INTERLOCKING TILES - INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Part 1 (The Surface Preparation)

Ground Preparation
RubberDeckTM Interlocking Tiles - Tile must reach ambient room temperature to ensure a secure, tight installation with minimal size fluctuation. Each piece should be allowed to set for a full 24 hours prior to beginning installation. This allows the product to size-stabilize at the typical room temperature. Inspect the product prior to installation for measurable defects or variations.

---

 

Sub-Floor
For best installation, any sub-floor should be reasonably flat and free of holes or variances of more than 1/8” (3.17mm).

 

1. All sub-floors should be structurally sound and fully cured for 45 to 60 days. Test floor for vapor drive in accordance with anhydrous calcium chloride test. Vapor drive should not exceed the industry standard of <3.0 lbs. per 1,000 square feet (1.36kg/100sq m) in 24 hours.

 

2. Repair concrete and install joint sealants and fillers as necessary.

 

3. Mechanical surface profiling is the preferred floor preparation method. It is the only acceptable preparation method where warranties are issued. Acid etching is not recommended. Mechanically profile the floor to medium-grit sandpaper texture. Remove curing and parting compounds and other surface hardeners and floor coatings in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

 

 

A. Concrete
New concrete must be allowed to cure thoroughly prior to installation (45 to 60 days). If sealants are used, DO NOT USE ONE WITH PETROLEUM BASE. Old concrete must be repaired and have joint sealants and fillers installed as necessary. All cracks or flaws should be filled in or repaired prior to covering with rubber products. Use patching materials as appropriate. Surface must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust, grease, or other foreign matter by shot blasting or other mechanical means with a commercial degreaser and allowed to dry completely before beginning installation.

 

B. Wood Base
Wood surfaces should be completely cleaned of dirt, dust, grease or other foreign matter and be completely dry prior to installation. Trapped moisture may rot the wood. Nails or other protrusions should be pounded down or removed, holes repaired, and surface variances repaired within the 1/8” (3.17mm) acceptable variance level.

 

C. Asphalt
Asphalt requires the same preparation as concrete.

 

D. Over Rock Base
Begin preparing the surface 2-3” (50-76mm) below the level of the finished floor. Fill prepared area with 3/4” (19mm) minus crushed gravel, decomposed granite or limestone product. Tamp fill down to 2-3” (50-76mm) thickness, so that it is near level with the area of installation, minus the thickness of the rubber surfacing.