Full Spread Vinyl Flooring - Introduction
What
you will be Doing
In this section, we explain the variety of vinyl flooring materials
on the market today and the techniques used to install them. There
are now more patterns, colors, styles, and installation choices
than ever before, and vinyl floors are an easy, affordable way
to customize your floors. These pages detail and illustrate floor
preparation, template use, cutting, and installing full-spread
adhesive floors.
Full-spread adhesive is fast becoming the least popular type of
vinyl flooring. It cannot be removed as easily as other floorings,
should you decide to install another floor at a later date. Check
around to see if your chosen pattern is available in a perimeter
bond application, before you opt for the full-spread. If your
pattern is available only in a full spread application, try to
limit its installation to small rooms. It is much too cumbersome
to try to align on larger floors already spread with adhesive.
Safety
Provide adequate ventilation with window fans when using adhesives,
as some are toxic.
Extinguish pilot lights and any open flames when applying adhesives
which can be flammable.
The proper respirator should be worn when using substances with
toxic fumes.
Wear rubber gloves when working with solvents.
Keep blades sharp. A dull blade requires excessive force, can
slip, and cause accidents.
Goggles or safety glasses should be worn whenever hammering, prying,
or cutting materials.
Many older existing floor materials may contain asbestos fibers.
Avoid sanding or dry scraping them, because inhaling asbestos
fibers or dust may cause asbestosis or other bodily harm.
Use the proper protection, take precautions, and plan ahead. Never
bypass safety to save money or rush a project.
Useful Terms
Full-spread adhesive. Requires trowel and application of
adhesive under the entire vinyl floor.
Ledging. A condition where one side of seam overlaps another.
Parameter bond. Attached only at walls and seams where
flooring shrinks after installation to tighten over the floor.
Template. A paper pattern used to assure accurate error-free
installation.
Underlayment. A layer of plywood applied under the vinyl
to level and flash, or even out a deteriorated floor.
