Frequently Asked Flooring Questions

Question 1

KB01.002 - What to Think About When Choosing New Flooring

Accepted Answer

What should I consider when choosing new flooring?
Subfloor Condition

Before you install new flooring, you must first prepare the subfloor. Aside from validating the warranty, preparing the subfloor sets the stage for a better, more precise final look. If the subfloor is made of concrete, inspect it carefully. Most likely, you’ll find cracks, divots, and uneven spots. If the subfloor is made of wood, you’ll often find joint unevenness, raised or depressed fastener heads, and plywood knot holes. Remove these irregularities. Otherwise, the new flooring will show them.

Should the subfloor be less than perfect, certain flooring options hide imperfections. For example, a rigid core SPC product (such as Sound-Tec) masks some unevenness in the subfloor by “floating” over the surface rather than sticking to it. Sound-Tec conceals minor imperfections by smoothing over them. Its rigid core eliminates any “wavy” look.

On the other hand, GlueDown luxury vinyl tile (LVT) exposes imperfections in the subfloor. After installation, this flooring will show the unevenness of the surface underneath. For a perfect finish, fill in divots, holes, and low spots in the subfloor by using Portland cement-based floor patches that bring the subfloor up to a flat and level surface.

While preparing a subfloor is important, it can be costly. It’s a good idea to choose a rigid-core floating floor designed to float over the top of the existing flooring. In general, rigid-core products cost more per foot, but your total installation costs might be less compared to an extensive floor demolition with a less costly floor covering option.

Installation Setting

What dictates the type of flooring you should install?

The installation site
The intended use of the floor.

As you decide on the right flooring product, keep the following in mind…

How Much Foot Traffic is Expected?

Vinyl flooring comes with a wear layer designed on the surface. Measured in “mil” (not to be confused with millimeters), wear layer thickness varies. A thicker wear layer withstands more foot traffic. In general, 8 mil wear layers are rated for residential use, while 20 mil wear layers are rated for commercial applications.

Will the Flooring Be for Commercial or Residential Use?

Commercial areas with a lot of foot traffic require a more permanently fixed solution. GlueDown LVT is a good choice. It’s “locked down” to the subfloor for a superior base of support.

Are Rolling Loads Common on the Access Floor?

GlueDown LVT does a better job of withstanding pressure from equipment on wheels, like hospital beds, mail carts, and office chairs.

Will Heavy Furniture Be Placed on the Floor?

Flooring could break down if furniture locks it down via fasteners or extreme weight to the subfloor. For example, floating floors need to expand and contract based on atmospheric conditions, like room temperature and humidity.

Will Pets Scamper on the Floor?

Pet claws scratch and scuff, so you might want to look into flooring with thicker wear layers, which give better protection compared to thinner ones.

All three vinyl flooring options, including GlueDown LVT, floating floor, and LooseLay flooring can be installed below grade (basement level), on grade (ground level), and above grade (second floor or higher). Waterproof vinyl products can also be installed in frequently wet areas, like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, as well as in commercial spaces.

Question 2

KB01.006 - Which vinyl flooring is the right one for your project?

Accepted Answer

Which vinyl flooring is the right one for my project?

Urban Surfaces offers 3 types of vinyl flooring. Each features a different type of installation method:

Floating Vinyl Flooring
GlueDown LVT
LooseLay

The interior environment usually determines the type of flooring product for the job. Here are some details about the 3 types of vinyl flooring.

Floating Flooring

Floating flooring keeps getting better. Thanks to advancements in core construction, it’s widely used today. What makes floating flooring so popular? You can install it over many different surfaces, such as an existing floor. With minimal floor preparation work, floating planks lock together and “float” over imperfections in the subfloor. No adhesive is required. Floor pieces have pre-attached foam underlayments. Floating planks help reduce sound. They’re also more comfortable to walk on compared to other hard surface flooring options.

Urban Surfaces products featuring floating:

Studio 12 Floating Floor
Sound-Tec Floating Floor
Sound-Tec Plus Floating Floor
Sound-Tec Tile Floating Floor

Floating floors work best in residential and light commercial applications. Urban Surfaces’ floating floors come with commercially rated wear layers of 20 mil or more. However, a commercial application requires a more secure installation, which you can only find in a permanent GlueDown product.

GlueDown Vinyl Flooring

In terms of cost effectiveness, a GlueDown LVT floor installation often beats a floating floor. However, a GlueDown LVT floor requires professionals with experience in floor installation because any imperfections in the subfloor will show if not properly or professionally prepared. Professionals also ensure your subfloor does not have any high moisture content, pH extremes, or unevenness in the surface that can cause the adhesive and floor to fail.

Urban Surfaces products featuring GlueDown:

Studio 12 GlueDown Floor
Main Street GlueDown Vinyl Floor
Level Seven Commercial GlueDown Vinyl Floor

For areas where you expect high foot traffic, use a GlueDown LVT system, which is also a good choice for projects on a tight budget.

LooseLay Vinyl Flooring

LooseLay flooring features the simplest installation system available. Laid as it sounds, “loose lay” installations require minimal adhesive in small rooms or full-spread adhesive for commercial environments. Thick and heavy, a LooseLay plank features a backing that grips the subfloor, holding the plank firmly in place. To reduce the cost of demolition and floor preparation, LooseLay can be installed over existing hard surface floor coverings. Added features include cushioning that softens steps while reducing sound at the same time, similar to our Sound-Tec collections.

