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
- No Buckle Guarantee – Install over most subfloors
- single layer wood subfloors
- This floor will not buckle – guaranteed!
- Extended Life Long Warranty
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
- No Buckle Guarantee – Install over most subfloors
- single layer wood subfloors
- This floor will not buckle – guaranteed!
- Life Long Limited Warranty
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
- No Buckle Guaranty – Install over most subfloors
- Single layer wood subfloors
- This floor will not buckle – guaranteed!
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
- No Buckle Guarantee– Install over most subfloors
- Single layer wood subfloors
- This floor will not buckle – guaranteed!
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
- 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
- Limited Life Long Warranty
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
- 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
- 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
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
- 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
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
- 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
- Will not discolor from asphalt driveway tracking
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
- 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
- Not as hard, easier on the feet
- Crack and impact resistant
- 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
- Easy care 12 mil urethane wear surface
- Aluminum Oxide – Provides durability
- 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:
- Single layer wood subfloors
- Easy to reposition while installing, easy to repair damaged planks
Carefree® Plank
Glueless Floor System
- Ideal for property management applications
- Easy care 6 mil urethane wear surface
- Aluminum Oxide – Provides durability
- 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:
- Single layer wood subfloors
- 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
- Single layer wood subfloors
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
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
- No Buckle Guarantee – Install over most subfloors
- Single layer wood subfloors
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
- Not as hard, easier on the feet
- Crack and impact resistant
- 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
- 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.
