Floor Conditions:

ResiliaTM Interlocking Floor Tiles are only recommended for interior applications, and not outdoor use.

Flexible PVC when subject to wide day to night temperature changes, can slowly shrink in size. Usually this is not a problem if all tiles are one color, however if tiles are in differerent colors they may shrink at different rates, and then begin to pull away from each other due to distortion. After about 60 to 90 days the shrinkage will have stopped.

Interlocking floor tiles made from Flexible PVC or similar materials typically get harder to install as it get colder. Therefore it is preferred that both the floor, and floor tile be kept at approximately 60° to 70° F for 24 to 48 hours prior to, and during the installation.

Floor tile for garages should not be installed where tiles near the door are exposed to hot sunlight. When tiles in rows are exposed to sunlight temperature, they will expand, wheras the adjacent rows not exposed will not expand to the same degree. This condition may cause temporary warpage, but will not damage tiles, and they will revert back to size when cooled. If it is necessary to install under such condition, please call Floor Surfaces Technical Support for recommendations.

Note: Thermal expansion occurs with tiles made by all manufacturers and they should be contacted individually for recommendations.

Resilia floor tiles can be installed over any flat stable surface including: Paint, epoxy coatings, sealers, oil or grease etc. The only requirement is that the floor be flat and smooth, and without any bumps, holes, voids or cracks that are larger than 1/4" across.

Floor Preparation:

Resilia Interlocking tiles need only minimal floor preparation:

  • Remove any existing wall moldings or trim.
  • Remove protrusions such as: nails, bolts, lumps, sand, dirt etc.
  • Fill large holes, voids or cracks using a patching compound.
  • Sweep or vacuum floor to remove all dirt and debris.
  • Wood floors must be smooth, rigid, flat and level.
  • On concrete floors, moisture vapor emission can occur. If such a condition exists, all existing flooring materials should be removed and the floor sealed to assist in preventing any microbial growth problems.
Adhesives:
Floor Surfaces interlocking tile is designed for installation
without adhesive. However the following are situations
where adhesive may be required:
  • Vertical walls.
  • Steep angled slopes where the tile may slide downhill such as angled ramps and walkways etc.
  • Installation over angled transitions or curved floors
    where the tile will not conform to the floor.
If Floor Surfaces interlocking tiles are to be installed with adhesive please read our Adhesives page.
Installation Instructions:

Commence installation by placing a tile nearest a corner as shown below.
Place tiles to leave a 1/4" space from the walls for expansion.

Install tiles by placing the edges of each tile over the interlocking
channel edge of each adjacent tile, and then pressing down to
snap in and engage.

Note: All tiles must be positioned in the same way with the small hole
in one corner always facing in the same direction for all tiles.

Engaging Interlocking Edges:

Tools:
The recommended tools for engaging and pressing interlocking edges toghether is either a hard wall paper roller 1" wide x 1" diameter, or a large desert spoon.

Note:
Tiles made in different colors may vary a small amount is size up to 1/64". If a floor is being installed with different colors, it is very important to follow the instructions below since Flexible PVC can stretch like rubber. This can result in misaligned corners making it very difficult to install subsequant rows of tiles.

Method:

  • Align corners and press down by hand to engage interlock for approximately 1" to 1-1/2" in from the corner.
  • Then check the other end corner alignment.
  • If the lower channel is slightly longer, then roll or press along the edge toward the other end. (i.e. stretching the edge to align the other corner of the other tile.)
  • If the lower channel is slightly shorter, then press down by hand to engage interlock to approximately 1" to 1-1/2" in from both ends. It may be necessary to lightly force the corners inwards to align exactly, and then roll or press from each end towards the middle.(i.e. compressing the edge to align the other corner of the other tile.)

Continue by adding tiles as required in rows.
When several tiles have been connected, check the alignment
and gap from the wall, and drag tiles across to adjust if necessary.

Complete each row before starting the next until all rows are complete.

Trimming Tiles:

Tiles may be cut using a table saw, or with a utility 'Stanley' knife.
  1. To cut with a knife, hold a straight edge or steel square where a cut is required, and score with a utility 'Stanley' knife about three times.
  2. Place tile on a bench, locate the score line just over the edge of a bench, and hold tile flat while bending the other side slightly downward to open up the scored line. This stops the tile from gripping knife blade.
  3. Using the utility knife, simply continue cutting through the tile.
Allowing for Expansion:
All building materials expand or contract with temperature. This change can rarely be seen with the naked eye. However, it is still present, and allowance gaps must be provided so that tiles will not press against walls when they expand.
  1. For garage size installations, or any rooms with widths up to 30 feet, a 1/4" gap along all walls is recommended.
  2. For installations with widths 30 feet to 60 feet, a 1/2" gap along all walls is recommended.
  3. For larger installations and widths please call Floor Surfaces: 805-275-4087

Sealing Edges:
If the floor is likely to have excessive amounts of water or snow etc., remaining on the floor, it's recommended that the gap between the wall and tile edges be caulked using a standard polyurethane or acrylic adhesive. To prevent caulking from bonding to the concrete or wall, place 1-1/2" to 2” wide masking tape around the walls and floor and other items.

Wall Trim:
If wall base is to be installed, rest it lightly on top of the tile to not restrict tiles expansion of contraction with temperature.
Edge Trim Strips:
Floor Surfaces offers 1½” wide edge strips in 16 foot rolls. Trim Strips generally do not require bonding to either the floor or tiles. The Trim Strips have a this flange that tucks under the tiles and usually just stays in place

To install by bonding, apply a contact adhesive (3M 'Spray Can' - Carpet Contact Adhesive), or strong double backed tape, to the top edge flange that slips underneath the tile. The locate the flange under tile and hand roll downward to ensure good adhesion.

Bonding Trim Strip to the floor is also an option. However floor bonds are likely to come loose under wet conditions, or if the floor emits moisture, or it was not thoroughly cleaned prior to bonding.

Cleanup After Installation:
Resilia interlocking floor tile is easy to clean. Hose with plain water or wash with any normal household detergent and then let dry. Windex is useful also. Difficult marks can be removed with 'Toothpaste', but it must be the white type not gel. For Tar marks. Acetone can be used but it is a solvent for PVC and should be used carefully. First soaking into a cloth, and then softly wiping. Never pour Acetone onto tiles as it will soften the surface.

Regular Maintenance:
1. Remove debris or dirt by sweeping, mopping or vacuuming.

2. Scrub or mop with normal household detergent.

3. For heavy scrubbing, use a rotary scrubber with soft nylon brushes.