JOB SITE CONDITIONS The job site environment is a key component in assuring a successful installation. Do not install Cleo Contract flooring in any environment that is not climate controlled. Ideally, the permanent HVAC should be operational and running continuously three weeks prior to the installation to acclimatize the environment and sufficiently acclimate the subfloor. The jobsite along with the material, adhesives, patch, and other sundry items or materials must be maintained at a constant temperature between 65ºF (18ºC) and 85ºF (29ºC) with the relative humidity between 30% and 70% for a minimum of 72 hours before, during, and 72 hours after installation.Thereafter the temperature should not fall below 55ºF or exceed a 90ºF and the interior should continue to be a climate-controlled environment. Failure to control the interior space can adversely affect the performance of the flooring and adhesive.

STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTSThe structural composition of the job site is critical to the performance of the floor covering. The local building codes define the type and method of construction, grade level(s), the subflooring system, and subfloor composition. All of these affect the installation of flooring products. If you feel that the subfloor system does not have sufficient rigidity, flatness, or smoothness, do not install the flooring until the issue has been addressed.For comprehensive information, contact The American Concrete Institute or The American Plywood Association about their respective products.

PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKSBefore starting the installation, check the cartons to ensure that you have the correct pattern, style, color, and quantity. Confirm the correct shade lot designation to avoid any deviation in shade, gloss, texture, or color. The Cleo Contract run number can be found on the end of the carton adjacent to the pattern and above the square foot listing. For example, for the run number “21900701” 219 = Year 2019 007 = the Julian date (January 7) 01 = the shadeMake sure you have the correct type and amount of adhesive required to complete the installation. Also, make certain you have any additional sundry items that may be required to successfully complete the installation.

Cleo™ Contract flooring is recommended for a variety of commercial applications, including educational, institutional, healthcare, retail, office and hospitality environments.

GENERAL INFORMATIONContact Congoleum Technical Services for guidance about subfloor preparation and installation recommendations. Technical Services can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST at 609-584-3805. We have developed these Installation Instructions to provide comprehensive information for specifiers and installers of Cleo Contract flooring to guide you in performing the best installation possible. Congoleum strongly recommends following all the directions and advice we have provided for you in this guide. All of our instructions are based on industry-accepted practices, regular field testing of our products and their installation systems and most importantly, real world experience.

STORAGE, HANDLING AND TRANSPORTING MATERIALS Always store and transport flooring cartons completely supported on a flat surface neatly stacked no more than 10 cartons high. Protect the cartons from forklift and other traffic that might damage corners. Cleo Contract cartons are heavy and bulky. Use proper material handling equipment when moving these products. Always use safe lifting techniques and never lift more than you can safely handle.

Completely support products during transportation. Distribute the load as evenly as possible in the truck.Exercise care when handling and transporting these products to avoid damage.Store Cleo in a temperature-controlled, dry, interior environment having a temperature range no lower than 50° F and no greater than 90° F, and relative humidity controlled and maintained between 30 - 70%. Open cartons just prior to installation.

I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S

Correct CorrectWrong Wrong

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During the course of installation, if you discover visible defects, stop the installation immediately and contact your sales representative for instructions as how to proceed. Cleo Contract will not pay labor charges on claims filed for materials installed with obvious visible defects. Every commercial job has specific expectations and requirements. Prior to staring the installation, be sure you are aware of all job specific requirements for layout, and pattern orientation, any jobsite limitations, and all expectations for timing of the completion schedule. Before beginning the installation make sure all the other trades have completed their work and are no longer occupying the space. Be sure that lighting is operational so that the subfloor preparation and flooring installation can be conducted in a well-lit area. Most importantly, once you begin the flooring installation, you are acknowledging that the existing subfloor and site conditions are acceptable.

