Installation
Installation should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations detailed in British Standard Code of Practice for Installation of Textile Floor Coverings BS 5325: 1983 (or any revision of this standard).
It is also recommended that the installation should be in accordance with The Contract Flooring Association Manual for Installation of Textile Floor Coverings (October 1989).
If surface tackifiers or other adhesives are to be used, the adhesive manufacturer’s guidelines with reference to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (as amended by the Consumer Protection Act 1987) should be consulted. Before commencing to lay tiles, check that they are from the same batch number, which is stamped on the back of each tile. It is important that batches are not mixed as shades may vary from batch to batch.
- Surface Preparation
- Application of Surface Tackifier
- Temperature & Conditioning
- Laying
- Maintenance
- Dirt Barrier Systems
- Planned Maintenance Schedules
- Deep Cleaning
- Miscellaneous
(a) Overview
The floor should be clean, level, dry and free from any contaminants such as oil, grease and polish. A new concrete slab should have moisture content, when measured with a hygrometer, less than 75% relative humidity.
Dusty floors and surfaces that are very absorbent should be swept clean and the surface sealed with an approved sealer.
The sealer should be allowed to dry before the application of any tackifier or adhesive system.Concrete screeds should be sound and any damaged areas or holes should be made good using an approved screeding material.
Vinyl tiles should be firmly adhered to the floor and all surface treatments should be removed prior to the application of the tackifier.
Uneven surfaces should be levelled by the application of hardboard or plywood, and the latter may require sealing to prevent the absorption of applied tackifier.
(b) Concrete Floors
Uneven concrete floors should be screeded and should be neither friable nor loose and powdery. Concrete floors laid direct to ground should incorporate a damp proof membrane and should be sealed to prevent dust rising though tile seams. Newly laid concrete floors must be perfectly dry and if there are any doubts, tests should be made for dampness with a hydrometer and readings taken in accordance with British Standard Code of Practice CP203: 1969 and any Supplementary Specifications. Laying should not be commenced until all the recordings taken show a value of 75% relative humidity.
(c) Timber Floors
Timber floors must be smooth. If resurfacing is necessary use 6mm ply board, nail or staple at regular closely spaced intervals.
For Wood block floors or similar, seek advice of supplier.
(d) Metal Deck Raised Flooring Systems
Take care not to scratch or damage metal surfaced raised floor modules. Do not lay carpet tiles onto modules, which are scratched or damaged. It is essential that the correct tackifier is applied as directed and that over application is avoided. It is essential that the tackifier be allowed the correct cure time so that all moisture has evaporated.
Application of Surface Tackifier
In all Installations it is recommended that an all-over surface tackifier method should be used. We recommend an anti-slip surface tackifier such as F.Ball Styccobond F41 applied using a roller and tray. This method ensures that the correct amount of adhesive is applied and avoids over-application, which may cause problems with raised floor panels and timber floors. Never pour surface tackifier directly from the drum onto a raised flooring system. The tackifier must be allow to dry to clear tacky film in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Under no circumstances must the tiles be laid in wet tackifier.
(a) Recommended Materials
Flooring Industries Ltd recommend the following materials:-
- Tackifer F41
- Sealer F70
- Sceeding Stopgap Powder/Liquid system as appropriate
- Surface cleaner Styccoclean
The above products are readily available and well known to the trade. They are manufactured by: -
F Ball and Co Ltd
Churnetside Business Park
Cheddleton
Staffordshire
ST13 7RS
Technical information is available by telephone 01538 361633.
NB There are alternative products available to the above in the market place. Flooring Industries Ltd must confirm the suitability of any alternative material before it is use is considered.
More detailed information on sub-floor preparation can be found in BS5325 and BS8203
The general room temperature of not less than 13°C (58°F) should be maintained in the laying area well before and after laying. The tiles should be stored in the laying area for at least 24 hours at the same temperature and humidity that will apply when the tiles are laid and it is recommended that this is at least 18°C (65°F). In very hot conditions, we recommend that carpet tiles should not be laid in direct sunlight where temperature in excess of 55°C (131°F) may be expected.
(a) Underfloor Heating
Where underfloor heating is installed this should be turned off at least 48 hours prior to laying. The maximum operating temperature should not be allowed to exceed 25°C (77°F) and large heavy furniture should be listed slightly to allow the circulation of air to prevent heat build-up. Carpet tiles are good heat insulators and a check should be made with the manufacturers of the underfloor heating system or the local Electricity Board to ensure that the efficiency of the heating system is not affected.
