ESD Rubber Tile Installation
Moisture Barrier Information
Staticworx® is not responsible for any floor installation failures associated with unaddressed pre-existing site conditions like vapor transmission, moisture permeation, contaminated concrete and damaged subfloors. Always determine if there is a vapor barrier below concrete subfloors before beginning any flooring installation.
All subfloors should be tested for moisture using ASTM test methods. For information about moisture and a complete list of ASTM test methods for determining potential moisture problems visit http://www.Staticworx.com/articles/articles-moisture-barrier.php.
6. Tile Goods Installation
NOTE: Material layout should be decided by Architect, Designer, or end user. However, we recommend the tiles are installed point to point (corner to corner).
Material Layout / Fitting for Tiles
- The dry laying method is recommended. Locate the center of each end wall and connect these points by snapping a chalk line down the middle of the room.
- StaticWorx tiles have direction arrows printed on the back of the tiles. Install the tiles so that all arrows point in the same direction.
- Locate the center of this line and, using a carpenter's square or the 3, 4, 5 method, draw a perpendicular line. On this perpendicular line, snap a chalk line connecting the two sidewalls. The room will then be divided into quarters. Check for square by using the 3, 4, 5 method for small areas and 9, 12, 15 for larger areas.
- With the room properly squared, you can relocate your lines for a convenient starting place, or just start in the center of the room.
- Vacuum the pre-prepared area. Do not use wax or oil based sweeping compounds.
- It is recommended, in most situations, dry laying the installation completely, or the anticipated area to be installed that day. This allows the cutting-in of perimeter tiles to be a cleaner process with more working time, as the adhesive can set up quickly.
- Dry lay the first row of tiles, following chalk lines down the center of the area including end cuts. Lay seams together without stress (pressure fitting of tiles can cause peaking seams).
- Lay the second row at 90° to the first row following the chalk lines, at the center of the first row.
- Working from the center out, dry-lay the four sections including all perimeter cuts.
Adhesive Application
WARNING! Be prepared to protect the flooring during and after the installation from sun, moisture, and other construction trade (at least until adhesive has cured), if required, by covering 1-2 days with Masonite or plywood, insuring all joints are taped to prevent debris from becoming entrapped underneath and causing damage.
CAUTION: Overlapping the adhesive may telegraph through the flooring after the adhesive has cured.
- Uplift a workable area and vacuum the subfloor to remove any debris.
- Using the correct notch trowel, keep the adhesive in a straight line at the point it will be continued later. Apply the adhesive, allowing the appropriate open time (semi-wet). Open time will be a minimum of 10 minutes (square-notched). Open times will vary according to air temperature, subfloor temperature, concrete porosity, humidity and air circulation. The adhesive must be able to transfer to your finger tips with a light touch and just start to string (resulting in full adhesive transfer). If the adhesive is dry to the touch, do not install the floor covering - remove and replace the adhesive.
- Check that the back of the tile is clean then install the StaticWorx tiles into the semi-wet adhesive, exactly the same as they were dry laid.
- Periodically check tiles for good adhesive transfer.
TOP TIP: Using carpet off-cuts and double sided tape, cover the roller to help ensure you remove all air pockets from any dips in the substrate, and avoid a punch list.
- Roll slowly with a 100 lb. roller. Roll in both directions and avoid trapping air.
- If required, hand roll seam area gently with a hand roller to smooth seam. Do not press hard with hand roller.
- Remove any fresh adhesive from the surface of the flooring with water and a damp, clean cloth. Remove dried adhesive with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth.
- After one hour, re-roll the entire area in both directions with a 100 lb. roller.
- Repeat steps until the installation is completed.
Application Follow Up
- Permit no foot traffic for 6-12 hours.
- Permit no heavy foot traffic for 24 hours.
- Allow no heavy rolling loads for 72 hours, i.e. hospital beds, operating room tables, and/or similar equipment.
- Maintain recommended temperature (68°F ± 5°F) during adhesive curing time, (72 hours).
- Avoid initial maintenance of finished floor for 72 hours to allow adhesive to fully cure.
7. Additional Installation Info
In rooms up to 1000 sq. ft. in size, a copper strip must be applied to the subfloor and extended to a predetermined grounding point (can be connected by your flooring contractor or a qualified electrician). In rooms larger than 1,000 sq. ft. additional grounding points shall be defined and copper strips installed as mentioned above.
StaticWorx specified adhesive must be used for the installation of StaticWorx ESD protection flooring, using recommended adhesive and trowel serration, refer to table in Section 3, "Adhesive Recommendations" on previous page.
PLEASE NOTE:
StaticWorx flooring products have been developed for indoor installation.StaticWorx floor coverings are not recommended for installation in outdoor applications or in particularly wet areas such as showers, swimming pools, etc.
