When a seam between two pieces of Commercial flooring needs to be removed, a repair can be made by replacing 4″ of material (2″ on both sides of the seam). It should be made clear to the customer this repair method will result in two seams instead of the one initial seam.
- Cut a strip of matching material 5″ to 6″ wide and long enough to cover the entire length of the seam. Cut all edges vertically.
- Remove the material to be replaced away from the substrate being careful not to damage the edges. Clean any remaining adhesive residue or backing from the substrate.
- Measure 2″ from each side of the existing seam and down the entire length of the seam. Place a straightedge along the 2″ marks and cut along the straightedge with a straight-blade knife holding the knife vertically.
- On one edge of the 5″ wide replacement piece, use the width of a folding ruler (maximum 5/8″), cut out a 2″ – 3″ long piece for a lock-in widow. This lock-in window will be used to lock one edge of your repair piece to the existing floor. Do this approximately every 18″ on one side of the repair piece.
- Finish all score cuts holding the knife vertically.
- Use the recommended trowel notching and apply the recommended adhesive to the substrate and allow for the proper adhesive open time. NOTE: On seams over 15 feet in length, cut half the length of the seam at one time due to the working time of the adhesive.
- Using the lock-in windows already cut, lock one edge of the replacement piece into place and tape across windows to hold it securely. Hand roll material thoroughly.
- On the opposite side, recess scribe the seam. For seams to be heat welded, cut the seam slightly open (1/64″), otherwise cut all seams net. Finish cutting the scribe mark holding the knife vertically. Roll the seam into place with a hand roller. Tape across seam to hold in place until adhesive has set.
- Remove tape across lock-in windows. Recess scribe and cut second seam as described in #8. Roll entire repair piece with a hand roller.
- Clean off any adhesive residue that may be on the surface. If needed, weight the seam repair area down over night.
- Finish seam treatment as specified for the product.