Strip Wood/Plank Flooring
Due to expansion and contraction of the boards during seasonal changes, Floorazzo recommends the use of ¼" or thicker underlayment panels be installed over these types of floors.

Concrete Floors
Floors shall be smooth, rigid, flat, level, permanently dry, clean and free of all foreign material such as dust, paint, grease, oils, and solvents, curing and hardening compounds, sealers, bond breakers, asphalt and old adhesive residue.

Imperfections such as chips, spalls, cracks and/or corrective leveling shall be repaired with cementitious-based patching and/or underlayment materials. Expansion joints in the concrete are designed to allow for the expansion and contraction of the concrete. If the floor coverings are installed over the expansion joints, it more than likely will cause adhesive bond failure and bubbling or buckling of the flooring material. Therefore, flooring products should not be installed over expansion joints, and expansion joint covers designed for use with resilient floorings must be used.

Isolation, construction and control (sawcut) joints may be successfully patched once the concrete is thoroughly cured, dry and climatized. If any movement occurs in the concrete it may also cause the patching material to telegraph.

The surface of the concrete needs to be flat to within 1/8 inch in 10 feet. Flatness to be checked with a string pulled tight over two blocks of equal height spaced 10 feet apart. If this tolerance is exceeded, the factory should be called for technical assistance.

It may be difficult to determine if any curing or hardening compounds and/or sealers have been used. Therefore, an adhesive bond test should be conducted (and passed) prior to beginning the installation.

Patching Materials
There are many brands available but basically there are two types of patching materials for the use of smoothing and patching subfloor irregularities. One type is referred to as calcium sulfate/plaster/gypsum base compounds. This type of patch may harbor and promote mildew growth, have low indentation resistance and poor bond and adhesion strength. The use of these compounds is not recommended.

The second type is a cementitious compound usually with a latex liquid binder. This type of patch will not promote mildew growth; have much higher psi strength and better adhesion properties to the subfloor. Floorazzo recommends only the use of cementitious base patching and leveling compounds.

Only use the highest quality materials. Many failures have been directly attributed to the use of gypsum based toppings, leveling and patching compounds because of poor indentation resistance, poor resistance to mold and mildew and separation of the product within itself.

Regardless of which patching or leveling compound is used, any failures in the performance of the compound or Floorazzo tiles due to the compound is the responsibility of the compound manufacturer, not with Floorazzo.

Old Adhesive Residue
If a residue is asphalitic (cut-back) or other type of adhesive is present, it must be dealt with in one of two ways:
1. It may be mechanically removed such as: bead blasting or scarifying
2. A self - leveling cementitious underlayment may be applied over it. Check with the underlayment manufacturer for suitability, application instructions and warranties.

WARNING!
Warning regarding complete adhesive removal: some solvent based 'cut-back' Asphaltic adhesives may contain asbestos fibers that are not readily identifiable. Do not use power devices, which create asbestos dust in removing these adhesives. The inhalation of asbestos dust may cause asbestosis or other serious bodily harm. Smoking greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm.

Never use solvents or citrus adhesive removers to remove old adhesive residue. Residue left within the subfloor will affect the new adhesive and the new floor covering. Conducting a pH test and bond test prior to the installation may help identify the use of these materials.

Existing Resilient Floors
Floorazzo tiles should not be installed over existing resilient floors.

Note: The responsibility of determining if the existing flooring or subfloor is suitable to be installed over rests solely with the installer and flooring contractor. Installations over existing resilient flooring may be more susceptible to indentation, and there is always a possibility the existing flooring may telegraph through. Remember, you are no better than what you go over.

Poured Floors
(Epoxy, Polymeric, Seamless)
Floorazzo tiles may be installed over most poured floors provided they meet the following conditions:

1. Concrete floors that are on, above and below grade - one calcium chloride moisture test (minimum of three) or ASTM F2170, In-Situ Relative Humidity of the Concrete. should be conducted for every 1000 sq. ft. of flooring. The test results should not exceed 3 pounds per 1000 square feet per 24 hours for the calcium chloride test and 75% for the insitu relative humidity. The existing flooring and adhesive must be removed where the test is conducted. (ASTM 1869-04)
2. It must be totally cured and well bonded to the concrete. It must be free of any residual solvents and petroleum derivatives.
3. Loose, damaged areas and irregularities must be repaired with a cementitious based patching compound.
4. The texture must be smooth. Sand or wet stone the surface to remove any grit and texture.
5. All waxes and finishes must be removed and rinsed with clean water and a pH test should be conducted to assure stripper residues have been removed.
6. After area has been properly prepared, adhesive bond tests must be conducted (and passed) with the flooring and adhesive that will be used on the job. Remember, the weakest link should always be the adhesive.

