Static Dissipative Tile Installation Instructions
Precaution
CAUTION: Both the SDT and the S-202 Adhesive contain a small amount of quaternary ammonium compound. For some people, this material may irritate both skin and eyes. Avoid direct contact with the adhesive if at all possible. The adhesive is water-based. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling either the tile or the adhesive.
For Use With
Product | Gauge | Size | Adhesive | Comment |
EXCELON SDT | 0.125″ (3.2 mm) | 12″ x 12″ (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) | S-202 | Copper grounding strips provided with adhesive |
Adhesive Summary
Adhesive | % Internal Relative Humidity (RH) | MVER: lbs. per 1000ft2 / 24 hours | pH | Open Time | Working Time | Traffic Post-Installation |
S-202 | Effective October, 2024: 90% Prior to October, 2024: 75% | 3 | Effective October, 2024: 12 Prior to October, 2024: 5-9 | Open Time: 60 minutes or more Trowel: Fine Notch 1/32″ (0.8 mm) deep, 1/16″ (1.6 mm) wide, 5/64″ (2 mm) apart. | 6 hours | Light Foot Traffic: 24 Hours Heavy Traffic & Rolling Loads: 72 Hours |
vary according to job conditions, temperature, humidity, air flow and type of substrate.
Recommended Substrates
Will bond to all substrates listed below, but refer to the flooring installation system for specific installation recommendations:
- Concrete on (all grade levels) according to ASTM F710 and Preparation of Concrete Subfloors
- Suspended Wood and Wood Underlayments
- Properly mixed and applied powder underlayments and embossing levelers
- Ceramic, Terrazzo, Marble, Polymeric (seamless) Floors, or Metal – when properly prepared with S-194
- Radiant-heated subfloors where the surface temperature does not exceed 85oF (29o C)
DO NOT USE OVER: Concrete with excessive moisture and/or alkali, substrates treated with fire-retardant chemicals, fungicides, preservatives, release agents, adhesive removers, sealers, curing compounds or other incompatible treatments.
Job Conditions
- Resilient flooring should only be installed in temperature-controlled environments. It is necessary to maintain a constant temperature before, during and after the installation. Therefore, the permanent or temporary HVAC system must be in operation before the installation of resilient flooring. Portable heaters are not recommended as they may not heat the room and subfloor sufficiently. Kerosene heaters should never be used.
- Substrates must be dry, clean, smooth and free from paint, varnish, existing adhesive residue*, wax, concrete curing agents, sealers and hardeners.
- In renovation or remodel work, remove any existing adhesive residue* so that 80% of the overall area of the original substrate is exposed. Subfloor must be porous when installing SDT.
- SDT is not recommended over existing resilient floors. The surface of ceramic, terrazzo, marble, polymeric poured (seamless) floor or metal would need to be roughened and then a portland cement type underlayment (such as S-194) applied at least 1/4″ (6.4 mm) thick.
- Do not install SDT in areas subject to excessive surface water or frequent spills.
- Allow all flooring materials and adhesives to condition to the room temperature for a minimum of 48 hours before starting the installation.
- The area to receive the resilient flooring should be maintained at a minimum of 65°F (18°C) and a maximum of 85°F (38°C) for 48 hours before, during and for 48 hours after completion.
- During the service life of the floor, the temperature should never rise above 100°F (38°C) nor fall below 55°F (13°C). The performance of the flooring material and adhesives can be adversely affected outside this temperature range.
- For concrete substrates, conduct moisture testing (moisture vapor emission rate [MVER]) and/or percent relative humidity (in-situ probe). Bond tests must also be conducted for compatibility with the substrate.
- Concrete floors should be tested for alkalinity. The allowable readings for the installation of Armstrong flooring are 5 to 9 on the pH scale.
*Some previously manufactured asphaltic “cutback” adhesives contained asbestos. For removal instructions, refer to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s publication Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings.
Fitting
See Layout and Fitting Resilient Tile for room layout.
Before installing the material, plan the layout so tile joints fall at least 6″ (15.2 cm) away from subfloor/underlayment joints. Do not install over expansion joints.
Avoid having border pieces less than 6″ (15.2 cm) wide.
Procedure
When using tile from two or more cartons, check to be sure all pattern and lot numbers are the same to ensure proper color match. On larger installations, open several cartons and mix them as they are installed to help blend any slight shade differences from one carton to the next.
- Line off the entire area to be installed.
- Apply the S-202 Adhesive over the area, being careful not to cover the chalk lines. Allow the adhesive to set until dry-to-touch (approximately 60 minutes, depending on atmospheric conditions). To test, press your thumb lightly on the surface of the adhesive in several places. If the surface feels slightly tacky as your thumb is drawn away and does not stick to your thumb, the adhesive is ready for the installation.
- Cut copper strips (0.003″ thick), which are supplied with the S-202 Adhesive, into 2′ strips. Generally, 1 grounding strip (2′ length) is recommended for every 1000 sq. ft. of SDT installed over on-grade concrete. For suspended subfloors, one grounding strip is recommended for every 500 sq. ft. of tile. Additional strips may be requested by the end-user. The installer should receive some guidance from the general contractor or end-user as to the desired location of the copper strips to make subsequent grounding more convenient.
- Install the tile along the chalk lines, laying the field area first and then fitting in the border tile.
- In the copper grounding strip locations, place 18″ (45.7 cm) of the copper grounding strip over the dry-to-touch S-202 Adhesive on the subfloor. The remaining 6″ (15.2 cm) of the strip should continue up the wall. Apply additional S-202 Adhesive over the 18″ (45.7 cm) section of the copper grounding strip on the floor. Allow this adhesive to dry-to-touch and install the tile over the strip.
- Roll in both directions within the adhesive’s 6-hour working time using a 100-lb. roller. Clean adhesive residue from the surface of the flooring using a clean, white cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
- Flooring should not be exposed to rolling load traffic for at least 72 hours after installation to allow setting and drying of the adhesive.
- Follow Initial Maintenance Procedures. Use Only Armstrong Flooring S-392 Static Dissipative Tile Polish on SDT.
Grounding of Excelon SDT:
STOP: If electrical certification of an installation is required, do not perform any maintenance procedures or connect the grounding strips until after certification has been completed.
It is NOT the responsibility of the flooring contractor to actually ground the strips. Grounding is normally done by an electrician. It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the end-user and/or electrician to make certain that the grounding method employed meets applicable code requirements. The ground connection may be made to either an earth ground or an electrical ground. Two methods of grounding normally used are as follows:
- Ground to steel support columns: Drill and tap holes in the steel column and fasten the copper strip using a machine screw.
- Connect to ground bus: Solder a wire (#12 or #14) to the copper strip and connect this wire to a ground bus in accordance with applicable building or electrical codes. Once the connection is made, the copper strip and wire may be hidden or covered as desired.