Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring is a versatile and durable option for both residential and commercial spaces. This guide provides detailed instructions on installing click type of LVT flooring, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Pre-Installation Checklist:
- Surface Inspection: Ensure the floor is level, dry, clean, and free of cracks or non-porous materials.
- Subfloor Preparation: Remove any paint, wax, varnish, oil, solvent, putty, adhesive, or heavy debris.
- Height Consistency: Avoid significant height differences at transition points by using a marking gauge for measurement.
- Temperature and Humidity: Check that the installation area’s temperature and humidity are within acceptable ranges.
- Subfloor Heating: If present, ensure the subfloor heating system is compatible with LVT flooring and adhere to temperature guidelines.
- Air Circulation: Verify proper air circulation beneath elevated or steel-constructed floors.
- Floor Curvature: The floor’s curvature should not exceed 2mm, which can be measured with a steel ruler.
- Ambient Conditions: Ideal conditions require less than 70% humidity, with ambient and base temperatures at least 18°C and 15°C, respectively.
- Moisture Content: Use a CM unit to measure sub-floor moisture content, ensuring it falls within acceptable limits for various materials.
Sub-floor Acceptable Moisture Values:
| Sub-Floor Composition | Permitted Moisture Content |
|---|---|
| Concrete (Sand/Cement) | <25% |
| Anhydride | 0.3%-0.5% |
| Magnesite | <0.3% |
| Xylolite | 8%-12% |
| Cold Bitumen | <2% |
- Expert Consultation: For uncertain moisture levels, especially with sub-heated floors, consult an expert.
- Expansion Gaps: Create an expansion gap every 30m² to accommodate natural floor movements.
Installation Conditions for Subfloor Heating:
- Heating Protocol: Ensure a heating protocol is in place that permits tile installation over subfloor heating, adhering to EN 1264-2 standards.
- Temperature Management: Maintain a temperature range of 18°C to 22°C during installation and use of the heating system.
- Maximum Temperature: Do not exceed a floor temperature of 27°C after installation.
Pre-Installation Floor Smoothing:
If the floor is uneven, it may require underlining and smoothing. Use suitable adhesives or underliners as per the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve a level surface.
Environmental Preparation:
- Adaptation Period: Allow click product tiles to acclimatise in the installation room for 24 hours.
- Ideal Conditions: Aim for a room temperature of about 18°C with humidity not exceeding 70%.
- Storage: Keep LVT floor coverings flat and horizontal during adaptation to prevent deformation.
Visual Inspection:
Before installation, inspect the floor coverings for any discrepancies in colour or pattern. Any issues should be resolved before proceeding with the installation.
Technical Specifications:
The specifications include details such as total thickness, wear layer thickness, classification, and tile/plank size. Ensure your chosen LVT flooring meets the required standards for your intended application.
Click Fit Installation
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FAQ
What should I check before installing LVT flooring?
Before laying Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring, it’s crucial to ensure the surface is even, moisture-free, and clean. Remove any existing coatings like paint or varnish, and confirm there’s no significant height variation at transition points. Also, ensure the room’s climate is suitable, with ideal humidity and temperature conditions.
How do I ensure compatibility with subfloor heating?
For floors with subfloor heating, confirm that the heating system can operate in harmony with LVT by adhering to specific temperature guidelines, including maintaining a temperature range of 18°C to 22°C during installation and ensuring the floor temperature doesn’t surpass 27°C post-installation.
What are the acceptable moisture levels for different sub-floor materials?
Different sub-floor compositions have specific moisture thresholds. For instance, concrete sub-floors should have less than 25% moisture, anhydrite should range between 0.3% and 0.5%, magnesite less than 0.3%, xylolite between 8% and 12%, and cold bitumen less than 2%.
How do I prepare an uneven floor for LVT installation?
An uneven floor requires leveling to ensure a flawless finish. Employ appropriate adhesives or underlayment, following the manufacturer’s guidelines, to create a smooth and level surface suitable for LVT installation.
What are the ideal conditions for LVT flooring adaptation?
To adapt LVT flooring to the installation environment, maintain a room temperature of about 18°C with humidity below 70% for at least 24 hours. Store the LVT planks or tiles flat and horizontally to avoid deformation.