Eco-friendly carpet tile installation in schools

By JeFF JohnSon

As flooring products continue to evolve to meet consumer demands for environmentally friendly, recyclable materials that utilize postconsumer waste, adhesive formulations must evolve too. Past adhesive formulations that were suitable for installing non-recyclable carpet do not provide the physical characteristics needed to effectively bond newer-generation carpet products that are manufactured with non-PVC, polyolefin, and most “eco-type” backings.

To accommodate today’s desire for eco-friendly floor coverings, MAPEI has developed a LEED-compliant adhesive solution that promotes exceptional bond – while remaining highly compatible with newer, environmentally sensitive carpet and carpet tile backing materials – Ultrabond ECO® 885.

When carpet manufacturers develop new eco-friendly carpet backings, they create their own unique version of what a “totally recyclable carpet” consists of. While such variability has resulted in adhesive challenges in days gone by, it is no longer so with the use of Ultrabond ECO 885 premium, polyolefin-backed carpet adhesive. Designed to install virtually all types of polyolefin-backed carpet, Ultrabond ECO 885 provides the construction industry with a win-win bonding solution.

In general, moisture testing should be done on the concrete subsurface before the carpet or carpet tile installation. Testing should strictly follow the procedures outlined in ASTM F1869 and ASTM F2170. In fact, both the flooring manufacturer and MAPEI require that this data be kept on file.

Ultrabond ECO 885 has been specifically designed for fast-track construction, making it suitable for fresh concrete slabs (less than one year old) with MVERs measuring less than eight lbs. (3,63 kg) and 90 per cent relative humidity that show diminishing results over time. If, at any time, the moisture of the concrete slabs exceeds the limits established for Ultrabond ECO 885, MAPEI offers many moisture solutions that will help bring a slab into compliance. Of special note, MAPEI’s Planiseal VS moisture reduction barrier can be used even without moisture testing.

Example of a single-source system for installing carpet tile over concrete

ChAllEngE: Quickly renovate and upgrade an elementary school’s classrooms to LEED Gold certification standards. Install polyolefin-based carpet tile over a concrete slab that is exhibiting moisture emissions between 17 and 20 lbs. (7,71 and 9,07 kg) and 94 per cent to 95 per cent relative humidity throughout the school.

Solution: Create a fast-track flooring system that includes moisture remediation and substrate preparation before installing carpet tile throughout the school’s classrooms.

First, prepare the concrete to a sound, clean, dust-free condition that is free of any potential bond breakers. Then, use the following single-source system of four MAPEI products to produce a durable, eco-sustainable installation.

A. Spread a layer of Planiseal VS alkali-resistant 100 per cent solids epoxy moisture reduction barrier smoothly and evenly over the concrete slab. Planiseal VS effectively stops moisture-related problems over concrete with floor coverings. In addition, Planiseal VS expedites floorcovering installations by eliminating the traditional wait time required for new concrete slabs to reach moisture levels suitable for installations.

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D. After just eight to nine hours, roll a layer of FastTrack Ready Primer T all-purpose, acrylic primer over the concrete.

Within two to three hours, patch and skimcoat the concrete substrate using Planiprep SC, which smoothes minor surface variations and defects, and creates a strong, durable surface ready for almost any floor application. Its unique formulation mixes easily with water and produces an easy-to-apply patching compound. Rapid-setting Planiprep SC allows for fast-track flooring installations in 30 to 60 minutes after application, depending on thickness and environmental conditions.

Install the carpet tile using FastTrack Ready Ultrabond ECO 885 premium, polyolefin-backed carpet adhesive, ideal for most “eco-type” backings. Offering both permanent and releasable system application options, nonPVC, low-VOC Ultrabond ECO 885 is formulated with a very aggressive bond, providing a superior outcome compared to traditional carpet adhesives. n

Jeff Johnson is the product manager for MAPEI’s Floor Covering Installation Systems line. He brings more than 20 years of experience in floor-covering installation, product development, and marketing. Practical experience in the construction industry and as a bench chemist gives Johnson a unique and exciting perspective on floor-covering installation systems.