INSTALLATION
ADHESIVE
INSTALLATION OVER CONCRETE
Site
Conditions
The environment in which the carpet is to be installed must
be controlled with the temperature between 65° F and 95° F
(18° C and 35° C) and the relative humidity between 10% and 65%.
The slab temperature should not be less than 65° F (18° C). These
conditions must be maintained for at least 48 hours before, during,
and 48 hours after the installation.
Floor
Preparation
The concrete must be inspected to determine the special care that
might be required to make it a suitable foundation for carpet.
All cracks, holes, joints, and protrusions must be adequately
addressed to ensure a smooth, finished appearance and prevent
accelerated wear.
Concrete must
be cured, clean, and dry, free of paint, dirt, grease, oil, curing
or parting agents, and other contaminants, including sealers,
that may interfere with the bonding of the adhesive.
Whenever a
powdery or porous surface is encountered, a primer compatible
with the adhesive to provide a suitable surface for the glue-down
installation should be used. Patching compounds must be compatible
with the adhesive selected and latex- or polymer-fortified. Manufacturer's
recommendations for patch thickness should not be exceeded. Large
patched areas must be primed.
Primers -
The use of primers on floor surfaces is generally not necessary
except for sanded, dusty, porous, or acoustical surfaces. Priming
cannot overcome moisture conditions and must not be used for
that purpose. When used, primers must be thin, fast drying,
and compatible with adhesives, which should be applied only
after primer is dry.
Where lightweight
or acoustical concrete is used, refer to the manufacturer's
recommendations for the proper primer to be used before carpet
is installed.
Liquid
Adhesive Removers - There are liquid adhesive removers
available that will effectively remove cut-back or emulsion
adhesive residue from subfloors; however, there is evidence
these products may adversely affect the new adhesive or the
new floor covering. Any residual of these products left in or
on the concrete slab is capable of causing a failure. The use
of these removers may void all applicable warranties.
Testing
of Concrete Subfloors Prior to Adhesive Installations
The owner or general contractor must submit to the flooring contractor
a written report on moisture and surface alkalinity of the slab
to determine its suitability as a substrate for the material to
be installed.
Moisture
Testing
Concrete floors, even with adequate curing time, can present an
unacceptable moisture condition by allowing excessive amounts
of moisture vapor to pass through to the surface. This can be
a problem even on suspended concrete floors. All concrete floors
should be tested for moisture emission rate by utilizing an anhydrous
calcium chloride moisture test kit available from installation
supplies and accessories distributors.
This quantitative
method is very precise and must be conducted carefully, with strict
attention to the test kit manufacturer's detailed instructions.
Moisture emission rate is expressed in lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hours.
Because the calcium chloride test for emission rate requires 3
days to conduct, proper installation planning is a must.
As a general
guideline, an emission rate of 3 lbs (1.4 kg) or less is acceptable
for most carpet. In the range from 3 lbs to 5 lbs (1.4 to 2.3
kg), carpet with porous backings can usually be installed successfully;
but the risk of moisture-related problems increases. Since some
floor covering products are less tolerant of moisture than others,
always consult the individual manufacturer to determine the emission
rate for specific products.
Alkalinity
Testing
A pH range of 5-9 is satisfactory. A reading above 9 requires
corrective measures. Consult the adhesive manufacturer for recommended
testing and corrective procedures.
Source of
information: CRI-104, Standard for Installation of Commercial
Carpet.
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