TKB 7 Englisch

8/18/2019 TKB 7 Englisch

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TKB-Technical Briefing Note 7

Installation of PVCFlooring

Version: February 2010(replaces Version dated December 2001)

Prepared by the Technische Kommission Bauklebstoffe (TKB)(Technical Commission on Construction Adhesives) of IndustrieverbandKlebstoffe e.V. (German Adhesives Association), Düsseldorf,

with collaboration of:

• Bundesverband der vereidigten Sachverständigen für Raum und Ausstattung

• Bundesverband Estrich und Belag

• Manufacturers of PVC Flooring• Experts for Floor Installation

• Zentralverband Parkett und Fußbodentechnik

• Zentralverband Raum und Ausstattung

This briefing note is available from the Industrieverband Klebstoffe e.V.,POB 26 01 25, 40094 Düsseldorf, Phone +49/211/6 79 31-14,Fax +49/211/6 79 31-33

Industr ieverband

Klebst offe e.V. www.klebstoffe.com

http://www.klebstoffe.com/http://www.klebstoffe.com/


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TKB 7 Installation of PVC Flooring • Version: February 2010 page 3 of 8

3. Adhesives for PVC Flooring

3.1 Types of Adhesives

3.1.1 Dispersion Adhesives

Dispersion adhesives consist of organic bindingmaterials dispersed in water, inorganic fillers andadditives. Setting takes place based on a physicalprocess when the water contained in the adhesiveevaporates. The setting properties of dispersionadhesives are mainly influenced by the climaticconditions of the installation environment. Hightemperatures and/or low humidity accelerate, lowtemperatures and/or high humidity delay thesetting process.

For dispersion adhesives for one-sided applicationeither wet or pressure sensitive (dry) bondingmethods are applied to install PVC flooring. If thepressure sensitive (dry) bonding method shall beused, adhesives must be specifically approved forthis process by the manufacturer. Wet bondingrequires an absorbent substrate. If substrate isnon-absorbent, a floor levelling compound mustfirst be applied with a layer thickness of 2 mm toprepare an absorbent subfloor.

Dispersion contact adhesives are processed usingthe contact bonding method. They are applied toboth sides – the prepared substrate and floorcovering backing and must have sufficiently aired

before installing the floor covering. They are mostlyused for small area installations, e.g. installation ofbaseboards and flooring on stairs.

3.1.2 Reaction Resin Adhesives

Reaction resin adhesives consist of chemicallyreactive organic binding materials, inorganic fillersand additives. Reaction resin adhesives for PVCflooring are mainly 2-component systems based onpolyurethane or epoxy resins and set by chemicalreaction. The curing speed of these adhesives isessentially influenced by the temperature of

adhesive, substrate and floor covering. 2-component reaction resin adhesives require exactcompliance with prescribed mixing ratio andcareful mixing. They only have a limited pot lifeand open time.

3.1.3 Solvent-based Contact Adhesives

Solvent-based contact adhesives consist ofdissolved organic binding materials, highly volatilesolvents (up to 80 %), inorganic fillers andadditives. From a work safety, consumer andenvironmental protection perspective, use of these

adhesives shall be reduced to the absoluteminimum technically necessary. For allapplications, dispersion contact adhesives or dryadhesives are an alternative.

Note:The German "Gefahrstoffverordnung" (GefStoffV)(Ordinance on Hazardous Substances) and theGerman "Technische Regel für Gefahrstoffe(TRGS) (Technical Rules for HazardousSubstances) 610” massively restrict use ofadhesives with high solvent contents foroccupational health and safety reasons. Thesolvents used are highly volatile, flammable andharmful compounds. In case the existing thresholdvalues can not be safely adhered to, measuresprescribed in GefStoffV must be taken.

3.1.4 Dry Adhesives

Dry adhesives are sheets or strips which are self-adhesive on both sides and come in rolls ofvarying width. Dry adhesives are delivered ready-for-use by the manufacturer and therefore do not

require airing, setting or drying time. After properinstallation, they are immediately load-bearing.Use must be coordinated with the respectivemanufacturer.

