prep for armstrong floor tiles

[crazy charlie]

Hi guys,I have Armstrong stick floor tiles in my foyer which for some reason discolored terribly.I want to cover them with different self stick tiles and was wondering what kind of prep I should do to make a good install.I know that stick tiles on top of stick tiles tend to slide apart.Charlie

 

[mikecjn]

Re: prep for armstrong floor tiles

I would try to pull up the old tiles prior to replacing them. If there is not too much adhesive left on the floor you may be able to clean it up with a scraper and be all set.<br />When I redid my floors I got tired of scraping old adhesive and just laid down a few new 4X8 sheets of luan (about $10 each) and I was all set.<br /><br />By the way, where your floor was discolored was there a rubber mat at that spot? I know the rubber backed door mats will discolor the vinyl tiles. <br />Hope that helps!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: prep for armstrong floor tiles

I am trying to avoid pulling them up because they are stuck down good.I did not realize the tiles had discolored so much until I lifted a runner and moved a small piece of furniture.It seems that everywhere they were exposed to the least bit of light,they turned yellow.And I mean the least bit of light.My foyer only gets light from the top panels of the door they are near.Not even close to direct sunlight.I had a rubber antislide mat under the runner but thats the only place they still were bright,and under the small piece of furniture.Charlie

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: prep for armstrong floor tiles

I re-did my kitchen floor last year and here is what I did. <br /><br />I purchased a higher quality and thicker tile with a better warranty than my old ones.<br /><br />I sanded the finish on the old floor tiles and made sure the was absolutely no old wax and dirt on them.<br /><br />I applied the new self stick over the old ones except I started my new tiles 6" offset of the old ones so none of the seams were lined up.<br /><br />My kitchen is 14 x 18 so one piece flooring was out of the question....I did not want to risk a seam running the length of the kitchen.<br /><br />The old floor is about a year old and no problems at all.<br /><br />Bob

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: prep for armstrong floor tiles

I was considering sand the old ones so it sounds like a good idea.Thanks Bob.Charlie

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: prep for armstrong floor tiles

Crazy charlie, if you have a heat gun handy try peeling up one or two with it. Once they're the slightest bit warm I find they come up whole easily. They leave behind a good amount of goo so if you were to lay down a fresh tile, it'll stick no problem at all.<br />I've seen the same sort of fade problem with those Armstrong tiles. I think it must be from cleaning them since one place I saw them faded badly was in a basement without much direct natural light.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: prep for armstrong floor tiles

Oh one more word of advice.... DO NOT BREATH THE DUST IF YOU SAND THEM. Flat out not healthy.<br /><br />Bob

 

[flashback]

Re: prep for armstrong floor tiles

hi charlie, one common problem with laying new tiles over the old is if the old ones have an embossed pattern in them. this pattern will telegraph thru the new tiles and look bad...your best bet is to remove them.. but there are leveling products available to fill in the patterns if you choose not to remove the old tiles...good luck....

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: prep for armstrong floor tiles

Thanks guys.I removed a few with the heat gun but they were stuck down so well ,they came up in pieces.Lucky for me ,they are flat on top with the design inside the tile so covering them should not be much of a problem.I am thinking of gluing scotchbrite pads on my nephews old sneakers and letting them play hockey in the foyer for a few hours.Think that will be enough scuffing???? Charlie