FAQ

Class 31, 32, 33, etc., refers to a general classification system used for different types of flooring. The classification system roughly defines what type of room each floor can be used in.

The standard specifies that the flooring product will serve at least 10 years without presenting problems if used in the designated room type (provided that the floor has been installed according to the instructions and is used and maintained as prescribed).

For laminate floors, the applicable standard is EN 13329. Different standards apply for vinyl floors, one being UNE ENB ISO 10874 : 2012.

-EN 649: glued-down floors

-EN 16511: modular floating floors using a click installation system

FloorTape vinyl floors are highly water-resistant. This means they can be used in environments that are occasionally wet, such as your bathroom. However, we do not recommend using vinyl flooring in other extremely wet spaces, such as Turkish baths or saunas.

FloorTape vinyl flooring can be used in combination with heating systems but a suitable layer of FOAM COMFORT PREMIUM HD FloorTape must be used. The underfloor heating and cooling installation instructions must also be followed carefully. We recommend contacting the supplier if you have any doubt.

The subfloor is highly important for correct installation due to its preparation and care. If the subfloor is not appropriate for the installation of FloorTape Click, the necessary steps should be taken.

GLUED-DOWN INSTALLATION

The existing floor covering must be entirely removed for glued-down subfloors because no signs of mould and/or insect infestations should be present. Make sure the floor is level by applying a floor levelling product or levelling compound (also nail down any loose or floating parts). This will produce a smooth and porous subfloor for the glue to adhere to.

In the case of installation on a wooden subfloor, the moisture content of the wood should not exceed 10% and the space underneath should be completely dry and ventilated (minimum 4 cm2 per m2 of floor). A minimum of 6mm of plywood should be used to cover the floorboards.

Nailing should be done using ring shank nails in grid format, 75 mm around the perimeter and 150 mm in the centre.

FLOATING INSTALLATION

For floating floors, the subfloor should be stable and firmly fixed (it cannot be soft or damaged).

• Unsuitable floor coverings: carpet, cushion vinyl. Felt, floating laminate and parquet, etc.
• Suitable coverings: ceramic tiles, vinyl tiles, PVC, glued laminate and parquet, fixed wood boards, etc.
• Does not have to be removed, but use of polyethylene foil is compulsory to avoid migration: rolled PVC, glued linoleum and glued oiled parquet.

When installing on a wooden subfloor, all existing floor covering should be removed first. No signs of mould and/or insect infestations should be present. Make sure the subfloor is level and nail down any loose parts. Apply an appropriate wooden levelling board for perfect subfloor preparation (the levelling boards should be secured every 30cm with screws).

In the case of installation on a wooden subfloor, the moisture content of the wood should not exceed 10% and the space underneath should be completely dry and ventilated (minimum 4 cm2 per m2 of floor). A minimum of 6mm of plywood should be used to cover the floorboards.

Nailing should be done using ring shank nails in grid format, 75 mm around the perimeter and 150 mm in the centre.

Although FloorTape vinyl tiles can be installed anywhere, we do not recommend laying a vinyl floor in extremely wet areas (swimming pools, saunas, showers, etc.) because moisture could seep between the bevels even though the vinyl planks are water-resistant.

Tests have shown that FloorTape vinyl offers the best dimensional stability on the market. However, we recommend using a layer of SUN/HEAT underlay in conservatories and near south-facing windows.

Yes, you can! A partnership with Mapei has enabled FloorTape to offer vinyl solutions for an extensive range of floor and wall covering applications.

Requirements and tips:

• The substrate should be dry and dust-free.
• Use an appropriate adhesive for all wall installations (Eco MS 4 LVT/wall, Mapei Ultrabond, etc.).
• Spread the glue evenly across the wall to avoid blistering, as vinyl is a very flexible product.
• When installing vinyl on the walls of wet areas, use a joint sealer (Mapei Mapecoat 4LVT).
• Ensure that the walls are stable and firm.

Any of the Glee+ ranges can be used for installation (as they have no click system and weigh less).

Vinyl mass:

• For 4.5mm thickness with click: +/- 7.6kg/m2.

We recommend using the knives and cutting tool offered by FloorTape as these do not bend under pressure and the concave blades prevent the knife from catching in the structure of the floor.

Difficult patterns can be cut with a jigsaw. Always wear protective gloves when cutting the tiles.

Yes, because liquids can seep through the bevel. However, water spillage in areas that are not extremely wet (bathrooms and kitchens) won’t damage your floor. We recommend to avoid cleaning your vinyl floors with excessive amounts of water and make sure no liquid sits on the floor for too long.

Yes, but be careful. Not all underlays are suitable for vinyl floors. Any problems with your underlay when it is not in optimum condition for use will void your warranty.

Benefits of using a FLOORTAPE underlay:

• It helps prevent irregularities and levels your floor.
• It reduces impact sound by up to 16Db.
• It is smooth.
• It is perfectly suitable for use with underfloor heating or cooling.
• It eliminates dust and other particles underneath the floor.
• Its density and thickness are suitable.

Installing the right underlay is very important during installation. That’s why we recommend using specific LVT underlays as these are specifically designed for vinyl flooring.

It can be cleaned using a microfibre cloth, a conventional broom, a damp mop or a vacuum cleaner. We recommend:

• Using the FloorTape Clean cleaning product (others might damage the floor).
• Do not use aggressive cleaning products.
• Do not leave water or other liquids sitting on the floor for a long time.

The protective coating of the vinyl floor means that no special treatment will be needed after installation.

The floors have a protective coating that is highly resistant to wear and scratches. Even so, they can be damaged or scratched by sharp objects, which is why we recommend taking a few preventive measures:

• Use a doormat (to reduce the entry of sharp particles).
• Add protection to furniture legs and use castor chairs with soft wheels.
• Make sure the wheels of your vacuum cleaner are not too hard or badly damaged.

If you spot any minor damage to your floor, this can be repaired using the FLOORTAPE repair kit. For commercial applications, we offer a maintenance set that includes an intensive cleaner and refresh solution.

The top layer helps repel dirt and stains. It is water-resistant and can be cleaned easily so the planks remain in perfect condition.

Golden rules for cleaning vinyl floors:

• Always use as little water as possible because if the floor is constantly exposed to large amounts of water, it will deteriorate over time.
• If you use a mop to clean your vinyl floor, we recommend that it not be too wet (you should avoid moisture seeping into the vinyl floor covering).