Question:
What are the adhesive recommendations where underfloor heating or hot water pipes are present?
Answer:
If the area is to be suitable, the surface of the floor must not exceed 27°C (81°F). Remember to switch off the heating for 48 hours before and after installation. Where temperatures may vary considerably, the use of Amtico HT Adhesive is strongly recommended.

Question:
Can adhesives freeze?
Answer:
Yes. In common with most other adhesives, products supplied by Amtico International will be affected by freezing temperatures. As a result, they may fail to bond adequately.

Question:
Do I need to roll Amtico tiles into the adhesive?
Answer:
Yes, this is very important. A (45kg) 100lb 3-section roller is recommended, and this should be done before the adhesive has set. Ideally, the floor should be rolled 1-2 hours (approx) after installation.

Question:
Does HT adhesive replace Amtico Universal 2-part adhesive
Answer:
Amtico HT adhesive is now our preferred recommendation for bonding PVC in all high temperature areas. It should not be considered as suitable for bonding Amtico in wet areas such as shower rooms. In these instances, Universal 2-part adhesive must be used.

Question:
How do I use Amtico HT adhesive?
Answer:
Always follow the instructions on the tub. Site conditions must conform to the general recommendations contained in the Amtico technical manual and BS8203. A good quality, dry subfloor is essential and, as with any installation in a high temperature area, product acclimatisation and maintenance of a constant temperature whilst the adhesive cures is VERY important.

Question:
How should I clean up adhesive residues?
Answer:
Always clean away excess adhesive before it is allowed to dry – use a soft cloth moistened with Amtico Adhesive Remover to clean away adhesive residues from tiles and tools.

Question:
What are the benefits of Amtico HT adhesive?
Answer:
Unlike most two part adhesives used for hot environments, Amtico HT is a single part adhesive. So no messy mixing. It is also much more user friendly. You only need spread as much as you want at any one time and can then put the lid back on the tub. So not only is it easier to control, it is also more cost effective.

It grips the tiles almost as soon as you place them, minimising the risk of them slipping whilst fitting. It also reaches a high bond strength within the first few hours, again helping to avoid movement during fitting and allowing light traffic within 8-10 hours. And most floors can now be completed in a day, again saving labour.

HT adhesive can be used for all those small areas where sunlight might cause gapping, but where mixing a full tin of Universal 2-part adhesive seems wasteful e.g. in front of full glass doors, patio doors and French windows.

Question:
What are the benefits of Universal 2-part adhesive?
Answer:
Suitable where there is expectation of excessive surface moisture e.g. shower rooms.

Question:
What is adhesive open time?

Answer:
Open time is the maximum period between spreading the adhesive and laying the floor tiles. For example, if the open time is quoted as 60 minutes, then the adhesive, once it has been spread onto the sub-floor, must have tiles laid into it within this time period.As a guideline, Amtico Universal 2-part adhesive has an open time of approx 40-60 minutes

Question:
What is Amtico HT adhesive?
Answer:
Amtico “HT” or high temperature adhesive is a single part acrylic adhesive for bonding Amtico PVC tiles in hot or high temperature environments e.g. conservatories.

Question:
What is SF Adhesive?
Answer:
SF Adhesive is a water-based adhesive that is suitable for bonding Amtico tiles in the majority of installations. The only places in which it should not be used are areas of high temperature change, moisture or strong sunlight through glass; see Amtico HT Adhesive and Universal 2-Part for these areas.

Question:
What is the “open time” for HT adhesive?
Answer:
The “open time” (or period from spreading the adhesive to when the last tile must be laid) is 30 minutes. As soon as you have finished spreading the adhesive you can start laying tiles and the last tile must be fitted a maximum of 30 minutes after the adhesive was spread. Exceeding this time will impair the transfer of the adhesive to the back of the tile and ultimately the bond and performance. This is VERY important.

Question:
What is the coverage of HT adhesive?
Answer:
3 – 4 sqm per litre. So a 5 litre container will cover 15 – 20 sqm and a 15 litre container will cover 45 – 60 sqm.

