INSTALLATION GUIDE – Resurfacing– (using square Yard or I-Tiles)

BASE:  eco-flex® Square Yard Tiles 1/2”, or 1" can be installed over plywood, 2x4, 2x6, cement or asphalt.  For decks, it is recommended to cover the deck with plywood, however if installing over 2x4, or 2x6, gaps between the boards cannot exceed ¼”, and planking must be straight and free of rot.  If any rot is apparent, replace boards as necessary.  For cement, ensure cracks are filled.  Note: if foundation problems are present, contact your local contractor – any damage to eco-flex® tiles resulting from foundational problems, are not eligible for warranty. 
The adhesive comes in 1-5 gallon pails, and is used to adhere the tiles to various surfaces, including plywood, cement or asphalt.  The urethane is activated by moisture; therefore any large amount of moisture will result in the urethane to over react, causing a porous foam effect. Thus the install has to be finished 12 – 24 hours before moisture can be introduced to allow the urethane to cure for best results.  You will need different quantities of urethane depending upon the application;

URETHANE ADHESIVE
One gallon of Urethane Adhesive is sufficient for:     

90-110 sq.ft. – Plywood – may have to double coat as the wood may soak the first application of adhesive     
110-125 sq.ft. – Cement (relatively smooth)
80 – 90 sq.ft. – Asphalt

The Super Glue & Super Glue Activator “accelerator” (spray bottle) is used to bond the corners of the tiles, while waiting for the urethane adhesive to cure beneath the tiles.  It is recommended to use the super glue along 5-6 inches of the sides of the tiles.  This is extremely important, as the tiles tend to expand and contract in varying temperatures.  For example, if one installed the tiles during a warm day, using just the urethane adhesive for the base of the tiles, and the temperature cooled off at night, if the urethane beneath the tiles has not cured, there is a risk that some tiles will contract slightly, leaving slight gaps between the tiles.  However, if the super glue is used, the tiles will stay bonded tight together until the adhesive has set up.  When applying the superglue, only a very thin layer is required.  When too much is used, the accelerator cannot work through the whole layer of super glue, and you will have difficulty getting the tiles to stay bonded.   One pound of Super Glue is sufficient for; approx. 800 sq.ft if square yard tiles are used.  For every pound of super glue, approx. 1,000ml (32oz) of accelerator is required.

WHEN READY TO INSTALL:

1. Lay out tiles and determine desired pattern, and level of cuts. We recommend that the bottom side of the tiles be flashed or wiped with paint thinner or solvent, so that the surface of the tile is cleaned of all releaser agents, thus allowing the adhesives to bond properly.
2. Pour a small portion of urethane adhesive onto surface, and spread with a 16th of an inch trowel, flat trowel or smooth paint roller.
3. Trowel over desired area to 1/6th of an inch. 
4. If installing and excessive gapping occurs, staggering of the tiles will allow the tiles to relax closer to each other leaving a not so noticeable seam. This tip is most commonly used when installing the I-Mat tiles which interlock on one side and not the other but is common practice in the use of all rubber products.  Super glue should also be used in this situation to hold the tiles tight in place as you progress with the installation.
5. Begin laying the tiles, no more than four at a time. 
6. Apply a thin layer of super glue to the sides of the tile where the tiles meet, only apply 4 -5” from the corner of each tile, as well as a 4 -5” area in the center. 
7. Spray the super glue with the accelerator, one generous time, and adhere the tiles together.  (You only have a few seconds to do this, so you need to work quickly). 
8. If you happen to make a mistake, simply cut between the tiles, and try again. 
9. Note; when installing over 2 x 4, or 2 x 6, you will need to apply using a low pile paint roller.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

1. For decking, an alternative to using the superglue for the seams would be to use finishing nails in the corners of the tiles.  (There is no alternative when installing over asphalt or cement.)

2. If installing over living quarters, it is recommended to use a waterproof membrane under the tiles …Do Not Use Nails.
3. It is important to use either super glue to adhere seams, or finishing nails, as tiles may contract slightly as temperatures vary.  If super glue or finishing nails are not used, slight gaps between tiles may result. 
4. Tiles will expand in high heat, therefore it is recommended to install in 10-20 degree Celsius temperature, or in shade.
5. If the urethane adhesive seeps up between the tiles, allow drying and peeling off with a knife or screwdriver.  It is easier to peel off when it has dried some.
6. Use an “olfa” knife to cut the tiles, make your first cut, then slightly bend the tile, & cut again.
7. The tiles are coated with a silicone releaser when new; allow 3-5 days in the sun to dissipate on its’ own or refer to install # 1.

