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Cork has been used by the flooring industry since the turn of the century. Like all products, technology has advanced giving you more durability along with modern patterns and colors for today’s homes.
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| Material: |
100% Natural Cork |
| Installation: |
Glue – Down |
| Dimensions: |
12"x12" |
| Thickness: |
3/16" Approx. (4.8mm) |
| Weight: |
20 lbs. per carton |
| Carton: |
36 sq. ft. per carton/36 pcs. |
| Surface Finish: |
3 Coats Flexible Acrylic Matte Varnish |
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| Shade Variances |
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Cork tiles are made from natural materials and subject to shade or tone variations |
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Tiles may be received from the manufacturer up to a maximum or 3 different shades |
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Separate the cartons according to shade markings on box; boxes will be marked light, medium or dark |
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Tile should be installed from alternate boxes using 3 to 4 boxes to even out the distribution of shade variances |
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WARNING!!!!
You must adhere the parquet tile to the subfloor using DriTac 6200 adhesive applied as a two-part contact glue (apply a thin coat of the adhesive to the subfloor and to the back of the parquet tiles). You can use either a spackling knife, flat blade trowel, or foam painters roller making sure that the adhesive is flashed (turned transparent) before adhering the tiles. This will provide the strongest bond. Too much adhesive or not allowing it to flash will cause the tiles to cup and not bond around the edges.
Read all instructions carefully before installation. Responsibility for the suitability of the parquet tiles or the adhesive for each individual case cannot be assumed by the APC Cork. Since APC has no influence on the installer’s proper application.
Preparation/ Acclimation: Open cartons must be on the job site for minimum of 48 - 72 hours or as needed prior to installation. During storage and installation, maintain temperature and relative humidity to level consistent to conditions that will prevail when building is occupied. With improper acclimation, the floor could expand or contract after installation. Rooms and sub-floor temperature should be between 65-85°F. All substrates must be clean, dry, and dust free prior to installation. All holes, cracks, and joints must be patched with Portland cement based on compound (Follow manufacturer’s instructions). Compound must be properly cured before installation.
Installing On Concrete: Cork parquet tiles can be installed over concrete on or above grade. When using parquet over a concrete substrate, 1/4” underlayment can be used. Concrete must be sound, smooth, and level with a maximum variation of 1/8 ” in 10 feet. Any abnormality in the subfloor will be transparent through cork parquet tiles. Test concrete substrate with a calcium chloride moisture test. Moisture content level cannot exceed 3 lbs. in a 1,000-ft2 area within 24 hours.
Installing On Wood: Plywood must be smooth, level, and structurally sound. Sand uneven areas as needed. New plywood should be 3/8” or 1/2” thick with one side finished. Basements and crawlspaces may affect sub-floor temperature and humidity. The use of 6-mil polyethylene is recommended over the earth.
Installing Over Radiant Heating Systems: APC Cork tiles are only compatible with hot water radiant heating systems. Do not install cork tiles over electric radiant heating systems. Floating floors tend to expand and contract as a unit and therefore are recommended when in use with radiant heating systems. Cork parquet tiles can be installed as long as the consumer understands that gaps between parquet tiles could be visible during heating seasons. Prior to installation you will need to turn the system on, regardless of the time of year, for 4-5 days. Maximum surface temperature should never exceed 85°F.
Laying Cork Parquet: For best results lay tiles with staggered joints. Mix tiles from various cartons to maintain natural variation of color and pattern Allow 1/4”expansion space between finished floor and all walls, thresholds, water pipes, and other vertical surfaces. Use silicone sealer near bathtubs, commodes, etc. When moisture level in the environment is low, parquet tiles should not be positioned too tightly against one another. When moisture level is high, tiles should be installed tightly.
Clean Up: Follow manufacturer’s instructions based on the adhesive type.
Applications of Polyurethane: In order to minimize damages to your floooring and to prevent dirt and liquid spills from penetrating through the joints; the use of polyurrethane is recommended. For any commerical applicaton of cork tiles the floor must be sealed after the installation. We recommend Bona Kemi Traffic with an application of 2-3 coats depending on the amount of traffic.
Cleaning And Maintenance: Sweep and/or vacuum floor regularly. Never saturate floor with water when mopping. Damp mop (only) floors as needed. Use wide casters or felt tips under legs of furniture. Cork flooring, like wood floor, will fade if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. The use of drapes or other systems is recommended to protect the floor.
Please note that pre-finished polyurethane tile have a characteristic known as “fullness” which appears around the perimeter of the tile. It creates a slight rise along the seams, even though the tiles join flush and squarely with one another. “Fullness” occurs because cork is a natural product that absorbs and emits moisture on the surface that are unfinished (tile edges). It is not considered a defect in materials. Once installed, application of polyurethane on entire floor may reduce “fullness” effect.
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| Finishing the Tile |
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APC Cork Tiles are finished at the factory with an acrylic matte varnish. It is not necessary to add additional coating after the floor has been installed unless you are using the floor for COMMERCIAL use. In that case two coats of urethane are required and must be maintained depending on floor maitenance and foot traffic. Failing to do this will void the Commercial Warranty. We recommened BonaKemi Traffic for commercial applications but most urethanes that are acceptable for wood work well. It is always advisable to check the area before applying the whole floor. |
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To seal the floor, it will be necessary to “screen” the tiles or lightly abrade with 220 sandpaper to prep the surface for proper adhesive of the urethane.
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