Follow this simple 5 step guide to install Karndean LooseLay flooring:
Step 1
Acclimatise Karndean LooseLay at least 48h prior to installation.
Step 2
Prepare the subfloor. Subfloor must be dry, smooth, level, clean and dust-free.
Step 3
Check that room edges are solid and all thresholds or openings are edged with a strip of suitable tackifier.
Step 4
Install the LooseLay with a ‘tight’ fit to the wall and to themselves.
Step 5
If the floor area is longer than 4m please follow the Grid stick installation.
Please note that before installing Karndean LooseLay, you should refer to our full installation instructions.
</ br>
Specific Installation Guidelines
Acclimatisation of Material
At least 48 hours prior to installation, Karndean LooseLay must be removed from packaging (product may be stacked, but must be rested flat) and allowed to acclimatise in the room where the installation is to take place. Room temperature should be kept between 18°C - 29°C (65°F - 85°F).
Subfloor Preparation
Subfloor preparation must comply with ASTM F710, AS/NZS 1884, BS 8203, DTU 53.2, DIN 18365 (Teil C) or other applicable National Standards and Building Codes for the installation of Resilient Flooring and in strict accordance with the following installation guidelines.
The subfloor must be dry, smooth, level, clean and dust-free and should be prepared as follows, dependant on your subfloor type. Note: Solvents and other abrasive chemicals used to clean or remove subfloor contaminants can damage the backing of Karndean LooseLay and affect the product’s performance.
Old Adhesive residues
All adhesive residues from previous installations must be completely removed.
Damp Subfloors
Karndean LooseLay must only be installed on dry floors. The floor must have a moisture reading of less than 95% RH (or according to the National Standard). If any sub floor shows moisture readings above 95% RH then an acceptable damp proof membrane/moisture suppression system must be applied.
Note: that a compliant pH level is also a requirement for concrete slabs in some countries’ Standards. (If using the calcium chloride test procedure ASTM 1869-11 the reading must not be above 5lbs per 1000sq ft. per 24hrs).
Concrete Floors
Subfloors/Screeds: All cracks and joints must be filled using a cement based patching compound and the floor needs to be level in accordance with the applicable Standard.
All Gypsum based concrete floors must be sealed with a compatible sealing compound.
Mosaic/Terrazzo/Ceramics/Quarry Tiles
Level any grout lines with a suitable smoothing compound and make the floor sound.
Timber Floors
These should be solid with minimal flexibility. All loose boards must be firmly fastened, gaps filled and undulations removed.Where necessary, overlay floorboards with flooring grade
plywood or similar.
Linoleum/Thermoplastic/Vinyl/Woodblock/Parquet
Make sure these floors are solid; fix any loose tiles and remove any surface polish/sealer.
We recommend the removal of these products if installed directly to earth, bitumen/ cutback or pitch. Then prepare floor to applicable Standard.
Metal and Painted Floors
Fully remove any loose paint or other finishes.
Other Floors
Consult your supplier.
Underfloor Heating and Services
Karndean LooseLay is suitable over underfloor heating systems, as long as it is insulated from the heating system to ensure that the surface temperature does not rise above 27°C (80°F).
Note: The system must be switched off 48 hours before, during, and for 48 hours after the installation; then the temperature should be gradually increased (typically 2°C/hour) to the desired warmth. Mesh/wire systems must be bedded into a base coat of reinforced fibre smoothing compound. Refer to manufactures guidelines for required depth. Karndean LooseLay installation methods are then followed as recommended in these guidelines.
Karndean LooseLay allows easy access to under floor services if installed over access panels, provided the resultant subfloor complies with the values stipulated in the relevant Building codes and Standards.
Installation
Before starting the installation remove all debris or dust and clean the floor.
Karndean LooseLay can be installed on any subfloor; that is flat, level, smooth and dry, but need not be porous; using one of the following three options:
1. Loose lay:
Karndean LooseLay must be fitted ‘tight’; check that room edges are solid and all thresholds or openings are edged with a 10cm (4”) strip of suitable tackifier/ pressure sensitive adhesive. The tile/planks must be fitted ‘tightly’ to the wall and to themselves. If the floor area to be installed has any wall longer than 4m (13’) please treat the installation as a Grid stick installation.
2. Grid stick:
In rooms with any wall longer than 4m (13’) the perimeter of the room requires a 10cm (4”) strip of tackifier/pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the subfloor, and also at 4m (13’) distances parallel to each perimeter wall, covering the floor in a grid. The Karndean LooseLay tiles/planks are then fitted ‘tightly’ across the room to the wall and to themselves.
3. Heavy Traffic Areas:
In areas of high traffic (eg. high footfall- entrances, high frequency wheeled traffic) we recommend installing tiles/ planks with a full coverage tackifier/pressure sensitive adhesive. Note: The adhesive used should still allow for easy ‘peel up’ and replacement of tiles/planks in this area.
Note: High Spillage Wet Areas/Sun Rooms/Conservatories/Panoramic Windows:
In areas that are likely to be subject to high water spillage or extreme temperature fluctuations, the use of a full spread epoxy or urethane adhesive is recommended.
Routine Maintenance
Karndean LooseLay has a protective PU surface, K-Guard+, all Karndean floors benefit from our K-Guard+ surface protection system. Using PU technology, K-Guard+ provides a hygienic and durable finish that will protect your floor for years to come.
To keep clean, sweep all loose debris, then damp mop with the “Clean” solution.
Over time high traffic may cause dulling to occur. To restore the appearance and durability of your floor, strip the floor using the “Remove” solution, rinse the floor with water and seal, using the “Refresh” sealer.