Installation

Installation Instructions

VINYL

Always check flooring planks for defects such as chips and color variations under good light conditions. Check that grooves are free of debris.
Use planks from multiple boxes during installation.

LVT flooring MUST be allowed to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the room. Leave the closed packages in a flat position for at least 48 hours prior to installation.

Preferred temperature should be 62-85º F (17-29ºC). If flooring is exposed to temperatures less than 40º F (5ºC) for more than one hour, an additional 4 hours of acclimation are required at the preferred temperature.

Slate Oak 2111

Spread the cartons out during acclimation trying not to stack the cartons. If stacking is necessary, stack the cartons in a crisscross manner. Never stack the cartons more than 3 high.

Tools and Supplies Required:

Utility Knife
Straight Edge Ruler
Spacers
Pencil
Tape Measure
Cutting shears may be required for special rounded cuts

If existing baseboard molding is difficult to remove, Quarter Round molding will be required to cover the expansion space needed between flooring and baseboard.

SUITABLE TYPES OF SUB FLOORS AND FLOOR PREPARATION

The sub floor must be flat, dry and clean. Carpet staples or glue residue must be removed and floor must be clean to ensure proper installation.

To check for flatness, hammer a nail into the center of the floor. Tie a string to the nail and push the knot against the floor. Pull the string tight to the farthest corner of the room and examine the floor for any high/lows relative to the string. Subfloor must be flat to 1/8” per 3’ (3mm per 0.92 meter).Any unevenness in excess of the flatness specification must be sanded down or filled with appropriate leveler.

LVT can be installed over most existing floors including wood, vinyl, linoleum and ceramic/porcelain tile. If installing over ceramic/porcelain tile, grout lines must be filled with a skim coat of floor leveler.

Warning:

LVT should not be installed over carpet or underlayment. Doing so will void the warranty. LVT should not be installed in sunrooms or rooms with direct sunlight. During peak hours of sunlight, blinds/shades or drapes should be closed.

LVT is a waterproof product and can withstand topical water and water penetration for up to 16 hours without being damaged. However, water leaking over or around the outer edges of the flooring can damage a wood subfloor. This is not considered a defect in the flooring.

Moisture arising from new or old concrete can create high levels of moisture vapor emissions, hydrostatic pressure and high levels of alkalinity. This combination is highly corrosive and will damage the floor over time.To avoid this problem, a calcium chloride test and PH level test must be performed prior to installation. If the level of vapor emissions / hydrostatic pressure exceeds 8lbs and /or the alkalinity level is 9 or higher, a moisture barrier must be installed over the concrete.

Note: New concrete needs to cure for at least 60 days before installation.

Installation

Using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge, score a line on the top surface of the plank. The plank should split on the score line with little effort. If the plank is not splitting on the score line perfectly, the utility knife blade may need to be replaced or the score line needs to be deeper. Note: the end pieces must be longer than 8”. This may require cutting a plank to start a row depending on the size of the room.

Installation Instructions

LAMINATE

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Floating Floor
Vius laminate floors are floating floors, which means they should not be glued, nailed or attached in any way to your existing subfloor. In addition, Vius laminate floors are made from wood and will expand and contract with changes in relative humidity levels (they will expand during moist conditions and contract during dry conditions). Care should be taken to leave appropriate spacing between walls and flooring (refer to Before You Begin, Section 1C, for expansion spacing). Cabinets of kitchen islands should be installed prior to the laminate flooring.

B. Megaloc™ Installation System
All Vius laminate floors are equipped with Megaloc™, the most advanced glueless installation system available. Each plank is milled with a patented tongue and groove design that allows for them to be connected without the use of glue. You will find that Megaloc™ is simple to use, quick to install and you won’t require any flooring specific tools to install your floor.

C. Intended Use
Vius laminate floors are intended for indoor use only and can be installed in any room as long as it does not have in- floor drainage. All Vius floors have been designed to withstand the requirements of the busiest households (classified as general residential use) as well as light commercial applications. In addition, the following collections can be used in medium commercial applications:

Elite
Craftsman
Villa
Adirondack
Distinctions
Chateau

If you are installing floors in a commercial environment,
please read the warranty documentation
specific to your product to determine its suitability.

D. Precautions

Never tap Vius laminate flooring during installation.
Never use tools designed for other laminate flooring installation systems.
Never wax, polish, or use abrasive cleaners on your Vius laminate floor.

2. TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Materials

Vius laminate floors
Vius approved underlayment
Vius approved vapor barrier (if needed)
Vius transitional moldings (if needed)

Tools

Measuring tape
Carpenter’s square
2” (51mm) wide moisture resistant adhesive tape
Utility knife
Safety glasses
Dust mask (NIOSH-designated)
Pencil/marker
Pull bar
3/8” (10mm) thick spacers
Power saw (any of the following):
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
Handsaw or doorjamb saw

3. BEFORE YOU BEGIN

A. Calculating Flooring Material Requirements

Measure the length and width of the room where you will be installing Vius laminate floors and multiply them together to determine its area.
Add 10% to the room’s area to determine the square footage of Vius laminate flooring, underlay, and vapor barrier that you will require.

B. Acclimation
Vius laminate floors must be acclimated to the conditions of your home before they are installed. To do so, cross-stack unopened cartons in the area where they will be installed and away from outside
walls, heat and air conditioning vents. Allow 48 hours for your floors to acclimate to the conditions of the installation area before opening the cartons. Installation temperatures should be at a minimum of 64° F (18° C) with a maximum relative humidity of 75%.

