Preparation & Material Handling
Floor Preparation
Moisture Testing:
Graphic Image Flooring (TM) uses G-Floor Graphic(TM) vinyl products by Better Life Technology (BLT) are intended for use in high-traffic areas, therefore preparation is especially important. In most cases, remove all existing floor coverings before installing these products. You must follow all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the removal of existing flooring.
All concrete under floors must be tested for moisture before starting the installation using either the Anhydrous Calcium Chloride Test following ASTM F1869 procedures and/or the IN-SITU Relative Humidity Test following ASTM F2170. The maximum permissible Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (“MVER”) is determined based on product construction and adhesive type. An MVER of up to 5 lb. moisture per 1,000 sq.ft. per 24 hr is the maximum acceptable MVER with G-Floor homogenous vinyl. The Relative Humidity Test readings according to ASTM F-2170 should not exceed (RH) 85%. If both tests are performed, the RH test is the qualifying standard.
NOTE: While either of these industry accepted moisture-testing methods may be used, the results are not interchangeable; if both tests are performed, they must both be in the acceptable range to be considered valid.
Floor Cleaning:
Floor must be clean, smooth, flat and dry. Remove all foreign substances such as wax, grease, dirt, construction marks and contaminants, and any substance or chemical that would interfere with a good bond. Prime extremely porous floors with Taylor Envirotec 2025 Universal Primer™ to prevent over absorption of adhesives, dust containment, and to insure a better bond for the adhesive to the subfloor/underlayment.
Patching & Leveling Compounds:
Use of Latex /Portland cement trowel underlayment or self-leveling cement-like products for repairing or leveling concrete subfloors is recommended where needed. Sand & fill approved underlayment panel joints using a latex/Portland cement compound.
Material Handling Procedures
It is imperative to maintain the material, adhesive, and job site at a temperature between 65°F - 85°F for 48 hours before and during the installation. If the material has been stored at colder temperatures, it will need to warm and allowed to relax to roll out for up to 24 - 48 hours before proceeding with the installation. The colder the storage or shipping the longer it will take to relax. Do not force or you risk damaging the vinyl. Contracting a qualified flooring installation service for all installations is highly suggested.
It may not be the floor covering installer’s responsibility to conduct the tests. It is, however, the floor covering installer’s responsibility to make sure these tests have been conducted and that the results are acceptable prior to installing the floor covering. When moisture tests are conducted, it indicates the conditions only at the time of the test.
If the flooring contractor elects to install new floor covering over an existing floor covering, the flooring contractor assumes all responsibility as to the suitability and continued performance of the existing floor covering. If removal of existing resilient floor covering is required, follow Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) work practices.
Inspection of flooring material prior to installation is required. Any defects should be reported within 2 days of receipt and prior to installation. Graphic Image Flooring is not responsible for material or labor costs to repair or replace material with defects that were apparent before, during or noticed at the end of an installation.