SUBFLOOR RECOMMENDATIONS & PREPARATIONWood Subfloors

The different subfloors and underlayment panels described in these instructions are intended only as a guide and should not be considered a Congoleum endorsement or warranty for these products. We strongly recommend that you obtain a written guarantee and installation instructions from the supplier or manufacturer of the underlayment board being used. Complete responsibility for warranties and/or performance guarantees for the underlayment used in Cleo Contract installations lies with the underlayment manufacturer and/or supplier and not with Congoleum. Wood subfloors must be structurally sound and dry with the moisture content of 13% or less. Wood subfloor construction must comply with all national and local building codes. Wood subfloors must be suspended at least 18″ above the ground, with sufficient cross-ventilation. Any ground area under crawl spaces must be covered with a suitable vapor barrier.

CAUTION: Congoleum does not recommend wood subfloors directly fastened to concrete on or below grade, using sleeper construction. This non-ventilated construction system will result in deterioration of the wood subfloor system.

Use guidelines provided by various trade groups like the American Plywood Manufacturers or the Engineered Wood Association for structural conditions that meet code requirements.

Double Plywood Subfloors

For all installations on wood subfloors Congoleum requires double-layered plywood subfloors over joists or trusses up to

19.2″ on center, having a first layer at least 3/4″ thick (23/32″ tongue and groove) and a second layer at least 1/4″ thick. Install the long dimension of these panels perpendicular to the floor joists with staggered panels and overlapping joints. Panels that carry the American Plywood Association (APA) performance rating of STURD-I-FLOOR were designed as combination subfloor/underlayment panels. However, our field experience has shown these panels are rarely satisfactory for direct installation of fully adhered resilient products. In addition, single-layer STURD-I-FLOOR wood subfloors have the potential for staining from the panel components, coated nails, construction adhesives, spills, overspray and show-through from texture and construction or water damage when resilient floors are installed directly to them. Congoleum recommends installing ¼″ underlayment panels.

Strip Wood, Board, or Plank Subflooring

Strip wood, board or plank subfloors must comply with all national and local building codes. Irrespective of whether these subfloors are single- or double-layer, Congoleum recommends the following:

■ If the strip wood is 3″ or less in face width and a tongue-and-groove construction, cover with 1/4″ or thicker underlayment panels.

■ All other types of plank subflooring should be covered with 1/2″ or thicker underlayment panels.

WOOD UNDERLAYMENTS Panels intended for use as underlayment should be specifically designed for this purpose.Any underlayment panel must be dimensionally stable with a smooth, fully sanded face of uniform density porosity and thickness. These panels must be resistant to static and impact indentation, be free of any and all surface contaminants that may cause staining. They must have a written warranty for suitability and performance from the panel manufacturer.Underlayment examples that meet the above requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: Accuply, Halex, Multi-ply, and UltraPly.

NOTE: Some lauan panels may lead to severe problems such as indentation, discoloration, loss of bond and delamination when used as an underlayment. This information is provided as a reference guide only. It is not an endorsement or warranty for any listed panel.

Concrete Subfloors

New and existing concrete subfloors must be in compliance with the requirements of the current ASTM F710, “Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring” available from:

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ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive,

West Conshohocken, PA 19428; phone - 610 832 9500 http://www.astm.org

Concrete slabs must meet the requirements for ACI Class 2 or Class 4 floors in order to accommodate traffic loads anticipated for commercial and institutional spaces.

NOTE: Irrespective of the type of concrete or other cementitious material used as a subfloor for resilient flooring, in the event of underlayment failure, the responsibility for warranties and/or performance guarantees rests with the concrete or cementitious material manufacturer and not with the resilient flooring manufacturer.

Below-Grade and On-Grade Concrete Floors

The slab must be of good quality, standard density concrete with a minimum compressive strength of 3000 psi, and comply with the recommendations of ACI Standard 302.1R for Class 2 or Class 4 floors and the Portland Cement Association’s recommendations for slabs on ground. The concrete slab must be dry, clean, smooth, structurally sound and free of foreign materials that might prevent adhesive bond as described in the current edition of ASTM F710, “Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring.” The concrete slab must be protected from ground moisture with an effective and intact vapor retarder that conforms to the requirements of the current edition of ASTM E1745, “Standard Specification for Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs.” The concrete slab must be poured directly on the vapor retarder. Before installing the finished flooring, conduct moisture, alkali and bond testing as outlined below.

