Armstrong Static Dissipative Tile (SDT) is a specialized flooring solution designed for environments where electrostatic discharge (ESD) control is critical, such as computer training rooms, data centers, electronic testing labs, and healthcare settings. The flooring system includes a comprehensive installation and maintenance process to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This article provides a detailed overview of the installation procedures, maintenance practices, and product specifications for Armstrong Excelon SDT, drawing exclusively from the manufacturer's documentation and technical guidelines.
Overview of Armstrong SDT
Armstrong Excelon SDT is a static control vinyl tile with a thickness of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) and a 12" x 12" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) dimension. It is designed to be installed using a glue-down method with the S-202 adhesive. The product is available in various colors, including Pearl White, Armor Gray, Fossil Gray, and others. Each box covers 45 square feet (4.2 square meters) of space. The flooring is backed by a 5-year limited warranty and is part of a four-part system that includes installation, grounding, maintenance, and electrostatic performance.
The SDT system is engineered to safely dissipate static electricity generated by human movement or equipment operation, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive electronics and ensuring a safer working environment. The product is intended for non-explosive environments and is recommended for commercial and industrial use. Proper installation and maintenance are essential to maintain the ESD properties of the flooring.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Substrate Requirements
Before installing Armstrong SDT, the subfloor must meet specific criteria to ensure compatibility with the S-202 adhesive and the tile itself. The following substrates are suitable for SDT installation:
- Concrete on all grade levels, following ASTM F710 standards
- Suspended wood and wood underlayments
Concrete substrates must be tested for moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) and relative humidity (RH) to ensure they meet the adhesive's specifications. The internal relative humidity should not exceed 90% for installations after October 2024 or 75% for those before October 2024. The pH level of the concrete should not exceed 12 on the pH scale. Alkaline concrete can affect the adhesive's bond and the tile's performance.
Moisture testing is typically conducted using in-situ probes or surface testing methods. If the moisture content is too high, the floor should not be installed until it meets the required specifications. Additionally, bond tests may be necessary to confirm compatibility with the adhesive.
Layout and Planning
Proper layout planning is crucial for a successful SDT installation. The installer should begin by measuring and marking the room to determine the layout of the tiles. It is recommended that tile joints be positioned at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) away from subfloor or underlayment joints to ensure structural integrity and even distribution of stress.
Border pieces should be at least 6 inches wide to avoid small, irregular sections that can be difficult to maintain. When using tiles from multiple cartons, it is important to verify that the pattern and lot numbers match to maintain color consistency. In large installations, tiles from different cartons can be mixed during installation to blend any slight shade differences.
Before beginning the installation, the area should be thoroughly cleaned and free of debris, dust, and contaminants that could affect the adhesive's bond.
Installation Process
Adhesive Application
Armstrong SDT is installed using the S-202 adhesive, a water-based product specifically formulated for static dissipative tile. The adhesive should be applied using a fine-notch trowel with a 1/32" (0.8 mm) depth, 1/16" (1.6 mm) width, and 5/64" (2 mm) spacing between notches. The adhesive should be spread over the entire installation area, taking care not to cover chalk lines or layout markings.
The adhesive must be allowed to set until it reaches a dry-to-touch consistency, which typically takes about 60 minutes, depending on environmental conditions. To test for readiness, gently press a thumb onto the adhesive. If it feels slightly tacky but does not stick to the skin, it is ready for tile installation.
Copper Grounding Strips
An essential component of the SDT system is the copper grounding strip, which ensures proper electrostatic discharge performance. The grounding strips are provided with the S-202 adhesive and must be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.
For on-grade concrete installations, one 2-foot (61 cm) grounding strip is recommended per 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) of SDT. For suspended subfloors, one strip is recommended per 500 square feet (46 square meters). The strips should be cut into 2-foot sections and placed over the dry-to-touch adhesive. One half of the strip should be laid on the floor, while the other half is extended up the wall. Additional adhesive should be applied over the floor portion of the strip to secure it.
After the adhesive has dried, the tile is installed over the grounding strip. The strips must be left in place and not connected to a grounding system until the installation has been certified by a qualified electrician or testing professional.
