Elka | Signet Tile

Elka LVT Installation Guide

For a visually pleasing result, mix the floor panels during installation to avoid clustering identical, lighter, or darker panels. Align the panels with the longest wall or the direction of incoming light. Stagger end joints of panels in successive rows by at least 30 cm. Install the planks randomly for a natural look and improved strength.

Pre-Installation

Measure the room accurately to ensure the first and last rows of panels are at least 5 cm wide.

Preparation

Remove the click system from planks along the wall edges and trim the tongue on the long side of the first row. Leave a minimum 2mm expansion joint, preferably 5mm, especially for heated subfloors.

Cutting Vinyl Planks

Cut Elka LVT floors with the decorative side up using a concave vinyl cutting knife. Mark the cutting line, make a firm cut, and break off the plank. Complete cutting isn't necessary.

Installation Steps

Start in the left corner. Remove the click profile from both the long and short sides of the first plank. For other planks in the first row, remove the click profile on the long side next to the wall. Assemble the first three rows away from the wall, then slide them into place, using spacers to maintain the expansion gap.

Installation Methods

Use the Uniclic® system with two methods:

• Method A (angle-angle): Rotate the short side of the plank into the installed plank, raise it to 20-30°, and click together.
• Method B (taping): Tap the panels together using the Uniclic® tapping block without lifting the planks.

For tight areas, use a pull-bar and hammer.

Final Steps

Maintain room temperature at a minimum of 18°C during installation. Post-installation, wait 48 hours before restarting the heating system, increasing the temperature by 5°C per day. Ensure the maximum floor temperature doesn't exceed 27°C and hot water temperature 45°C.

Inspect the installed floor and install skirting against the wall, not the floor. For small, high-moisture areas, fill expansion gaps with appropriate silicone. For thresholds and doorways, undercut door frames for a seamless transition.

Dealing with Pipes

For pipes, drill a hole with a diameter 10 mm larger than the pipe size. For double pipes, drill two holes and cut a 45-degree angle from each hole to the plank edge. Glue cut-out pieces back in place securely without glue seeping to the subfloor.

What is LVT Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is an artificial flooring designed to mimic real materials like stone or hardwood.

What are the advantages of LVT flooring?
LVT flooring is durable, waterproof, easy to clean, and available in various colors and patterns. It is often more affordable than traditional stone or hardwood flooring.

How is LVT flooring installed?
LVT flooring can be installed using a floating floor method, where tiles interlock without adhesive, or by gluing the tiles to the subfloor.

Can LVT flooring be installed in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens?
Yes, LVT flooring is waterproof and can be installed in any room, including kitchens and bathrooms.

Can LVT flooring be installed over underfloor heating?
Yes, LVT flooring can be installed over underfloor heating systems, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do you clean LVT flooring?
Clean LVT flooring with a damp mop or cloth and a gentle cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners and excessive water.

Can damaged LVT flooring be repaired?
Yes, damaged LVT tiles can be replaced individually without needing to replace the entire floor.

How long does LVT flooring last?
With proper care, LVT flooring can last up to 20 years or more.

Is LVT flooring environmentally friendly?
LVT flooring is made from synthetic materials, but some brands use recycled materials.

How much does LVT flooring cost?
The cost of LVT flooring varies by brand, design, and installation method, but it is generally more affordable than traditional stone or hardwood.

Is LVT flooring waterproof?
Yes, LVT flooring is highly resistant to humidity, making it suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.

Can LVT flooring be cleaned with a steam mop?
No, avoid using steam mops on LVT flooring as the heat and moisture can cause damage. Stick to a damp mop or cloth with a gentle cleaning solution.

All Elka Floors deliveries are made either from Elka's main warehouse or our store in Coleford, Gloucestershire. We only keep stock of our most popular lines, so please allow up to 5 working days for standard delivery. All flooring deliveries are curb-side, meaning you will need to carry the goods into your property. If this is likely to be a problem, please inform us at the time of your order to discuss alternative delivery options.

Delivery Details

• Availability: If no one is available to accept your delivery at the provided address, a re-delivery charge will apply when you reschedule.
• Delivery Vehicles: Deliveries can be made in various commercial vehicles, including up to 18-tonne lorries. It is assumed that the property is easily accessible to these vehicle types.
• Access Restrictions: Flooring cannot be delivered to properties with stepped access, flats above the ground floor (regardless of lift access), or left in communal areas. For flats, orders will be left at the ground floor external doorstep. For residential properties with stepped access, flooring will be left at the bottom of the steps. Drivers may need assistance with unloading larger items. If access is likely to be a problem, please inform us at the time of order to discuss alternative delivery options.
• Doorstep Delivery: Doorstep delivery is available for lighter parcels. Depending on the courier, you will receive delivery time updates. Please leave your mobile number when checking out.

If you wish to cancel your order before it has been dispatched, please contact us with your order number and the details of the item(s) you wish to cancel.

Damaged or Missing Goods

In the rare event that you receive damaged goods or there are missing items, please contact us directly as soon as possible so we can resolve the issue swiftly. Follow these steps if you receive faulty products:

1. Send photos of the damaged products along with your order details within 48 hours of receiving the goods.

Leftover Packs

We offer a full refund for unused and unopened packs of flooring within 30 days of delivery. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds after 30 days.

Please note the following conditions for returns:

• All goods must be stored correctly (at ambient temperature, away from moisture) and will be moisture-read on return to Elka. If the moisture reading is outside the 7-11% WME range, a refund will not be issued.
• All goods must be in their original packaging with only clear tape used to reseal packs.
• A £25 collection charge applies to all returns.
• On receipt at Elka, returns will be inspected, and any damaged goods will be deducted from the return value.
• A restocking fee of 20% of the return value applies to all returns. Unfortunately, this fee is beyond our control and is part of our supplier's policy. We will always inform you of this fee prior to your return and will confirm any deductions before arranging collection.