Ground-up rules

Graham Lewis, Corporate Key Accounts Manager – Colorex, from Forbo Flooring Systems takes a closer look at the correct installation of project vinyl Colorex SD/EC – a conductive flooring solution.

Colorex SD/EC can be installed on approved substrates of all grade levels. As for any resilient floor installation, the subfloor preparation should be in accordance with British Standard 8203: Installation of resilient floorcoverings.

Subfloor requirements for conductive flooring:

The existing floor should be rigid, firm and free of cracks. All minor cracks need to be patched and repaired with an appropriate self-levelling smoothing compound, and have a residual moisture content of 75% or less when measured with a hygrometer at the time of installation. The floor area should be clean, especially free of oil, grease, dust, paint and foreign objects. For subfloors with residual or rising moisture problems, a surface Damp Proof Membrane must be applied prior to installation.

Acclimatisation:

Colorex SD/EC tiles must be acclimatised for at least 24 hours prior to installation at a minimum ambient air temperature of 18°C. The tiles should be unpacked completely and placed directly on the floor in small, neat piles of no more than 10 tiles each.

Installation of the tiles:

Do not allow Colorex SD/EC to be installed until all other tradesmen (especially ceiling workers) have completed their tasks. The area should be clean, completely enclosed and kept at a minimum temperature of 18°C for 72 hours prior to, during and after the installation.

For conductive installations firstly apply a conductive primer, followed by the application of the appropriate length of copper strip for connection to an earth point and a water-based conductive adhesive for vinyl. Colorex SD/EC tiles must be installed on wet adhesive and rolled immediately after installation to ensure proper ESD control and a secure bond.

Heat welding:

For hygiene-critical areas or where wet cleaning methods will be used, heat welding of the tiles is strongly recommended. This should be done only when the adhesive has set, usually on the day following the installation.

Grooving:

Groove the seams with an appropriate grooving machine or use a hand groover in areas that the machine cannot reach. The groove depth should be at least three-quaters of the tile thickness. Matching welding rods are available for all the colours in our collection. Use only original Colorex welding rods (Ø 4mm) at a welding temperature of approximately 400°C.