3.2. Selection of Adhesive Type

Preferably, PVC flooring is installed using solvent-free, very low emission dispersion adhesives suchas EMICODE EC 1 products with one-sidedapplication (one side adhesives). In addition,dispersion contact adhesives (e.g. for stairs andbaseboards), reaction resin adhesives (e.g. on

non-absorbent substrates or for high traffic areas)or dry adhesives can be used.Only use adhesives declared suitable forinstallation of PVC flooring. Always observe notesregarding required application quantity or TKBtrowel notch sizes.

4. Installation of PVC Flooring

4.1. Substrate

TKB Technical Briefing Note 8 “Assessment and

Preparation of Substrates for Installation of FloorCoverings and Parquet” as well as BEB-Merkblatt(BEB-information sheet) "Beurteilen undVorbereiten von Untergründen. Verlegen vonelastischen und textilen Bodenbelägen,Schichtstoffelementen (Laminat), Parkett undHolzpflaster. Beheizte und unbeheizteFußbodenkonstruktionen" (Assessment andpreparation of substrates. Installation of elastic andtextile floor coverings, laminate, parquet and woodpaving. Heated and non-heated floorconstructions) contain detailed instructions andspecifications regarding required tests.


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4.2. Storage and Conditioning

PVC flooring shall be stored in a dry place at atemperature between 15 ºC and 25 ºC. Storesheets in rolls in standing position and do notexpose to sunlight. Tiles and flooringelements/planks are stored flat and stacked in

boxes, maximum stacking height 8 boxes.

For conditioning before installation, store floorcoverings for at least 24 hours at a roomtemperature of minimum 18 ºC. Relative airhumidity shall preferably be between 40 – 65 %,however shall not exceed 75 %. For panels, it hasbeen proven beneficial to fan out the individualpanels before installation.

4.3 Installation Conditions

The relative air humidity shall preferably be

between 40 – 65 %, however it shall not exceed 75%. Ambient air temperature as well as thetemperature of the installation materials, e.g. floorcovering and adhesive must be at least 18 ºC,substrate must have a minimum temperature of15 ºC.

On the basis of curing, drying and reaction times ofthe installation materials, the above room climateconditions shall be maintained for 3 days beforeinstallation, during and for 7 days after completionof installation work.

If temperatures rise during curing phase of theadhesive, e.g. on account of direct sunlight,dimensional changes of the floor covering mayoccur. Consequently, flooring and installationmaterials shall be protected from direct sunlight orother thermal effects before, during and afterinstallation until adhesive has completely cured.Only after adhesive is completely cured shallfurniture of any kind be placed on flooring.

4.4 Bonding

4.4.1 Bonding of PVC Flooring

For bonding, the adhesives mentioned under item3 shall be used. Guidelines of flooring andadhesive manufacturers shall always be observed.

One-side dispersion adhesives are applied tosubstrate using the recommended TKB trowelnotch size. It is recommended to work with an 18or 21 cm wide notched trowel. Using a 28 cm widenotched trowel might lead to the formation ofadhesive pooling with resulting bubble-likeconvexities. PVC flooring can be installed with thewet or pressure sensitive (dry) bonding methoddepending on substrate and suitability of theadhesive.

Wet bonding method:On absorbent substrates, the PVC flooring isplaced in the still wet adhesive bed after short airdrying time. Always observe open time, i.e. theperiod during which the back of the flooring can befully wetted with adhesive.

