SIGNATURE, INNOVA & ESSENCIA - INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE

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SIGNATURE, INNOVA & ESSENCIA - INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE
SIGNATURE, INNOVA & ESSENCIA
   INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE

                                        GENERAL GUIDELINES P2
                                       SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES P2
                                       CONCRETE SUBFLOORS P3
                                          WOOD SUBFLOORS P3
                                 EXISTING FLOOR COVERINGS P4
                                      UNDERFLOOR HEATING P4
                                INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS P4
                                    CARING FOR YOUR FLOOR P7
SIGNATURE • INNOVA • ESSENCIA
    INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE
    Whilst no two installations will be the same, our installation and maintenance guidelines
    are intended to provide the very best advice possible.

    GENERAL GUIDELINES
    • The product should be installed in indoor climate-controlled locations between 18˚C – 27˚C (65˚F – 81˚F).
      It should NEVER be installed outdoors or in unheated areas.
    • Before you start:
      - Delivered boxes of product must be laid flat during storage and the installation period
      - Ensure materials delivered are correct style, colour, shade, quantity and check tiles for any potential defects
    		 prior to commencing the installation. Victoria Luxury Flooring may not accept responsibility for such issues
    		 after the floor has been installed.
      - It is essential the product is acclimatised in the climate-controlled room location for 48 hours prior to
    		 commencing the installation. Preferably unpack the tiles or planks and spread them around the room,
    		 ensuring that they are close to the room / floor temperature at the time of installation.
    • Product should only be installed after the jobsite has been cleaned and cleared of any debris which could
      potentially damage the flooring product.
    • During the installation, mix and install tiles or planks from different boxes to add to the overall aesthetic of
      the finished floor.
    • Our products are UV stable and all three ranges can be installed in conservatories, however extreme changes
      in temperature can affect the natural expansion and contraction of the product. Use a suitable HT adhesive,
      and if necessary protect from exposure to direct sunlight, using window blinds or protective / reflective film
      directly on to the glass, etc.
    • Do not install where underfloor heating systems are to be used, unless controlled at a maximum of 27°C
      (81°F) surface temperature. (Refer to underfloor heating supplier for confirmation of suitability).
    • Room temperatures do not always reflect floor temperatures particularly when thermostats are sited
      1.5m off the floor.

    GENERAL SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES
    Signature, Innova and Essencia products are designed to be installed using suitable adhesive and correct
    preparation of the subfloor is still a major part of a successful installation.
    Rough or uneven subfloors may telegraph or mirror through the newly installed floor, resulting in an unsightly
    surface and cause excessive wear on high spots or indentation on low spots. All necessary subfloor preparation
    and remedial work must be carried out using a suitable levelling or smoothing compound used in accordance
    with the manufacturers recommended instructions.
    A stable atmosphere prevents stress to the floorcovering. The ideal atmosphere is ambient (air) temperature
    between 18˚C (65˚F) to 27˚C (81˚F). Quick and large changes of temperature should be avoided, as this will
    negatively affect the flooring product. The sub-floor temperature should be at a minimum 15˚C (59˚F) maximum
    27˚C (81˚F).

    CONCRETE SUBFLOORS
    • Concrete subfloors must be dry, smooth and free from dust, solvent, paint, wax, grease, oil, asphalt sealing
      compounds and foreign materials.
    • Old adhesive residues, particularly bitumen based must be removed.

      Victoria Luxury Flooring
2     Signature, Innova, Essencia Installation & Maintenance Guide - January 2014
• The surface must be hard, dense and sound, not friable (crumbly).
• New concrete bases contain a high percentage of residual moisture. As a guide a new sand and cement
  screed will dry at a rate of 1mm per day for the first 75mm and 0.5mm per day up to 100mm. Thickness greater
  than 100mm can take considerably longer (150mm up to and over 1 year) given ideal drying conditions.
• Rooms below ground level are particularly susceptible to high moisture and humidity levels.
• Anhydrite screeds dry at a similar rate providing the surface laitance has been sanded off to allow evaporation or
  treat as power floated screed.
• Cracks in the sub-floor appear for many reasons, including stress and settlement. All cracks must be attended to
  prior to applying a smoothing compound or installing the flooring, particularly to ensure the movement has not
  fractured the membrane beneath the screed. Simply filling the cracks could lead to longer-term problems with
  the floorcovering.
• Sub-floors concrete or wood need to be dry, British and European Standards state a screed should be tested for
  moisture.
• The maximum permissible level of relative humidity (RH) in accordance with BS8203 in the screed is 75%. There
  are many manufacturers of moisture testing equipment which can also be used to check the relative humidity.
• If a hygrometer damp test is required the duration of the test is dependent on the substrate, for example sand
  and cement will normally require 2 to 3 days where as power floated screeds will require at least 7 days.
• Never test floors with underfloor heating or artificial drying aids (de-humidifiers) switched on. Switch off for at
  least 4 days prior to setting the hygrometer and they should remain off during the test period.
• Properties built pre 1965 are highly unlikely to have a damp proof membrane (DPM) or damp course.
• Some types of (not all) sub-floors can be coated with a liquid damp proof membrane (DPM) to prevent excess
  moisture affecting the floorcovering. Always consult the DPM manufacturer for suitability. Note: do not use a
  DPM on Anhydrite (Calcium Sulphate) screeds as these are prone to rehydration.
• Movement joints are required to be left clear and should be bridged over with a suitable cover strip
  (not the Signature, Innova or Essencia tiles!). These can affect the overall look however, with prior consideration
  they can be designed into the aesthetic of the finished floor covering.

