Rubber

Installing Rolled Rubber Flooring

Relaxing rolls, keeping every roll running the same direction, seam methods, adhesives and rolling for sheet rubber, per Mannington, Tarkett and Roppe.

Updated · 3 min read

Rolled rubber is heavy and stretched slightly in manufacturing, so it needs time to relax, and every roll has to run the same way. The details below compare four rolled rubber products' instructions.[1][2][3][4] Follow the instructions for your product.

Before you start

Each maker sets its own conditions and substrate limits. Test moisture to the adhesive's limits; see Subfloor moisture testing and Subfloor flatness.

Mannington

  • 65 to 85°F for 48 hours before, during and after.[1]
  • Get the subfloor smooth and level within 1/8" (3 mm) in a 10 ft (3.05 m) radius.[1]
  • Moisture: ColorFields lists 3 lb (F1869) or 75% RH (F2170).[1]

Tarkett

  • 65 to 85°F for 48 hours before, during and after.[2]

Roppe

  • Envire allows 60 to 85°F.[4]

Relax the rolls

Rolled material is stretched slightly in manufacturing, so unroll it before cutting in.[2]

Mannington

  • Unroll and let it relax at least 12 hours.[1]

Tarkett

  • At least 12 hours, 24 preferred.[2]

Roppe

  • Let Recoil rolls sit overnight so the curl relaxes.[3]

Keep every roll the same direction

All three makers agree on this.[1][2][3]

  • Unroll every length in the same direction; no reverse rolling.
  • Don't start one roll from one side of the room and the next roll from the other side.
  • Reversing the arrows at a seam causes shading.

Seams

This is where the makers differ most.

Mannington

  • ColorFields side and head seams: factory edges usually butt.[1]
  • If double cutting, overlap at least 1-1/4" and cut through the top sheet and about 3/4 of the bottom.
  • Heat welding is allowed. Wait at least 12 hours before welding in one section and 24 hours in another; follow the longer wait.[1] See Heat welding.

Tarkett

  • Replay side seams: overlap no more than 1/16" and work the edge into the next sheet.[2]
  • Head seams: overlapped and cut by the installer.[2]

Roppe

  • Recoil side seams: overlap no more than 1/16", or double or scribe cut. Head seams per the instructions.[3]
  • Envire: stagger vertical seams 3 to 4 ft. Head seams overlap at least 3/4" per edge and are double cut with the blade vertical.[4]
  • Envire allows heat welding.[4]

Adhesive

Use the adhesive and trowel the flooring maker names.

Mannington

Adhesive Trowel Notes
MR-911 acrylic 1/16 x 1/16 x 1/16 square Porous substrates only[1]
MR-721 epoxy 1/16 x 1/16 x 1/16 square Pot life 15 to 20 minutes
MR-725 urethane 1/16 x 1/16 x 1/16 square Pot life 40 minutes

Tarkett

Adhesive Trowel Notes
975 urethane 1/16 x 1/16 x 1/16 V Work off the flooring or use kneeling boards[2]

Step by step

With the rolls relaxed and seams planned, installation follows a set order.

  1. Dry-lay and cut the rolls, all running the same direction.
  2. Fold back half the length and spread adhesive with the specified trowel.
  3. Lay the sheet into the adhesive, working out air.
  4. Roll with a 100 lb three-section roller (see Rolling and traffic below).
  5. Repeat for the other half and the next sheet, forming seams as specified.
  6. Keep traffic off for your maker's cure time.
  7. Wait 72 hours before initial cleaning.[1][2]

Rolling and traffic

Rolling direction and cure times come from the flooring maker.

Mannington

  • Roll in several directions, then re-roll after 2 to 3 hours.[1]
  • MR-721 and MR-725: foot traffic after 7 hours, rolling loads after 4 days at 72°F.[1]

Tarkett

  • Roll in both directions.
  • 24 hours for foot traffic, 72 for heavy and rolling loads.[2]

Common mistakes

These show up as shading and open seams.

  • Reverse rolling. None of the makers allow it.
  • Skipping relaxation. Stretched rubber shrinks back after it's glued.
  • Kneeling on fresh urethane. Use kneeling boards.
  • Trapped air. Careful rolling keeps out air bubbles that are hard to get out later.[1]

Products we carry

These cover adhesive, spreading and rolling.

References

  1. Mannington: ColorFields rubber sheet installation
  2. Tarkett/Johnsonite: Replay rubber sheet installation
  3. Roppe: Recoil rubber flooring installation
  4. Roppe: Envire sheet installation

Linked PDF documents are archived copies saved by PreFloor Tools so they stay available if the publisher moves or removes them. Check the publisher's website for the latest revision.

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