When Performance is Critcal...

In specifying carpet to perform in extra heavy commercial traffic areas, it is important to consider more than a carpet's face value. The backing you specify can make a critical difference in the carpet's ability to perform. The ultimate high performance, cushioned backing system to specify is EPIC-18™.

...EPIC-18 Is The Backing With More Face Value.

EPIC-18 is an 18lbs density polyurethane cushion composite that is applied to the back of commercial carpets at the manufacturing level. Developed and tested by the carpet industry's leading supplier of attached urethane backings, EPIC-18 is specifically engineered for use in public spaces that receive heavy foot and roller traffic, such as hospitals, airports, banks, hotels, and gambling casinos.

It's mechanically-frothed urethane formulation supports the face yarn construction and helps carpet retain it's original appearance, extending the useful lofe of the carpet. In fact, repeated roll stool tests, simulation heavy commercial traffic, indicate that EPIC-18 can add years of performance in the most demanding environments.

EPIC-18 provides more comfort underfoot than unitary backings in direct glue down installations. With it's superior dimensional stability, EPIC-18 virtually eliminates raveling and delamination. It also resists moisture penetration. Because the cushion is already attached to the carpet, it is faster and less troublesome to install than the double glue down methods, and it outperforms carpet and separate pad in heavy traffic situations.

Advanced urethane backing technology, drawing on more than two decades of floor covering research, also gives EPIC-18 these additional advantages over other commercial carpet backings:

• It's unique construction is designed to maintain the dimensional integrity of the finished carpet, to resist bucling, curling, stretching or shrinking.
• The fine mesh, synthetic lino-weve scrim backing creates the perfect substrate for releasable flooring applications, making it easier to install and remove. It also shields the cushion from adhesive saturation. By blocking the adhesive from wicking up into the backing, less adhesive is needed for a secure installation - permanent or releasable.
• EPIC-18 surpasses other attached backings when it comes to gauge control, a critical factor in seaming. Gauge variations previously associated with attached cushioins are virtually eliminated with the EPIC-18's belt technology. By precisely monitoring the foam application during the manufacturing process, overall tolerances of the finished product should fall within +/- .0156". This ensures that the gauage of the backing will remain constant from side to side, end to end, roll to roll.
• As a completely synthectic composite, EPIC-18 inhibits deterioration with age. It effectively resists odor-causing mold and mildew, and withstands harsh wet or dry cleaning procedures.

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS:

EPIC-18 is an18lbs density, mechanically-frothed polyurethane cushion/scrim composite that is applied to the back of commercial carpets at the manufacturing level. It can be applied over a latex or urethane unitary precoat as well as an Actionbac secondary. It is compatible with carpets in 12' and 6' widths.

These standard specifications are subject to slight variations within normal manufacturing tolerances.

TYPICAL PROPERTIES:

Typical properties are derived from averages under standard manufacturing tolerances and are affected by carpet fiber, weight, construction, humidity and temperature. These properties may vary within normal industry standards. Performance is not affected by such variances.

The following instructions are for the installation of EPIC-18, the prime urethane attached cushion for heavy commercial applications. Please read all instructions before starting. (Printable Version)

TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND ADHESIVES

• High quality, multi-purpose or releasable adhesive.
• Contract grade multi-purpose adhesives are not necessary
• Proper notched size trowel
• Slotted razor carpet knife, cushion back cutter with adjustable blade, cushion back wall trimmer.
• Metal tape, rigid metal straight edge and chalk line.
• Clean white cloth and solvent for seam clean up.

SURFACE PREPARATION

• All surfaces must be clean, dry and free of any dust, grease or wax.
• concrete floors must be cured and dry. Make sure concrete is free of excess moisture on or below grade, cracks filled and smooth
• Other surfaces such as resilient tile should be checked and patched as needed, making sure they are properly adhered.

DIRECT GLUE DOWN INSTALLATION

• Properly measure the area to be installed, adding two or three inches to the dimensions.
• Dry fit the precut carpet into the room, centering the carpet and allowing the surplus to lap against the walls evenly. Make sure there is enough carpet to reach to the center of thresholds in doorways.
• Where seams are necessary, they should be made first. Use a chalk line and straight edge to remove factory edges. Do not double cut seams. Back cutting is recommemded with sharp cutting tools for EPIC-18. Cut each seam edge separately.
• After seams are matched, make sure pattern and nap are aligned, fold carpet back at the seam areas. Do not compress the seam! Seam cuts should all be net cuts.
• Apply adhesive to floor using a short notched trowel or paint roller. Spread adhesive away from the seam line and do not leave scalloped trowel mark at seam area. Follow adhesive label instructions relating to open time.
• Begin laying carpet over adhesive, working away from seams toward walls and smoothing out carpet.

SECURE THE SEAMS

In accordance with label instructions and using a plastic applicator bottle, apply a small bead of seam adhesive to the edge of the carpet - not on top of the carpet pile. Clean off excessive adhesive immediately.

TRIMMING OUT

Crease carpet at the wall with a tool at a 90° angle. Trim carpet at wall with a cushion back wall cutter or knofe. Re-check all seams and wall area. Keep traffic away from installations for 24 hours, if possible.

NOTE:

All carpets with EPIC-18 have a woven scrim on the outside layer that is an integral part of the product. The receptivity to sticking to almost any grade or type of adhesive is enhanced because of this scrim. It also reduces chunking of product at time of removal if proper installaion procedures are followed

KEYPOINTS:

1. Adhesive should be spread in a thin and even manner. (Paint rollers and short notched trowels.)
2. Allow proper open time for the adhesive before marrying products.
3. Should a modular installation be desired (accessibility to flooring underneath), it's especially important that the above steps be followed since most of your pressure sensitive or releasable products are designed to stick less receptive products than EPIC-18.