The responsibility of determining if the existing flooring is suitable to be installed over rests solely with the installer and the flooring contractor.

WARNING!
Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, 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 non-asbestos containing material, you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to determine asbestos content. The RFCI'S Recommended work practices for removal of resilient floor coverings are a defined set of instructions which should be followed if you must remove existing resilient floor covering structures.

Radiant Heated Floors
Floorazzo tile may be installed over radiant heated floors provided the operating temperature does not exceed 85°F. To allow proper adhesion of the adhesive to the subfloor, the radiant heating system should be lowered, or turned off for at least 48 hours prior to installation of the flooring material. The room temperature must be maintained at a minimum of 65°F prior to, during and after installation for 72 hours after which the temperature of the radiant heating system can be increased. When raising the floor temperature, do so gradually so that the substrate and the flooring material can adapt to the temperature change together. A rapid change could result in bonding problems. For more information, contact Floorazzo Technical Services.

Porous and Non-Porous surface

Adhesive Bond Test -
In several locations throughout the area to receive the flooring, glue down 2'x2' pieces of tile with the recommended adhesive. Bond tests give the installer the opportunity to evaluate the porosity of the subfloor and determine the correct timing for application of the flooring material. The floor should be smooth, dry and allowed to set for 72 hours before attempting to remove. It is also a good practice to place your bond test over some areas where a patching compound has been used in order to check the bond strength of the patching compound. When removing the test floor check for looseness around the edges of the material, moisture always takes the path of least resistance. A proper bond test should show no signs of moisture and it will restrict all movement of the material. When pulling up the tile you should see proper transfer of adhesive between the subfloor, and the tile.

On porous subfloors, primers can improve bond strength. They eliminate moisture from the adhesive being absorbed too fast and improve working time. Check with the manufacturer of these products for proper application guidelines and warranties.

Non-porous substrates such as metal, terrazzo, ceramic tile, or marble can be installed over. However, the same guidelines as mentioned for installing over concrete or existing floor coverings should be followed. A bond test is essential!

Note: Remember the weakest link should always be the adhesive. Even if is takes sufficient force to remove the test flooring but all, or the majority of the adhesive is adhered to the back of the tile, the bond is considered unacceptable.

Moisture Testing -
It is essential that moisture tests be taken on all concrete floors regardless of age or grade level with a minimum of three tests for the first 1000 square feet. The test should be conducted according to ASTM F1869-04, Calcium Chloride Moisture Emission Test, or ASTM F2170, In-Situ Relative Humidity of the Concrete. One test should be conducted for every 1000 square feet of flooring. The test should be conducted around the perimeter of the room, near columns and where moisture may be evident. The results of F1869 Calcium Chloride moisture vapor emissions from the concrete shall not exceed 3.0 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. in 24 hrs. for all tile installations. For the most accurate results, the weight of the calcium chloride dish should be made on the job site at the start and end of each test. The results of F2170 In-Situ Relative Humidity shall not exceed 75%. A diagram of the area showing the location and results of each test should be submitted to the architect, general contractor or end user. If the test results exceed the limitations, the installation should not proceed until the problem has been corrected.

Note: It may not be the floor installer's responsibility to conduct the test. It is, however, the floor covering installer's responsibility to make sure these tests have been conducted and that the results are acceptable prior to installing the floor covering. When moisture tests are conducted it indicates the conditions only at the time of the test. The flooring contractor cannot be held responsible if moisture appears in the future, causing a failure.

pH Testing -
It is essential that pH tests be taken on all concrete floors regardless of the age or grade level. During the curing process of concrete or when moisture is present and working its way through the concrete, it dissolves alkali salts that are contained in the concrete. When the moisture reaches the surface of the concrete it evaporates, leaving behind alkali salt residue on the surface. In the presence of moisture these alkali salts can and will cause several installation and material problems, such as adhesive failure, discoloration, and shrinkage and softening of the floor covering. Therefore, pH tests should be conducted in several locations throughout the area. If moisture tests are at acceptable levels but the pH tests exceed 9, then a light sanding of the concrete surface and vacuuming up the residue will usually resolve the problem. Retest to assure the pH has been neutralized.

