floor from scratches or dents.
- Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Avoid using mats with latex or rubber backing, as they can cause permanent discoloration.
- Do not use vacuum cleaners with beater bars or electric brooms with hard plastic bottoms.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbing tools, detergents, or “mop and shine” products.
- Use Armstrong Once ’n Done Resilient & Ceramic Floor Cleaner for regular maintenance.
Slip and Safety Considerations
Like other smooth flooring surfaces, Armstrong commercial flooring may become slippery when wet. It is important to allow the floor to dry completely after washing and to immediately wipe up spills or wet areas. Floor protectors should be used under furniture to prevent scratches and indentations.
Installer and Professional Installation Considerations
Given the complexity and technical requirements involved in commercial flooring installation, Armstrong Flooring recommends hiring a certified installer for the best results. These professionals are trained to install Armstrong products and can ensure that the installation meets all specifications and quality standards.
Finding a Certified Installer
- Retailer Referrals: Ask your retailer to connect you with a local Armstrong Flooring Certified Installer.
- Certification Standards: Certified installers are trained in the specific techniques and materials required for Armstrong products and are equipped to handle the challenges of commercial installations.
Installer Responsibilities
- Subfloor Evaluation: The installer is responsible for determining whether the existing flooring is well bonded to the subfloor and whether it is textured or embossed enough to show through the new installation.
- Adhesive and Grout Application: The installer must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for adhesive and grout application to ensure proper bonding and aesthetics.
- Health and Safety Compliance: The installer must be aware of and comply with all health and safety regulations, especially when working with or removing existing flooring that may contain hazardous materials.
Conclusion
Armstrong commercial flooring products offer a durable, high-performance solution for a wide range of environments. However, the success of an installation depends on strict adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding subfloor preparation, adhesive and grout selection, handling and storage, and post-installation care. Whether you are a professional installer or a DIY enthusiast, following these instructions ensures that the flooring will perform optimally and retain its appearance for years to come.
The documentation emphasizes the importance of working in temperature-controlled environments, using certified installers where necessary, and avoiding practices that may compromise the integrity of the flooring or pose health risks. By following these guidelines, users can achieve a professional-quality installation that meets both functional and aesthetic expectations.