We recommend using a
professional installer for installation of our metal tiles and
planks. CWI Metal Tile is sandblasted on the back for excellent
adhesion designed for flooring adhesive and thinset applied with
an 1/8" trowel for bonding to level surfaces free of dirt
and residues. Wood surfaces should be primed prior to installation.
We recommend using urethane wood flooring adhesive. If using thinset,
use products that are latex modified using admix, or epoxy thinsets
made by Laticrete. The thickness of CWI Metal Tile closely matches
most standard
tile thicknesses, but may require additional floating
of thinset to compensate for differences in thickness. Tile flooring
commercial grade mastic may also be used.
See
F.A.Qs.
To compensate for minor deflection (bowing) in
planks, which commonly occurs in machined aluminum, weight may
be applied while flooring adhesive or thinset cures.
Cutting CWI Metal Tile: If it is necessary
to cut the tile or plank, use a 100 tooth count, circular carbide
saw blade designed for cutting non-ferrous metal. Do not use
a fiberglass reinforced abrasive cutting blade. Cut tile face
up. Minor fraying of metal on underside can be sanded with 180
grit wet/dry sandpaper. We do not recommend a metal chop saw
or wet saw.
Beginning the process of installation:
Establish a work area for cutting the aluminum. When cutting
with a 10" carbide non-ferrous blade or band saw there
will be a lot of shavings generated from the cutting process.
Make sure that the cutting area is located in place away from
the installation site, living areas, pets and foot traffic paths.
This will prevent the shavings from being tracked in by foot.
The shavings will have a static charge so they will cling to
most surfaces. Wear goggles, gloves, dust mask and a long sleeve
shirt or coveralls for protection from hot metal shavings and
airborne particles of aluminum. Make all cuts with finished
side up. If a band saw is being used, use a 14 tooth straight
blade. A jig saw may also be used to make curved cuts using
a metal cutting blade. Tape the finished side of the metal where
cuts will be made to protect the surface from the base of the
jig saw. Long straight cuts can be made on a 10" blade
table saw using a carbide-tipped non-ferrous cutting blade.
Thoroughly clean the level surface to receive
the metal tile or flooring. Remove any oil, moisture or dirt.
Lay the metal out on the floor to establish which pieces will
look best together and also to determine if any planks need
to be slightly bent to allow for any floor variations. If it
is necessary to bend the planks, vertically place one end of
the plank on the floor and while holding the top end, push and
bow the plank with your free hand until the right amount of
bending has been achieved. Use masking tape to number each piece
in the order of position. It is very helpful to draw a diagram
of the layout corresponding to the numbers and order in which
the pieces will be installed.
(Applies to Straight Brush Only) If you are installing
straight brush planks there will be a directional grain and
the planks will be marked with an arrow pointing towards the
light grain. When you face the arrow the plank will appear lighter
than it does if viewed from the opposite end, so make sure that
the arrows are facing the same direction when installing.
Once your beginning point has been established
draw a straight line on the floor or wall as a reference to
maintain square and proper alignment. Apply the adhesive or
thinset only onto the area where the first pieces will be installed.
Make sure these foundational pieces are lined up with your reference
line. If you are grouting*, use the appropriate size spacers.
Due to the shape of some rooms it may be necessary to install
half of the planks on the first day and then the balance on
another day. This allows you to stand on the previously installed
flooring while installing the remaining flooring. Follow the
adhesive manufacturer's recommendations for drying times and
make sure that the adhesive is thoroughly dry before walking
on the metal flooring.
* When applying grout, do 3' x 3' sections at a time so that
the bulk of the grout residue can be easily removed.
For installations requiring grout we recommend
using Laticrete Latapoxy grout for the highest quality result
in appearance and durability. Non-epoxy grouts may be suitable
provided that a latex or acrylic additive is used. When applying
grout, make sure that a smooth face professional silicone grout
float is used to thoroughly fill each joint, working no more
than 10 square feet at a time to allow for easy removal of residue
from surface finish. Do not use a textured rubber float.
For high gloss tiles, use 3" or 4" blue
masking tape on the edges of the tiles to protect the surface
from scratching if you are using sand grout.
CWI Metal Tiles and Flooring can be cleaned with
any non-abrasive household cleaner.
Download
Installation pages 1 and 2 from Catalogue
Flooring Care and Maintenance
® Clean the floor with any household cleaner
and/or a damp cloth.
® Clean the floor using a vacuum with hard-floor attachments.
Do not use vacuum cleaners with a beater bar attachment.
® Do not use steam cleaners or cleaning machines that buff
the floor.
® Do not wax, polish, sand, or lacquer the floor.
® Carina Works recommends the use of TileLab OneStep Cleaner
& Resealer to maintain the appearance of Carina Works flooring.
® Do not use abrasive cleaners or steel wool.
® Remove stubborn stains such as adhesive, paint, asphalt,
oil, etc. with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
® Place protective felt, rubber, or plastic floor protectors
under chair and table legs and with other movable furnishings
to help prevent scratches and scuffs.
® Walk-off mats are required at door entrances to the outside.
® Do not drag heavy furnishings or appliances across the
floor without adequate protection (carpet remnants, etc.).
Download
Care and Maintenance page from Catalogue
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