Question:
What sort of Adhesive should be used for Amtico?
Answer:
Amtico SF adhesive is suitable for bonding onto sound, smooth subfloors of concrete, terrazzo, stone, timber and many other substrates that have been suitably prepared. The use of a surface damp proof membrane may be required to ensure that the subfloor is adequately dry, and must be over laid with an appropriate levelling compound.

There are certain locations where Amtico HT Adhesive must be used especially in areas subject to excessive heat or cold or if adjacent to glass windows exposed to sunlight.

In areas that are subject to excessive moisture, then Universal 2-Part Adhesive should be used

Question:
What trowel size do I use for Amtico adhesive?
Answer:
Amtico International recommends an A2 trowel for all adhesive application. However, a 1.5mm x 5mm is acceptable for use

Question:
Why should I use a special adhesive trowel?
Answer: It is vital that the correct amount of adhesive is applied. Specific information can be found on the adhesive label.
Spread adhesive evenly using a trowel with notch size 1.5 x 5.0 mm (UK), a Euro A2 or V notch 1/16th” x 1/16th” x 1/16th” (USA). Do not use worn trowels. Worn trowels should be replaced, as not enough adhesive will be applied. Renotching of trowels is not recommended.

Question:
Is Amtico slippery?
Answer: When kept clean and dry, Amtico floors have excellent slip resistance. However, in common with other smooth floor-coverings water, other liquids, grease etc on the surface of the floor can make them slippery. OVERSPRAY FROM AEROSOL SPRAYS CONTAINING SILICONES WILL CAUSE THE FLOOR TO BECOME SLIPPERY. Food, chemicals or other foreign matter on the floor surface will also cause them to be slippery. Any spillages must be cleaned up immediately.

Question:
What does the UK Residential 20 year Guarantee cover?
Answer: If the Amtico floor should wear-out within 20 years of normal foot traffic, it will be replaced free of charge. Wear-out means the removal of pattern and colour from the floor. To qualify, the floor must have been professionally installed, regularly maintained and the registration form completed. Please refer to the terms and conditions on the Guarantee for full details.

Question:
What is Amtico made from?
Answer: Amtico floor tiles are made from resin compounded with high quality plasticizers and stabilizers, all compressed under pressure and temperature. Many tiles closely resemble natural products, these are made from specially printed films sandwiched between a wear layer and a backing. Some tiles are engineered to have a specific emboss or a metallic appearance. Many of these manufacturing methods have been developed by and are unique to Amtico. All Amtico tiles have: – a non-porous construction – long-lasting durability – excellent appearance retention – authenticity of colours and patterns – resilience for underfoot comfort – exceptional colour-fastness – beautiful looks which are easy to maintain.

Question:
What is the super-tough urethane coating?
Answer: Amtico tiles with a smooth surface finish are protected by the addition of an extremely tough layer of urethane during manufacture. This hard coating helps to reduce scuffing and makes it easier to clean. Floor Dressing is not necessary with urethane-coated tiles unless a higher gloss lustre is preferred.

Question:
Will Amtico stain?
Answer: Amtico is resistant to most common stains but there are items which can stain such as lipstick, solvent based liquids and paste floor waxes.

Prolonged contact with certain types of rubber or plastic castors, latex rug backing, fresh asphalt, rubber coated cables and rubber matting may leave a mark.

Question: How do I remove scratches from my Amtico floor?
Answer: The appearance of surface scratches can be minimised by thoroughly cleaning the floor and applying Amtico Floor Dressing.

Question: How should I clean up spillages?
Answer: Spillages should be cleaned up immediately by first wiping with absorbent paper, and then thoroughly mopped or wiped with Amtico cleaner/maintainer. The floor should then be rinsed and allowed to dry.

Question: How can I remove black scuff marks from my floor?
Answer: Use a cloth moistened with correctly diluted Amtico Floor Cleaner. A non-abrasive nylon scouring pad may be used for more persistent marks.It may be worth applying Amtico Floor Dressing, which could offer some additional protection.

Question: What Floor Dressing products are recommended?
Answer: Amtico floor dressing gives a sateen finish designed to retain the original appearance. We recommend and sell a three-product maintenance system:

1. Floor Dressing – protection against hard wear & tear.
2. Floor Dressing Remover – must be used on newly laid floor to ensure good adhesion of dressing – 24 hours for adhesive to dry – thoroughly cleans floor – must be completely rinsed off. Floor dressing remover is also used to periodically remove old and worn dressing.
3. Floor Cleaner – easy maintenance, for damp mopping floor when soiled.

