WE S T O N

INSTALLATION GUIDE
WESTON CARPETS

WE S T O N

Floor Preparation
All aspects of subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation should be in accordance with either BS 5325 The Installation of textile floorcoverings or BS 8203 The Installation of resilient floorcoverings as appropriate. During the laying period a temperature of at least 18C must be maintained and a floor temperature of at least 10C. The type and condition of the subfloor has a direct influence on the installation and performance of a floorcovering and the importance of subfloor preparation cannot be emphasised too strongly. For further information request our Floor Preparation Guide which gives comprehensive advice on subfloor preparation. This includes data sheets on all the products mentioned, giving detailed information on how they should be used. Environment Leaflet 47. New concrete and sand/cement screeds must be left for construction moisture to dry out before floorcoverings are laid. For estimated drying times see BS 8203. Floorcoverings should not be laid until a hygrometer test in accordance with BS 8203. Annex A Dampness Testing, gives a relative humidity reading of not more than 75%. Damp floors may be treated with STOPGAP F75 or STOPGAP F76 waterproof surface membranes as appropriate. Uneven surfaces must be smoothed using STOPGAP or STYCCOSCREED smoothing underlayment to prepare the surface for adhesive and floorcovering. Concrete floor paints must be completely removed by mechanical methods such as scabbling or shotblasting before application of smoothing underlayment or adhesives. Epoxy and polyurethane surface coatings should preferably be removed, but if this is not possible and provided they are firmly bonded, some coatings may be primed with undiluted STOPGAP P131 prior to skimming with the appropriate STOPGAP smoothing underlayment. Coatings vary considerably in this respect and we would suggest you check adhesion by prior testing to ensure a satisfactory bond is achieved.

Non-Absorbent Surfaces
Ceramic and quarry tiles, granolithic, terrazzo and power floated concrete slabs which have been trowelled to produce a dense smooth surface, tend to be non-absorbent in nature. If the recommended STYCCOBOND adhesive is not suitable for direct application to a non-absorbent surface, then the subfloor must be skimmed with a minimum of 3mm of the appropriate STOPGAP smoothing underlayment. Heavily glazed surfaces should be treated to create a key for the smoothing underlayment e.g. by scabbling or scouring with a coarse abrasive.

Concrete Treatments/Coatings
Waterproofing admixtures may adversely affect adhesion and should not be used, (see BS 8203). Chemical hardening/curing treatments should not be used on concrete bases as there could be an interaction with the smoothing underlayment or adhesive used. If these chemical treatments have been used they should be mechanically removed e.g. by scabbling or shotblasting the surface before applying smoothing underlayments or adhesives.

Concrete and Sand/ Cement Screed

These must be fully cured, sound, smooth, dry and free from laitence, dust, plaster and any other contaminants which prevent good adhesion. Direct to earth subfloors must incorporate an effective damp proof membrane. Materials and methods for damp-proofing solid floors are described in BS 8102 and in Department of

N.B. Ceramic and quarry tiled surfaces should be skimmed with the appropriate STOPGAP underlayments to prevent the tile pattern transferring through to the surface of the floorcovering. Terrazzo and quarry tiles are unaffected by dampness but may be sufficiently permeable to allow the passage of moisture vapour and are often laid in areas which do not incorporate a damp proof membrane. Where this is the case, these bases should be damp proofed by covering with a layer of flooring grade mastic asphalt complying with BS 6925. Asphalt and STOPGAP surface waterproof membranes must be skimmed with a minimum of 3mm of the appropriate smoothing underlayment.

dilute STYCCOBOND F70 or STOPGAP P131 or STOPGAP P121 before the application of adhesive or smoothing underlayment.

Adhesive remaining on wooden floors should be overpinned with flooring grade plywood or hardboard (see Wooden Floors). Any existing underlays should first be removed.

