Armstrong Alterna Gravity: White Luxury Vinyl Tile D4018

Product ID: 52183
Manufacturer Suggested Retail: $5.29 per Sq. Foot
Availability: Typically Ships In 5 to 7 Business Days
Minimum Advertised Price: $5.29 per Sq. Foot
   

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Manufacturer: Armstrong
Style Name: Gravity
Manufacturer SKU: D4018
Locking: Grouted or Ungrouted
Description: Luxury Vinyl Tile
Thickness: 4mm
Dimensions: 16" L x 16" W x 0.16" T
Where to Install: On, Above or Below Grade
Approved Subfloor: Wood, Concrete, Vinyl
Installation Method: Glue Down
Finish Type: Aluminum Oxide
Finish Warranty: Limited Lifetime5 Year Commercial
Carton Coverage: 24.89 sq ft
Color Name: White
Tiles Per Carton: 14
Visual: Tile
Color Group: White
Installation: Glue Down
Size: 16x16
Width: 16
Length: 16
Colors: Parchment
Made in the USA
 
Alterna Installation System
 
Product
Adhesive
Comment
 
 
 
Alterna
Traditional butt fit
installation method or
Grouted installation method
S-288
Roll with 100-lb. roller
For grouted installation use
Armstrong S-693 Premixed
Sanded Acrylic Grout
 
General Information:
Alterna groutable tile can be installed by two installation methods.  It can be installed with a standard butt fit as in traditional resilient tile installations; or, Alterna can be spaced and grouted with Armstrong S-693 premixed Sanded Acrylic Grout.  Both methods require the use of Armstrong S-288 Flooring Adhesive.  The standard size of Alterna tile is 16" x 16" x 0.160" (40.6 cm x 40.6 cm x 4 mm).
 
When doing a grouted installation, the tiles should be laid with a grout joint spacing of 1/16" (1.6 mm) to 1/4" (6.4 mm) utilizing tile spacers designed for this purpose.  Because of the rounded edges, the appearance of the finished grout joint will be approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) wider than the actual tile spacing.
 
Due to Alterna's large format and increased thickness, extra care is required in handling and storage to keep the product from becoming damaged or distorted.  Always store the product on a flat surface.  Temperature control and subfloor flatness are important in the prevention of raised or curled edges, and performance of the grouted joints.  Maintain the temperature of the room, subfloor, tile and adhesive at a minimum of 65° F (18° C) and a maximum of 85° F (29° C) for 48 hours prior to installation, during installation, and 48 hours after installation.  Maintain a minimum room temperature of 55° F (13° C) thereafter.
 
CAUTION:  Do not use high temperature heat sources to aid in cutting or making the tile conform to irregularities in the substrate.  Multi-layered engineered tile structures such as Alterna can warp or curl after significant heating from sources such as hot plates and heat guns.  Please condition the room and all flooring materials to the temperature guidelines stated above.  If you must warm the tile, always heat from the back and limit the temperature of the tile to warm conditions - less than 110°F (43° C).
 
When using tile from two or more cartons, check to be sure all pattern and lot numbers are the same to ensure proper color match.  On larger installations, open several cartons and mix them as they are installed to help blend any slight shade differences from one carton to the next.  For best appearance, the directional arrows on the back of Alterna must be randomized when laying the tile (rather than aligned in one direction or in a forced turnblock layout).
 
