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Floor Preparation
Temperature and Humidity - The environment in which the carpet is to be installed must be controlled with the temperature between 65o F and 95o F (18o C and 35o C) and the relative humidity between 10% and 65%. If installing over concrete, the slab temperature should not be less than 65o F (18o C). These conditions must be maintained for at least 48 hours before, during, and 48 hours after the installation.
Floor Preparation - Each subfloor shall be inspected to determine the special care required to make it a suitable foundation for carpet. All cracks 1/8 inch (3 mm) wide or protrusions over 1/32 inch (.8 mm) should be filled or leveled.
Concrete - Concrete shall be cured, clean, and dry. If the carpet is to be installed using an adhesive, the concrete shall be free of paint, dirt, grease, oil, curing or parting agents, and other contaminants, including sealers, that may interfere with the bonding of the adhesive. Whenever a powdery or porous surface is encountered, a primer compatible with the adhesive shall be used to provide a suitable surface for the glue-down installation. Patching of cracks and depressions shall be made with an appropriate and compatible latex or polymer fortified patching compound. Do not exceed manufacturer's recommendations for patch thickness. Large patched areas must be primed.
Wood - Wood subfloors shall be structurally sound and have a minimum 18 inch (457 mm) air space underneath with cross ventilation. Subflooring (plywood, hardwood, particleboard, oriented strandboard, or other) must be flooring grade installed to the manufacturer's specifications.
If the carpet is to be installed using an adhesive, joints shall be filled, and the subfloor surface shall be smooth and free of dirt, grease, oil, wax, and other contaminants that may interfere with the bonding of the adhesive. New and/or sanded wood floors shall be coated with a compatible primer to provide an adequate bonding surface.
Posted by donnie at June 14, 2004 10:04 PM