Existing Floorcoverings
Thermoplastic or similar floor tiles should preferably be removed. However, it is possible to install certain types of floorcovering direct to these provided the tiles are firmly bonded to the subfloor and all traces of polish or any other contaminant which would prevent good adhesion are removed e.g. with STYCCOCLEAN C140 Floor Cleaner. If this cannot be achieved the tiles must be removed, together with the bulk of the adhesive and the subfloor made good. Adhesive remaining on cementitious subfloors should be removed by mechanical methods such as scraping, scabbling or shotblasting at least until only a thin, smooth, firmly bonded residue remains. All adhesive that is loose, lumpy, powdering, soft or water soluble must be removed. A minimum of 3mm of the appropriate STOPGAP underlayment should be applied before the installation of the new floorcovering.

Flexible vinyl, linoleum and textile floorcoverings must be removed and the subfloor prepared as previously described before fully bonded floorcoverings can be laid. N.B. Loose-lay carpet tiles may be laid direct to firmly bonded hard floorcoverings with a suitable STYCCOBOND adhesive. The existing flooring must be cleaned with STYCCOCLEAN C140 Floor Cleaner to remove all traces of polish or any other contaminant which would prevent good adhesion. If this cannot be achieved the flooring must be removed and the subfloor made good as previously described.

Priming
Most subfloors will require priming. Use neat STOPGAP P131 neoprene primer on smooth impervious subfloors prior to the application of the appropriate STOPGAP floor smoothing underlayment. Very absorbent surfaces should be primed with

WE S T O N

Floor Preparation
Wooden Floors
Wooden Floors must be structurally sound, level, smooth, dry and clean. Adequate ventilation should be provided to suspended timber floors at ground level to ensure that the moisture content of the wood is maintained at equilibrium. Worn or uneven floorboards should either be replaced or levelled by sanding, planing or by patch filling with STOPGAP Green Bag & 114 smoothing underlayment before finally covering with flooring grade plywood or hardboard. Sheets should be positioned, joints staggered and nailed at 100mm - 150mm centres. (See BS 8203 for details). Wood blocks are not suitable for direct application of sheet and tile flooring because of the continuous differential movement of the blocks and the risk of the wood block design transferring through the floorcovering surface. Provided the wood blocks are smooth, sound, level and securely bonded, they should be overlayed with flooring grade plywood or hardboard. Any uneven areas should first be patch filled with STOPGAP Green Bag & 114 smoothing underlayment. Wood blocks laid on the ground floors must have an efficient damp proof membrane incorporated in the subfloor. If there is any doubt that all these conditions can be met then the wood blocks must be removed, and the subfloor made good. Textile floorcoverings may be bonded direct to wood blocks with a suitable STYCCOBOND adhesive provided they are sound, level, firmly bonded and completely protected against moisture. Seals, polishes and any contaminant which will prevent good adhesion must first be removed. Wood mosaic panels require overpinning with flooring grade plywood or hardboard in all cases. This is not practical on solid floors and panels should therefore be removed and the subfloor made good as above. If panels laid over a flexing timber floor need patch filling, STOPGAP Green Bag & 114 smoothing underlayment should be used. In all other respects wood mosaic panels should be treated as for wood blocks. Particle boards should comply with BS EN 312-2 (1997) Type P2 or BS EN 312-4 (1997) Type P4. Chipboard, plywood and hardboard must be primed with STYCCOBOND F70 or STOPGAP P131 diluted as recommended.

Composition Floors
Composition floors such as those constructed of magnesium oxychloride (magnesite) cement or polyvinyl acetate/cement will be adversely affected by dampness rising from the ground if they are covered with an impervious layer. Unless it can be established that the composition floor is adequately protected against rising dampness, it must be removed and the base made good before floorcoverings are installed. If the floor is protected against dampness then cracks and small hollows should be patch filled and the whole area skimmed with a minimum of 3mm of the appropriate STOPGAP underlayment.