Above-Grade Concrete Floors

If a pan or metal deck construction is specified, a lightweight concrete aggregate that retains excess water longer than standard-weight aggregate is often used. And since drying can only happen from the top surface, these floor constructions may require additional drying time. Floors on metal decks or above-grade structural concrete floors must be dried and meet the same requirements as for slabs on and below grade. Before installation of the finished flooring, conduct moisture, alkali and bond testing as outlined below.

Lightweight Concrete

Lightweight concrete with dry densities greater than 90 lbs. per cubic foot and cellular concrete having plastic (wet) densities over

100 lbs. per cubic foot (94 lbs. dry weight) are acceptable unless the environment is subjected to heavy static and/or dynamic loads. In these cases, the concrete slab should be engineered with higher densities to accommodate such loads. Before installation of the finished flooring, conduct moisture, alkali and bond testing as outlined below.

Expansion Joints, Preformed Concrete Plank or Sections

Concrete slabs often have expansion and isolation joints designed within them to allow the concrete slab to expand and contract. Never fill these expansion joints with patching or leveling compound or cover them with flooring products. Instead use expansion joint covers designed to be used with specific types of floor covering products. Construction, control, and/or saw cut joints in the concrete must be smoothed and leveled with an appropriate Portland cement patching compound designed for this purpose.Preformed concrete planks or sections contain joints that cannot be patched with Portland cement patching compounds. A concrete topping must be applied to this type of subfloor before resilient flooring is installed to prevent the finished floor from cracking or releasing from the subfloor due to movement of the concrete. Before installation of the finished flooring, conduct moisture, alkali and bond testing on concrete topping as outlined below.

Floor Fills, Underlayments and Toppings

A variety of products are available for use as patching, self-leveling, and trowelable underlayments. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding application, drying time and moisture testing. Always use high quality Portland cement based patching compounds. Never use gypsum-based products for patching.

Sealing, Hardening, or Parting Compounds

Any type of surface contamination on the concrete such as curing, sealing, hardening, or parting compounds must be removed. If they contain soap, wax, oil, or silicone, it must be removed. Removal methods include a terrazzo or concrete grinder, a heavy-duty wire brush on a polishing machine or sanding with a drum sander. Many materials that do not contain soap, wax, oil, or silicone are used and advertised as being compatible with resilient flooring adhesives. Congoleum can make no statement regarding their use or need for removal. Consult the manufacturer for their recommendation. We recommend conducting bond tests to determine the need for removal. After 72 hours if the bond fails, remove the compound.

MOISTURE TESTING Moisture testing determines whether the concrete slab is ready for the floor covering by providing a measurable reading to resolve any potential moisture problems before, rather than after the fact. Moisture testing must be performed on all concrete

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slabs, regardless of their age or grade level, including lightweight concrete, concrete topping, and even areas with existing resilient flooring. Conduct moisture testing with the building at occupancy conditions, (i.e., completely enclosed, and with the permanent or temporary HVAC in operation), and on concrete surfaces that are at the final condition before the installation of the flooring material.The following test methods must be conducted prior to any installation:

Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) Test

The most common test is the MVER. Conduct these tests on ordinary concrete floors in accordance with the current edition of ASTM F1869 “Standard Test Method for Measuring Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride.” Remove any curing agents or residues down to the bare concrete prior to conducting these tests. Use three kits for the first 1,000 square feet of floor space, and one kit for each additional 1,000 square feet.Because lightweight concrete, smoothing or leveling compounds, or other fills can contain significant amounts of moisture within the slab, they must not be tested using ASTM F1869 “Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride.”

