One-Star Limited Warranty

Product Covered: Broadmor

The One-Star Limited Warranty means that your new floor:	Warranty Period
• will not wear out	5 Years
• will be free of manufacturing defects	5 Years
• will not stain from asphalt tracking	5 Years
• will not gouge, rip, tear or indent from normal use	5 Years
• will not discolor from mold, mildew or alkali	5 Years

The One-Star Limited Warranty provision covers material for the period of the warranty and reasonable labor costs for years one through three if professional installation was paid for when the original floor was installed. After three years and through five years, the warranty covers material only; labor will not be paid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product

Reference

Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 2013

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

Section A: Product Comparison Charts

Page 1.               AirStep® Comparison Chart

Page 2.               Felt Backed Sheet Vinyl Comparison Chart

Page 3.               DuraCeramic® / Ovations® Product Comparison Chart

Page 4.               Congoleum Vinyl Plank Comparison Chart

 

Section B: AirStep® Product Information Sheets

Page 5.               AirStep Advantage® Page 6.    AirStep Evolution®

Page 7.               AirStep Plus®

Page 8.               AirStep Basix®

 

 

Section C: White Shield™ Felt Backed Sheet Product Information Sheets

Page 9.               Ultima®

Page 10.            FlorEver® Plus Page 11.                           Pacesetter™ Page 12.    Fast Track® Page 13.            Prelude®

Page 14.            Why Buy One Felt Product Over Another?

 

Section D: DuraCeramic® Information Sheets

Page 15.            DuraCeramic® Page 16.                           Ovations®

 

Section E: Luxury Vinyl Plank Information Sheets

Page 17.            DuraPlank® II Page 18. Connections® Page 19.            Carefree® Plank

Page 20.            Endurance® Plank & Tile

 

 

Section F: Resilient Sheet Flooring Basics

Page 21 – 22     Wear Surface Basics

Page 23 - 25     Product Construction Basics

 

 

Section G: Luxury Tile Basics

Page 26.            Tile & Plank Basics

 

 

Section H: Glossary

Page 27 – 28     Industry Jargon

Page 29.            Building Construction

 

 

AirStep® Sheet Flooring Product Comparison Chart

 

 

 

Characteristic	AirStep         AirStep        Top Price Advantage® Evolution®  Fiberglass***		AirStep    Mid-Price Plus® Fiberglass**	AirStep       10 Mil Basix® Fiberglass*	AirStep                 Fiberglass Category                    Category
No Buckle Guarantee Stain Resistance ScotchGard™ Silver Anti-Bacterial   Cleanability   Damage Resistance Ability to handle Hydro Static Vapor Emissions   Thickness   "Hand" - Apparent Value Texture / Embossing Pattern/Color/Design Warranty	10                    10                      0   10                    10                      5   10                    10                      0   10                    10                      0   10                    10                      8   9                      9                       8   8                      7                       5   9                      8                      10   10                     7                      10   10                     9                       5   10                     8                       9   10                    10                      8		10                 0   10                 5   10                 0   10                 0   10                 8   7                  4   7                  5   6                  7   6                  8   7                  4   6                  8   8                  7	10                 0   8                  5   0                  0   0                  0   8                  8   7                  3   7                  5   5                  4   5                  5   6                  4   6                  6   5                  5	10                  0   10                  5   7                   0   7                   0   9                   8   8                   5   7                   5   7                   7   7                   7   8                   4   8                   8   8                   7
Totals	116                  108                    68		97                56	67                45	96                 56
Installation
Fully Spread Adhesive   Perimeter Installation   Loose Lay - No Restrictions Seam Integrity	10   10   10 10	10                   10   10                    0   10                    5 10                    5	10               10   10                0   10                5 10                5	10                10   10                0   10                 5 10                5	10                10   10                 0   10                 5 10                 5
TOTALS	40	40                   20	40               20	40               20	40                20

 

10 = Highest Rating

* Includes: Tarkett Fresh Start, IVC FlexiStep Level Plus, Armstrong Flex Step

** Includes: Tarkett Fiber Floor - Easy Living, Armstrong CushionStep Better, IVC FlexiStep or Luna FlexiStep

*** Includes: Tarkett FiberFloor Lifetime, Armstrong Cushion Step Best, IVC FlexiStep Majestic

 

 

 

 

Congoleum Felt Backed Sheet Flooring Comparison Chart

 

 

