Flooring FAQs

While none of the potentially noncompliant laminate products identified were Armstrong Flooring or Bruce, we want to assure you that Armstrong Flooring has been taking, and will continue to take, steps to ensure our flooring is safe for you and your family.  

Armstrong Flooring does not sell any products directly to the consumer, so we can’t offer any sort of pricing. We have distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada who distribute our products to individual flooring retailers. For pricing information and to purchase materials, please contact a local retailer in your area.

Go back to the flooring retailer where the floor was purchased. If you purchased your home through a builder, the builder should be able to provide you with the name of the flooring retailer. We do not have individual representatives to inspect your floor — instead, we rely on our flooring retailers who are trained and authorized to start the claims investigation process.

Bring your sales receipt to show your proof of purchase. From your receipt, the retailer should be able to identify the name and model number of your floor. If you do not have a receipt, we will not be able to help your retailer with an inspection or claim.

If your problem is a warranty issue, the retailer will submit a claim form to Armstrong Flooring. However, if the problem is the result of an installation or on-site related issue, it would not be covered under our warranty.

Even if your floor was not installed by the retailer you purchased it from, the retailer is still responsible for starting the inspection process. If the retailer does not know what to do, please have them contact Armstrong Flooring. If the flooring retailer where your floor was purchased is no longer in business, please contact our customer service department, and we will assist you.

We do not test other manufacturers' products and cannot warrant their use or performance. Any endorsement or warranty for that product would be the sole responsibility of the manufacturer of that particular product.

Yes. Armstrong floors, installation products and accessories are specifically formulated and engineered to work together. As a result, when they are used as a system we stand by our Armstrong Flooring Guaranteed Installation System warranty. We warrant the system (floor, installation products and accessories) and would repair or replace the system if a defect were to occur.

When our floor is installed along with products that are not Armstrong installation products, we warrant only our flooring product. In turn, the other manufacturers are responsible for their products' performance and warranty.        

Armstrong Flooring does not participate in the flooring removal business. Contact the Resilient Floor Covering Institute for the recommended work practices of flooring and adhesive removal. They have a video and booklet available that contain recommendations and information on local ordinances.

Resilient Floor Covering Institute
115 Broad Street
Suite 201
LaGrange, Georgia 30240
Office: 706-882-3833
Fax: 706-882-3880
http://rfci.com/

We do not generally recommend that our flooring products be installed in garages. Here’s why:

In order for flooring materials to be installed in residential or commercial garages, the flooring material must meet the International Residential Code R 309 for garages and carports for one- and two-family residential buildings or the International Building Code 406.2 for all other buildings. The codes specify that garage floor surfaces should contain approved, non-combustible material. Armstrong products do not meet this standard, and therefore should not be installed in areas where vehicles will be parked on the surface of an Armstrong floor.

Armstrong flooring should only be installed in temperature-controlled environments. Normally, garages are not temperature-controlled. After installation, the temperature should be maintained at a minimum of 55 degrees.

Another issue with garage floors involves spilled or dripped liquids from automobiles, such as brake, transmission and oil. If these liquids are leaked onto the resilient flooring, they can get into the joints of the tile and break down the adhesive, creating a bonding issue, and possibly leading to an installation failure. Also, the oils and antioxidants used in the manufacturing process of rubber tires will cause a permanent yellow discoloration to any resilient (vinyl) flooring.

Lastly, exposure to moisture from rain, snow or sleet and varying temperatures will have a damaging effect on both tile and sheet flooring.

Luxury vinyl (also referred to as luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), is a type of premium flooring. We describe products as luxury vinyl because they showcase premium visuals, warranties and installation options that cannot be found in our standard peel-and-stick vinyl tiles.

Our Rigid Core and Luxury Vinyl Tile collections are all 100% waterproof, so planks and tiles won’t swell, buckle or lose integrity when exposed to water. This makes them perfect for any room, including kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, mud rooms and basements.

NOTE: Only the flooring material itself is 100% waterproof. Moisture and flooding can still affect the subfloor/substrate beneath, causing the installation to fail. However, flooring material can be removed, allowed to dry and reinstalled.

