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Cold Season Flooring Installations
During the winter months customers will ask, "Do I need the heat to be on for the carpet to be installed ?". Yes, absolutely! Why is this?
You're likely familiar with following terms "temperature and humidity requirements," "thermal shock," "surface and air temperature." These are some of the various introductions to the
rather specific climatic requirements made by manufacturers relative to the installation of their products. All these references speak more generally to the concept of thermal expansion and contraction.
For the purposes of this article, thermal expansion and contraction is defined as the movement that takes place within a structure or materials in
response to erratic or unstable temperature changes and the limitations of applied materials to that movement. A cold interior negatively affects the use and application of most building materials, but it is the
temperature swings that trigger the damage caused by thermal shock.
Installation directives for most building materials will carry some specific reference to the general work conditions as related to temperature,
humidity, acclimation, and the post-installation climate. For example, the label on most interior paints and stains indicate the need for "the minimum surface and air temperature" to be 50 degrees
Fahrenheit. This is because cold paint applied to cold walls simply will not adhere properly. It will unevenly coat, spot, run easier, dry slower and crack & peel when the heat comes on. The minimum temperature
for dry wall installation is 40 degrees. Sheet rock mud must maintain a minimum working temperature of 60 degrees. Carpet, vinyl, and wood, require at least 65 degrees for 48 hours before, during, and after
installation.
THERMAL SHOCK AND FLOORCOVERINGS:
Broadloom carpet must be relaxed and temperature stable at a minimum of 65 degrees so that material can be fully stretched when it is installed. If the material goes in cold, it is fully contracted, stiff, difficult to handle, and almost impossible to stretch evenly. When the central heat comes on, thermal expansion will immediately cause the carpet to relax. It loosens and eventually wrinkles throughout. This natural condition is unavoidable and will occur every time carpet is installed cold The same idea applies to all vinyl flooring. A significant additional effect is that cold adhesives do not properly set, bond, and cure- causing large air pockets to develop – the adhesive remains wet, the vinyl remains soft and subject to damage. When the heat comes on, almost immediately the material will expand, seams may break or peak, and the sheet itself can "creep" and otherwise wrinkle. These specific effects of thermal shock are not to be confused with faulty installation as these manufacturer's guidelines are clear to the point of even qualifying for material warranty. Winter-time rehabbers will often suggest [or even provide] space heaters or kerosene blowers as an answer to the absence of permanent heat. This idea may make the worksite tolerable to the trades but it does not answer to or negate the ill effects of thermal shock. Consistent temperature acclimation is the key to successful cold season installations.
Cold Season Flooring Installation Part 2 continues with more important information.
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