Page 137 - beauflor

Recommended tools

• A sharp knife with a straight blade for long cuts
• A soft brush
• A long metal ruler or straight edge
• A tape measure
• A tube of suitable seam bond
(this is only necessary if there are joints)
• A roll of double-sided tape suitable for use with
cushioned vinylfloor coverings
(plasticizer–resistant)
• Hair-dryer (optional)
• Pencil
• Adhesive trowel
• Damp cloth
• Roller (minimum 50kg)

2. SUBFLOOR 3. INSTALLATION

Underfloor heating Fitting your floor

All Beauflor floorcoverings are suitable for use over 1. Rough cut the material to size leaving about 5cm all round
underfloor heating systems, providing the heating system for final trimming in. If more than one piece of flooring is
has been installed properly. The heating system should needed, cut the pieces to length but add an amount equal
have an automatic cut-off to ensure that the temperature to the pattern match to each piece, plus the 5cm trimming
never exceeds 27°C. This applies to both heated water allowance.
systems and electrical systems.
2. Line up the cut piece to your selected starting wall. The
Ensure that the underfloor heating is working correctly material is laid with the 5cmover-cut running up the walls,
prior to fitting the floor covering. The underfloor heating ensuring that the pattern runs parallel to the wall.
must be switched off for 48 hours prior to and 48 hours
after the installation of the vinyl flooring. During this 3. It is important to cut the floor in gradually. Several small
period an alternative form of heating should be provided trimming cuts are better than attempting one cut and will
to maintain a room temperature of 18°C - 30°C. After result in a better finish. Always hold the knife perpendicular
installation, the temperature of the underfloor heating to the floor to keep a straight cut finish.
should be raised gradually, in increments of 5°C per day,
until the desired level. 4. With the material now lying flat around the fittings and corners,
the final cutting along the wall lengths can be carried out.
Push the flooring into the joint between the wall and floor with
Conditions a straight edge and cut off small strips at a time, gradually
working the material down to the floor keeping the blade tight
Subfloors must be absolutely level, clean and free from against the skirting board and held as near the vertical position
grit, dust, grease, oil, polish & old adhesive. Solvent-based as possible.
products, petroleum, pigmented materials on or in the
subfloor can permanently stain vinyl floor covering, that’s 5. Avoid trimming in too tightly as this will prevent the material
why the subfloor must be free from paint, varnish, oils, lying flat (as a general rule leave a gap of 2 - 3mm between
solvents, wax, hardening compounds in mastic, asphalt the edge of the floor and the skirting board to allow for
and other similar materials. normal movement, this will avoid any buckling due to room
expansion/contraction).
Imperfections in the subfloor will affect the final
appearance and performance of cushioned flooring. Any 6. Release any trapped air by sweeping with a soft broom.
particles that could compromise the quality of bonding
with the adhesive must be removed. 7. To allow for the movement of heavy appliances (fridges/
washing machines/cookers) it is important to fully adhere
It is essential that the subfloor is dry. Dampness can the vinyl to the floor in the area behind where the appliance
cause discolouration to the flooring. The humidity of the will stand. This band should be at least 5cm deep and run
subfloor must meet the standard technical requirements beyond the full width of the appliance, where the floor meets
valid in the country where the flooring is to be installed. the wall. This minimizes the risk of pulling up the flooring
If in doubt, take a hygrometer reading to check the level during movement. If heavy appliances are to be regularly
of dampness. A maximum hygrometer reading of 75% moved placing them on an off cut of vinyl or on a piece of
RH is recommended. hardboard should be considered. This will further reduce the
risk of damage to the flooring.

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