Cork Tiles Laying Instructions Guide

Conditioning

Packaged tiles, adhesive and varnishes should be acclimatized on site for at least 24 hours before installation. Remove the tiles from packages just before spreading the adhesive.

Sub-floor

Concrete floors must be sound, smooth, permanently dry and free of dust and grease. New concrete floor should be tested for moisture, which should not exceed 4%. Patch all cracks, holes and control joints with Portland cement based compound. Follow compound manufacturer's instructions fully and make sure patches are completely dry and well adhered. Use of gypsum compounds are not approved.

Plywood sub-floors must be clean and level. Fill cracks with approved filler. Check basements and under floor crawl spaces to be sure they are dry and well ventilated to avoid damage to the cork caused by moisture. If the wood sub-floor is quite porous (such as low density particleboard) then one thin coat of wood sealer should be applied with a pad applicator. Wait 24 hours before beginning installation of tiles.

Radiant Heated Floors:

If radiant heating has been implemented in the sub-floor, the following basic instruction should apply:

• Turn off the heating 48 hours before installation starts.
• Turn on the heating in steps not earlier than 72 hours after installation.
• Do not exceed the temperature of 26ºC measured at the surface of the cork tile.
• Always check with the adhesive manufacturer that the glue used is approved for radiant heat application.

Tile Installation

Pattern:

Start in the middle of the room by stretching an "adjusting string". Position a straight edge along your adjusting string and place your first tile against the straight edge. Start along this straight edge and determine the way and the pattern by laying some loose tiles. The most beautiful effect will be achieved by so-called "half-stone bond", leaping the tiles with the half all the time. Laying in square requires much more accuracy and not recommended. Make sure the starting row of tiles is perfectly straight and be careful with the alignment of all tiles as you proceed. Tile can be cut with a utility knife and a straight edge. Always install cut tiles with factory-finished edge facing installed tiles. Shuffle the tiles in order to obtain the most pleasing blend of shades.

Gluing: Always glue with a special cork adhesive Always follow the adhesive instructions of the supplier. Any adhesive stains should be removed immediately. Only apply adhesive to an area in which tiles can be laid prior to skin-over of glue. The floor must be rolled with a 50Kg. roller every 30 minutes in differenct directions to ensure that the tiles are firmly bedded into the adhesive. Use a hand roller on tile seams and around cove base to assure proper adhesive transfer to tiles. If any tile edges lift after adhesive is dry, pound the tiles back into place using a rubber mallet, and weight the particular area for 72 hours.

Attention

In spite of all due care given when manufacturing the cork tiles, there is always a possibility of variations in structure and/or shade. Verify this by daylight before installation. Proceeding in this manner, you can distribute the tiles in such a way that variations in structure and/or shade are not striking. Remember, cork is a natural material and as such it is not possible to guarantee absolute uniformity.