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Installation and application
instructions
Thank you for choosing GreenFloors
recycled leather tiles, a natural product, for your décor needs. The
nature of this product adds to its beauty, authenticity, and uniqueness.
The natural aspect of these tiles may vary in grain, texture, and color
adding to the appeal of the floor. Recycled leather floor tiles are
a natural product and can absorb moisture. This absorption is called “wicking” in the
flooring industry and is prevalent in all natural products such as cork, bamboo, and
wood. Please carefully read and follow these instructions. A professional installer
with experience working with natural products or sheet vinyl is recommended to install
the flooring.
Tools Required:
Utility knife, straightedge,
1/16“x1/32”x1/32” notched trowel, short nap roller and pan for sealer, tape
measure, damp rag for clean-up, 75-100 lb. floor roller.
Step # 1:
Prior to receiving the tiles, the floor
subsurface must be prepared by cleaning, sanding and leveling the
floor. All holes and crevices must be filled so they do not reflect back through the tiles.
Tiles should be installed on a surface free of dust, oil, paint, glue, foreign matter, and
moisture. Best results have been on plywood surfaces. Concrete surfaces should be fully
cured. Installations over radiant heat systems may cause problems and are not recommended.
Step #2:
Before installation the tiles must be
removed from their box and packaging, stacked horizontally (Finished side up)
in the room they are going to be laid in for a period of 72 hours to allow them to
adapt to temperature, humidity. Room temperature needs to be at its normal final stage
during this period and when tiles are installed. Never install tiles below 50 degrees or
above 90 degrees Fahrenheit due to humidity and glue curing. Stack tiles neatly and
not over 15-20 tiles high. Removal of doors for installation is not recommended as this
could change room climate.
Step#3:
Divide the room into sections so the
tiles can be laid from the center of the room to the outside. This allows for
full tile exposure in the main areas. Be sure to allow for full tiles to run out into
the doorways. Small cuts are not advisable in high traffic areas. Natural leather tile
grains are not designed to match. Suggest turning the grain pattern ¼ from adjacent tile to
create a random grain pattern. The random matched grains add character and appeal
to each room. Moisture Tests: Testing for vapor
emissions in accordance with the anhydrous calcium chloride ASTM test method 1869-98 is
advisable. Also, test alkalinity; pH levels higher than nine need corrective measures.
Moisture emissions over three pounds per 1000 square feet in 24 hours need corrected.
Do not install tiles until corrective actions
are complete.
Step #4:
The most crucial part of any natural
product installation is the application of the glue and the placing of the
product. Laying tiles with GreenFloors Premium Adhesive is a simple
step-by-step process. Do not use too much adhesive. GreenFloors Adhesive is water based and
care must be taken to only apply a paper-thin coat of adhesive and let
the glue start to set up. This method is called the “Tacky Method”. Using caution to only cover an area
that can be laid in about 10-15 minutes, the installer should trowel on the adhesive to the
floor, strike the glue at a perpendicular angle with the trowel, and then use the notched
edge to form setting ridges in the remaining coat. Tiles should be applied after the
adhesive flashes off. This open time depends upon temperature and humidity. The “tacky”
feeling occurs when the ridges of the glue are sticky to the finger, but your finger
does not dent or disrupt the ridge marks made by the notched trowel. The moisture is
actually “wicking” (evaporating) out of the glue prior to introducing the tile. This is vital in
applying any natural product. DO NOT ALLOW THE
ADHESIVE TO TOTALLY DRY.
Tiles need to be placed by reflecting
or angling the tiles backwards as they are laid. This will help to push the air out from
under the tiles as they go down. Seams are a natural part of this product and should
not be jammed together in attempt to hide them.
Do not jam or force seams together.
Butt join the seams and allow the edges of the tiles to have a paper thin area to
breathe and grow remembering this is a natural product. Avoid getting adhesive on
the edges of the tile. After a tile is in place use your hand to smooth it down, especially
along the edges. This is the first setting of the tile. Final rolling will come later.
Adhesive smears can be gently wiped off immediately with a damp cloth. If adhesive smears
are not wiped off immediately, then wait for the adhesive to dry completely, using your
thumb to gently roll the adhesive off the surface of the tile.
Note: A contact adhesive is recommended
when tiles are placed on walls or ceilings due to the weight of the tile. Follow
the contact adhesive manufacturer application instructions. The same care and
precautions need to be followed due to the water content. Tiles placed on walls and
ceilings still must be sealed after they are installed.
Step #5:
Rolling of the tiles should be done
approximately 30 minutes after installation. Again this will vary depending upon the
temperature. Test roll an area after 15 minutes and see if a “sticky” feeling and sound
is taking place. Repeat every 15 minutes until the feeling of sticking is
accomplished. This is the final setting of the tile.
Step #6:
GreenFloors Leather Sealant is
especially designed to protect and enhance the beauty of the tiles. Before applying
sealant, make sure the surface of the tiles are clean – no adhesive, dust, and other debris
is on the surface of the tile. The manufacturer of this product recommends two coats of
the sealer. The best application is by short nap roller and may be done 12-24 hours
after laying tile. Do not allow tiles to go unsealed past 24 hours. The second coat may be
applied after the first coat has dried completely. Allow the final coat to dry for 48
hours before full use of floor. Spraying the sealant is not advised, this method tends to
introduce air bubbles. Read the sealer instructions carefully. The sealer can be mixed in
pro-rated portions such as ½ the liquid in the quart can with ½ the liquid in the hardener
bottle; combined in a separate pail. Maintain and clean tiles by using a
damp rag or a damp mop. Never use harsh detergents. Mild detergents can be used
gently to get up sticky spills. Ammonia, wax, cleaners, and polishes are strictly
forbidden. Clean tiles and reapply sealer annually or
as needed. Repairs
to edges or seams can be made using contact adhesive. |
