Does SnapStone® tile require an acclimation period before installation?
SnapStone porcelain tile is a very stable, and does not require acclimation if installed under normal climate conditions of 65-80 degrees F. If, however, the temperature variance is greater than 20 degrees F from storage to jobsite, a 24 hour acclimation period is recommended.
How thick must the sub-floor be in order to install the SnapStone tile?
5/8" installed over 16" on center.
How flat does a sub-floor need to be in order to install SnapStone tile?
Within a tolerance of ¼" in 10' or 1/8" in 6'. High and low spots of the sub-floor can be identified using a straight edge. High spots should be sanded, and low spots should be filled using a cement-based leveling compound.
Over what type of sub-floors can SnapStone tile be installed?
SnapStone can be installed on flat, solid surfaces. This includes vinyl, plywood, OSB, particle board, concrete, and ceramic. Avoid non-solid, uneven surfaces such as carpet.
What do I do if there is a dip in the middle of the sub-floor?
Use a straight edge to determine the depth of the low spot. If it's more than ¼" in 10' or 1/8" in 6' then it will need to be filled. Cement based patching compounds works best. Avoid gypsum patching compounds in wet areas since they may support mold growth.
What do I do if there is a high spot in the middle of my floor?
If the high spot is over ¼" in 10' or 1/8" in 6', it could be a problem. In many cases, the high spot will need to be removed. First, determine how much of the high spot needs to be removed. Once this is done, there are a few options. 1) Less severe high spots (1/8"-3/16") can be sanded with a belt sander or edger or by using a planer. Remember: never sand existing resilient floor covering as it may contain asbestos. 2) More severe high spots may require inspection from a carpenter to ensure the floor remains structurally sound.
Can SnapStone tile be installed over a crack in the sub-floor?
Yes. Unlike a traditionally installed ceramic tile floor, SnapStone porcelain tile can be installed over cracks and expansion joints in concrete as long as the crack does not cause a height difference in the floor.
My floor squeaks. Should I fix it before I install SnapStone tile?
If the floor squeaks now, it will squeak after SnapStone tile is installed. Many squeaks can be repaired by simply placing a few nails or screws in the joists that are making the noise. If the squeaking persists, a carpenter should be consulted.
My previous floor left an adhesive residue on the sub-floor. Can I install SnapStone tile directly over this surface?
If the old adhesive residue is completely dry, then yes. However, if the residue is sticky, it is recommended to first install a thin underlayment (1/8") over the floor. This will provide a smooth surface for installing your floor.
Is there an alternative to leveling the floor with a patching compound?
Yes. Using 1/8" hardboard is an alternative to leveling the floor with patching compound. It may be a little more expensive, but could be a good option if you do not have experience patching floors.
Do I need to remove my vinyl floor before installing the SnapStone flooring system?
No. the SnapStone Floating Porcelain Tile System can be installed directly over your existing vinyl floor.
I have baseboards and quarter round on my walls. Should I remove them before installing SnapStone?
Yes. The quarter round or base shoe should be removed, and then re-installed to cover the expansion gaps along the perimeter. It is not necessary to remove the baseboards.
Do I need to remove my old flooring before I install my SnapStone floor?
Not all the existing floors need to be removed. The SnapStone system can be installed over most clean, dry, structurally sound floors such as vinyl, wood, concrete, or ceramic. It should not be installed over carpet.
My old vinyl tile floor is missing a few pieces. Do I have to remove the whole floor to install SnapStone?
No. If the vinyl tile is well bonded to its sub-floor and only a few pieces are missing, just use cement based patching compound to fill the missing areas. Then, once the floor is flat, SnapStone can be installed. Use caution when removing loose tile as some vinyl tiles may contain asbestos.
Do I need to remove the paint from the concrete floor before installing SnapStone tile?
No.
My third floor condo has lightweight concrete, and I'm told that primers and sealers need to be applied before my tile floor can be installed. Is this necessary with SnapStone?
No, as long as the floor is within a tolerance of ¼" in 10' or 1/8" in 6'.
Are there any deflection requirements for SnapStone tile?
The floor must not have deflection greater than 1/360 of the span when measured under a 300 lb concentrated load (See ASTM C 627).
Do I need to undercut the door jambs and casings?
No, it is not required. However, you will still need to allow ¼" expansion at the jambs. Undercutting of the jambs is used to cover the cut edges while still providing this needed expansion.
What is the best way to undercut the door lambs and casings?
If there are only a few door jambs and casings to cut, it is easiest to use a sharp hand saw. A scrap piece of SnapStone tile can be used as a guide to ensure the casing is cut at the exact height needed. If there is a large number of door jambs and casings, a power jamb saw is recommended.