In-Situ Probe Relative Humidity Test

A test method for measuring the relative humidity within the slab is the current edition ASTM F2170 “Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes.”

pH TESTING

A pH test must be performed on all concrete slabs. Conduct the test following the procedures outlined in the current edition of ASTM F710. Puddle distilled water on the slab for 60 seconds and place a pH strip (readily available in a wide variety of brands) into the water. A chart supplied with the strips will show you the pH level based on the color of the strip compared to the color on the chart. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Concrete with a high pH and/or excessive moisture can cause damage to the flooring and impact the adhesive bond, leading to flooring failures. If test results show a pH value outside the acceptable range, it is important to determine the cause. Consult with the general contractor to determine corrective action. pH can usually be lowered by using a water rinse and vacuuming. Never acid rinse a high pH concrete surface as it can have damaging effects on the final installed flooring. All tests must comply with these allowable moisture limits. Cleo Contract Maximum Allowable Moisture and pH LimitsMVER Pounds Per 1000 ft2 Per 24 Hours – 5 lbs.% Internal Relative Humidity – Up to 90%pH Range – 5 to 10

Any concrete slab that exceeds the moisture limits listed above must be dried to an acceptable level or addressed with a moisture remediation system before flooring installation. There are many companies that offer warranted solutions for addressing excess moisture in concrete slabs.Congoleum recommends that you observe the guidelines as outlined in the current ASTM F710, “Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring,” and ASTM F3010, “Standard Practice for Two Component Resin Based Membrane Forming Moisture Mitigation Systems for Use Under Resilient Flooring Systems.” Congoleum does not offer, recommend or warrant a specific solution for excess moisture in concrete slabs.However, the suppliers listed below have moisture suppression systems:

Ardex: 724.203.5000, www.ardex.com Koester American Corp.: 757.425.1206, www.koesterusa.com Mapei: 800.426.2734, www.mapei.com Schonox: 855.391.2649, www.hpsubfloors.com Uzin: 800.505.4810, www.ufloorsystems. Base King: 888-428-3106, www.baseking.com

Important note: all of the above referenced tests are not indicators of long-term moisture and pH conditions of concrete slabs. They are only measurements of conditions at the time the tests are conducted.

BOND TEST Conduct a mat bond evaluation of performance and compatibility of the finished flooring system prior to installation. Acclimate all materials at the required ambient conditions. Perform enough tests to evaluate every substrate and flooring type. Each flooring sample should measure at least 24″ x 24″ and each subsequent product layer below the adhesive layer should extend beyond the one above it by 1″. Install all products in the exact manner specified by the manufacturer. Once the complete flooring system sample is installed, cover the perimeter with 2″ wide duct tape and allow to cure for the manufacturers required duration, or a minimum of 72 hours.Remove the tape and evaluate and record if the bond strength is acceptable. If samples are securely bonded, you may consider the substrate suitable for satisfactory installation of the resilient flooring.

RESIDUAL ADHESIVEAll residual adhesives on a previously covered concrete subfloor must be completely removed or covered with a cementitious underlayment intended for this purpose. Do not use solvent-based adhesive removers as they can prohibit satisfactory bond of the new adhesives.

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Wet-scrape asphalt cutback or asphalt emulsion adhesive from a concrete subfloor, and then cover the concrete with a minimum of 1/8” self-leveling cement underlayment intended for this purpose.

DANGER: Some previously manufactured vinyl floor covering and asphalt “cutback” adhesive contain asbestos. For preparation or removal of these products, refer to the Resilient Floor Covering Institutes publication “Recommended Work Practices for the Removal of Resilient Floor Covering. These work practices must be followed. For a copy of the recommended work practices, please contact:

Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) 115 Broad Street

Suite 201 LaGrange, GA 30240

CONCRETE SUBFLOORS PREPARATIONThe concrete surface must be dry, clean, smooth, structurally sound and free of scale or foreign deposits of any kind. It must not have dust, varnish, paint, solvents, oil, grease, wax, sealers, curing compounds, residual adhesive, adhesive removers and other foreign materials that might affect the adhesion of flooring to the concrete or cause a discoloration of the flooring from below. Do not use permanent markers, other indelible ink markers, or spray paints to write on the back of the flooring material or to mark the concrete slab as they can bleed through, telegraphing up to the surface and permanently staining the flooring material. These contaminants must be mechanically removed prior to the installation of the flooring material.

EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORS Cleo may be installed over a single layer of existing resilient flooring when the proper installation system is used and the existing resilient flooring meets these conditions.

■ Not embossed enough to show through the new installation.

■ Only a single layer of flooring. ■ Firmly and completely bonded on an approved subfloor

and underlayment.

Properly remove waxes, polishes and other finishes with a recommended floor stripper. Indentations or damaged areas must be replaced or repaired. Do not install over existing rubber or slip retardant floors.

NOTE: The responsibility for determining if the old resilient flooring is acceptable, is not textured or embossed enough to show through the final installation, and is well-bonded to the subfloor rests with the retailer and the installer.

Precaution: Installations over existing resilient flooring may be more susceptible to indentations.

INSTALLATIONAdhesive

UnderFlor wet-set commercial adhesives, either AD62 or CC020, are required for both porous and non-porous substrates. Both are wet-set adhesives that dry hard and must be used in commercial applications where heavy static or rolling loads are present, where temperature fluctuations are likely to occur, or when adjustability during installation is desired.

■ Porous Substrates – Apply adhesive uniformly and allow 5 to 15 minutes open time. The flooring must be laid in to wet adhesive to achieve 100% transfer of the adhesive to the back of the flooring when rolled.

■ Non-porous Substrates – Apply adhesive and allow 20 to 40 minutes open time. Set the flooring into semi-tacky adhesive to achieve approximately 100% transfer of the trowel pattern to the back of the flooring when rolled. Do not allow the adhesive to fully dry before setting flooring.

Substrate Porous Non-Porous

Trowel Notch1/16″ x 1/16″ x 1/16″

Square Notch (.16 x .16 x .16 cm)

1/16″ x 1/32″ x 1/32″ U-Notch

(.16 x .08 x .08 cm)Spread Rate 170-190 ft² per gallon 250-300 ft² per gallonOpen time 5-15 minutes 20-40 minutes

Note: Adhesive open time and working time may vary based on temperature, humidity, substrate porosity, trowel application and jobsite conditions.

DETERMINING LAYOUTCleo is available in 3 different size formats:

■ 7″ x 48″ plank ■ 12″ x 24″ tile ■ 24″ x 24″ tile

Herringbone 90°

1/2 Drop 1/2 Drop 45°

Herringbone 45° Basket Weave

Square 1/2 Drop

Diamond

1/3 Drop

Square 1/2 Drop

Diamond

1/3 Drop

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All formats have the same construction and require the same adhesive, but vary slightly in their installation procedures. Additionally, all Cleo tiles and planks can be can be installed edge-to-edge or grouted from 1/16″ to ¼″ joint widths. Some layouts require certain spacing for grouting.

LAYOUT 12" x 24" TILE 24" x 24" TILE

Square Grouted or un-grouted

Grouted or un-grouted

1/2 Drop Grouted or un-grouted

Grouted or un-grouted

1/3 Drop Grouted or un-grouted

Grouted or un-grouted

Diagonal Grouted or un-grouted

Grouted or un-grouted

Herringbone (45° or 90°) 1/8" grout joint only N/A

Basket Weave 1/8″ grout joint only N/ACombination

Basket Weave 1/8″ grout joint only 1/8″ grout joint only

Borders can be created easily by using an accent color or different size tile. Plan the layout to allow for a uniform border size using full size tile in the field if possible. When using a square border with a diagonal layout it will be necessary to prepare the cut edge of the diagonal tile where it meets the border. This is done cold or by slightly warming the edge with a heat gun and rolling it with a steel roller to bevel the edge. Do not overheat the tile. Apply uniform pressure to maintain a consistent bevel on the edge.

CUTTINGCleo Contract can be trimmed to fit using a sharp utility knife or tile cutter. When using a utility knife, score the surface of the tile and plank and flex it downward to break the tile at the score mark. Always place the cut edge against the wall.