Urban Surfaces products featuring LooseLay:

InstaGrip LooseLay Floor

Install InstaGrip in a wide variety of residential and commercial applications.

Question 3

KB03.001 - What surface coatings does Urban Surfaces feature on its flooring products?

Accepted Answer

What surface coatings does Urban Surfaces feature on its flooring products?

We offer two kinds of surface coatings. They might look the same from the outside, but inside it’s a different story. Each features a unique design, giving many levels of protection from scratches, scuffs, and wear, while making the surface easy to clean and maintain. Let’s go over the three surface coatings.

Polyurethane Surface Coating

Flooring makers apply this liquid coating to all vinyl flooring products with a “roll coating” machine. The concentration of polyurethane material is determined by the base material of the flooring product. Because a rigid core helps prevent polyurethane from cracking, a rigid base can accept a thicker surface coating. However, if a flexible base receives too much polyurethane, cracking might happen when the flooring material is bent.

Protection

Polyurethane protects vinyl flooring from scratches, liquid spills, and daily wear caused by foot traffic.

Heavy-Load Scratches

While polyurethane protects against everyday scratches, there is a limit. Heavy or blunt objects such as a refrigerator will scratch the polyurethane surface coating on any vinyl flooring product.

Urban Surfaces’ products with polyurethane coating:

Studio 12 GlueDown Floor
Main Street GlueDown Vinyl Floor
Level Seven Commercial GlueDown Vinyl Floor
Studio 12 Floating Floor

Ceramic Bead With Polyurethane

Ceramic bead strengthens a polyurethane system. To increase wear resistance, a fine ceramic powder mixes with the liquid polyurethane, then it’s applied to the surface of the flooring. Urban Surfaces’ products featuring ceramic bead with polyurethane:

Sound-Tec Floating Floor
Sound-Tec Plus Floating Floor
Sound-Tec Tile Floating Floor

Adding a Shine With Wax

You can wax both coating types of polyurethane (if needed) with Urban 3040 Clear Coat wax.

Question 4

KB03.003 - Can you wax vinyl flooring made by Urban Surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Can you wax vinyl flooring made by Urban Surfaces?

Urban Surfaces engineers its vinyl flooring products to look new for years. With proper care and a little upkeep, each flooring will keep its original luster, shine, and beauty. No waxing is needed. However, you can wax a section of your vinyl floors that have been dulled by, for example:

Harsh chemicals
Using the wrong cleaning agents
Wear in certain high-traffic areas

Wax can restore the luster and sheen of the flooring. For a new top coat on the floor, you can apply Urban Surfaces Clear-Coat 3040 or other acrylic floor finishes made for vinyl floors.

Before applying, read the manufacturer’s directions on the bottle.

How often should you wax vinyl flooring?

Urban Surfaces makes no recommendations on how often to wax your vinyl floors. It’s up to you. Should you decide to wax, please read the manufacturer’s recommendations on the floor wax container. Take a look at our Maintenance Guides for more information about maintaining your floor.

Is a high-speed cleaning machine safe to use on vinyl flooring?

No. Never use this type of machine on Urban Surfaces' flooring. High-speed buffing can cause damage. For example, the burnisher could penetrate the wear layer and destroy the floor. It can also cause bubbles to form or make the top layer peel back from the edges.

See Also: Blog Post: 10 Ways to Ensure Your New Floor Stands the Test of Time

Question 5

KB01.009 - Are there repeated plank patterns in a box?

Accepted Answer

Are there repeated plank patterns in a box?

Yes, there are repeated patterns within a box. Usually, the design repeats every 5th -10th plank. Before installation, it is recommended that the installer unbox planks/tiles and set them in stacks of similar plank patterns. Pull from the stacks purposefully to ensure an evenly distributed installation. If the pattern has a high variation in color, then this process becomes even more important. To ensure the most natural look, avoid installing the same plank patterns next to each other in groupings.

Question 6

KB01.003 - What is the wear layer in vinyl flooring construction?

Accepted Answer

What is the wear layer in vinyl flooring construction?

This clear, top-surface layer gives durability, absorbing foot traffic and daily wear-and-tear while protecting the floor’s original beauty. The wear layer lies between the polyurethane coating on top and the printed design underneath it. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the floor will be. Wear layer thickness ranges from 3 mil to 40 mil.

What Is A Mil?

A mil is an imperial measurement meaning thousandth of an inch. Mainly recorded in mils, a wear layer can also be shown in millimeters (mm).

Example: 40 mil equals 1.016mm.How Thick Should The Wear Layer Be?

That depends on usage. In residential settings, you’ll often see wear layers ranging from 6 mil to 28 mil. When deciding on the thickness, consider things like daily foot traffic and pets in the home.

We recommended 20 mil wear layers or higher for commercial settings, which go through high levels of wear-and-tear. Commercial settings often must withstand day-long foot traffic, impacts from equipment with wheels, and more.

Question 7

KB01.004 - Are larger planks better in quality?

Accepted Answer

Are larger planks better in quality?

Larger plank sizes can look more striking when installed in the right setting. Sound-Tec Plus has a size of 9” x 60”, which is an upscale look compared to other planks sized at 7” x 48”. As with many things in design, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While plank size does alter the design of a room, it doesn’t improve the durability of the product. All floors remain waterproof and durable no matter their size.

