U.S. patent application number 14/994262 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-05 for easy to install and remove tile system.
The applicant listed for this patent is ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.. Invention is credited to KEAN M. ANSPACH, MICHAEL E. BUCKWALTER, JOHN R. ESHBACH, CHARLES H. HINES, JAMES F. MATHIS, LYNN M. WISE.
Application Number | 20160123018 14/994262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47879306 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160123018 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WISE; LYNN M. ; et
al. |
May 5, 2016 |
EASY TO INSTALL AND REMOVE TILE SYSTEM
Abstract
Described herein is a method of installing a flooring system
overlying a subfloor comprising laying a plurality of liners having
a grid pattern printed thereon on the subfloor such that
longitudinal edge portions of adjacent liners are adjacent or
overlapping; and adhering a plurality of tiles to the liners with
an adhesive such that the tiles are substantially aligned with the
grid pattern, and edges of adjacent tiles substantially abut,
whereby some of the tiles overlie the longitudinal edge portions of
at least two of the adjacent liners and are adhered thereto.
Inventors: |
WISE; LYNN M.; (Lancaster,
PA) ; MATHIS; JAMES F.; (Lancaster, PA) ;
ANSPACH; KEAN M.; (Quarryville, PA) ; ESHBACH; JOHN
R.; (Mount Joy, PA) ; BUCKWALTER; MICHAEL E.;
(New Providence, PA) ; HINES; CHARLES H.;
(Columbia, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. |
Lancaster |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47879306 |
Appl. No.: |
14/994262 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13679742 |
Nov 16, 2012 |
9249583 |
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14994262 |
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11643409 |
Dec 21, 2006 |
8322100 |
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13679742 |
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60752430 |
Dec 21, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/747.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/10 20130101;
E04F 21/22 20130101; E04F 15/0215 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04F 15/02 20060101
E04F015/02 |
Claims
1. A method of installing a flooring system overlying a subfloor
comprising: a) laying a plurality of liners having a grid pattern
printed thereon on the subfloor such that longitudinal edge
portions of adjacent liners are adjacent or overlapping; and b)
adhering a plurality of tiles to the liners with an adhesive such
that the tiles are substantially aligned with the grid pattern, and
edges of adjacent tiles substantially abut, whereby some of the
tiles overlie the longitudinal edge portions of at least two of the
adjacent liners and are adhered thereto.
2. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 1, further
comprising adhering the liners to the subfloor.
3. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 1, wherein
the liners float atop the subfloor.
4. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 1, wherein
at least one of the plurality of liners is supplied on a roll, the
liners being rolled-out from the roll prior to step a).
5. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 1, wherein
at least one of the plurality of liners is supplied on a roll, the
liners being rolled-out from the roll during step a).
6. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 1, wherein
the grid pattern of adjacent or overlapping liners are
substantially aligned subsequent to step a).
7. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 1, further
comprising locating and marking a longitudinal center of a room in
which the flooring system is to be installed with a longitudinal
center mark, and aligning the longitudinal edge portions of the
liners with the longitudinal center marks.
8. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 1, further
comprising replacing at least one of the tiles of the flooring
system with a new tile by prying up a corner or the edge of the
tile to be replaced with a blade, continuing to pull up the tile to
be replaced by hand, and installing a new tile.
9. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 1, further
comprising removing the flooring system by cutting the liners at a
tile perimeter, pulling up the tiles and the liners adhered
thereto, and stacking the tiles with the liners adhered
thereto.
10. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 1, the
liners have a thickness ranging from about 2.5 mils to about 8
mils.
11. A method of installing a flooring system overlying a subfloor
comprising: a) laying a plurality of liners having a grid pattern
printed thereon on the subfloor such that longitudinal edge
portions of adjacent liners are adjacent or overlapping and the
grid pattern of adjacent or overlapping liners are substantially;
and b) adhering a plurality of tiles to the liners such that the
tiles are substantially aligned with the grid pattern, whereby some
of the tiles overlie the longitudinal edge portions of at least two
of the adjacent liners and are adhered thereto.
12. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 11,
wherein the liners are supplied on a roll and the liners being
rolled-out from the roll prior to step a).
13. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 11,
wherein the liners are supplied on a roll and the liners being
rolled-out from the roll during step a).
14. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 11,
wherein the grid pattern of adjacent or overlapping liners are
substantially aligned subsequent to step a).
15. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 11,
further comprising locating and marking a longitudinal center of a
room in which the flooring system is to be installed with a
longitudinal center mark, and aligning the longitudinal edge
portions of the liners with the longitudinal center marks.
16. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 11,
further comprising replacing at least one of the tiles of the
flooring system with a new tile by prying up a corner or the edge
of the tile to be replaced with a blade, continuing to pull up the
tile to be replaced by hand, and installing a new tile.
17. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 11,
further comprising removing the flooring system by cutting the
liners at a tile perimeter, pulling up the tiles and the liners
adhered thereto, and stacking the tiles with the liners adhered
thereto.
18. The method of installing the flooring system of claim 11, the
liners have a thickness ranging from about 2.5 mils to about 8
mils.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/679,742, filed on Nov. 16, 2012, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/643,409, filed on Dec. 21, 2006 and
now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,322,100, which claims the benefit of
U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/752,430, filed Dec. 21,
2005, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
flooring including tiles and more particularly to a flooring system
that enables the tiles to be easily installed and removed. Still
more particularly the present invention relates to resilient tiles
and a flooring system comprising a plurality of tiles, a plurality
of liners having a grid pattern printed thereon and adhesive to
adhere the tiles to the liners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The floor replacement cycle for resilient flooring tile is
long because among other reasons residential resilient tile is
often difficult to remove and replace. The removability of fully
adhered tile varies--sometimes it comes up with great difficulty, a
small piece at a time--at best tile is removed with moderate
difficulty in larger pieces or entire tile.
[0004] Further, residential resilient tile can be difficult to
repair. Repair usually involves removing the tile in multiple
pieces, scraping the floor, and respreading adhesive.
[0005] Also, residential tile can be difficult to recycle, since it
usually comes up in pieces. These pieces are not easily collected
and contained for shipping to a recycling plant. Additionally, as
small pieces they are not easily identified as safely recyclable
tile, possibly being non-vinyl tile or tile containing hazardous
materials. The residential tile to be recycled may include an
underlayment comprising materials not normally used to make
tile.
[0006] With prior art residential tile, replacing the tile that has
been removed requires additional subfloor preparation. This usually
involves manual adhesive scraping, patching, and/or the
installation of 1/4'' plywood.
[0007] Another disadvantage of prior art resilient tile is that it
is not easily customizable or themed.
[0008] An issue for the average do-it-yourselfer is that planning
the tile job can be confusing. It may be difficult for the average
homeowner to properly center and balance the tile in the room.
Also, positioning and centering a rolled-out underlayment on the
floor can be difficult if the room center marks are covered by an
opaque underlayment.
[0009] Further, water can get trapped under the tile in wet areas.
This is especially true when using adhesive tabs, i.e.
discontinuous adhesive, to install the tile.
[0010] In order to make a floor that floats, the flooring pieces
must be attached to each other. Inexpensive tile is usually thin
and weak and not easily locked together via the edges. Tiles that
are not affixed to the subfloor with full-spread glue can be prone
to shifting due to foot pivoting and due to furniture movement.
[0011] Another issue with a floating floor is that installing tile
on a floating underlayment on plywood or on an existing floor can
lead to fatigue failure under chair wheels due to repeated flexing
of the tile. Also, fatigue failure due to repeated flexing of the
tile under chair wheels is enabled by and manifested at the tile
joints. Further, dragging appliances over floating tile system can
result in the tile or underlayment being torn.
[0012] Changing seasons cause the subfloor in typical residential
construction to move with changing moisture levels. This movement
can cause flooring to buckle due to shrinkage of the subfloor or
tearing due to expansion of the subfloor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to a method of installing
a flooring system overlying a subfloor comprising: laying a
plurality of liners having a grid pattern printed thereon on the
subfloor such that longitudinal edge portions of adjacent liners
are adjacent or overlapping; and adhering a plurality of tiles to
the liners with an adhesive such that the tiles are substantially
aligned with the grid pattern, and edges of adjacent tiles
substantially abut, whereby some of the tiles overlie the
longitudinal edge portions of at least two of the adjacent liners
and are adhered thereto.
