Your trusted source for ESD flooring advice. All your static-control flooring questions answered.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Moisture testing as per ASTM F 1869 and/or ASTM F 2170 is mandatory.
The following example displays the three types of subfloor grade levels:
Above Grade – An acceptable above grade floor is a concrete or wood substrate. Suspended – An acceptable suspended floor is a concrete or wood substrate with a minimum of 18” (460mm) of well-ventilated air space below. It is recommended that an effective moisture vapor retarder be placed upon the ground beneath the air space.
On Grade – An acceptable on grade floor is a concrete substrate partially or completely in contact with the ground. Properly constructed, the concrete slab will be suitably prot ected from moisture penetration by planned water drainage and incorporated an effective moisture vapor retarder.
Below Grade – An acceptable below grade floor is a concrete substrate in direct contact with the ground. Properly constructed, the concrete slab will be suitably protected from moisture penetration by planned water drainage and incorporated an effective moisture vapor retarder.
The following example displays the three types of subfloor grade levels:
Above Grade – An acceptable above grade floor is a concrete or wood substrate. Suspended – An acceptable suspended floor is a concrete or wood substrate with a minimum of 18” (460mm) of well-ventilated air space below. It is recommended that an effective moisture vapor retarder be placed upon the ground beneath the air space.
On Grade – An acceptable on grade floor is a concrete substrate partially or completely in contact with the ground. Properly constructed, the concrete slab will be suitably prot ected from moisture penetration by planned water drainage and incorporated an effective moisture vapor retarder.
Below Grade – An acceptable below grade floor is a concrete substrate in direct contact with the ground. Properly constructed, the concrete slab will be suitably protected from moisture penetration by planned water drainage and incorporated an effective moisture vapor retarder.
Single Plywood – This type of subfloor construction shall be installed according to EWA “Engineered Wood Association” (formerly the APA) specifications. EWA underlayment GRADE plywood shall be used and installed according to EWA recommendations.
NOTE: Not recommended wood subfloors: tempered hardboard, untempered hardboard, particle board, wafer board, strand board, fire retarded plywood and board.
StaticWorx rubber flooring shall not be laid on wood subfloors that are directly in contact with concrete subfloors on or below grade, even if built on sleepers. All suspended wood floors should have adequate under floor ventilation. It is recommended that an effective moisture vapor retarder be placed on the ground beneath the air space.
NOTE: All responsibility for warranties and performance rests with the plywood manufacturer.
Many different types of concrete subfloors exist, the only recommended concrete subfloor is American Concrete Institute “ACI” 302 Class 4, 5, & 6. Light weight concrete, less than 115 lb/ft3 (1841 kg/m3), may have such low strength that it is unsuitable for covering with resilient flooring unless 1 in. (25 mm) or more of standard weight concrete, generally 140 lb/ft3 (2241 kg/m3) or more, is used as a topping.
NOTE: Light weight concrete can take a lot longer to try.
A permanent effective vapor retarder with a low permanence (less than 0.1) having a minimum thickness of 10 mils (ACI 302), shall be placed directly underneath the concrete slab.
The slab temperature of concrete subfloors shall be between 68°F + 5°F. Slab temperature is critical to the set-up time of adhesive. A slab temperature below 68°F will slow down the initial tack of the adhesive, making it necessary to re-roll the flooring at 60 minutes, and again at 90 minutes. A slab temperature above 75°F will increase the initial tack of the adhesive, making it necessary to re-roll the flooring within 30-45 minutes rather than the recommended 60 minutes.
An acceptable concrete subfloor shall also meet the following requirements:
Subfloors shall be tested using both of the following methods:
WARNING! Materials should not be installed over building expansion joints.
NOTE: The aforementioned recommendations concern only the bonding characteristics of StaticWorx flooring products to concrete subfloors. The performance of the subfloors should be established according to industry standards (American Concrete Institute “ACI” 302 Class 4, 5 & 6).
If the subfloor surface is noticeably uneven or out of level, then it should be properly leveled by an experienced underlayment contractor. The leveling materials must be portland cement based and should provide a minimum 3,500 PSI compressive strength (ASTM C 109) and sufficient bond to existing subfloor surface (i.e. Ardex, Laticrete, Duralox, Mapei, or equivalent) and shall be installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
All concrete subfloors shall be prepared according to ASTM F 710 Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring.
This is recommended to determine the compatibility of the adhesive to the pre-prepared subfloor and can be a useful indicator if the moisture results are marginal. Use the specified approximately 50′ apart throughout the area. Areas next to walls or other light traffic areas should be selected for the bond test. Tape down the perimeter of the flooring to prevent drying of the adhesive at the edges. After a minimum period of 72 hours the flooring should be pulled from the subfloor. If an unusual amount of force is required, the bond could be considered sufficient.
NOTE: If the subfloor is radiant heated, contact StaticWorx, Inc. for correct installation recommendations.
