Before you Begin
These are general installation instructions only. Special conditions may result in different recommendations. Please contact us for information regarding unusual conditions such as substrates, unusual temperature or moisture exposures or other variables which may affect performance. Complete instructions are located on adhesive container labels. All products must be adhered using TransitFlor’s recommended adhesive and full spread application and are intended for interior installation only.
Preparing the Substrate
During the period 24 hours before installation and throughout the adhesive curing period, the sub floor temperature should not be colder than 65°F or warmer than 85°F. Be sure that the sub-floor is flat, dry, smooth and free from foreign matter. Sanding metal or composite surfaces is important to give the adhesive a surface to grip. Remove all sanding dust using compressed air or a vacuum. Clean all floor panels using 50/50 acetone/water mix.
Do not walk on the cleaned floor.
Wait 20 minutes for the acetone/water mixture to evaporate before applying adhesive. Wipe the bonding (back) surface of TransitFlor® with a dry, clean rag to remove all dust and debris.
Bonding TransitFlor® to sub-floor
The sub floor temperature should not be colder than 65°F or warmer than 85°F to ensure proper initial and long-term adhesion. Dry fit all flooring pieces and cut as needed. A utility knife and a straight edge are the most common tools used for cutting TransitFlor®. Roll up the rubber flooring and then positioning the roll such that unrolling will be progressively done to minimize trapped air pockets once set in the adhesive. Apply the rubber flooring adhesive in accordance with the adhesive label instructions. It is extremely important to follow the adhesive label instructions as procedure varies by manufacturer. The use of some contact adhesives will not allow for the flooring to be rolled back up once adhesive has been applied, in this case the roll of flooring will be installed one half of the roll at a time. Pull one half of the roll away from the sub-floor lengthwise, apply adhesive and install. Once the first half of the roll is set in the adhesive, repeat the process with the second half of the roll. Follow this same process for all remaining flooring rolls. It is important to roll the flooring with a 100 pound sectional roller to set the flooring in the adhesives. Some adhesives also recommend a second rolling with a sectional roller an hour later.
TransitFlor® does not require or recommend any additional seam sealing system be used with our products. If an end user requests such a system, please contact us for recommendations.
Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Sweep or vacuum any loose dirt, gravel or any other debris from under seat and isles. Mix a solution of non ionic/neutral detergent/degreaser and water according to detergent manufacturer’s instructions in a bucket. With a mop or hard bristled push broom add the solution to the floor then agitate the cleaning solution on the dirty flooring. When the flooring has reached a clean state; vacuum, mop up or squeegee the cleaning solution/dirty water from the floor. Any dirt or cleaning solution not removed can be redistributed to the floor when it dries so it is important to remove it thoroughly. With clean water in a bucket, mop the floor again. This final rinse will help to insure no dirt or cleaning solution residue remains on the floor. Dry mop, vacuum or squeegee the rinse water from the flooring. This step can be repeated if needed. All cleaning solution residue must be removed with this step. Cleaning solutions or left over grease and oils can become slippery when rain or snow reactivates then so a thorough rinse is key.
Detergents that are not neutral or non-ionic often contain high levels of foaming agents or surfactants. Detergents or degreasers such as these can be very difficult to remove during the rinse step. Residue from these detergents or degreasers can become very slippery when water or snow reactivates them.
Stain Removal
Stain removal involves using a cleaner with similar chemistry to the staining agent. If you know what has caused a stain, you can choose the appropriate cleaner more easily. Always follow label directions. Allow the cleaner to do most of the work by giving it time to react with the stain before neutralizing (if needed) and rinsing. More than one application may be needed on some stains. (The “Name Brand” products listed are ones we have used successfully. Your supplier may have a chemically similar product which may work on these stains.) Before using cleaning products other than those listed, always test these products on a sample of the flooring to be sure they will not damage the rubber flooring.
When two (or more) methods are suggested, always try them in the order listed.
- “409” is Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner – Grocery Store
- “Profi” is a non-ionic cleaner available from Lever Industrial Co. North Charleston, SC – 800-827-5487 (other non-ionic cleaners include “Woo lite” and many dishwashing liquids)
- “Zud” is Zud Cleaner (active ingredient – oxalic acid) – Grocery Store
- “De-Solv-It” is a spot remover made by Orange-Sol, Inc., Gilbert, AZ 800-877-7771
Be sure to try plain, warm water on any stain before using any cleaners.
| Type of Stain | Remover | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| ball point pen Ink | 409 Hair spray | Follow label directions Spray on stain and wipe off within one minute. (You should see the ink "bleed" as soon as you spray it). Clean the area exposed to hair spray with 409 |
| water based paint or tempra | 409 | Plain water will tend to dilute the stain and spread it rather than remove it |
| chewing gum | 409 De-Solv-It | Allow to soak and soften gum; when soft, remove with scraper. (May need to repeat) Follow label directions |
| rust | Zud | Follow label directions |
| black heel marks | 409 | Follow label directions |
| paper glue (Elmers) | Profi | Follow label directions |
| crayon | Profi | Follow label directions |
| mustard, ketchup, coffee, tea | 409 | Follow label directions |
| urine | white toothpaste | Rub on stain & let stand for 15 minutes. Rinse clear with water |
| tar, asphalt | De-Solv-It 409 | Follow label directions. These are petroleum based stains and prompt removal is important |