INSTRUCTION GLUE-DOWN TILES:

Cork tile flooring is a natural product that can last for years. While it takes more work to install a cork tile floor than a regular tile floor, the extra effort pays off in the beauty.

PREPARATION

Tiles should be removed from their packs and spread out in the room in which they are to be laid 12 hours prior to fixing. At this stage tiles can be shuffled to achieve even distribution of the natural shade variation. Shuffle the tiles as they come out of the stack. Also, mix tiles from different boxes. This allows for the natural changes in tile patterns to emerge and to blend together on your new floor

Make sure the subfloor material is level. Any subsurface that you install cork tile floor on must be above grade. Surfaces to be tiled must be sound, clean and dry

Concrete floorings must incorporate damp-proof membrane.New floors must be allowed to dry out completely.The recommended time is 1 day per mm (1 inch per month), with adequate ventilation, up to 50mm thickness.Greater thickness take comparatively longer than this.Cold, wet weather slows the drying process.

Inspect the subfloor for moisture. Because cork expands in humid weather and contracts in dry weather, you need to get a good bond with the adhesive you use to bond the tile to the floor. If the subflooring has too much moisture, the adhesive won't work properly

Porous surfaces such as sand and cement screed, plywood, hardboard and chipboard should be overlaid with hardboard, rough side up.Existing floor coverings must be removed.Do not fix directly on to asphalt.

If you are going to install the cork tile flooring over a floor with radiant heat, turn on the heat regardless of the season.

Installation

Step 1

Lay out the cork tile as it will be installed on the floors. Adjust the tiles until you are pleased with the layout. Draw lines on the floors with chalk to indicate where the tiles will be placed. Draw a line to mark every third row of tiles. The chalk lines will guide you during installation.

Step 2:

Apply adhesive with shorthair velour roller on cork backing

Step 3:

Apply adhesive around the perimeter and in the corners of the room with a paintbrush. Pour the adhesive into a paint pan. Saturate a medium-nap roller with adhesive, and roll the glue onto the floors. Allow the glue to become tacky. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific times. If you using Wakol D 3540, Wait until both adhesive films are dried and completely transparent.

Step 4:

Set the tiles into place on the floor using your chalk lines as a guide. Press the tiles tightly together. Hit the tiles firmly with a rubber mallet to set into place. Continue setting rows of tiles until you have installed all of the whole tiles.

Step 5:

Mark along the back of the tiles where they need to be cut. Slice the tile with a sharp utility knife. Press the tile in place on the floor. Allow the glue to set overnight.

Step 6:

Vacuum the floors to remove all small particles, clean and remove all traces of excess adhesive and other marks. Clean the floor with a hardwood floor cleaner, but do not allow the cork to get too wet. Allow the floor to dry.

Step 7:

Pour water-based urethane into a paint pan. Roll the water-based urethane onto the tiles with a smooth foam roller. Roll in one direction, Apply 3-4 coats of quick dry water bassed polyurethane.This process seals the tiles and the tile joints against possible water and dirt penetration. Walk on the floors with socks only for four days to let the finish cure.

MAINTENANCE

Sweep when necessary to remove surface grit and dust.Polyurethane sealed tiles need only a wipe with a damp cloth or mop. Occasionally a mild detergent can be added to the water. Abrasive cleaners or wax polishes are not recommended. Areas that eventually become worn can be lightly sanded and retouched with a fresh coat of seal.Use protective pads under furniture legs.Stiletto heels can damage floor coverings.