Recreational Vehicle Sheet Vinyl Installation Instructions

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING AHF PRODUCTS FLOORING

If properly installed and cared for, your new flooring will be easy to maintain and and will look great for years to come. These directions are based on industry standards and best practices. Failure to follow these installation instructions may result in damage to the flooring and void the floor’s warranty.

  • For complete warranty information call 1-866-243-2726 or go to www.ahfproducts.com.
  • For technical or installation questions, or to request a Safety Data Sheet, please call 1-866-243-2726 or visit www.floorexpert.com our technical website.
  • For general questions or comments, please visit us at www.ahfproducts.com or call 1-866-243-2726.
WARNING: EXISTING IN-PLACE RESILIENT FLOOR COVERING AND ASPHALTIC ADHESIVES. DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP, DRY SCRAPE, DRILL, SAW,
BEADBLAST, OR MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERIZE EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT, ASPHALTIC “CUTBACK” ADHESIVE,
OR OTHER ADHESIVE.
These existing in-place products may contain asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the existing in-place product is a non-asbestos-containing material, you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to determine asbestos content and may govern removal and disposal of material. See current edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) publication Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings for instructions on removing all resilient floor covering structures or contact your retailer or AHF Products at 866 243 2726.
AHF floor coverings and adhesives do NOT contain asbestos.

Installation:
Location: RV
Adhesive: Perimeter fasten
Fitting: All Methods

Subfloor

  • Subfloor decking: Please secure a letter from the supplier that the subfloor is suitable for perimeter stapled vinyl flooring.

NOTE: For wood subfloors and underlayments, the moisture content must be 13% or less.

Job Conditions/Preparation (for all installation options)

  • Substrates must be sound, dry, clean, smooth and free from excessive moisture or alkali.
  • The surface shall be free of dust, solvents, varnish, paint, wax, oil, grease, sealers, curing compounds, residual adhesive, adhesive removers and other foreign materials that might affect the adhesion of resilient flooring to the substrate or cause a discoloration of the flooring from below. Spray paints, permanent markers and other indelible ink markers must not be used to write on the back of the flooring material or used to mark the substrate as they could bleed through, telegraphing up to the surface and permanently staining the flooring material. If these contaminants are present on the substrate, they must be mechanically removed prior to the installation of the flooring material.
  • Do not use products containing petroleum solvents or citrus oils to prepare substrates as they can cause staining and expansion of the new flooring.
  • The area to receive resilient flooring and the flooring materials and adhesives should be maintained at a minimum of 65° F (18° C) and a maximum of 100° F (38° C) for 48 hours before installation, during installation, and 48 hours after completion. Maintain a minimum temperature of 55° F (13° C) thereafter.
  • Acclimate vinyl to facility temperature for 48 hours.

Perimeter Staple Installation

Keys to Successful Perimeter Staple Down Installation

  • Store, transport and handle flooring so as to prevent any sharp creases or other distortions in the sheet. Always roll face-out on a cardboard tube. Distortions will generally not disappear or shrink on their own. Sheet must be lying flat at time of installation.
  • Just prior to installation, lay flooring out flat to acclimate to conditions and allow the roll-up stresses to relax.
  • Do not compress the edges of the sheet in any way when installing other flooring materials next to the flooring. Installation of carpet, metal strips and other transition moldings should not push fullness into the flooring.
  • Always protect from rolling loads from other trades and replacement and/or movement of appliances.

Stapling Procedure

  • Step 1: Start at one corner of the deck and staple the flooring every 3˝ along the width of the deck, checking to make sure the staples are properly seated in the subfloor. (NOTE: Minimum staple size 1/2˝ crown and 1/2˝ leg.)
  • Step 2: On the opposite end of the deck pull the sheet taut, being careful not to overstretch the vinyl. Staple the corner of the deck in place.
  • Step 3: Staple the vinyl along the entire side of the deck.
  • Step 4: After properly securing the first side, move to the center of the opposite side and pull the sheet taut and staple. Move to each corner of the opposite side pulling the vinyl taut and stapling in place. Make sure to smooth out any wrinkles as you are stapling.
  • Steps 5: Continue stapling the vinyl in the same fashion for the other sides.
  • Step 6: To finish the installation. make cuts for the heat registers and other floor openings. Staple every 3˝ along the cut outs ensuring molding and will cover the staples.

To help prevent cold crack, please use the recommended adhesive in 6˝ bands around all cutouts.

CAUTION

Precautions for All Installation Methods

  • When moving appliances or heavy furniture, lay a plywood panel on the floor and “walk” the item across it.
  • This protects the floor from scuffing and tears.
  • Use floor protectors on furniture to reduce indentation. The heavier the item, the wider the floor protector needed.

Repair Procedure

  • Step 1: Cut a piece of matching material slightly larger than the damaged area.
  • Step 2: Place repair piece over the damaged area and fasten with double-faced tape. If the material has a pattern, be sure the pattern is aligned correctly.
  • Step 3: Double-cut through both the repair piece and the damaged flooring. Be sure not to cut the substrate. Hold a straight bladed knife at a 90-degree angle while cutting the seam. Square edges are important for a professional-looking and hard-to-find repair.
  • Step 4: Lift out repair piece and the damaged area.
  • Step 5: Center the acrylic double-faced tape under all seams. Be sure not to overlap the tape.
  • Step 6: Apply Armstrong Flooring S-763 Seam Adhesive around the perimeter of the opening.
  • Step 7: Carefully position the repair piece and roll all seams firmly with a hand roller. Clean any adhesive that might be on the surface.
  • Step 8: Protect repaired area until seam treatments have dried.
Updated on April 5, 2024

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