Tile Installation
Once the adhesive is ready, the SDT tiles are installed along the chalk lines, beginning with the main field area and working toward the border tiles. A 100-pound roller is used to press the tiles into the adhesive, rolling in both directions to ensure full contact. The adhesive has a 6-hour working time, so the installation must be completed within that period.
During the rolling process, care should be taken to avoid trapping air pockets or creating uneven pressure, which could affect the tile's adhesion or appearance. Any adhesive residue on the surface of the tiles should be cleaned with a clean, white cloth dampened with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol.
It is important to avoid exposing the newly installed flooring to rolling load traffic for at least 72 hours after installation to allow the adhesive to fully cure. Wet cleaning or machine scrubbing should also be avoided for at least five days, and stripping the floor should not occur for at least 30 days to prevent adhesive compromise.
Post-Installation Considerations
Safety Precautions
Both the SDT tile and the S-202 adhesive contain a small amount of quaternary ammonium compound, which can cause skin and eye irritation in some individuals. Installers should avoid direct contact with the adhesive and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product. The adhesive is water-based, but it is still advisable to wear protective gloves and eyewear during the installation process.
Traffic and Curing Time
To ensure proper curing and bonding, the flooring should not be subjected to heavy traffic or rolling loads for the first 72 hours. Light foot traffic can be allowed after 24 hours, but rolling or heavy loads should be avoided until the adhesive has fully set. This is especially important in environments where sensitive equipment is present, as premature traffic can compromise the ESD properties of the flooring.
Grounding and Certification
If electrical certification of the installation is required, the grounding strips should not be connected to the electrical system until the certification has been completed. The process of grounding and testing should be performed by a qualified professional to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
Maintenance and Care
Daily and Routine Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential to preserve the appearance, performance, and electrostatic discharge properties of Armstrong SDT flooring. The following guidelines should be followed:
- Daily Cleaning: Remove loose dirt and debris using a dry or slightly damp mop. If the floor is to be damp mopped, use a properly diluted cleaner and avoid excessive moisture. Excess water can damage the adhesive and affect the flooring's performance.
- Disinfectants: When using disinfectants, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid creating slippery conditions or causing discoloration.
- Avoid Abrasive Tools: Do not use brown or black pads, stiff-bristled brushes, or highly abrasive tools that can scratch or damage the tile surface.
- Polishing: Armstrong SDT requires the use of Armstrong Flooring S-392 SDT Floor Polish for protection, ease of maintenance, and electrostatic performance. Using other polishes or sealers may interfere with the flooring's electrical properties and appearance.
Deep Cleaning and Wet Maintenance
When performing wet cleaning or machine scrubbing, proper signage should be placed to prohibit traffic until the floor is completely dry. Excess moisture can pose a slipping hazard and may also affect the adhesive's integrity. After cleaning, the floor should be allowed to dry thoroughly before resuming normal activities.
Adhesive Residue Removal
If adhesive residue remains on the tile surface after installation, it can be removed using a clean, white cloth dampened with denatured alcohol. Avoid using harsh solvents or abrasive materials that could damage the tile.
Furniture and Equipment Considerations
To protect the SDT flooring, furniture and equipment should be equipped with non-staining, smooth, and flat casters that make full contact with the floor. This ensures even weight distribution and minimizes the risk of localized pressure or damage to the tile surface.
Conclusion
Armstrong Static Dissipative Tile (SDT) is a specialized flooring solution designed for environments where electrostatic discharge control is essential. The installation process involves careful preparation, proper adhesive application, and precise placement of copper grounding strips to ensure the flooring's ESD performance. Once installed, the flooring must be maintained using recommended cleaning products and procedures to preserve both its appearance and functionality.
The use of Armstrong S-202 adhesive and S-392 SDT polish is critical to maintaining the integrity of the flooring system. Installers and facility managers should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure a safe, effective, and long-lasting installation. By adhering to the provided technical specifications and maintenance instructions, Armstrong SDT can provide reliable electrostatic protection in sensitive environments for years to come.