Installation
Double Stick Installations
Please contact Western Carpets to determine the suitability of a carpet for installation on a release underlay system before proceeding.

Recommended Adhesives
Backing Type of Bond Permanent Bitumen Contract Latex Felt Impervious Felt Impervious Latex Textile F3.S910 F3. S910 F3.F40.S910 F3.F40.S910 F3.S910 F3.S910 Release F41.S920 F34/F35.P F2/F3.F40*.P F2/F3.F40*.P F34/F35.P F2/F3.P Heavy Duty / Wet Areas Vertical F66 F60.F60NF.F66 F60.F60NF.F66 F60.F60NF.F66 F60.F60NF.F66 F60.F60NF.F66 Seaming F30 F30 -

Planning & Securing Secondary Backed Carpets

There are a variety of ways to plan and secure these materials. The method described is provided for guidance only, we cannot accept responsibility for workmanship and problems arising from improper installation. 1 Wherever possible lay the floorcoverings down the length of the room to minimise the number of joints. Avoid joints in doorways and high traffic areas. 2 Measure the length of the room and cut the carpet to suitable lengths allowing sufficient for trimming. Ensure allowance is made for the doorways, alcoves and any irregularities in the walls. 3 Position the first length, the perimeter edge lapping up the wall. Trim the carpet down the opposite selvedge using a carpet cutter or trimming knife to leave a clean straight edge. 4 Position the second length of carpet, with the edge of the first length overlapping the second by approximately 50mm. Using the trimmed edge of the first length as a guide, cut the edge and remove the surplus. 5 Fold back the edges by half the width of the carpet taking care not to disturb the positioning of the carpet. Apply the recommended adhesive to the subfloor using the application technique previously described, then re-position the first piece of carpet and roll with a 68kg flooring roller to ensure overall contact with adhesive. 6 Relay the second piece of carpet, starting at the centre pressing the two seem edges together along the entire length, Any fullness in the carpet should be dissipated away from the seam, and the carpet rolled. 7 Successive lengths of carpet should be installed as previously described. Fold back the width of the first and last lengths adjacent to the perimeter and apply the adhesive to the subfloor as described, re-position the carpet and roll. 8 Using a sharp knife or Araseur trim the carpet to fit against the perimeter walls. 9 When the floor has been completely covered re-roll the area again to maintain good adhesive contact.

ADHESIVE APPLICATIONS
STYCCOBOND F41 is applied over the complete floor to provide a permanently tacky film which prevents loose laycarpet tiles from moving under normal traffic. Very heavy high density traffic such as experienced with heavy trolleys and with concentrated stiletto heel or caster chair traffic around desks, filing cabinets, photocopiers etc. can cause considerable damage to some carpet tiles. It is not possible to overcome such problems by the use of adhesive but experience has shown that permanently bonding the tiles in such areas will help to extend their life.

FIXING THE PERIMETER TILES

Position the tile to be cut, in its correct design direction and place it exactly over the last tile in its row. Position another tile butted against the wall and over the tile to be cut. Mark where the back edge of the top tile crosses the tile. Remove the tiles and cut cleanly through the perimeter tile with a sharp knife. The section furthest away from the wall should now slide forward and fit exactly into the border. To fit around door posts, architraves etc., the same method can be used. Alternatively an accurate template can me made of stiff cardboard and the shape transferred to the tile for cutting. With the template in position on the floor, apply several pieces of double sided adhesive tape to its top surface. Place the perimeter tile in position and lower it on to the double sided tape to accurately locate the template on the underside of the tile. This can then be removed and cut into the shape of the template. When the floor has been completed, roll in both directions with a 68kg flooring roller, or use a spatula as directed by the floorcovering manufacturer.