Pressure sensitive (dry) bonding method:The pressure sensitive (dry) bonding method canbe used on absorbent as well as on non-absorbentsubstrates if manufacturer has not issued anyrestrictions. For non-absorbent substrates,preferably use TKB trowel notch sizes with lowadhesive consumption to minimize risk of residualindentations. With this method, the flooring isplaced in the adhesive bed which is fully air-dried.On dense, non-absorbent substrates check byfinger testing if a dry and surface tacky adhesivefilm has formed (to avoid water ingress). Whenlightly touching the adhesive bed with the fingertip,

no adhesive shall stick to finger. This “pressuresensitive bonding phase” is rather limited and isinfluenced by climatic conditions. Flooring must beplaced in adhesive bed during pressure sensitivebonding period. With pressure sensitive bonding,the risk of unavoidable residual indentations ishigher than with the wet bonding method.

For both methods, the time when flooring is placedin adhesive bed depends on the prevailing climaticconditions in installation room.

Irrespective of the chosen bonding method,immediately after flooring has been placed inadhesive bed, it is rubbed down from the middle tothe outside using a carpet-covered cork panel toprevent air pockets. At the end of the waiting timespecified by the adhesive manufacturer, theflooring is rolled down using a multi-sectional rollerwith a minimum weight of 50 kg. This ensuresoptimum wetting of the floor covering backing.Start the rolling process from the centre to theoutside and repeat this process after 30 - 60minutes.

General note:Residual indentations caused by high punctualloads visible under a spotlight can never becompletely avoided with resilient flooring.However, they can be minimized by selecting theright adhesive, application quantity (use of TKBrecommended notched trowel with suitable notchsizes), proper processing and choice ofappropriate chair/furniture sliders (large and levelcontact surface, no sharp edges) and/or usesuitable pressure distribution underlays undermovable furniture or rollers (type W according toEN 12529).


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4.4.2 Installation of flexible Tiles and PVCFlooring in Tiles

When installing tiles, always observemanufacturer's instructions concerning layingdirection. For measurement, always make sure ofeven space distribution subject to offcuts. The first

tiles are loosely positioned along the definedreference line (line out) and adhesive is thenapplied starting from here. For adjoining rooms,laying direction should be followed. To bestprevent residual indentations during use, PVCdesign flooring shall be installed with the wet bedmethod. On non-absorbent substrates onlyreaction resin or dry adhesives or pressuresensitive bonding can be used according tomanufacturer's instructions. After PVC floorcovering has been laid, it must be rubbed down.

4.4.3 Installation of PVC Flooring in Sheets

including Seam Edge Cutting

The seam edges of the sheet lengths must be cutsince only cleanly cut seams will guarantee clean

joints. The first sheet edge is straightened using astrip cutter or edge cutter. For the second sheetthere are two methods:

(a) For small rooms (before application of theadhesive):

An already cut length of sheet is placed on topof another length which is then cut along theedge of the upper length. The resulting strip isthen cut off in the opposite direction using ahooked blade.

(b) For large rooms (after application of theadhesive):The upper length of sheet is cut using ascriber or linocut along the edge of the lowersheet already placed in the adhesive bed, theresulting strip is cut off with hooked blade.

After the individual lengths have been cut, the so-called guidance length is folded back by halfmaking sure of a big radius in order to prevent foldmarks in the flooring. For the following sheetlength, the course of the seam is marked on thesubstrate for orientation purposes. After theremaining lengths have been folded back, astraight line is marked with a line or steel rulerdirectly in front of the folding edge. It isrecommended to put down masking tape along theline which is then removed immediately beforeadhesive is applied for the second half of thelength. Starting at the tape, adhesive is evenlyspread using the recommended TKB notchedtrowel size. The folded back lengths are then slidinto the fresh adhesive over a length ofapproximately 10 cm. This offers the advantagethat adhesive is still relatively fresh when thesecond length is processed and clearly visiblemarks of this area on flooring surface are mostlyavoided.

After appropriate airing time the guidance length islined up along the marking. All flooring lengths arethen slid into adhesive bed avoiding air pockets.The top ends might have to be decurled and pulleddown. Next, the flooring is rubbed and rolled downas described under item 4.4.1.

After waiting time specified by adhesivemanufacturer, the flooring is rolled down over theentire area.

