Ask Ken: What are Common Pitfalls When Gluing Down Floors?
Ken's Quick Answer:
"Follow the directions on the glue bucket. Generally speaking, don't apply glue unless it's between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid surfaces that are painted or polished. Also, don't use it with concrete slabs that are full of moisture."
Ken's In-Depth Answer:
Today, I want to talk to you about a very stick subject: Glue. In the video above, I show off an old friend—my Roberts 3000 multi-purpose adhesive glue. You can use it for carpet and vinyl and it's done a great job for us over the years.
There's only one problem. It's cold outside! And if you're in a new construction situation and you haven't got your HVAC system in yet, it may be cold inside, as well.
What a lot of people don't know is that, especially in the winter, you need to have a temperature of roughly 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit to use this type of glue. Otherwise, it won't stick or perform properly. In other words, don't even think about using glue outside or in an unheated building during the coldest months.
"There are all sorts of things that can inhibit a good glue-down installation. Follow the directions! Yes, even glue requires special care and handling."
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There are other potential problems that can come from glue, as well. If you have a painted floor, don't try to glue something over it. The glue can interact with the paint. (And, chances are, whatever you're gluing down is going to come right up.)
If you have polished surfaces without a lot of porosity, it may well be that the glue is not going to stick to them. Or, if you have a concrete slab with a lot of moisture in it—perhaps the moisture is coming through the slab—you may have problems with adhesion too.
So, unfortunately, there are all sorts of things that can inhibit a good glue-down installation. Look at the instructions from the bucket. Yes, even glue requires special care and handling in order for it to do its job.
If you have any questions about best gluing practices or glue-down flooring products, please give us a call at 401-214-0285 or visit our showroom."
About Ken: Ken Fain is the co-owner of Island Carpet in Middletown, RI and a floorcovering veteran of more than 40 years. His popular 'Ask Ken' video series answers common flooring questions on a variety of topics. It has reached thousands of viewers on both YouTube and Facebook.