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Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring
Detailed Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet Installation instructions
If you are a professional installer or a do-it-yourselfer, you can install
Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet. Conventional old-fashioned vinyl flooring can break or permanently
crease, and is very difficult to work with. Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet is very easy to work
with because of its unique structural composition. At its core, Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet
has a highly resilient fiberglass base, encapsulated with a tough layer
of PVC on both sides. Thanks to this revolutionary new construction, your
floor has unmatched dimensional stability, eliminating conventional problems
of contraction, expansion, curling and cracking, resulting in quicker,
easier money-saving installation and higher durability. In addition, Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet,
because of its unique construction, is extremely resistant to moisture,
unlike tradional paper-backed vinyl. After all, one use of PVC is water
pipes!
BEFORE INSTALLATION
SUBSTRATE - CHECK OFF
LIST
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES YOU MAY
NEED
DO-IT-YOURSELF LOOSE-LAY
INSTALLATION
DO-IT-YOURSELF SEMI LOOSE-LAY
INSTALLATION USING DOUBLE FACE TABE OR PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE
(installations under 25 sq yds)
SEAMS CONSTRUCTED IN SEMI
LOOSE-LAY INSTALLATIONS
THE PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED
METHOD. FULL SPREAD INSTALLATION USING PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE
SEAMS CONSTRUCTED IN A FULLY
ADHERED INSTALLATION
THE KITCHEN ISLAND
INSTALLATION OF TRIMS, MOLDINGS
AND DOORWAY TERMINATIONS
Care immediately after installation
Stain Removal
1 Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet rolls will be delivered on a core, and should always be stored
this way.
2 Cuts of Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet over 6 feet in length should be stored and transported
on a core. Cuts under six feet in length may be rolled the short way,
but do not bend or crease them. Never apply extensive pressure with tape
or twine.
3 Inspect the flooring to ensure that it is free of visible defects. Contact
your supplier immediately if defects are found.
4 The Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet should be acclimated by storing in or near the room of
installation at a temperature of no less than 65 degrees F (18.3 C) for
a minimum of 6 hours prior to installation.
5 Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity. The temperature of the substrate
should not be less than 65 degrees F and humidity should not exceed 75%
whenever possible, especially in full-spread adhesive applications. If
you must install Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet in high humidity, always give the adhesive more
time to cure. A heavy-duty floor fan may speed drying time.
6 Be sure to have a detailed diagram displaying the location of the seams
and a list of supplies such as leveling compound, cutting knives, seam
sealer, caulking tape, adhesive, etc.
SUBSTRATE - CHECK OFF LIST
Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet may be installed over a variety of substrates, even over two
layers of existing fully secured non cusion-back vinyl if the surface
is firm, smooth and level. Ceramic tile, terrazzo, marble, existing resilient
or tile floors, approved wood, OSB, particleboard, plywood, suspended
wood and prepared (smooth) concrete are suitable substrates. It may be
installed on grade, above or below grade, depending on local conditions.
1 Floor is to be free of debris and dust.
2 It is preferable to remove quarter rounds before beginning installation.
Installation is possible without doing so, but the finished look may not
be as attractive.
3 All existing substrates must be secure, dry, flat, and smooth, as deviations
over 1/16" may telegraph through the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet. Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet will cover
many minor imperfections, but a good substrate yields the best results.
4 Any looseness of the substrate may create future problems.
5 For a full-spread installation, remove all loose or cracked paint, varnish
and was from the sub floor. Make smooth all deviations with floor leveling
compound, as they may otherwise show through your new floor.
6 The strength of the finished surface will depend in the integrity of
the sub-floor. Avoid installing over shift layers of old vinyl or more
than two layers of felt-backed vinyl. Never install over cushioned-back
vinyl. You cannot apply leveling compound over soft layers of vinyl. The
continuous flexing will break down the compound.
7 If your new Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet is being installed over conventional or old felt-back
vinyl, the existing material may be curled or rolled up around the edges
or seams. With a straight edge, cut off all the loose material. Cut some
scrap pieces to fill the cutout areas. apply pressure sensitive adhesive
in exposed areas and fit in fill pieces that have already been cut to
fit.
8 If you prefer to use the double-face tape method, and the substrate
is porous, apply a latex sealer to seal it prior to applying the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
9 If your sub floor is wet, allow it to dry before applying leveling compound.
Check for dryness with a moisture meter.
10 A wet sub floor will result in moisture being trapped between the sub
floor and the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet, which could lead to permanent future damage or
problems.
11 If using the full-spread adhesive installation, remove all loose or
cracked paint, varnish, and wax from sub floor.