C. Expansion Space
Vius laminate floors expand and contract with changes in relative humidity. For this reason, it is necessary to leave a 3/8” (10mm) expansion space around the perimeter of the room and all other objects (e.g. toe kicks, plumbing, etc.). The expansion space will be covered by the wall base or quarter round once the floor is installed.
D. Maximum Room Size
Vius laminate floors can be installed in a single room up to 40 linear feet (12m) in length or 40 linear feet (12m) in width. Installations in rooms that are over 40 linear feet in length or width must use T-moldings (Refer to Moldings, Section 9E, for more information on T-moldings.)
E. Doorways
If installing Vius laminate floors through doorways (e.g. between hallway and bedroom) it is recommended that T-moldings be used to separate the rooms.
F. Installation Layout
There are no rules when it comes to the layout of your installation. Typically, laminate flooring installations are laid out in the following manner:

Parallel to the longest wall in the room, or
Parallel to the main window in the room

G. Cutting Planks
Vius laminate flooring planks can be cut with most power saws (e.g. circular saw, table saw, miter saw, jigsaw) as well as hand saws. It is important to use good quality, sharp saw blades in order to minimize chipping to the planks; however, small chips will be hidden by the wall base or trim.
Note: Planks should always be cut away from the installation area in order to keep dust from affecting the site. Always wear safety glasses and a NIOSH approved dust mask.

4. SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

Vius laminate floors can be installed over many types of subfloors as long as they are properly prepared and meet the required criteria outlined below.
A. General Subfloor Preparations & Precautions

Subfloors must be clean and free of dirt and debris prior to installation.
Subfloors must be structurally sound prior to installation.
Subfloor moisture must be tested prior to installation and should not exceed 12% throughout the installation area.
Carpet is not a suitable underlay for laminate floors. All carpet, carpet pad and carpet tack should be removed prior to installation.
Vius laminate floors can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways by following the Wet Area Recommendations section of this guide.
Variations in the subfloor flatness should not exceed 1/16” per 3ft (2mm/m). Floors must be leveled to meet this specification prior to installation. Level by filling depressed areas with floor leveling compounds and sanding or grinding down raised any areas.
Installations over radiant heated subfloors are acceptable but temperature should never exceed 80° F (27° C).
- Radiant heat systems must be operating for a minimum of 3 weeks prior to installation of Vius laminate floors.

B. Concrete
Concrete subfloors must be properly cured and allowed to dry for at least 60 days prior to installation. Test concrete subfloor for moisture prior to installation. To do so:

Tape 3’ x 3’ (91cm x 91cm) pieces of polyethylene vapor barrier to subfloor.
If condensation appears on the film after 24 hours or concrete appears dark in color moisture is likely present and a Calcium Chloride test must be performed.
The maximum allowable moisture emission is 5.0 lbs/1000 ft2 per 24 hours (2.26kg/101.6 m2 per 24 hours).
- A 0.12” (3mm) thick underlay and 8 mil (0.2mm) polyethylene vapor barrier must be used when installing over concrete.
- Overlap vapor barrier edges by 8” (20cm) and seal with moisture resistant adhesive tape.
- Run vapor barrier 3/4” (2cm) up wall and trim after wall base is installed.
- Underlay edges should not be overlapped. Butt end edges together and seal with adhesive tape.

C. Wood

Wood subfloors must be structurally sound and screwed or nailed to supporting beams.
Do not install Vius laminate floors over wood subfloors applied directly to concrete.
If installing floors over a crawl space it is recommended that an 8 mil (0.2mm) vapor barrier be installed.
- Overlap vapor barrier edges by 8” (20cm) and seal with moisture resistant adhesive tape.
- Run vapor barrier ¾” (2cm) up wall and trim after wall base is installed.
A 3mm thick underlay must be installed prior to installation of Vius laminate floors.

D. Vinyl (sheet/tile), Linoleum, Ceramic Tile

If vinyl, linoleum, or ceramic tile is installed over concrete an 8 mil (0.2mm) vapor barrier must be installed over it.
- Overlap vapor barrier edges by 8” (20cm) and seal with moisture resistant adhesive tape.
- Run vapor barrier 3/4” (2cm) up wall and trim after wall base is installed.
A 0.12” (3mm) thick underlay must be installed prior to installation of Vius laminate floors.

5. ROOM PREPARATION

A. Wall Base/Trim

Removal of existing wall base/trim is optional.
Wall base or trim will need to be installed once the flooring installation is complete to cover the expansion space around the perimeter of the room.
Always nail/adhere wall base and trim to the wall. Never nail/adhere it to the laminate flooring.

B. Doors/Door Jambs
Vius laminate floors should be installed under door jambs so your door jambs will need to be undercut accordingly. To do so:

Use a laminate flooring off-cut and a small piece of underlay to support your saw blade at the correct height for undercutting.
Check door clearances and make any necessary height adjustments before installing Vius laminate floors.
Make sure to leave the correct expansion spacing.

C. Wall Irregularities
Walls are not always perfectly straight. Vius laminate floors will need to be cut so as to fit within irregularities of your walls. To do so:

Install a complete, first row of Vius laminate floors (following the Installation Procedures below) and ensure that all long edges of the laminate flooring are aligned flush with one other.
Slide the whole row against the wall; you will now notice any of these irregularities (i.e. areas where the wall is not straight.)
Trace the contour of the wall onto the row of laminate flooring with a pencil or marker.
Once traced, uninstall the planks carefully so as to not damage the locking system and cut along the traced line (see Plank Removal Guidelines, Section 7A.)
Re-install the plank leaving the necessary 3/8” (10mm) expansion space.

6. INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

It is recommended that planks be mixed from at least three cartons to achieve the most natural and varied results.
Inspect every plank for damage before installing it.
The first and last row of the installation should be wider than 3.5” (9cm). To ensure this will be the case, prior to installation:
1. Measure the width of the room and divide it by the width of the planks you are installing.
2. If the remainder is less than 3.5” (9cm) cut 3.5” (9cm) from the width of the first row. If this is not possible, simply ensure that both edge planks are as even in width as possible.
The first and last plank in a row should be a minimum of 16” (40cm) long.
Stagger the planks from row to row by a minimum of 16” (40cm).
Prepare the subfloor and room as per the corresponding instructions found in this guideline.
Use spacers to maintain the 3/8” (10cm) expansion space between the first row and the wall.
Select a starting corner of the room and work from left to right.
TIP: If possible, it is often easiest to start at the door of the room so that the first plank can be easily slid under the door jamb.

A. FIRST ROW

Lay the first plank with the long edge tongue facing the wall.
Lift the right side of the second plank to a 30- degree angle and place its short end tongue into the groove of the first plank.
Lower the plank to lock the two together.
Continue in this manner until the first row is complete.
Use the remainder of the last plank of the first row to start the second row provided that it is a minimum of 16” (40cm) long.

B. ALL OTHER ROWS

Install the first plank of the second row by installing its long edge to the previous row’s groove in a similar manner as you installed the short edges of the first row (i.e. 30 degree angle and lower).
Install remaining planks as follows:
- Install the long edge of the plank to the previous row
- Before lowering the plank, make sure it’s short end tongue overlaps with the previous plank’s short end groove.
- Lower the plank slowly (a short oscillating or up-and-down motion may help lower the plank)
- Apply pressure to the planks short edge so as to activate the Megaloc™ locking mechanism. You will typically hear an audible click sound.

7. PLANK REMOVAL

A. General Removal

To remove planks, simply reverse the installation process. If you plan to re-install them, care should be taken so as not to damage the installation mechanism.

Uninstall the last installed row all at once by lifting the long edge of the row to approximately 30° in order to disconnect the long edge installation mechanism.
Then, disconnect each individual plank from one another by starting at the right-most plank and lifting its right end approximately 30° to disconnect the short edge installation mechanism.

B. Replacement of an Installed Plank Without Uninstalling Adjacent Planks (i.e. Middle of a Room)

The following steps should be taken if a plank in the middle of a room needs to be replaced and it is impractical to uninstall all adjacent rows.
Note: After completing the steps outlined below, the new plank will be permanently installed as it will be glued to adjacent planks.

Select a replacement plank, making sure that it is the right size and style. Ideally, the replacement plank is one that was left over from the original installation.
With a pencil or marker, accurately draft out the following:
- Inside rectangle 1.5” (38mm) from the plank’s edges
- Mark location for drill holes as follows:
  1. Corners of inside rectangle and corners of the plank
  2. Make relief cuts at one-third the length of the plank
Drill 3/16” holes in each of the A and B locations. In location B, drill the hole along the edge of the plank while being careful not to damage the adjacent planks. It is recommended that drill holes are marked with a punch prior to drilling.
Take a circular saw and set its depth to the plank’s thickness.
Cut along the inside square and remove centre sections. Be sure to protect all adjacent planks so as not to damage them while cutting.
Make relief cuts to outside of A and B drill holes using the holes for stops so as to avoid damaging adjacent planks.
Carefully remove the centre relief cut sections first.
Cut towards the corners next and remove the end pieces last.
Clean and vacuum any debris that has accumulated during the cutting process.
Prepare the new plank for insertion by removing the grooves on the long and short sides of the plank using table saw, sharp utility knife, chisel or small block plane. The replacement plank will now have all grooves removed but tongues intact.
Apply laminate flooring glue or white wood glue around the four sides of the new plank.
Install the replacement plank into the opening created by placing the long end tongue into the adjacent plank’s groove and lowering it into position.
Remove any excess glue with a damp clean cloth.
Ensure that all of the joints fit tightly.
Evenly distribute heavy weights on the new plank for 24 hours.
Note: Damage to planks or performance issues stemming from this procedure will not be covered under warranty. It is recommended that this procedure be performed by a capable professional installer.

8. WET AREA RECOMMENDATIONS

Special procedures should be followed when installing Vius laminate floors in areas that are prone to moisture (e.g. bathrooms, kitchens, or entryways).

Always install an 8mil (0.2mm) vapor barrier prior to installing the underlay and laminate flooring.
- Overlap vapor barrier edges by 8” (20cm) and seal with moisture resistant adhesive tape.
- Run vapor barrier ¾” (2cm) up wall and trim after wall base is installed.
Fill all expansion spaces with 100% silicone caulking (caulking is flexible and will still allow Vius laminate floors to expand and contract).
The toilet must be removed when installing Vius laminate floors in bathrooms and a 3/8” (10cm) expansion must be left between the flooring edge and the toilet flange. The expansion space must be filled with 100% silicon caulking. Vius laminate flooring is made from wood and excessive exposure to moisture will damage the planks. It is strongly recommended that spills be wiped up immediately.

9. MOLDINGS

Moldings can be attached with metal track (except for quarter round and stair nose) 6d finishing nails or construction adhesive (eg. Liquid Nails, PL 400). When using adhesive weigh down moldings evenly to ensure proper adhesion. Be careful not to use too much adhesive as it could fill the expansion zone.
Never fasten moldings directly to the laminate flooring.
Ensure that you leave at least 3/8” (10mm) expansion space between moldings and laminate floors.
If installing over radiant heated floors, always use construction adhesive to attach the moldings.
Always pre-drill moldings with appropriate size drill bit to avoid cracking or splitting.

A. Metal Track

The metal track system can be used to install Tmoldings, reducers and square nose moldings. Simply screw or nail the track to the sub-floor and snap the molding in place.

B. Quarter Round

Quarter rounds are used to cover the space between the floor and existing baseboards. Nail quarter rounds to the wall, not the floor. Do not force the trim against the floor.