Characteristics	Ultima®	Flor-Ever® Plus	Pacesetter™	Fast Track®	Prelude®
ScotchGard™   Cleanability   Stain Resistance Silver Anti-Bacterial Thickness / Comfort Damage Resistance Good Indoor Air Quality Scuff Resistance Warranty	10   10   10   10   10   10   10   10   10	0   7   9   10   8   10   10   7   7	0   7   9   0   7   8   8   7   6	0   8   9   0   6   6   8   8   6	0   6   8   0   5   5   8   5   4
TOTALS	80	68	52	51	41
Installation
Ease of Handling   Full Spread Adhesive   Perimeter Adhere   Install All Grade Levels	7   10   10   10	7   10   10   10	7   10   10   10	7   10   10   10	7   10   10   10
TOTALS	37	37	37	37	37

 

10 =  Highest Rating

 

 

 

DuraCeramic® / Ovations® Product Comparison Chart

 

Characteristic	DuraCeramic®	Ovations®	Alterna®	Adura®	PermaStone®	Ceramic Tile
Finished Product Made in USA   ScotchGard™ Silver Anti-Bacterial Stain Resistance Cleanability Patented Nylon Reinforced Glaze with Aluminum Oxide   Limestone Composite Construction   Damage Resistance Impact Resistance Thickness Warm Under Foot Texture / Embossing Pattern/Color/Design Warranty	Yes   10   10   10   10   10   10   9   9   8   10   9   10 10	Yes   0   0   9   8   10   10   9   8   7   10   8   7 7	Yes   0   0   8   8   5   10   9   8   8   10   8   8 8	No   0   0   7   8   5   7   9   7   8   10   6   6 7	No   0   0   7   8   5   7   9   7   8   10   5   5 7	Some   0   0   7   7   0   0   7   3   10   3   10   10 0
Totals	105	93	90	80	78	57
Installation
Can Be Floated (UnderFlor) Fast, One Day, Installation Realistic Rounded Edge Installation Accessory Kit Joint Sealer Available for Edge to Edge Installations	10   10   10   10   10	10   10   8   10   0	0   8   7   0   0	10   10   6   0   0	0   8   8   0   0	0   3   10   0   0
TOTALS	50	38	15	26	16	13

 

10 = Highest Rating

 

 

 

 

 

Congoleum Vinyl Plank Comparison Chart

 

Characteristic	DuraPlank® II	Connections®	Carefree®	Endurance® Plank & Tile
ScotchGard™   Silver Anti-Bacterial Stain Resistance Cleanability Thickness / Comfort Damage Resistance Good Indoor Air Quality   Scuff Resistance   Warranty	10   10   10   10   10   10   10   10   10	0   0   9   8   10   10   10   7   8	0   0   9   7   7   8   10   7   8	0   0   9   7   6   6   10   7   6
TOTALS	90	62	56	51
Installation
Can Be Floated (UnderFlor or SmartLink)   Fast, One Day, Installation   Realistic Micro Beveled Edges	10   10   10	10   10   10	10   10   10	10   10   8
TOTALS	30	30	30	28

 

 

10 = Highest Rating

 

AirStep Advantage® featuring

 

Why buy AirStep Advantage?

 

 

 

• The Better Alternative to Fiberglass! – Flexible flooring that works! Lays flat, stays flat with or without adhesive
• Congoleum’s THICKEST AirStep floor!

 

• More than 15% Thicker than AirStep Evolution®

 

• Advantage’s extra thickness allows deeper more realistic texture and comfort under foot
• Scotchgard™ Protector – A Congoleum exclusive – The easiest to clean resilient floor you have ever owned –guaranteed!
• Aluminum Oxide - for extra durability

 

• Silver - Nature’s anti-bacterial protection guards against mold and mildew

 

• Your Choice Plus Installation System – 3 Guaranteed Installation Options

 

• Loose Lay

 

• Perimeter

 

• Fully Adhere

 

• No Buckle Guarantee – Install over most subfloors

 

• existing vinyl

 

• particle board

 

• single layer wood subfloors

 

• light weight concrete

 

• This floor will not buckle – guaranteed!

 

• Extended Life Long Warranty

 

• Made in the USA

 

AirStep Evolution® featuring

 

Why buy AirStep Evolution?

 

 

 

• The Better Alternative to Fiberglass! – Flexible flooring that works! Lays flat, stays flat with or without adhesive
• Congoleum’s BEST AirStep floor!