(a) Loop Pile Tufted Carpet Tiles
Due to technical and aesthetic reasons, loop pile tufted carpet tiles must be laid in chequerboard fashion i.e. the arrows on the reverse of the tiles should be positioned at right angles to each other as indicted in the diagram. However, certain qualities may be laid broadloom. Check with Flooring Industries.
(b) Needlepunched Carpet Tiles
(Which include directional pile tiles)
Due to technical and aesthetic reasons needlepunched carpet tiles must also be laid in chequerboard fashion as described above.
(c) Cut Pile Tufted Carpet Tiles
If the desired effect is to have the pile of the cut pile tiles laid in the same direction i.e. to create a broadloom effect, then the tiles should be laid with the arrows pointing in the same direction as indicted on the diagram.
We recommend that laying is commenced from the centre of the room. To do this, measure the distance between the opposite walls to obtain the centre and draw a line. Repeat this with the other walls. Check to ensure that you are not left with a very small strip against the wall or in a doorway. If necessary, adjust the starting point.
Start laying the tiles at the centre point as indicted in the diagram and work outwards. Lay all the tiles, which need no cutting before starting on those, which need to be cut.
Ensure that each tile butts up to its neighbour as tightly as possible. However, do not cause ‘peaks’ by joining the tiles too tightly. Ensure that any pile trapped between tiles is eased out using a suitable tool.
(d) Cutting to Edges and Walls
Use a Stanley knife or similar, fitted with along heavy-duty blade using sharp, firm cutting strokes. If possible, use a wood or hardboard base to prolong the life of the blade.
For a perfect fit against skirting boards, follow these instructions: -
1. Lift the last uncut tile A and replace it with the tile to be cut (tile B)
2. Place tile A against the skirting board on top of tile B. Using tile A as a template cut through tile B.
3. Replace tile A in its former position and fit the cut tile B against the skirting board.
(e) Awkward Shapes
It is advisable, when fitting around circular pipes, door mouldings etc., to make a pattern out of thin card before cutting. Metal cover strips should be used in doorways when appropriate. To protect edges laid on stairs, stair nosing strips must be used.
Click here for the maintenance of wool carpet tiles
We recommend that entrance barrier matting (such as our Tulip range) is fitted where possible, to remove foot-borne soil prior to entry to the building.
Statistics state on average that at least 60% of dirt within buildings is brought in by foot traffic from outside. A good dirt barrier system is absolutely critical for maintaining the appearance and preserving the investment of interior carpeting. A barrier system should be installed from day one to offer maximum protection to floorcoverings.
Manufacturers of high quality barrier matting, make the following claim:-
- Reduces periodic maintenance of the flooring by two thirds.
- Improves productivity of daily maintenance (cleaning times are reduced by more than 50%). With these savings the manufacturers claim that the product will pay for itself within six months.
A dirt barrier system should extend to least three metres (six paces) into the building from the outside. End users should also consider using dirt barrier products in any areas where personnel move from dirty to clean areas. These areas could include, lifts, canteens, reception areas, drink vending machines, surrounds between restaurants and kitchens, workshops and offices.
Various high quality barrier systems claim that with a minimum of three metres of product up to 80% of shoe borne dirt and moisture will be trapped. Barrier systems effectively work as friction between the sole of the shoe and the barrier matting creates a brush effect. Dirt and moisture can then be stored in the open spaces of the pile. The ability to absorb dirt and moisture effectively is maintained by regular vacuuming with an industrial upright rotating brush vacuum cleaner couple with periodic cleaning by dry compound or water extraction.
*Note Test reports from the Carpet Research Institute, Aachen, Germany
A planned maintenance schedule should be devised to show what cleaning and maintenance to carry out and how often.
A typical maintenance plan would include the following:-
- Areas to be vacuumed daily
- Areas to be vacuumed every two days
- Areas to be vacuumed twice weekly
- Areas to be vacuumed weekly
- Daily spot and stain removal
- Spot and stain removal when required
- Monthly deep clean of very heavy traffic areas
- Quarterly deep clean of heavy traffic areas
- Half yearly deep clean of medium traffic areas
- Annual deep clean of light traffic areas
- Deep clean as and when required (low use areas)
Vacuum Cleaning
A twin motor vacuum cleaner (in which one motor creates suction and the other drives a bristle type brush) will give the best results. However, although twin motor vacuum cleaners are more efficient than suction only cleaners, they are unsuitable for some needlepunched carpets (which include directional pile tiles) and wool rich Berbers. In these instances an appropriate suction only cleaner should be used.