INSTALLATION PROCEDUREStep 1 – Establish the center and perpendicular lines

Following the designer or specifier’s plans, determine the desired layout, pattern and grouting option for the flooring to be installed based on the product format. When planning the layout make sure tile and plank joints fall at least 6″ (15.2cm) away from joints in the underlayment and or seams in existing flooring. Do not install over expansion joints. Begin by measuring and marking the center of the room in the long dimension at either end and striking a chalk line. If necessary, adjust the center line by one half the width of the tile or plank to avoid narrow pieces and to balance the first and last rows.

When installing 12″ x 24″ or 24″ x 24″ tiles it will be necessary to snap additional chalk lines perpendicular to the center line. Mark a perpendicular center line or lines at a right angle by using the 3-4-5 method*. Find the center point of the center line and adjust for balance if needed. Measure and mark 3 feet away horizontally and 4 feet away vertically. Connect those points with a 5‛ long

FIGURE 5 Center Line.

Readjusted Chalk Lines

Original Chalk Lines

FIGURE 8 Make additional lines if needed.

FIGURE 6 Adjust center line to eliminate small fill pieces.

A B

C

4' 5'

3'

90°

FIGURE 7 Snap a perpendicular chalk line

CUT EDGEOF TILE

45°

FIGURE 4 Roll the cut edge of the tile to produce a light bevel

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diagonal line to make a right angle. Repeat this step on both sides to create marks to snap a perpendicular chalk line. Repeat these steps again for half drop or third drop tile layouts.

*Note: Multiples of 3-4-5 (6-8-10) can be used for larger areas.

Step 2 – Starting line

When working with AD62 or CC020 wet set adhesive it is necessary to start the installation at the wall to avoid working on freshly installed flooring. This practice will prevent tiles from shifting and avoid adhesive displacement. Transfer the center chalk line to within 24″ to 36″ from the wall opposite the entrance of the room using a multiple of the plank or tile width. Snap additional chalk lines to divide the floor into similar sections for adhesive application. These sections should be in multiples of the tile or plank width, and no wider than an installer can comfortably reach.

Step 3 – Dry lay the first two rows

Determine the width of the first row to be installed along the wall and cut the tiles or planks to size. Before spreading adhesive, dry lay the first cut row along the wall and the second full row along the starting line. Use spacers if the finished floor will be grouted. Ensure that the tiles or planks in these rows are positioned squarely and follow the starting line. Cut or trim any excess flooring if necessary. Remove the tiles or planks and position them in a manner allowing you to re-install them in the same position as the dry lay.

Step 4 – Apply adhesive and set flooring

Apply adhesive in the first section using the appropriate trowel for the substrate. Spread the adhesive evenly over the subfloor, keeping the trowel at a 45° angle to the surface. Apply only enough adhesive that can be covered with flooring with the required open time. Before setting tiles or planks, allow adhesive to flash off for 10 to 15 minutes over porous surfaces or 20 to 40 minutes over approved non-porous surfaces. Set tiles in the center of the room and work to the ends. Set plank flooring from one side of the room to the other; cut ends can be used as starting pieces in subsequent rows.

*Note: 24″ x 24″ tiles have directional arrows printed on the back. Tiles must be installed in a quarter-turned pattern to avoid runout and enhance the variety of the tile pattern in the finished floor.

Step 4 (optional) - Grouted layouts

In grouted applications, use spacers to maintain the joint width. Small squares of 1/8″ VCT work very well as spacers. If standard tile spacers are used it will be necessary to trim off one leg of the spacer, otherwise it could interfere with tile placement. Position several spacers along the first set tile and lay the next tile lightly against the spacer without forcing it into place. Use enough spacers to maintain consistent joint width. Spacers must be removed before rolling each section. Do not walk on or work on freshly laid flooring until the adhesive has set sufficiently to eliminate shifting. If unavoidable use a kneeling board. Fitting flooring net to the walls will reduce the possibility of tiles shifting.

*Note: Set tiles and planks downward, tightly against adjacent flooring. Never slide the flooring into place, as it will cause adhesive to ooze up through the joints.