 

• More than 30% Thicker than AirStep Plus®

 

• Evolution’s extra thickness allows deeper more realistic texture

 

• Scotchgard™ Protector – A Congoleum exclusive – The easiest to clean resilient floor you have ever owned –guaranteed!
• Aluminum Oxide - for extra durability

 

• Silver - Nature’s anti-bacterial protection guards against mold and mildew

 

• Your Choice Plus Installation System – 3 Guaranteed Installation Options

 

• Loose Lay

 

• Perimeter

 

• Fully Adhere

 

• No Buckle Guarantee – Install over most subfloors

 

• existing vinyl

 

• particle board

 

• single layer wood subfloors

 

• light weight concrete

 

• This floor will not buckle – guaranteed!

 

• Life Long Limited Warranty

 

• Made in the USA

 

AirStep Plus® Featuring

 

Why buy AirStep Plus?

 

 

 

• The Better Alternative to Fiberglass! – Flexible flooring that works! Lays flat, stays flat with or without adhesive
• More than 10% thicker than AirStep Basix®

 

• Scotchgard™ Protector – A Congoleum Exclusive – The easiest to clean resilient floor you have ever owned –guaranteed!
• Silver - Nature’s anti bacterial protection guards against mold and mildew

 

• Your Choice Plus Installation System – 3 Guaranteed Installation Options

 

• Loose Lay

 

• Perimeter adhere

 

• Fully Adhere

 

• No Buckle Guaranty – Install over most subfloors

 

• Existing vinyl

 

• Particle board

 

• Single layer wood subfloors

 

• Light weight concrete

 

• This floor will not buckle – guaranteed!

 

• 20 Year Limited Warranty

 

• Made in the USA

 

AirStep Basix®

 

Why buy AirStep Basix?

 

 

 

• The perfect builder/property management base grade floor

 

• The Better Alternative to Fiberglass! – Flexible flooring that works! Lays flat, stays flat, with or without adhesive!
• Scuff-Tuff matte finish urethane wear layer

 

• Your Choice Plus Installation System – 3 Guaranteed Installation Options

 

• Loose Lay

 

• Perimeter

 

• Fully Adhere

 

• No Buckle Guarantee– Install over most subfloors

 

• Existing vinyl

 

• Particle board

 

• Single layer wood subfloors

 

• Light weight concrete

 

• This floor will not buckle – guaranteed!

 

• 10 Year Limited Warranty

 

• Made in the USA

 

Ultima® featuring

 

 

• Ultima, where elegance meets function. Congoleum’s Best Sheet Floor!

 

• Ultra Shield™ Wearlayer - Congoleum’s exclusive, patented coating!

 

• Aluminum Oxide – Provides durability

 

• Nylon Nano Particles – Improved scratch resistance

 

• Scotchgard™ Protector – The easiest to clean floor, guaranteed

 

• Silver - Nature’s anti-bacterial protection

 

• White Shield™ Backing - The Best Felt Backing in the Industry

 

• Resists cracking

 

• Resists tearing

 

• Easy to handle flexibility

 

• Installs on All Grade Levels - Moisture resistant backing wicks away moisture

 

• Bac Stop Protection – will not discolor from mold, mildew or alkali due to moisture coming from concrete subfloors
• Will Not Rip Tear or Gouge – from normal household use

 

• Your Choice Installation System – 2 guaranteed installation options

 

• Perimeter

 

• Fully Adhered

 

• Limited Life Long Warranty

 

• Made in the USA

 

Flor-Ever® Plus

 

 

• Commercially Rated, Beautifully Designed

 

• Meets ASTM Specification, F1303, Type I, Grade 1, Class A

 

• Vinyl Wearlayer Fortified with Aluminum Oxide

 

• Aluminum Oxide – Provides extra durability

 

• Silver - Nature’s anti bacterial protection. Perfect for health care applications.

 

• White Shield Backing™ – The Best Felt Backing in the Industry

 

• Resists cracking

 

• Resists tearing

 

• Easy to handle flexibility

 

• Installs on All Grade Levels - Moisture resistant backing wicks away moisture

 

• Bac Stop Protection – will not discolor from mold, mildew or alkali due to moisture coming from concrete subfloors
• Will Not Rip Tear or Gouge – from normal household use

 

• Your Choice Installation System – 2 guaranteed installation options

 

• Perimeter – Residential installations only

 

• Fully Adhered – Commercial and residential applications

 

• Limited Life Long Residential Warranty

 

• 5 year Light Commercial Warranty

 

Pacesetter™

 

Why Buy Pacesetter?