Question: What is the best way to clean an Amtico floor?
Answer: Amtico is very easy to keep clean. Vacuum or sweep the floor with a soft, clean brush to remove any loose grit and dirt as necessary. Occasionally, around once a week, mop the floor with a damp mop using Amtico Floor Cleaner. If the floor has been dressed, the finish will need to be stripped off and reapplied from time to time – see Floor Dressing for more information.

Question: Will dogs scratch an Amtico floor?
Answer: The super-tough wear layer will provide protection from most pets. Clipping the dogs nails and/ or using Amtico Dressing to provide extra protection may be advisable

Question: What type of carpet would you recommend for my hall, stairs and landing?
Answer: We would recommend a fairly flat close pile carpet such as a good quality twist, Wilton or Axminster, due to the fact that this is a particularly heavy traffic area so a higher pile “softer carpet” would flatten excessively and look unsightly, these carpets will stipulate a “heavy domestic “rating, a good quality underlay is also recommended

Question: What type of carpet would you recommend for my bedroom?
Answer: Most carpets are suitable for bedrooms as it is a low traffic area, so people mostly go for softer more luxurious carpets that are nice on the feet, a good quality underlay is still recommended to help prevent flattening

Question: We often have the “odd little accident” like spilling wine etc, what are the best carpets to deal with this?
Answer: If you are worried about stains on your carpets, then a man made fibre carpet would be a good a good choice, such as polypropylene or polyester which are extremely stain resistant and in some instances stain proof! They still come in all types and patterns but with the added reassurance of stain resistance

Question: We don’t fancy cold or hard flooring in our kitchen or bathroom can we have carpet?
Answer: Yes you can! Bathroom carpets come in narrower widths such as 2mtr to cut down on waste and are generally waffle backed (a rubber, waterproof backing) so are fully washable, kitchen carpets generally have an “impervious backing” which is a harder rubber backing, so is water resistant and very hard wearing with a very short pile and ideal for kitchens

Question: We really like the loop pile “natural “carpets but have an upright cleaner and a cat! Would you still recommend that we have it?
Answer: No! A natural carpet IS a loop pile construction, so an upright cleaner normally has a “beater bar” which can cause the pile to mesh together and “pill” this can effect wear on the carpet, pets are also attracted to the loops using them as a “scratching post” this due to the carpets construction can cause “runs”

Question: We have a limited budget so can’t afford underlay, is there an alternative?
Answer: Yes, there are now carpets made with a “felt” backing, which can be fitted with or without underlay, so are ideal for the ”limited budget”

Question: We have quite a large room and would prefer not to have a join is this possible?
Answer: Most carpets are now made in a standard 4mtr width, with more and more manufacturers introducing a “super” width of 5mtrs we can now in most instances fit larger rooms without joins

Question: What happens if our room is over 5mtr wide?
Answer: If your room is over 5mtrs wide we can “heat seam” a join, which would be patterned and pile matched so almost invisible to the eye and guaranteed for the life of the carpet!

Question: Why do we need underlay under our carpet?
Answer: Underlay is required to help with the wear of your carpet as it helps the carpet fibres to “bounce back” and preventing excessive flattening, it also makes your carpet feel soft and luxurious under foot

Question: How do we care for our carpets after they are fitted?
Answer: We recommend that your carpet is vacuumed at least twice a week, an upright cleaner with “beater bar” for cut pile carpets and a cylinder cleaner (pull along) for loop pile carpets; we also recommend that your carpets are professionally cleaned once a year to help maintain the appearance and wear of your carpet.

Question. What is engineered hardwood flooring?
Answer: Engineered hardwood flooring is a product made up of a core of hardwood, plywood or HDF and a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued on the top surface of the core and is available in almost any hardwood species. The product thus has the natural characteristics of the selected wood species as opposed to a photographic layer. The “engineered” product has been designed to provide greater stability, particularly where moisture or heat pose problems for solid hardwood floors.

