How to prepare your subflooring
Existing floor coverings must be removed, and the subfloor made good before commencing installation.
The subfloor must be structurally sound, level, smooth, dry and free from contaminants.
New concrete and sand/cement screeds must be left for construction moisture to dry out, and the floor covering must not be laid until a hygrometer test in accordance with BS 8203 gives a relative humidity reading of not more than 75%.
Absorbent surfaces should be primed before the application of adhesive or smoothing compound. Much of this applies to carpet flooring too.
The installation process
The material should be allowed to acclimatise (tiles removed from their boxes) to the room’s normal operating temperature and humidity for a minimum period of 24 hours, and to be installed under the same conditions. Click here for hardwood flooring.
Where installed over underfloor heating, the heating must be switched off at least 48 hours prior to installation and switched back on at a low level at least 48 hours after installation, bringing the temperature up to its normal level gradually over 7 days. A maximum surface temperature of 27°C should not be exceeded.
Carpet tiles should be installed over a full spread of tackifier adhesive, commencing at the centre of the room and working towards the perimeter.
Sheet material should be fully bonded to the subfloor, however, in some instances an underlay system can be used - further details available on request.
When forming the seams of a loop pile sheet material, the carpet should be cut between the two rows of loops and seam sealer applied.
How can you increase the lifespan of your tiles?
There are various ways of providing the proper care to your tiles so they last longer, however the most recommended is by having regular tile and grout cleaning using the proper methods.
A2Z Cleaning in Melbourne uses a specially developed pre-treatment solution to restore and clean various types of tiling, including stone, ceramic and grout services. See more.
As well as tile cleaning, A2Z Cleaning is one of Melbourne’s prime carpet cleaners working for domestic and commercial locations. Please call 1300 285 145 for more information about their services.