MEDITERRANEAN CORK TILE FLOORING

1. Condition of sub-floor
2. Proper temperature and humidity ranges for storage and installation of materials including adhesive.

1. JOB SITE CONDITIONS
   1. Installation must not begin until after all other trades are finished. The building must be closed in with all outside doors and windows in-place. All concrete, masonry, drywall, paint and other “wet” work, must be thoroughly dry.
      
      
   2. Permanent air-conditioning and heating systems must be in place and must be operational. Areas to receive flooring should maintain a consistent room temperature of (min.) 68 degrees F and controlled humidity of (max.) 65 % for 14 days prior installation, during installation and until occupied, to allow for proper acclimatization.
      
      
2. SUBFLOORS
   1. Concrete Substrates
      1. Verify the substrates are dry, clean, smooth and structurally sound. The surface of the sub-floor must be free of dust, solvents, paint, oil, grease, asphalt sealers and curing compounds and any other foreign matter. Sub-floor should be smooth to prevent irregularities to telegraph through the newly installed flooring. The surface should be flat to the equivalent of 3/16” in 10 ft.
         
         
      2. All surface imperfections, such as cracks and depressions should be filled and leveled using PORTLAND BASE patching compounds. Allow patching material to dry thoroughly.
         
         GYSPUM BASE COMPOUNDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE
         
         
      3. It is the installer’s responsibility to test the concrete slab for moisture. Perform anhydrous calcium chloride tests, according to ASTM F 1869. One test should be conducted for every 1000sq/ft of flooring. The moisture emission from the concrete shall not exceed 3.0lbs per 1000sq/ft within 24 hours. Proceed with installation only after substrates pass testing.
         
         
      4. Concrete slabs on grade without an intact vapor barrier will absorb the moisture from the ground below and over time the concrete slab will become saturated. Alkali, which is present in concrete and some soil, can be forced in the form of salts to the surface of a concrete structure by excessive moisture and/or natural curing of the concrete slab. The presence of alkali salts will cause installation and material problems. pH tests should be conducted in several locations throughout the area of installation. pH should not exceed 9 or greater.
         
         TESTS FOR MOISTURE AND pH MUST BE CONDUCTED AS OUTLINED IN ASTM-F-710
         
         
   2. Wood Sub-floors
      1. Wood sub-floor construction should be solid, free from movement and should be of double construction with a minimum thickness of 1”. This type of subfloor construction should be installed according to APA specifications. APA Grade underlayment plywood should be used and installed according to APA recommendations. Particle board, chip board, wafer board, lauan and fire retarded plywood are not recommended wood subfloors. The wood sub-floor must be ridged, free from movement and have at least 18” of well -ventilated air space below. The wood sub-floor should be clean, dry, smooth and free from any grease, wax or foreign materials that may cause problems with the bonding of the adhesives. Resilient flooring will always conform to sub-floor surface - irregularities. Underlayment panels are used to correct irregularities and to provide a smooth surface on which to adhere the flooring. The preferred underlayment panel is APA underlayment Grade plywood, minimum thickness of ¼”, with a fully sanded face.
         
         
3. STORAGE AND HANDLING
   1. Material Inspection
      1. Cork is a natural product and shade variations will occur within a carton and from carton to carton within the same production. Although the tiles are sorted, according to color shade it is not possible to guarantee uniformity. Shades are identified on the outside of the cartons. Make sure to distribute the various shaded tiles throughout the entire floor.
         
         
      2. Check tiles for workmanship and shading and inspect material for VISUAL defects prior to beginning the installation. Do not install heavily cupped or curled tiles. Verify the material delivered is the correct design and color. Check thickness and quantity before beginning the installation.
         
         CLAIMS FOR INSTALLED MATERIAL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
         
         
   2. Material Storage and Material Handling
      1. Cork is a natural product derived from the bark of the oak tree. Flooring tiles are produced from cork granules and agglutinated with synthetic resins under heat and pressure. These materials provide cork with properties, which must be taken into account, when installing.

