(1) Why interlocking flooring tile systems?

At first glance when comparing the price to other flooring systems such as vinyl, paint or resins, it may appear that the interlocking flooring tile systems are more expensive. However when you take into account the following points, the interlocking flooring tile systems are a more resilient product that actually costs less.

The interlocking flooring tile range varies in thickness compared to vinyl, paints and resin which are usually no more than 1.5mm thick. This gives the tile range the advantage of being a more resilient and durable flooring system for your money.

The tiles can be laid over damaged, damp or uneven surfaces and unlike other flooring products do not require any special skills to install. In most cases it is not necessary to glue T&H Tiles hence saving on specialist contractors, floor screeds and adhesives.

The tiles, once installed, can be used immediately hence there is very little disruption to the environment where it is being installed unlike competitors’ products which can often require a period of 24 – 48 hours before the floor can be used, hence saving money on down-time. This is extremely relevant when installing the tiles in a factory or assembly environment.

If moving to new premises the tiles can be removed and easily installed again.The tiles are 100% recyclable.

(2) What floor preparation is required before installing the tiles?

Normally it is sufficient to simply sweep. Clear the work area of free-standing equipment, and ensure that the floor has been swept clean of any loose debris and any high points removed. Any major cracks or holes should be filled prior to installing the tiles. Long-related uneven floors are not a problem because the tiles will adapt themselves to the contour of the floor surface.

(3) What tools are required to install the tiles?

One of the many advantages of using the tiles is that no specialist tools are required other than :

(a.) Rubber mallet to connect the interlocking joints.
(b.) Knife with a concave blade.
(c.) When cutting the industrial tiles an alternative to the knife is an electric jigsaw or a table saw. A blade suitable for cutting timber is best.
(d.) Straight edge.
(e.) Cutting board and tape measure.
(f.) Pencil or chalk marker.

(4) How do I install the tiles?

The tiles are easy and fast to install. Begin by laying tiles in the middle of the room and work uniformly to the walls. All you need to do is align the joint edges, clip the tiles together and finish by using a rubber mallet to secure the interlocks. In loose lay cases the tiles are not glued down they can easily be altered, added to or reconfigured at any time. If you cut a fixed point (wall, machine, etc.) approach, the tiles so that a 0.6 cm (¼ inch) wide spacing at this fixed point appears. This is to leave room for expansion caused by temperature fluctuations or slight contractions. The expansion may be hindered in any way. Use access ramps at entrance points to reduce trip hazards and aid vehicle movement.

(5) Do I need adhesive for installing the floor?

Under normal conditions the tiles are not glued to the substrate and can, therefore, be loosely laid (floating). For applications with high dynamic point loads, or in areas subject to strong, direct sunlight or high-temperature fluctuations, the use of an adhesive may be required. We recommend in this case, a suitable adhesive vinyl.

(6) In what instances do I need to use an adhesive with the tiles?

In the vast majority of applications the tiles can be loose laid and no adhesive is required. Exceptions to this are when the tiles are to be installed in an area where a forklift truck with a very high point loading is being used. Examples of this area :

(a.) Reach truck or a 3-wheeled forklift truck that is operating in a confined space with very tight turning circles.
(b.) We also recommend that adhesive is used in installations with extreme variations in temperatures.
(c.) An area with a south facing loading bay door that is exposed to direct sunlight.

(7) What is the best way to maintain and clean the tiles?

The tiles required very little maintenance. You can clean the tiles with a simple brush to remove debris and everyday dirt. With a damp mop or for larger areas use a cleaning machine (a rotary scrubber drier with PVC brush and vacuum). If you need to remove more stubborn stains (tire marks, oil, grease) use a stain remover. Remove stains immediately if possible since certain types of stains settle into the flooring as they age and can then only be removed with difficulty or are impossible to remove completely.

(8) Can tiles be installed in areas subject to extreme hot or cold temperatures?

Different temperatures affect PVC tiles. In cold conditions the tiles become less pliable and in hotter environments they become more flexible and subject to expansion. Please note where tiles are in direct exposure to sunlight or intense heat we recommend gluing them down. The temperatures range is between -15°C and 70 °C. At very low temperatures the hard PVC can become brittle and can fracture with heavy impact. High very high temperature the PVC stabilizers can degrade.