Frequently Asked Flooring Questions

Question 1

What are the main criteria when selecting the right flooring for the job?

Accepted Answer

There are two main criteria to consider when selecting the right flooring type for your project; Subfloor Condition and the Installation Setting.
Subfloor Condition
Cracks, divots and high/low spots are all common in concrete subfloors. Joint unevenness, raised or depressed fastener heads and plywood knot holes are all common in wood subfloors.  These imperfections can cause “telegraphing” or “show through” of the condition of the subfloor through the floor covering.  Without question, the best installations are those that take care of the subfloor irregularities prior to installation of the floor covering.  With that said, there are better materials to use than others when the subfloor is less than perfect.  A rigid core SPC product, like Sound-Tec, will mask the gentle unevenness in the subfloor by “Floating” over the top of the surface and not adhering to it.  Due to the rigidity of the planks, minor imperfections are smoothed over and will not show through to appear “wavy”.  Glue down LVT, however, will telegraph the subfloor imperfections through to the surface and the final installation will take on the unevenness of the surface beneath.  To secure the best installation outcome, ensure the subfloor is prepared properly to receive a flawless finish.  Portland cement-based floor patches should be used to fill in divots, holes and low spots to bring the subfloor up to a flat, level surface.
Proper subfloor preparation is an important and sometimes costly process.  In some cases, it might be prudent to choose a rigid core Click/Floating Floor to float over the top of the existing flooring.  While the rigid core products themselves may cost more per foot, the total installation may be less costly when compared to an extensive floor demo with a less costly floor covering option.
Installation Setting
The installation site and intended use of the floor will have a determining factor as to what type of floor covering should be installed.  When considering the right flooring with the right application, have the following considerations in mind:

How much foot traffic is expected?  The wear layer, the uppermost layer on the floor covering, is produced in varied thicknesses and measured in “Mils”. The thicker the wear layer, the more foot traffic it is designed to handle.  Typically, 8 mil wear layers are rated for Residential environments and 20 mil wear layers protect floors for Commercial applications.
Is the installation a commercial or residential application?  In high traffic commercial areas, a more permanently fixed solution is required to handle the increased demand put on the floor. Glue Down LVT is a smart choice as the flooring is “locked” down to the subfloor providing a superior base of support. 
Will rolling loads be present?  Glue down LVT withstands pressure from rolling loads much better than a Clip/Floating Floor.  Rolling loads are either machinery or equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, pianos, mail carts, bellhop carts, furniture dollies, busboy carts, office chairs, etc.
Will oversized or extremely heavy furniture be stationed on top of the flooring?  If so, be mindful of the weight of the stationary furniture piece.  Click/Floating Floors need to be able to expand and contract based on atmospheric conditions, and if there is a furniture piece that is effectively locking it down to the subfloor, then floor failure can occur around those furniture pieces.
Will pets be living on the floor?  Pet claws can cause damage to flooring with thin wear layers.  Look to install thicker wear layers where pets are present.

Vinyl Is The Right Flooring For You
All three vinyl flooring options; Glue Down LVT, Click/Floating Floor and Loose Lay Flooring can be installed below grade (basement level), on grade (ground level), and above grade (second floor or higher). Being naturally waterproof vinyl products they can also be installed in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms as well as in commercial spaces.

Question 2

Which vinyl flooring is the right one for your project?

Accepted Answer

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

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

Studio SPC Floor
Sound-Tec Floating Floor
Sound-Tec Plus Floating Floor
Sound-Tec Tile Floating Floor
SurfaceGuard Floating Floor

Click/Floating floor system works best in residential and light commercial applications. Urban Surfaces Click/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 Glue Down product.
Glue Down Vinyl Flooring
In terms of cost effectiveness, a Glue Down LVT floor installation often beats a Floating floor. However, a Glue Down 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 balance, unevenness in the surface, that can cause the adhesive and floor to fail.
Urban Surfaces products featuring Glue Down:

Studio LVT Floor
Main Street Glue Down Vinyl Floor
City Heights Glue Down Vinyl Floor
Level Seven Commercial Glue Down Vinyl Floor