C. Square Nose

Square nose moldings provide a transition between laminate floors and a vertical surface such as toekicks and sliding glass doors. These moldings can also be used to transition between carpets and tile. If installing with metal track:

Install track first
Install laminate floor up to track leaving a 3/8” (10mm) expansion space between the laminate floor and the vertical section of the molding. If installing

without metal track:

Measure so as to ensure that a 3/8” (10mm) space will be left between the laminate floor and the vertical part of the molding.
Install the laminate floors up to the measured point.
Install the molding.

D. Reducer

Reducers are used to transition from laminate floors to surfaces of a lesser height such as vinyl floors. If installing with metal track:

Install track first
Install laminate floor up to track leaving a 3/8” (10mm) expansion space between the laminate floor and the vertical section of the molding. If installing

without metal track:

Measure so as to ensure that a 3/8” (10mm) space will be left between the laminate floor and the vertical part of the molding.
Install the laminate floors up to the measured point.
Install the molding.

E. T-Molding

T-moldings are used in areas where the room is larger than 40’ (12m) in board length or wider than 40’ (12m) in board width. T-moldings should also be used where the flooring continues through a doorway or passageway into another room. If installing with metal track:

Install track first
Install laminate floor up to track leaving a 3/8” (10mm) expansion space between the laminate floor and the vertical section of the molding.

If installing without metal track:

Measure so as to ensure that a 3/8” (10mm) space will be left between the laminate floor and the vertical part of the molding (both sides of the T-molding if applicable).
Install the laminate floors up to the measured point.
Install the molding.

F. Stair Nosing

Stair Nosing is used on landings or stairs. IMPORTANT: Stair Nosing should always be installed with nails and adhesive so as to ensure a safe and secure fit:

If your stair treads have existing bull-nosing remove the bull nosing so as to have a 90-degree angle between tread and riser.
Begin at the bottom riser, measure and cut a piece of laminate flooring to fit flush with the sub-floor.
Glue the piece of flooring to the riser by applying a 3” serpentine bead of construction adhesive to the back of the flooring.
Press the flooring in place.
Measure and cut the stair nose molding to length.
Measure and cut piece of laminate flooring to width of your stair-tread (depending on the depth of your stairs you may need to use more than one piece of flooring).
Install the laminate flooring by gluing it to the stair-tread in the same manner as you did the riser, ensuring that a 3/8” (10mm) expansion space is left between the edge of the floor and the vertical part of the stair nosing. Note: If installing on a landing, install flooring as per the normal procedures, not by gluing it to the subfloor.
Pre-drill holes on stair nose molding for 6d finishing nails.
Adhere stair nose molding to stair-tread with construction adhesive (apply 3/16” bead of adhesive in a 3” repeating serpentine pattern to the back of the stair nose).
Anchor stair nose molding with 6d finishing nails.
Always ensure you use mechanic (nail) and adhesive (glue) fasteners to secure the stair nose molding.

10. CARE & MAINTENANCE

Vius laminate floors are among the highest performing floors available, but they are not indestructible and minor cosmetic scuffing is normal wear for any laminate floors. To ensure your floors perform as well in the future as they do the day after you install them:

Place walk off mats and area rugs at main traffic entrances and protective pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching.
Vacuum or dust mop to remove loose dirt or grit.
Never flood the floor with water or cleaner; wipe up spills immediately.
Do not use polishes, waxes or abrasive cleaners.

Installation Instructions

RUBBER

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Read all product and subfloor preparation instructions, adhesive instructions, warranty and other disclaimersBEFORE you begin to install Ultimate Systems rolled goods.
The installation surface and rubber rolled goods need to be clean and dry prior to installation. Subfloors to be installed with rubber roll goods should be maintained at a consistant temperature from 24 to 48 hours before, during and after the installation. Ultimate Systems recommends an optimum temperature of 68˚F (18˚C) be maintained in the installation area.
Room temperature variations can affect rubber rolled goods as the material can expand (warm) or contract (cold). Temperature requirements for the flooring adhesive should be reviewed as well.
Prior to starting any installation, thoroughly review all roll material.Verify the following for all rolled goods:
- Material type, material color and style are correct
- Material is supplied at the correct size and thickness
- Amount of material supplied is correct
- No visual defects are present on the materialNote: Skive/knife marks on product is an inherent characteristic of using recycled rubber and is not considered a defect.IMPORTANTANY suspect or defective material must be brought to the attention of the supplier immediately. ABSOLUTELY NO CLAIMS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE MATERIAL HAS BEEN INSTALLED.
Vius Rubber Flooring rolled goods are wound tightly upon packaging and will retain a certain amount of memory when unrolled. The material (and adhesive) should be acclimated to the installation room temperature for 24 hours. Allow additional time in colder temperatures or use room heaters to bring up the ambient air temperature. If heaters are used, be sure to maintain a consistant temperature throughout the installation process. See step 2 above.
If roll material is stored prior to installation, always lay the rolls on their side. Rubber material stored on end will result in curled edges. Edge curl will need to be trimmed straight before installing the material. Always store rubber material on a clean, dry and flat surface. Vius recommends storing rubber rolls at a minimum of 55˚F (13˚C) with less than 50% humidity.
For best results, Ultimate Systems recommends using a one-part polyurethane adhesive to glue the rubber roll material to the subfloor.IMPORTANTDO NOT use petroleum-based products in conjunction with Ultimate Systems rubber rolled goods. This includes solvents, adhesives or sealants.
An adhesive bond test should be completed in several locations across the floor. Glue down 2’ x 2’ pieces of material with recommended adhesive and trowel and let set for 48 hours before trying to remove. The squares should be relatively difficult to pull up and there should be adhesive on the floor and rubber square.
Rolled goods that are loose-laid in the installation area (to acclimate to room temperature), or permanently installed, should be securely covered with a tarpaulin or other protective material when other trade professionals are working in the area. If possible, install the rubber material after all other work is completed in the installation area.

RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION TOOLS

Rubber gloves
Polyurethane flooring adhesive
Safety glasses
75 lb. sectional roller
Knee pads
Metal carpenter’s square
Utility knife
Measuring tape
Extra knife blades
Chalk line
Adhesive trowel
Pen or Marker (1/16″ x 1/16″ x 3/32″)
Tarpaulin

SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION

Vius Rubber Flooring may be installed over concrete, cement-type leveling bases, asphalt and wood subfloors.
All subfloors should be thoroughly cleaned, filled and primed. Remove all paint, varnish, oil, grease, dust, wax or any foreign substance that may decrease the bond strength of the polyurethane flooring adhesive. (Review ASTM 710 for more information.)
Verify the subfloor is dry, smooth and level. Subfloor surfaces should not vary more than 1/8″ in ten feet.
Gypsum patching compounds and leveling products should not be used on subfloor surfaces.
Stabilization of the subfloor is the sole responsibility of the installer and/or property owner.

CONCRETE (OR LEVELED CEMENT-TYPE) SUBFLOORS

Concrete surfaces must be thoroughly cured, free from hydrostatic pressure, leveled and cleaned from any foreign materials such as dust, dirt, paint, oil and water prior to rolled goods installation.
- Use a trisodium phosphate solution (or Xylol for rubber-based paint) to remove oil, grease or wax.
- Remove paint, old adhesive or other foreign material by either machine sanding or scraping.
- Thoroughly wash
To reduce the amount of adhesive required, concrete surfaces should be reasonably smooth.
Any separation of concrete layers, heaving, etc. is the sole responsibility of the installer and/or property owner.
Allow for good drainage of the installation area with either a well-defined gradient (1% or greater depending on the coverage size of the surface) or well-placed drainage pipe in lower spots of the area.
The existing concrete surface shall be free of significant cracks or gaps prior to the installation. Patch areas with
a latex-based leveling/filler compound according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Allow compound to dry as directed.
New concrete, or the alike, should be allowed to cure for a minimum of 60 days prior to installing Vius rolled goods. The surface should be smooth and level.
Both moisture and pH tests should be conducted on concrete subfloors to determine if they are suitable for installation. Moisture should not exceed 3 lbs./1000 sq. ft. and pH level should be 7-10. (Review ASTM F1869 for water vapor emissions.)

WOOD SUBFLOORS

The wood subfloor should be in good condition, rigid, and freefrom movement. The subfloor should have good cross ventilation under the floor to prevent distortion.
The wood surface should be clean and free from any foreign materials such as dust, dirt, paint or protruding nails and screws. All damaged wood should be replaced.
The surface should be leveled, clean and dry before application. Trapped moisture may cause deterioration and premature rotting of the wood. The subfloor should be free from excessive cupping or warping.
The existing wooden surface shall be free of significant cracks or gaps prior to the installation. Patch areas with a plastic wood compound according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Allow compound to dry as directed.
Re-nail all loose boards. Replace worn or damaged boards. If necessary, sand floor to a level finish and prime. Wood subfloors can also be covered with a five-ply 5/8″ (15.875mm) plywood or hardboard. Prime newly replaced floorboards.

ASPHALT SUBSURFACES

Asphalt subsurfaces must be hard enough not to melt during hot weather, leveled, and free from any foreign materials such as grease, oil, dust, paint and other contaminants. Avoid installation of rubber rolled goods on new asphalt until surface oil has had time to dissipate (Approx. 30 days after compacting) and drainage can be evaluated.
Any separation of asphalt or blacktop layers, heaving etc. is the sole responsibility of the installer and/or property owner.
Allow for good drainage of the installation area with either a well-defined gradient (1% or greater depending on the coverage size of the surface) or well-placed drainage pipe in lower spots of the area.
The existing asphalt surface shall be free of significant cracks or gaps prior to the installation. Fill cracks and gaps to level surface.
All rubber rolled goods installed on asphalt must be adhered using a polyurethane adhesive.