PLANNING AND POSITIONING TILES

The carpet tiles should be allowed to acclimatise for at least 24 hours before installation, at the temperature and humidity conditions likely to be encountered during normal service. All tiles are to be laid in a tessellated effect only. Check with the manufacturers for advice on pile-lie directions. Lay out tiles along one wall to leave at least half a tile border along both walls. Measure the distance AB to give the border plus a number of whole tiles. Measure and mark out CD on the opposite wall to the same distance as AB. Strike a chalk line between D and B. This should now be parallel to the long wall. Lay out tiles along DB or measure to find out point E near the centre of DB which leaves a border of at least half a tile along each side wall. Using a T square or by measuring a 3:4:5 triangle as on the diagram mark out the line FEG so that it is exactly at right angles to DB. Apply the STYCCOBOND F41 to the whole floor area and allow to fully dry. Place tiles accurately edged to the line commencing at the point E. Continue placing tiles along each successive row ensuring that the first tile is exactly edged on line EF. Complete this section of the floor. When placing the tiles apply firm pressure with the palm of the hand and run the thumb around the edges ensuring complete contact with the adhesive and the exclusion of all air. Cover the remaining sections in the same manner.

5 D 4

3 E B

F. Ball Styccobond Selector Chart - Adhesives

For Detailed Information Refer to Product Data Sheets or Telephone F. Ball and Co. Ltd., Technical Services

DIRECT BONDING TO SUBFLOOR TYPE ADHESIVE COVERAGE APPLICATION METHOD

PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

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g tin ea er rH at er y oo g W ns rfl Dr in & pe n de an e s he le Un Di as w C r e nt or y ve et ta Gr ck e or W l, eo ab sis m at Ta Oi nd us Ti e Gr lic Re ly o a g e r t p r or al st tt en in Fr ou en Ap iti th ise ef ur an Op nt In an bl Od wi ial tic ist g tC m h ve ta ec an es ig las ol er ui as on ow C P S R L F S H L P Sp

F3
4 - 7m2 per litre 7m2 per litre 3m2 per litre 3m2 per litre 2m2 per litre coating both surfaces 2m2 per litre coating both surfaces 5m2 per coat per litre 5m2 per litre 20m2 per litre 15m2 per kg 15m2 per kg

Carpet and Vinyl Adhesive for Woven, Rubber Foam, Secondary Backed and Needlepunch Carpets. Some Vinyls and Cork.

3m2 per litre

F40

Tackifier Dual Bond System (High - Tack Release/Permanent) for carpets and underlays.

F41 F45

Tackifier for Carpet Tiles

Acrylic Adhesive for Highly Plasticised PVC backed Carpets. Flexible PVC Floorcoverings. Wallcoverings.

F52

Gum Spirit Adhesive for Fibre - Bonded Carpet and Linoleum and Cork.

F60

Contact Adhesive for Floorcoverings, PVC and Rubber covings.

F60NF

Contact Adhesive for Floorcoverings, PVC and Rubber covings. (Non flammable)

Solvent Free Water Based Contact Adhesive

Sprayable Fast Carpet Adhesive

Sprayable Carpet Tile Tackifier

Polyurethane single part Adhesive - moisture resistant

F66 S910 S920 F74 F81

Two part Epoxy Adhesive - moisture resistant

Seaming Adhesive- Styccobond F30 - for seaming carpets to prevent fibre loss along seam.

Release Systems- Styccobond F2 - Used in conjunction with F3 as release system for suitable carpets. (Coverage 6m2/l).

F-Ball Styccobond Selector Chart - Adhesives

WE S T O N
WESTON CARPETS

Weston Carpets, Fairfax House, Causton Road, Colchester CO1 1RJ Admin 01206 714500 Sales 01206 542444 Fax 01206 761896 Email info@weston-carpets.co.uk www.weston-carpets.co.uk

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.

Churnetside Business Park, Station Road, Cheddleton, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 7RS, UK Tel +44 (0) 1538 361633 Fax +44 (0) 1538 361622 Technical Services Fax +44 1538 361567 Email marketing@f-ball.co.uk www.f-ball.co.uk