- PURPOSE
1.1 This specification defines for the contractor the minimum requirements for the material and installation of floor tile and cove.
- SCOPE
2.1 The contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, materials, tools, and equipment required to perform all operations and services necessary to complete the installation of the floor tile and base cove as shown on, and in strict accordance with, the contract drawings and these specifications.
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Floor Tile and Cove Materials
3.1 General
3.1.1 All materials shall be of first quality, free of defects and imperfections, of recent manufacture, unused, and of the classification and grade specified. Material shall be protected from damage until installed, inspected, and accepted by the Company representative.
3.2 Floor Tile
3.1.1 Floor tile shall be vinyl-composition tile (VCT), 12 x 12 x 3/32 inch thick with product approval by Company . Tile shall be marbleized pattern, tan color.
3.3 Cove Base
3.3.1 Cove Base shall be brown, top set rubber or vinyl base cove, 6 inches high, approximately 1/8 inch thick, with bull-nose top edge, and 1/2 inch minimum formed cove (toe). Premolded corners shall be provided.
3.4 Adhesives
3.4.1 Adhesives shall be as recommended by the tile manufacturer for the intended use and shall be either water-based/latex resin type or water-based/asphalt-rubber type.
3.5 Cleaners and Waxes
3.5.1 Cleaners and waxes shall be as recommended by the tile manufacturer.
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Floor Tile and Cove Installation Procedures
4.1 Floor tile installation must be coordinated with the Company representative who will have complete charge of scheduling operations.
4.2 Preparation of Subfloor
4.2.1 The subfloor shall have grease, dirt, and other substances injurious to adhesion removed by suitable means. Cement or concrete surfaces having conditions that prevent bonding shall be treated by priming with a primer recommended by the title manufacturer. Primer shall be nontoxic and noncombustible.
4.2.2 The subfloor shall be inspected for holes, cracks, or indentations. All such imperfections shall be filled in with approved leveling or grouting material. Commencement of application of tile shall indicate acceptance of the subfloor by the contractor and shall constitute acceptance of performance responsibility.
4.2.3 Concrete subfloors that have been cured by compounds of an oily or waxy nature shall have such material removed or neutralized by suitable and effective means.
4.2.4 All areas and subfloors to be tiled under this specification shall be maintained at a minimum temperature of 70°F for 24 hours before, during, and after laying of the tile. Tile shall be stacked in rooms at above this temperature 24 hours before laying.
4.3 Laying Tile
4.3.1 Tile shall be laid in accordance with the recommended specifications of the manufacturer. Tile shall be laid with grain or pattern reversed in alternate tiles with no borders, feature areas, or feature strips.
4.3.2 Carry tile and base into breaks and recesses and fit tile neatly, sealing with adhesive around pipes and other items penetrating the floor covering. Extend tile under all items which are not a permanent part of the building.
4.3.3 Tile shall be laid symmetrically around centerlines of rooms or spaces. Tile against walls shall generally be the same width on each side of the room.
4.4 Cove Base
4.4.1 Apply cove base to all vertical surfaces with neat, tight joints and standard internal corner sections and end stops. Use methods and adhesives recommended by the base manufacturer for surfaces to which base is to be applied.
4.5 Cleaning, Waxing, and Protection
4.5.1 Immediately after the installation is complete, the surface of the tiles, joints, and base shall be cleaned of all excess or extruded adhesive by a means recommended by the manufacturer.
4.5.2 Generally do not wash or clean the floor for at least 24 hours after completion of the above, or as long as necessary for the floor to set properly.
4.5.3 After floors shall have set sufficiently to become sealed, they shall be thoroughly cleaned and given two coats of a water emulsion type wax recommended by the manufacturer. This shall be followed by machine buffing.
4.5.4 Upon completion of tiling, floors shall be left clean, smooth, and free from buckles, cracks, or projecting edges. Traffic shall not be permitted on finished floors unless they are protected with heavy paper.