See Also: Product Highlight: Sound-Tec Plus and Sound-Tec Tile

Question 8

KB01.001 - Can vinyl flooring be installed over radiant heat?

Accepted Answer

Can vinyl flooring be installed over radiant heat?

Yes, Urban Surfaces' vinyl flooring can be installed over a hydronic radiant heat system. Basically, a hydronic radiant heating system turns the floors into radiators. It warms living spaces. It does that without vents in the walls like conventional forced-air heating systems. In short, heated water is pumped from a boiler through a loop of flexible tubing embedded in the floor. Important: Before you install vinyl flooring over a hydronic radiant heat system, first you must:

Ensure job site conditions are stable.
Ensure subfloor suitability.
Ensure flooring meets proper acclimation period.

Next, you should:

Read the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Verify the heat system’s compatibility with a vinyl floor.
Check the requirements for installation.

Ask the provider of the heat system about proper subfloors, installation methods, and guidelines for specific flooring types such as these:

Vinyl Flooring Guidelines:

In-floor radiant components must be a minimum of ½ an inch (13mm) below the flooring within the substrate.
Slab surface temperature must never exceed 85° F or 29° C.
Heat system should be operational for at least two weeks before flooring installation to calibrate temperature settings.

Remember:

Never lay vinyl floors over radiant heating mats.
Lower temperature to 65° F or 18° C three days before installation.

After installing vinyl flooring, slowly adjust the temperature. Do this each day by increments of 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Rapid swings in temperatures might damage the flooring. Quick Tip: To avoid overheating, use an in-floor temperature sensor.

Question 9

KB03.004 - How should I store Urban Surfaces vinyl flooring?

Accepted Answer

How should I store Urban Surfaces vinyl flooring?

If you plan on installing your new vinyl flooring at a later date, please handle the boxes with care and do the following:

Store indoors, protected from the elements.
Store on a dry, level surface.
Store flat (never vertically).
Never store in an outdoor shed.
Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures.

Important: Before installation, vinyl flooring must acclimate to the location where it will be installed.

We recommend doing this for at least 48 hours. During this time, the flooring materials need to adjust to the room’s temperature, humidity levels, and subfloor. It’s a simple step, yet so important. It ensures your flooring will perform as promised and hold its beauty for many years to come.

Question 10

KB04.001 - How is vinyl flooring made?

Accepted Answer

How is vinyl flooring made?

Basically, vinyl flooring is made from layers of various materials sandwiched together by a heat process. This creates a durable and practical flooring product that sells at a lower price compared to wood flooring. There are two main categories, flexible and rigid.

Flexible Vinyl Flooring

Also known as Luxury Vinyl Tile/Plank (LVT/LVP), flexible vinyl is formed through a mixture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with other materials to create color, and flexibility.

Materials:

At Urban Surfaces, we use 100% virgin vinyl materials in the manufacturing process, avoiding harmful additives or chemicals that could be found in recycled flooring products. Also, virgin vinyl upholds the durability, waterproofness, and stability of our flooring products.

Construction of Flexible Vinyl Material:

Starting from the top.

A high-quality layer of polyurethane for scratch resistance.
A protective wear layer sheet.
A high-definition print film.

The layers are all fused together and get a factory embossing texture. Watch this video to see the vinyl flooring manufacturing process in action.

Rigid Vinyl Flooring

Rigid flooring features a sturdy, hard base made of a PVC composite material.

Materials:

Our rigid core flooring has a blend of 60%-70% limestone mixed with PVC (and other inputs). A process adds the PVC into the powdery, ground down limestone base. This adds flexibility, and forms the flooring correctly. At the same time, the process enables the material to remain rigid in order to hold its shape when installed over unlevel surfaces.

Construction of Rigid Vinyl Material:

A tongue and groove system is routed into the edges of the core material, which needs a lot of strength to withstand daily foot falls and other forces pressing down on it.

A print film is applied on top of the SPC core (protected by a wear layer sheet above).
Under extreme pressure, a process fuses these 3 layers.
It permanently bonds the layers into a single lamination. This bonding process eliminates the risk of delamination, which happens a lot in other rigid types of vinyl flooring. Other rigid core vinyl floorings, like wood plastic composite, or WPC, are cold pressed instead of fused by heat. The cold press process relies on a glue layer between the upper and lower layers to hold the entire piece together. But there is a downside. Over time, this glue layer breaks down from high traffic. As a result, you’ll see delamination.

Completing the Factory Finish.

On top of the wear layer, a heavy coat of polyurethane is applied. This plastic material resists scratches and stains, while making the flooring easy to clean and maintain. Underneath the SPC core, a factory-applied pad is pre-attached. This does away with having to roll out underlayments and install them at the job site. The pad adds comfort underfoot. When installed on upper housing levels, it even helps block sound between levels. Click here for fully transparent sound test reports performed by third-party testing labs.

See Also: Blog Post: How Vinyl Flooring Is Made

Question 11

KB04.002 - Does Urban Surfaces use new or recycled vinyl materials for its flooring products?

Accepted Answer

Does Urban Surfaces use new or recycled vinyl materials for its flooring products?

At Urban Surfaces, we use only 100% virgin vinyl materials in the manufacturing process. We do not use recycled material. This achieves three things:

Ensures the purity of the contents in the raw material mix.
Avoids harmful additives or chemicals in our flooring products.
Upholds the durability, waterproofness, and stability of our products.