[0014] Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
method of installing a flooring system overlying a subfloor
comprising: laying a plurality of liners having a grid pattern
printed thereon on the subfloor such that longitudinal edge
portions of adjacent liners are adjacent or overlapping and the
grid pattern of adjacent or overlapping liners are substantially;
and adhering a plurality of tiles to the liners such that the tiles
are substantially aligned with the grid pattern, whereby some of
the tiles overlie the longitudinal edge portions of at least two of
the adjacent liners and are adhered thereto.
[0015] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1 to 7 are schematic representations showing
installation steps of the present installation method.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan review showing the location of the
adhesive tabs.
[0018] FIGS. 9 to 12 are schematic representations showing further
installation steps of the present installation method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The installation of the system involves rolling out the
liner, using the printed grid as a centering aid. First the center
run of liner is rolled out then side runs of liner are rolled out
to reach the wall. Next adhesive dots are applied to each corner of
the tile, or adhesive is sprayed over the selected liner area or
tile and allowed to dry. The tile is then laid onto the grid.
[0020] Individual tiles can be replaced by prying with a knife
blade in a corner or edge of the tile and slowly prying up the
tile, continuing to pull by hand as soon as the corner can be
gripped. Then a new tile can be installed in its place.
[0021] Removal of the entire installation involves pulling up the
tile/liner starting at a corner or edge, cutting the liner at the
tile perimeter, and restacking the tile for disposal/recycle.
[0022] The liner may be a 32'' wide, 4 mil clear, matt finish,
rigid vinyl film. To enable positioning and centering the tile the
liner should have grid lines the size of the tile to be installed
printed on the liner. In one embodiment, a row of squares are
centered longitudinally on the liner and two rows of half tile
sized rectangles are printed adjacent the edges of the liner. The
width of the liner can be a multiple of the tile width, with the
row of tiles centered or the seam between the rows of tiles
centered, in which case the liners are laid with the edges of
adjacent liners adjacent. If the width of the liners is somewhat
greater than a multiple of the tile width, the edge portions of
adjacent liners are overlapped when the liners are laid.
[0023] The modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, grid layout,
and moisture resistance of the film are important to the proper
functioning of the liner during installation and afterwards. The
liner should be stiff enough to reduce the degree of flexing and
deter buckling.
[0024] In one embodiment, the tiles are
16''.times.16''.times.0.125'' modular vinyl tile. The adhesive may
be adhesive dots applied to each of the corners of the tile, or
pressure sensitive adhesive, or a spray adhesive applied to the
tile or liner. The tiles can have other dimensions, such as a
12''.times.12'' tile or 18''.times.18'' tile or be self-adhering
Place`n`Press tile of any size. The tile can be of different shapes
such as rectangles, triangles, parallelograms. Different tile
compositions can include non-PVC tile and liner, or any tile with a
degree of conformability. The concept can likely be used with a
variety of adhesive types including full adhesive on the back of
the tile, dots of various kinds of adhesive, and spray
adhesive.
[0025] The liner can either float on the substrate or be adhered to
the substrate with an adhesive or other means that does not damage
the substrate and is easy to remove. The tile can be laid over the
entire substrate or form an island on the substrate. If an island
is formed, it is preferred that the tile overlying the edge of the
liner extend beyond the edge of the liner and is adhered to the
substrate.
[0026] Olsen Stiffness values are obtained on a Tinius Olsen
Stiffness Tester with a range of 0 to 6 inch-pounds or 0 to 50
inch-pounds depending on the sample stiffness. The protocol
described in ASTM D-747 was followed to measure the values with the
exception that the values reported were obtained at an angle of 20
degrees and sample run on the 50 in-pound machine were 2'' wide as
opposed to 1'' wide. The stiffness test is a measure of the force
in inch-pounds needed to bend the material 20 degrees.
