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IS 5318:1969 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for laying flexible pvc sheets and tile flooring. This standard outlines the code of practice for laying flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) sheet and tile flooring. It details the essential requirements for sub-floor preparation, material handling, selection of adhesives, and the step-by-step installation process. The code also covers finishing works like coving and skirting, as well as guidelines for post-installation cleaning and maintenance.
Code of practice for laying flexible PVC sheets and tile flooring
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Sub-floor preparation is the most critical factor; any dampness, dust, or unevenness in the base will severely affect the final finish and longevity of the flooring.
! Always allow both the PVC flooring material and the adhesive to acclimatize to the room's temperature and humidity for at least 24 hours before starting work to prevent future dimensional changes like shrinkage or expansion.
! Use the specific notched trowel size recommended by the adhesive manufacturer to achieve the correct adhesive coverage and ensure a strong, uniform bond.
BS 8203:2017BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighCurrent
Code of practice for installation of resilient floor coverings
Covers material selection, subfloor preparation, and installation of resilient flooring including PVC.
AS 1884-2021Standards Australia, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Floor coverings — Resilient sheet and tile — Installation practices
Provides detailed practices for installing resilient sheet and tile flooring, including PVC.
ASTM F710 - 19ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
Focuses specifically on the critical subfloor preparation aspect for concrete, a key part of the IS code.
BS 5325:2001BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
LowWithdrawn
Code of practice for installation of textile floor coverings
Covers general principles of subfloor preparation common to many flooring types, although focused on textiles.
Key Differences
≠IS 5318 relies on qualitative, observational methods for subfloor dryness ('generally achieved in 4 to 6 months'), whereas modern standards like BS 8203 mandate quantitative moisture testing (e.g., in-situ RH probe test with defined limits like <75% RH).
≠The Indian standard from 1969 provides generic descriptions for adhesives ('bituminous-base', 'alcohol-base'). International codes defer to specific, high-performance modern adhesive chemistry (acrylics, epoxies) and mandate strict adherence to the manufacturer's specifications.
≠IS 5318 has no provisions for environmental health, such as Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) limits for adhesives or materials. Modern standards and associated regulations place a strong emphasis on low-emission products.
≠Surface regularity requirements are less stringent in the IS code (3mm over 3m). BS 8203 introduces Surface Regularity (SR) classes, with SR1 (3mm over 2m) being a higher standard typically required for thin resilient flooring.
Key Similarities
≈All standards, including IS 5318, fundamentally stress the importance of a clean, sound, smooth, and dry subfloor as the most critical factor for a successful installation.
≈The principle of acclimatizing flooring materials and adhesives to the ambient site conditions for at least 24 hours prior to installation is a common requirement across both the IS code and modern international standards.
≈The basic procedure of laying tiles from the center of the room outwards, after establishing perpendicular guidelines, is a common practice recommended in IS 5318 and international installation guides.
≈The requirement to roll the entire floor surface with a heavy roller (approx. 50-75 kg) immediately after laying to ensure full adhesive transfer and bonding is a consistent specification.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Subfloor Moisture Test
Qualitative assessment; concrete should be allowed to dry for 4-6 months.
Quantitative in-situ probe test; RH must be below 75% or 85% depending on system.
BS 8203:2017
Surface Regularity / Flatness
Max deviation of 3 mm under a 3 m straightedge.
Max deviation of 3 mm under a 2 m straightedge (Class SR1).
BS 8203:2017
Acclimatization Time
At least 24 hours.
Minimum 24 hours at a stable, controlled service temperature.
AS 1884-2021
Roller Weight (for bedding in)
About 70 kg.
A floor roller of 50 kg to 75 kg.
BS 8203:2017
Ambient Temperature for Laying
Not less than 20°C.
Subfloor temperature should be >10°C; ambient temperature between 18°C and 27°C.
AS 1884-2021
pH Level of Concrete Subfloor
Not specified.
Must be between 7 and 9 (or as per adhesive manufacturer's limits).
ASTM F710 - 19
Curing Time Before Foot Traffic
At least 24 hours.
Protect from all traffic for at least 24 hours.
AS 1884-2021
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Minimum room temperature for laying18 °C
Maximum allowable sub-floor unevenness3 mm under a 3 m straightedge
Minimum acclimatization period for materials24 hours
Minimum curing period before light foot traffic24 hours
Minimum curing period before heavy traffic/washing72 hours