Installation instructions and cleaning and maintenance instructions.
How to install Dalsouple rubber tiles. It’s vital that these instructions are followed.
Dalsouple tiles MUST be laid in a brick bond (Ashlar) pattern and the back of the tiles must be brushed before installation.
Always perform a dry test and never lay in direct sunlight!
Any questions, please contact us!
Instructions for tiles
Dalsouple tiles instructions
Dalsouple rubber flooring should be laid by an experienced rubber tile layer. Most carpet retailers have good vinyl installers or your builder could have someone. We can give you an idea of some installers in some capital cities.
It is important that the spread rate of the adhesive is correct to ensure correct bonding of the rubber tiles to the sub-floor.
The tiles must be laid in a brick bond (Ashlar) pattern.
Dalsouple Installation
Installation & Maintenance Guide
We kindly ask you to read the information about the installation and the maintenance of the Dalsouple® rubber floor to get the best results
Synopsis
- 1- Dalsouple® floor covering selection
- 2- Choice of tools and materials not supplied by
- Dalsouple®
- 3- Choice of adhesive
- 4- Selecting a trowel/spreader
- 5- Before installation
- 6- Preparation of the substrate
- 7- Preparation of the installation
- 8- Installation method
- 9- Installation on floors with under floor heating
- 10- Installation without adhesive
- 11- Job site cleaning
- 12- Maintenance
- 13- Stains
iRubber Pty Ltd
P. O Box 384
Chelsea, 3196
Victoria
Ph 03 97739933
Mob: 0423621692
ABN#47435503966
www.irubber.com.au
[email protected]
1. Dalsouple® floor covering selection
Several specific references are available among our collections of Dalsouple® tiles (consult our website www.dalsouple.com.au , our catalogue and brochures).
– “DALNATURAL”: 90 % natural rubber or latex
– “DISSIPATIVE” for electrical conductivity in the order of 106 ohms (Conductive adhesive recommended on conductive floor)
– “EXTRA-CONDUCTEUR” for electrical conductivity in the order of 103 ohms (conductive adhesive recommended on conductive floor)
– “MAGNÉTIQUE” for installation on metallic technical and raised access floors.
Bonded Dalsouple® tiles have two sides: one side is sanded to ensure proper adhesion of the glue and the other side is the side visible once the tiling is installed.
Double check that the back of the tiles have been abraided and that there are no unabraided spots. Adhesive does not stick well to smooth surfaces. It needs to grip. Either roughen smooth patches or reject the tile and replace with additional tiles from 7% overage from the order.
DO NOT INSTALL TILES THAT ARE NOT FULLY ABRAIDED ON THE UNDERSIDE.
“Bubbling” may occur if the adhesive cannot grip. It leaves an air-pocket as the glue dries and cannot be “chased” out by rolling.
2. Choice of tools and materials not supplied by Dalsouple®
All materials and/or equipment must be used in accordance with the instructions and directives of the associated suppliers.
3. Choice of adhesive
DalStik (manufactured by Mapei- called Adesilex G19 – availiable from Masters in Australia) 2 part low VOC urethane adhesive in the only locally available adhesive validated to be used with Dalsouple rubber tile.
Overseas France and UK use Tremco or Uzin adhesives.
If you can find the adhesive in Australia then that is also approved.
Here is a link to –
Carefully follow the recommendations regarding the technical time to be observed when using their adhesive (gumming and open times that define the sequence of bonding operations and working times).
Generally speaking, the bonding operations must be performed in an aerated room while wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g.: gloves mask, etc.)
4. Selecting a trowel/spreader The trowel/spreader is chosen based on the type of glue used. It is important to follow the adhesive supplier’s recommendations. Dalsouple® tiles require a smooth or finely serrated No. 2 or A2 type trowel (TKB standard) to spread at least 1000g/m2 of DalStik adhesive and to ensure that the tile surface is covered completely and regularly.
5. Before installation Check that the tiles are properly packed: damaged packaging may indicate that the quality of the Dalsouple® tiles has been compromised. Damaged tiles should not be fitted and a suspicious tile should be reported. In particular, the handling of pallets of tiles should be done with caution.
