lisbon cork tiles recommended manufacturer installation - Lumber ...

LISBON CORK TILES
RECOMMENDED MANUFACTURER INSTALLATION
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION.
All installed tiles will be considered as accepted by the installer and/or homeowner. Any
defects should be reported to LUMBER LIQUIDATORS within 30 days from date of purchase for
inspection and/or replacement.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
LISBON CORK TILES must be laid indoors on a clean, stable, flat, smooth and dry surface. Handle
the packages carefully during transport; Installed damaged tiles are not covered by the warranty.
Store LISBON CORK TILES flat for 48 hours, in open packaging, at room temperature (15°-30°C /
60°-85°F and a maximum of 75% relative humidity) in the room in which they are to be installed.
ADHESIVE SELECTION:
Use Water based adhesives designed for cork. (Do not set tiles into wet adhesives) Water based
adhesives must be allowed to flash-off before setting tiles. If using 100% Urethane Flooring Adhesives
it is suggested to have it professionally applied. Make sure you read the selected adhesive instructions
for trowel size, handling and use attentively prior to starting your installation.
SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION:
CONCRETE
Installation on concrete surfaces, below grade or in a bathroom environment will be adversely
affected by moisture. Even though moisture will not affect the cork tile itself, excessive and
continuous moisture presence could adversely affect the tile coating in the long run and will not be
covered by the warranty.
The glue selected for application should be compatible with a high and continuous moisture
environment.
The concrete surface shall be level and free of defects or dust. All indentations, cavities and
changes of level shall be adjusted by use of self leveling cement.
WOOD AND OTHER SURFACES
1) Ensure that your sub-floor is clean, flat, smooth and level. Slopes of more than 5 mm over 2 meters
or 1/4” over 6 feet must be levelled. Correct any changes in slope and ensure that the levelling
compound has dried prior to starting your installation.
2) Proceed to instructions on PREPARING TO INSTALL.
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June 2009

Special note:
For floors with radiant heating, make sure to turn down your thermostat to 15°C / 60°F at least 1
week prior to installation (do not turn off heating if the temperature outside is below freezing).
Maintain the room temperature below 21°C / 70°F.
PREPARING TO INSTALL:
1) Let the opened packages of tile lie flat on the floor for at least 48 hours prior to installation, in
the room in which the tiles are to be installed.
2) Make sure to leave a clearance of at least 12.5 mm / 1/2” between the top surface of the tiles
and the underside of baseboard heaters
3) Check door and doorframe clearances to ensure that doors will move freely without contacting the
cork surface.
4) Remove existing moldings and baseboards.
5) Clean and sweep.
6) Although tiles can be installed in any direction, as a rule, tiles are usually installed perpendicular to
a wall with a window. Installing tiles parallel to the longest wall tends to make a room appear larger.
As tiles are a natural product they will vary in color and design. You will get better results by laying
two or three rows of tiles in advance to get an eye pleasing distribution of the tile colors and
patterns.
TILE INSTALLATION:
1) For best results lay tiles with staggered joint. You will achieve this result by using a full length tile for
the first tile of the first row and a tile cut in half for the first tile of the second row. The pattern will
then be repeated until you reach the opposite wall.
2) Leave a 1/4” space between the tiles and the walls all around the room perimeter and around any
cabinet.
3) To avoid gapping or peaking install the tiles tightly against each other if you are installing the tiles
during the humid season; leave a hairline joint for expansion if you are installing the tiles during the
dry season.
4) Roll frequently over the installed tiles with a 70-100 lb. roller during and after the installation until all
tiles and tile seams are level.
5) Do not walk or install any furniture on Lisbon Cork tiles for 72 hours following tiles installation.
SEALING:
Our cork products have been surfaced-sealed using water based polyurethane. To facilitate
installation, the seams are not sealed from the factory. After installation, it is recommended to re-coat
the entire floor, especially the seams, to protect the joints against dirt accumulation and water spillage.
Apply 2 coats of floor grade water based polyurethane for light residential use or 3 coats for heavy
residential or commercial use. Follow sealant manufacturer’s application instructions.
NOTE: Sealant applied must be WATER BASED
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June 2009

MAINTENANCE:
• Sweep or vacuum as often as necessary to remove any loose dirt or grit before it can scratch
the floor.
• When a spill occurs, soak up the bulk liquid promptly.
• In areas of excessive traffic and wear, please make use of runners or area rugs.
• Use felt protectors under heavy pieces of furniture and chairs.
• Use protective mats at all exterior entrances.
• Spiked heels or shoes can severely damage your floor.
• Never wet or damp mop your cork floors. Water can cause damage to cork flooring.
• Never use oil soaps, wax, liquid or other household products to clean your floor.
• Keep animal nails trimmed.
• Protect your floor when using a dolly for moving furniture or appliances.
• Never slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the floor.
• If your floor becomes scratched or dull, repairs can often be made using repair accessories
such as polyurethane finish of matching gloss
• Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your floor for many years; however, at
some time a recoating may be desirable.
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June 2009