Pre-Installation Inspections for PVC Flooring

Before the installation of PVC flooring, a thorough site inspection is required to ensure that the base conditions meet construction standards. Only after these requirements are verified can the flooring installation begin. Below are the key inspections and considerations:

1. Temperature, Ambient Conditions, and Acclimation

• The ambient temperature during installation should be no lower than 15°C, and the floor surface temperature must be above 10°C.

• Application and curing times for adhesives and primers are directly affected by temperature—higher temperatures shorten curing times, while lower temperatures extend them.

• Since PVC flooring naturally expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, it must be unpacked and placed on-site at least 24 hours before installation to acclimate and stabilize at room temperature.

2. Floor Type and Flatness Verification

Flatness is critical for achieving a smooth, long-lasting PVC floor finish. Inspections should be carried out using a 2-meter straightedge and feeler gauge:

• Cement concrete base: Maximum gap must not exceed 4mm. If it does, apply a self-leveling cement layer.

• Cement mortar base: Maximum gap must not exceed 3mm. Large-scale unevenness requires secondary leveling.

• Flatness requirement: Within a 2-meter ruler, the variation must be less than 2mm.

• The leveling layer must be smooth, solid, and free of bumps or depressions.

3. Floor Strength and Crack Inspection

The base floor must have sufficient strength to support PVC flooring without risk of failure:

• Cement concrete strength: ≥ C20.

• Cement mortar strength: ≥ M15 (1:3 volume ratio).

• Surface conditions: Must be free of sanding, hollowing, cracking, and excessive porosity.

• Severe issues (hollowing, large cracks) must be repaired before installation.

• Minor cracks can be treated with cement fillers and reinforced with steel bars if necessary.

4. Moisture Content Assessment

Moisture is one of the most critical factors in PVC flooring installation:

• Ground foundation moisture content: ≤ 3% by weight.

• Air humidity: Between 20% and 75%.

• If air humidity is high, use dehumidifiers or air conditioning to stabilize conditions.

• If moisture content is >4%, apply an epoxy moisture-proof primer.

• If moisture content is >8%, PVC flooring installation is not recommended until conditions improve.

5. Primer, Self-Leveling, and Adhesive Selection

The correct grade of primer, self-leveling compound, and adhesive must be determined based on:

• The condition of the substrate.

• The type of PVC flooring (tiles or roll flooring).

• The expected traffic and load-bearing requirements.

6. Surface Cleanliness

Before installation, the substrate must be completely clean:

• Remove all oil, wax, paint, pigments, and construction residues.

• The floor must be free from dust and contaminants that could affect adhesive bonding.

7. Cross-Construction Considerations

To avoid damage to newly installed PVC flooring:

• Cross-construction should be minimized.

• If unavoidable, protective coverings must be applied to safeguard the floor until all works are completed.

✅ Final Checklist Before PVC Flooring Installation

• Ambient and floor temperatures meet requirements.

• Floor flatness within acceptable tolerances.

• Substrate strength verified.

• Cracks and defects repaired.

• Moisture content ≤3%.

• Primer, leveling, and adhesive chosen correctly.

• Surface is clean and contamination-free.

• Protective measures in place against cross-construction.

By following these inspections and preparation steps, PVC flooring installation will achieve maximum durability, stability, and aesthetic quality.