INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARTIAL ARTS FLOOR

T200 DELUXE TENSION COVER

GENERAL:

  1. The Tiffin Martial Arts Floor is a layer of Minicel crosslink polyethylene foam for energy absorption, and a cover layer of 18 oz./sq. yd. Vinyl fabric for providing a traction and decorative surface.
  1. The foam is bordered by 2”x 4” wood boards, which are securely attached to the floor.
  1. Cinching rings are stapled with 9/16” staples with ¾”x 6” vinyl to the 2”x 4” boards on 12” centers which is the same spacing as the grommets on the cover lacing band.
  1. The vinyl cover has a recessed lacing band on its bottom surface for the purpose of lacing the cover tight to the cinching rings.
  1. The purpose of the cover over hang outside of the lacing band edge is for covering the lacing and the 2”x 4” wood boarder after installation is complete.

The following is the procedure for an installation without any cut outs in the foam or cover.

INSTALLATION OF PERIMETER WOOD

  1. The 2”x 4” wood boards are the outside perimeter of your floor.
  1. The 2”x 4” wood is laid on its side so that the top surface is 1 ½” from the floor. Since the foam matting is 1 2/2” thick, the foam is level with the top of the 2”x 4” wood boards.
  1. The 2”x 4” boards must be securely fastened to the floor by shooting in 2 ½” nails or other suitable fasteners.
  1. At the entrance to the floor it is recommended you cut a 45 degree bevel on the entrance side of the 2”x 4”. ON THESE ENTERANCE PIECES, DO NOT FASTEN THE 2”X 4” PERIMETER PIECES TO THE FLOOR UNTIL AFTER COVER IS INSTALLED.
  1. Install 2”x 4” wood with a ¼” clearance to the wall so that the excess cover edge can be tucked between the 2”x 4” and the wall.

INSTALLATION OF THE FOAM

  1. The foam is installed within the 2”x 4” wood boarder.
  1. The foam is to be cut and installed with a ¼” clearance between the foam and the 2”x 4” wood boarder. This is to allow room for the possible expansion of the foam.
  1. The foam is supplied in rolls. The rolls are oversized to insure that you have sufficient foam for your installation.
  1. The foam is easily cut with a circular saw with combination type cutting blade. In tight corners, a sharp knife is desirable.
  1. The edges of the foam rolls are taped together with 2” duct tape.

INSTALLATION OF THE VINYL COVER

  1. Lay out the vinyl cover over the foam with the lacing band down next to the foam. Center the cover within the 2”x 4” wood boarder. Fold the edge of the cover back to expose the lacing band. The lacing band should be approximately 3 ½” from the inside edge of the wood boarder.
  1. Using the ¾” cinching rings and the ¾” x 6” vinyl strips, and the 9/16” staples provided, staple two (2) cinching rings on the top surface of the 2”x 4” wood boarder close to the wall in line with each grommet on the lacing band. At the entrance locations where you have beveled the wood, staple cinching rings on the beveled surface.
  1. Using the ¾” x 30” vinyl lacing provided, string lacing through each lacing band grommet so that the two ends extend 15” from lacing band edge. The two ends are then threaded through the two cinching rings and back through the lower ring so that you have a cinching action. At this point, pull only the slack out of the lacing. Repeat this operation around the entire perimeter of the cover.
  1. Tighten the lacing snugly around the entire cover. This is best done by tightening opposite sides. The cover should be tightened just enough to remove wrinkles.
  1. Fold top edge of the cover to the wall to cover lacing band and 2”x 4” wood boarder.
  1. The cover is designed to be over sized to insure fit to the walls. Cut the fabric so that you can tuck the cover between the wall and the 2”x 4” wood board.

VINYL CUTOUT PROCEDURE FOR POST

  1. Starting from the furthest wall from the post, spread out cover to the post area.
  1. On cover in the post area, draw a line from the center of the post to the edge of the cover beyond post.
  1. Pull cover past post and spread cover so that it is even on all walls and is reasonably free of wrinkles.
  1. Finish cut the cover around the post.
  1. Using 4” wide vinyl strip and HH66 adhesive provided in Post Installation Kit, re-seam cover at line drawn for cutting.
  1. Apply HH66 adhesive to both cover and 4” vinyl seaming material; allow drying half way (approximately 2 minutes), then pressing together as a contact adhesive.
  1. Allow adhesive to dry 24 hours before tensioning the cover tight.

NOTE: PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO DRIP ADHESIVE ON COVER OUTSIDE OF GLUE JOINT; ADHESIVE WILL DAMAGE THE VINYL COVER FINISH. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT YOU TAKE A SMALL PIECE OF THE VINYL SEAMING STRIP AND PRACTICE THE GLUING PROCEDURE.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL JIM TIFFIN AT THE OFFICE OR AT HOME IF AFTER BUSINESS HOURS.

OFFICE (800) 843-3467; HOME (410) 398-5052

S:/TAM; floor installation instructions; T200- Deluxe Cover1/24/01 SB

S:/TAM; floor installation instructions; T200- Deluxe Cover1/24/01 SB

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