INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
When installing Stanton’s natural flooring it is important to follow our basic guidelines. These materials are woven from natural plant fibers and tend to expand and contract according to climate and moisture conditions. It is our recommendation that this material be acclimated for at least 24 to 48 hours, open at the installation site, before it is cut to fit.
Approved installation methods include direct glue-down installation or double glue-down installation. Stanton does not recommend stretch-in installation or loose laid wall-to-wall installation for sisals.
Temperature and humidity: It is very important that the indoor temperature be kept between 65 – 95 degrees with a relative humidity of 65% or less. If the ambient temperatures are outside these parameters, installation should not begin until the HVAC system is operational. The conditions must be maintained for at least 48 hours before installation and 72 hours after completion.
Floor preparation: Carpet must be installed over properly prepared substrates that are suitable for the method of installation and product selected. Concrete floors, even with adequate curing time, can present an unacceptable moisture condition by allowing excessive amounts of moisture vapor to pass through to the surface. This can be a problem even on suspended concrete floors. Test all concrete floors for moisture emission rates using an anhydrous calcium chloride moisture test kit. As a general guideline an emission rate of 3.0 lbs or less is acceptable. Testing for alkalinity, a pH range of 7 – 9 is satisfactory. A reading above 9 requires corrective measures.
Direct Glue Down (complete transfer of adhesive required)
Use a premium multi-purpose adhesive. Adhesive should be spread evenly using a spread rate of approximately 7 square yards per gallon. This requires a 1/8” x 1/8” U-notched trowel. The back of these materials, even with latex, has a considerable amount of texture. Getting complete contact between the flooring and the floor requires much more adhesive than typical carpeting to fill in all voids created by the texture. Failure to apply the proper amount of adhesive will result in a poor or loose bond to the floor and will allow the material to shrink, bubble, or wave.
General Installation Procedures
1. Remove existing trim before beginning installation.
2. Dry fit the pre-cut floorcovering into the room, laying it out so that you have 3–4 inches surplus to lap up the walls evenly. Allow the material to acclimate for 24–48 hours. Natural grass materials tend to shrink in the length as they acclimate because this is the direction of the grain of the weave.
3. Side seams will provide the best results. Always trim the factory woven edge off before seaming.
4. Make sure the trowel lines are heavy enough to be busted and the glue has enough time to flash off before laying the material into the glue.
5. Seal the edges of the seam with an appropriate seam sealer taking care so as not to contaminate the face yarns.
6. The “trim in” should be one of the last steps, allowing the adhesive to start to grab. Use a wall trimmer to get a nice, clean cut along the walls.
7. Make sure all transition areas are protected.
8. Use a 35 – 75 lb. roller to insure complete transfer of adhesive.
9. You may use a tack or staple placed on the seam edge for added security.
10. Floor moulding, quarter-round, etc. is recommended to complete the installation.
Please contact Stanton’s Customer Service Department at 1-706-624-9385 with any questions or concerns.