12 If you choose to use a fully adhered installation over a plywood sub
floor, where there is exposed oil based paint or stains, or existing natural
knots in the plywood sub floor, cover with a latex patch or seal.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES YOU MAY NEED
Depending on the type of installation (loose-lay, semi loose-lay or full
spread adhesive), you may need the following tools or supplies. These
are in addition to any tools needed to prepare the sub floor, or any cleaning
supplies.
NOTE: NEVER use regular multipurpose adhesive with Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
Always use recommended pressure sensitive adhesives.
Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet may be installed loose-lay, semi loose-lay or full spread
adhesive application. Loose-lay installation is available for rooms that
do not exceed 25 sq yards (225 sqare feet) and do not require seams. Full
spread installations are to be used if the floor receives heavy or rolling
traffic (such as microwave carts, portable dishwashers or other appliances,
or requires more than 25 sq yards of Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet. The full spread installation
will increase Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet's performance and is the preferred method for the
professional installer.
Double-Face acrylic tape
Straight-blade utility knife
Screwdriver or putty knife
Hammer
Carpeter's saw
Tape measure
Short nap paint roller
Rolling pin
Metal straightedge
Household scissors
Drywall taping knife (broad knife)
Small strip of wood or metal
approx. 2" high by 18" long by approx. 3/16" thick for use as a trim guide (a paint stirrer could be used)
Seam Couting Kit (silicone caulking)
- Installing over Damaged Vinyl (will need to use tools
below)
If installing Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet over vinyl flooring that is uneven, huge cuts you will need to remove and prepare the subfloor, otherwise you can install Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet up to 2 layers of vinyl. - Installing over Plywood (will need to use tools below)
If installing a new plywood subfloor, use APA Underlayment Grade. For new or existing plywood subfloors, check for loose panels, gapped joints, knots, nail holes, or other damage. - Installing Concrete/Ceramic (will need to use tools
below)
Must be clean, dry, and dust-free. Check for cracks, scaling, levelness, and other damage. If installing over ceramic tile, terrazzo, or marble, ensure that the tiles are firmly bonded.Suggested TOOLS for Preparing a Subloor if needed:
Floor Stripper & Cleaner for bad vinyl
Smooth edge trowel
Medium grit sandpaper
Sanding block
Patch underlayment
Underlayment additive
DO-IT-YOURSELF LOOSE-LAY INSTALLATION
1 Place the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet in the area and align the patterns with the wall.
2 Remove excess material and leave two inches up all walls.
3 Make relief cuts at the corners and projections to allow the material
to lay flat before the final cuts are made.
4 After the patterns are aligned, cut in with a utility knife or trimmer
leaving a 1/8 inch expansion gap for atmospheric conditions (movement
of the walls and sub-floor). For larger installations installed over suspended
wood floors, or in a climate where there is a great temperature of the
variance you should leave a 1/4 inch gap.
5 The Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet should not touch the wall or corners at any point. Otherwise,
bubbles or wrinkles may occur. The floor must first lay flat to stay flat.
6 If Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet is installed within the perimeter of the quarter round,
fill in the exposed expansion gap with a permanent flexible silicone caulking.
7 Use permanent flexible silicone caulk next to bathtubs showers, sliding
doors and in similar areas.
8 When replacing quarter round or any moldings, make sure they are secured
to the wall, and not touching the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet. "Floating" registers
may rest on the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet, but if they are attached to the floor, they
should not touch the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
9 For bathroom installations, it is not necessary to remove the toilet.
Make relief cuts around the perimeter of the toilet. Allow the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet
to lay flat and trim off the excess material.
10 NOTE: Bubbles may appear if you shove or slide heavy objects
across the face of the flooring. Always lift objects and place them on
the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
DO-IT-YOURSELF SEMI LOOSE-LAY INSTALLATION USING DOUBLE FACE
TABE OR PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE (installations under 25 sq.
yards)
1 Select flooring in front of two adjoining walls on which to place a
thin acrylic double face tape. Ideally, the double face tape should be
placed on flooring adjacent to one wall that contains an entrance area,
and another wall that may contain heavy appliances. The tape will then
be in an L-shape along two walls only. Use a diagram.
2 Position the tape in an in "X" underneath moveable appliances
and in heavy traffic areas.
3 Never overlap double face tape.
4 Position the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet in the area and align the patterns with the wall,
identifying the location of the seam.
5 Remove excess material and leave 2 inches up all walls.
6 Make relief cuts at the corners and projections to allow the material
to lay flat before the final cuts are made.