 

 

 

• The residential remodel mid price point product for extra durability

 

• The builder and property management product where extra durability is required
• AlumaTEC™ wear surface – Vinyl with aluminum oxide for superior durability

 

• 25% Thicker Than Fast Track

 

• White Shield Backing™ – The Best Felt Backing in the Industry

 

• Resists cracking

 

• Resists tearing

 

• Easy to handle flexibility

 

• Installs on All Grade Levels - Moisture resistant backing wicks away moisture

 

• Bac Stop Protection – will not discolor from mold, mildew or alkali due to moisture coming from concrete subfloors
• Will Not Rip Tear or Gouge – from normal household use

 

• Your Choice Installation System – 2 Guaranteed Installation Options

 

• Perimeter

 

• Fully Adhered

 

• 12 Year Warranty

 

• Made in the USA

 

Fast Track®

 

Why Buy Fast Track?

 

• Great opening price point for residential remodel projects

 

• First upgrade for builders or property management

 

• Scuff-Tuff™ Urethane Wear Surface with a Matte Finish

 

• White Shield Backing™ – The Best Felt Backing in the Industry

 

• Resists cracking

 

• Resists tearing

 

• Easy to handle flexibility

 

• Installs on All Grade Levels - Moisture resistant backing wicks away moisture

 

• Bac Stop Protection – will not discolor from mold, mildew or alkali due to moisture coming from concrete subfloors
• Will Not Rip Tear or Gouge – from normal household use

 

• Your Choice Installation System – 2 Guaranteed Installation Options

 

• Perimeter

 

• Fully Adhered

 

• 12 Year Warranty

 

• Made in the USA

 

Prelude®

 

Why Buy Prelude?

 

• Ideal base grade product for builders or multi-family use

 

• Standard Vinyl Wear Surface

 

• White Shield Backing™ – The Best Felt Backing in the Industry

 

• Resists cracking

 

• Resists tearing

 

• Easy to handle flexibility

 

• Installs on All Grade Levels - Moisture resistant backing wicks away moisture

 

• Bac Stop Protection – will not discolor from mold, mildew or alkali due to moisture coming from concrete subfloors
• Will Not Rip Tear or Gouge – from normal household use

 

• Your Choice Installation System – 2 Guaranteed Installation Options

 

• Perimeter

 

• Fully Adhered

 

• 5 Year Limited Warranty

 

• Will not discolor from asphalt driveway tracking

 

• Made in the USA

 

Why Buy One Felt Backed Floor Over Another?

 

 

• Prelude® – The affordable flooring option. Low cost, standard vinyl wear layer. Ideal base grade for builders or property management

 

 

• Fast Track® – The economical floor with an easier to clean urethane wear surface and a better warranty. Great opening price point for remodel projects or as a first upgrade for builders

 

 

• Pacesetter™ – Pacesetter is more durable because it has a thicker vinyl wear surface fortified with Aluminum Oxide.

 

 

• Flor-Ever® Plus– This floor has a thick commercially rated vinyl wear layer with aluminum oxide for added durability. This floor also features Silver, natures antibacterial protection.

 

 

• Ultima® – The best floor money can buy. Exclusive patented wear surface has aluminum oxide for durability and nylon nano particles for greater scratch resistance. Scotchgard™ Protector infused in this wearlayer makes Ultima the easiest to clean floor, guaranteed. Ultima has the added benefit of silver, nature’s antibacterial protection. The Ultimate floor is Ultima.

 

DuraCeramic® featuring

 

 

• The Flooring Industry’s Original and Best Luxury Tile

 

• Ultra Shield™ Wearlayer - Congoleum’s exclusive, patented glaze!

 

• Aluminum Oxide – Provides durability

 

• Urethane – Easy care protection

 

• Nylon Particles – Improved scratch resistance

 

• Scotchgard™ Protector – The easiest to clean floor, guaranteed

 

• Silver - Nature’s anti bacterial protection

 

• DuraCeramic is designed to overcome the negatives of ceramic tile and stone
• Warmer under foot

 

• Not as hard, easier on the feet

 

• Crack and impact resistant

 

• Faster installation

 

• No need for special installation tools like wet saws

 

• No need for special underlayments or setting materials

 

• Use stain and crack resistant acrylic grout for easier maintenance

 

• Large Format 15 5/8” x 15 5/8” size for a luxurious look

 

• 160 mils thick for extra durability (160 mils= 3/16” or 4MM)

 

• Can be installed over UnderFlor creating a “floating floor” installation

 

• Install edge to edge for grout free installations or with acrylic, stain resistant grout for the look of a real ceramic tile or stone floor
• Limited Life Long Warranty

 

Ovations®

 

 

• The value priced alternative to DuraCeramic®

 

• Ultra Shield™ Wearlayer - Congoleum’s exclusive, patented glaze!