Suitable Substrates:
All substrates listed below must be properly prepared and meet the requirements discussed in Chapter IV, Subfloors and Underlayments.  There may be certain exceptions and special conditions for these substrates to be suitable for Alterna Flooring installation.
  • Concrete (on all grade levels)
  • Approved Suspended Wood Underlayments
  • Most Single-layer, Fully Adhered, Existing Resilient Floors (on approved subfloors and underlayments)
  • Ceramic Tile, Terrazzo, Marble
  • Polymeric Poured (seamless) Floors
Do Not Install Over:
  • Particleboard, waferboard, OSB, or single-layer Sturd-I-Floor panels
  • Existing Resilient Tile Floors that are Below Grade
  • Existing cushion-backed vinyl flooring
Job Conditions/Preparation:
  • Substrates must be sound, dry, clean, smooth, and free from excessive moisture or alkali.  Remove dirt, paint, varnish, wax, oils, solvents and other foreign matter that would interfere with a good bond such as curing agents and sealers.
  • All substrates must be flat.  Variations in flatness must not exceed 1/16" (1.6 mm) in 1' (30.5 cm) or 3/16" (4.8 mm) in 10' (3.05 m).  Fill low areas in the substrate with S-194 Patch, Underlayment & Embossing Leveler/S-195 Underlayment Additive.
  • Because of Alterna's size, stiffness, and the grouted installation method, suspended wood subfloors and underlayments must have a total thickness of 1" (2.5 cm) and a minimum of 18" (45.7 cm) well-ventilated air space below.  Joist spacing should be on 16" (40.6 cm) centers to minimize subfloor deflection.
  • In renovation or remodel work, remove any existing adhesive residue* so that no ridges or puddles are evident and what remains is a thin, smooth film.
  • Allow all flooring materials and adhesives to condition to the room temperature a minimum of 48 hours before starting the installation.
  • The area to receive resilient flooring, and the flooring materials and adhesives should be maintained at a minimum of 65° F (18° C) and maximum of 85° F (29° C) for 48 hours prior to installation, during installation and 48 hours after completion.  Maintain a minimum temperature of 55º F (13º C) thereafter.
  • Concrete subfloor water vapor emission levels must not exceed 5 lbs./1000 sq.ft./24 hrs as determined by calcium chloride tests.  If moisture transmission levels exceed the recommended limit, the concrete must be allowed to dry prior to installing the floor.
  • Radiant heated substrates must not exceed a maximum surface temperature of 85º F (29º C).
Instructions:
Alterna groutable tile flooring can be installed as a traditional butt fit resilient tile installation using S-288 adhesive.  The S-288 adhesive must be applied with the recommended trowel notching and allowed enough open time until it becomes "dry-to-touch" before installing the tile.  Standard room balancing and layout procedures should be followed.  As the tiles are installed in quadrants within the room, the direction of the arrows on the back of the tile must be randomized for best appearance.  Tile must be thoroughly rolled with a 100-pound roller to complete the installation process.  Do not wash or scrub the new Alterna flooring for at least 5 days after the installation.
 
The installation instructions that follow focus on the grouted installation method.  The tile spacing must be between 1/16" (1.6 mm) and 1/4" (6.4 mm).  The appearance of the finished grout joint will be approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) wider than the actual tile spacing.
 
Layout:
Before installing Alterna Installation System, plan the layout so the tile joints fall at least 6" (15.2 cm) away from subfloor/underlayment joints.  Do not install over expansion joints.  When installing over an existing resilient floor, plan the layout so the new tile joints are a minimum of 6" (15.2 cm) away from the original seams.  When installing over tile floors, avoid having the Alterna Installation System joints in the existing flooring.
 
Taking the most prominent walls in the room into consideration, find the center point in the room.  Divide the room into equal quadrants by making two perpendicular lines on the subfloor intersecting at the center point.  Starting from the center point, and either by measurements, or by doing a dry layout of the tiles (with proper grout joint spacing), determine the distance between the last full tile and the perimeter walls and cabinets.  A balanced layout will result in border tiles being 8" (20.3 cm) or greater for the 16" x 16" (40.6 cm x 40.6 cm) tiles.
 
If the border pieces are less than 8" (20.3 cm) wide, particularly at the prominent walls, you will need to shift the starting point in the middle of the room 1/2 the dimension of the tile [8" (20.3 cm) for a 16" x 16" (40.6 cm x 40.6 cm) tile] to balance the layout.  After you have balanced the room to achieve larger pieces at the borders, make two new perpendicular lines on the subfloor intersecting at the new starting point near the center of the room.
 
Procedure:
Use Armstrong S-288 Flooring Adhesive to install Alterna tile.  S-288 is applied with the fine notching of the Armstrong S-891 trowel. [Notching is 1/32" (0.8 mm) deep, 1/16" (1.6 mm) wide and 5/64" (2 mm) apart.]
 
Normally you will apply adhesive to 1/4 or 1/2 of the room area at a time so that you can start the installation where the guidelines intersect.  Apply adhesive and allow the adhesive to set until dry-to-touch, as per the recommended open time on the adhesive label.  The adhesive must be tacky without transfer to fingers when ready for bonding.  This takes 30 minutes or more depending on the temperature, humidity and air floor in the room.  Do not use fans directly on the adhesive/substrate to accelerate drying.
 
Begin at the starting point and install the tile along the chalk lines, laying the field area first in step fashion.  complete installation of full tile in all quadrants of the room.  Do not slide the tile into place.  Press tile firmly into the adhesive.
 
NOTE:  Tile spacers do a very good job of maintaining tile alignment.  However, the installer must also re-check for proper alignment by using measurements or creating additional lines on the subfloor about every 4' (3 rows of tile) to ensure straight lines and rows of tile.  This is very important on larger installations.
 
Next, cut and fit the border tile at the perimeter.  Mechanical tile cutters are available for cutting larger format tile.  The score and snap method of using a utility knife to score through the wear surface also works well.  be sure to allow for the grout joint and a 1/8" (3.2 mm) gap at perimeter walls when cutting the border pieces.
 
