We must always consider the importance of prepping the substrate for the installation of carpet tiles – it’s just good marketing! Instead of addressing all aspects of floor preparation, let’s concentrate on substrate preparation for carpet tile installation for a wood or concrete substrate. I am not addressing vapor emissions, porosity or bond breakers at this time. The items we will address are those that “could have and should have” been taken care of in the floor prep portion of our installation.

Most manufacturers now have multiple types of backings on their carpet tile. PVC, thermoplastic, fiberglass and cushion back are a few examples. The multiple types of backings require more attention to our prep methods. The carpet manufacturers must continue to introduce new backings with new marketing strategies to attempt to gain market share.

Moisture, run the Calcium Chloride Test, most manufacturers recommend 3-lbs. or less. If you have high moisture, you will need to apply a moisture retarder product. The Interface Stroll Carpet, which is a floating Carpet Tile, has a roll out moisture reduction mat called MoistureGard 2.0. The floating tile can then be installed directly over this membrane without the need for waiting for coatings to dry and are there any adhesive compatibility issues.

As with installation, manufacturing and distribution of flooring products is very competitive. As installers, we can learn a few things in marketing and creating opportunities by being proactive and getting ahead of the curve. Make it a personal goal to learn about the new products and why you as a knowledgeable installer, should be the “chosen one” for all your bids. Let me emphasize that great hand skills do not make you a great installer. Today, it is the package of “Presentation, Quality and Value” that separates you from the crowd.
Now, let’s talk about something that is part of the “total package” that I mentioned earlier. It’s knowledge about the substrate. With any type of substrate, it is important when you are detailing your job to note the existing adhesive that is present on the floor.

Carpet tile adhesive on top of multiple layers of broadloom adhesive, is a huge liability for flooring contractors. Many manufacturers state that at the very minimum, the ridges of the existing adhesive are to be removed. With multiple layers of old adhesive, removing the ridges is just not enough. Application of a carpet tile adhesive on top an existing broadloom adhesive creates emulsification of the combination of adhesives over a period of time.
Depending on what occurs between the adhesives, the time frame for reaction may be 3- 6 weeks or even 6 months. In some instances, the adhesives breakdown and create a gooey substance that liquefies and seeps up between the tiles.

The breakdown of adhesives is easily recognized by the following signs. The adhesive turns into thick liquid “goo.” It is very slick and the initial complaint may be that the tiles are shrinking. The tiles are not shrinking; they are sliding as we walk on them. The expansion gaps that were left at the drywall or under the toed base create an area for expansion. As the field and trimmed edge tiles slide to butt against framing walls, it is very visible that the middle and edge glued tiles are gapping. The gap locations may change as the tiles are in a state of constant flux.

The breakdown of adhesives can be even more severe if the old adhesive is a solvent-based product. Cut-back adhesive reaction times are quicker and more severe.