[0027] Olsen stiffness at 73.4 degrees F., 5 degree, 2 inch width,
1 inch span of no greater than 10 in-lb yields a tile that will
conform sufficiently to the substrate on which it is laid.
Preferably, the Olsen stiffness is no greater than 5 in-lb.
[0028] The Liner Specification for one embodiment of the tile, in
which the liner is 36'' wide allowing for a 4'' overlap on each
edge with 16'' tile, is set forth in Table I below:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Thin, non-glass option Glass option
Composition rigid vinyl film vinyl plastisol saturated glass scrim
Thickness 0.0025'' to 0.008'' prefer 0.025'' +/- 0.003'' or thinner
0.004'' +/- 0.0005'' if all other properties can be met Width 36''
+/- 0.030'' 36'' +/- 0.030'' Modulus Prefer 200,000 psi minimum
40,000 psi minimum Thickness times Modulus = 400 to 1000 lb/in
Yield Load 5 lbs/inch minimum, 5 lbs/inch minimum, prefer 14
lbs/inch minimum prefer 14 lbs/inch minimum Gloss-60 20-40
preferred - full gloss 20-40 preferred - full gloss degree is
acceptable is acceptable Resistance to growth 0.3% maximum, growth
0.3% maximum, Moisture prefer 0.1% maximum prefer 0.1% maximum
Immersion Test prefer 0.1% maximum absorption up to 5% acceptable
Dimensional 0.3% change maximum, prefer 0.1% 0.3% change maximum
prefer 0.1% Stability, 6 change maximum change maximum weeks @115
degrees F. Camber Ten meters of material cut from a Ten meters of
material cut from a roll and laid on a flat, smooth roll and laid
on a flat, smooth surface surface shall lay flat overall, with
shall lay flat overall, with minimal minimal puckering and baggy
edge puckering and baggy edge effect. effect. Prefer vary no more
than 15 mm Prefer vary no more than 15 mm from a straight line,
with overlap from a straight line, with overlap may vary 150 mm,
without overlap may vary 150 mm, without overlap may vary 40 mm.
may vary 40 mm. Plastisol (Glass Minimal migration, butyl benzyl
Option Only) phthalate (BBP) preferred plasticizer.
[0029] The Liner Specification for one embodiment of the tile, in
which the liner is 36'' wide allowing for a 4'' overlap on each
edge
[0030] The liner can also be formed from other materials, such as
PET, PETG or Mylar. PETG can be successfully recycled into vinyl
tile. Polyethylene likely cannot be recycled into vinyl tile.
[0031] Installation
[0032] The tile installation method provides an easy do-it-yourself
system for consumers to install their favorite tile patterns. It
takes the guesswork out of planning the tile layout and allows for
a durable installation without the use of messy adhesives that can
damage existing flooring. If desired, it can be easily removed or
replaced as fashion and room use needs change. The installation
method with adhesive tabs is not intended for bathrooms, laundries
and other places where surface water and spills are likely to occur
on a regular basis. The use of spray adhesive, in place of the
adhesive tabs, provides added protection against surface water
penetration.
[0033] Materials Needed:
[0034] Modular tile, Layout grid liner, Adhesive tabs, and Tape
measure, pencil, hammer, pry bar, saw, household transparent tape,
utility knife, scissors, carpenter's square or straight edge, and
some cardboard or craft paper if a pattern needs to be made to fit
to an irregular shaped object.
[0035] Preparation:
[0036] Remove furniture and appliances from the room. The tile can
be fit directly to existing baseboard and trim moldings, however
removing the baseboard molding and replacing it after the tile is
in place will make the perimeter fitting much easier. Undercut
doorframes (optional) to allow the tile to slip underneath and make
fitting tiles around doorframes easier. Use a tile and hand saw, as
known in the art. The tile is laid adjacent the doorframe and the
saw is positioned with the blade resting on the surface of the tile
with the teeth adjacent the doorframe and the handle of the saw
extending past the edge of the tile. With the saw in this position,
the doorframe is cut to remove the lower portion and permit the
tile to be slid under the door frame.
[0037] All subfloors must be smooth, flat, clean and dry.
Irregularities in the subfloor can telegraph through to the tile.