For information about acceptability and preparation of steel subfloors, please contact StaticWorx, Inc. Technical Department at 617-923-2000.
Permanent Floor Finishes
Terrazzo, Quarry Tile, Ceramic Tiles, Marble
NOTE: These ARE NOT acceptable subfloors. They are not permanent, and bonding is difficult. Any installation over these floors becomes the responsibility of the owner. Vinyl Asbestos Tile (VAT), Vinyl Composition Tiles (VCT), Asphalt Tile, Vinyl Tile & Sheet Goods.
CAUTION: Existing floor covering may contain asbestos (federal, local and state restrictions shall be followed).
Flooring | Adhesive | Trowel Serration | Adhesive Coverage |
---|---|---|---|
StaticWorx Rubber & Vinyl | Pressure Sensitive | 1/16 x 1/16 x 1/16″ square-notch | 180-200 SF |
Statbond | 1/16 x 1/16 x 1/16″ square-notch | 125-150 SF | |
2-Part Conductive Epoxy | Please contact StaticWorx |
The open time will vary depending upon temperature, air flow and humidity.
Statbond adhesive should have a minimum of 10 minutes open time (square-notched). The ideal time to lay the flooring into the adhesive is best described as follows:
Semi-Wet The adhesive must be able to transfer to your finger tips with a light touch and just start to string while the core of the serrations remains wet (resulting in full adhesive
transfer).
NOTE: This method can only be used on a porous surface.
2-Part conductive epoxy adhesive should have a minimum of 20 minutes open time. The ideal time to lay the flooring into the adhesive is best described as follows:
When the adhesive first starts to tack-up or becomes sticky.
Before work is begun, every site should be inspected for items listed below.
CAUTION: If seams are not cut dry beforehand, peaked seams may occur from lack of adhesive due to removal of some adhesive with the tapered edge/waste.
NOTE: The flooring pattern does not always continuously flow into the tapered edge, so check before cutting to
remove the tapered edge and be sure to maintain the correct flow of the flooring pattern.
When double cutting the seam, use a straight edge as a guide. Position the straight edge about 1/2” (0.5”) from the top edge. Cut through the top sheet and approximately 3/4 of the thickness of the bottom sheet using a utility knife and a sharp straight blade. When making the cut, hold the utility knife as vertical as possible.
To remove the tapered edge use one of the two methods above [under Section Method One (6a. or 6b.)].
WARNING!
Be prepared to protect the flooring during and after the installation from sun, moisture, and other construction trade (at least until adhesive has cured), if required, by covering 1-2 days with Masonite or plywood, insuring all joints are taped to prevent debris from becoming entrapped underneath and causing damage.
CAUTION: When spreading the adhesive (after the seams have been cut), it is vitally important that the material not move. If necessary, place weights on the material so that no movement will occur as you spread adhesive. Overlapping the adhesive may telegraph through the flooring.
TOP TIP: Using carpet off-cuts and double sided tape, cover the roller to help ensure you remove all air pockets from any dips in the substrate, and avoid a punch list.
NOTE: Material layout should be decided by Architect, Designer, or end user. However, we recommend the tiles are installed point to point (corner to corner).
WARNING!
Be prepared to protect the flooring during and after the installation from sun, moisture, and other
construction trade (at least until adhesive has cured), if required, by covering 1-2 days with Masonite or plywood, insuring all joints are taped to prevent debris from becoming entrapped underneath and causing damage.
CAUTION: Overlapping the adhesive may telegraph through the flooring after the adhesive has cured.
TOP TIP: Using carpet off-cuts and double sided tape, cover the roller to help ensure you remove all air pockets from any dips in the substrate, and avoid a punch list.
WARNING!
Be prepared to protect the flooring during and after the installation from sun, moisture, and other construction trade (at least until adhesive has cured), if required, by covering 1-2 days with Masonite or plywood, insuring all joints are taped to prevent debris from becoming entrapped underneath and causing damage.
CAUTION: When spreading the adhesive (after the seams have been cut), it is vitally important that the material not move. If necessary, place weights on the material so that no movement will occur as you spread adhesive. Overlapping the adhesive may telegraph through the flooring.
In rooms up to 1000 sq. ft. in size, a copper strip must be applied to the subfloor and extended to a predetermined grounding point (can be connected by your flooring contractor or a qualified electrician). In rooms larger than 1,000 sq. ft. additional grounding points shall be defined and copper strips installed as mentioned above.
StaticWorx specified adhesive must be used for the installation of StaticWorx ESD protection flooring, using
recommended adhesive and trowel serration, refer to section 3, Adhesive Recommendations.
PLEASE NOTE: StaticWorx flooring products have been developed for indoor installation. StaticWorx floor coverings are not recommended for installation in outdoor applications or in particularly wet areas such as showers, swimming pools, etc.
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The FAA has updated its standard for facilities and electronic equipment. StaticWorx meets all requirements for ESD flooring.
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