After the second half of the length has been foldedback, adhesive is applied starting at the previouslyapplied adhesive layer. Always avoid to apply twolayers of adhesive in the same area since it mayshow after installation. The next steps are identicalto those of the first half of the sheet.

4.4.4 Bonding of Profiles

Dry or dispersion contact adhesives arerecommended for bonding of profiles. When usingthese adhesives, the elements to be glued must befitted exactly since subsequent corrections arealmost impossible to perform. After installation, theelements must be immediately pressed and tappeddown firmly over the entire length.

4.4.5 Conductive Bonding of PVC Flooring

The requirements for the electrostatic behaviour ofa floor can vary according to the intended use ofthe room. A distinction is made between insulating,anti-static and conductive PVC flooring.Conductive PVC flooring requires the use of aconductive adhesive.

PVC flooring and adhesive are installed on aconductive system, which subsequently must beproperly grounded. Adequate connections must beavailable on site. Connection of the conductivesystem to ground is performed via a copper stripand shall only be executed by a qualifiedelectrician.

Note:

The standards mentioned in chapter 5 are only teststandards and do not describe the conductivesystems.

4.4.5.1 Conductive Bonding on Copper Strip Grid

Conduction is performed via a copper stripinstalled centred under each length or tile row. Theends of the copper strips shall be connected witheach other. The position of the copper strips shallbe marked using a line. The conductive adhesive

is applied in a thin coat along the line using aJapan spreader, the strip is installed and coveredwith another thin layer of adhesive to avoid thatedges will show later. Every 30 m², a connection is


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required for potential equalization (qualifiedelectrician).

Next, the conductive PVC flooring is installed usinga conductive adhesive.

4.4.5.2 Conductive Bonding on a transverse

conductive Layer

A transverse conductive layer is created byapplying a conductive dispersion primer over theentire area. In this case, the copper strip griddescribed above is not required. Every approx. 30m², a connection with a 1 m long copper strip isrequired for potential equalization (qualifiedelectrician). For large areas, the distance betweenthe individual copper strips shall not exceed 8 - 10m. Since a transverse conductive layerconsiderably reduces absorbency of the substrate,installation is normally performed with pressure

sensitive (dry) bonding method.

4.4.5.3 Conductive Bonding with doubleRequirements

For conductive bonding with an additionaltransition resistance RST according to VDE 0100,an electrical minimum resistance of 50,000 Ohm isrequired to protect users. In any case, instructionsof flooring manufacturer must be observed. Thecrucial factor is to match conductivity of the flooringand the adhesive. The substrate shall besufficiently dry, since moisture may result inminimum resistance not being met. Every 30 m² aconnection with a 1 m long copper strip is requiredfor potential equalization (qualified electrician).

4.4.5.4 Conductive Flooring with conductiveBacking

For conductive flooring in sheets with a conductivelayer on the back, bonding and grounding can alsobe performed only at the top end of the sheet inoverlap, perpendicular to the sheet directiondepending on manufacturer's instructions. Every30 m² a connection for potential equalization isrequired (qualified electrician). Tile flooring isbasically bonded over the entire area using aconductive adhesive.

4.4.6 Bonding of PVC Flooring on Underlays

Basically, a combination of flooring and underlayhas different technical properties than the flooringalone.

The manufacturers of the PVC floor covering andthe underlay must be contacted regardingfunctionality of the respective combination. Duringinstallation it shall be ensured that the edges ofunderlay and PVC sheet flooring are notcongruent. Depending on manufacturer'sinstructions, the underlay shall be levelled usingeither dispersion floor levelling compounds or

2-component polyurethane floor levellingcompounds.

Basically, all flooring must be welded.

