FAQ

Q: Can luxury vinyl tiles be laid in a sun room or conservatory?

A: Yes but because the tiles will experience extremes of temperature, High Temperature or epoxy adhesive must be used. Tiles must be acclimatised to room temperature before installation and then maintained at a constant temperature while the adhesive cures, which will take several hours. It may be necessary to protect the room from direct sunlight by covering the windows.

Q: How long after installation should a constant temperature be maintained?

A: Flooring manufacturers recommend that the temperature should be maintained for at least 24hours after the installation has ben completed. After this time it is important to note that if there are any large changes in temperature, the floor tiles may still be liable to expand or contract. We recommend that the floor should not be allowed to cool below 13C during its service life.

Q: Does plywood need priming?

A: No, the plywood does not need priming.

Q: How should LVT be laid on floating floors?

A: Floating floors are often found in rooms or conservatories, must be overlaid with 6mm flooring grade plywood fixed in accordance with BS8203 " the code of practice for installation of resilient flooring" Any gaps, gouges and joints between boards must be filled using an appropriate smoothing compound.

Q: How long after installation can I walk on LVT?

A: This will depend on the adhesive used and the site conditions, particularly temperature but it is generally okay to walk on the floor 8-10 hours but try to keep movements to a minimum for the first day. Furniture should not be moved in for at least 24hours, remember to apply felt pads to the furniture.

Q: How soon after installation can the floor be washed?

A: The floor should not be washed for 24 hours.

Q: Can LVT be installed on radiant (under floor heating) floors?

A: Yes, providing the surface temperature does not exceed 27C (81F). Remember to switch of the heating for 48hours before installation, during installation and 48hours after the installation has been completed. If the heating system is regularly turned up and down use high temperature or epoxy adhesive should be used to avoid potential gapping.

Q: Can tiles be installed over floors containing hot pipes?

A: Yes, tiles can be laid on a screed, which incorporates hot water pipes, but these must be insulated and must be laid according to the appropriate building regulations. Installation should be suffcient to ensure that the surface of the product does not exceed 27C High temperature or epoxy adhesive should be used to counteract possible expansion contraction of materials due to temperature changes

Q: Are LVT suitable for DIY installations?

A: Manufacturers recommend qualified floor layers for best appearance, validity of the guarantee, experience of sub floor preparation and layout.

Q: Should Levelling compounds be used over plywood?

A: No It should only be necessary to fill joints or surface imperfections using a suitable smoothing compound.

Q: Should tiles be pre-conditioned before being laid?

A: Yes It is very important that the temperature of the area to be installed and the flooring materials must be maintained as close as practical to a constant temperature between 18C and  27C for a period of 24 hours before, during and for 24 hours after installation. Tiles must be stored flat at all times.

Q: When using plywood, how should the sub floor be levelled (when necessary)?

A: Levelling compounds must be applied before putting down the plywood.