         Material should be delivered to the job site in its original unopened package.

         Material should be stored in the area of installation for 72 hours prior to installing.

         Temperature and humidity at the installation site must be maintained at a consistent temperature of 68 degrees F and humidity must be controlled and kept below 65% and above 40% during the following time periods:

         1. 72 hours before installing
         2. During installation
         3. 72 hours after installation

         Close area to traffic for 72 hours after installation of flooring. If traffic cannot be avoided, place plywood or hardwood over the recently installed flooring to avoid displacement of adhesive.
         
         

4. INSTALLATION
   1. Installation - Tiles
      1. To compensate for expansion and contraction of the floor covering and the building, which will occur due to seasonal changes, it is recommended to leave a ¼” (6mm) span around the perimeter of the room.
         
         
      2. Snap a chalk line from wall A- across to wall- B. Snap a second chalk line from wall C- across to wall- D. Start laying the tiles at the center point along the chalk line. Center point must be perfectly square to the room; if tiles are installed off center it will affect the entire installation.

         Divide the floor are into workable sections. Install tiles at the perimeter of the room after main area of floor has been installed.
         
         

5. ADHESIVES
   1. Adhesive Recommendations
      1. Premium Cork Tile adhesive – Wet-set adhesive

         All sub floors must be free of dust, wax, grease, paint, adhesive residue, solvents, curing compounds and any foreign material that may inhibit the bond of the adhesive. Use only Portland based patching and leveling compounds.

         It is essential that moisture tests be taken on all concrete floors regardless of the age or grade level. The moisture emission of the concrete shall not exceed 3.0 lbs. per 1000 sq.ft. in 24 hours. If the test results exceed the limitations, the installation should not proceed until the problem has been corrected.

         It is essential that pH tests be taken on all concrete floors regardless of the age or grade level. If the pH is greater than 9, it must be neutralized prior to beginning the installation.

         To test the adhesive bond glue down 3’ x 3’ pieces of flooring in several locations throughout the area to receive flooring,. Allow the adhesive to set for 72 hours. A considerable amount of force should be required to remove the flooring.

         Flooring material and adhesive must be handled and stored according, to paragraph “B” ( Material Storage and Material Handling). The area to receive flooring must be fully enclosed, weather tight, with the permanent HVAC system set and maintained according to paragraph “B” (Material Storage and Material Handling). Trowel recommendation:
         3/32” x 3/32” x 3/32” V-notch
         Replace worn trowels, (DO NOT RE-NOTCH) to ensure proper spread rate. Spread rate is approximately 135 sq.ft per gallon.

         Spread only as much adhesive as flooring can be efficiently installed into while still wet, approximately 30 minutes. Keep lid on can when not in use.

         Roll material immediately in both directions using a 100 lb. roller.

         Check for proper adhesive transfer throughout the installation. If a tile is curling, weigh down the tile or re-roll until the adhesive is set.

         Remove wet adhesive with soapy water. Dry adhesive may be removed using a cloth dampened with mineral spirits.

         Prevent all traffic for a minimum of 24 hours and heavy traffic and rolling loads for 72 hours after installation.

         Do not damp mop or clean floor for a minimum of 3-5 days after installation is completed to allow floor to properly bond and cure.
         
         

      2. DriTac 6200 – Pressure sensitive adhesive

         All sub-floors must be smooth, dry, clean, flat and free of dirt, grease, wax, paint, oil or any foreign material that would hinder a good bond. Use only Portland based patching and leveling compounds. Complete dryness of leveling compounds is critical to the installation.

         Dri-Tac Adhesive Group requires that moisture tests be taken on all concrete and wood sub-floors (please see manufacturers requirements)

         To test the adhesive bond install a test area prior to the installation. The area to receive flooring should be fully enclosed, weather tight with the permanent HVAC system set and maintained according to paragraph “B” (Material Storage and Material Handling). Dri-Tac 6200 is very sensitive to airborne humidity. Humidity must be controlled and kept below 65% 72 hrs before, during and 72 hours after the installation.

