Armstrong Standard Excelon Floor Tile Instruction Manual

1. Setup and Installation

This section provides guidelines for the proper preparation and installation of Armstrong Standard Excelon Floor Tiles. These are commercial-grade dry-back tiles, requiring specific adhesive application.

1. Surface Preparation: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, smooth, and structurally sound. Remove all debris, wax, grease, and old adhesive residues. Any cracks or irregularities in the subfloor must be repaired and leveled.
2. Acclimation: Allow tiles to acclimate to the room temperature (typically 65-85°F or 18-29°C) for at least 48 hours prior to installation.
3. Layout: Determine the starting point for tile installation to ensure a balanced layout and minimize cuts. Snap chalk lines to guide placement.
4. Adhesive Application: Apply the recommended Armstrong S-205 or S-206 adhesive evenly to the subfloor using a notched trowel. Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for spread rate and open time.
5. Tile Placement: Carefully place each tile onto the adhesive, aligning it with the chalk lines and adjacent tiles. Ensure a tight fit without forcing.
6. Rolling: After a section of tiles has been laid, use a 100-pound floor roller to firmly press the tiles into the adhesive, ensuring full contact and removing any trapped air. Roll in multiple directions.
7. Curing: Allow the adhesive to cure completely before subjecting the floor to heavy traffic or cleaning. Refer to the adhesive manufacturer's guidelines for specific curing times, typically 24-72 hours.

2. Usage and Initial Care

Once installed, the Armstrong Standard Excelon Floor Tiles are designed for durable commercial use. Proper initial care ensures longevity and appearance.

• Post-Installation Cleaning: After the adhesive has fully cured, perform an initial cleaning to remove any surface dirt or adhesive residue. Use a neutral pH cleaner specifically designed for vinyl composition tile (VCT).
• Protection: For the first few days, avoid dragging heavy furniture or equipment across the newly installed floor. Use furniture glides or protectors under legs of heavy items to prevent indentations or scratches.
• Traffic: While the floor can typically withstand light foot traffic after 24 hours, it is recommended to wait for the full curing period (as per adhesive instructions) before allowing heavy traffic or placing heavy objects.

3. Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving the appearance and extending the life of your Armstrong Excelon Floor Tiles.

• Daily Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum daily to remove loose dirt and grit, which can scratch the tile surface.
• Damp Mopping: Mop regularly with a neutral pH floor cleaner diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid excessive water.
• Stain Removal: Address spills immediately. For stubborn stains, use a cleaner recommended for VCT. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can damage the tile finish.
• Waxing/Finishing: For commercial applications, periodic application of a commercial floor finish (wax) may be necessary to protect the tile and maintain its luster. Follow the finish manufacturer's instructions for application and stripping.
• Protection: Use walk-off mats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture. Place felt pads or glides under furniture legs to prevent scratches and indentations.

4. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues that may arise with Armstrong Excelon Floor Tiles and provides potential solutions.

• Loose Tiles: If a tile becomes loose, carefully remove it, clean the subfloor and the back of the tile, and re-adhere it using the recommended adhesive. Ensure proper rolling and curing.
• Scratches/Scuffs: Minor scuffs can often be buffed out with a dry cloth or a specialized floor buffer. Deeper scratches may require the application of a floor finish or, in severe cases, tile replacement.
• Dull Finish: A dull appearance often indicates a buildup of dirt or worn-out floor finish. Thoroughly clean the floor and, if applicable, strip and reapply a fresh coat of commercial floor finish.
• Stains: For persistent stains, identify the type of stain and use an appropriate VCT-safe cleaner. Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.

5. Specifications

6. Warranty Information

The Armstrong Standard Excelon Floor Tile comes with a 5-year commercial-grade warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and ensures the product meets specified performance standards under normal commercial use and proper installation and maintenance.

For complete details regarding terms, conditions, and limitations of the warranty, please refer to the official warranty documentation provided at the time of purchase or contact Armstrong customer support directly.

7. Support

Should you require further assistance with installation, maintenance, or have questions regarding your Armstrong Standard Excelon Floor Tiles, please contact Armstrong customer support.

You can find additional resources and contact information by visiting the official Armstrong website or their Amazon store:

• Armstrong Store on Amazon: Visit the Armstrong Store