Delivery, Storage, and Handling​

 

1. Allied Tile flooring materials should not be delivered to the job site until all other work is completed.

2. Flooring and adhesive should be stored at room temperature between 68° F- 72°F.

3. The installation area should be maintained at no less than 68° or more than 72°F for 48 hours prior to installation until at least 24 hours after completion.

4. Installation should take place at the job site at room temperature between 68°F- 72°F.

5. Lay tile and plank boxes flat.

6. The installer must check to make sure the tile and adhesive are correct before installation. If the tile is incorrect or a defect is detected, the installer should contact the supplier immediately.

7. Loose lay tile in the room prior to spreading adhesive to check the appearance and install pattern.

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Application

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All Allied Tile products can be used for commercial and residential use. Allied No 1 Acrylic Adhesive is required in order to support the warranty.

 

Detailed installation instructions are listed on the installation & floor layout page on our website. 

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We recommend a sealer and/or finish be applied after installation for easy maintenance. 

 

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Samples

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Samples are cut from stock tiles and the pattern may vary depending on the pattern and size of the sample.

 

Samples may vary from the actual production run. Colors on the website vary by monitor and colors shown in brochures are only as accurate as the printing process.

 

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Subfloor Preparation

 

1. The flooring installer must be sure the subfloor is properly prepared before installation. Poor subfloor preparation could result in eventually telegraphing through the Allied Tile causing visible imperfections. Allied LVT tiles and planks are suitable for surfaces on, above, or below grade.

2. Remove existing flooring – All previous adhesives must be removed as well as grease, wax, foreign matter, and old cutback adhesive. If old adhesive still remains after scraping, it must be covered with Portland-based cement or synthetic gypsum.

3. Curing- concrete must be fully cured, smooth, level, dry, clean, and structurally sound. New concrete must be cured for at least 28 days per inch of concrete. The moisture content of the slab should be 16% or lower. 

   1. Etching and course sanding may be required to obtain adequate adhesion. A weak upper layer, cracks, expansion joints, holes and rough spots must be repaired with a non-asphalt, moisture-insensitive, patching compound or latex skim coat.

4. Moisture- check for moisture problems. The slab must be allowed to cure for 30-60 days and heat and ventilation must be provided. Then the flooring contractor can perform a moisture test to check for moisture still retained in the concrete. Prior to the moisture of ph testing, make sure you follow the current ASTM standards. The ASTM standards are available online.

   1. Moisture Test- A simple moisture test can be performed. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of dry calcium chloride in the center of ½” thick ring of putty. Press a small piece of glass over the puffy so as to exclude the outside air from the calcium chloride. The ring should be approximately 3” in diameter. If there is moisture present in the concrete, the calcium chloride will be dissolved and will show water spots which can be observed through the glass cover. This would indicate that it is unsuitable to install the flooring. If the calcium chloride is white and dry after eight hours, it is suitable to proceed with the installation. An alternative method is to open a plastic trash bag to 30” x 30”, and tape it to the concrete securing edges. Leave in place for 36 hours, and then check for moisture. If the plastic bag is dry underneath, the concrete moisture level is acceptable to receive the flooring.

   2. Excessive moisture and/or high ph on any subfloor, notably concrete, can cause product and adhesive failure. The maximum allowable moisture emission rate from the subfloor is 8.0 pounds, as tested according to ASTM F-1869. The required ph rate must be between 7.0-10.0 as tested according to ASTM F-2170. Please make sure when conducting these tests that the space HVAC system is fully functioning 24/7 for two weeks prior to installation so the temperature and relative humidity have acclimated to the space.

   3. Note: a positive moisture test still does not fully preclude a moisture or alkali problem. No floor covering contractor can guarantee against moisture problems, they have no way of knowing whether or not capillary action or hydrostatic pressure will occur, thus are not liable for unsatisfactory installations resulting from a moisture problem even when the above directions are followed properly.

5. Underlayment Leveling Compounds-to repair uneven or damaged surfaces of the subfloor an underlayment leveling compound may be used. Proper adhesion of the underlayment compound to the subfloor is as important as using the correct type of compound. To ensure the long-term performance of the floor, a flooring contractor must determine the proper underlayment compound to be used.

6. Recommended Underlayment Panels - Structurwood, Multiply, and APA underlayment grade plywood with a minimum thickness of 1/4” is preferred.

7. NOT Recommended Subfloors- Luan, particleboard, chipboard, flakeboard fiberboard, Masonite, and black felt tar paper.

8. Existing Subfloors- must be sound with nail holes filled in, the surface must be smooth and level, and sanding may be necessary. Badly warped or springy floors must be reinforced by covering them with a minimum of ½” exterior grade plywood or other recommended subfloor material.

9. Painted Concrete Subfloors- all paint, oil, grease, and wax must be completely removed prior to applying an underlayment compound or installing tile.

10. Existing Tile or Concrete- ASTM F710 standard practices methods of preparing concrete floors to receive resilient flooring must be followed. Portland cement or synthetic gypsum leveler should be used to cover any irregularities in seams, cracks, and indentations.

    1. Allied Tile does not recommend plaster, calcium sulfate, or gypsum-based patching or leveling compound materials. These compounds can promote mildew growth, hold in moisture, have poor bonding that affects adhesive, and have low indentation resistance.

