Cork Flooring Installation
Avoid Potential Problems:
It cannot be stated and emphasized often enough that complete satisfaction and appreciation of Cork Decor flooring is directly dependent on proper installation. Cork flooring problems are not caused by the product itself but by improper installation practices (i.e., use of wrong adhesives or polyurethane's, poor subfloor preparation) or by not following the manufacturer's instructions as shown on the labels of the products to be used. Avoid installing Cork Decor floors in any areas with excessive subfloor moisture (i.e. moist below grade basements or freshly poured concrete or leveling compounds not completely cured). It is the responsibility of the installer to test for excessive moisture. When using leveling compounds, complete drying of compound is critical for proper adhesion. While the cure time may be a few hours, the complete drying time of these compounds can take 24 hours or more. It is, therefore, important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Color Variation:
Cork Decor floorings are high quality, natural materials and should be handled accordingly. Some shade variation is an inherent and attractive characteristic of natural products. Both wood and cork, as natural materials, may change color when exposed to sunlight over prolonged periods of time. Cork will tend to fade while most woods will darken/mellow. These subtle color changes do not take way from the beauty of these materials and cork flooring under normal wear and proper installation/maintenance, will last upwards of 30 years.
Recommended Adhesives:
Experience has demonstrated time and again that the best adhesive for installing Cork Decor floor tiles is a water-based contact cement. Cork is unique in that it is a porous material and therefore allows the water in the adhesive to evaporate and create a strong bond. In addition, contact cement is available locally in nearly every hardware store and home center, enabling the consumer to avoid expensive shipping charges and purchase locally. Although years of experience with contact cement has shown it to be a reliable and effective adhesive in nearly every case, Jelinek Cork makes no warranty that it is the ideal adhesive for your floor. We strongly suggest that one or two tiles are tested in a low visibility area prior to installing the entire floor.
Subfloor Preparation:
1. Proper preparation of the subfloor is essential for the successful installation of cork floor tile. Remove paint, wax or any other substance that may prevent proper bonding. All subfloors must be smooth, dry, clean and free of dirt, grease, wax or anything that would hinder a good bond. Subfloors must be level and moisture free. For existing wood floors, use a paint or varnish remover, then scrub with tri-sodium phosphate. In severe cases, it may be necessary to machine sand the floor. When these steps have been completed, the floor must be washed, rinsed and allowed to dry.
2. Wood Floors must be leveled and all cracks filled with a wood filler or similar material. The floor should then be sanded to assure uniformity. If conditions require, existing floors may be covered with 3/8 or 1/2 inch plywood with both sides finished. Plywood must be securely anchored.
3. Concrete floors (new or existing) must be leveled with latex fill as needed. Prime the concrete with standard concrete primer. NOTE: We do not recommend installing cork floor tile on or below the grade, unless precautions are taken to guarantee that moisture will not penetrate through the subfloor.
4. If installing on existing vinyl or other smooth surfaces, rough up surfaces to ensure adhesive bond. Existing vinyl and sheet goods subfloors must be in good condition, firm and clean.
Tile Installation:
1. Remove cork tiles from packaging materials and place open tiles in the room where installation will take place for 48 hours prior to installation. Temperature should be between 60F and 70F (15C and 21C) with normal levels of humidity during this period as well as during subsequent installation.
2. Follow the manufacturer's laying instructions for application of adhesives. For adhesives requiring a trowel application be sure to use the proper trowel size to ensure the correct amount is applied.
3. Carefully roll tiles with a standard 100 or 150 pound tile roller. Tiles should be rolled a minimum of four times in each direction. To clean excess adhesive from tiles after installation, use a damp cloth if the adhesive is wet or mineral spirits if it is dry.