7 after the patterns are aligned, cut in with a utility knife or trimmer
leaving a 1/8-inch gap for atmospheric conditions (movement of the walls
of sub-floor). For larger instillations installed over suspended wood
floors, or in a climate where there is a great temperature variance, you
should leave a 1/4 inch gap.
8 Bubbles may appear if the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet comes in contact with the walls at
any point.
9 Fold the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet back and remove the paper covering from the top of
the tape.
10 Press the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet onto the tape
11 Instead of double face tape, you can apply a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive
or Parabond sensitive adhesive along the two adjoining walls and in the
areas of heavy or rolling traffic. Use a paint roller or a trowel. Allow
ample open time for the adhesive to set up and become tacky.
12 Replace any necessary quarter round or trim, but make sure it is secured
to the wall and not touching the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet. If no quarter round is installed,
caulk the exposed expansion gap with permanent flexible silicone caulk.
13 Use permanent flexible silicone caulk next to bathtubs, showers, and
sliding doors and in other similar areas.
14 NOTE: Bubbles may appear if you shove or slide heavy objects
across the face of the flooring. Always lift objects and place them on
the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
SEAMS CONSTRUCTED IN SEMI LOOSE-LAY INSTALLATIONS
- Run seams parallel to, not across, major traffic areas whenever possible.
- Never locate a seam perpendicular to a doorway or entrance.
- Whenever possible, avoid seams at major pivot points.
- Never construct a seam on top of a seam in existing vinyl.
1 Lay one section of the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet on top of the other, align the patterns
and place a steel straightedge at the designated match point (a grout
line is recommended, if available). Hold the straightedge secure and cut
through both thicknesses at the same time with a utility knife. Take care
to make a perpendicular cut (keep knife upright) so that the edges may
be seamed correctly.
2 Carefully remove the selvedge pieces and position both sections with
the pattern matched.
3 Fold back one section of Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet and position double face tape under
the second section. DO NOT remove liner from the side of the tape facing
the floor.
4 Keep the tape centered and adhered to the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet, not to the substrate.
Fold the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet back and align the pattern with the tape attached.
5 Apply a bead of Seam Sealer or Parabond seam sealer to the edge of the
Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet with the tape attached, and then fold the other section into
this section.
6 Any excess seam sealer may easily be removed within 15 minutes by wiping
the area with a damp cloth.
7 Dried adhesive may be removed with a cloth damped with mineral sprits.
8 Protect all seamed areas for the first 8 hours.
THE PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED METHOD. FULL SPREAD INSTALLATION
USING PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE
1 Position the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet, aligning the patterns with the wall.
2 Remove excess material along the walls, leaving approximately two inches
up the wall.
3 Make relief cuts to allow the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet to lay flat before the final
cuts are made. Trim material at walls leaving 1/8 inch space.
4 Fold half of the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet back and apply a thin layer of Pressure Sensitive
Adhesive or ParaBond pressure sensitive adhesive to the sub-floor with
a 1/16 inch v-notched trowel or a low-nap paint roller (preferred method).
A trowel may leave beads of glue that are slow to dry.
5 Lay Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet into the adhesive after it becomes completely dry. If you
do not allow sufficient open time the adhesive may not dry completely,
and the wet adhesive may release gases causing bubbles.
6 Repeat the process with the other half and thoroughly roll the entire
area from the center in four directions with a roller of not more than
100 pounds. This is done to expel any trapped air and insure full adhesion.
7 Replace any quarter round or trim that was removed before installation.
If no quarter round is installed, caulk the exposed expansion gap with
permanent flexible silicone caulk.
8 Use permanent flexible silicone caulk next to bathtubs, showers and
sliding doors and in other similar areas.
9 Reposition the appliances using professional moving guides or carpet
with the pile side down. Do not slide heavy appliances over or across
the flooring.
SEAMS CONSTRUCTED IN A FULLY ADHERED INSTALLATION
- Run seams parallel to, not across, major traffic areas whenever possible.
- Never locate a seam perpendicular to a doorway or entrance.
- Whenever possible, avoid seams at major pivot points.
- Never construct a seam on top of a seam in existing vinyl.
1 Lay on section of the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet on top of the other, align the patterns
and place a steel straightedge at the designated match point. Hold the
straightedge secure and cut through both thicknesses at the same time
with a utility knife. Take care to make a perpendicular cut so that the
edges may be seamed correctly.
2 Carefully remove the selvedge pieces and position both sections with
the pattern matched.
3 Fold back one section of Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet and apply the pressure sensitive adhesive
to the substrate.
