Is Your Subfloor Ready to Shine? A Simple Checklist Before You Go Flex

You’ve fallen in love with the sophisticated stone looks of Canopy Flex—our self-adhering tile with the ingenious integrated grout line.

That’s fantastic! Now, before you start laying those beautiful tiles, we need to talk about the importance of your subfloor for long-lasting beauty and performance. We're the Dossche Family, and our history in flooring means we know that even the most innovative products, like Canopy Flex, need a solid foundation. 

Our product is amazing, featuring patented SetaGrip™ technology and a fiberglass mesh layer for stability, but we need to make sure your subfloor is equally ready to perform. Rushing the prep is the #1 reason floors fail.

The Flex Prep Checklist: Flat, Firm, and Flawless

The beautiful thing about Canopy Flex is its unique loose lay design, but its stability relies on a clean, solid connection to the subfloor. Here is your simple, step-by-step checklist to ensure a perfect installation.

1. Cleanliness is Next to Floor-liness

Our SetaGrip™ technology provides a strong, secure hold—but only if it can actually contact the subfloor.

• Remove All Debris: Sweep, vacuum, and then thoroughly scrape away all debris. This includes old adhesive chunks, drywall mud, paint drips, and any fine dust. Even tiny pieces of grit will create bumps under the tile over time.
• No Residue: The subfloor must be free of oil, wax, grease, or any kind of sealant or release agent that might inhibit the SetaGrip™ backing from adhering firmly. A quick wipe with an approved cleaner for your subfloor material is a good idea.

2. Flatness Above All Else

This is where professionalism truly shines. Canopy Flex is flexible, but it is not designed to bridge large gaps or valleys.

• Tolerance Check: Use a long, straight edge (a 6-foot level works great) to check for dips and humps. The standard requires the surface to be flat to within 1/8th inch over any 6-foot distance. Rushing this step will lead to visible peaks and valleys, which is never a regret-free scenario.
• Fixing Dips: Fill low spots using a self-leveling compound (SLC) or patching compound rated for your subfloor (wood or concrete).
• Securing Humps: Sand or grind down any high spots to meet the required flatness tolerance.

3. Sound and Secure

The subfloor must be structurally sound and free of movement.

• No Squeaks: Walk the entire subfloor. If you hear squeaks, secure any loose plywood or OSB panels by driving construction screws into the joists below. Movement can compromise the integrity of the tile layout over time.
• Remove Old Fasteners: Ensure all old staples, nails, or tacks from previous flooring are either removed or driven flush with the surface.

4. The Moisture Check (Especially for Concrete)

While your Canopy Flex tile is 100% waterproof, excessive moisture coming from a slab can create problems with any floor installation.

• Test the Slab: For concrete slabs, a moisture test is always wise. While Flex can handle high humidity, if chronic moisture issues exist, they should be addressed with a sealant or barrier before installation to protect the entire room's environment.

Remember, because of the unique stability afforded by the fiberglass mesh layer, Canopy Flex does not require a lengthy acclimation period, so once your prep checklist is complete, you can start laying those beautiful stone-look tiles immediately!

Your Next Step: Don't Rush the Prep, Order a Sample

Floors created by a family for raising a family are designed for speed and comfort, but the foundation must be solid. By meticulously following this checklist, you guarantee the superior performance and stability of your Canopy Flex floor.

Ready to see and feel the Canopy difference? Order a Sample or Find a Local Canopy Floors Retailer. We believe beautiful homes start with the floor.