4. Tiles may be cut with a linoleum or utility knife. Be sure knife is sharp.
5. After installation, restrict heavy traffic for 24 hours or more, depending on type of adhesive used.
6. Urethane or flooring wax can be applied on tiles which are not prefinished immediately following installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
It cannot be stated and emphasized often enough that complete satisfaction and appreciation of Cork Decor flooring is directly dependent on proper installation. Cork flooring problems are not caused by the product itself but by improper installation practices (i.e., use of wrong adhesives or polyurethane's, poor subfloor preparation) or by not following the manufacturer's instructions as shown on the labels of the products to be used. Avoid installing Cork Decor floors in any areas with excessive subfloor moisture (i.e. moist below grade basements or freshly poured concrete or leveling compounds not completely cured). It is the responsibility of the installer to test for excessive moisture. When using leveling compounds, complete drying of compound is critical for proper adhesion. While the cure time may be a few hours, the complete drying time of these compounds can take 24 hours or more. It is, therefore, important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Color Variation:
Cork Decor floorings are high quality, natural materials and should be handled accordingly. Some shade variation is an inherent and attractive characteristic of natural products. Both wood and cork, as natural materials, may change color when exposed to sunlight over prolonged periods of time. Cork will tend to fade while most woods will darken/mellow. These subtle color changes do not take way from the beauty of these materials and cork flooring under normal wear and proper installation/maintenance, will last upwards of 30 years.
Recommended Adhesives:
Experience has demonstrated time and again that the best adhesive for installing Cork Decor floor tiles is a water-based contact cement. Cork is unique in that it is a porous material and therefore allows the water in the adhesive to evaporate and create a strong bond. In addition, contact cement is available locally in nearly every hardware store and home center, enabling the consumer to avoid expensive shipping charges and purchase locally. Although years of experience with contact cement has shown it to be a reliable and effective adhesive in nearly every case, Jelinek Cork makes no warranty that it is the ideal adhesive for your floor. We strongly suggest that one or two tiles are tested in a low visibility area prior to installing the entire floor.
Subfloor Preparation:
1. Proper preparation of the subfloor is essential for the successful installation of cork floor tile. Remove paint, wax or any other substance that may prevent proper bonding. All subfloors must be smooth, dry, clean and free of dirt, grease, wax or anything that would hinder a good bond. Subfloors must be level and moisture free. For existing wood floors, use a paint or varnish remover, then scrub with tri-sodium phosphate. In severe cases, it may be necessary to machine sand the floor. When these steps have been completed, the floor must be washed, rinsed and allowed to dry.
2. Wood Floors must be leveled and all cracks filled with a wood filler or similar material. The floor should then be sanded to assure uniformity. If conditions require, existing floors may be covered with 3/8 or 1/2 inch plywood with both sides finished. Plywood must be securely anchored.
3. Concrete floors (new or existing) must be leveled with latex fill as needed. Prime the concrete with standard concrete primer. NOTE: We do not recommend installing cork floor tile on or below the grade, unless precautions are taken to guarantee that moisture will not penetrate through the subfloor.
4. If installing on existing vinyl or other smooth surfaces, rough up surfaces to ensure adhesive bond. Existing vinyl and sheet goods subfloors must be in good condition, firm and clean.
Tile Installation:
1. Remove cork tiles from packaging materials and place open tiles in the room where installation will take place for 48 hours prior to installation. Temperature should be between 60F and 70F (15C and 21C) with normal levels of humidity during this period as well as during subsequent installation.
2. Follow the manufacturer's laying instructions for application of adhesives. For adhesives requiring a trowel application be sure to use the proper trowel size to ensure the correct amount is applied.
3. Carefully roll tiles with a standard 100 or 150 pound tile roller. Tiles should be rolled a minimum of four times in each direction. To clean excess adhesive from tiles after installation, use a damp cloth if the adhesive is wet or mineral spirits if it is dry.
4. Tiles may be cut with a linoleum or utility knife. Be sure knife is sharp.
5. After installation, restrict heavy traffic for 24 hours or more, depending on type of adhesive used.
6. Urethane or flooring wax can be applied on tiles which are not prefinished immediately following installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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