Code of practice for laying rubber floors
1970 Edition

IS 1197 specifies that suitable sub-floors for rubber flooring include newly constructed timber floors with tongued and grooved boards, ensuring proper ventilation to prevent dry rot, and no gaps between planks to avoid air infiltration that could compromise adhesion. Moisture-resistant plywood is recommended if used. Additionally, sub-floors must be flat, dry, and cleaned before installation. Rubber flooring should not be applied on damp or uneven sub-floors, ensuring durability and proper bonding in line with IS 809-1970.

The standard advocates using adhesives recommended by manufacturers, following all specified precautions (Clause 3.3). Adhesive should be applied evenly to both the sub-floor and the back of the rubber sheet or tile using a notched trowel (Clause 9.4). After application, wait approximately 30 minutes until the adhesive becomes tacky but not sticky enough to transfer upon touch, avoiding excessive delays to prevent dust contamination. For smaller areas, adhesive can be applied over the entire floor at once, whereas larger areas require section-wise application to prevent premature setting. Sheets should be placed carefully from one end, expelling any trapped air, and pressed firmly with a roller to ensure full adhesion.

To ensure a durable installation, laying should begin from the central point of the area for tiles (Clause 9.7). Sheets and tiles must be positioned edge-to-edge with minimal joint gaps (Clauses 9.5 and 9.7). Adhesive is applied on both the sub-floor and the sheet or tile back with a notched trowel, allowed to become tacky (~30 minutes) before placement. Sheets should be laid slowly from one end while pressing out air bubbles (Clause 9.5). A suitable roller is then used to firmly press the flooring; for tiles, a 5 kg wooden roller is recommended to ensure total contact. Sliding tiles after placement is discouraged to prevent adhesive squeeze-out. Any surface irregularities should be corrected by removing and relaying after cleaning adhesive residues with appropriate solvents (Clause 9.7). Underlay joints are to be set at a 45° angle to flooring joints and fixed with adhesive or nails on timber bases (Clause 8.1.1).

To preserve rubber flooring’s performance and appearance, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, rain, or harsh environmental conditions (Clause 10.1). Routine cleaning involves removing loose particles with a soft brush, washing small sections using a 2.5% diluted detergent solution applied with a damp cloth or mop, and rinsing cloths frequently to prevent dirt redeposition. Excess water should be avoided to prevent moisture infiltration through joints, which can weaken adhesion. Floors should be dried thoroughly after cleaning to enhance shine. For heavily soiled areas, detergent should be allowed to sit briefly before wiping. Mechanical cleaning equipment, if used, must have soft brushes and be lightweight to avoid damaging joints. In hard water regions, adding household ammonia in a 1:30 ratio can improve cleaning efficiency. Manufacturer guidelines for stain removal must be followed to ensure longevity.

IS 1197 details that timber bases must be constructed of tongued and grooved boards without gaps, ensuring proper ventilation beneath to prevent dry rot. Moisture-proof plywood is required when plywood is used. Underlays over timber bases may be fixed by nailing (Clause 8.1.1). For metal bases, although less explicitly described, underlays should be adhesively secured, and the metal surface must be clean, dry, and even before installation (Clause 9.2). General practice involves verifying evenness and dryness of the sub-floor, cleaning with a dry cloth, marking layout guides, and conducting a dry trial fit before adhesive application (Clauses 9.2 and 9.3).