         It is the recommendation of the Dri-Tac Adhesive Group, that when installing cork floor tiles using Dri-Tac , the adhesive must be used as a contact cement.

         Spread Dri-Tac 6200 on the sub-floor using the appropriate trowel size. Allow the adhesive to dry off completely. Adhesive will change from white to translucent when dry. After the adhesive has thoroughly dried on the sub-floor apply a thin coat of Dri-Tac to the back of the cork tiles with a paint - brush or paint roller. Allow adhesive to flash off for approximately 15 minutes before installing the tiles. Roll the floor immediately and several times during the installation with a 100-150lbs roller. Prevent all traffic for a minimum of 24 hours and heavy traffic and rolling loads for 72 hours after the installation.

         Recommended trowel size:
         For cork tile up to 4.8mm (3/16” thick) use Dri-Tac trowel TR-3
         (3/32”x3/32”x3/32” V-notch-spread rate 120 sf/gallon)

         For cork tiles thicker than 4.8mm(3/16” ) use Dri-Tac trowel Tr-4
         (1/8” x1/8” x1/8” square notch – spread rate 80 sf/gallon)
         
         

      3. DAP’S “ WELDWOOD” –Nonflammable Contact Cement
         DAPS WELDWOOD Nonflammable Contact Cement gives best results when applied to clean, dry surfaces. All tiles must be prefit before applying contact adhesive.

         Temperature of contact cement, air and substrate must be 65 degrees F. or higher for at least 24 hours prior to, during and 72 hours following bonding. Stir cement thoroughly.

         Brush or roll an even coat of contact cement on both surfaces to be bonded.

         FOR THE APPLICATION AND ASSEMBLY OF CORK TILES
         USING DAP’S WELDWOOD CONTACT CEMENT READ AND FOLLOW MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATION.

         Manufacturer: DAP, Inc. 800-543-3840
         Order Information: 800-327-3339
         Usage Information: DAP Helpline 888-DAP-TIPS
         Product: DAP “WELDWOOD” Nonflammable Contact Cement
         Technical Data Number: 00030534

1. Protect the flooring material between installation and initial maintenance.

   Vacuum or sweep floor to remove all surface dirt and grit.

   Protect your floor by using walk-off-mats, especially at entrance areas. Avoid using rubber or rubber-backed mats. Minimum 1” floor protectors or glides shall be used on all furniture legs. Make sure the glides are flat and smooth on the bottom. To minimize scratching, felt type pads are suggested for chairs and/or other furniture that will slide across the floor.

   Wipe up spills immediately.

   Do not use “self-polishing” waxes, vinyl or tile floor care products on cork floors.

   Cork is a wood floor and will fade if exposed to direct sunlight.

1. Initial Maintenance:
   1. Vacuum floor from all surface debris, sand and grit
   2. Dust mop floor
   3. Apply one coat of Carnauba wax emulsion or high quality paste- wax recommended for use on hardwood floors using a rotary-buffing machine (150-300rpm max.) and buffing pad (mint).
   4. Buff the floor to desired luster.
   5. Let the floor dry.
      Drying time may be affected by high humidity, low temperature, poor air circulation or applying wax to heavily.
      
      
2. Regular Maintenance:
   1. Vacuum or dust mop daily
   2. Buff floor daily using white or mint polishing pad
   3. Spray buff as necessary using Taski’s P-44 spray emulsion or equal (follow mfg. recommendation).
      
      
3. General Guidelines:
   1. Water is incompatible with cork floors Spills must be wiped up immediately with a lightly water – dampened cloth and then hand buffed dry.
   2. To remove white spots caused by water spills, use fine steel wool (#000) and a small amount of mineral spirits and rub gently in a circular motion until spot is gone. Immediately hand buff spot until dry.
   3. Caution – do not over wax. Waxed floors usually require two to three applications yearly.
   4. Once wax has been applied to a cork floor, only wax may be used as a coating over the floor.
      