Using recycled vinyl materials seems like an eco-friendly idea, but no one knows what type of chemicals and plasticizers are mixed in with the recycled vinyl products. Many sources are untraceable.

That unknown poses health risks. For example, flooring made of recycled materials may look good when new. However, over time, as the wear layer begins to break down, dangerous chemicals could be released to the air. Although recycled vinyl might be good for products made for the outdoors, such as fencing or park benches, indoor flooring products require a controlled and precise mixture for optimal air quality.

Question 12

KB06.002 - What are the differences between the (3) Sound-Tec lines?

Accepted Answer

What are the differences between the (3) Sound-Tec lines?

The Sound-Tec Collection consists of three lines; Sound-Tec Tile, Sound-Tec Plus, and Sound-Tec (original).

Sound-Tec Line Commonalities

All three lines offer a “no glue, no-hassle” Rapid Lock Watertight Seam installation system for easy and fast installation.
Constructed with a highly durable Stone Polymer Core (SPC) consisting of over 60% limestone
Sealed, waterproof construction
Sound-reducing for multi-level dwellings due to pre-attached pad (IIC Rating of 61, STC Rating 66)
6mm thickness and 20 mil wear layer across all products in the collection

Sound-Tec Line Distinctions

The color/design options available in each line varies:

Sound-Tec - 21 wood tone color options
Sound-Tec Plus - 10 wood tone color options
Sound-Tec Tile - 10 tile color options

The size of planks varies between lines:
Sound-Tec - 7” x 48” plank size
Sound-Tec Plus - 9” x 60” plank size
Sound-Tec Tile - 12” x 24” tile size

Sound-Tec (original) has more than a few “crossover” colors, meaning colors that are available in both the Sound-Tec floating floor as well as GlueDown LVP formats.

Question 13

KB06.004 - Does Urban Surfaces offer the same colors in different lines?

Accepted Answer

Does Urban Surfaces offer the same colors in different collections?

Yes, there are several colors that have crossover colors between collections.

It's also worth mentioning that Studio 12 shares colors between its GlueDown and floating lines, and Foundations does too.

Main Street

Sound-Tec

Level 7

Ash

8307

9507

7070

Barn Owl

8122

9522

Boardwalk

9503

7031

Dakota

9509

7081

Midland Grey

8050

9525

Midnight Grey

9573

7030

Pembroke

9511

7091

Sedona

9508

7071

Sierra

8060

9560

Twilight

8051

9505

Yosemite

9599

Question 14

KB01.005 - What is the difference between water resistant and waterproof flooring?

Accepted Answer

What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof flooring?

Water will damage hardwood floors, engineered wood floors, laminate floors, and other wood-related products, but not vinyl flooring products. They remain free of water damage. Why? They’re constructed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) along with other natural stone source materials such as limestone. At the same time, vinyl waterproof flooring is never a solution to water issues in the subfloor. Yes, it’s unaffected by water, but you should zero in on any water or moisture issues before you install flooring, even vinyl waterproof flooring.

Waterproof Flooring

When exposed to water, it remains unaffected or undamaged, but keep in mind, this flooring is unable to make a space waterproof.

Flooring Labeled as Water Resistant

It handles a liquid spill just fine. Just wipe it up right away. However, water-resistant flooring offers limited protection from water.

Damage Caused by Water

If water remains, it can seep into the cracks, seams, and edges of walls, causing water to travel under the vinyl flooring. That can create all kinds of problems, such as swelling, buckling, and blistering.

Depending on the pH of the water, and the pH of the subfloor (often made of concrete), water can damage even waterproof flooring if the edges of the installation are not sealed properly and water is able to seep underneath.

GlueDown Products

Before using a GlueDown vinyl product, read the requirements by the manufacturer of the adhesive. Also, read the section about the pH level of your floor. Important Note: Use a vapor barrier to ensure the flooring adheres to the subfloor.

A Quick Review

Waterproof flooring stands up to water, resisting any damage from it, but it still may be susceptible to damage from pH extremes introduced to the water. On the other hand, flooring labeled as water-resistant handles common liquid spills but offers little protection from water and the duration of exposure is critical.

If you choose water-resistant flooring, install it where there’s little moisture and a low risk of ever being exposed to water. Remember that installing waterproof flooring will never make a room waterproof. Only the flooring material is waterproof. Do what you can to get rid of moisture from the slab below or from above. If you do, you’ll avoid costly repairs in the future.

Question 15

KB03.002 - Will Urban Surfaces’ flooring be damaged in a flood?

Accepted Answer

Will Urban Surfaces’ flooring be damaged in a flood?

Yes. Urban Surfaces engineers its flooring products to withstand common liquid spills and messes. However, standing water will most likely damage flooring material, especially when exposed for long periods of time. Keep in mind, water is not the problem. It’s the pH in the water.

What is pH?

This is a scale from 1 to 14 that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid. Distilled water sits in the middle of the scale, showing a neutral pH of 7. An acid has a pH below 7, and anything with a pH above 7 is an alkali or base. For example, vinegar is very acidic. It has a pH of about 2.

Damage Caused by pH Water

Flood water from above, or a slab leak from below, often changes the pH of a cured concrete slab. This is likely what your subfloor is made of and what your flooring is installed on. If water seems to have deformed Urban Surfaces flooring, it was actually extreme pH levels that caused the failure.

