View
0
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
This Presentation is about
Information Regarding LVT
Define the product and common terms
Describe standards that govern the product
Describe processes utilized to make LVT
Describe where and how the product is typically
installed
Describe what can go wrong
Describe best way to be fact gatherers in the
interest of both the consumer as well as mfg’r
What is
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT is a marketing term
LVT is a term like Linoleum was to Resilient
Flooring
The correct term is SVT or Solid Vinyl Tile
LVT is a lot more than the old reference to peel
and stick tile from back in the 60’s &70’s
What is WPC(wood plastic composite, water
proof core, ? other names)
Terms
Wear Layer
Specialty top coat
Decor
Inner layer or core
Backer
Bevel
Profiled edge
Plank / Tile
Mock up panel
Left Face Up / Right Face Down
So What is LVT or SVT
Resilient flooring constructed using multiple
layers bonded together, normally using heat and
pressure. Layers consist of a Décor, a
protective wear layer, inter-core(that can be
multiple layers) and a backer.
The layers are put together to provide a specific
thickness, hardness and balance to the product
Product generally has been textured and has a
specialty wear coating: i.e. urethane coating
having a certain gloss, anti scratch component,
etc
How Long has LVT Been Around
L-F-475a spec covers Solid Vinyl tile back in the
60’s & ‘70s
So why the big resurgence now
Aesthetics including Visual, Texture & Gloss
Laminate helped pave the way for floating floors
Locking mechanism
Water resistance
Modularity
Better acoustics
Etc
12 Crazy Flooring Options Much
Cooler Than Hardwood(Yahoo article)
Skip Plain Hardwood! These 4 Flooring
Options Are Ruling 2015
Amanda Weitzman
June 25 , 2015
Everything old is new again might be a tired
cliché but there’s no greater truth when I tell you
that vinyl and linoleum flooring are back with a
vengeance.
Wild and Crazy
Specifications Covering SVT/LVT
ASTM F 1700 Standard Specification for Solid Vinyl Floor Tile
Includes Binder content, Size, Thickness, Squareness, Residual Indent, Flexibility, DS, Chemical Resistance, Gapping, Heat & Light Stability
ISO 10582 Resilient floor coverings -Heterogeneous poly(vinyl chloride) floor covering — Specification Binder content, Size, Squareness, Mass, DS,
Curling, Flexibility, Residual Indent, Castor Chair, Color stability, Flatness, Gapping, Ledging
General Sizes
Tiles or planks
Tiles mostly in range of 16” – 24” square but some
up to 1 meter, Rectangular Tiles, more common
Planks mostly 4” – 6” wide by 36” – 48” long
Locking products generally smaller by profile
dimensions
Thickness generally 2 mm up to 5 mm thick
Thicker product required for floating installations
in order to include locking system
Where Can LVT Be Installed
Short answer is virtually anywhere, but answer
varies with how it is installed
Standard answer is over
substrates/underlayments that meet the criteria of
ASTM F 710, ASTM F1482
CONCRETE SUBSTRATES
New and existing should meet requirement ASTM F710 -
Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to
Receive Resilient Flooring
Permanently dry, smooth, flat and sound
Minimum compressive strength 3000 psi, dry density 100 lbs per sq ft
Expansion joints and isolation joints should never be filled
Surface must be free of surface defect, dusting, flaking , paint, etc
MOISTURE & ALKANLINITY TESTING
PH testing. The PH should be in the 5-10 scale (neutral
Moisture test ASTM 1869 calcium chloride test emissions not to exceed 3 lbs /1000 sq ft in 24 hrs (Measures emissions); unless otherwise permitted
Preferred method ASTM 2170 measuring relative humidity of the slab which should not exceed 75%; unless otherwise permitted
If there is visible signs of mold and mildew, the source of the problem must be corrected
INSTALLING UNDERLAYMENT PANELS
Install smooth side up, immediately condition underlayment (room temperature)
Install long dimension perpendicular to floor joist
Offset subfloor seam
Stagger ashlars fashion, do not place 4 corner together
Leave 1/8 “ gap at walls
Lightly butt seam
Fasten structurally sound, smooth and dry
Fastener not to penetrate joist
Fastener in field 6 “ apart, 2” at perimeter 3/8” from the edge or as specified
Set fastener slightly below surface
Use only non staining galvanized nails/staples
WOOD SUB-FLOORS
Refer to ASTM F 1482 Standard Practice for
Installation and Preparation of Panel Type
Underlayments to Receive Resilient Flooring
Minimum 18” above grade with cross ventilation
and a vapor barrier
For Floating Installations most wood substrates are suitable for installing over provided they are flat smooth and free from deflection
Full Glue many time wood subfloor are not suitable and must be underlayed with a suitable underlayment such Sure-Ply ,Accu-Ply ,APA grade plywood ,etc
SUB-FLOOR CROSS SECTION
FLOOR PREP
Proper Prep Key To A Good Installation
Flat Smooth clean
Level within 3/16” in 10ft and level within
1/32” in 12”
Use A High Quality Portland Cement Based
Patch
Remove Existing Floor when possible
Use a self leveling compound for large low
spots or extreme deviation
Installation
Full glue down
Wet set
PSA
Spray
Tape
Floating
No underlay
With Underlay
LVT Tile – Installation Considerations
Balance tile in the work area.