 

• Aluminum Oxide – Provides durability

 

• Urethane – Easy care protection

 

• Nylon Particles – Improved scratch resistance

 

• Ovations is designed to overcome the negatives of Ceramic Tile and Stone

 

• Warmer under foot

 

• Not as hard, easier on the feet

 

• Crack and impact resistant

 

• Faster installation

 

• No need for special installation tools like wet saws

 

• No need for special underlayments or setting materials

 

• Use stain and crack resistant acrylic grout for easier maintenance

 

• Popular 14” x 14” format for a luxurious look

 

• Heavy duty 140 mils thick. (140 mils = 5/32” or 3.5 MM)

 

• Can be installed over UnderFlor creating a “floating floor” installation

 

• Install edge to edge for grout free installations or with acrylic, stain resistant grout for the look of a real ceramic tile or stone floor
• 20 Year Limited Warranty

 

DuraPlank® II featuring

 

 

• The “Plank” version of DuraCeramic®

 

• Ultra Shield™ Wearlayer - Congoleum’s exclusive, patented glaze!

 

• Aluminum Oxide – Provides durability

 

• Urethane – Easy care protection

 

• Nylon Particles – Improved scratch resistance

 

• Scotchgard™ Protector – The easiest to clean floor, guaranteed

 

• Silver - Nature’s anti bacterial protection

 

• DuraPlank II is designed to overcome the negatives of wood and laminate flooring
• Water resistant – use in traditional wet area applications like kitchen, hallways, baths, and basements
• Will not warp, chip, crack or splinter

 

• No need for special installation tools like circular or table saws

 

• No need for special underlayments, padding or adhesives

 

• Beautiful 4 ½” x 36 planks

 

• 160 mils thick for extra durability (160 mils= 3/16” or 4MM)

 

• Can be installed over UnderFlor creating a “floating floor” installation

 

• Can be mixed with DuraCeramic for custom installations

 

• Limited Life Long Warranty

 

Connections®

Glueless Floor System

 

 

• Vinyl Floating Planks

 

• Easy care 12 mil urethane wear surface

 

• Aluminum Oxide – Provides durability

 

• Preferred 6” x 48” size

 

• 160 mils overall thickness for extra durability (160 mils= 3/16” or 4MM)

 

• Connections is designed to overcome the negatives of wood and laminate flooring
• Water resistant – use in traditional wet area applications like kitchen, hallways, baths and basements
• Will not warp, chip, crack or splinter

 

• No need for special installation tools like circular or table saws

 

• No need for special underlayments, padding or adhesives

 

• Floating, glueless installation uses a pre-attached aerospace technology adhesive film that is water resistant and offers extremely strong tensile strength.
• Can be installed over most subfloors including:

 

• Existing vinyl

 

• Particle board

 

• Single layer wood subfloors

 

• Light weight concrete

 

• Easy to reposition while installing, easy to repair damaged planks

 

• 25 Year Limited Warranty

 

Carefree® Plank

Glueless Floor System

 

 

• Ideal for property management applications

 

• Vinyl Floating Planks

 

• Easy care 6 mil urethane wear surface

 

• Aluminum Oxide – Provides durability

 

• Preferred 6” x 36” size

 

• 140 mils overall thickness for extra durability(140 mils= 5/32” or 3.5 MM)

 

• Carefree is designed to overcome the negatives of wood and laminate flooring
• Water resistant - use traditional wet area applications like kitchen, hallways, baths and basements
• Will not warp, chip, crack or splinter

 

• No need for special installation tools like circular or table saws

 

• No need for special underlayments, padding or adhesives

 

• Floating, glueless installation uses a pre-attached aerospace technology adhesive film that is water resistant and offers extremely strong tensile strength.
• Can be installed over most subfloors including:

 

• Existing vinyl

 

• Particle board

 

• Single layer wood subfloors

 

• Light weight concrete

 

• Easy to reposition while installing, easy to repair damaged planks

 

• 10 Year Limited Residential Warranty

 

• 5 Year Light Commercial Warranty

 

Endurance® Plank & Tile

 

 

• 8 mil Urethane wear surface

 

• Available in 6” x 36”, 4” x 36” planks and 16” x 16” tikes for one great price

 

• 80 mills overall thickness (2 MM)

 

• Endurance is designed to overcome the negatives of wood and laminate flooring
• Water resistant - use in traditional wet area applications like kitchen, hallways, baths and basements
• Will not warp, chip, crack or splinter

 

• No need for special installation tools like circular or table saws

 

• No need for special underlayments, padding or adhesives

 

• Mix and match Endurance Tile and Planks. Use planks in the living areas and tiles in the kitchen and baths
• Can be installed over UnderFlor creating a “floating floor” installation