Stain removal
It is essential that stains be dealt with as quickly as possible before they are allowed to dry in which case the problem becomes much worse. If the stain is treated quickly a mild detergent will be sufficient:
The procedure is as follows: -
Remove any solid matter by scraping with the blunt edge of a knife. Blot any liquid with a white, dry paper towel or cloth and continue until all liquid has been absorbed. Apply detergent solution with a sponge or a brush, working from the edge of the spillage towards the centre to avoid spreading it further. Remove excess solution by blotting as before and allow to dry. Experts best deal with severe staining. Do not use solvent type cleaners such as petrol, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, thawpit, white spirit or turpentine substitute. These solvents could soften the backing causing further staining. Methylated spirits may be applied sparingly but if staining is excessive simply replace the stained tile with anew one, which was previously out of sight (e.g. obscured by a piece of office furniture).
Detailed below are some methods of stain removal for a variety of common stains: -
STAIN |
METHOD |
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Four methods are available. Refer to the table below for details on the suitability of each for cut pile, loop pile and non-woven carpet tiles.
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CLEANING METHOD |
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GENERIC TILE TYPE |
SUCTION ONLY VACUUM |
BRUSH TYPE VACUUM |
DRY FOAM EXRACTION |
DRY POWDER EXTRACTION |
HOT WATER EXTRACTION |
ROTARY BRUSH CLEANING |
|
NON WOVEN Flat, Ribbed Velour Directional Pile |
√ √ |
† X |
† X |
X X |
√ √ |
† X |
|
LOOP PILE |
0 |
√ |
√ |
0 |
√ |
√ |
|
CUT PILE |
0 |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
KEY:
- √ Suitable
- 0 Less effective than other methods
- † Sometimes suitable- check carpet will not be damaged
- X Unsuitable
1. Dry Foam Extraction
Use a dry foam type of carpet shampoo applied in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Treat isolated stains as detailed above prior to overall shampooing. Recommended shampoos are DRIFOAM (Columbus Dixon) and CLEANDRI (Reckit and Coleman).
2. Dry Powder Extraction
A suitable cleaning powder (e.g. Host ‘Sponges’) should be brushed through the pile thoroughly using a cylindrical brush machine. The soil-laden powder may then be extracted with an upright industrial type vacuum cleaner.
3. Hot Water Extraction
This method involves hot water with detergent sprayed into the carpet under pressure. The same machine using a built-in vacuum unit then removes the excess water and soil residue.
Note that the equipment used should be fitted with a positive pressure pump to obtain maximum moisture extraction.
Carpets which have been cleaned using this method require up to 24 hours to dry and should not be walked over until the drying process in complete. IN areas where humidity levels are important, such as computer rooms, the method should not be used.
The supplier cannot be held responsible for damage resulting from over-wetting, which causes mildew and/or rapid resoling, as application conditions are beyond our control. Special care should be taken when cleaning tiles laid on raised floor to avoid damage to the modules.
4. Rotary Brush Cleaning
This method is similar to hot water extraction. The main difference being the way in which the shampoo is applied to the carpet. Hence, the shampoo is brushed into the carpet using a number of brushes moving in a rotary action, as opposed to the shampoo being spray applied.
SHADING
Apparent shade variation may occur due to different degrees of pile compression. This is an inherent feature of the product and will not affect its performance. After a period of normal wear, the apparent shade variation will disappear.
ZIPPERING
Certain Hydrashift designs may give a ‘zippering’ effect when the pattern does not match along the tile edge. The effect is more pronounced in some colourings than in others. Try to choose tiles, which have a pattern match along the edge to minimise the effect as much as possible.
CASTOR CHAIRS
If castor chairs are to be used, try to ensure that some consideration is given to the type of castor. Avoid the use of small diameter narrow castor wheels; the larger the castor and the wider the surface the better, minimum 2” diameter, 25mm (1” approx.) width.
HEAVY FURNITURE
Wherever possible, use protector cups under the feet of heavy furniture to avoid extremely high point loading.
STILETTO HEELS
Stiletto heels apply intense point loading. No responsibility can be accepted for loss of appearance or performance as a result of their use.
