Simply Install Marmoleum Flooring

Marmoleum flooring is the newest ‘green’ floor choice among many home owners today. The materials that go into this type of floor are natural which do not emit toxics, and thus, makes it an environmental-friendly floor choice. It is durable, soft and comfortable to walk on which does not require much maintenance as it does not attract dust. It is also resistant to spills and stains, very easy to clean, and is anti-bacterial. Installing marmoleum flooring is environmental-friendly as solvent-free adhesives can be used. Follow the step-by-step guide below to install marmoleum flooring.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Speed square
• Solvent-free adhesives
• Sealer
• Cement
• Water
• Marmoleum flooring
• Utility knife
• Square-notched trowel (1/16 by 1/16 inches)
• Chalk line
• Steel hand roller
• Putty knife
• Hammer
• 100lb roller
• Scribing tool
• Hook knife
• Screwdriver
• Gloves
• Scrapper
• Mudding knife
• Sandpaper
• Hairspray
• Under-scribe tool
• Acrylic sealer

Step 1 – Remove Any Obstacles
Wear gloves for protection from cuts. Scan and remove any obstacles, such as screws, nails and staples, from the floor. If there are any nails sticking up, use a hammer to pound them down. Use a screwdriver to screw down any screws that are raised. Pull out any staples found. Briefly scan and run over the floor using a scrapper to be sure that all obstacles are being removed.

Step 2 – Fill Seams
Mix the cement with water until it is sticky. Then, spread a layer of the cement mixture over low spots and all seams with a mudding knife. Spread it smoothly so that lesser sanding is required later on. Allow the cement to air dry.

Step 3 – Smooth Floor
After the cement is dry, scrape the excess hardened cement off using a putty knife. Sanding with a sandpaper may be required to make it smooth.

Step 4 – Mark Border Layout
After the seams are smoothed out, mark an indication of the layout of the border with a chalk line. To prevent the chalk line from smudging, spray a little bit of hairspray.

Step 5 – Installing Border Pieces
Pre-cut and dry fit the border pieces before gluing down permanently. Use a speed square to cut a 45 degree angle with a utility knife, where the border pieces meet. This is to have the joint mitered. Take the borders up. Using the square notched trowel, spread the solvent-free adhesive. Then, lay down the border pieces immediately into their correct places. Use a steel hand roller to run over the border pieces to make sure that all the edges are glued down. Do a cut at the bottom of the mitered joint so that it overlaps the piece on the top. Mark the top piece with a scribing tool and utility knife. Then, use a hook knife to finish and get the perfect cut.

Step 6 – Installing Main Floor
Lay the marmoleum flooring loosely. Roughly cut it with extra 1 inch at the borders. Fold the main flooring in half and spread the adhesive on the exposed half. Then, unfold the flooring back onto the floor and have it glued down immediately. Use the 100lb roller to run over the flooring to ensure that it is glued down properly and remove any air bubbles.

Step 7 – Trim and Finish the Floor
After the entire flooring is glued down, trim each edge with an under-scribe tool. Be sure that there is adhesive underneath the edges. Use the 100lb roller to re-roll the whole flooring again. Then, apply a few coats of acrylic sealer to finish the floor.

 

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Replace Sections of a Tiled Marmoleum Floor

A marmoleum floor is an attractive and inexpensive choice for your home. It is also an easy floor to install. This is because it doesn’t require a high level of skill or specialized tools. The floor is available in a wide variety of patterns and colors, which allows you to create a stylish kitchen or bathroom. Marmoleum floors keep in good shape for several years. However, it sometimes becomes necessary to undertake repairs. The tiles may crack when a heavy item falls on them. Some tiles may also become loose with time. Quick repair helps to protect your entire floor. Obtain replacement tiles that match yours from a flooring supply center. Be sure to purchase an extra amount to cater for future repairs.

What You’ll Need

• Replacement tiles
• Tile adhesive
• Plastic putty knife
• Grease pencil
• Margin trowel
• Cold chisel
• Hammer
• Scraper
• Masking tape
• Vacuum, with hose attachment
• Damp rag
• Damp sponge

Step 1 – Mark Damaged Sections
Carefully inspect your floor to identify the damaged tiles. Use a grease pencil to circle the damaged or loose tiles. This ensures that you attend to all faulty tiles, which helps to restore the fine appearance of your floor.

Step 2 – Pry the Loose Tiles
Insert the edge of your trowel underneath loose tiles. Firmly pry the tiles off the subfloor. Remove the tiles and place aside.

Step 3 – Attach Masking Tape
Tape the edges of the adjacent tiles that are intact. This helps to protect them from damage while you work.

Step 4 – Remove Cracked Tiles
Place a cold chisel in the center of the cracked tile. If the tile is cracked along the middle, position your chisel in the middle of one segment. Hit the chisel firmly from the back with a hammer. Position the chisel at 3 to 4 different areas on the tile and hit with the hammer again. This helps to disintegrate the tile further. It also loosens the tile from the subfloor. Remove the loose pieces of tile from the subfloor. Remove all other cracked tiles in this way.

Step 5 – Scrape off Adhesive
Clear away as much adhesive as you can from the subfloor with a scraper. This step requires some effort so as to ensure that the substrate is as smooth as possible. A smooth surface ensures that the new tiles remain in place for longer.

Step 6 – Clean the Subfloor
Use a vacuum with hose attachment to clean out the subfloor. This gets rid of dust and fine debris which hamper effective attachment of the new tiles. Wipe the subfloor with a damp rag, to leave you with a clean surface.

Step 7 – Attach New Tiles
Apply a bit of adhesive at the back of a new tile. Spread the adhesive with a plastic putty knife, to create a light, even coat. Place the tile on the subfloor and press firmly in place. Install all the other new tiles in the same way. Clear away excess adhesive with a damp sponge. Let the adhesive dry overnight before the floor is used.

 

Source: www.DoItYourself.com