How
To Install Stair Treads -
The purchase of rubber or vinyl stair treads warrants proper
installation and maintenance
procedures in order to assure complete satisfaction. For unusual
and special conditions, contact the factory for recommendations.
Where
To Install - Install stair treads on any smooth
dry interior step provided the shape of the step conforms
to the underneath
contour of the stair tread; particularly at the section where
the flat part of the tread joins the nosing. A tight fit between
stair treads
and steps is essential. We recommend the use of Epoxy Nose
Caulk on all stair tread installations (required with adjust-a-nose
treads).
Where
Not To Install - If the shape of the steps does
not conform to the shape of the stair treads and cannot be
altered to
conform, we do not recommend installation of treads unless
special instructions are carefully followed. We do not recommend
installing rubber treads on exterior steps.
Room
Temperature
- Materials, room and adhesives should be no less than 70
degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees C) 48 hours prior
to, during and after installation.
Repairing
Worn and Uneven Edges - Repair worn, uneven, or
misaligned edge of steps.
If an open space exists underneath the nosing of the thread
when it is applied against the step you must fill the space
with Epoxy
Nose Caulk. It is essential that there be no space between
the step and the stair tread when the installation is completed.
Preparation
for Installation - Surfaces of steps must be level,
clean, dry and free from oil, grease, rust, paint, varnish
and old
coverings, adhesives and any other foreign substance. Wooden
steps should be thoroughly nailed down.
Worn or dished-out steps, cracks, holes, depressions or any
other irregularities on the step should be repaired by filling
or sealing
and smoothing with an underlayment compound.
Fitting
and Cutting
- Treads are usually supplied over size, with untrimmed ends,
to allow extra material to compensate for variation
in step dimensions.
Treads should be individually trimmed to fit each step, both
in depth and from side to side. The rear edge should be cut
with a slight
underbevel for a better fit. The stair treads can be marked
with an awl and cut using a steel straight edge and a linoleum
knife.
The most important factor in proper stair tread installation
is to see that no air space exists underneath the nosing part
of the treads.
The tread must not flex or move as traffic walks across the
steps. Epoxy Nose Caulk should be used as described on the
label.
It is important to use the correct adhesive. For vinyl treads,
contact adhesive must be used. For rubber treads, install
with contact or
suitable rubber flooring adhesive, depending on service conditions.
Cove base adhesives are not recommended.
Installation
of Rubber Stair Treads - After the steps have been
prepared and the stair treads cut and fitted as described,
begin installation by spreading adhesive on the stair step
completely covering the surface and the nosing.
When using contact adhesive, the adhesive should then be spread
on the bottom of the stair tread and completely underneath
the
nosing. Always follow instructions on label of adhesive container.
We suggest coating two steps and two treads at one time, then
install the treads as described below. An alternate suggestion
is to
apply adhesive to every other step on a flight of stairs,
install these treads; go back and do the remainder.
Install
Stair Treads
- Set the stair tread into its proper position on the step,
beginning at the nosing and pushing back firmly and
as tightly as possible, holding up the back surface of the
tread. After nosing is completely in place, begin at the front
and move back
on the surface of the tread towards the riser; the tread should
be pushed down firmly onto the step.
After installation is completed, roll newly installed stair
treads with a hand roller, making certain that the stair tread
nosing is fitted
tightly against the step nosing. If any difficulty is experienced
in holding the nosing to an understair, use a few hardened
steel head-
less brads to secure it while the adhesive is drying.
Rubber or vinyl risers should not be installed so as
to extend up underneath the nose of the stair tread. The top
of the riser should
butt against the bottom of the tread nose.
Final
Precautions - Any adhesive or caulking compound
on the surface of the stair treads should be wiped off before
it dries,
using a cloth dampened in denatured alcohol. If adhesive has
dried, remove carefully with #00 steel wool and denatured
alcohol. Rub
lightly to avoid dulling and scratching stair treads.
It is important that traffic be kept off the newly installed
stair treads, until the adhesive has set up sufficiently to
prevent movement
and assure a firm bond.
Where construction work by other trades requires traffic over
newly installed stair treads, protect treads with heavy building
paper
or planking as needed.
Do not wash or apply any surface treatments for about one
week after installation to allow sufficient time for the stair
treads to become
tightly bonded to the steps.
Maintenance
Tips
- The following simple steps for correct care are recommended:
Daily sweeping with soft hair push broom, also before and
between washings, will cut down the number of washings and
remove
dirt and foreign matter.
During bad weather any accumulated rain or slush should be
wiped promptly from stairs to prevent slipping. Wipe up spillage
before
it has a chance to harden.
When cleaning is necessary, wipe with cloth or damp mop, using
clean room-temperature water. Do not flood stairs.
In stubborn cases, damp mop with room temperature water and
solution of liquid detergent suitable for rubber floor covering
or a
solution of ammonia and water. Immediately rinse stairs with
clean room-temperature water, changing rinsing water frequently.
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