What You Should Do Before Installing Flooring

Test the concrete subfloor to determine the pH level and alkalinity before installation. It’s important. Any pH level below 5 or above 9 can cause the adhesive to fail and break down the flooring, weakening its integrity and longevity.

Question 16

KB06.001 - What are the differences between laminate and Sound-Tec flooring?

Accepted Answer

What are the differences between laminate and Sound-Tec flooring?

Laminate and Sound-Tec differ in many ways.

Core Construction

Laminate: It consists of a blend of sawdust and glue that’s pressed into boards. If exposed to water, laminate can buckle, swell and blister.
Sound-Tec: It consists of a stone polymer composite that is 65% limestone. Sound-Tec is waterproof.

Comfort

Laminate: The flooring feels light and hollow when you walk or roll a wheelchair on it.
Sound-Tec: Dense and sturdy, it feels solid.

Sound

Laminate: It emits a loud, “clacky” sound when walking or rolling a wheelchair on it.
Sound-Tec: It features a pre-attached foam pad underlayment that muffles sound.

See Also: Blog Post - Vinyl Versus Laminate Flooring

Question 17

KB06.003 - What are the differences between Engineered Wood Flooring and Sound-Tec flooring?

Accepted Answer

What are the differences between engineered wood flooring and Sound-Tec flooring?
Core Construction

Engineered wood flooring is constructed with a thin layer of hardwood fixed to the top of a plywood base. This construction uses adhesive to bind each layer of plywood together and the hardwood surface with the plywood base. In contrast, Sound-Tec flooring is made with a Stone Polymer Composite (SPC) core. The core materials are pre-mixed in powder form and then superheated to be fuzed together in a finely tuned extrusion machine. In this way, the Sound-Tec core combines the density of limestone with the flexibility of PVC.

Cost

Engineered wood floors have a layer of real hardwood on their surface. The quality of the product is dependent on the thickness of the wood veneer. The thicker the veneer, the higher the cost of the product. The veneer’s wood species will also affect the product cost. Some wood species are sourced from limited forestry stock in protected environments due to scarcity. They may be imported from forests of countries far from the manufacturing facilities, thus producing high shipping costs for manufacturers.

By contrast, Sound-Tec is predominantly limestone and PVC. While there are other components in the final product such as a high-quality print film, protective wear layer sheets, polyurethane coatings, and foam underlayment padding; these materials are produced in high quantities and require minimal human labor once at the factory due to automation. Engineered wood flooring requires many hands-on craftsmen to create plywood sheets, inspect wood veneers for clarity and knotting, apply surface textures such as hand-scraped finishes piece by piece, and many other processes. While a beautiful finished product, engineered wood flooring is beyond many construction budgets and stock needs.

Water Exposure

When exposed to surface water, engineered wood floors may buckle, swell, blister, discolor, etc. Sound-Tec floors are made from a blend of limestone and PVC and have been demonstrated to be submerged in neutral pH water without deformation, discoloration, etc. Feedback gained from customers who have once lived on an engineered wood floor and then upgraded to a Sound-Tec floor is that everyday living is much simpler and worry-free.

While Urban Surfaces’ materials will not be damaged by everyday spills and messes, they are not guaranteed to endure extended periods of standing water. This is not due to the water itself, as the floors are waterproof, but rather the pollutants and contaminants mixed with the flood water which cause harm.

Urban Surfaces floors require a neutral pH level of 5-9. They are not “pH proof”. Learn more about pH levels. When water is introduced into a cured concrete slab by a flood event from above, the pH in the concrete has a tendency to change. This change in pH is often the specific cause of floor failure. An environment that is too acidic (pH level 1-4) or too base (pH level 10-14) will destroy the floor over time. If an Urban Surfaces floor is deformed by water damage, it is more than likely the extreme pH levels were the specific cause that led to the failure.

Question 18

KB02.001 - What Should I Know about Indoor Air Quality?

Accepted Answer

What should I know about indoor air quality?

Most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Think about the air quality in your home. If it’s polluted, it could put you and those you love at risk for all kinds of health problems from mild to serious.

What affects the quality of the air you breathe indoors? The culprit is the emission levels of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

VOCs are released from certain solids and liquids.
VOCs include many chemicals.
VOCs are found mainly indoors.

Urban Surfaces contributes to healthier indoor air quality, starting with our products receiving the FloorScore® seal. FloorScore® IAQ certification means that a flooring product is independently certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) to comply with the volatile organic compound emissions criteria of the California Section 01350 Program. (California Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers, Version 1.2) Any product that meets these tough standards will contribute to healthier, cleaner indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in a building depends on many factors, including:

Cleaning of rooms (how well and how often)
Maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and filters (how well and how often)
People, activities, and furnishing inside
Outdoor environment
Surfaces and finishes throughout

Here’s What You Can Do To Improve Indoor Air Quality:

Let fresh air in when the outdoor air quality is good.
Schedule annual HVAC maintenance.
Change HVAC filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
Schedule maintenance or remodeling with minimum impact.
Control sources of VOCs.

Question 19

KB01.007 - Why does Urban Surfaces recommend hard surface flooring for classrooms, offices and homes?

Accepted Answer

Why does Urban Surfaces recommend hard surface flooring for classrooms, offices, and homes?

Hard surface flooring is one good step towards better indoor air quality because it:

Repels the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and mold
Repels dust mites.