The degradation of the pallet during inappropriate handling can impact the quality of the product: It is forbidden to superimpose two pallets of tiles. We recommend you check your layout plan by loose laying the tiles before applying adhesive to the substrate. No claims shall be entertained if the tiles have already been laid.
Note: the colour of the tiles may vary slightly compared to the samples presented and according to which the order was placed. This may be due to the difference in the date of manufacture, which necessarily leads to slight pigmentation variations in the gum. The tiles must be stored together in the same neutral physical and chemical environment (temperature > 10°C under shelter, humidity < 75 %, atmospheric pressure, neutral pH, etc.).
This storage should be as short as possible and must not exceed 1 month to avoid slight variations in size before bonding (bonding the tiles eliminates this phenomenon). The storage location must be dry, protected from inclement weather, mechanical stresses and/or chemical and direct sunlight. To avoid condensation on the tiles, resulting in reduced bonding efficiency, they must be stored in job site conditions at least 48 hours prior to installation.
In case of contamination with chemicals, every precaution must be taken to protect the Dalsouple® tiles. In particular, our standard Dalsouple® manufactures tiles are not guaranteed against oils and hydrocarbons of any kind.
Special tile chemical resistant tiles can be created for these types of applications and are available in our product range (consult us). Unless a specific request is made for a special tile characteristic, the standard Dalsouple rubber tile will be manufactured.
6. Preparation of the substrate The substrate must be prepared by professional flexible rubber flooring installers in accordance with current trade rules and/or regulations in the country concerned. For France, DTU 53.2 must be respected with regard to the rules governing substrate acceptance. Compliance with these rules and therefore the success of the installation does not fall within the scope of responsibility of Dalsouple® as it has no control over the work performed by the installer.
In addition to this regulatory framework, the specific characteristics of Dalsouple® flooring must be taken into account. The risk of rising damp must be completely eliminated (in particular, cement screeds must be completely dry without risk of rising damp – refer to the construction standards in force in the country or location in question, especially regarding the measurement methods).
If a risk is present, provide a special barrier sub-layer. The installer must measure surface porosity and moisture content in accordance with current standards before the tiles are installed (recommendation: sufficient porosity to allow the adhesive to bond and screed humidity below 3%). Non-compliance shall result in the immediate implementation of corrective measures. Dalsouple® products must be installed on a P3 class thin set mortar (thickness > 3 mm), 6 mil marine grade ply,
Masonite or equivalent, or on a dry, clean concrete slabfree of dust, debris and imperfections. Fill in any gaps or smooth inconsistencies in the surface to avoid “telegraphing” of an uneven substrate through to the surface of the Dalsouple® rubber flooring. Any other configuration of the substrate shall be the responsibility of the installer.
The substrate must be sufficiently hard so as to resist marking in case of a concentration of short-term load (e.g.: the passage of someone wearing spike heels).
The floor must be perfectly clean and flat, without cracks, waviness, holes, bumps and free of any defects that may affect its flatness and/or strength. It must be cleaned of all cement grout and laitance, particles or dust (e.g. thin-set mortar sanding dust) and in general, all elements likely to interfere with the bonding of the Dalsouple® tiles. The back of the tiles must be brushed free of dust. This is extremely important!
7. Preparation of the installation All our floor coverings must be laid by professional flexible rubber flooring installers in accordance with current trade rules and/or regulations in the country concerned. Compliance with these rules and therefore the success of the installation does not fall within the scope of responsibility of Dalsouple® as it has no control over the work performed by the installer.
If colored tiles and/or tiles with multiple textures are used, experience has shown that it is better to define the order and position of each type of tile before starting to bond the tiles (layout). Do not install mismatched tiles as this will void warranty.
Different batches must not be mixed together! The installation must be performed at a temperature between 10°C and 30°C; humidity should be below 75 % (refer to the adhesive supplier’s recommendations). The temperature gradient between the tiles and the laying area must be low enough to avoid condensation.
The room must be sufficiently ventilated to allow the adhesive to dry. To avoid any risk of damaging the Dalsouple® floor covering by other work in progress, it must be laid last and in a single operation depending on the areas concerned. If this is impossible, the area must be covered by an appropriate system of protection throughout the construction period.
