Conductive  PVC tile

Conductive tile or static dissipative tile should be paved on sub floor that is level, smooth and free of cracks. Residual humidity should be under 2.5% tested with the CM Dumb test. Tiles, adhesive and installation on site should be above the temperature of 18 ^oC in 24 hours before installation, and paste the tile with qualified conductive glue below 10⁵ Ω.

Subfloor Condition and Preparation

• The subfloor must be clean, dry, free of contaminants like paint, oil, or wax, and free of

defects like cracks, holes and projections; patch any defects or irregularities with latex-fortified cementations underlayment material that meets floor load requirements.

• The subfloor must also be level to avoid misalignment of rows of tile during installation.

If needed, level the floor with latex-fortified cementations underlayment material that meets floor load requirements.

• Remove any adhesive left from previous flooring or cover it with at least 1/8" (3 mm) of cementations underlayment material that meets floor load requirements.

• New concrete must be adequately cured; the product warranty does not cover problems or

failures due to moisture. Ideal curing time for a new concrete subfloor is three months after the pour has been completed and the building enclosed. The key determinant for “full cure” is measurement of the MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) of the concrete.

• The surface of the concrete should be roughened to achieve optimum bond of the tile adhesive; mechanically shot blast or otherwise abrade all subfloor surfaces, old or new. The ideal surface texture is similar to that of 80- or 100-grit sandpaper.

Subfloor Moisture Considerations

Excessive moisture in or beneath the concrete subfloor can cause adhesion or appearance problems for any type of floor covering. Measure the MVTR of the concrete prior to tile installation, using industry-standard calcium chloride type test kits. Place one test kit for every 1,000 square feet of floor space, or three kits in any single room, whichever is greater.

The average of all MVTR test results must be less than 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours; for any single reading, the maximum allowable value is 3.5 pounds. Record the test results and keep them with the job file. Based on industry experience, floors on concrete that meet this guideline have a low probability of moisture-related problems.