Installation Instructions
Kinetex® is a unique textile composite flooring with specific installation techniques. While it may appear similar to carpet tile, special attention
is required when installing Kinetex. The section below titled
installation methods.
The Kinetex Installation Instructions and Kinetex Maintenance Instructions are available electronically. Should you like a copy, please contact
Marketing Services at 800.451.1250, extension 8020. For further questions or additional information, EF Contract Customer Relations can be
reached at 800.451.1250.
Installation Procedures for Kinetex Modules
Make sure you inspect modules prior to installation. No claims will be honored if modules are installed with visible defects. Read all
instructions prior to beginning installation.
Adhesive Requirement
EF Contract Flooring’s Kinetex Adhesive is an aggressive, pressure sensitive adhesive designed for the installation of Kinetex modules. It is
nonflammable and both alkali and water-resistant. It has low odor and “zero” calculated VOC’s, which make it ideal for use in schools, health
care facilities, public buildings and anywhere odor is a concern. Kinetex Adhesive has MicroSept™ antimicrobial preservative and is CRI Green
Label Plus™ certified.
Regarding installation of Kinetex over wood subfloors or in any environment where excessive temperature variations may occur. We
recommend that the modules be placed into the adhesive when the adhesive is allowed to dry until transparent or adhesive does not transfer to
finger when touched (not to exceed two hours open time). This will allow some transfer of adhesive and as such will result in a more
aggressive bond of the module. This method may result in the modules not being reusable when removed.
Site and Modular Material Conditioning
The building must be enclosed and the HVAC in continuous operation. Modules must be conditioned to room temperature for 48 hours prior
to installation. The ambient air relative humidity must be between 10%–65% with the substrate and room temperature between 65º–95ºF.
These conditions must be maintained for a minimum of 48 hours prior to installation and at least 48 hours after completion of the
installation.
“Module Placement” should be strictly followed to gain experience with correct
Surface Preparation
Dust, dirt, debris, and existing adhesive must be removed before the installation begins. Surfaces must be smooth and level with all holes and
cracks filled with Portland cement-based patch reinforced with polymers such as Ardex Feather Finish or Mapei PlaniPatch. Other floor
patches must be primed prior to adhesive application. Kinetex Adhesive cannot be applied directly to any substrate where chemical or solvent
based cleaners have been used. No moisture testing is required. Kinetex can tolerate 100% RH and pH of 11.0. There should be no
condensation or standing water at the time of install.
Subfloors
No moisture testing required. Kinetex can tolerate 100% RH and pH of 11.0. Substrate temperature must between 65º–95ºF. Since both
moisture and pH can increase over time, the manufacturer is not responsible for product failure as a result of changes to subfloor conditions,
including increases in moisture pH levels post installation.
Wood - Wood floors must be APA flooring grade smooth and level, or CanPly Select Grade. If the floor is uneven, an approved underlayment will be
required. Old finishes must be tested for compatibility with adhesives or removed and porous wood primed. Wood floors must receive a roll-on
application of Commercialon
New Concrete – New concrete must be fully cured and free of moisture (see ASTM F 710). New concrete requires a curing period of
approximately 90 days. For complete information, refer to CRI-104 Installation Standard.
For add
itional i
®
Premium Sealer. Follow instructions on the Commercialon® Premium Sealer label.
formation, please call 800.451.1250 ext. 8020 or visit efcontractflooring.com.
n
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Installation Instructions
Subfloors Continued
Old Concrete – Dry, dusty, porous floors must be primed.
Terrazzo / Marble / Ceramic – Level all grout lines with Portland cement-based patch reinforced with polymers. Glossy surfaces must be
sanded for adhesive bond. Waxes and similar finishes must be removed.
Hard Surfaces – Tiles must be well secured to the floor or removed. Broken, damaged, or loose tiles must be replaced. Waxes and similar
finishes must be removed from VCT before applying adhesive. Existing sheet vinyl is not a suitable substrate for modular installation and
must be removed.
Raised Access Panel Floors* – The panels must be flat, warped panels can result in the carpet modules being off grid. The panel joints must
be tight and level. Screws are to be countersunk.
Gypcrete – Gypcrete subfloors must be fully cured and free of high moisture (see ASTM F 2170-2). Gypcrete requires a curing period of
approximately 90 days. Additionally, Gypcrete must be treated using primer in advance of applying adhesive.
Full Spread Adhesive System
EF Contract requires full spread use of Kinetex Adhesive. The spread rate for Kinetex Adhesive is approximately 900 square feet
per four- gallon bucket and must be spread using a 1/16˝ x 1/32˝ x 1/32˝ U-notched trowel. Allow to dry until transparent or
adhesive does not transfer to finger when touched.
Raised Access Panel Floors – Apply adhesive liberally using a 3/8” foam roller. Keep roller saturated ensuring 100% coverage. The spread
rate for Kinetex Adhesive is approximately 900 square feet per four-gallon bucket.
Tools
Steel measuring tape, right angle square, chalk line and adhesive trowel, knife.
Installing Kinetex Modules
After adhesive has cured (not to exceed two hours open time), begin the installation at the intersection of the central module anchor lines.
Complete the installation one quarter area at a time laying the modules firmly and accurately along the anchor lines. Follow approved
installation method(s) for each specific product.
Roll with 75-100 lb. roller after completing install in work area.
Alignment
As each module is installed, ensure that the installation is remaining “square” and conforming to the chalk lines.