For areas where you expect high foot traffic, use a Glue Down LVT system, which is also a good choice for projects on a tight budget.
Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring
Loose Lay flooring features the simplest installation system available. Laid as it sounds, “loose lay” installations require only minimal adhesive in small rooms; 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.
Urban Surfaces products featuring LooseLay:

InstaGrip LooseLay Floor

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

We offer four 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 four 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. But, 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 loads scratch.
While polyurethane protects against everyday scratches, there is a limit. Heavy or blunt objects like a refrigerator, for example, will scratch the polyurethane surface coating on any vinyl flooring product.
Shine.
You can wax polyurethane (if needed) with Urban 3040 Clear Coat wax.
Urban Surfaces products with polyurethane coating:

Studio LVT Floor
Main Street Glue Down Vinyl Floor
City Heights Glue Down Vinyl Floor
Level Seven Commercial Glue Down Vinyl Floor
Studio SPC 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.
You can wax the surface coating by using Urban 3040 Clear Coat, made to restore shine lost after years.
Urban Surfaces products featuring ceramic bead with polyurethane:

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

EZ Clean with Polyurethane.
This surface coating keeps things like dirt and liquid spills from penetrating the wear layer, so they’re easier to clean. For example, by simply rubbing the surface with a wet rag you can remove ink left from a permanent marker.
The EZ Clean polyurethane system adds more shine than a standard polyurethane floor because of its polymer blend.Important note: Never wax this surface coating with “Urban 3040 Clear Coat” or any other floor wax or sealer.

Urban Surfaces products with EZ Clean enhanced polyurethane:

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

Titania.
It’s the newest in surface coating technology by Urban Surfaces. This transparent metallic finish gives 10 times more scratch resistance than traditional polyurethane coatings.
How Titania is applied.
A new, high-tech manufacturing process fuses Titania to Surface-Guard. The metallic finish is applied. Then it’s heated to dry, clear and transparent.
Except for Titania, regular polyurethane systems rely on wear layers to accept the liquid coating.
Urban Surfaces products with Titania coating:

SurfaceGuard Floating Floor

Question 4

Can Sound-Tec flooring with ‘EZ Clean’ surface coating be waxed?

Accepted Answer

No, EZ Clean coating is an enhanced Polyurethane coating that does not allow foreign substances to penetrate the wear layer. Applying a wax will decrease the effectiveness of the EZ Clean coating.

SEE ALSO: Blog Post: 10 Ways to Ensure Your New Floor Stands the Test of Time

Question 5

Can you wax vinyl flooring made by Urban Surfaces?

Accepted Answer

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 needed.
However, you can wax a section of your vinyl floors that have been dulled, for example, by:
• 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 bottle. 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&#8217; 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 6

Are there repeated plank patterns in a box?

Accepted Answer

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.  Avoid installing the same plank patterns next to each other in groupings.

Question 7

What is the wear layer in vinyl flooring construction?

Accepted Answer

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 – 40 mil.
What is a mil? 
A mil is an Imperial measurement meaning thousandths of an inch. Mainly recorded in a mil, a wear layer can also be shown in millimeters (mm), or both.
Example: 40mil or 1.016mm.
These two figures represent the same measurement for the same wear layer thickness.
How thick should the wear layer be?
That depends on usage.
Residential: In residential settings, you’ll often see wear layers ranging from 6 mil – 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 must withstand day-long foot traffic, impacts from equipment with wheels, and more.

Question 8

Are larger planks better in quality?

Accepted Answer

Larger plank sizes can look more striking when installed in the right setting.  Sound-Tec Plus has a size of 9” x 60”, an upscale look compared to other planks sized at 6” x 36”.  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 9

Can vinyl flooring be installed over radiant heat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Urban Surfaces&#8217; 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:

Confirm the heat system’s maker allows installation of vinyl floors
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 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 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 10

How should I store Urban Surfaces vinyl flooring?

Accepted Answer

If you plan on installing your new vinyl flooring at a later date, please handle the boxes with care – and do this:
1. Store indoors, protected from the elements.
2. Store on a dry, level surface.
3. Store flat (never vertically).
4. Never store in an outdoor shed.
5. Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures.
IMPORTANT: Before installation, vinyl flooring must acclimate to the home where it will be placed.
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 11

How is vinyl flooring made?

