Quartz-vinyl flooring is quite simple to install, but despite this, when starting the installation process, you need to understand the most typical mistakes in this matter to avoid them yourself.
The first thing to remember when starting the installation is the need to strictly follow the instructions.
Mistake #1: Incorrect application of the substrate
Not all vinyl flooring collections offered allow the use of underlay. In several collections it is already built in by manufacturers, in others its use is completely contraindicated. Therefore, we suggest that you thoroughly study the instructions for laying the selected quartz-vinyl laminate before deciding to purchase a substrate. Do not fall for the “expert” opinions of unscrupulous sellers and use this auxiliary material only when installing tiles with locks.
It is important to understand that no underlay can make the floor covering harder or level it out. Instead of buying a substrate, it is much more correct to prepare a perfectly leveled screed. In any case, you will have to spend your budget on it, but when laying quartz-vinyl laminate on a bad floor, you will need to order a new coating to replace the already damaged one. The substrate is intended for only one thing – damping mechanical vibrations. In this connection, its use is advisable only in the case of installing quartz-vinyl tiles that have a tongue-and-groove, click-drop, or click-click type locking connection.
Mistake #2: The more glue you use, the better.
When installing adhesive-based tiles on their own, people who do not have experience in this matter often mistakenly think that the amount of glue used to lay the floor and the reliability of fixing the laminate are two factors directly proportional to each other. However, practice shows the opposite effect. The glue, without having time to dry, protrudes through the joints of the tiles, causing the dies to rear up.
During installation, the fixing material must be applied with a special ribbed spatula in a fairly thin layer. This is done for a more uniform, correct distribution of the glue during installation work. Under the pressure of the laminate, the adhesive composition fills the existing voids not affected by the spatula.
This approach promotes the formation of an extremely smooth surface and does not allow for the possibility of accidental gaps. After the tiles are mounted with glue, you need to give the material some time to “set.” This takes a few minutes. Then you should tap the installed die with a rubber hammer for more optimal fixation. The setting time during which it is forbidden to walk on the laminate or assembled floor is 12 hours.
Mistake #3: Tamping the interlocking tiles
During the installation of quartz vinyl tiles with fixation of the “tenon-groove”, “click-drop”, and “click-click” type, the use of physical force is unacceptable. The locks must engage without the use of force. If you understand that you cannot do without forceful influence, this indicates that somewhere during the laying of the flooring an error was made. The reason is usually uneven floors. By hammering quartz-vinyl laminate or laying it with force, you can ruin the locking connection, which usually happens.
Mistake No. 4: installing adhesive tiles with the windows open
As with wallpaper, you need to glue quartz-vinyl laminate with the windows closed. Otherwise, it may “bubble”. This important point is sometimes forgotten.
Mistake #5: Laying tiles close to the wall
Unfortunately, we often have to deal with the fact that installers forget to leave gaps between the tiles and the wall. This seemingly insignificant circumstance can play a cruel joke later. The fact is that quartz vinyl laid on the floor, because it has a natural composition, is a “living material”. It can expand in hot weather. Therefore, a gap is required between the quartz-vinyl tiles and the wall. If it is provided, the tile, expanding under the influence of heat, simply fills the void, but if the indentation is not maintained, pressure arises between the tiles, and the mounted tile becomes a “house”. The effect disappears when it cools, but with each new heating, everything repeats.
It should be remembered that these mistakes can be avoided by observing one simple thing before starting installation work – carefully read the instructions, strictly follow the technology described in it, and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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