 

• When using UnderFlor, Endurance Plank and Tile can be installed over most subfloors including:
• Existing vinyl

 

• Particle board

 

• Single layer wood subfloors

 

• Light weight concrete

 

• 12 Year Limited Warranty

 

Resilient Flooring Product Basics

Wear Surfaces

 

 

• A wear surfaces is the clear layer applied to protect the color and design of the floor. The type of wear surface you choose determines the amount of effort it will take to maintain your floor.
• There are two basic types of wear surfaces – Vinyl (PVC) and Urethane

 

• Vinyl Wear Surfaces – All resilient floors have vinyl wear surfaces, even the floors with Urethane top coatings. Vinyl is relatively durable and stain resistant but has some limitations. Floors with vinyl wear surfaces can be more susceptible to scuffing and the tiny scratches and abrasions from daily foot traffic that trap dirt and grime. These floors can take more effort to keep them looking their best.
• Urethane Wear Surfaces – are an additional top coat applied to some vinyl wear surfaces. All urethane floors start with a vinyl wear surface. The Urethane is then added to the top of the vinyl. These surfaces are more scuff and scratch resistant making them easier to maintain.

 

 

• Wearlayer Additives – The basic wear surface characteristics can be improved by adding selective chemicals and minerals.
• Scotchgard™ Protector – This exclusive chemical additive is mixed into the urethane wear surface of Congoleum’s best flooring products. Floors with Scotchgard work like a non-stick fry pan. Dirt, oily spills and sticky messes do not stick to floors with Scotchgard and wipe right up. Detergents are not needed to wash these floors to get them clean. Just damp mop them with water. These floors are guaranteed to be the easiest to clean you have ever owned.
• Nylon Particles – As part of a patented process, nylon particles are added to the urethane of selected floors making them much more scratch resistant. This

 

allows the floors to keep their “like new look” longer than floors with out these particles.

 

 

• Aluminum Oxide – This is a very hard mineral (second only to diamonds) added to the vinyl wear surface. This adds abrasion resistance for greater durability and a longer life against wear through.
• Silver – Silver is the natural antibacterial element. Hospitals use silver nitrate to treat burn victims and ward off infections. Bacteria, mold and mildew cannot live on the surface of the flooring with the silver additive making it more hygienic.

 

Resilient Sheet Flooring Product Basics

Product Construction

 

• The way sheet flooring is constructed will determine installation options, subfloor requirements and adhesive recommendations. It will determine the flexibility of the material for ease of handling by the installer.
• There are three basic types of product construction – Traditional felt backed flooring, fiberglass backed flooring and UltraTec™ backed flooring
• Traditional Felt Backing

 

• Installs on All Grade Levels - Moisture resistant backing wicks away moisture that may be present in the subfloor
• Bac Stop Protection – will not discolor from mold, mildew or alkali due to moisture coming from concrete subfloors
• Will Not Rip Tear or Gouge – from normal household use

 

• Exceptional Dimensional Stability – Keeps your flooring flat and secure
• Proven Technology – Used for over 60 years as the resilient flooring standard
• Your Choice Installation System – 2 Guaranteed Installation Options

 

• Perimeter

 

• Fully Adhere

 

Diagram of a White Shield™ Back Floor

 

Urethane

Wear Layer

 

Vinyl Wear

Layer

 

Print

 

 

 

Foam

Layer

 

White ShieldTM

Felt

 

• Fiberglass Backed flooring (Not a Congoleum Construction)

 

• 100% Dimensional Stability – will not expand and contract as the home moves making it susceptible to buckling
• Fiberglass inner layer – requires an equal amount of vinyl above and beneath the fiberglass inner layer for it to be dimensional stability. This requires the backing to have additional foam cushioning making it more susceptible to rips, tears and gouges
• All Vinyl Construction Backing – keeps moisture locked under the floor making it more susceptible to hydrostatic pressure problems for on grade and below grade installations
• Requires Special Pressure Sensitive Adhesive – Increases installation cost, is not very moisture resistant and increases installation time
• Fully adhered    installation    system    –   this   is   the   only   method recommended by fiberglass manufacturer without limitations or size of job restrictions

 

 

• AirStep UltraTec™ Construction (A Congoleum Exclusive!)

 

• The Better Alternative to Fiberglass! – Flexible flooring that works!