Snap intersecting chalk lines in the center of the room.
Blend boxes, pay close attention to repeating patterns.
Install tiles in the SAME DIRECTION USING DIRECTIONAL ARROWS on the backing.
Some patterns can be quarter turned to achieve a checkerboard appearance.
Tiles can be installed staggered or all 4 corners coming together.
Tiles can be spaced for grouting using tile spacers ranging from 1/16” to ¼”
Locking Tiles It generally helps to work off the product
LVT Planks – Installation Considerations
Measure & Layout the room, last plank width should be no less than
half of a plank.
Typically install planks parallel with the longest wall in the room.
Randomly stagger head seams by at least 6”
Work out of several cartons at a time, carefully blending the pattern
visuals.
LVT CAN BE CUT WITH A UTILITY KNIFE (SCORE & SNAP), For
straight accurate cuts use a BULLET Tool type cutter
How is LVT Made
Daylight Press(Non Continuous) Multiple layers, stacked samples, simultaneous lamination
Continuous
Drum
Multiple layers simultaneous lamination
Drum
Multiple layers individual points of lamination
Glued together
VS.
Multiple plys laminated in a single process pass operating continuously
Typically provides improved quality and yields
Automated
Less people required to operate
Heating and cooling contained inside the same piece of equipment, variation due to close proximity
Handmade sandwich laid on a embossing plate
Inferior quality and yields inherent to the process
Labor intensive
Rotary
Lamination
Static
Press
Daylight Press – All layers
bonded in static press
Continuous Lamination with Multiple layers &
Multiple points of Lamination or Multiple
Layers & Single point of Lamination
How does LVT Compare to other
Hard Surface Flooring
Wood(One of most copied visuals)
Natural
EF Typical 3/8” – ¾”; solid up to 1”
Laminate
Typically 7 – 12 mm thick
More rigid, must use underlay
Higher Static load rating & Abrasion Resistant
Less moisture resistant
How does LVT Compare to other
Hard Surface Flooring
Resilient Flooring
VCT
Highly filled modular flooring; typically 12” X 12”
Base grade Resilient flooring, wide color range
Sheet vinyl
Filled layer Products(Homogeneous 6’, 2m typical)
Heterogeneous Layer Products(6’, 2m,12’, 4m -Solid layer construction)
Cushion layer Products (6’ – 12’); any visual
Linoleum
Popular in 60’s declined in 70’s resurgence in 90’ “more natural perception” limited visual, good color, alkali sensitivity
How does LVT Compare to other
Hard Surface Flooring
Rubber
Largely commercial product tiles typically (18” – 36”)
and sheet (4’ – 2m width); limited visual
Porcelain/Ceramic
Rigid, highly durable floor
Often imitated visual by resilient flooring
So Where is LVT Positioned
More durable than most Resilient sheet
Softer than Porcelain and Laminate
Unlimited visuals and texture
Multiple installation techniques
Floating, Full Glue, Spray, PSA, Tape
High moisture tolerance
Good stain resistance and clean ability
Grouted LVT
Tile may be grouted immediately after the install
Grout can come in colors to coordinate? Contrast with floor colors
Work in small areas, no greater than 10 to 12 sq ft
Pack your joints firmly with a hard rubber grout float
Use the float on edge & a diagonal to remove excess grout
Allow to slightly haze, then lightly spray water, scrub along joints lightly
with nylon pad, using a square edge sponge wiping on a diagonal to
remove excess grout and water
Flip sponge and repeat, change bucket water frequently
If you have any haze, it can be easily remove after 24 hrs with ¼ cup of
ammonia per 1 gallon of water.
