Posts by Mopdog
A Holiday Message from Lighthouse Adhesives
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Lighthouse Adhesives! We hope the new year brings health, peace, and prosperity. We are grateful for your ongoing partnership and support! Our offices will be closed tomorrow, December 25.
Read MoreGain Insights into Cutback Adhesive & Residue Removal
Vinyl-based flooring materials (PVC)—including vinyl tile, plank, sheet goods, and vinyl-backed carpet—should never be installed directly over black asphalt-based (cutback) adhesive residues. These older adhesives are chemically incompatible with vinyl products and must be appropriately addressed before installation to ensure compatibility. Understand the risks associated with installing over cutback adhesives, including chemical reactions, surface sealing,…
Read MoreUnderstand the Risks & Factors of Chemical Cleaners for Adhesive Removal
Chemical cleaners and solvents, ranging from bio-based agents (like citrus, soy, or limonene) to hydrocarbon or chlorinated solvents, are occasionally used to strip old adhesives or coatings from flooring substrates. However, these cleaners can penetrate into the concrete substrate, leaving behind residues that are not always visible or detectable immediately. These substances are strongly discouraged…
Read MoreBest Practices for Using High-Moisture Tolerant Adhesives
In understanding high-moisture-tolerant adhesives in resilient flooring applications, Lighthouse Adhesives provides our expertise in adhesive performance under various conditions. The increasing popularity of high moisture-tolerant adhesives (HMTAs) in the flooring industry has prompted the need to clarify their proper use, especially in environments with elevated concrete moisture and pH levels. While these adhesives resist breakdown…
Read MoreHow to Prevent Telegraphing in Resilient Flooring Installations
When it comes to resilient flooring, appearance and performance go hand in hand. One of the most common visual issues installers encounter is telegraphing—the visible imprint of imperfections or irregularities in the substrate showing through the flooring surface over time. Telegraphing is preventable with proper preparation, consistent adhesive application, and the right environmental conditions. By…
Read MoreUnderstanding Substrate Porosity for Successful Flooring Installations
At Lighthouse Adhesives, we know that an excellent flooring installation starts long before the adhesive is applied. One of the most critical factors is substrate porosity. Understanding how porous your substrate is directly impacts adhesive performance, curing time, and overall bond strength. Porosity determines how quickly adhesives, primers, and sealers are absorbed into the substrate.…
Read MoreWhy Bond Testing Matters for Reliable Flooring Installations
Before installing any flooring system, it is essential to verify that the substrate is clean, properly prepared, and suitable for adhesive bonding. At Lighthouse Adhesives, we highly recommend substrate bond testing as a key step to ensure long-term performance and prevent costly installation failures. Bond testing identifies potential issues before full installation, allowing installers to…
Read MoreBest Practices for Storing and Shipping Lighthouse Adhesives
Proper handling, storage, and shipping are critical to maintaining the quality and performance of Lighthouse Adhesives products. Temperature extremes—hot or cold—are the leading causes of premature adhesive failure before use. By maintaining proper storage, monitoring transit conditions, and following ASTM standards, installers and distributors can ensure every pail of Lighthouse Adhesive performs as designed when…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Considerations for Radiant Floor Heating Installation
Radiant floor heating is an alternative to traditional forced-air systems, delivering heat directly to the floor surface. Flooring installed over radiant heating requires strict temperature management to protect adhesive bonds. Lighthouse Adhesives products can be applied over radiant heated subfloors if heating systems are turned off 24 hours before and after installation, and surface temperatures…
Read MoreGuidelines for Installing Over Painted Substrates & Marked Surfaces
Painted concrete or wood floors—often coated with epoxy, oil-based, or acrylic paints—can present complications during flooring installation. The substrate must be free of old adhesives, paint, sealers, curing agents, grease, oil, dirt, plaster, or other incompatible materials before installation. Any remaining residues effectively become the bonding surface, which can compromise adhesion if not sound or…
Read MoreHow to Minimize the Risk of Indentations in Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring indentation is a multifactorial issue tied to the type of vinyl, the correct use and application of adhesives, the substrate conditions and surface prep, and the nature of furnishings or equipment on the surface. Minimizing the risk of indentations in vinyl flooring starts with selecting the appropriate product for the intended use. Different…
Read MorePrepare & Prime Properly for Gypsum-Based Underlayments
Gypsum-based underlayments require careful preparation to achieve a secure bond. Unprimed or dusty surfaces can weaken adhesion and cause premature failure. Gypsum underlayments with insufficient thickness or compressive/tensile strength may be unable to withstand stress from building movement or heavy traffic loads. These conditions can lead to cracking or subfloor instability, which in turn may…
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