In order to limit the risk of soiling and damage to Dalsouple® floor coverings, an effective passive protection (such as a floor mat) should be placed at the entrance of rooms where tiles have been laid.
8. Installation method Once the floor has been traced to prepare the positioning of the tiles, the floor is then coated with adhesive. For aesthetic reasons, we recommend that the tiling operation begin at the center of the room. We also recommend that the tiles be laid in a “brickwork” –Ashlar (staggered) fashion as this pattern will minimize any difficulties associated with tile alignment. The bonding surfaces of Dalsouple® floor tiles have been sanded. Installer must check. The back of the tiles must therefore be brushed slightly prior to installation.
Doing so will ensure that the surface is free of any material, debris, residue or other foreign particles that could interfere with bonding. Do not lay in direct sunlight. Cover windows from sun to prevent the tiles being exposed to sunlight whilst laying. Solar long-wave radiation will heat the tile up and distort both squareness and thickness.
This could cause gapping or “peaking” as the rubber returns to its normal temperature. Even though a room may be cooled sunlight and rubber heating thereof is not! The floor must be exactly flat and smooth and level.
Without a level surface seaming joints or peaking will occur. If it occurs after rolling re-check the flatness. Do not force the rubber to join together. Rubber tile thickness from the factory is constant so variance only occurs in the substrate over distances.
The use of joints is prohibited. The tiles are to be glued flat, without stress, edge-to-edge with no gap between them; the corners must be in perfect contact with no spaces. The formulation of the Dalsouple® tiles allows them to be perfectly butt-jointed (edge-to edge). Any excess adhesive should be cleaned immediately as its removal becomes delicate once it has dried.
For whatever reason, any interruption of the tiling operation must allow operations to be resumed in the same conditions. All surfaces to which adhesive has been applied must receive a tile; even if it is just partly glued. When laying operations resume, additional adhesive may be applied to finish the bonding.
Once the glue has dried, it cannot be removed without undermining the floor’s flatness and the ability to lay the tiles edge to edge. The job site must be fully completed before opening it to foot traffic. Otherwise, all such areas must be fully bonded and carefully protected from damage until the project is completed.
Do not walk or press on the tiles until the adhesive has fully dried. Adhesive that has not dried completely may be expelled under the contact points and the flatness of the tiles may be affected. The tiles must be laid without any stress and must be followed immediately by light and careful pressing with a suitable cork squeegee.
Pressing by hand should be avoided as it may deform the Dalsouple® tiles owing to their flexibility and elasticity. In order to completely remove trapped air bubbles and ensure that the adhesive is uniformly spread over the entire underside of the tile, a second pressing operation is performed 30 min. to 1 hour after installation (depending on the adhesive and weather conditions – refer to the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations). Pressing operations should be performed with a 50 kg roller.
As a guide, bonding is considered complete when substantial mechanical force is required to remove the floor covering; the floor or the substrate would be partially damaged. The tiled area may be opened to foot traffic 48 hours after laying. 9.Installation on floors with under floor heating Dalsouple® tiles may be laid on floors with under floor heating. The substrate must be perfectly stabilized (refer to the under floor heating manufacturer’s recommendations).
The under floor heating system must be turned off at least 5 days before laying the Dalsouple® tiles. Once the adhesive has dried, restart must then be progressive and spread over 1 week. The adhesive for floor without under floor heating is suitable for floors with under floor heating.
10. Installation without adhesive Certain Dalsouple® tiles may be loose-laid without adhesive as their high density allows them to stay in place.
Their special design allows them to mechanically interlock with one another, like a puzzle, allowing them to be disassembled and reassembled as required. These tiles must be laid with a 3 cm expansion joint along the perimeter of the area and around all fixed points in the site (along walls, partitions, pillars, furniture, etc.).
This expansion joint will fill in progressively over a few months. If this instruction is not respected, the tiles will eventually begin to become deformed and/or overlap one another. In this case, the only way to free them would be to cut around the mounting point. The floor must be prepared in the same way as for any Dalsouple® bonded floor covering.
