APC CORK:
Installation instructions for APC glue down cork tiles

Read all instructions carefully before installation. The responsibility of the suitability of the adhesive to each individual case cannot be assumed as the manufacturer has no influence on the proper application of the adhesives by the installer and or contractor. The directions for use were established on the basis of research, experiences and tests believed reliable. Any liability on the part of the seller cannot be derived there from verbal information is subject to written confirmation.

Preparation/ Acclimation: Open cartons must be at job site for a minimum of 48-72 hours or as needed prior to installation. During storage and installation, maintain temperature and relative humidity to level consistent to conditions that will prevail when building is occupied. With improper acclimation, the floor could expand or contract after installation. Rooms and sub-floor temperature should be between 65-85°F

Subfloors: All surfaces shall be dry, smooth and level. They must be structurally sound, solid, well fastened clean and free from dust, oil and grease, paint, wax, old adhesives. Check for curing and parting compounds, surface hardeners and sealers which are known to interfere with the adhesive bond to concrete, as well as loosely bonded toppings, primers or any other deleterious substances that may prevent or reduce adhesion.

Prior to the installation check any subfloor properly according to NWFA guidelines.

Any irregularities of the subfloors may telegraph through the cork flooring; make sure the subfloor is evenly smooth and level.

Installing On Concrete: New concrete floors should be constructed, finished and cured ( minimum 30- 60 days) in accordance with the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 302 “Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction” (Class 2 or 4) with a minimum compressive strength of 3,500 PSI (246 kg /cm2).

Before starting installation on concrete subfloors, moisture test must be conducted. The Anhydrous Calcium KIT (calcium-chloride) has been designed to produce qualitative and quantitative results. Emissions of moisture through the subfloor should not exceed 3 pounds /1,000 sq. ft. / 24 hours (1,36 kg/93m²/ 24 hours).

Alkali salts can be carried to the surface of concrete subfloors during the curing or where excessive moisture conditions exist. These deposits can create adhesive bond failures. The suitability of the slab can be determined with the use of pH testing paper or sticks. It is suitable to install the flooring if the pH is under 10

Installing On Wood Subfloors/Underlayments: Preferred underlayments such as plywood, particle board with 40 lb. per cu. Ft. density, and OSB (oriented strand board) should have the APA trademark and be recommended or guaranteed by the underlayment manufacturer or the wood flooring’s manufacturer. The subfloor over which the underlayment will be installed must be smooth, dry properly fastened and free of joint swelling, warping or delamination, multiply and tecply underlayments have been approved as is APA-AC/BC EXTERIOR.

Other Subfloors: Existing cement terrazzo and cement tiles must have full adhesion to the subfloor. Remove all residues of maintenance agents and other materials that may deteriorate a good adhesion. Prime any non porous subfloors with prime WAKOL D 3073 and level with a high quality cement based underlayment in a minimum thickness pf 3/32”.

Walls: An even surface is necessary plaster must be leveled with fine, high quality wall filler. To bond dust use WAKOL D 3073 Universal Primer diluted 1:2 with water. Minimum drying time of 24 hours is needed.

Installing Over Radiant Heating Systems: APC Cork tiles are only compatible with hot water radiant heating systems. Do not install cork tiles over electric radiant heating systems. Floating floors tend to expand and contract as a unit and therefore are recommended when in use with radiant heating systems. Cork parquet tiles can be installed as long as the consumer understands that gaps between parquet tiles could be visible during heating seasons. Prior to installation you will need to turn the system on, regardless of the time of year, for 4-5 days. Maximum surface temperature should never exceed 85°F.

Laying Cork Parquet: For best results lay tiles with staggered joints. Mix tiles from various cartons to maintain natural variation of color and pattern Allow 1/4” expansion space between finished floor and all walls, thresholds, water pipes, and other vertical surfaces. Use silicone sealer near bathtubs, commodes, etc. When moisture level in the environment is low, parquet tiles should not be positioned too tightly against one another. When moisture level is high, tiles should be installed tightly.

Adhesive Application: Stir adhesive well before use. Spread adhesive evenly and uniformly on the back of the tile and the subfloor using the recommended roller. The tiles can be coated and allowed to dry in advance (maximum 24 hours before installation), however the substrate must be coated at the time of installation, be sure that tiles and subfloor are completely covered. Allow to dry until the adhesive is clear, dry to the touch and slightly glossy. If you are unsure about the coverage a second coat may be applied once the first coat is dry.

Set tile carefully in place and use a rubber mallet to secure the tile into the adhesive. Install tiles within 3 hours after the floor is coated; tiles covered in advance must be installed within one hour. If installation will take more time, an additional coat of adhesive can be applied over the first coat.

Clean tools and equipment with water before adhesive cures,

General Information: Do not use adhesive below grade with excessive moisture or hydrostatic pressure. Acclimatize materials during cold period properly. Do not use WAKOL D 3540 for vinyl cork flooring.