Warranty:

INSTALLATION GUIDE– In Ground– (Z-Bricks or 1 3/8”Yard Tiles)

(PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR PROJECT)

TOOLS REQUIRED:

GLOVES                                   SAFETY GLASSES
TAPE MEASURE                      CHALK LINE
CHALK                                     SHARP UTILITY KNIFE
4’ – 2” x 4”                                 SAW (TABLE, SKILL, OR BANDSAW)
PLATE TAMPER                       2 LENGTHS OF PIPE (For Screeding)
WHEEL BARREL                      SHOVEL

BASE PREPARATION:

1. Remove any old pavement and/or existing soil.  *Excavate to proper depth depending on traffic.  Spread and compact (using mechanical tamper) 3/4" road crush evenly over the entire area.  The elevation of the compacted base should be 2-3/8” to 2-7/8” below the finished rubber tile surface.
2. Once the base is completed, edge restraints should be installed to prevent any lateral movement of the tiles.  Edge restraints should be installed to sit flush with or just below the finished height of the tile.
3. With the edge restraints installed, 1 to 1 ½” of coarse sand is spread evenly over the compacted base.  Screeding must be done to ensure an even bedding surface is established.  Two lengths of pipe (1” to ½” O.D.) are placed parallel to one another, directly on the crushed rock.  A 2” x 4” board is then pulled across the pipe, ensuring that the sand is at a uniform height.  (Avoid walking on screeded surface).
4. Commence laying tiles in the pattern you wish to create.  It is important that the tiles are taken from two to three different bundles to ensure a proper color blend.  Start installation of tile at the edge or corner whenever possible.  This will minimize cuts.
5. Using masonry string will allow for your pattern to run true throughout the project.  Any cuts should be done as needed to keep your pattern consistent.
6. Once tiles are all in place, sweep the entire surface to prepare for mechanical tamping.
7. Begin tamping the entire surface, tamping in both directions until the surface is bedded down uniformly.  Broadcast jointing sand over the entire surface and begin sweeping until all joints are filled.  Leaving the excess sand on the surface, tamp the entire surface again, and sweep sand into joints until they are completely filled.
8. It is recommended to install in 5-23 degrees Celsius temperature, or in shade.

*Before you dig, please call Hydro, Telephone, Gas and Cable Companies to ensure your safety.

Technical Data, Warranty:

Quantity of Product/Pallet

Cobblestone Tile /Grid Tile/ Multi-Brick Tile, I-Tile Mat                    
1/2”                 60/pallet
1"                    40/pallet
1 1/2”              30/pallet

Z-Brick:         1050 bricks/pallet

Churchill Bricks:
4”x 8”x 2”        800 bricks/pallet
6” x 6”x 2”       600 brick/pallet

Bennink tile:
1/2"- 4’x 10’   25 per pallet

Horse stall Mats:
5’ x 7’ x 5/8”   30 per pallet


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

Q.        Does it get hot?
A.         The tiles do retain heat, however, the surface design allows for airflow movement, which in turn cools the tile. 

Q.        How is it to remove snow?
A.         By using a plastic or aluminum shovel, snow removal is comparable to any other surface.  These tiles do not require salt for ice removal, as the rubber will attract and absorb sunlight, thus allowing snow to melt quicker.

Q.        Will the tiles crack due to changes in climate?
A.         The tiles are manufactured from rubber, thus are flexible, and can withstand climate changes, and volatile weather patterns, i.e. frost, heat, etc.

Q.        Will the tiles fade?
A.         The tiles are manufactured using UV stable ingredients; therefore minimal fading will occur over extended periods of time.

Q.        How do you cut the tiles?
A.         Tiles are simply cut using blade knives, table saws, jigsaws, and other simple carpentry tools.  No specialized equipment is required.

Q.        What is the lifespan of a tile?
A.         Due to accelerated testing wear, it is estimated the tiles will last in excess of 20+ years, dependant on volume of traffic.

Q.        Can the tiles be used around a fire pit?
A.         Yes, the tiles are an excellent application around fire pits.  The compression of the tile allows the tile to be fire retardant.  It is recommended that 18 inches of loose or crushed rock be in between the fire pit, and the tile, to dissipate extreme heat.

Q.        Does pool or hot tub chemicals harm the tile?
A.         No.  The tile is inert to ordinary pool or hot tub chemicals.  Extensive testing has proven no adverse effects on the tiles.  Please contact local Dealer or our Customer Service Department to verify unusual cleaning applications.

Q.        What type of warranty comes with a tile?
A.         100,000 kilometers, or 60,000 miles.