For irregular cuts, make a pattern out of kraft paper or cardboard and transfer it to the tile.  Score along the markings and snap off small pieces.  Ceramic tile nippers or a coping saw are useful in making more intricate cutouts for complicated fitting.
 
Spread adhesive, allow proper adhesive open time and complete the remaining portion of the room in similar fashion.
 
After the Alterna is installed, remove all tile spacers and immediately roll the entire floor with a 100-lb. roller.  Roll the floor diagonally across the tile joints in both directions.  Use a hand roller in confined areas where the large floor roller will not reach, such as under toe kicks.
 
Grouting:
Grouting may be done immediately; or, it can be completed the following day, with no problem.  Verify that all tile edges are firmly seated in the adhesive before beginning the grouting process. The open joints must be clean and dry.
 
Use Armstrong S-693 Premixed Sanded Acrylic Grout.  Traditional cement grouts are not recommended with Alterna tile and should not be used.  Follow the application instructions as specified on the premixed grout container, working small sections of the floor at a time.  Use a "hard" epoxy grout float to apply the grout.  Do not spread the grout over the entire surface of the tile as is customary with some ceramic tiles. Rather, try to apply the grout and pack it down only in the immediate area of the open joints to minimize cleanup.  Then, hold the float almost vertical to the surface and strike off the excess grout, pulling the float diagonally across the joints.
 
Do not allow the grout to dry hard on the face of the flooring before beginning the cleanup procedure.  It is best to use two buckets of clear, cool water with sponges during the first cleanup.  Firm, square-edged cellulose sponges typically work best for cleaning grout residue from the tile without pulling excessive grout from the joints.  Use the first bucket and sponge to loosen the grout on the face of the tile and pick up most of the residue.  Use the second bucket and sponge for final removal of the residue and for smoothing the joints.  Always hold the sponge flat and wipe diagonally across the joints.  Do not allow the rinse water to accumulate in the adjacent ungrouted joints.
 
NOTE:  If grout sponges alone are not sufficient to clean the face of the tile, a white 3M pad with light pressure may be used.  Do not overwork the grout during the cleanup or it will result in shallow joints.  It is normal to have a slight grout haze remaining after the initial cleanup.  It will be removed in the final cleanup after the grout joint has completely dried.
 
Traffic should be kept off the installation until the grout has completely dried, usually a minimum of 24 hours.  Joints that are wider may take longer to dry than narrow joints of 1/196" (1.6 mm) to 1/8" (3.2 mm).
 
After the grout joints have dried and hardened, a very light application of properly diluted Armstrong Once 'n Done Resilient & Ceramic Floor Cleaner and a white 3M pad may be used to remove the slight haze of grout residue that remains.  Again, two buckets of clear, cool water should be used.  Pick up residue with a clean damp sponge.  Use the second bucket and sponge for a final rinse and cleanup.  Buff dry with a soft cloth.
 
Do not use solvents or grout haze removers.  Do not use Armstrong New Beginning or other floor strippers for cleaning the grout or maintaining the Alterna installation as they are too harsh and will degrade premixed acrylic grout.  Grout sealers are not recommended for Armstrong Premixed Sanded Acrylic Grout.
 
Replace wall base and trim moldings.
 
The installation can support light traffic as soon as the grout has hardened; however, the floor should not be exposed to heavy or rolling load traffic for an additional 72 hours after the installation.  Always use pieces of hardboard or underlayment panels to protect the floor when moving heavy furniture and appliances back into the room.
 
Precautions:
  • Do not wash or scrub the new Alterna flooring for at least 5 days after the installation.  This will prevent excess moisture and cleaning agents from interfering with the adhesive bond and hardening of the grout.
  • Do not use Armstrong New Beginning or other floor strippers for cleaning the grout or maintaining the Alterna installation as they are too harsh and will degrade premixed acrylic grout.
 
Armstrong Residential Vinyl Tile Flooring Warranty: Professionally Installed & Do-It-Yourself "DIY"
 
Lifetime Limited Residential Warranty
 
Armstrong Alterna
 
Effective as of April 14, 2009
 
What is covered and for how long?
The Armstrong lifetime limited residential warranty for Armstrong vinyl tile means that for the life of the floor, the floor listed above:
Will not wear through**
Will not contain manufacturing defects.
Will not rip or tear from normal household use.
Will not permanently indent from normal household use.***
Will not bottom-up discolor from underlayment panels (including lauan), as well as alkali, mold, or mildew growth.
The edges of the tile/plank will not curl.
 