Damaged areas in the subfloor should be repaired to create a
structurally sound and firm base.
[0038] Suitable Substrates:
[0039] Old Vinyl Flooring: Must be a single layer and not be
cushioned-backed or foam-backed. The vinyl must be firmly bonded.
Loose vinyl, gapped seams, cuts, tears, rips or other damage need
to be repaired.
[0040] Wood Floors: Must be structurally sound, meet applicable
building codes and show minimal deflection. The tile can go over
most types of wood subfloors and underlayments except for
particleboard. Loose vinyl, gapped seams, cuts, tears, rips or
other damage need to be repaired.
[0041] Concrete/Ceramic/Terrazzo/Marble:
[0042] Must be clean, dry and dust-free. Cracks, unevenness and
other damage need to be repaired. If installing over ceramic,
terrazzo, or marble tile, the ceramic, terrazzo or marble tile must
be firmly bonded.
[0043] Do Not Install Over:
[0044] Carpet, Existing cushioned (foam-backed) vinyl flooring, or
existing resilient tile floors that are on or below grade.
[0045] The layout grid liner serves several purposes. It is an aid
to planning the layout in the room and "balancing" the installation
to avoid small pieces of tile at the perimeter walls. It protects
the existing floor surfaces from damage and when it is decided to
change flooring, makes removal and replacement much easier.
[0046] The layout grid is only to be used as an aid. After starting
to lay tile on top of the grid (as described in succeeding steps)
each tile must butt neatly and squarely to adjoining the tile, even
if the tile edges start to wander slightly from the gridlines.
[0047] Step 1 (FIG. 1). In most rooms 1, there will be one or two
walls 2 and 3 that are relatively longer and straighter than other
walls. In these instructions such walls are referred to as
prominent walls. Find the midpoint of the room between the two most
prominent parallel walls 2 and 3 and place a small piece of masking
tape 4 and 5 with a pencil mark at two spaced locations.
[0048] Step 2 (FIG. 2). Slightly unroll the layout grid liner 6 and
trim the leading edge 7 the first grid mark G running across the
liner using scissors. Measure the overall length of the room (Y) in
the direction parallel to your two prominent walls. Unroll the
layout grid 6 and, measuring from the leading edge 7, cut the first
length of layout grid liner 6 at the grid mark past the measured
distance Y.
[0049] Step 3 (FIG. 3). Align one long edge 8 of the layout grid
liner 6 with the midpoint marks 4 and 5 on the floor, allowing the
ends to be flashed up the walls. Do a test layout of the tiles by
positioning a tile (shown shaded in FIG. 3) on the layout grid
lines and butting additional tile (shown shaded in FIG. 3) against
each other, working towards one of the prominent walls. If the
distance between the last full tile and the prominent wall is at
least one-half the width of the tile, go directly to step 5.
[0050] Step 4 (FIG. 4). If the distance between the last full tile
and the prominent wall is less than one-half the width of the tile,
then it is recommended that the layout grid liner 6 be shifted
(toward the center of the room) by one-half the width of the tile
so the tile at the prominent walls will be greater than one-half of
a tile. This can be done by moving the original pencil marks or by
shifting the layout grid liner 6 so that one of the long grid lines
9 fall on top of the original marks 4 and 5, as shown in FIG. 4.
The prominent walls will now be balanced for equal-sized pieces
larger than one-half tile.
[0051] Step 5 (FIG. 5). Next, visually balance the grid to the
remaining `end` walls 9 and 10 or obstructions, such as cabinet 12.
A small amount of the grid liner 6 should flash up the walls, so
there will be good-sized pieces of tile at these walls. It is
almost impossible to do this in every room, but try to avoid cut
pieces at the perimeter areas that are less than 5 or 6 inches in
width. Shift the layout grid liner 6 in the long direction to
accomplish this but make sure the edge 8 of the grid liner 6, or
one of the long grid lines 9, remains on top of the marks 4 and 5
as determined in the previous step to maintain balance at the
prominent walls 2 and 3.
[0052] Step 6 (FIG. 6). Tape the "balanced" starting grid liner 6
to the subfloor 14 using common household transparent tape 13.
