The Mohawk FlexLoc Adhesive Tabs system provides a method for installing carpet tiles. The system utilizes adhesive tabs placed under the edges of tiles to secure them to the subfloor. Installation procedures vary based on room size, flooring type, and desired pattern. Specific considerations apply to moisture levels in concrete subfloors and the presence of existing adhesives. The system supports installations up to 99% relative humidity when using EcoFlex NXT® carpet tiles.
FlexLoc Adhesive Tab Installation Process
The installation process begins at the center of the floor, utilizing a stair-step or pyramid pattern. The first tile is positioned at the intersection point. Adhesive tabs are placed under each edge of the tile at the corners, leaving ¾ of the tab exposed. The second tile is then carefully slid into place and firmly pressed onto the exposed tabs. This process is continued, building outward from the center point.
Considerations for Large Rooms and Long Corridors
For rooms or corridors exceeding 100 feet in any dimension, additional adhesive is required to prevent tile movement. A 2-foot wide band of Mohawk EnPress adhesive must be applied to the floor. This adhesive should be applied using either a 3/8” nap roller or a 1/16” x 1/32” x 1/32” trowel. The adhesive band should be applied proportionately to the overall length or width of the space, dividing the dimensions equally.
Carpet Installation Checklist and Subfloor Preparation
Prior to installation, a checklist must be followed to ensure proper subfloor conditions. Newly poured concrete floors require a curing period of 30 days per inch of thickness. Moisture levels should not exceed 5 lbs./1000sf per 24 hours or 80% relative humidity, as determined by current ASTM standards. If moisture levels exceed these limits, installation should not proceed. However, EcoFlex NXT® carpet tiles installed using FlexLok® tabs can be used in installations with up to 99% relative humidity.
Addressing Existing Adhesives
The documentation notes specific requirements when dealing with existing adhesives. If non-asbestos containing cut-back or any incompatible adhesive is present, or if existing adhesive exhibits evidence of plasticizer migration, the existing adhesive must be removed. Following removal, Mohawk Group’s OptiSeal must be applied over the adhesive residue before proceeding with the FlexLoc installation. This ensures proper adhesion and prevents potential issues related to adhesive incompatibility.
Ashlar Installation Formats
The FlexLoc system supports Ashlar installation formats, including Brick Ashlar and 3-Step 8-Inch Offset. In these formats, each row of carpet tiles is shifted 8 inches. The shift can be implemented in a brick format or vertically. The documentation emphasizes that a three-step process must be used, offsetting each successive row of tiles one-third the length of the tile. A two-step process, shifting tiles only one-half their length, is not acceptable.
Access Panel Requirements
All access panels within the installation area must be sound, level, and have their edges firmly secured to the raised flooring pedestals. This ensures the stability and integrity of the installed flooring.
Available Mohawk Installation Resources
Mohawk Group provides installation instructions for a variety of flooring types, including:
- CYP
- Definity
- PDI
- Pattern Perfect (Broadloom)
- Tufted and Woven Goods (Direct Glue-Down Installation)
- Tufted and Woven Goods (Double Stick Installation)
- Carpet Tile & Plank Installation
- AccuSound Underlayment Installation
- Glue Down Tile Installation
- Glue Down PVC-Free Resilient Tile & Plank Installation
- Loose Lay LVT Installation
- Seam Welding Instructions
- Flash Cove Inside and Outside Corner Instructions
- Commercial Resilient Sheet Installation
- Commercial Resilient Homogeneous Sheet Flooring Installation
Conclusion
The Mohawk FlexLoc Adhesive Tabs system offers a method for installing carpet tiles, with specific procedures for different room sizes and subfloor conditions. Proper subfloor preparation, including moisture testing and addressing existing adhesives, is crucial for a successful installation. Adherence to the recommended installation patterns, such as the three-step Ashlar format, is also important. The system accommodates installations with high relative humidity when utilizing EcoFlex NXT® carpet tiles.
Sources
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