Heat welding is the optional procedure for all seams, coving and corner fill pieces of Stagestep sheet vinyls. Heat welding provides for strong, watertight and hygienic seams. They are not invisible. Heat welding should be only done by experienced professionals. Heat welding is not appropriate for temporary or semi-permanent installations.

The welding cord for Stagestep vinyls is made of pure pvc which is designed to melt at the same temperature as the pvc of the sheet vinyl flooring. This is why you should never use welding rods other than those specified for the product you are installing.

Heat welding should be done after the flooring adhesive has set-up, usually the following day.

It is always a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of material first to ensure proper temperature and speed.

Procedure:

1. Seam edges should be tight. Gaps in the seam will deter a quality weld.

2. Groove seam using a vinyl groover. The depth of the groove should be about 2/3 the depth of the material. Be careful not to go too deep. This is very important to ensure proper strength and bonding of the welding rod.

3. The ends of the seam, where the groover cannot reach, must be completed using the hand groover.

4. Clean all grooves thoroughly.

5. Use only professional quality welding guns that will maintain the proper temperatures. Use 5mm speed tip.

6. Preheat welding gun for several minutes before beginning.

7. Cut length of welding rod long enough to weld over half the seam.

8. Insert rod through welding nozzle about 3-4", hold on to excess and immediately begin welding.

9. The welding tip should always be parallel to the flooring and directly over the groove.

10. Determine the correct welding speed by ensuring that the welding rod actually melts into the groove. A small bead should form on either side of the welding rod.

11. While the welding rod is still warm, trim the excess material with the crescent knife and trim plate in one continuous movement.

12. If the welding rod has not properly bonded, a new piece of rod can be fused in and trimmed.

13. Repeat the same procedure on the other half starting from the opposite wall working toward the center. Overlap the welding rod approximately 1" where they join.

14. After the rod has cooled to the touch, make the final trim using only the crescent knife.

15. Minor repairs and smoothing out of the rod may be done using the butane repair tool.