4 After the adhesive sets, position one section of Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet onto the floor.
5 Apply a bead of Seam Sealer or Parabond seam sealer along the flat edge,
and then fold the other edge into the seam. Press the edges together.
6 Any excess seam sealer may easily be removed within 15 minutes by wiping
the area with a damp cloth.
7 Dried adhesive may be removed with a cloth damped with mineral sprits.
8 Protect all seamed areas for the first 8 hours.
THE KITCHEN ISLAND
When installing Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet around an island counter in the kitchen, it is
recommended that the seam be placed on the side away from pivotal traffic,
regardless of the seam length required.
1. Door metals should be fitted with the front edge over the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet
and nailed to the floor, not through the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
2. Replace the quarter round by nailing it into the wall and not into
the floor. Place no pressure on the new Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
3. If the quarter round is not used or was not removed cap the exposed
expansion gap with permanent flexible silicone caulk.
4. Other types of moldings may sometimes be necessary, depending on the
type of flooring adjoining the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet, and the height differences between
the 2 floors. A variety of metal, plastic, rubber and wood transitions
and moldings are available from profesional retailers, who will help you
pick the correct one for your application. However, one rule always applies.
The transitions or moldings should be secured to the sub floor, not the
Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
INSTALLATION OF TRIMS, MOLDINGS AND DOORWAY TERMINATIONS
1. Door metals should be fitted with the front edge over the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet
and nailed to the floor, not through the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
2. Replace the quarter round by nailing it into the wall and not into
the floor. Place no pressure on the new Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
3. If the quarter round is not used or was not removed cap the exposed
expansion gap with permanent flexible silicone caulk.
4. Other types of moldings may sometimes be necessary, depending on the
type of flooring adjoining the Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet, and the height differences between
the 2 floors. A variety of metal, plastic, rubber and wood transitions
and moldings are available from profesional retailers, who will help you
pick the correct one for your application. However, one rule always applies.
The transitions or moldings should be secured to the sub floor, not the
Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
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Care immediately after installation
1. After a full spread installation, heavy traffic should be avoided for
at least 24 hours to allow the adhesive to set hard. Use professional
guides, or a section of carpet turned face down to move furniture, appliances,
or other heavy objects.
2. If the installation is a semi loose-lay or loose-lay type, appliances
and heavy objects are to be lifted, not rolled, slid or pushed over the
new Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet.
3. Protect all the seamed areas for the first 8 hours.
4. Keep the room at a temperature of 68 degrees F for at least 2 days.
5. Before use, to remove any residual surface film, clean the new Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet
by adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid to warm water.
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allwo floor to dry before walking
on it.
Stain Removal
CRAYON
Rub the stain with mineral spirits of turpentine on a clean white cloth.
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
LIBPSTICK
Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol on a clen white cloth.
If stain is still visibile, rub the stain with mineral spirits of turpentine
on a clean white cloth.
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
GRAPE JUICE/WINE
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
If stain is still visible, rub the stain with rubbing alcohol on a clen
white cloth.
mercurochrome/merthiolate
Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol on a clen white cloth.
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
MUSTARD
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
PEN INK
Rub the area with rubbing alcohol on a clen white cloth.
Rub the stain with mineral spirits of turpentine on a clean white cloth.
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
PERMANENT MARKER
Rub the stain with mineral spirits of turpentine on a clean white cloth.
If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover
containing acetone on a clean white cloth.
Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol on a clen white cloth.
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
SHOE POLISH/ASHALT DRIVEWAY SEALER
Rub the stain with mineral spirits of turpentine on a clean white cloth.
Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol on a clen white cloth.
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
HAIR DYE
Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol on a clen white cloth.
Rub the stain with mineral spirits of turpentine on a clean white cloth.
If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover
containing acetone on a clean white cloth.
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
PAINT/VARNISH
If paint is wet, wipe up the stain with water on a clean white cloth.
If paint stain is dry, carefully scrape residue with a thin spatula.
If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol.
If stain still shows, rub the stain with mineral spirits of turpentine
on a clean white cloth.
If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover
containing acetone on a clean white cloth.
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
NAIL POLISH
Very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover containing acetone
on a clean white cloth.
RUST
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
If traces remain, rub with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of oxalic
acid and water (one part acid to 10 parts water).
cigarette burns
The procedure depends on the exact construction of your floor. Consult
your retailer.
BLACK HEEL MARKS
Scrub the area with floor stripper & cleaner product and a nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
If stain shows, rub the area with a nonabrasive cleaner.
If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol.