Installation

Rhinofloor Evolution is so easy to live with thanks to the unique RhinoMatt surface finish. It is also easy to work with for a qualified installer. We always recommend professional installation of Rhinofloor Evolution floors, these notes therefore are provided for the guidance of the professional flooring installer.

Determined DIY enthusiasts should note that DIY installation will usually invalidate the ‘Lifetime Wear Warranty’.

These guidelines are designed to inform a professional installer on the approved protocols for Rhinofloor Evolution Digital Design Floors.

Make sure all specifications and instructions are followed carefully.
Contact us if you are unsure about any part of the installation.
This information is subject to change due to continuous improvement.
Use the same shade number for each continuous surface.
Store the boxes in small neat piles (max. 5 boxes high).
Let the flooring acclimatise at least 24h before laying at room temperature (minimum 15°c).
The subfloor must be flat, level, clean, without marks (no felt pen, marker, etc.), sound, dry, solid, hard, smooth and not exposed to moisture.
Absorbency must be checked and adjusted to have moderately absorbent subfloor.
Use only adhesives recommended by us and developed for LVT installation.
Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
For specific areas with sunlight exposure (conservatory or similar), select an adapted adhesive recommended by manufacturers.
The work must be completed with a thorough inspection: ensure that the newly laid floor is free from adhesive residues.

Prior to installation

It is important to store the planks for at least 24 hours before installation at a minimum room temperature of 15°C /see each country regulations/. This temperature should be maintained throughout the installation.

The minimum temperature of the sub-floor should be 12°C and room temperature 15°C. The recommended relative humidity inside the room should be 35-65%. Planks should be stored flat in their packages, in small neat piles (max. 5 boxes high).

The subfloor must be level, flat, clean, free from marks (no felt pen, marker of any type, ballpoint pens, paint, etc., that could cause discolouration due to migration) sound, dry, solid, hard, smooth (the absorbency must be checked) and not exposed to moisture. The preparation/dryness of the subfloor and installation procedures should all be in accordance with the UK standard -ie, below 75%, and less than 2% with the CCM method.

Before selecting a smoothing compound, check what type of traffic the floor covering will be subjected to once installed. Latex smoothing compounds are not suitable for areas that will receive heavy traffic, especially heavy, narrow wheeled traffic (see EN 12529, Castors and wheels). Check levelling compound compatibility, and follow the instructions of the levelling compound manufacturer.

Note: Although we may list a selection of adhesive manufacturers and types, we do not guarantee the products listed. The list of products and manufacturers is not guaranteed complete or current. We will accept no liability for any of these products failing to perform in conjunction with any of its products. It is the responsibility of the adhesive, levelling compound and surface damp-proof membrane manufacturer and flooring contractor to ensure the products being used are appropriate for use and applied in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations. If any doubts or clarifications should be needed.

Before starting to install tiles/planks, determine the type of Installation pattern taking into account the shape of the room and the design to be laid.

Before laying the first rows of tiles, check that:

The cut tiles closest to the walls are more than 10 cm wide;
at doorways and corners, the cut tiles are not less than half a tile.
Tiles are marked on the reverse with arrows.
Tiles should be laid in a checkerboard pattern.
Installation should start from the centre of the room and finish on the sides (walls).
Install planks in the same direction to avoid any chance of matt/shiny reflection of the surface

Stagger each row of planks to ensure that the end joints do not coincide with the previous row installed. Pattern repeat on tiles is rare but still possible, so take care to vary the pattern effect across the installation.

Glue with an acrylic adhesive emulsion as recommended by Rhinofloor Evolution, Apply about 250 g/m2 using the recommended trowel. Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions and respect adhesive drying and working time.

In case of particular conditions, ie. Significant temperature variation (veranda, wintergarden…) or heavy traffic, bicomponent adhesive could be required.

Place the tiles or planks tight edge to edge. After selected area installation, press manually the tiles or planks using a piece of board with a rounded edge.

After manual pressing, use a heavy roller in both directions to ensure final bonding.

Wait 48 to 72 hours before allowing any foot traffic or movement of furniture.

If building work is carried out after installation, the floor should always be protected by covering it with hardboard or plywood sheeting.

Masking tape must not be stuck directly to the floor.

Never subject a newly installed floor covering to heavy wheeled traffic at an early stage, as this will force adhesive from beneath the floorcovering.

An initial site clean is always recommended before the new floorcovering is commissioned. Residual adhesive should be removed with methylated spirit sand a clean cloth.

Lightly soiled floors: vacuum, sweep or damp mop the area to remove loose dirt and building dust. For best results damp mop with the Inspiration Naturals cleaning kit ‘regular clean’ solution.

Recommended adhesives

Standard Installation

F.Ball: F45 F46 F49 F66
Uzin: KE 66 KE 2000 S
Ardex: AF 175 / AF 148 / AF 145
Bostik: STIX A800 PREMIUM STIX A550 POWERELASTIC

High Traffic Areas

F.Ball: F73+ F81 F84
Uzin: KE 68 KR 430
Ardex: AF 2575 PLUS / AF 2525
Bostik: STIX P956 2K