ROBERTS 3000-4 Floor Covering Adhesive Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The ROBERTS 3000-4 is a high-performance, economically priced floor covering adhesive designed for a variety of flooring installations. It is particularly suitable for large contract jobs where both cost-effectiveness and reliable performance are critical. This adhesive offers ample slip time for vinyl sheet installations and provides fast tack for medium and lighter weight carpets, ensuring efficient and secure bonding.

This product is manufactured in the United States.

Image 1: A 4-gallon pail of ROBERTS 3000 Multipurpose Adhesive. The label indicates it is suitable for residential and commercial carpet and felt-backed sheet vinyl, and features Microban protection.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Always read and follow all warnings and instructions on the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.

Ensure adequate ventilation during application. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused adhesive and containers according to local regulations.

3. Preparation

3.1. Subfloor Preparation

• The subfloor must be clean, dry, smooth, structurally sound, and free of dust, dirt, grease, oil, paint, curing compounds, and any other foreign matter that could interfere with a proper bond.
• Repair all cracks, holes, and irregularities in the subfloor.
• Ensure the subfloor is level and flat.

3.2. Acclimation

Allow the adhesive and the flooring material to acclimate in the installation area for at least 48 hours prior to installation. The room temperature should be maintained between 65°F and 95°F (18°C and 35°C) with relative humidity between 30% and 60% during acclimation, installation, and for at least 72 hours thereafter.

3.3. Tools and Materials

Gather all necessary tools and materials before beginning the installation, including:

• ROBERTS 3000-4 Floor Covering Adhesive
• Appropriate notched trowel (refer to flooring manufacturer's recommendations)
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife or shears
• Roller (e.g., 75-100 lb roller)
• Clean cloths and water for cleanup
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves, eye protection

4. Application Instructions

4.1. Spreading the Adhesive

1. Stir the adhesive thoroughly before use.
2. Using the recommended notched trowel, spread the adhesive evenly over the subfloor. Ensure 100% coverage of the area to be installed.
3. Avoid applying too much or too little adhesive. The correct trowel notch size is crucial for proper adhesion.

4.2. Open Time and Working Time

The ROBERTS 3000-4 adhesive offers ample open time for proper positioning of flooring materials. Refer to the flooring manufacturer's instructions for specific open time recommendations. Generally, allow the adhesive to set for a few minutes until it becomes tacky to the touch before laying the flooring. Do not allow the adhesive to skin over completely.

4.3. Laying the Flooring

1. Carefully place the flooring material into the wet or tacky adhesive, ensuring proper alignment.
2. Press firmly across the entire surface of the flooring to ensure full contact with the adhesive.
3. Within 30-60 minutes of installation, roll the entire installed area with a 75-100 lb roller to ensure proper transfer of adhesive and eliminate air bubbles. Roll in both directions.
4. Repeat rolling periodically as recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

Image 2: Another view of the ROBERTS 3000 Multi-Purpose Adhesive pail, highlighting its use for carpet and sheet vinyl. The label provides details on coverage rates for different flooring types.

5. Coverage Rates

The coverage rate of ROBERTS 3000-4 adhesive varies depending on the type of flooring material and the porosity of the subfloor. The following are approximate coverage rates per gallon:

• Sheetgoods, Needle Punch Carpet: 20 to 23 sq. Yd. per gallon
• Smooth-Backed Carpet: 15 to 18 sq. Yd. per gallon
• Textured-Backed Carpet: 10 to 12 sq. Yd. per gallon

Always perform a test application to determine the exact coverage rate for your specific project conditions.

6. Maintenance and Cleanup

6.1. Wet Adhesive Cleanup

Immediately clean any wet adhesive spills or residue from tools, flooring surfaces, and skin with warm water and a clean cloth. Do not allow adhesive to dry on surfaces where it is not intended.

6.2. Cured Adhesive Cleanup

Once cured, the adhesive is difficult to remove. Mechanical scraping or a suitable adhesive remover may be required. Always test adhesive removers in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not damage the flooring or subfloor.

6.3. Storage

Store ROBERTS 3000-4 adhesive in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place, protected from freezing. Ideal storage temperature is between 65°F and 95°F (18°C and 35°C). Do not store in direct sunlight or in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. Ensure the lid is securely closed after each use to prevent drying.

7. Troubleshooting

7.1. Poor Adhesion

• Issue: Flooring not bonding properly.
• Possible Causes: Insufficient subfloor preparation (dust, dirt, moisture), incorrect trowel size, insufficient open time, adhesive skinned over, improper rolling.
• Solution: Ensure subfloor is clean and dry. Use correct trowel. Observe recommended open time. Roll flooring thoroughly.

7.2. Adhesive Drying Too Quickly

• Issue: Adhesive becomes too dry before flooring can be laid.
• Possible Causes: High room temperature, low humidity, excessive air movement, applying too thin a coat.
• Solution: Control room temperature and humidity. Reduce drafts. Apply adhesive at the recommended thickness. Work in smaller sections if necessary.

7.3. Adhesive Not Drying

• Issue: Adhesive remains wet or soft for an extended period.
• Possible Causes: Low room temperature, high humidity, applying too thick a coat, non-porous subfloor without proper flash time.
• Solution: Ensure proper environmental conditions. Apply adhesive at the recommended thickness. Allow adequate flash time for non-porous substrates.

8. Specifications

Image 3: The FloorScore certification logo, indicating that the product meets stringent indoor air quality requirements.

9. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information and technical support, please refer to the product packaging or contact ROBERTS customer service directly. You can typically find contact details on the manufacturer's official website or on the product label.

For additional resources and product information, visit the official ROBERTS Consolidated website.