Introduction to Installing Vinyl Tile


What tools will I need to install my tile floor?

You'll need just the basics:

  • Floor Tile (make sure you have enough tile to finish the job)
  • Adhesive (not needed for self-adhering tile)
  • Adhesive Trowel (not needed for self-adhering tile)
  • Underlayment or Leveler (follow manufacturer's recommendations to determine quantity)
  • Smooth-edge Trowel (if using underlayment or leveler)
  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil
  • Chalk Line and Chalk
  • Sharp Utility Knife
  • Roller (kitchen rolling pin will do)

Subfloor Prep

  • Store tile in the room in which you plan to install for 48 hours. Keep room at minimum of 65° F (18° C) during that time and during installation. After installation, temperature should not fall below 65° F (18° C) for the first 48 hours, and not below 55° F (13° C) after that.
  • If room is heated by radiant coils in the subfloor, the temperature of the floor surface should not exceed 85° F (29° C).
  • Install over smooth, well-bonded resilient floors; dry concrete; and wood floors with a plywood overlay.
  • Subfloor must be level, clean, and free of wax, grease, oil, or dust.
  • If necessary, patch or fill any cracks with S-184 Fast-Setting Patch and Underlayment.
  • Use Armstrong One-Part Embossing Leveler to smooth any texture or embossing on the old floor.

Alternatives to the Removal of Existing Resilient Floor Covering
Armstrong recommends that whenever possible you leave the existing resilient floor covering in place and go over the top with your new floor. Alternatives to the removal of an unsuitable resilient floor over approved subfloors are:

1. Installing over a single layer of existing resilient flooring.

2. Filling the embossing of the existing resilient flooring with S-199 Embossing Leveler or S-194 Patch, Underlayment and Embossing Leveler mixed with S-195 Latex Additive before installation (residential only).

3. Covering existing resilient flooring on an approved suspended wood subfloor with a recommended wood underlayment.

 

WARNING! In-Place Resilient Floor Covering and Asphaltic Adhesives:

DO NOT SAND, DRY sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, beadblast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient flooring, backing, lining felt or asphaltic "cut-back" adhesives.

These products may contain either asbestos fibers or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the product is a nonasbestos-containing material, you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that material be tested to determine asbestos content and may govern the removal and disposal of material. Whenever possible, existing resilient flooring should be left in place and the new floor installed over the top. If you must remove the flooring material, contact your retailer or Armstrong Consumer Solution Center, P.O. Box 3001, Lancaster, PA 17604, for a copy of recommended work practices. These should be followed.