Any missed spots, GAPS OR VOIDS CAN BE RE-GROUTED
DO NOT USE CHEMICAL GROUT CLEANERS
Luxury Vinyl Tile - Grouted
Full Glue only
What are common complaints relative
to LVT
Installation Cupping, Gapping, Out of square, Ledging, Gloss,
Shade, Edge Damage(poor fit), Hollowness under floor, Debris under floor, etc
Moisture related issues
Aesthetics Shade, Gloss, Scratching, Dirty
Performance
De-lamination, Poor Cut, Squareness, Shade, Gloss, Texture, Profile joint(tight, loose, debris), Thickness uniformity, Blister, Crooked board
What are generally the top Complaints
relative to LVT Flooring
De-lamination/Chipped corners
Shade / Gloss
Poor Quality of Cut/ Out of Square
Gapping, Curl, Cupping or Edge
Damage
Thickness or Texture variation
Poor Installation
Out of Square
Out of Square
Miss Cut
Chipped Corner
Chipped Edges / Delamination
Blister / De-lamination
Gapping
Bevel
Ledging / Cupping
Cupping
Registered Pattern and Embossing
Shade
Profiled Edge Example
What Information is being Sought
During an Inspection
Basic Consumer Contact Information: Name, Address, Phone #,
Email and do they(or Retailer) have Proof of Purchase(helps
with traceability)
What Product / Pattern was installed
What is the total size of the Job, how much is affected and
where?
What is the suspected defect?
How long after installation was the suspected defect noticed?
What room(s) are affected and location of issue within the room
How was product installed – Floating , Glued, what adhesive
Pictures & Diagram(s) are invaluable
Any Product Retains left
More Detailed Drill Down Information,
if Pertinent
If over concrete were subfloor moisture tests performed? What were the results?
Was installation site climate controlled(Temp & Humidity) Before, During & After Install?
Subfloor / Underlayment type?
Is there a crawl space beneath? Is it heated / cooled?
Has the subfloor been chemically abated?
Are windows and glass doors shaded?
How often is the floor cleaned? What method including cleaning solution?
What type / size casters or chair glides are used?
Are walk-off mats used at entry ways? What are they made of-rubber ?
What is the traffic level---low, medium or high?
Etc.
What Should be Included in a
Complaint Inspection Report
Common Elements
Specific elements
Back ground information
What should not be included in a
Complaint Inspection Report
A definitive conclusion
A definitive recommendation
How to Assess Gaps
Gapping can be measured with a feeler gauge or Pick glass / Ocular Scope that has an appropriate dimensional scale.
Gap referenced in ASTM F1700 specification should be < 0.010 inches.
A 0.011 inch feeler gauge should not pass between the samples in a proper lay-up.
Size and squareness – need right angle jig for squareness and tape measure or special linear measurement device for size. Spec is “nominal” +/-
Maintenance
Virtually all LVT has a specialty topcoat i.e.
urethane
Temporary finishes are not normally required
Key to less maintenance is reduced presence of
grit by keeping it outside and having suitable floor
protectors on furniture
Maintenance
Residential – Pretty much just sweep or vacuum
and swiffer / wet clean when needed.
Commercial – Appearance is key
Effective maintenance starts by keeping grit &
excess water outside
Wet vacuums common & effective
Accumulated soil & debris will first show in bevel
and fine texture then in high traffic areas by reduced
gloss in land area
Proper Castors / Furniture Protectors
What are Generally Cut and Dry Issues
Visual Defects
Blisters
Short Cuts
Mixed shade lots within a single install
Debris under the floor
Gapping i.e. bad profile, excess thickness of
underlayment, excess temperature, subfloor level
issues, etc
Potential Failures Typically Outside of
Warranty Coverage
Residential product installed in a Heavy
Commercial Environment
Seasonal use where no winter heating
Hose down type environments
Exterior uses
Garages
Issues That are Generally Turned Down
DS/Shrinkage
Buckling
Scratching
Floor is dirty
Install issues
LVT will not compensate for poor subfloor prep;
Thickness, Color, Gloss and Texture of LVT can help / hurt as well as how it is adhered
Follow arrows or likely there will be gloss variance issues, at a minimum
LVT is a modular product, do not install with visual defects
Poor pkg’ing, shipping, storage and handling can cause minor distortion of tiles/planks, equivalent to roll set in sheet products. Give time to recover
Proper perimeter gap during install
The End
Thank You
Now for questions that we have
not already covered
Additional Resources
Fabulous Floors story on Luxury Flooring – A
Design and Resource Guide for LVT, Resilient,
Vinyl, Rubber, Cork, and more
RFCI website www.rfci.com
ASTM website www.astm.org
Recommended