Question. What is the difference between engineered and solid?
Answer: The main difference is the construction; the base gives the board a greater degree of stability than its solid counterpart meaning it can be laid as a floating floor.

Question. How do you fit a Engineered wood floor?
Answer: They are installed as floating floors meaning they are laid on an underlay and joined together either by gluing in T & G or clicking if they have a click system.

Question. Why are engineered boards more expensive than their solid counterparts?
Answer: This is mainly due to increased manufacturing costs and when you get an engineered board they are heavily regulated in knot content meaning you get a better grade of wood with less variation.

Question. What are the advantages of an engineered board?
Answer: Most come as click installation making them ideal for DIY and can significantly reducing the installation costs over solid wood on a concrete subfloor. More stable than solid meaning it can be laid in conservatories and over under floor heating.

Question. What does greater stability mean?
Answer: The instability of solid hardwood is usually moisture or heat related. Under adverse conditions, solid hardwood floors can warp, cup, swell or split apart. Engineered hardwood flooring overcomes these problems by constructing a multiple-ply plank which counteracts twisting and remains flat and intact. This makes engineered hardwood flooring a better choice for installation over radiant heat sources, over concrete whether it’s below grade or above, and in rainy climates.

Question. How many layers does engineered flooring have?
Answer: In addition to the top hardwood veneer, engineered wood flooring typically has three or more core layers. Of course, there is greater stability with more layers. The core layers may be plywood, high density fibreboard, hardwood or softwood.

Question. Does engineering destroy the natural beauty of hardwood floors?
Answer: Not at all. The top hardwood layer is the same genuine hardwood you have in solid hardwood floors. This “show” veneer is available in most species of natural hardwood. The only real difference is that generally you get less character and you always get set lengths which can have a laminate style generic look.

Question. What is the thickness of the veneer?
Answer: The hardwood veneer, or top layer of hardwood, can typically be 3mm to 6mm or more in some cases.

Question. How many times can an engineered board be sanded and resealed?
Answer: It depends on how damaged/ worn the floor is but on average ever sand and seal removes 1.5mm of wood. So if your veneer is 5mm the floor can be sanded and sealed twice.

Question. What is the difference between the various finishes of hardwood flooring?
Answer: Lacquered Surface- this is when the timber has been coated with 5-10 coats of a UV lacquer. This is a sealed surface that is relatively hard and smooth leaving a more modern shiny finish. This finish is water resistant and is therefore recommended in kitchens and dining rooms with young children. Disadvantages are that scratches and dents are more prominent and harder to spot repair. Advantages include its low maintenance and water resistant.
Natural Oiled Surface – this is where oil is applied to the floor to bring out the natural beauty/ grain. It soaks into the wood leaving a matt traditional look with rough natural feel. Advantages of an oiled floor is its easier to spot repair by reapplying oil and tends to look better with a bit of wear. Disadvantages are that it will need re-oiling after a period of time and cannot be cleaned using water. See our how to clean an oiled floor guide for more details on maintenance of oiled floor.
Hard wax Oil Surface- Leaves a similar finish to the oiled floor however the high wax content tends to provide a greater seal than the oil increasing the water resistant properties of the floor and reducing the maintenance requirements.

Question. Do you need to acclimatise engineered wood?
Answer: Yes you do, you need to leave the packs in the room it is going to be fitted for at least 48 hours prior to installation.

Question. I notice that some are 14mm and some are 22mm, what’s the difference?
Answer: The only real difference is the thickness of the board; the 22mm usually has a thicker veneer meaning you get a longer life out of the product. Also the 22mm is classed as a load baring engineered board meaning you can fit this product straight to batons.

Question. What’s the difference between 3-strip, plank and double plank?
Answer: A plank board is an engineered board that is made up of just one long plank of veneer (also known as 1-strip). A 3-strip is engineered board that is made up of smaller strips of wood that are arranged three wide. A double planks is an engineered board mage up of strips but each plank is only two strips wide.

Question. Why would you buy a 3-strip board is there any advantage?
Answer: The main advantage of a three strip board is there usually a lot cheaper than the solid or planked counterparts.
Question. What is the most durable hardwood floor available?