Installing cork tiles requires similar prep work as
vinyl flooring as they are glued direct to the
subfloor. This is the most vital part of any
successful
square tile cork flooring installation. Why? Cork is
resilient and not rigid. Failure to prepare a flat,
defect free subfloor and your final appearance will
telegraph every irregularity the subfloor has.
If an
irregular subfloor is causing concern, some
manufacturers recommend the use of medium density
fiberboard. Installation calls for screwing and
gluing over the existing subfloor. It may be pricey
and you may be thinking; "why not luan or some cheap
particleboard?" These products along with OSB,
flake board, or masonite should not be used.
Once a
new subfloor is installed prep work does not stop
there. Let's not forget the telegraphing effect that
will occur. Fasteners must be set below the new
subfloor surface, seams should be filled with a
cementious patching such as Ardex Feather finish
products. Once the compound is dry, joints should be
sanded to a smooth flat appearance.
Layouts should be performed prior to any other work.
Check for squareness in the room to be installed. If
there is a wide imbalance you can separate the
difference, or simply allow the out of square area
to fall on an opposing wall that may be hidden or
less noticeable on final completion. Starting areas
should be examined. With contact cement you want to
start in an area that is accessible and not be
trapped.
Cork
tile installations perform best with the use of a
contact cement. Types should be found with
individual manufacturer specifications. Once you
have a dust free subfloor to work with, begin to
apply the contact cement to perimeter areas with the
use of a brush, later to be followed with an
ordinary paint roller with a medium size nap.
Primers are also recommended before the contact
procedure.
Begin installing tiles when the contact cement is
dry. This is usually when it becomes tacky to the
touch. Care and
attention should be used when
installing tiles as contact cement is not very
forgiving. Start your installation off your
preplanned snapped chalk line that should be done
during the job layout. Tiles can be cut with a sharp
bladed utility knife and straight edge. During the
installation cork tiles should be rolled (flooring
roller) to insure adhesion with product and subfloor
in all areas.
For
areas near moisture sources an additional coat of
finish is suggested for added protection after
installation of prefinished cork flooring. These
water based eco friendly finishes are simple to
apply providing directions are followed closely.
Bona Kemi floor finishes are most often recommended
and dry within a few hours under normal conditions. |
