Code of practice for laying, fixing and maintenance of linoleum floor
1982 Edition

IS 1198 recommends using adhesives that align with the floor covering manufacturer's specifications, including gum-spirit adhesives composed of gum or resin with fillers and methylated spirit, known for their strong odor and water resistance but vulnerable to alkaline solutions. Bitumen-rubber emulsions are also suggested. Adhesive application should involve spreading with a closely notched trowel, allowing primers to dry beforehand, working in manageable sections to prevent premature skin formation, and pressing linoleum firmly with a ~70 kg roller. Proper ventilation and avoidance of open flames near solvent-based adhesives are crucial for safety.

Preparation per IS 1198 involves ensuring the subfloor is thoroughly dry, firm, smooth, and level to prevent adhesive failures. Moisture testing is conducted by loosely placing a 1 m² rubber mat (smooth side down) on the floor for 24 hours on standard surfaces or 48 hours on very smooth ones. The presence of a dark patch beneath indicates excessive moisture, necessitating delay and drying. Preliminary work includes locating embedded cables and pipes, sweeping dust, priming porous surfaces as advised by adhesive manufacturers, and ensuring timber subfloors are stable and ventilated.

For timber subfloors, IS 1198 specifies the use of plywood (minimum 4 mm thick), hardboard (minimum 3 mm thick), or fibre-based bitumen felt (1 mm thick). For concrete subfloors, bitumen mastic and bitumen felts are appropriate underlays. Timber subfloors should be sound, rigid, and dry, utilizing seasoned, treated, tongued and grooved boards with adequate ventilation beneath suspended floors. Nail heads must be flush and surface imperfections filled to provide a smooth base for underlay installation.

Linoleum should be acclimatized flat at a room temperature not less than 20°C for a minimum of 48 hours prior to unrolling and installation. This allows for dimensional changes such as shrinkage lengthwise and expansion widthwise due to moisture absorption. Cork tiles also require a similar acclimatization period within the installation environment. Additionally, concrete subfloors should be dried for 4 to 8 weeks before laying linoleum to prevent moisture-related issues.

Post-installation, a waiting period of at least seven days before commencing maintenance is advised, with the flooring protected from construction activities and dust-retaining mats used at entrances. Cleaning should avoid improper agents, wet or dirty surfaces, excessive water, and thick polish buildup. Light traffic areas benefit from frequent brushing and polishing every 3 to 6 weeks, moderate traffic areas require occasional wet mopping without detergents and polishing every 1 to 3 weeks, while heavy traffic zones should be swept, mopped, and washed with mild soap every 3 to 4 months. Dry mopping daily helps maintain gloss, and any polish buildup should be removed with white spirit or paraffin before reapplication.