Applications of Polyurethane: In order to minimize damages to your floooring and to prevent dirt and liquid spills from penetrating through the joints; the use of polyurrethane is recommended. For any commerical applicaton of cork tiles the floor must be sealed after the installation. We recommend Bona Kemi Traffic with an application of 2-3 coats depending on the amount of traffic.

Cleaning And Maintenance: Sweep and/or vacuum floor regularly. Never saturate floor with water when mopping. Damp mop (only) floors as needed. Use wide casters or felt tips under legs of furniture. Cork flooring, like wood floor, will fade if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. The use of drapes or other systems is recommended to protect the floor.

Please note that pre-finished polyurethane tile have a characteristic known as “fullness” which appears around the perimeter of the tile. It creates a slight rise along the seams, even though the tiles join flush and squarely with one another. “Fullness” occurs because cork is a natural product that absorbs and emits moisture on the surface that are unfinished (tile edges). It is not considered a defect in materials. Once installed, application of polyurethane on entire floor may reduce “fullness” effect.


If you have any questions about installing APC Cork please contact them directly at: (866) 222-3241

These instructions are guidelines only and if you are confused by any of these instructions we recommend you contact a local contractor. All product warranties do not cover problems due to improper installation.

Glue Down Installation Instructions for APC Cork flooring:

It is extremely important that the sub-floor be extremely smooth, any defect in the surface of the sub-floor will telegraph through to the cork tile.  Even textures in existing vinyl floor will eventually show through to your cork flooring. Do not walk on tiles for at least 12 hours so the glue can dry.

STEP 1. Prepare the sub-floor
When installing natural cork flooring, sub-floor preparation is an essential element to overall success. Glue down cork flooring is surprisingly flexible product due to the amazing properties of cork. For this reason, three important elements of the sub-floor must be reviewed before installation.

1. Sub-floor does not need to be perfectly level
Since APC cork flooring will naturally adjust their shape to slow inclines and slight variations in a sub-floor, a perfectly level floor isn't necessary. Of course, sharp angles aren't acceptable as the cork flooring could snap. If your cork flooring has an incline less than 10mm per foot, you'll be fine.

2. Sub-floor must not have imperfections such as cracks and/or dents
Large cracks, dents, grooves or other sub-floor imperfections must be removed and filled with thin set and bonding agent or a leveling compound to create a relatively smooth sub floor. If these imperfections are left unrepaired, they will eventually telegraph through the cork floor creating an outline of the crack on the surface of your glue down cork flooring. The occasional nail hole likely won't be an issue, but if the entire sub-floor is riddled with nail holes, you should fill them.

3. Protect against moisture
Look around for visible water stains on the drywall and subfloor, particularly on the concrete. If you do find their is moisture in your subfloor contact the adhesive manufacturer to determine best vapor barrier.

Moisture Testing: APC Adhesive requires the use of moisture tests on all concrete and wood subfloors. Subfloor moisture percentages should not exceed the flooring manufacturer’s or APC Adhesive recommendations, whichever is lowest.  If excessive moisture is present, use an appropriate vapor barrier.

The Calcium Chloride test measures moisture emission in concrete.  The maximum level when installing cork flooring is 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet over 24 hours.  APC recommends using a Concrete Moisture Encounter meter for reliable concrete testing.  The meter should be pressed firmly to the subfloor for an accurate reading.  Maximum reading for cork installations over concrete should not exceed 4 on the meter.  Moisture in wood subfloors should be measured with a wood moisture meter.  The moisture content should not exceed 14%.  Subfloors should be within 5% of the wood flooring’s moisture content.  Read flooring manufacturer’s moisture standards.  A moisture meter can also be used to measure in concrete.  Follow the instructions carefully.  Moisture meters measure wood and concrete differently.

The Accelerated Plastic Film test is a good indicator test for concrete moisture.  Tape 2’ x 2’ poly film squares with duct tape to concrete subfloor in several areas throughout the floor.  Position a light close enough to warm the surface of the plastic film (approximately 18”).  Lift the squares after 24-72 hours.  If moisture condensation is present on the film or if the concrete has darkened, this indicates moisture is present.

STEP 2: Natural Cork Flooring Tile Installation:

The following are tools typically used in glue down cork flooring installations;
- square and straight edge
- tape measure
- chalk line
- trowel

Shade Variances
1. Cork tiles are made from natural materials and subject to shade or tone variations
2. Tiles may be received from the manufacturer up to a maximum or 3 different shades
3. Separate the cartons according to shade markings on box; boxes will be marked light, medium or dark
4. Tile should be installed from alternate boxes using 3 to 4 boxes to even out the distribution of shade variances

2. Door jambs
Cut all doorjambs so that the glue down cork flooring will fit neatly beneath them.  This can be done using a Hand held jamb saw and a cork tile as a guide.  Always vacuum after any cutting as any debris on the sub-floor will cause bumps on your completed cork floor.

3. Determine your starting point
You can install your glue down cork flooring in nearly any pattern imaginable. The most simple, is a staggered (brick like) installation (below) beginning from the most visible entry position.