 

• Felt Inner Layer Allows for Controlled Stability – Floor will compress as the home expands in the summer and relaxes as the home contracts in the winter. No buckles!
• Felt Inner layer plus the Polymer Composite Back Coat - offers moisture resistance that is 66% greater than fiberglass backed floors
• Your Choice Plus Installation System – 3 Guaranteed Installation

 

Options – saves money, reduces installation time

 

• Loose Lay

 

• Perimeter

 

• Fully Adhere

 

• No Buckle Guarantee – Install over most subfloors

 

• Existing vinyl

 

• Particle board

 

• Single layer wood subfloors

 

• Light weight concrete

 

 

 

Diagram of AirStep UltraTec® Construction

 

 

 

 

Urethane Wear

Layer

 

 

Vinyl Wear

Layer

 

 

Print

 

 

 

 

Foam Layer

 

 

 

White ShieldTM

Felt

 

 

Polymer Composite

Back

 

Luxury Vinyl Tile Product Basics

 

 

• Luxury Vinyl Tile comes in two basic shapes

 

• Tiles (squares and rectangles) - designed to replicate ceramic tiles or real stone products
• Planks (wood looks) - designed to replicate wood flooring

 

• The Value of Luxury Vinyl Tile – These products provide the visual beauty of the natural products while overcoming the negatives of the original products. Vinyl tile products are modular so they are easy to install, easy to repair and have minimal waste when installing them.
• Tile Products

 

• Warmer under foot

 

• Moisture resistant

 

• Not as hard, easier on the feet

 

• Crack and impact resistant

 

• Faster installation

 

• No need for special installation tools like wet saws

 

• No need for special underlayments or setting materials

 

• Optional acrylic   grout   -   stain   and   crack   resistant   for   easier maintenance
• Plank products

 

• Moisture resistant, use in wet areas like baths, kitchens, entryways and laundry rooms
• No cracking, splitting or splintering

 

• Easier to clean

 

• Use on all grade levels including basements

 

Glossary

 

Industry Jargon

 

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – Any expensive modular vinyl composition tile or plank floor. Typically as expensive as the real thing.

 

Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) – A resilient modular tile typically 12” x 12”. Vinyl resins and binders mixed with limestone create most vinyl tile. Commercially rated VCT is typically 1/8” thick.

 

Sheet Vinyl – 6’, 12’ or 4 meters wide flexible flooring that can be installed with a minimum of seams.

 

Fiberglass Flooring – Sheet vinyl with a fiberglass cloth center sheet. Originally sold as a loose lay floor, most is currently fully adhered.

 

Homogeneous Sheet Vinyl – Sheet flooring with out a backing used primarily in commercial settings. Most is two meters wide and seams must be heat welded.

 

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive – This adhesive is either roll on with a paint roller or spread with a fine notched trowel and then allowed to dry until it is sticky to the touch but dry enough that there is no transfer to your fingers. Used with many vinyl tiles and vinyl backed sheet flooring products.

 

Latex Adhesive – this adhesive is made from latex resins and is water soluble when wet. This is used exclusively under felt backed sheet vinyl. It maintains a “chewing gum” consistency when set up.

 

Embossing Leveler – This is a paste that comes either pre-mixed or in a powder form. The powder is usually mixed with latex liquid or water until a “mayonnaise consistency”. This is then spread using a flat trowel over existing resilient tiles to fill in the embossing of the old floor. This provides a smooth surface to install a new floor over the top of the old floor without the design from the old floor “telegraphing” thru to the new floor.

 

Cushion Vinyl Flooring – the gel coat of sheet vinyl contains a foaming agent that cases the gel to expand into a closed cell foam when heated in the consolidation process. The foam provides comfort under foot, thickness and “hand” to the product and allows for both mechanical and chemical embossing for design realism and texture.

 

Chemical Embossing – Uses inhibitors in the inks of the printed design that keeps the gel coat from expanding. This allows low or embossed areas where inhibitors are used as part of the design.

 

Mechanical Embossing – Used a heated roller with bumps protruding from the roller to “crush” the foam as part of the design element applied at the last part of the consolidation process.

 

 

Linoleum – Can mean one of two different things. First, it can mean real linoleum made of linseed oil and corn flour; this is used primarily in commercial applications. Limited to two meter widths, seams must be heat welded. Second, it can be a generic name referencing all sheet flooring types. This is like all tissue being Kleenex or all gelatins being Jell-O

 

Glossary

 

Building Construction

 

 

 

Joists – The dimensional lumber that supports the flooring over a basement of crawl space. Typically 2” x 10” or 2” x 12” size. Engineer joist are also common.

 

Joist Spacing – The distance from the center point of one joist to the center point of the adjoining parallel joist.

