Control the installation of your PVC tiles: avoid expansion and tire stains

Control the installation of your PVC tiles: avoid expansion and tire stains

PVC tiles are a high-performance, attractive and ultra-resistant solution (up to 50 tons/m²). To guarantee a long-lasting result with no surprises, two points must be perfectly anticipated:

  • Thermal expansion
  • Chemical migration of tires

1. Expansion: loose or glued?

ULTIMA tiles can generally be laid without adhesive, on a hard, smooth and clean substrate. However, there are certain conditions under which gluing is required to avoid distortion of the floor:

Cases requiring glue-down installation :

  • Direct exposure to the sun: glass entrances, south-facing bays, display windows, loading bays...
  • High temperatures: above 20°C, PVC can expand and create waves
  • Heavy vehicles and machines with short turning radii: forklifts, pallet trucks, electric trucks
  • Direct heat sources: catalytic converters, furnaces, industrial machines

If glued tiles need to be removed, this is entirely possible. The bond is strong, but does not prevent the tiles from being removed.

Solution: Two-component glue: click here

2. Chemical migration: tires and rubbers 

Some tires can discolor PVC. This is due to a chemical reaction between the antioxidant present in some rubbers and the plasticizers in the soil. 

Solution: anti-migration treatment: click here

This solution is applied directly at our plant, and the slabs are delivered ready for installation. This solution protects the slabs for several years, depending on the activity.

This treatment is matt and does not alter the appearance of the slabs.

  • Factory application of a double layer of polyurethane protection
  • Solvent-free, UV-cured treatment
  • Recommended for sensitive areas (garages, workshops, sports halls)

The treatment also prevents stains from aggressive chemicals.

3. Cleaning & maintenance

Best practices :

  • Choose a scrubber-dryer for all surfaces
  • Always sweep before cleaning to avoid abrasive debris
  • Use products compatible with ULTIMA PVC

A maintenance protocol is available on request.

4. Installation: key rules

Before installation :

  • Allow tiles to acclimatize for 24 hours at room temperature (ideally between 12°C and 20°C).
  • Open the pallet to accelerate acclimatization

During installation :

  • Lay the tiles and mark out the laying axes (chalk, laser)
  • Starting from the center
  • Do not force fit, adjust gently
  • Leave 5 mm of clearance around the edges (expansion)
  • Ajouter un joint tous les 8-10 m si < 15°C

Substrate preparation :

  • Clean floor, free of dust and irregularities
  • Fill holes with rapid patching 

A well-laid slab is a square slab: take the time to draw straight.