    2. Old flooring must be smooth (not embossed or cushioned) and firmly bonded to the floor. All traces of wax or floor finish must be removed entirely removed from the surface to be covered. This should be done by a thorough scrubbing using a wax remover together with an abrasive scouring powder. Damaged areas must be replaced or repaired. Damp mop and allow drying. A latex skim coat will help to act as a moisture barrier.

11. Existing Tile on Suspended Wood Subfloors- follow all instructions in section 10, however instead of applying a skim coat over existing flooring, cover with white felt base paper before installing Allied Tile flooring.

12. Existing Vinyl Asbestos and Asphalt Tile- NEVER install Allied Tile DIRECTLY over these products. White felt lining paper must be installed covering these products before Allied Tile can be properly installed.

    1. Cautionary Safety Warning- NEVER sand or dry scrapes existing resilient flooring, lining felt, or cutback adhesive. These products may contain asbestos particles. Installation of new flooring over existing asbestos flooring is considered preferable to removal. The removal of asbestos flooring could cause asbestos to be released into the atmosphere and if inhaled could cause medical problems. When removal cannot be avoided, please follow all proper procedures and safety precautions in the Resilient Floor Covering Institute Guidelines.

13. Double Wood Floors and Plywood- Allied Tile flooring may be installed directly over these floors providing they are smooth and level.

14. Floors with Radiant Heating- Allied Tile flooring may be installed over floors with radiant heating providing the floor temperature does not exceed 80°F. Allied recommends an epoxy adhesive for this installation. The heating system should be turned off for 48 hours prior to installation and must not be turned back on for 48 hours after installation is completed. Then turn up the thermostat gradually to normal operating temperature. If the floor temperature exceeds 80°F, the tile will discolor and distort after a period of time. Allied will not be responsible for damages under these circumstances. Please check with Allied Tile Corp. before installation for special installation instructions.

15. Existing Terrazzo, Quarry, or Ceramic Tile - old tile flooring must be firm, smooth, and dry. Remove all dirt, floor finishes, and soapy films. Fill and level with a compound that will not break down.

16. Floors requiring Sound Insulation – Allied Tile flooring may be installed over a sound underlayment. Allied Tile recommends QT sound insulation. The QT sound mat is 2mm or 5mm, depending on which thickness is required, and must be adhered to the subfloor as per the manufacturer's installation instructions. Allied will not be responsible for the incorrect installation of this product

    1. Installing LVT over QT Sound Mat as per QT Special Procedures Installation Manual

    2. Apply LVT/LVP over QT sound mat using the approved trowel size listed below. · 2MM sound mat - 1/32” x 1/16” x 1/32” trowel using the required E-Grip Evolve adhesive. Coverage rate with 1/32” trowel to be approximately 150 sq ft/gal. · 5MM sound mat – 1/16” square notch trowel using the required E-Grip Evolve adhesive. Coverage rate with 1/16” trowel to be approximately 100 sq ft/gal.

    3. Very Important to follow adhesive application instructions to ensure a successful installation. Ecore cannot be held liable for improper installation techniques. Areas to receive flooring must be weather tight and maintained at a minimum uniform temperature of 65˚ F (18˚ C) for 48 hours prior to, during, and after installation. Failure to comply could result in flooring failure.

 

 

Application of adhesive and Installing Tile and Plank

 

NOTE: Adhesive coverages listed above are for estimating purposes only. Actual job site coverage may vary depending on application method, substrate conditions, trowel angle, and actual thickness applied.

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1. Apply adhesive to the surface of the QT sound mat using the appropriate trowel listed below. Trowel size will vary dependent on the thickness of the sound mat. · 2MM sound mat – Apply LVT/LVP using a 1/32” x 1/16” x 1/32” trowel using the required E-Grip Evolve adhesive. Coverage rate with 1/32” trowel to be approximately 150 sq ft/gal. · 5MM sound mat – Apply LVT/LVP using a 1/16” square notch trowel using the required E-Grip Evolve adhesive. Coverage rate with 1/16” trowel to be approximately 100 sq ft/gal.

2. Work only in small sections, where it’s possible to install luxury vinyl tile and planks into adhesive beds within the specified *working time.

3. Allow adhesive to **flash until adhesive valley is clear and adhesive ridge is gummy to the touch, approximately 30-45 minutes over 2mm QT, and approximately 90-120 minutes over 5mm QT. (See page 7)

4. Carefully lay planks into the adhesive bed. Work off of the planks to eliminate excess movement before the adhesive cures.

5. After completing each section within arm’s reach, roll the planks with the specified 100 lb. three-section flooring roller.

6. Prohibit foot traffic for a minimum of 48 hours after installation and light rolling loads for a minimum of 72 hours.

7. The recommended wait time is a minimum of 72 hours before returning furniture to the surface.

8. IMPORTANT – Chair mats are required under caster wheels/rolling chairs. This system is not intended for use under constant heavy rolling loads. Ecore cannot be held liable for failure to protect the flooring surface. *Working Time – The maximum amount of time that an adhesive can remain exposed to the air and still effectively bond to the floor covering

 

 

NOTE: All floor covering assemblies shall have prior approval before installation. Approved LVT for use over select Ecore sound mats is intended for residential and light commercial use. For means of identification, residential is defined as a single-family detached dwelling, and light commercial is defined as multi-family residential projects, such as condominiums, apartments, timeshares, and other such dwellings that are not subjected to industrial traffic or heavy rolling loads. It is the sole responsibility of the installer, general contractor, architect, or specifier, as a condition of warranty coverage, to first determine the suitability and compatibility of our system for the end user's intended use.