The humidity rate is not an important factor in securing these tiles. They must be stored at the job site at least 48 hours before laying operations begin. Laying operations must be performed as quickly as possible in order to accelerate job site stabilization.
It is recommended that the corners of the tiles be bending downward slightly when laid to facilitate their placement and attachment. These tiles may be bonded. In this case, refer to the recommendations concerning installation with adhesive. In heavy traffic areas such as in work areas with machine traffic, sections subjected to machinery rotation must bonded according to our recommendations concerning bonded floor tiles. Failing this, the tiles may come apart.
11. Job site cleaning and 1st waxing After drying and before it is opened to circulation, the job site must be carefully cleaned. All traces of dust, dirt, grease, sand or other debris must be completely removed. Prior cleaning is recommended.
To do this, apply Dalsouple® TR20 type cleaner -if needed-, diluted 1:10, with the green disc buffer (as per 3M classification for Scotchbrite discs). If the process does not give on the surface of the tile; a matte aspect (no reflection), it may exceptionally be necessary to spend a stripper on the surface (contact us for product selection).
The floor will not be degraded. In both cases, leave for a few minutes, rinse and aspirate excess of liquid. Allow to react a few minutes, rinse then vacuum the excess liquid. When the floor is clean and dry, apply the Dalsouple® liquid polish/wax which will form a nourishing and protective film on the surface of the tiles. This first application is very important as it will facilitate subsequent maintenance. The wax must be applied in two thin cross coats with a foam mop or polisher which will dry rapidly (1 liter for 50m2).
Allow the wax to dry 1 hour between coats. Two additional applications of wax must be performed during the following month, on a clean and dry floor. In the case of heavy traffic or exposure to intense sunlight, do not hesitate to repeat the operation. Waxing the floor promotes the overall protection and appearance of the flooring. Dalsouple® tiles will maintain their lustre when sufficiently nourished. Dalsouple® also proposes gloss or matte-finish waxes.
12. Maintenance Routine maintenance
– A periodic maintenance in accordance with our recommendations is necessary to maintain the aesthetic appearance and service life of Dalsouple® floor coverings.
– The waxing is imperative for subsequent maintenance operations.
– The floor covering is cleaned with a low-speed buffing machine equipped with a red disc or an industrial washer using Dalsouple® TR20 cleaner, 1 liter for 20 m2 (if another cleaning product is used, a small area must be tested first. Do not use products that are incompatible with one another
– carefully follow the manufacturers’ recommendations).
– Spread the mixture; allow it to sit for a few minutes, vacuum the product and the cleaning residues before it dries, then carefully rinse with clean water and allow to dry. No residue must remain on the floor. Once the floor is clean and dry, a film of wax may be applied. Doing so will increase the floor’s lustre and enhance its protection.
High-speed polishing is possible. Special maintenance – If routine maintenance of the Dalsouple® flooring is no longer satisfactory, the wax film may be damaged or dirt has become captured in the wax as a result of improper cleaning. In this case, we recommend thorough deep cleaning of the surface and complete rewaxing in accordance with Dalsouple® recommendations. – Proceed in the same manner as with routine maintenance but use the Dalsouple® TR20 cleaner pure. Let it sit 10-15 minutes, depending on the amount of dirt and grime. Spread the mixture, allow it to sit for a few minutes, vacuum the product and the cleaning residues before it dries, then carefully rinse with clean water and allow to dry.
No residue must remain on the floor. A scrubbing disc more abrasive than the red disc may be required (yellow-green). Adapt the amount of pressure applied and the speed of the buffing machine to the situation. We recommend that a preliminary test be performed on a small area. A single pass is usually sufficient to remove damaged film of wax. – At this point, the floor can be re-waxed in the same manner as for the first waxing operation (see “Job site cleaning and 1st waxing”). The floor will rediscover its original lustre.
13. Stains In all cases, immediately treating stains promotes their removal without consequence for the Dalsouple® flooring.
Certain types of stains require special treatment.
