Installation FAQs

What causes a clicking/crackling sound when walking over a resilient floor?

This can occur when tile has not conformed properly to the subfloor. When flooring is installed, it is recommended you acclimate the flooring to the area in which it will be installed. It is also recommended the area be 65°F (18°C) or more. These temperatures will allow tile to conform when it is laid onto the floor and pressed into place. If the installation area is cold, and/or the tile is cold, the tile will not conform properly. When you walk on tile, you are pushing it down into the adhesive, and if the tile is not conformed, you are pushing it into contact with the adhesive which causes the clicking/crackling sound. To fix this, you can usually heat the area for at least a day, and then roll the tile using a 100-pound roller.

Why should I use Armstrong Flooring Installation Products to install Armstrong floors instead of some other brand?

Because Armstrong Flooring provides a system of installation products, seam sealing products and maintenance products that have been completely and thoroughly tested to work with the floor structure. Believe it or not, there is a well-advanced science in the study of resilient floor covering performance dynamics which drive the development of installation, seam treatment and maintenance products. For example, we know that to install a large sheet of pliable felt backed vinyl flooring, the installer needs more working time to allow him to reposition, adjust, and move the piece once laid into the adhesive. To use a multipurpose adhesive in this instance, which generally develops early grab, you could damage the felt backing of the floor and wind up replacing the entire job. On the commercial side of Armstrong flooring, each product has its own unique performance characteristics. Some have a tendency to show edge curl, some have a tendency to shrink over time. Therefore, you need an adhesive that has been specifically designed to overcome those performance attributes. To use an adhesive that has not been designed specifically for these types of floors creates the opportunity for catastrophic failures.

What is meant by pot life?

Pot life is the amount of time a product, which must be mixed, remains workable in the original mixing container. This is generally applicable to two-part epoxies and powder underlayments.

What is meant by "freeze-thaw stable" in relation to adhesives?

Freeze-thaw stable adhesives are not as prone to cold weather damage as other adhesives, but they must still be treated with care. They should be shipped in heated trucks and stored in above-freezing temperatures. Most freeze-thaw stable adhesives can be thawed if the temperature has not dropped below 10°F. Below that temperature, they can be damaged too badly to be used. If a product has been frozen at above 10°F, it often can be used after thawing at 72°F for 12 to 24 hours. NEVER APPLY HEAT DIRECTLY TO FROZEN PRODUCTS. Some adhesives are not affected at all by freezing. These are usually epoxies or solvent-based products. To ensure proper handling and performance, all adhesives should be stored at room temperature above 65°F for at least 24 hours before they can be used.

What is the minimum acceptable temperature for the storage of flooring and installation materials?

Store all materials in a dry area out of direct sunlight, rolled face out on a core and standing upright. If it becomes necessary, the rolls may be stored on end in an unheated warehouse at temperatures between 30°F (-1°C) and 85°F (29°C) as long as they are protected from the weather, the area is dry and out of direct sunlight, and free of internal combustion (exposure to exhaust from gas or oil combustion in the form oxides of nitrogen can lead to warehouse yellowing especially in residential flooring). Allow all flooring materials and adhesives to condition to the room temperature before starting the installation. Materials must be stored indoors in a heated space protected from the weather and maintained at a minimum temperature of 65°F (18°C) and a maximum temperature of 100°F (38°C) for at least 48 hours before installation.

What is the purpose of latex when using powdered underlayments?

S-184 Fast-Setting Patch & Underlayment contains latex in a powdered form. Whether added as a liquid or in powdered form, latex adds resiliency to the underlayment so it does not break up with a limited amount of deflection. Latex also improves the bond of the underlayment to the substrate.

How long after an installation should a floor be protected from rolling loads?

Newly installed commercial flooring should not be exposed to routine rolling load traffic (carts, litters, etc.) for at least 72 hours after installation to allow setting and drying of adhesives.  If rolling loads cannot be avoided, protect the installation for 72 hours after installation by covering with wood panels.