      

1. Oiled floors have been factory pre-finished with oil and are ready for use in domestic and commercial areas.

   Never have metal objects in contact with oiled floors – they may mark the surface.

   Natural UV-oiled floors are easy to maintain –in order to ensure lasting beauty it is necessary to care for the floor immediately after installation. With the proper care, the oiled floor will become increasingly easy to clean and more hard wearing as the soap protects the floor with an invisible film making the floor increasingly resistant to dirt.
   
   

2. Initial Maintenance:
   1. Vacuum floor from all surface debris, sand and grit.
   2. Dust mop floor
   3. If necessary, damp-mop floor using a pH neutral detergent (Taski’s R-50 or equal) and lukewarm water.
   4. Buff floor until dry using a rotary buffing machine (150-300rpm) outfitted with a buffing pad (mint or white).
      
      
3. Regular Maintenance:
   1. Vacuum or dust mop daily
   2. Buff floor daily using white or mint polishing pad.
      
      
4. Interim Maintenance:
   Oiling your floor will help to keep the natural matte appearance of the cork. Before oiling, clean the floor thoroughly. Follow Initial Maintenance Instructions.
   1. Spray a clear natural UV oil such as “tung, Danish or Timberman’s Trip-Trap” maintenance oil onto the floor
   2. Buff floor immediately by hand or using a rotary - polishing machine (150-300rpm) fitted with a white polishing pad.
   3. Buff floor until oil is completely buffed into the surface of the floor.
      
      

1. Do not use wax, oil soaps, dusting sprays or other household cleaners on factory finished polyurethane cork tiles.

   Gerbert cork tiles are factory- coated with an UV-acrylic finish. It is the recommendation of the manufacturer to apply one or two thin coats of clear polyurethane after the installation of the tile. The additional application will seal the seams against dirt and liquids.

   Wait 48 hours after installation before applying the additional coats of polyurethane. Make certain that the floor is completely free of dust and dirt and excess adhesive has been removed.
   
   

2. Initial Maintenance:
   1. Vacuum floor from all surface debris, sand and grit.
   2. Dust mop floor thoroughly. Floor must be dust free
   3. Apply one coat of water-based urethane such as” Bonakemi’s Mega Satin or Semi-Gloss” or equal. Finish must dry for at least three hours before applying second coat. (Read and follow manufacturer’s recommendations carefully.)
      (Do not sand or abrade cork tiles before applying finish.)
   4. Buff floor to desired luster using a rotary buffing machine (150 300rpm max.) with a white polishing pad.
      
      

   The floor may be walked on after 24 hours, but the floor is susceptible to scuffing or marring prior to the curing time of seven days.

   Wipe spills immediately with lightly dampened cloth and/or a soft dry cloth.

   If necessary damp mop floor, using a damp cloth and a pH neutral detergent such as Taski’s R-50 (diluted 1oz/gal) or equal.

   Dust mop the floor with (Taski’sSolsan) treated dust mop

   Fill the spray device of the floor polisher with Taski’s P-44 spray emulsion and depending on the level of appearance desired, spray clean the area at regular intervals. For heavy to moderate soiled floors spray with P-44 and special purple cleaning pad. Light soiling, spot spray with P-44 on soiled area only and polish with floor buffer (150-300rpm) and purple cleaning pad.

   After cleaning process is completed polish floor with the mint or white polishing pad to bring out high shine.

   Manufacturer:
   BonaKemi USA Inc, Tel: 800 872-5515
   Website: www.bonakemi.com

Gerbert Limited is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Gerbert Limited warrants to the original commercial or industrial customer that this product is sold free from manufacturing defects

This warranty does not cover defects, which develop after sale as a result of customer’s failure to install, use or maintain the product in accordance with Gerbert’s recommended procedure and standards.

THIS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY PROVIDED AND NO OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OR ANY KIND INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.