Aside from resisting odors, a hard surface also makes cleaning easy to do, because it:

Repels dust
Blocks dirt
Resists liquids.

In this day and age, we’ve become more aware of the dirt and germs people track indoors. We do all we can to keep things disinfected and clean. Installing hard-surface flooring is one way to achieve that.

See Also: Blog Post: Germ Resistant Floors

Question 20

KB02.003 - What is the difference between a “mil” and a “millimeter”?

Accepted Answer

What is the difference between a “mil” and a “millimeter” (mil vs mm)?

A “millimeter” is used in reference to the flooring’s overall thickness, whereas a “mil’ refers to the thickness of the flooring’s wear layer. Both are units of measurement dealing with distance, the first belonging to the Metric system while the second is from the U.S. Standard system. (See descriptions below)

Mil

Within the vinyl flooring industry, the wear layer thickness is measured in “mils”. 1 mil equals 1/1000th of an inch, and 1000 mils is equivalent to 1 inch. For comparison, common plastic food wrap is roughly 5 mils thick, so a 6 mil wear layer product is slightly thicker than 1 sheet of plastic food wrap.

Millimeter

When referencing the overall thickness of the plank, it is measured in ‘millimeters’ or ‘mm’. That is why a product can have an overall thickness of 3mm but a wear layer thickness 20 mils.

When the two are compared directly, 20 mils is equal to 0.508 (nearly 1/2) mm.

Question 21

KB02.002 - What are the differences between a 'micro bevel' and a 'painted bevel'?

Accepted Answer

What are the differences between a 'micro-bevel' and a 'painted bevel'?

Bevels can provide a more realistic look to flooring, but they are a subtle touch to each plank that some people may not even notice on first glance.

Along the edge of each tile or plank in the Urban Surfaces’ line is either a:

Micro-bevel
Painted bevel
Square edge (no bevel)

The bevel serves both a function and form. The function of the micro-bevel on GlueDown LVT is to allow each plank or tile in an installation to smoothly butt next to each other without the edges of “proud boards” becoming a tripping hazard or a sharp edge. Proud boards are planks or tiles that peak up higher than other material due to a high spot in the subfloor below. When these boards are higher, the edges of the planks or tiles can become exposed.

While nothing can overcome improper subfloor prep in a GlueDown installation to even out subfloor inconsistencies, the micro-bevel can assist. GlueDown LVT can either have a square edge (no bevel) or a micro-bevel. The micro-bevel shaves the wear layer down at a slight angle to create a distinct look for each flooring piece.

Product Line / Bevel Type

Studio 12 GlueDown Floor (Square Edge)

Main Street GlueDown Vinyl Floor (Square Edge)

City Heights GlueDown Vinyl Floor (Square Edge)

Level Seven Commercial GlueDown Vinyl Floor (Micro-Bevel)

InstaGrip (Micro-Bevel)

Foundations GlueDown Floor (Square Edge)

Floating floors have the additional option of a painted bevel. Most consider this look as an upgrade to either a square edge or micro-bevel finish. It is how it sounds. The beveled edges of each piece are painted by a special machine with a complimenting color to the floor. This added detail brings dimension and interest to the floor, highlighting each board’s character.

Product Line / Bevel Type

Studio 12 Floating Floor (Micro-Bevel)

Sound-Tec Floating Floor (original) (Micro-Bevel)

Sound-Tec Tile Floating Floor (Micro-Bevel)

Sound-Tec Plus Floating Floor (Painted Bevel)

InstaGrip (Micro-Bevel)

Foundations Floating Floor (Square Edge)

Question 22

KB05.007 - Does Urban Surfaces offer installation services?

Accepted Answer

Does Urban Surfaces offer installation services?

In lieu of installation services, Urban Surfaces will gladly recommend a network of trusted installers and contractors, anywhere in the United States. For a qualified installation partner near you, please contact us.

Question 23

KB05.010 - Does Urban Surfaces offer training on proper flooring installation?

Accepted Answer

Does Urban Surfaces offer training on proper flooring installation?

Yes. Urban Surfaces has helpful instructional videos on our YouTube installation playlist for quick reference. We also offer consultations by phone or video chat.

Recommended discussions include:

Selecting the right flooring products
Subfloor preparation
Flooring installation procedures

You will get:

Guidance
Tips
Recommendations
Technical advice

To request installation advice (or if you have any other questions) contact your Urban Surfaces representative. Don’t have a representative yet? Call 800-492-8722 today, and we will introduce you.

Question 24

KB05.009 - How flat must the subfloor be for a proper flooring installation?

Accepted Answer

How flat must the subfloor be for a proper flooring installation?

No subfloor is perfectly level, but any signs of unevenness and high or low spots must be remedied. Please follow these requirements:

Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16 of an inch over a 10-foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span
Subfloors must not slope more than ½ inch per 6 feet (25 mm per 1.8 m)
Subfloors must be structurally sound
When making a concrete substrate level, use a portland cement or gypsum-based floor patch.
When making a plywood substrate level, use a portland cement-based floor patch.
Before installing flooring over existing ceramic tile, use a portland cement-based floor patch to fill the grout joints and raise any low spots to level.

This article has some great tips on leveling and evening out a subfloor.

Is A Flat Subfloor Especially Important With The Types Of Flooring Installation Listed Below?

