Layouts | Floor Preparation | Suitable Applications | Installation | Bathrooms | Moisture | Cutting | Grouting
Trims & Transitions | Furniture & Appliances | Care & Maintenance | Repair & Replace a Tile| Download a PDF of FAQs
Q. When beginning my installation along a wall, do I need to leave an expansion gap?
A. Yes. A 1/4" expansion gap should be left to leave room for expansion and contraction. In higher moisture environments, a color-matched caulk should be used to fill this gap.
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Q. Is there an easy way to remove the tabs of the Avaire tile if installing along the perimeter?
A. Yes. The tabs can be removed by carefully using tin snips or a wet saw. However, most pieces around the perimeter are full cuts, and tabs will already be removed.
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Q. What is the best way to undercut the door lambs and casings?
A. If there are only a few door jambs and casings to cut, it is easiest to use a sharp hand saw. A scrap piece of Avaire tile can be used as a guide to ensure the casing is cut at the exact height needed. If there is a large amount of door jambs and casings, a power jamb saw may be needed.
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Q. Do I need to undercut the door jambs and casings?
A. No, it is not required. However, you will still need to allow 1/4" expansion at the jambs. Undercutting of the jambs is used to cover the cut edges while still providing this needed expansion.
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Q. How long do I have to stay off the tile before I can grout?
A. You can start grouting immediately.
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Q. One area of my Avaire floor requires very small cuts (about 1"). Will I be able to connect the tabs?
A. A minimum of two tabs per side is needed to interlock any two Avaire tile pieces together. However, if the layout of the floor requires a smaller piece be used, use a construction adhesive under the small pieces to make sure they remain secured.
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Q. Do I have to install each tile in the same direction? Or, can a tile be connected from every side?
A. The tabs of a Avaire tile will interlock with another tile from any side. Some tile patterns look more natural if installed in a random manner.
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Q. What tools and materials are needed to install Avaire?
A. The following items are recommended to install Avaire: safety glasses, gloves, Avaire Tile, wet saw, tape measure, tapping block, white-headed rubber mallet, coated pry bar, Avaire Flexible Grout, bucket, grout float, sponge.
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Q. How do Avaire Tiles snap together?
A. Avaire Tiles can be installed using two methods: 1) Assemble by aligning tabs at the top corner of each tile. Swing the tiles together so the remaining tabs lock in succession. 2) Using a white-headed rubber mallet and tapping block, gently tap the tiles into place. Be sure to place the tapping block squarely against the tile, never against the plastic tray. This method is recommended when installing larger installations.
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Q. What if I have trouble snapping two Avaire Tiles together?
A. If tiles prove difficult to snap together, apply a few drops of dish soap to the tabs. This will allow tiles to interlock more easily.
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Q. What if an interlocking tab is damaged or broken on a Avaire Tile?
A. The Avaire locking mechanism is engineered to lock and function properly with as few as 4 connected tabs. If 4 or more tabs are damaged, use this piece as a cut tile along the perimeter.
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Q. How do I connect Avaire Tiles along the perimeter?
A. Leaving a 1/4" gap along the perimeter, a coated pry bar can be used to gently apply pressure until tabs interlock completely.
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Q. There is potential for water getting under the floor from a storage area that houses the well and air conditioner. Recently, the air conditioner caused water to flow under the wood laminate floor (causing the need for the replacement floor). Would Avaire be able to withstand this?
A. Avaire is not damaged by incidental moisture, but the underlying subfloor could defintely be damaged with continuous moisture. There is also a concern about mold and/or mildew developing under the floating floor. It is recommended you solve this moisture problem before proceeding (not only for Avaire, but any other flooring product you choose).
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Q. What is a dye lot, and does it matter?
A. A tile's dye lot refers to the coloration and reflectivity of a tile. It is important to purchase tile that has the same shade (dye lot) to ensure a pleasing aesthetic appearance.
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