Step 5 – Finishing each section

Once each row or section is complete, any exposed adhesive should be scraped up before it is allowed to dry. Roll the installed flooring immediately with a 100 lb. three-section steel roller taking care not to shift tiles in wet adhesive. Clean wet adhesive from the surface with warm water, and dried adhesive with a rag and mineral spirits. Allow 12-24 hours curing time before foot traffic can resume. Do not walk on or work on freshly laid flooring until the adhesive has set sufficiently to eliminate shifting.

Note: Do not leave heavy tools or materials on the finished floor before the adhesive has fully cured.

(STARTING LINE)

(CENTER LINE)

FIGURE 9 Transfer center line toward starting side.

FIGURE 10 Quarter-turn Square tiles.

and round from 1 3/8″ to 1 5/8″.Mobile appliances and furniture should be equipped with easily swiveling casters at least 2″ in diameter with non-staining hard rubber treads at least ¾″ wide. Do not use ball-shaped casters; they can damage the floor.Place mats at outside entrances to prevent dirt grit and soil from being tracked onto the floor.

CAUTION: CLEO FLOORS LIKE OTHER TYPES OF HARD-SURFACED FLOORS, CAN BECOME SLIPPERY WHEN WET. ALLOW TIME FOR THE FLOOR TO DRY AFTER WASHING. IMMEDIATELY WIPE UP WET AREAS FROM SPILLS OR WET FEET. PLACE MATS AT OUTSIDE ENTRANCES TO PREVENT WATER, SNOW OR ICE FROM BEING TRACKED ONTO THE FLOOR. IMPROPER CLEANERS, POLISHES OR FINISHES CAN ALSO CAUSE SLIPPERINESS.

REGULAR CARESee Cleo Contract maintenance guide for details on cleaning and maintaining the floor.

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Step 6 (optional) – Grouting

Once the adhesive has cured overnight, the floor can be grouted. Start grouting at the far end of the room and work toward the entrance. Use the tip of a hard epoxy float to fully pack each joint. Apply grout in small sections, about 20 ft², and clean up residue before grout dries. Extend the grout a few inches into the next row of tile so cleanup water doesn’t run into the joint. Remove excess grout by holding the float at a 45° angle to the floor surface and moving diagonally across the joint.To clean, spray a light mist of water over the grouted area and allow it to remain for 30 seconds. Use a slightly wet 3M white nylon pad to loosen the grout residue by applying light pressure and moving in a circular motion. Using a firm square edge sponge, wipe diagonally across the joints to remove the excess water and grout solution. Allow grout to dry for 24 hours prior to regular foot traffic. Remove any remaining grout haze with an ammonia-based window cleaner or a dilute solution of 1/4 cup household ammonia to one gallon of warm water.

Note: Rinse the sponge thoroughly between wiping and change cleanup water frequently to ease cleanup. Clean tools with water while grout is still wet.

FINISHING THE JOBClean any adhesive smears on the face of the flooring immediately while wet with a clean cloth and dilute solution of neutral cleaner and water. Mineral spirits can be used to remove dried adhesive.Keep traffic off the newly installed floor for at least 24 hours after installation. Open to light traffic for the next 48 hours. Resume normal traffic after 72 hours.Protect the floor from rolling or static loads for at least 72 hours after installation to allow adhesive set firm.Always use strips of hardwood or plywood when moving heavy objects such as furniture or equipment over the floor even when using carts or dollies with wheels.

PREVENTATIVE CAREMake sure furniture legs have large surface, non-staining floor protectors.Replace small, narrow metal or dome-shaped glides with smooth, flat glides that are in flat contact with the floor. Glides should be equipped with self-adhesive felt pads to avoid scratching the surface of the floor. The pads should be checked periodically for grit and wear and replaced when necessary.Heavy furniture or appliances that are not moved often should be equipped with flat, non-staining composition furniture casters or cups of appropriate size – available square from 1 ½″ to 2 5/8″

© 2020 Cleo Contract February 2020

P19-0805