4.5. Seam Sealing

Sealing of the seams is always recommended incommercial areas or when floor covering isexposed to constantly changing temperatures (e.g.underfloor heating). With substrates sensitive tomoisture (e.g. wood composite panels or calciumsulfate floors), in rooms where industrial wetcleaners are used (e.g. cleaning units), in hygieneareas and areas where moisture is brought in fromthe outside (entrances), seams must always bewelded. Welding shall only take place afteradhesive has completely cured. Depending ontype of adhesive and room climate, this may takeseveral days. Please always observe

manufacturer's instructions.

The longer the waiting time, the lower the risk ofdamage and separation in joint area. Designflooring and semi-flexible polyvinyl chloride tilesare never welded.

4.5.1 Thermal Welding

PVC flooring can be thermally welded using a PVCwelding cord suited for the respective flooring type.

When using a 4 mm welding cord, the seam edgesare cut using a 3.3 mm wide parabolic cuttingblade to a depth of approx. 2/3 of the floor coveringthickness. For flooring with foam backing cut onlyto the foam. In the area of the wall connection,open floor covering using a hand groover. Jointwidth shall not exceed 3.5 mm. Then clean thegroove thoroughly (vacuum or clean with blow jet).

The welding cord can either be inserted into the joints with a welding machine or a hand welderwith attached speed welding nozzle - withconsistent pressure and speed. The connectionbetween welding cord and flooring is only achievedwhen adhering to the welding temperaturespecified by flooring manufacturer. In order tominimize damage to flooring surface, e.g. withsurface finishes, a welding nozzle with narrow airoutlet shall be selected.

Excess material is removed in two steps:

• The first removal step is performed whenwelding cord has not yet cooled down using asharp quarter moon knife with trim guideattached.

• The second step takes place only after joint hascompletely cooled down – excess is removedflush to flooring surface, also using a quartermoon knife.


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If no quarter moon knife is at hand, an appropriatetrimming knife can be used which will only work inthe joint area when removing excess welding cord.

4.5.2 Cold Welding

As an alternative to thermal welding, PVC flooring

can also be welded using a cold welding agent.

One prerequisite for this method is that seams aredensely cut and clean. To protect the flooringsurface, the seam is covered with a thin adhesivetape. The adhesive tape is then carefully cut openright above the seam using a knife. The coldwelding agent is pressed into the joint with anappropriate special nozzle and the adhesive tapeis then immediately removed. For at least 3 hours,do not put any load on the freshly welded area.

5. Relevant Standards andInformation Sheets

In the following, relevant standards and othertechnical briefing notes are listed. They representthe current versions at time of publication of thistechnical briefing note.

5.1 Industrial Safety

Gefahrstoffverordnung (GefStoffV), PublishedDecember 23, 2004 (BGBl. I S 3758),

amended by article 2 of the ordinance ofDecember 18, 2008 (BGBl. I S 2768)

TRGS 430Isocyanate – Gefährdungsbeurteilung undSchutzmaßnahmen (March 2009); Ausschuss fürGefahrstoffe (AGS); GMBl No. 18/19 (04.05.2009)

TRGS 610Ersatzstoffe und Ersatzverfahren für starklösemittelhaltige Vorstriche und Klebstoffe für denBodenbereich (March 1998); Ausschuss fürGefahrstoffe (AGS); BArbBl. issue 3/1998

TRGS 900 Arbeitsplatzgrenzwerte (January 2006); Ausschussfür Gefahrstoffe (AGS); BArbBl. issue 1/2006 lastsupplemented and amended GMBl No. 12-14(27.03.2009)

TRGS 907Verzeichnis sensibilisierender Stoffe (NotificationBMA according to § 52 Abs. 3Gefahrstoffverordnung (October 2002); Ausschussfür Gefahrstoffe (AGS); BArbBl. issue 10/2002

EMICODEGemeinschaft Emissionskontrollierte Verlege-werkstoffe, Klebstoffe und Bauprodukte e. V.(GEV), Düsseldorf

5.2 Standards for PVC Flooring

DIN EN 649Resilient floor coverings - Homogeneous andheterogeneous polyvinyl chloride floor coverings -Specification01-2004