GlueDown LVT Flooring

Yes. It measures only 2-3 mm thick. It is thin and flexible, and will telegraph any imperfections in the subfloor not remedied before installation.

Floating Floors

No. Rigid vinyl planks like Sound-Tec, Studio 12, and Foundations float over minor subfloor imperfections. They mask slight subfloor unevenness. However, because of the precisely milled clip system, a flat substrate is recommended for support.

Question 25

KB05.006 - What is the best direction to lay flooring?

Accepted Answer

What is the best direction to lay flooring?

There are several patterns that look great with Urban Surfaces’ floorings, but before getting started with a flooring installation, we have an important tip.

Sort The Planks

Remove all the planks from their box and, be mindful of the printed patterns on the planks. Sort similar planks into individual stacks. This will help during installation to prevent placing similar planks too close together.

Getting Started

Once you have the planks sorted, you can begin experimenting with arrangements. Regardless of your chosen flooring type, you can begin by loosely arranging planks to help you imagine the finished installation. The most common pattern is laying the planks parallel to the longest wall, staggering the short sides of the planks to create a pattern similar to stairs. Randomly distributing the short sides will usually provide the most secure installation.

You can also try a random pattern rotated by 45°. This is a striking look that can give the illusion of more space, but this will add a little challenge to your installation since you must ensure that all your planks are cut at the correct angle.

A “Subway” pattern (resembling the arrangement of a brick wall) will look nice and uniform. Like the random pattern, it can be rotated 45° for a distinct style.

Herringbone or Chevron Patterns

Herringbone and chevron patterns are beautiful options where planks are placed perpendicularly. These kinds of unique, perpendicular patterns are only compatible with our LooseLay and GlueDown floors.

Question 26

KB05.002 - Can flooring with different batch numbers be installed for one specific project?

Accepted Answer

Can flooring with different batch numbers be installed for one specific project?

We recommend using flooring from the same batch number for one project. That ensures a look that blends together in color, shade, and texture. At Urban Surfaces, our flooring products are manufactured in batch runs that range from 20,000 to 60,000 square feet. However, the color, shade, or texture among different batches may vary slightly. Therefore, installers should inspect flooring from different batches.

In some cases, installing flooring from the same batch number is not possible. This can occur when:

A project requires flooring quantities larger than a batch run.
Flooring is purchased from multiple batches over time. Major projects move in phases. Since the flooring will be installed over periods of time, contractors often buy more flooring than they need for phase 1 (for example). One reason is that it guards against stockouts. In addition, after completing a phase, there might be leftovers of flooring. If so, some contractors tend to mix older flooring with newly-received flooring, which might contain different batch numbers.

Before you install flooring from different batches, do this:

Take the planks out of their box(es).
Inspect the different batch runs.
Check for color, shade, and texture compatibility.

Warranty Note: Once the flooring has been installed, the customer accepts the finished look. Claims based on variations in color, shade, texture, and so on, will be declined.

Question 27

KB05.005 - Can Urban Surfaces’ floors be installed below grade?

Accepted Answer

Can Urban Surfaces’ floors be installed below grade?

Yes, Urban Surfaces’ flooring can be installed below grade. However, It is important to have an understanding of the factors that may undermine the installation. While Urban Surfaces’ materials will not be damaged by everyday spills and messes, they are not guaranteed to endure extended periods of exposure to water.

This is not due to the water itself, as the floors are waterproof, but rather the pollutants and contaminants mixed with the water which cause harm. The moisture wicking up through the concrete acts as a carrier of the contaminants from the ground below. These contaminants (among them a salty substance named “efflorescence”), can be harmful to the flooring.

Additionally, Urban Surfaces floors require a neutral concrete pH level of 5-9. They are not “pH proof”. When water is introduced into a cured concrete slab from water below the slab, the pH in the concrete has a tendency to change. This change in pH is often the specific cause of floor failure. An environment that is too acidic (pH level 1-4) or too base (pH level 10-14) will destroy the floor over time.

If an Urban Surfaces floor is deformed with the presence of water, it is extreme pH levels that were the specific cause of the failure. The pad attached to the back of Sound-Tec products may also hold odor or grow mildew when subjected to flood water conditions. An attempt to reinstall the flooring may be successful if the material is pulled up carefully, cleaned, stacked flat, and allowed to dry well. If a GlueDown LVT floor is installed, ensure the manufacturer’s directions for the adhesive are followed. There are many different adhesive products available with varying RH values (RH being the measure of moisture in a concrete substrate) with some up to 100% RH. Determining the suitability of the correct adhesive and floor covering is the responsibility of the installer.

Question 28

KB05.004 - Does a glue down installation leave an odor?

Accepted Answer

Does a GlueDown installation leave an odor?

Naturally, most adhesives emit an odor. It’s part of the process of installing some vinyl flooring, like GlueDown Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT). During installation, adhesive must first be spread on the subfloor and left to cure for up to 90 minutes.

That’s why you need proper ventilation. For comfort and safety, open a few windows. If possible, use a floor fan designed with blades. As a second option, a few portable fans work just as well. Finally, a respirator mask rated for fumes can be worn during installation. Don’t worry. After a few days, the odor goes away.

Note: Fans should only be used for ventilation away from adhesive. Attempting to use fans to speed up the cure time can cause inconsistent curing.