TILE INSTALLATION

General

• Ensure that moisture tests have been conducted and that the results do not exceed 3.0 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. in 24 hours as per ASTM F-1869-04, or 75% In-Situ relative humidity when tested according to ASTM F-2170.
• pH of concrete subfloor is not greater than 9.
• A bond test is conducted and passed
• The permanent HVAC system is turned on and set to a minimum of 68° F (20° C) for a minimum of 72 hours prior to, during and after installation. After the installations, the maximum temperature should not exceed 100° F.
• Flooring material has been climatized to the installation area for a minimum of 24 hours prior to installation. It is possible to crack the tile during routine handling if they have not been climatized as recommended. The bulk-shipping container should be broken down into a series of piles, no more then 3 inches high, scattered around the room with care for warming.
• The moisture test result determines the recommended adhesive. The following are our recommendations: 0-3 lbs. Mapei ECO 350, 3-5 lbs. W. F. Taylor 2091. However, if other adhesives are desired, they can be used without voiding the warranty by obtaining a letter of authorization from Floorazzo.
• Use a 1/16" x 1/16" x 1/16" notch trowel only.
• Material should always be visually inspected prior to installation. Any material installed with visual defects will not be considered a legitimate claim.
• Ensure that all recommendations for subfloor and jobsite conditions are met prior to beginning the installation. Once the installation is started, you have accepted those conditions.

  Layout and Installation

  IMPORTANT: Because Floorazzo tile is a natural product and each tile is individually cast, which makes it unique to itself, it is highly recommended to dry lay the floor prior to installation. This process will ensure that the visual properties will flow smoothly from one tile to the next. The installer should dry lay at least 25 tile, step back and review the "look" of the installation before proceeding.

Floorazzo tile is installed using conventional tile installation techniques. It is customary to start from the center of the room. In corridors and small spaces, it may be simpler to work lengthwise from one end, using the center line as a guide.

The center line is drawn as follows: a chalk line is snapped from center of wall A - B (=E) to the center of wall C - D (=F). The center of line E - F is found (M). Draw a perpendicular line through M using the 3:4:5 method to establish G - H

Starting at center point M, measure out lengthwise and widthwise to the walls to make sure you will have at least a half of a tile at the border. Adjust lines E - F and G - H, if necessary.

Adhesive
1. Use adhesive and a 1/16" x 1/16" x 1/16" notch trowel. Follow the directions on the adhesive label.
2. In most cases, the tile should be placed immediately into the adhesive, before the adhesive has had an opportunity to dry. Good transfer of adhesive to the backing of the tile is essential for proper bond. The installer must understand, however, that subfloor porosity and room environment (temperature, humidity, air circulation, etc.) may affect the working characteristics of the adhesive (open time and working time). When installing over non-porous substrates a short open time may be appropriate, but under no circumstances should the adhesive be allowed to dry before placing the tile into the adhesive.
3. Immediately after placing the material into the adhesive, roll in both directions with a minimum 100 lb roller.

Installation process
1. Begin laying tile at the center point, ensuring that the tile is laid exactly on the chalk lines. If the first few tiles are not installed correctly, it will affect the entire installation.
2. Because tile must be installed into wet adhesive, do not spread adhesive in an area larger than tile can be installed while the adhesive is still wet.
3. Since it takes time to mark and cut the border tiles, it is advisable to spread adhesive first only where full tiles will be laid. When the field is complete, mark and cut the border tiles before the adhesive is spread. The preferred method for cutting Floorazzo tile is by way of a wet saw. However, other standard cutting techniques can be used, at the discretion of the installer. When fitting is complete, adhesive can be spread in the border area and border pieces can be installed and rolled while the adhesive is still wet.

Wall Base

Cut tile to desired height and length or install Floorazzo precut beveled wall base.

Use adhesive and a 1/16" x 1/16" x 1/16" square notch trowel.

Spread adhesive on the wall and on the back of the tile. Let adhesive flash off until tacky.

Place tile base onto wall and roll with a hand roller.