DIN EN 650Resilient floor coverings - polyvinyl chloride floorcoverings on jute backing or on polyester feltbacking or on polyester felt with polyvinyl chloridebacking - Specification01-1997

DIN EN 651Resilient floor coverings - polyvinyl chloride floorcoverings with foam layer - Specification01-2004

DIN EN 652Resilient floor coverings - polyvinyl chloride floorcoverings with cork-based backing - Specification01-1997

DIN EN 653Resilient floor coverings - expanded (cushioned)polyvinyl chloride floor coverings - Specification01-1997

DIN EN 654Resilient floor coverings - semi-flexible polyvinylchloride tiles - Specification01-2004

DIN EN 12466Resilient floor coverings - Vocabulary06-1998

DIN EN 13845Resilient floor coverings - polyvinyl chloride floorcoverings with particle-based enhanced slipresistance - Specification10-2005

DIN EN 14041Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings –essential characteristics05-2008

5.3 Standards for Adhesives used inInstallation of PVC Floor Coverings

DIN EN 14259 Adhesives for floor coverings – requirements formechanical and electrical behaviour07-2004

DIN EN 1372 Adhesives - Test method for adhesives for floorand wall covering adhesives – Peel testOctober 1999


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DIN EN 1903 Adhesives - Test method for adhesives for plasticor rubber floor coverings or wall coverings -Determination of dimensional changes afteraccelerated agingJune 2008

DIN EN 13415Test of adhesives for floor coverings -Determination of electrical resistance of adhesivefilms and composites

August 2002

5.4 Standards for Floor Installation Work

DIN 18365VOB Vergabe- und Vertragsordnung fürBauleistungen – Teil C: Allgemeine TechnischeVertragsbedingungen für Bauleistungen (ATV) –

Allgemeine Regelungen für Bauarbeiten aller Art -

BodenbelagsarbeitenOctober 2006

5.5 TKB Technical Briefing Notes

TKB-Technical Briefing Note 6Trowel notch sizes for floor coverings, woodflooring and tilesMay 2007

TKB- Technical Briefing Note 8 Assessment and preparation of substrates forinstallation of floor coverings and parquetJune 2004

TKB- Technical Briefing Note 9Technical specification and installation of floorlevelling compounds

April 2008

5.6 Other Standards and InformationSheets

BEB-MerkblattBeurteilen und Vorbereiten von Untergründen.Verlegen von elastischen und textilenBodenbelägen, Schichtstoffelementen (Laminat),

Parkett und Holzpflaster. Beheizte und unbeheizteFußbodenkonstruktionen.October 2008

DIN18299VOB Vergabe- und Vertragsordnung fürBauleistungen, - Teil C: Allgemeine TechnischeVertragsbedingungen für Bauleistungen (ATV) -

Allgemeine Regelungen für Bauarbeiten aller ArtOctober 2006

DIN 1960VOB Vergabe- und Vertragsordnung für

Bauleistungen - Teil A: Allgemeine Bestimmungenfür die Vergabe von BauleistungenMay 2006

DIN 1961VOB Vergabe- und Vertragsordnung fürBauleistungen - Teil B: AllgemeineVertragsbedingungen für die Ausführung vonBauleistungenOctober 2006

5.7. Literature and Commentaries

Harald Kaulen, Günter Hahn, Ortwin BaumannErläuterungen zur DIN 18365 –Bodenbelagsarbeiten und DIN 18299,

Ausgabe 2002, 6. Auflage 2004

Arbeitskreis Bodenbeläge im BundesverbandEstrich und Belag e. V.Kommentar zur DIN 18365 - Bodenbelagsarbeiten1. Edition, 2006)

The details and information in this technical briefing note are based on our best knowledge and current state of the art. They areprovided for informational purposes only and as a non-binding guideline without representation or warranty of any kind. When in doubt,test installations shall be performed. Recommendations and instructions of flooring and adhesive manufacturers always takeprecedence.

Documents

TKB 7 Englisch