Welcome to our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section. Consider this a work-in-progress as we will be adding to this page periodically based on responses from our contact form and various input we receive from our customers via phone and e-mail. For more information and details concerning installation and maintenance, please click here to get started. We have divided our FAQs into (4) categories. To view questions and answers, scroll down or click on your category of interest...

How do I prepare my floor for vinyl tile installation?

How do I remove damaged tile?

How do I remove any extra adhesive on top of the tile?

Why is there a difference from tile to tile in the same box?

Can I install vinyl tile on a concrete floor?

Can I install Home Depot self stick vinyl tiles on a floor that is below ground level?

What sub-floors are recommended?

Is it important to acclimate the tile to the room in which it will be installed?

Should I use a regular floor primer before installing my tile?

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How do I prepare my floor for vinyl tile installation?
You can use primer to prepare a sub-floor for vinyl tile. It aids in preparing the floor for the adhesive. We recommend Jasco Primer. NEVER USE A SEALER! TrafficMaster Pro Basement Proofer is a type of primer that acts like a sealer, but allows adhesion of the tile to concrete floors. Most importantly, it helps prevent moisture from getting between tiles and the sub-floor. We always recommend that you purchase 10% more than is needed for a particular area as a precaution for any mistakes and trim. Use our Tile Calculator to get an idea of your tile needs for a given space. For more information on preparation, click here.



How do I remove damaged tile?
Hair dryers are good to use in removing tile. It heats up the adhesive and gets it tacky again, so tiles can be picked up. When tiles pop up, pull them out, using a wide blade putty knife, and put new ones down.



How do I remove any extra adhesive on top of the tile?
Use mineral spirits and a soft cloth rag to remove any extra adhesive.



Why is there a difference from tile to tile in the same box?
We do not manufacture identical tiles. This gives the floor a more natural look and appearance.



Can I install vinyl tile on a concrete floor?
Concrete Floors must not contain a sealer or finish of any kind. For installing below grade (below floor level, like in basements), we recommend Basement Proofer to prepare concrete floors. First, clean the sub-floor for any remaining dirt and grease. Tiles must be in the room of installation for at least 2 days to stabilize temperature. Never use polyurethane over vinyl tile.



Can I install Home Depot self stick vinyl tiles on a floor that is below ground level?
Yes, but ONLY if Basement Proofer is used to prepare the concrete before laying the tile. Vinyl tile can not be laid on top of a preexisting tiled floor below grade.



What sub-floors are recommended?
Plywood, concrete and vinyl floors that are down tight are recommended. DO NOT INSTALL the floor over chip board or particle board.



Is it important to acclimate the tile to the room in which it will be installed?
Yes. For best results, store the tile at room temperature (at least 65 degrees F plus) for 48 hours before installation. Remove the tiles from the carton and stack in small piles. Be sure the sub-floor is also 65 degrees plus. Failure to acclimate tiles may result in gaps between tiles.



Should I use a regular floor primer before installing my tile?
Only when installing over a porous floor, this means a floor that can "absorb" some of the liquid such as a plywood, or concrete sub-floor. DO NOT use another primer in conjunction with the Basement Proofer and never use primer when installing over existing vinyl flooring.






Do varied temperatures affect the tile?

What kind of rugs or mats can I put on this floor? I have a yellowish stain on tile that was under a mat. What happened?

Are there specific floor protectors to put on furniture?

How do I clean my new tile floor?

Can I put a finish on my new vinyl floor?

What shoes will affect my floor?

Does the vinyl tile scuff?

Will the sunlight fade my floor? My floor has faded, what caused this?

I have a pet. Will its claws hurt the floor?

I want to put the tile in a room where water is often on the floor (for example, a bathroom or kitchen). Will this damage the tile?

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Do varied temperatures affect the tile?
Very Cold Climates: Some heating is recommended (intermittent). Do not use in homes where winter temperatures in the house drop below 20 degrees F for extended periods.
Hot Climates: Over 100 degrees F for extended periods of time may expand the tile and loosen the adhesive. Heat is more dangerous to tile than cold.



What kind of rugs or mats can I put on this floor? I have a yellowish stain on tile that was under a mat. What happened?
Rubber backed rugs and mats shouldn't be used, they will yellow the tile. Rubber stains vinyl very easily.



Are there specific floor protectors to put on furniture?
Felt floor protectors on furniture are always recommended.



How do I clean my new tile floor?
Do not use household dust treatment chemicals on the tile. Use a vinyl floor cleaner and separate finish. Both must be water-based.
Vacuums: Do not use a beater brush on a vinyl floor. Use the proper solid floor attachment for vacuuming.
Cleaning:
• Do NOT use abrasive cleaners, powders, etc. They will scratch the surface.
• Do NOT use oil cleaner. It will leave a film.
• Do NOT use dish detergent. It will leave a film.
• Use a non-rinsing cleaner that leaves no film.
• NO WAX! Do not wax a vinyl floor. All of our vinyl flooring contains a no-wax finish. The flooring is non-porous and will not absorb wax. It will build up and collect even more dirt.



Can I put a finish on my new vinyl floor?
Yes. Use "Metroflor Matte" to finish TrafficMaster vinyl floors to increase brightness, but when using, cover the entire area. Use "Tile Lab Hi-Gloss" to finish Newport, Riviera, and Images floors to increase brightness, but when using, cover the entire area.



What shoes will affect my floor?
High Heels: Wide high heels are fine. Narrow high heels may put too much pressure on one small point on the vinyl floor. TrafficMaster can withstand 200 lbs. per square inch.



Does the vinyl tile scuff?
Scuffing: Vinyl does scuff.
• To prevent scuffing you can use a finish for vinyl floors.
• Sneakers and rubber will cause scuff marks.
Scuff Removal:
• Use Vinyl cleaner and 000 steel wool or 0000 steel wool and rub very gently.
• Mineral spirits, turpentine, and paint thinner will work as well. Use sparingly.



Will the sunlight fade my floor? My floor has faded, what caused this?
Sunlight: All vinyl floors are affected by direct sunlight and it will fade color.



I have a pet. Will its claws hurt the floor?
Pets: The bigger the pet (100 lbs. or more), the more damage untrimmed nails will do.



I want to put the tile in a room where water is often on the floor (for example, a bathroom or kitchen). Will this damage the tile?
Water will not hurt vinyl, but may hurt the sub-floor. A damaged sub-floor can loosen tile.






What does the warranty cover?
Loss of pattern and/or color, but does not cover fading; only wear through.

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I’m looking for Newport, Riviera, Images, or TrafficMaster tile patterns that have been discontinued, can I buy it direct from the Manufacturer?
Unfortunately, no. However, you may be able to go back to the store and ask the Home Depot where you originally purchased the pattern and ask the store to do a search on the SKU number. Then the store will be able to locate any available product and have it shipped to the local store, where you can then purchase it.

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I still have questions. What can I do?
You can call our customer support team at 1-866-843-8453 or contact us by a variety of means. Click here for more information, and we look forward to helping you with your additional questions.