Empower, Essentials Plus and Essentials can be installed on all levels of the home and over most subfloors. We recommend reviewing the complete installation instructions for more information.

We recommend using one of Armstrong Flooring’s pre-mixed and color-coordinated grout options when installing Alterna tile with grout. Our pre-mixed grout is ready to use, requires no sealing, is stain resistant, resists cracking and can handle light foot traffic within 24 hours of installation.

If wet: Use a clean, white cloth to lightly rub the area with neutral detergent and water. Dry the area thoroughly.

If dry: Lightly dampen a clean, white cloth with mineral spirits. Blot the affected area (do not rub), changing the area of the cloth frequently so you don’t accidentally reapply any residue to the floor. Once the residue is removed, rinse the area with clean, warm water and do not walk on the floor for 30 minutes.

Yes, as long as they are labeled “colorfast” by the manufacturer. We recommend non-staining, vinyl-backed mats or woven rugs. We do not recommend the use of rubber- or latex-backed mats because the chemical (antioxidant) used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can permanently stain your floor.

We recommend using Armstrong Flooring Once 'n Done no-rinse floor cleaner. We do not recommend detergents, abrasive cleaners or “mop and shine” products. Never use paste wax or solvent-based polishes on your luxury vinyl floor.

We recommend using Armstrong Flooring New Beginnings Resilient Deep Cleaning Stripper.

NOTE: New Beginnings floor stripper should not be used with Alterna installed with premixed sanded acrylic grout. New Beginnings can actually damage the grout.

A liquid disinfectant that you properly dilute would be acceptable, and will not harm the floor.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions for dilution and application — some disinfectants should be allowed to remain on the floor to kill germs. Because disinfectants are wet-mopped onto the floor, and are kept wet for up to 20 minutes and not always rinsed, proper precautions should be made before allowing normal traffic.

NOTE:  If this procedure is done frequently, you may want to use Armstrong Flooring New Beginnings Resilient Deep Cleaning Stripper to remove any possible buildup.

Also, frequently applying disinfectants that are not properly diluted can result in discoloration and a more slippery surface. This topical buildup can also be removed with New Beginnings.

Maintaining 3-5 coats of a recommend floor polish (Armstrong Flooring Satinkeeper or Armstrong Flooring Shinekeeper) on the surface of your vinyl tile floor will help minimize moisture from penetrating the joints.

NOTE: Polish should not be used on Alterna luxury vinyl floors that are installed with grout. The polish will not affect the grout or the flooring — however, if the floor needs to be stripped with a recommended floor stripper, the stripping solution can damage the premixed acrylic grout.

Vinyl sheet flooring can be installed on all levels of the home, and in any room you like.                                                            

Armstrong Flooring does not sell any of our products direct, so we are unable to offer any sort of pricing or estimates for the material or installation. For pricing information and to purchase material, please contact a local retailer in your area.

The condition of your subfloor and the vinyl sheet product you purchase will help to determine what installation options are available to you, as well as the cost of that installation. We recommend speaking to a local retailer for more details regarding your particular project.

Treat your seams with seam coater. This creates a virtually seamless floor and prevents the seams from opening.

If wet: Use a clean, white cloth to lightly rub the area with neutral detergent and water. Dry the area thoroughly.

If dry: Lightly dampen a clean, white cloth with mineral spirits. Blot the affected area (do not rub), changing the area of the cloth frequently so you don’t accidentally reapply any residue to the floor. Once the residue is removed, rinse the area with clean, warm water and do not walk on the floor for 30 minutes.

Yes, as long as they are labeled “colorfast” by the manufacturer. We recommend non-staining, polypropylene-backed mats or woven rugs. We do not recommend the use of rubber- or latex-backed mats because the chemical (antioxidant) used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can permanently stain your floor.                  

No waxing is necessary. That’s the beauty and ease offered by Armstrong Flooring’s vinyl floors. Our vinyl floors resist staining and scuffing and are easy to clean.