Accepted Answer

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, let’s say, 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 in our flooring products. Also, virgin vinyl upholds the durability, waterproofness and stability of our flooring products.
Construction of flexible vinyl material:
Starting from the top.
1. A high-quality layer of polyurethane for scratch resistance.
2. A protective wear layer sheet.
3. A high-definition print film.
Layers are all fused 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 (which is hard yet brittle) mixed with PVC (and other inputs). A process adds PVC into a powdery, ground down limestone base. This adds flexibility. It 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.
1. A print film is applied on top of the SPC core (protected by a wear layer sheet above).
2. Under extreme pressure, a process fuses these 3 layers.
3. 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 flooring, like wood plastic composite, or WPC, is 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 blocks 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 12

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

Accepted Answer

At Urban Surfaces, we use only 100% virgin vinyl materials in the manufacturing process. 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, like fencing or park benches, indoor flooring products require a controlled and precise mixture for optimal air quality.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The Sound-Tec Collection consists of three lines; Sound-Tec Tile, Sound-Tec Plus, and Sound-Tec (original).
Sound-Tec Line Commonalities &#8211;

All three lines offer a ‘no glue, no-hassle’ click lock 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 &#8211;

# of colors options available in each line varies.

Sound-Tec &#8211; 25 wood tone color options
Sound-Tec Plus &#8211; 7 wood tone color options
Sound-Tec Tile &#8211; 6 tile color options

Size of piece

Sound-Tec &#8211; 7” x 48” plank size
Sound-Tec Plus &#8211; 9” x 60” plank size
Sound-Tec Tile &#8211; 12” x 24” tile size
Sound-Tec (original) has X amount of “cross-over colors”, meaning colors that are available in both the Sound-Tec Click as well as Glue Down LVT formats.

Question 14

Does Urban Surfaces offer the same colors in different lines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are thirteen colors in the Sound-Tec line that have crossover colors into Glue Down LVT lines.

Crossover Colors

Sound-Tec
Level Seven
Main Street
City Heights

Verona
9501-D
7011

Pike
9502-D
7021

Boardwalk
9503-D
7031

Emberwood
9506-D
7061

Ash
9507-D
7070
8307

Sedona
9508-D
7071

Dakota
9509-D
7081

Pembroke
9511-D
7091

Barn Owl
9522-D

8122

Midland Grey
9525-D

8050

Sierra
9560-D

8060

Midnight Grey
9573-D
7030

Yosemite
9599-D

8699

Question 15

What is the difference between water resistant and waterproof flooring?

Accepted Answer

Waterproof flooring.
When exposed to water, it remains unaffected or undamaged. But keep in mind, this flooring is unable to make your home 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, like swelling, buckling and blistering.
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, or 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. That’s the advantage it has. But zero in on any water or moisture issues before you install flooring &#8212; even vinyl waterproof flooring.
Glue down products.
Before using a glue down 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. On the other hand, flooring labeled as water-resistant handles common liquid spills but offers little protection from water.
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 16

Will Urban Surfaces’ flooring be damaged in a flood?

Accepted Answer

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 &#8212; from 1 to 14 &#8212; 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. Learn more about pH levels in water.
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. So, if water deformed Urban Surfaces flooring, it was, most likely, the 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 breakdown the flooring, weakening its integrity and longevity.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

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 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 &#8211; Vinyl Versus Laminate Flooring

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

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 then super heated 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 (scarcity) or are 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 inputs into 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 factory automation. Engineered wood flooring requires many hands-on craftsmen to create plywood sheets, inspect wood veneers for clarity and knotting, to 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.
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 &#8211; they are not “pH proof”. Learn more about pH levels. When water is introduced into a cured concrete slab from 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 likely the extreme pH levels that were the specific cause that led to the failure.

Question 19

What Should I Know about Indoor Air Quality?