Drying time will vary with temperature, humidity and air velocity. Modules must be installed within two hours after adhesive has dried.
NOTE: Inadequate amounts of adhesive can cause modules to shift and move and will not be covered by warranty EF Contract will not be
responsible for the adhesive bond where other adhesives have been used.
Adhesive Clean Up
Use a moist cloth when wet; if dry, use a solvent based product applied to a towel then worked onto the Kinetex module for removal of
contaminants such as adhesive, paint, oil and grease. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Module Placement
Arrows are printed on the back of the module to show pile/machine direction. A tight installation without compression is mandatory for
optimum performance and appearance of the modular installation. It is critical that each module uniformly touch each adjoining module
without a gap. To ensure a clean tight fit, do not pull/tug or slide-in modules, but instead lay each module into its location against the adjoining
module. Use your hands to press/form the module into place where the new module meets the previously installed module.
For additional information, please call
800.451.1250 ext. 8020 or visit efcontractflooring.com.
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Installation Instructions
Approved installation method(s) for Kinetex are shown below. Follow arrows printed on back of the product. Recommended installation
methods are style specific. Refer to the applicable sample folder or jjflooring.com for style specific installation methods.
Modular Install Pattern
Follow approved installation method(s) for each specific product. Kinetex modules have an arrow on the back of each module denoting
machine direction.
Module Repositioning During Installation
To reposition a Kinetex module during installation, remove it by gently lifting along all four sides of the module with a spatula or putty knife,
rotating around each side of the module gently. The center of the module should be the last part of the module touching the floor upon
removal.
Do not stretch a module while it is in the adhesive in order to align next to an adjoining tile. An attempt to stretch will likely result in the
module pulling back to its original position. Never attempt to remove a module all at once by pulling one or only two sides of the module. Doing
so may lead to distorting the module.
Module Replacement
On occasion, it may be necessary to replace damaged or heavily soiled modules. Modules can be replaced with new Kinetex
modules from on-site inventory or from another area of the installation. A difference of appearance may be noticed when
modules are replaced; this difference usually diminishes in a short time. A light application of Kinetex Adhesive may be required.
Joints
Although a tight installation is required, care should be taken to avoid exerting excessive pressure when butting one module against another.
This can result in buckled or peaked joints. It is important for the installer to do a periodic check throughout the installation for tightness. This
check should occur after the placement of each 5 to 7 tiles to ensure proper alignment. Failure to effectively place modules will create the
possibility for gaps and allow the subfloor to be visible between the tiles. These gaps may be more noticeable when viewed from a standing
position.
Transitions
Transition to Kinetex must accommodate a thickness of 3/16”.
For additional information, please
call 800.451.1250 ext. 8020 or visit efcontractflooring.com.
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Installation
Stairs
Use single or double undercut stair nosing and cut modules. Since Kinetex will be flat to both the tread and riser, Kinetex Modular Adhesive or
our SRT double-sided foam tape (SRT is sold in roll sizes of 3” x 166’ – 41.5 square feet coverage) is required. When using full spread Kinetex Adhesive,
install modules on steps and risers, inserting the stair nosing edge and the top of the riser edge of each module into the vinyl undercut. For
installation of Kinetex Modular on steps, nosing is required. The nosing manufacturer’s adhesive, SRT tape or contact adhesive is required to
secure the nosing material. The riser material should receive an application of Kinetex Adhesive on both the riser and the backside of the
module in order to achieve a secure bond.
Cutting/Trimming
Kinetex modules may require cutting at perimeters, floor electrical outlets and door openings. Perimeter modules may be cut in the
conventional way of letting them cover up the wall areas when cutting them down with a tool such as a cushion back wall trimmer; or they
may be cut by measurement, cutting from the back using a carpenter’s right angle square and a wall trimmer tool. Whenever modules are cut
or trimmed, adhesive must be used. Small pieces of Kinetex modules should also have glue applied to the backing to help hold them in place.
Completing the Installation
To avoid dislodging modules, do not walk on or move furniture onto modules until the area is completely anchored. Roll entire area with a 75100 lb. roller in both directions (north-south and east-west). It is also required that sheets of plywood or hardboard be laid over the new modular
surface when transporting heavy furniture on carts or dollies. As a final step, vacuum the entire area with an upright vacuum.
NOTE: These installation recommendations are made for the experienced installer. Adherence to these procedures will result in a
quality installation. Any questions concerning these recommendations or any special situation encountered should be directed to
the EF Contract Customer Relations Department.
Chair Pads/Mats
The use of chair pads/mats with spikes will void all warranties.
Following the Installation
Please refer to the Kinetex Adhesive instructions for more specific and complete details. However, please note the following requirements:
1.
The new installation of Kinetex flooring is not to be cleaned for 48 hours utilizing any wet or chemical cleaning process.
2.
The indoor temperature should never fall below 55º F, regardless of the age of the installation.
3.
Chair glides and casters for use with Kinetex must be of a type specified / suitable for carpet or soft surface (narrow tip chair supports or
90 degree edges are not suitable). The correctly specified glide or caster will protect your investment from damage that may otherwise not
be covered by the floor manufacturer’s warranty.
4.
Plastic Film Protection often includes adhesive. This type of protection is not recommended, as its adhesive can transfer to the Kinetex face
causing aggressive soiling of the product. Instead, Kraft paper, hardboard or similar protection is recommended.
For additional inf
ormation, please
800.451.1250 ext. 8020 or visit efcontractflooring.com.
call
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