WOOD SUBFLOORS
• Most wood substrates, for example floorboards, chipboard and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) are suitable provided
  they are smooth, flat, structurally sound and free of defection.
• Wood sub-floors must be suspended at least 18” above the ground with adequate cross-ventilation.
• Wood sub-floors laid directly onto concrete are NOT suitable for the installation.
• Wood sub-floor moisture also requires checking. The maximum moisture level is 15% although ideally 13%
  should be considered.
• Moisture levels above 17% need to be investigated. High levels could be caused by poor ventilation under the
  suspended sub-floor.
• Ideally wood substrates should be overlaid with exterior grade plywood of at least 6mm in thickness, complying
  with BS EN314-1:204 Class 3 (formerly referred to a WBP).
• Plywood overlays should have a smooth and fully sanded face to ensure graining or texturing will not show
  through and be of a uniform density and thickness.
• Plywood overlays should be securely fixed at right angles to the sub-floor using twisted or ring shank nails,
  serrated or divergent staples. Fixing should start in the centre of each sheet, nailing or stapling at 100mm
  intervals, 12mm in from the edge and at intermediate 150mm centres.

  Victoria Luxury Flooring
  Signature, Innova, Essencia Installation & Maintenance Guide - January 2014                                           3
• The plywood sheets should be staggered and ensure no coincidence of the joints with the timber base. We
      would recommend that a suitable smoothing compound is used for example feather finish (in accordance
      with the manufacturer’s instructions) to ensure that the plywood joints and fixings used are not visible when the
      installation is complete.
    • Note: Always acclimatise the plywood prior to installation and check moisture levels in the boards.

    EXISTING FLOOR COVERINGS
    • Signature, Innova and Essencia can be installed over some existing hard-surface floor coverings like ceramic or
      stone provided the surface is smooth, securely bonded to the sub-floor and suitably prepared, for example de-
      greased, primed and screeded (in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions)
    • If necessary repair worn or damaged areas.
    • Ceramic or stone tile grout lines should be made smooth or level by applying a suitable levelling compound (in
      accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions).
    • WARNING: Do not sand, dry scrape, bead blast or mechanically pulverise existing resilient flooring, backing,
      lining felt or adhesive. These products may contain asbestos fibres that are not readily identifiable. The
      procedures described above can create dust and the inhalation may cause asbestoses or other serious bodily harm.
    • Dust in general can be hazardous! Wear a suitable mask and other safety equipment as deemed necessary.

    UNDERFLOOR HEATING
    • Signature, Innova and Essencia can be installed over underfloor heating providing the sub-floor surface is
      controlled to a maximum of 27˚C (81˚F).
    • The heating should be switched off 48 hours prior to and during the flooring installation and left off for 48 hours
      after the installation.
    • Temperatures should only be increased by a maximum of 3˚C (37˚F) every 12 hours.
    • It is suggested that the sub-floor surface temperature is set at a minimum 15˚C (59˚F) maximum 27˚C (81˚F).
    • Note: some systems need to be set at a maximum 25˚C (77˚F), as when switched off they can peak up to >27˚C
      (81˚F) before dropping.
    • There are many different underfloor heating systems and if in doubt as to the compatibility of suitability with LVT
      products contact the system manufacturer.