Accepted Answer

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? Emission levels of specific volatile organic compounds (VOC).
• 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 &#8212; how well, how often
• Maintaining heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and filters &#8212; how well, how often
• People, activities and furnishing inside
• Outdoor environment
• Surfaces and finishes throughout
Here’s what you can do to improve indoor air quality:

1. Let fresh air in
2. Schedule annual HVAC maintenance
3. Change HVAC filters regularly
4. Schedule maintenance or remodeling with minimum impact
5. Control sources of VOCs

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Hard surface flooring is one good step towards better indoor air quality because it:
• Repels 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:
• Blocks out dust
• Blocks out 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 21

What is the difference between a “mil” and a “millimeter”?

Accepted Answer

A “millimeter” is used in reference to the floorings overall thickness, whereas a “mil’ refers to the thickness of the floorings wear layer. Both are units of measurement dealing in 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, or 1000 mils would be 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.

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

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 Glue Down 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 those 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 glue down installation to even out subfloor inconsistencies, the micro bevel can assist.
Glue Down 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 LVT Floor
Square Edge

Main Street Glue Down Vinyl Floor
Square Edge

City Heights Glue Down Vinyl Floor
Square Edge

Level Seven Commercial Glue Down Vinyl Floor
Micro-Bevel

Click/Floating Floor has 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 edges of each piece are painted with a special machine with a complimenting color to the floor.  This added detail brings dimension and interest to the floor, highlighting each boards’ character.

Product Line
Bevel Type

Studio SPC Floor
Micro Bevel

Sound-Tec Floating Floor (original)
Micro Bevel

Sound-Tec Tile Floating Floor
Micro Bevel

Sound-Tec Plus Floating Floor
Painted Bevel

SurfaceGuard Floating Floor
Painted Bevel

Question 23

Does Urban Surfaces offer installation services?

Accepted Answer

In lieu of installation services, Urban Surfaces will gladly recommend you to a network of trusted installers and contractors, anywhere in the United States. For a qualified installation partner near you, please email Urban Surfaces at sales@urbansurfaces.com.

Question 24

Does Urban Surfaces offer training on proper flooring installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Urban Surfaces offers consultations by phone or video chat.
Discussions include:

Selecting the right flooring products
Subfloor preparation
Flooring installation procedures

You will get:

Guidance
Tips
Recommendations
Technical advice

To request a consultation, contact Urban Surfaces in one of three ways:

Get in touch with your sales representative
Call 800-492-8722
Email sales@UrbanSurfaces.com

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

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)
Be structurally sound

Making a substrate level

Concrete substrate: use a portland cement or gypsum based floor patch
Plywood substrate: 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.
Is a flat subfloor important with the types of flooring installation listed below?
Glue Down LVT flooring
Yes. It measures only 2-3 mm thick. Thin and flexible, it telegraphs imperfections in the subfloor not remedied before installation.
Click/Floating floors
No. Rigid vinyl planks like Sound-Tec and SurfaceGuard float over minor subfloor imperfections. They mask subfloor unevenness. However, because of the precisely milled clip system, a flat substrate is recommended for support.

Question 26

What is the best direction to lay flooring?

Accepted Answer

Here’s what seasoned flooring installers do. Before starting the job, they lay out several planks on the floor, so they can see how the flooring would look in a variety of directions.
Be creative with your installation. Try these patterns:
The random look.
• Install in staggered pattern
A contrasting look.
• Lay planks diagonally at a 45-degree angle
Create the illusion of a longer space.
• Lay planks parallel to the longest wall in the installation area
Sound-Tec series with RapidLock.
• Planks install together with fewer transition moldings
(These connect seamlessly on the long edges only).

Glue down.
• Install Glue Down or InstaGrip in a herringbone or Chevron pattern
Try different combinations. It’s all a matter of taste.

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

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, among different batches, the color, shade or texture may vary.
That’s why installers should inspect flooring from different batches.
But, sometimes, 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
Major projects move in phases. Since the flooring will be installed over periods of time, contractors often buy more flooring than they need for, say, phase 1. One reason is that it guards against stock outs. Plus, 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 the flooring for the next phase, do this:
1. Take the planks out of the box
2. Inspect the different batch runs
3. 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 28

Can extra underlayments be installed under vinyl floating floors?

