Satisfying Fears That Someone Isn’t Glossing Over the Facts

Question: We were shocked to discover that the Armstrong no-wax floor tile we were considering buying just has a top film of something that looks a little thicker than Scotch tape. Won’t this wear through very fast? What happens if a scrape of something tears this thin film?

Can this type be put on over the existing floor tile?

Answer: Armstrong makes two basic brands of no-wax floor tiles with protective coatings on the surface.

Solarian products have a thin, protective surface of Mirabond, a chemical of the urethane family that is laminated to the design surface and has a very high gloss.

The firm does not give an official estimate of life expectancy, Charles L. Mendenhall, executive marketing representative for Armstrong’s Floor Division says, because so much depends upon such things as the amount of traffic, the underlayment, its installation and maintenance.

While not much help to the do-it-yourselfer, the tiles carry a five-year limited warranty for floors that are professionally installed. If manufacturing defects are determined within three years, Armstrong agrees to replace the tiles and the installation costs; in the fourth or fifth year, they’ll repair or replace the product if failure is determined.

Another type of Armstrong tile has a protective surface of vinyl made from chemicals of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) family. It has excellent stain resistance, Mendenhall says, but the surface doesn’t have as high a sheen as that on Solarian.

“Some people prefer less of a gloss,” he added.

As with all such products, you are right in wondering about scrapes and tears. While it might take years to wear through the actual design of the tiles, the greater problem might be in the peeling of the protective surface in the event that it is subjected to a heavy sharp object, such as careless moving of a refrigerator with sharp edges on the bottom.

“The surface is not bulletproof,” Mendenhall points out, “but both tiles have been on the market for more than 10 years. We feel the proof of their quality is that they last long enough to please the consumer.”

To that end, Armstrong has an 800 telephone number at its Customer Response Center. It’s manned to answer complaints and to provide information when requested.

As to putting the tiles over existing tiles, that depends entirely on the condition of the floor. Unless the surface is in great shape, you definitely should install an underlayment of plywood or hardboard.

Dale Baldwin will answer remodeling questions of general interest on this page. Send your questions to Home Improvement, Real Estate Department, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. Baldwin cannot answer questions individually. Snapshots of successful do-it-yourself projects may be submitted but cannot be returned.