    INSTALLATION
    • Highly versatile the products can be installed in a variety of configurations and aligned at 45˚ or 90˚ and many
      other configurations (with design stripping if required).
    • We recommend that Signature, Innova & Essencia products need to be installed using the appropriate adhesive.
    • Signature, Innova and Essencia products can be easily scribed flush to walls, pipes, columns, skirting boards,
      architrave, door frames and/or any other fixings which are part of the property.
    • The planks and tiles can also be cut using a guillotine. Guillotines are preferable when cutting tiles to fit designs
      which include feature strip borders.
    • When cutting planks or tiles use a cutting board or use another tile upside down to cut on top of, this will
      prevent damage to the planks or tiles already installed.
    • When cutting around a pipes mark the position of the pipe with a pencil in both directions to find the centre
      position of the pipe. Once marked the hole can be cut using a knife or for an accurate round cut use a drill.
      To fit the planks or tiles around the pipe cut through the product at an angle allowing the bottom to support
      the top.
      Tip: Copper pipes will expand when warm, use a drill size 1mm wider than the pipe (standard heating pipes are
      15mm so use a 16mm drill bit, spade or circular type).

      Victoria Luxury Flooring
4     Signature, Innova, Essencia Installation & Maintenance Guide - January 2014
Distance of at least 152mm (6”)

WOOD PLANK                                                                    WOOD PLANK
LAID 90º WITH STAGGERED JOINTS                                                LAID 45º WITH STAGGERED JOINTS

STONE TILE - 305 x 610mm                                                      STONE TILE - 305 x 610mm
LAID 90º BROKEN BONDED                                                        LAID 45º WITH STAGGERED JOINTS

STONE TILE - 305 x 305mm                                                      STONE TILE - 305 x 305mm
LAID 90º BROKEN BONDED                                                        LAID 45º BROKEN BONDED

Victoria Luxury Flooring
Signature, Innova, Essencia Installation & Maintenance Guide - January 2014                                    5
INSTALLATION LAYOUT
    • Determine how you want the flooring to run. In locations or rooms which are not square, a main focal point
      can be used, if required, as a starting point for the installation.
    • PLANKS:
      It is recommended that the planks are installed parallel to the longest wall and ensure that you have at least
      half a width of plank against the wall opposite the start wall. The length of the plank is not too critical;
      however, try to avoid small cuts of less than 200mm. Plank flooring should have ‘staggered’ joins to enhance
      the aesthetic appeal.
    • TILES:
      For the best aesthetic square or rectangular tiles should be equally balanced both in width and length in the
      room. Set out the area by finding the centre point of the room and drawing or ‘striking’ chalk lines in a cross
      section to mark this point. These lines can then be used as the starting point or to adjust the balance of the
      tiles within the room.
    ADHESIVES
    • We recommend that Victoria Luxury Flooring (VLF) branded Acrylic and HT adhesives are used.
    •    It is vital that the appropriate adhesive is selected to ensure the product is adhered correctly.
    • Acrylic adhesive is suitable for most ‘general’ installations; coverage is up to 4m² per litre.
    • HT or High Temperature adhesive is suitable for areas where there are significant temperature conditions;
      coverage is up to 4m² per litre.
    • VLF Acrylic and HT adhesives should be applied using an A2 notched trowel (1.5mm x 5mm V-notched trowel).
    • Do not use worn trowels as this will affect spread and coverage.
    • Apply the adhesive to an area that can be installed within the adhesive open time, approximately 20 to 30
      minutes, though time is dependent on the conditions within the room where the product is being installed
      (always follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
    • Always follow the recommended instructions.
    • Porous sub-floors may require a primer applied, as per the manufacturer’s instructions
    • Start to install the planks or tiles when the acrylic adhesive has become ‘touch’ dry and if using HT
      immediately while the adhesive is still wet and fully receptive.
    • Place the planks or tiles firmly into the adhesive, without sliding and press firmly into place.
    • When installing, occasionally check to ensure a good adhesive transfer to the back of the tiles. Note if there is
      minimal transfer of the adhesive to the back of the planks or tiles, the adhesive has dried or cured too much
      and adhesive will need to be re-applied, once removing the majority of the dried adhesive.
    • During an installation adhesive occasionally oozes up between each tile. This should be wiped off immediately.
        Tip: wet wipes are excellent for this (adhesive types are available), not only as these do not leave excess
        amounts of water which could affect the adhesive bond (prior to being fully cured) but also keep hands clean
        preventing any adhesive transfer to the surface of the floor.
    • Roll each section immediately upon completing with an appropriate roller. Tip: roll at an angle to the run of
      the tile to reduce any lateral movement. Re-roll the entire floor again after 30 to 60 minutes.