Accepted Answer

Urban Surfaces&#8217; floating floors come with foam pad underlayments applied during the manufacturing process.
No extra underlayments are needed.
You might think adding extra underlayments is a good idea. However, there is a downside. Adding extra underlayments can:

Damage the flooring’s locking mechanism/click because of
the movement they allow.
Weaken the click system exposed to high traffic areas.

If you still want to add extra underlayments, we suggest Leggett &#038; Platt’s Whisper Step. Other brands work as well. Just be sure the underlayments match the specifications of our underlayments, including density, thickness and material type.
Please follow the manufacturer specifications and directions for proper installation.

Question 29

Can underlayments be installed under Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)?

Accepted Answer

Leggett &#038; Platt’s Whisper Step® or an underlayment meeting the same specifications of density, thickness and material type may be used with Urban Surfaces’ Glue Down LVT products if desired. Please follow the manufacturer’s specifications and directions for installation. The installer/owner is responsible for making sure the underlayment is suitable for the installation.
While the option to install an underlayment is available, Urban Surfaces does not recommend doing so.  Here’s why:
A Glue Down LVT Floor is only as good as its ability to stay “stuck” to the subfloor with proper adhesion.  Adhesive failure leads to floor failure.  With the introduction of a layer of foam, rubber or other underlayment materials, the adhesive is likely to break down before the useful life of the LVT floor would have otherwise allowed for.  Simply put, adhesive directly applied between the LVT and the subfloor is a nearly bulletproof installation whereas adhesive spread between the subfloor and the underlayment and again between the LVT flooring and the foam underlayment can breakdown prematurely.
The bottom line is that LVT floors require a solid, unmoving base for successful, long lasting installations.  The introduction of an underlayment compromises the base and ultimately undermines the adhesive’s grab.

Question 30

Can Urban Surfaces’ floors be installed below grade?

Accepted Answer

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.
Also, Urban Surfaces floors require a neutral concrete pH level of 5-9 &#8211; 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 by water damage, it is more likely the extreme pH levels that were the specific cause that led to the failure.
The attached pad on 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 Glue Down 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 &#8211; some up to 100% RH.  Determining the suitability of the correct adhesive and floor covering is the responsibility of the installer.

Question 31

Does a glue down installation leave an odor?

Accepted Answer

Naturally, most adhesives emit an odor. It’s part of the process of installing some vinyl flooring, like Glue Down vinyl tile (LVT). To install it, 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.
But don’t worry. After a few days, the odor goes away.
Some types of flooring can be installed without adhesive, like Floating/Click 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. So, again, turn on a portable fan with blades.
Keep in mind, you also need proper ventilation when removing old floor coverings, like carpeting, for example.
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 32

Can heavy cabinets be installed on top of vinyl flooring?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, install heavy 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.
Glue Down 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.
Click/Floating Floor
NO. Never install cabinets on top of Click/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 Click/Floating floor will fail if it is held down to the subfloor, especially if secured with:
• Glue
• Nails
• Pins
Instead, install these first: heavy cabinets, vanities, islands, etc.
Then install Click/Floating floors, allowing a ¼ inch gap between the flooring and the cabinets (cover the gap with a ¼ inch round molding).
The flooring materials need to be able to expand and contract based on seasonal changes in humidity.
ONE EXCEPTION. Click/Floating Floors can be installed under vanities with legs.
Can cabinets be installed over LooseLay flooring?
The answer depends on the amount of adhesive applied.
• Minimal (Perimeter only or Perimeter + limited field)
• Full spread
Minimal Adhesive
NO. 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.
Full Spread of Adhesive
YES. Cabinets can be installed on top of LooseLay flooring that was installed with a full spread of adhesive.
PRO TIP: Install the cabinets first if you believe the cabinets will remain a fixture 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 33

What you should know about the pH in water and vinyl flooring

Accepted Answer

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.
What is pH?This is a scale &#8212; from 1 to 14 &#8212; 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 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 breakdown the flooring,
weakening its integrity.
Over time, a highly acidic environment destroys flooring material. If water distorted the shape of the flooring planks, extreme pH levels most likely caused the 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 vinyl floor wax.

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