We recommend using Armstrong Flooring Once 'n Done no-rinse floor cleaner. Armstrong Flooring Shinekeeper Floor Polish can be used to renew your floor's shine. We do not recommend detergents, abrasive cleaners or “mop and shine” products. Never use paste wax or solvent-based polishes on your vinyl floor.

Armstrong Flooring discourages introducing heat and moisture as this may damage your floor. We have not tested steam mopping, so you may want to contact the manufacturer of the steam mop for their warranty information and recommendations.

If you want to use this product, we suggest getting a written guarantee from the manufacturer that their product will not damage your floor. As with any other product not specifically recommended by Armstrong Flooring, if damage occurs as a result of using the product, it will not be covered under the warranty.

We recommend using Armstrong Flooring New Beginnings Resilient Deep Cleaning Stripper.

A liquid disinfectant that you properly dilute would be acceptable, and will not harm the floor.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions for dilution and application — some disinfectants should be allowed to remain on the floor to kill germs. Because disinfectants are wet-mopped onto the floor, and are kept wet for up to 20 minutes and not always rinsed, proper precautions should be made before allowing normal traffic.

NOTE:  If this procedure is done frequently, you may want to use Armstrong Flooring New Beginnings Resilient Deep Cleaning Stripper to remove any possible buildup.

Also, frequently applying disinfectants that are not properly diluted can result in discoloration and a more slippery surface. This topical buildup can also be removed with New Beginnings.

You'll need:

• tape measure
• pencil
• chalk line and chalk
• carpenter's square or metal ruler
• sharp utility knife

Learn more about vinyl tile installation.                                             

No. Self-stick vinyl tiles are backed with specially formulated pressure-sensitive adhesive.                        

It is possible in some instances, but please refer to your specific vinyl tile installation instructions for complete information.

Rolling vinyl flooring after installation is always recommended. Be sure to roll the flooring from the center to the outside edges. With 12" x 12" vinyl tiles, rolling activates the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back of each tile, ensuring the bond to the subfloor.                              

If wet: Use a clean, white cloth to lightly rub the area with neutral detergent and water. Dry the area thoroughly.

If dry: Lightly dampen a clean, white cloth with mineral spirits. Blot the affected area (do not rub), changing the area of the cloth frequently so you don’t accidentally reapply any residue to the floor. Once the residue is removed, rinse the area with clean, warm water and do not walk on the floor for 30 minutes.

Armstrong Flooring manufactures its vinyl tile to the tightest and squarest tolerances in the industry, creating the snuggest fit. We recommend acclimating the tile in the room where they are to be installed 48 hours prior to installation. A tight initial installation of acclimated tiles should maintain tight seams over time.                          

Armstrong Flooring’s vinyl tile can be installed on all levels of the home and in any room you like.

No-wax means your floor has a factory applied coating which does not require buffing or waxing. We recommend vacuuming or sweeping regularly, and washing as needed with Armstrong Flooring Once 'n Done floor cleaner.              

Vinyl flooring is susceptible to damage from UV rays, which can cause it to discolor. We suggest closing blinds or curtains on windows on extremely sunny days to minimize the effects of UV rays.

Maintaining 3 to 5 coats of a recommend floor polish (Armstrong Flooring Satinkeeper or Armstrong Flooring Shinekeeper) on the surface of your vinyl tile floor will help prevent moisture from penetrating the joints.

We recommend ensuring that your initial flooring purchase includes several extra vinyl tiles in case you ever need to replace one. Follow these steps to remove and replace a damaged tile:

1. Heat the damaged tile with a hair dryer until pliable
2. Score the tile with a sharp utility knife on a diagonal
3. At the diagonal cut, pry the tile out of position with a putty knife
4. Scrape the adhesive residue from the subfloor
5. Place a new tile into position

Use a hair dryer or a heat gun (on the low setting) to heat the tile surface. This will re-emulsify the adhesive on the back of the tile. Follow with additional weight on the surface of the tile for 24 hours to help the tile adhere to the subfloor. Additional adhesive is not recommended.