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. |