SHEET INSTALLATION

PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

Installation of the rubber flooring will only be as good as the substrate it’s installed over. If the substrate is uneven, the rubber will not lay flat. A wet, greasy substrate is the first major cause of bonding failure. Review “Subfloor Requirements” section starting on page 3.
Roll out the rubber flooring and allow the material to “relax.” The material should be acclimated to the installation room temperature for 24 hours.
Orders for more than one roll of rubber will be marked with letters (i.e. “A”, “B”, “C”) to insure that each roll is positioned correctly during installation. Roll “A” should be positioned next to roll “B” and so on. If rubber rolls are installed out of sequence, each roll could potentially result in undesirable seam gaps.
Pre-cut rubber rolls being sure to leave 1″ to 2″ of extra material at the beginning and end of the roll. This will allow for an exact fit against a wall or for seaming at each end. Trim rolls to fit upon adhering to the subfloor. When possible, any cuts should be against the wall.
Carefully read all adhesive application instructions prior to using the product.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Beginning along a straight wall, lay the first sheet of flooring. If the walls are not square, use a chalk line to lay the sheet.
Apply adhesive using a 1/16” x 1/16” x 3/32” U-notch trowel. Spread adhesive perpendicular to seam areas to prevent excess adhesive from protruding through the seam. Use a new trowel for each new pail of adhesive. DO NOT RE-NOTCH THE TROWEL.
Review the flooring adhesive usage guidelines for spread rate and open times for curing. Higher temperatures and high humidity will cause the adhesive to set up quickly. Low temps and low humidity will cause the adhesive to set at a slower rate. The installer should monitor on-site conditions and adjust accordingly. DO NOT LET ADHESIVE SKIM OVER.
Fold the first roll lengthwise (half the width of the roll) and spread the adhesive over the subfloor using the u-notch trowel.
Lay the material into the wet adhesive carefully. Dropping the rubber sheet into the adhesive will trap air under the flooring.
Immediately roll the rubber flooring with a 75 lb. roller. Roll the width first, then the length. Roll flooring again in 30 – 45 minutes. Failure to roll the sheet while the adhesive is still soft is the second major cause of bonding failure.
BANKED TURNS: Immediately after rolling, weigh down the flooring with sandbags to allow the rubber to conform to the
subfloor contour.
Repeat steps #4 through #6 for the second half of the first sheet.
Position the second sheet flush against the first sheet. Do not place pressure on the first sheet as the glue will still be wet and may shift the sheet. Verify there are no gaps between the rubber sheets and the seams are tight.
Continue to place the rubber material adjacent to the previous sheet laid until the entire floor is covered. Immediately roll each sheet with a 75 lb. roller.
Hand roll all seams after the floor has been rolled. If there is some gapping in the seams, masking tape (3M “Long Mask” #2090 is preferred) can be used to pull the seams together. DO NOT USE DUCT TAPE as it may leave a residue. Once the floor has set the tape may be removed.
If adhesive pushes up in the seams, immediately clean with a damp rag and mineral spirits. Cured adhesive on the floor is very difficult to remove. Vius strongly recommends using gloves when applying floor adhesive.IMPORTANTDO NOT ALLOW foot traffic or rolling loads on the newly installed floor for a minimum of 24 hours. Permanent indentations in the adhesive could result and prevent a secure bond to the subfloor. For maximum strength, allow adhesive to cure for 72 hours.

UNDERLAYMENT INSTALLATION

For underlayment applications using adhesive, follow the “Sheet Installation” instructions starting on page 4.
For underlayment carpet applications, use a double face adhesive tape to secure the carpet to the underlayment. For carpeting installed using tack strips, the underlayment should be trimmed short of the tack strip to allow the carpet to be properly installed.POST INSTALLATIONVius’ rolled goods do not include a protective finish when shipped from the manufacturing facility. It is highly recommended that the newly installed rubber floor be protected using a tarpaulin or other cover until the floor can be cleaned and/or sealed.INITIAL CLEANING: Do not wash the floor for at least 5 days after installation. An initial cleaning needs to be done to remove any dirt and grit from the job site and to prepare the floor prior to applying a sealer or finish. Failure to clean properly will cause finish bonding issues as well as the entrapment of dirt in the floor.
To avoid possible damage to the flooring, the following should never be used on the floor:
- Steel wool or abrasive brushes
- Abrasive or alkaline cleaners
- Solvents of any type.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

For regular maintenance, review the VIUS Rubber Flooring Cleaning & Maintenance Guide.

DISCLAIMER & WARRANTY

DISCLAIMER

The Vius Rubber Flooring installation guide represents typical installation methods. Generally accepted installation practices should be followed. Use of a trained installation professional is recommended for best results. Vius does not warrant any installation work and specifically disclaims liability for any direct or indirect personal injury, property damage or other costs or losses resulting from incorrect or inadequate installations.

WARRANTY

Vius Rubber Flooring shall warranty the flooring materials it has supplied to be free from manufacturing defects in MATERIAL ONLY for a period of 1 year from date of substantial completion and the flooring contractor shall warrant the installation to be free from defects for the same period. The foregoing warranty is in lieu of and excludes all other warranties not expressly set forth herein, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness. Skive/knife marks on product is an inherent characteristic of using recycled rubber and will not be viewed as an appropriate reason for rejecting the final finished product. Vius Rubber Flooring and its contractors shall not be liable for incidental or consequential losses, damages, or expenses, directly or indirectly arising from the sale, handling or use of the goods, or from any other cause relating thereto, and their liability hereunder in any case is expressly limited to the replacement of goods of complying with this agreement, or, at their election, to the repayment of, or crediting Buyer with, an amount equal to the purchase price of such goods, whether such claims are for breach of warranty negligence

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Read all product and subfloor preparation instructions, adhesive instructions, warranty and other disclaimers BEFORE you begin to install Vius Rubber Flooring tiles.
The installation surface and rubber tiles need to be clean and dry prior to installation. Subfloors to be installed with rubber tiles should be maintained at a consistent temperature from 24 to 48 hours before, during and after the installation. Vius Rubber Flooring recommends an optimum temperature of 68˚F (18˚C) be maintained in the installation area.
Room temperature variations can affect rubber tiles as the material can expand (warm) or contract (cold). Temperature requirements for the flooring adhesive should be reviewed as well.
Prior to starting any installation, thoroughly review all rubber tiles.
Verify the following for all tiles:
- Material type, material color and style are correct
- Material is supplied at the correct size and thickness
- Amount of material supplied is correct
- No visual defects are present on the material
  Note: Skive/knife marks on product is an inherent characteristic of using recycled rubber and is not considered a defect.IMPORTANTANY suspect or defective material must be brought to the attention of the supplier immediately. ABSOLUTELY NO CLAIMS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE MATERIAL HAS BEEN INSTALLED.
Rubber can expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. The rubber tiles (and adhesive) should be acclimated to the installation room temperature for 24 hours. Allow additional time in colder temperatures or use room heaters to bring up the ambient air temperature. If heaters are used, be sure to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the installation process. See step 2 above.
If the rubber tiles are stored prior to installation, always lay the tiles flat. Rubber tiles stored on end will result in curled edges. Edge curl will result in raised seams and potential trip hazards. Always store rubber material on a clean, dry and flat surface. Vius Rubber Flooring recommends storing rubber tiles at a minimum of 55˚F (13˚C) with less than 50% humidity.
For best results, Vius Rubber Flooring recommends using a one-part polyurethane adhesive to glue the rubber tiles to the subfloor.