This is determined by viewing the room where you'll be installing the glue down cork flooring from the primary entry point such as a doorway. A chalk line needs to be made across the sub-floor to mark the starting point. Ask a partner to stand on the opposite side of the room from the primary entry point and hold a chalk covered string between you. Visually determine that the chalk line is as straight as possible between you and your partner and snap the line on the floor. You should have a chalk marking through the center of your sub-floor. With a pencil or marker, make a small perpendicular line at approximately the middle point of this chalk mark. Imagine that your room is divided into quarters. It is from this center point that your installation will begin.

4. Why do i begin in the center of the room and not at the wall?
Because walls are almost never perfectly straight or perfectly square. It is best to line up your APC cork tiles beginning in the center of the room and working out. This way, full size cork tiles will be placed at the most visible points while cut cork tiles will border the walls. By creating the starting point using a visual line as opposed to a measured line, you're ensuring that your cork flooring will appear straight -- even if the walls are not square.

5. Apply Adhesive:
Before applying any adhesive to concrete, it should be moisture tested. The slab should not exceed a reading of 3-4. If the moisture content is higher, a concrete sealer would be needed. Please contact adhesive manufacturer for proper vapor barrier.

NOT CHECKING FOR MOISTURE IN THE SUBFLOOR IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF CORK TILES LIFTING.

6. Securing the Tile
1. After the tile has been laid and they do not slide underfoot, the floor must be rolled in two directions with a 12 inch wide, 100 lb. roller. Use a hand roller around base and any area not accessible by a large roller
2. One hour and two hours after the first rolling, roll again in two directions
3. After installation, the cork floor tiles will require a minimum of 72 hours to set

7. Finishing the Tile
A. APC Cork Tiles are finished at the factory with an acrylic matte varnish. It is not necessary to add additional coating after the floor has been installed unless you are using the floor for COMMERCIAL use. In that case two coats of urethane are required and must be maintained depending on floor maitenance and foot traffic. Failing to do this will void the Commercial Warranty. We recommened BonaKemi Traffic for commercial applications but most urethanes that are acceptable for wood work well. It is always advisable to check the area before applying the whole floor.

B. To seal the floor, it will be necessary to “screen” the tiles or lightly abrade with 220 sandpaper to prep the surface for proper adhesive of the urethane.

8. Baseboard
Once your natural cork flooring is installed, install quarter round along the existing baseboard to hide the gap left to allow for proper expansion and contraction.  All transition strips can now be installed as well.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR VARIOUS ROOMS:

Kitchens:
It is standard practice to install glue down cork flooring before new cabinets are installed. The new cabinets will have no effect on the glue down cork flooring. 

When moving appliances across a cork floor, you will need to put plywood down and create path to the location of appliance. Please be extremely careful since sliding heavy objects could gouge or damage your flooring. Never slide or move appliances over cork floors without glider sheets underneath. Typically, your cork floor should be placed only under the front feet of the dishwasher and stove.

If your cork floor is pre finished, you do not need to apply additional polyurethane but it is a good idea to consider sealing the seams.  We recommend contacting a professional to tackle this part of the job.  Always check for compatibility between the existing floor and new polyurethane prior to recoating.

Bathrooms:
The same rules apply to bathrooms as kitchens.  The main difference is the toilet.  Always remove the toilet, and tile up to the flange.  When reinstalling the toilet it may be necessary to install 2 wax rings, one on top of the other, or get an extender kit, which is simply a larger wax ring.  It is always a good idea to change the supply line to the tank at this time. If your cork flooring is pre finished, you do not need to apply additional poly urethane but it is a good idea to consider sealing the seams, since it is the bathroom. 

Offices:
If rolling chairs are used at desks, place a plastic floor mat under the chair.  Be sure to use the mat that does not have the pointed nubs on the bottom which will damage your cork flooring.

Maintenance:
Any heavy furniture and chairs should have thick felt pads placed on the feet to help disburse the weight.  Heavier objects such as pianos and pool tables may require a large pad under the feet.  This will help to reduce denting of your cork floor. If a piano is left unprotected in one spot, the cork flooring will actually crush, ruin your cork floor.

If heavy items are on wheels (pianos, big screen TV’s etc) they should not be rolled directly on the cork flooring.  Always put a piece of plywood with a packing quilt underneath to move these objects.  Heavy enough objects will even dent wood floors.

Routine cleaning should be done only with Bona Kemi Hardwood floor cleaners.  No harsh detergents containing any vinegars, pastes, or waxes should be used. 

Over time, the urethane layer will wear, as on any floor of this nature.  It is important to have your cork flooring recoated before the urethane is worn completely off. 

Repairing Damaged Cork Tiles:
If a tile gets badly damaged, it is pretty easy to replace.  Using a stiff scraper and a mallet, scrape the cork tile out of its place, being very careful not to damage neighboring cork tiles.  It is crucial to clean any debris from the area.  This is usually done best by using sand paper.  If any filler has come up with the tile, it will need to be repaired and sanded smooth just as in the installation steps.  Once the area is clean, simply reapply yoru adhesive to the area and replace with a new cork tile.

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