        Victoria Luxury Flooring
6       Signature, Innova, Essencia Installation & Maintenance Guide - January 2014
POST INSTALLATION
• Keep the room temperature constant for 48 hours after completing the installation that includes through the
  night. Allowing the temperature to drop overnight could and in many cases does cause the tile to move and
  lift off the adhesive.
• Never overlay the tiles with plastic until the adhesive has cured as this will affect the drying / curing of the
  adhesive and can cause condensation underneath that will affect the adhesive.
• Caulk (silicon) along bathtubs, toilet bowls, etc. This should be applied in small quantities and smoothed off to
  leave a consistent line. Tip: apply the silicon prior to laying the tile and once the tile is pressed down remove
  any excess with a wet wipe. This method leaves a sealed edge but without obvious silicon
• Post installation, any dried adhesive on the surface of the planks or tiles should be removed with a suitable
  non-flammable cleaner. Solvent should only be used as a last resort and the manufacturer’s instruction must
  always be followed. Dried adhesive may be difficult to remove, use a natural cloth with no dye as this could
  transfer to the tile.
• Do not wash the floor for at least 48 hours after installation. Tip: sweep the floor first to remove any grit /
  sharp object.

VLF ‘CARING FOR YOUR FLOOR’ PRODUCTS
While our stunning collections of luxurious and performance led flooring are hardwearing with a urethane coating to
provide added protection, improved scratch and scuff resistance as well as making caring for our flooring easier. Our
range of branded maintenance products have been specifically formulated for use with VLF flooring and help to keep
the installed floor looking great for longer.

routine floorcare
• All floors should be swept or dust mopped daily.
• Use a micro-fibre mop to clean the floor weekly.
• Cleaning by manual mopping with VLF Cleaner Maintainer should be adequate, however, in commercial locations
  mechanical spray cleaning may be required to remove stubborn surface soiling.
• Avoid using aerosol sprays and other silicone based products as invisible overspray can make the floor slippery.
• Spillages, especially grease, red wine etc. should be wiped up immediately to avoid any potential slip hazard and
  staining. Clean the area with VLF Cleaner Maintainer.
• Use furniture felt pads to reduce the risk of scratching, for example table and chair legs and for heavy furniture use
  load bearing cups.
• Only use recommended cleaning products that do not contain abrasives or solvents that may permanently damage
  the floor.
• Do not use house hold detergents as these may leave a sticky or slippery residue.
• Use suitable entrance matting to ensure excess grit, dirt and other debris is not walked onto the floor and reduce
  the risk of scratching
• Your routine maintenance will depend on the level of traffic, degree of soiling and the colour or type of floor chosen
• Use VLF Cleaner Maintainer to clean your floor as part of your routine floor care.
• Unfortunately some scuff marks may be harder to remove. If this occurs gently rub the area using a wet, non-scratch
  scouring pad and clean the area with VLF Cleaner Maintainer.
• Finishing touches like rugs, mats and runners should be used in conjunction with anti-slip webbing, suitable for use
  with LVT flooring (check with the manufacturer).

 Victoria Luxury Flooring
 Signature, Innova, Essencia Installation & Maintenance Guide - January 2014                                               7
CARING FOR YOUR FLOOR STARTER KIT
     Our introductory kit contains everything required for newly installed floors.

                                                                  1 litre bottle Floor Cleaner Maintainer
                                                                  A neutral cleaner
                                                                  1 pack of furniture felt pads
                                                                  These self - adhesive pads provide added protection.
                                                                  1 x 114 x 152mm felt sheet, 4 x 38mm felt discs, 24 x 25mm felt discs.
                                                                  1 x non-abrasive scouring pad
                                                                  Used slightly dampened to help remove any stubborn soiling

                                                   FLOOR CLEANER MAINTAINER
                                                   Our cleaning solution has been specially formulated for use with our vinyl flooring products.
             FLOOR
            CLEANER
                                                   As a neutral detergent it has the added benefit of not only cleaning the floor but also
           MAINTAINER                              maintaining the overall look.
       Suitable for most vinyl flooring products

                                                   1 litre will clean approximately 250m²
      1 litre

                                                   FLOOR DRESSING
                                                   Our satin finish dressing is designed to provide added protection against scuffing and
               FLOOR
              dREssINg
                                                   scratching, especially in locations of very high traffic. Alternatively, it can be used to
                                                   rejuvenate the floor by providing a refreshed satin (semi-matt) finish.
       Suitable for most vinyl flooring products

                                                   1 litre will dress approximately 25m² (2 x 12.5m² coats)
      1 litre

                                                   FLOOR DRESSING REMOVER
                                                   Our dressing remover has been formulated to deep clean the floor, with minimum effort.
               FLOOR
              dREssINg
                                                   Used periodically the solution will lift grease and grime.
              REMOvER
       Suitable for most vinyl flooring products   1 litre will strip approximately 50m²

      1 litre

Victoria Luxury Flooring, Worcester Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1JR, England
Telephone: +44 (0)1562 749300 Fax: +44 (0)1562 749349
Email: enquiries@victorialuxuryflooring.com Web: www.victorialuxuryflooring.com
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