IMPORTANT

DO NOT use petroleum-based products in conjunction with Vius Rubber Flooring tiles. This includes solvents, adhesives or sealants.
An adhesive bond test should be completed in several locations across the floor. Glue down 2’ x 2’ pieces of material with recommended adhesive and trowel and let set for 48 hours before trying to remove. The squares should be relatively difficult to pull up and there should be adhesive on the floor and rubber square.
Rubber tiles that are loose-laid in the installation area (to acclimate to room temperature), or permanently installed, should be securely covered with a tarpaulin or other protective material when other trade professionals are working in the area. If possible, install the tiles after all other work is completed in the immediate installation area.

RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION TOOLS

Rubber gloves
Polyurethane flooring adhesive
Safety glasses
75 lb. sectional roller
Knee pads
Metal carpenter’s square
Utility knife
Measuring tape
Extra knife blades
Chalk line
Adhesive trowel
Pen or Marker (1/16″ x 1/16″ x 3/32″)
Tarpaulin

SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS

SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION

Vius Rubber Flooring may be installed over concrete, cement-type leveling bases, asphalt and wood subfloors.
All subfloors should be thoroughly cleaned, filled and primed. Remove all paint, varnish, oil, grease, dust, wax or any foreign substance that may decrease the bond strength of the polyurethane flooring adhesive. (Review ASTM 710 for more information.)
Verify the subfloor is dry, smooth and level. Subfloor surfaces should not vary more than 1/8″ in ten feet.
Gypsum patching compounds and leveling products should not be used on subfloor surfaces.
Stabilization of the subfloor is the sole responsibility of the installer and/or property owner.

CONCRETE (OR LEVELED CEMENT-TYPE) SUBFLOORS

Concrete surfaces must be thoroughly cured, free from hydrostatic pressure, leveled and cleaned from any foreign materials such as dust, dirt, paint, oil and water prior to rolled goods installation.
- Use a trisodium phosphate solution (or Xylol for rubber-based paint) to remove oil, grease or wax.
- Remove paint, old adhesive or other foreign material by either machine sanding or scraping.
- Thoroughly wash.
To reduce the amount of adhesive required, concrete surfaces should be reasonably smooth.
Any separation of concrete layers, heaving, etc. is the sole responsibility of the installer and/or property owner.
Allow for good drainage of the installation area with either a well-defined gradient (1% or greater depending on the coverage size of the surface) or well-placed drainage pipe in lower spots of the area.
The existing concrete surface shall be free of significant cracks or gaps prior to the installation. Patch areas with a latex-based leveling/filler compound according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Allow compound to dry as directed.

WOOD SUBFLOORS

The wood subfloor should be in good condition, rigid, and freefrom movement. The subfloor should have good cross ventilation under the floor to prevent distortion.
The wood surface should be clean and free from any foreign materials such as dust, dirt, paint or protruding nails and screws. All damaged wood should be replaced.
The surface should be leveled, clean and dry before application. Trapped moisture may cause deterioration and premature rotting of the wood. The subfloor should be free from excessive cupping or warping.
The existing wooden surface shall be free of significant cracks or gaps prior to the installation. Patch areas with a plastic wood compound according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Allow compound to dry as directed.
Re-nail all loose boards. Replace worn or damaged boards. If necessary, sand floor to a level finish and prime. Wood subfloors can also be covered with a five-ply 5/8″ (15.875mm) plywood or hardboard. Prime newly replaced floorboards.

ASPHALT SUBSURFACES

Asphalt subsurfaces must be hard enough not to melt during hot weather, leveled, and free from any foreign materials such as grease, oil, dust, paint and other contaminants. Avoid installation of rubber rolled goods on new asphalt until surface oil has had time to dissipate (Approx. 30 days after compacting) and drainage can be evaluated.
Any separation of asphalt or blacktop layers, heaving etc. is the sole responsibility of the installer and/or property owner.
Allow for good drainage of the installation area with either a well-defined gradient (1% or greater depending on the coverage size of the surface) or well-placed drainage pipe in lower spots of the area.
The existing asphalt surface shall be free of significant cracks or gaps prior to the installation. Fill cracks and gaps to level surface.
All rubber tiles installed on asphalt must be adhered using a polyurethane adhesive.