Please consult us. Thank you for purchasing the outstanding and colourful Dalsouple product from iRubber Pty Ltd. Ask us about our other large range of quality rubber floorings! Murray Gardner CEO iRubber Pty Ltd Box 384 Chelsea Vic 3196 Australia.
Cleaning of Dalsouple rubber
Dalsouple tiles come with a silicone release agent, which can appear to be a bit like greasy talcum powder. Thich must be cleaned off with a degreaser after installation and before polish is applied.
For daily cleaning, we recommend HyperClean.
Maintenance and Cleaning instructions
We recommend to use a mono brush and a green disk (3M Scotchbrite Classification for discs). The red pad is not suitable to scrub the tiles, it is too soft for a first wax application.
Find here our instructions to scrub the tiles :
After drying and before it is opened to foot traffic, the work area must be carefully cleaned. All traces of dust, dirt, grease, sand or other debris must be completely removed.
Apply on the surface to treat the stripper Dalsouple® DSD 10 (5 liters per 100 sqm) with a mono brush and a green disk (3M Scotchbrite Classification for discs).
The tiles processing speed by the mono brush should be at least 2 min / m², the cleaner, transparent at the time of application, must become opaque and of the color of rubbed tiles. This is a simple way to ensure that this light sanding is well carried out. Rub the tile covered with DS10 with the mono brush and green disk during 10 minutes (around 5sqm at a time) and then rinse while sucking the excess of liquid.
Drying is done with an absorbent cloth leaving no fiber or debris on the ground (indeed they would be encapsulated by the wax).
The surface of the tile must have a matt aspect.
2) After this operation, the fitter has to apply the wax. This step is very important because it will protect the surface of the tiles and will facilitate its maintenance.
Without this wax application, the tiles will have a greasy aspect. The goal of the wax is to neutralize the paraffin which is in the rubber.
Here is our instructions for this step :
When the floor is clean and dry, apply liquid wax POLISH Dalsouple® CLD 50 with a spray system that will ensure a good distribution of the liquid on the surface. It is also possible to simply pour it.
Using a micro brush fiber fabrics or a foam brush or polisher according to the surface to be treated, spread the wax over the entire surface to be treated by crossing movements to form a thin layer that will dry quickly (1 liter per 50m²).
The wax should be laid in two crossed layers. Allow the wax to dry 1 hour between each coat.
This first layer of wax will form a film which will feed and protect the surface of the tiles. The success of this operation is very important as it will facilitate its maintenance.
We recommend you to make a test on a small area following our instructions and see the result that should be as expected.Dalsouple recommends a surface polish in either a matt finish or glossy finish over the rubber tiles to make it easier to clean and to protect the rubber.
For local after-market supply we can recommend Agar cleaning products from Australia for use on the rubber tiles. These are readily available in all capital cities and most installers and cleaners are familiar with their use.
The Duro polish is a matt finish which after 2 or 3 coats will protect the rubber flooring and make it easier to keep clean
To download the MSDS instruction sheet for Agar Duro, click here.
The Novadet is used to clean off the silicone release agent.
For commercial installations we recommend the floor is spray buffed once a week to once a month depending on traffic. The polish may need resealing in 6 to 12 months.
The floor must be treated with respect as you would a high quality parquetry or timber floor. We do not guarantee against stiletto heel marks but the rubber wears well if in more durable SBR quality (rather than DalNaturel)- in retail shops and offices so it is usually not a problem with large pockmarks as with other softer floors.
We recommend only light mopping with a neutral detergent, not slopping water, or hosing as this could affect the adhesion of the tiles.
We recommend that Dalsouple tiles are installed by a qualified and experienced rubber flooring installer. These are usually found by phoning your local carpet retailer. We can recommend a few installers depending on where you live. Problems can occur if the correct spread rate of adhesive is not applied, or the tiles are not rolled correctly after installation.
For actual video of installing rubber flooring in general, please look at a video of our other rubber flooring we can supply called Endura by Burke Flooring in the USA. If you are in a hurry, they have stocks and we get flooring here in a week.
See our other website irubber.com.au by clicking here
Click here to go to see a video on how clean and maintain rubber flooring (courtesy of Johnsonite).