Some types of flooring can be installed without adhesive, such as our floating floors and LooseLay vinyl planks. For the most part, they come odor-free. However, when you remove the flooring from the box, you’ll notice a slight odor. That’s normal. Again, ventilation (especially with the proper use of ventilation fans) will help.

Keep in mind, you also need proper ventilation when removing old floor coverings, such as carpeting. Carpeting traps liquid, dirt and dust, which can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants. As you pull up old carpeting, all that can be released into the air. Avoid breathing it.

For your safety:

Ensure proper air ventilation.
Wear an approved respirator.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Question 29

KB05.008 - Can cabinets be installed on top of vinyl flooring?

Accepted Answer

Can permanent cabinets be installed on top of vinyl flooring?

As a rule, install permanent cabinets first, then install vinyl flooring. If you install the flooring first, use only specific types of flooring under certain conditions. Let’s go over those specific types of flooring.

GlueDown LVT

YES. It works well for new construction projects which require installing the flooring first. Show caution when installing cabinets over the new flooring. Avoid dropping tools or equipment.

Floating Floor

NO. Never install cabinets on top of floating flooring. Based on seasonal changes in humidity, the flooring material needs to expand and contract. If that can’t happen, the weight of the cabinets can cause the flooring to buckle and damage the flooring’s locking systems. A floating floor will fail if it is held down to the subfloor, especially if secured with glue, nails, pins, etc.

Instead, install these first: heavy cabinets, vanities, islands, etc.

Then install floating floors, allowing a ¼ inch gap between the flooring and the afformentioned heavy objects. Cover the gap with a ¼ inch round molding.

Remember: The flooring materials need to be able to expand and contract based on seasonal changes in humidity.

Note: Floating Floors can be installed under vanities with legs.

Can Cabinets Be Installed Over LooseLay Flooring?

Yes, but only with a full spread of adhesive. Using perimeter only or minimal adhesive is insufficient.

Heavy cabinets, vanities, islands, and such, should never be installed on top of LooseLay flooring with limited adhesive. Instead, we recommend you install vinyl flooring next to cabinets.

Pro Tip: Install the cabinets first if you believe the cabinets will remain a fixture for years longer than the flooring. This way, if you decide to replace the flooring, you’ll avoid damaging the base of the cabinets when you cut along the edge.

Question 30

KB01.008 - What you should know about the pH in water and vinyl flooring

Accepted Answer

What should I know about the pH in water and vinyl flooring?

Urban Surfaces flooring products are engineered to be waterproof. To achieve this status, our flooring materials undergo testing. For example, during production, observers weigh and measure the flooring material and place it in a container of pH-neutral water. After removing it, observers measure and weigh the flooring again, looking for any changes. Tests like this show the flooring material remains the same and does not absorb moisture.

What is pH?

This is a scale from 1 to 14 that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid. Distilled water sits in the middle of the scale, showing a neutral pH of 7. An acid has a pH below 7, and anything with a pH above 7 is an alkali or base. Vinegar is very acidic. It has a pH of about 2.

Damage Caused by pH Water

Again, Urban Surfaces flooring products are waterproof. However, cleaning vinyl flooring with substances that are too acidic can damage and dull the finish. A flood from above (or a slab leak from below) often changes the pH of a cured concrete slab, causing flooring material to break down. You should test the concrete subfloor to determine the pH level and alkalinity before installation. It’s important. Any pH level below 5 or above 9 can cause the adhesive to fail and break down the flooring, weakening its integrity. Over time, a highly acidic environment destroys flooring material. If the presence of water has distorted the shape of our flooring planks, extreme pH levels were the cause of failure.

Why Treat the Concrete Subfloor?

Installing waterproof flooring never makes a room waterproof. Only the flooring material is waterproof. That’s why, before you install any flooring, you should get rid of moisture from the slab below or from above. You’ll protect your flooring installation and likely avoid costly repairs in the future.

Quick Tip: To restore the shine of vinyl flooring, use a floor wax meant for vinyl flooring.

Question 31

KB05.011 - Can Urban Surfaces flooring be installed on walls?

Accepted Answer

Can Urban Surfaces flooring be installed on walls?

Yes! However, only certain Urban Surfaces flooring options should be used as wall covering.

The flooring must be:

One of our GlueDown flooring options.
2mm or less so weight is not an issue. (Urban Surfaces does not currently have any flooring smaller than 2mm.)

All wall-compatible flooring options are available to view here.

To install our LVT as a wall covering:

If possible, remove baseboards and wall switch/outlet plates (first, make sure power is turned off to the wall). It is also recommended to remove window trim where possible.
Purchase an adhesive meant specifically for this purpose, such as Taylor Adhesives’ Elevate. Make sure to follow the instructions as directed on the adhesive of choice. Be mindful of the flash and working time of the chosen adhesive.
Make sure the wall is smooth (untextured) and primed or painted with flat paint.
Mark guidelines, and precut planks if possible. Consider where to cut out shapes for switches, outlets, windows, etc.
Apply the adhesive to the wall with a ⅜-inch nap roller.
Make sure the planks are placed precisely before setting them. Adhesive can be very aggressive even before being pressure activated.
If using a pressure-activated adhesive, once all planks have been installed, use a hand roller on the entire wall to activate the adhesive.
Reinstall the previously removed baseboards, plates, and window trim.

For ideas on how to pattern the plank placement, see this article.

Important Note: Urban Surfaces is not responsible for installation failures due to improper adhesive selection or usage.

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