TILE INSTALLATION

PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

Installation of the rubber flooring will only be as good as the substrate it’s installed over. If the substrate is uneven, the rubber will not lay flat. A wet, greasy substrate is the first major cause of bonding failure. Review “Subfloor Requirements” section starting on page 3.
Lay out the rubber tiles and allow the material to “relax.” The material should be acclimated to the installation room temperature for 24 hours.
Vius Rubber Flooring manufactures its tiles for each project in one shade-pattern-lot number as close as possible to the sample color. Since minor variations are inherent in resilient flooring products, it is highly recommended that the tiles be mixed during the dry fit process to create the most desirable appearance.
Dry lay the rubber tiles to check for any color variations or blemishes. If there is any type of defect or question able color difference DO NOT INSTALL. Contact your supplier immediately.
Carefully read all adhesive application instructions prior to using the product.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Begin by locating the center of the room and setting chalk lines so the horizontal chalk line is square and perpendicular to the vertical chalk line. The room will be split into four quadrants.
Proceed to set additional chalk lines at 72-inch (1.83 m) intervals across the narrow part of the room. This will provide a common course to lay either 18″, 24″ or 36″ rubber tiles. See diagram below.
QUADRANT
THREE
QUADRANT
ONE
CENTER OF ROOM HORIZONTAL
CHALK LINE
EN I L K LA H C LA CI T R E V
QUADRANT
TWO
QUADRANT
FOUR
72″
72″
CHALK LINE
Apply adhesive using a 1/16” x 1/16” x 3/32” U-notch trowel. Spread adhesive perpendicular to seam areas to prevent excess adhesive from protruding through the seam. Use a new trowel for each new pail of adhesive. DO NOT RE-NOTCH THE TROWEL
Review the flooring adhesive usage guidelines for spread rate and open times for curing. Higher temperatures and high humidity will cause the adhesive to set up quickly. Low temps and low humidity will cause the adhesive to set at a slower rate. The installer should monitor on-site conditions and adjust accordingly. DO NOT LET ADHESIVE SKIM OVER.
- Approximately one 5-gallon pail of polyurethane adhesive should cover roughly 400 sq. ft.
- If adhesive is spread more than 100 sq. ft. per gallon, a sufficient amount of adhesive has not been used to permanently adhere the tiles. However, keep in mind that rough surfaces will affect adhesive coverage.
Closely following the chalk line, install the first row of tiles. Start the first full tile (A) about 1″ short of a full tile from the wall. This will ensure enough material has been left at the wall base. See detail diagram below.
Carefully set the tiles into the wet adhesive. Dropping tiles into the adhesive will trap air under the flooring. Do not exert pressure on the tiles – lay them naturally to ensure good contact with the adhesive. The idea is to establish the first course of installed tiles across the room. Make sure this course is properly set and even before continuing the tile installation.
SQUARE TILES ONLY: Start the second row of tiles halfway between the joint of the first two tiles to establish a staggered “brick wall” pattern. Installing by this method eliminates pressure on the tile corners and results in a better match at the seams.
HORIZONTAL CHALK LINE
72″
CHALK LINE
36″ x 36″
TILE EXAMPLE
A
FIRST TILE
INSTALLED
1″ SHORT OF A
FULL TILE (SHADED)
FROM THE WALL
SECOND TILE
INSTALLED
L L AW
INSTALL FIRST ROW
ACROSS THE ROOM
SECOND 72″ COURSE
FIRST 72″ COURSE
THIRD 72″ COURSE
A
CHALK LINENote: The adhesive is slippery when first spread and the tiles will shift position even if slightly disturbed. Use a quality masking tape (3M “Long-Mask” #2090 is preferred) to hold tiles together. DO NOT USE DUCT TAPE. Test tape adhesive to determine if the tape will hold the tile adequately and if it can be removed easily without leaving a residue or disturbing the position of the tile.
Cut tiles to fit at the walls and proceed to roll the first 72″ course of tiles using a 75 lb. sectional roller. Rollers over 75 lbs. may cause the tiles to stretch and should not be used. The first course can be rolled without walking on the tiles. Roll the tiles the length of the course and across the course for proper adhesion. Failure to roll the tiles while the adhesive is still soft is the second major cause of bonding failure. Wet or greasy, etc. subfloors are the first. BANKED TURNS: Immediately after rolling, weigh down the tiles with sandbags to allow the rubber to conform to the subfloor contour.
When the first course is completely installed, cut to the walls and rolled, start the second 72” course on one side of the starting course. The third course installed should be on the OPPOSITE side of the first course. By alternating sides from the starting course, maximum time is allowed for the adhesive to harden before installer traffic is forced onto the tiles. See the diagram below.
During the installation of the second, third and subsequent courses it will be necessary to walk on the newly installed tiles. Use caution as tiles can easily be kicked out of place. Tape tiles together to keep them in place during the job. Install as many full tiles as the adhesive spread will allow. Always be alert for tiles that may have been moved out of place. Use your foot to readjust any moved tiles and proceed to tape it to the adjacent tile(s).
Use a hand roller in areas where the larger roller cannot reach and on all seams after the floor has been rolled. If there are gaps in the seams, masking tape can be used to pull the seam together. For seam edges that are not lying flat, use a sandbag or other weighted object to hold-down the tile edge overnight. Once the floor has set, the tape may be removed.
If adhesive pushes up in the seams, immediately clean with a damp rag and mineral spirits. Cured adhesive on the floor is very difficult to remove. Ultimate Systems strongly recommends using gloves when applying floor adhesive. Any adhesive outside the installed field of tiles should be removed before leaving the job at the end of the day. The next day it will be very hard and need to be chipped away before starting work.

IMPORTANT

DO NOT ALLOW foot traffic or rolling loads on the newly installed floor for a minimum of 24 hours. Permanent indentations in the adhesive could result and prevent a secure bond to the subfloor. For maximum strength, allow adhesive to cure for 72 hours.

POST INSTALLATION

Vius Rubber Flooring’s rubber tiles do not include a protective finish when shipped from the manufacturing facility. It is highly recommended that the newly installed rubber floor be protected using a tarpaulin or other cover until the floor can be cleaned and/or sealed.
INITIAL CLEANING: Do not wash the floor for at least 5 days after installation. An initial cleaning needs to be done to remove any dirt and grit from the job site and to prepare the floor prior to applying a sealer or finish. Failure to clean properly will cause finish bonding issues as well as the entrapment of dirt in the floor.
To avoid possible damage to the flooring, the following should never be used on the floor:
• Steel wool or abrasive brushes
• Abrasive or alkaline cleaners
• Solvents of any type.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

For regular maintenance, review the Vius Rubber Flooring Cleaning & Maintenance Guide.

DISCLAIMER & WARRANTY

DISCLAIMER

The Vius Rubber Flooring Tile installation guide represents typical installation methods. Generally accepted installation practices should be followed. Use of a trained installation professional is recommended for best results. Vius does not warrant any installation work and specifically disclaims liability for any direct or indirect personal injury, property damage or other costs or losses resulting from incorrect or inadequate installations.