Expresso – RVC748-1953VG

SUBSTRATE PREPARATION AND PLANKS/TILES INSTALLATION

Basic rules and guidelines before laying down your new floor

The substrate for Technofix planks must always be solid, completely flat, load-bearing and permanently dry (max. 2% humidity). In addition, it must be clean and free of debris.

Technofix Click System is a click-lock vinyl floor system intended for use in rooms with floors that are laid sprung. This product does not need to be glued down.

First, you need to measure the length and width of the room. Note that if the room has a bay window or an extension you will have to measure them separately. We recommend to figure at least 10% more than what you need in case of cutting errors or for replacement panels and future use.

Following the advice bellow will ensure the best results for each type of base floor:

Concrete/cement/anhydrite floor:
If necessary, level the base floor with a self-leveling compound and remove all dust. Use appropriate cement-based patching and skim coating compounds to fill holes, voids and minor irregularities in concrete substrates.

Underfloor heating:
Combining Technofix flooring with an underfloor heating system, the temperature must remain below 28°C at all times. Do not place vinyl tiles or vinyl planks on any heating elements. The heating system must be turned ON for at least 4 weeks before the floor is laid down in order to prevent shrinkage and expansion of the base floor.

Tile floor:
Fasten loose tiles. Fill the joints with a leveling compound or level the floor entirely.

Wooden substrate:

Make sure that nails and uneven areas have been removed and secure any loose wood floorboards. The wooden subfloor must be solid and completely stable. Do not place vinyl tiles or vinyl planks on any heating elements. Always leave 10mm of space between the wood boards panels and the wall, heating pipes and door frames, etc. Use appropriate cement-based patching and skim coating compounds to fill holes, voids and minor irregularities in plywood floor substrates.

Soft vinyl or carpet flooring:
Most floor coverings such as soft vinyl, cork and carpet must be removed and follow the steps described in the basic rules for the concerned substrate prior to the application of a Technofix flooring. Any weakly bonded or soft surface material, such as loose adhesive residues, leveling compounds, floor coverings or coatings must be removed properly.

Installing

Unpack and leave the Technofix planks out to acclimatise themselves to the temperature of the room for at least 48 hours. Do not fix the flooring if the room temperature is below 15°C. Ensure the seam is entirely closed by placing the second panel right next to the one that you have just laid. Technofix planks can be walked on immediately after installation.

Begin installing the planks from one corner (left corner); the groove must be facing away from the wall. Maintain a seam of 2 - 3 mm.

Start by engaging the plank on the long side (45 degrees angle-system)

Slide the plank until it reaches the short side of the previous plank

Let the plank drop gently

Press with your thumb on both ends of the short side

Continue pressing until you hear the “Click” sound of the one piece drop-lock system

Sides and irregular shapes
Cut the panels to size using a sharp knife and ruler. Make an incision in the top and break off, carefully. You can also trim the panels as needed to fit around irregular shapes such as doorposts and heating pipes. This will be easier if you make a template from paper.

Finishing
In case of intensive use we recommend you apply an extra PU protection coating directly after installation. This also ensures increased impermeability because it will help fill the seams between the panels. In damp rooms we recommend treating the floor along the walls and bathroom fittings with a polyurethane sealant. Technofix planks cannot be used as a shower room floor.

The floor are smooth without slit after installation. If the floor are not smooth or have slit, they need to be lifted slightly and locked at a 10-30 degree angle. After locking, floor would be smooth automatically.