**Wear through is defined as loss of the floor design due to normal household use.
 
***We recommend using floor protectors.  As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor protectors should be.
 
WHAT WILL ARMSTRONG DO IF ANY OF THE  ABOVE HAPPENS? 
If any of the above should occur within the warranty periods specified above for each flooring product, Armstrong will furnish comparable Armstrong flooring of similar color, pattern, and quality, for either the repair of the defective area of the replacement of the floors, at our option.  And, if your floor was professionally installed, Armstrong will also pay reasonable labor costs for the direct repairs of replacement.  Armstrong will replace or repair a floor discolored from mold, mildew, or alkali one time.  If the replacement or repair fails in the same manner a second time, the flooring conditions may not be acceptable for the installation of vinyl tile or plank.
 
What Is Not Covered By These Warranties?
Damage caused by fire, flooding, or intentional abuse.
Damage caused by vacuum cleaner beater bar, caster wheels, and cutting from sharp objects.
When vacuuming, we recommend using the wand attachment on your vacuum.
Because rolling casters can damage the floor, we do not recommend them.
Loss of gloss/scratching.
If some dulling occurs over time, depending on the amount of traffic, care, and maintenance the floor receives, restore the shine to your high gloss floor, using Armstrong Shinekeeper Floor Finish.  For low gloss floors, use Armstrong Satinkeeper Low Gloss Floor Finish.
Minor color, shade or texture variations between samples or printed color photography and the actual material.
 
Floors that are not graded "regular".
Floors that are installed in other then owner-occupied or tenant-occupied residences.  (Except products that are noted as warranted light commercial)
Installation-related errors or damage including improper conditioning of jobsite and flooring materials.
 
Construction damage after installation.
Floors discolored from moisture or underlayment panels after having been repaired or replaced by Armstrong one time.
Floors damaged by excessive moisture from sources such as flooring and water leakage.
Installation defects and installations not using the recommended Armstrong adhesives.
Damage caused by abuse such as moving appliances across the floor without adequate protection**
 
**When moving appliances or heavy furniture, lay a plywood panel on your floor and "walk" the item across it.
This protects your floor from scuffing and tears.
 
What Is Excluded From These Warranties?
 
None of our installers, retailers, distributors or employees has authority to alter the obligations, limitations, disclaimers, or exclusions under any of our warranties.
 
WE EXCLUDE AND WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR OR PAY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES UNDER OUR WARRANTIES.  By this we mean any loss, expense or damage other than to the flooring itself that may result from a defect in the flooring.  Our limited warranties constitute the only express warranties for the product purchased.
 
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW AND FOR ALL NON-CONSUMER PRODUCTS, ALL WARRANTIES OTHER THAN OUR LIMITED WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE DISCLAIMED.  IF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISES UNDER STATE LAW, ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES (INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE) ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN WARANTY, TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
 
SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
 
THESE WARRANTIES GIVE YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM JURISDICTION TO JURISDICTION.
 
Installation Requirements
Proper installation plays a key role in the performance of Armstrong floors.  For installation of vinyl tile, these basic guidelines should be followed:
Store tiles for 48 hours in room where they will be installed.  Keep room at a minimum of 65° F during that time and during installation.  After installation, temperature should not fall below 65° F for the first 48 hours and not below 55° after that.
 
If room is heated by radiant coils in the subfloor, the TEMPERATURE OF THE FLOOR should not exceed 85° F.
 
The subfloor must be level, clean, and free of wax, grease, oil or dust.  If necessary, patch and fill any cracks in the subfloor with Armstrong Patch, or Armstrong Latex Underlayment.  Use Armstrong Embossing Leveler to smooth any texture or embossing on the old floor.
Install over smooth, well-bonded resilient floors or over dry concrete and wood floors with a plywood overlay.
 
The limited product warranty does not cover the installation of the product, even though Armstrong will pay reasonable labor costs for covered repairs or replacement if your floor was professionally installed and the floor product fails for reasons other than installation error.  Installation errors are the responsibility of the installer.  While installations not performed according to our requirements do not void the product warranty, damage or problems with the flooring related to improper installation are not covered.
 
What Should You Do If You Have A Problem?
We want you to be happy with your Armstrong floor.  If you're not, call your retail store.  They can answer your questions; and, if necessary, start to process a claim.  If you have further questions, please call us at 1 800 233 3823.
 
Warranty Owner
This warranty applies only to Professional Installed or Do-It-Yourself installations by a homeowner for his or her own residential end use.  This warranty extends only to the original end user and is not transferable.
 
PLEASE KEEP YOUR RECEIPT OR OBTAIN IT FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER.
Armstrong needs the flooring receipt in order to verify date and proof of purchase to resolve any problems that may occur.  For professionally installed floors, the original receipt for installation labor may also be required.
This warranty applies to floors purchased after February 01, 2008.