Start near the middle of the grid liner 6, and gently push out any
wrinkles or distortions. Tape the liner 6 to the subfloor 14 by
placing a small amount of tape (about 1'' piece) along both edges
of the liner 6. Use tape 13 at every other grid line running across
the sheet. The ends of the liner may now be cut with scissors or a
utility knife to fit to the end walls 10 and 11 or cabinet 12. Do
not fit too tight. Try to stay about 1/8'' to 1/4'' away from the
walls so there is no fullness. An easy way to mark the liner 6 for
cutting is to press it into the corner where the floor and wall
meet and mark it using a pen or pencil. It may then be folded back
on itself and cut along the mark with scissors.
[0053] Step 7 (FIG. 7). Measure, cut and lay adjoining pieces of
grid liner 6 on both sides of the starting piece that is taped to
the subfloor 14. Carefully align the grid pattern so that the liner
edges are butt together. Full widths of liners should all be
running the same direction as the starting piece. When properly
aligned and laying flat, use transparent tape 13 to fasten the
adjoining edges of the new pieces of grid liner 6 to the preceding
grid liner 6 that is already taped to the subfloor 14. If the liner
is somewhat greater than a multiple of the tile width, overlap the
edge portions width the grid marks aligned of overlapping. Tape the
leading edges 8 of the new pieces of grid liner 6 to the subfloor
14 as done with the starting grid liner 6.
[0054] Cut and install subsequent pieces of the layout grid liner 6
to fill in the remainder of the room. Stay about 1/8'' to 1/4''
away from the walls 2, 3, 10 and 11. There is no need to tape the
perimeter edges of the liner 6 to the subfloor 14 at walls as long
as the perimeter liners 6 are taped to the previous liner 6.
[0055] Installing The Tile With Adhesive Tabs
[0056] Step 8 (FIG. 8). In preparation for bonding the tile 15 to
the liner, four adhesive tabs 16 must be placed on the back of each
tile 15, one close to each of the corners. The adhesive tabs 16 are
applied by pressing the sticky side of the tab 16 against the back
of the tile 15 and rubbing the release liner side of the tab 16.
Then, the release liner is simply peeled off. The tabs 16 should be
placed about 1/4'' in from the actual edges of the tile 15.
[0057] Step 9 (FIG. 9). Install the first tile 15 inside the grid
liner section closest to the center of the room. Line up the edges
of the first tile as perfectly as possible within the grid.
[0058] Step 10 (FIG. 10). Place adhesive tabs on successive tile
and continue to install in "step fashion" (tile a, then tile b,
then tile c, etc.), preferably in one quadrant, or one half of the
room at a time. Butt the edges of each tile against the preceding
tile.
[0059] Step 11 (FIG. 11). Complete the remaining quadrants until
all tiles are installed in the room. The installed tiles are shown
as shaded in FIG. 11.
[0060] Cutting Border Tile
[0061] Step 12 (FIG. 12). For straight cuts at walls and cabinets,
place a loose tile (I) face up exactly on top of the last full tile
in that row. Place another full tile (II) on top of tile (I) with
its edge against the wall (W). Using tile (II) as a guide, mark the
face of tile (I) with a pencil (P).
[0062] Using a carpenter's square or a straight edge as a guide,
carefully score the face of the tile I (about 1/3 thickness) along
at the mark with a utility knife Bend at the score mark to snap the
tile I into two pieces.
[0063] For irregular cuts, make a pattern out of craft paper or
cardboard and transfer it to the tile. Score along the markings and
snap small pieces off. Pliers or a coping saw are often useful in
making more intricate cutouts for complicated fitting.
[0064] Tile should slip underneath the undercut door jambs for a
neat fit. Do not fit tile too snug as some lifting or buckling off
of the subfloor could develop.
[0065] Place adhesive tabs 16 at corners of cut pieces I and fasten
in place on top of the grid liner 6. Keep cut edges towards the
wall.
[0066] Finishing The Job
[0067] Replace baseboard and trim moldings. Replace furniture and
appliances.
[0068] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for
describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value
within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In
addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a
definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference,
the present disclosure controls.
* * * * *