Suitable Substrate Floor Preparations
Substrates
Removal of all existing flooring is recommended whenever possible; however, in certain circumstances it may be possible to install over an existing floor.
Graphic Image Flooring(TM) vinyl flooring material may be installed over existing flooring surfaces such as terrazzo, epoxy, ceramic tile, quarry tile, metal floors, and in certain cases resilient floors and VCT, provided they are dry, well bonded, sound, smooth, and free of waxes, polishes and/or any other foreign materials.
The responsibility of determining if the existing floor is a suitable subfloor rests solely with the customer, installer and flooring contractor. If there is any doubt, the existing floor should be removed.
Concrete Floors:
Concrete Floors must be smooth, clean, and permanently dry. Floors must be free of all foreign materials, including dust, sealers, paint, grease, oils, solvents, curing/hardening compounds, asphalt, old adhesive, residue, and any other contaminants.
Metal Subfloors:
Metal subfloors (Steel or Aluminum) must be clean, rigid, and free from all rust, oil, grease, coatings and all other contaminants.
Wood Floors:
Wood floors should be double layer construction with a minimum total thickness of 1”. The subfloor must be rigid, free from movement, and have at least 18” of well-ventilated air space below. Wood subfloors must not exceed 8% moisture content when measured with a Delmhorst Wood Moisture Tester. Do not install over particle board, chip board or Masonite™.
Unsuitable Substates Include:
Rubber, Cushioned Flooring, Strip Wood, Gypsum Based Underlayment or Lightweight Concrete