Standard Construction = 16” on center Common Construction = 19.2” on center Economy Construction = 24” on center

 

Subfloor – The primary 4’ x 8’ sheathing that is fastened directly over the floor joists. Standard types are Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and Plywood. Standard thickness is

23/32” thick (nominal ¾”).

 

 

Underlayment – The thin wood sheathing fastened to the wood subfloor to create a smooth surface to install sheet vinyl or tile over. Typically 4’ x 8’ or 4 x 4’ sheets ¼” thick, usually plywood.

 

Floor Patch or Leveler – A Gypsum of Portland Cement powder mixed with latex liquid or water to a paste consistency. It is applied using a flat trowel to fill small voids in the underlayment or to level an uneven surface. This paste dries to a hard smooth finish and can be used for wood or concrete subfloors.

 

Gypcrete – this is a lightweight Gypsum topping applied 1 ½” thick over plywood subfloors to reduce sound transmission between floors on multi-story apartments and condominiums. This material is very porous and can create a very sandy finish that is problematic to applying vinyl finish flooring.

 

Oriented Strand Boars (OSB) – this 4’ x 8’ sheet of wood is made by gluing together large chips and flakes of wood under heat and pressure. This can be used interchangeably with plywood.

 

Carolina Lifestyles – Sandhills, Highlands, MultiFlor, and MultiFlor Plus Collections

LVT - Installation Instructions

Site Conditions

The following should be observed to ensure Carolina Lifestyles LVT is ready for installation:

1. Approved adhesive should be stored onsite for at least 24 hours prior to installation. This allows the flooring to be acclimatized properly. Ideally the cartons should be unstacked.

2. Room temperature should be kept between 65F (18C) and 75F (24C) for 48 hours before, during and after installation.

3. Arrows on back of tile should all be pointing in the same direction.

Subfloor Preparation

1. Moisture Testing – Follow ASTM F-710 “Standard Practice for Prepa ring Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring”. This would include determining Moisture Levels, Relative Humidity and pH levels – observe following:

a. ASTM F-1869, Anhydrous Calcium Chloride test for moisture levels – not to exceed 5 lbs/1,000 sq ft/24 hours.

b. ASTM F-2170, Relative Humidity (RH) test for moisture levels – not to exceed 75% RH.

c. ASTM-F-270, pH levels (test procedure 5.3.1) – readings should be between 8 and 10.

Note: The ASTM recommended test frequency is 3 measures for the first 100 sq ft and 1 for each additional 1,000 sq ft.

Note: It is the flooring contractor’s responsibility to ensure that there is not excessive moisture in the concrete and that it will not increase at a future date above the recommended levels. We are not responsible for hydrostatic pressure that may occur in the future.

2. ASTM F-1482 “Standard Practice for Installation and Preparation of Panel-Type Underlayment to Receive Resilient Flooring” guidelines should be followed for porous surfaces.

3. For non-porous follow AST M F-710 guidelines.

4. Ensure the concrete floor is smooth and level. All cracks, voids and undulations must be repaired using a high strength Portland cement-based patching material. Ensure saw cuts are carefully cleaned.

5. Do not install flooring over expansion joints.

6. All surfaces must be clean, dry and free of dirt, grease, paint, oil, sealers and curing compounds.

7. Never use chemical adhesive removal product (chemical abatement products).

Installation

1. Thoroughly inspect all material prior to positioning into the adhesive. It is CMH Space Flooring Products’ policy that no labour will be paid for visual defects.

2. Carolina Lifestyles LVT Flooring is compatible with many vinyl backed adhesives but suitability of adhesive is the responsibility of the flooring contractor. Please contact CMH Space Flooring Produc ts prior to installation to ensure compatibility.

3. For best appearance find the center of the room by marking vertical and horizontal lines at the center of the walls. Check squareness of the marked lines then begin to work from the center outwards.

4. Be sure to follow the recommended working time from the adhesive manufacturer. Never spread more adhesive that can be installed within this working time.

Floor Protection and Initial Maintenance

1. After installation use protection such as Kraft paper or a layer of plywood sheets. Leave until the work of all trades has been completed.

2. Do not start any maintenance procedures for a minimum of 5 days after installation.

3. Never, at any time, flood the floor with water or maintenance solutions.

4. Refer to Maintenance instruc tions for specific details.

Warning: Removal of Old Flooring

Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, saw, drill, bead blast, pulverize or mechanically chip existing resilient flooring, paint, lining felt, asphaltic cutback adhesives, or other adhesives as these products may contain asbestos fibers or crystalline silica. Regulations may require that the material be tested to determine asbestos content. Always consult the Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s recommendations for removal of existing resilient floor coverings.