Fix-A-Floor® Repair Adhesive Complete Installation Guide

Fix-A-Floor® Injection Repair Adhesive – Step-By- Step Application Guide

This guide walks you through the proper surface preparation and application process for repairing hollow or loose tiles and planks using Fix-A-Floor® Injection Repair Adhesive. Follow each step closely for optimal bond strength and performance.


Surface Preparation

    1. Locate the Problem Area
      • Use a wooden dowel or tool handle to gently tap along the flooring, listening carefully for a change in sound—a hollow or dull tone indicates a void beneath the tile or plank.
      • Once located, mark the perimeter of each affected area using painter’s tape or chalk to guide your drilling and adhesive application.
    2. Drill Injection Holes
      • Recommended drill bit sizes:
        • Tile applications: 1/8" to 1/4"
        • Plank flooring applications: 9/64"
      • Using a masonry or standard drill bit, drill 1–2 holes straight down on each side of the affected tile or plank.
      • Always drill within the grout line to preserve the appearance of the flooring and prevent damage.
      • Carefully avoid making contact with the tile surface or subfloor.
    3. Clean Out Debris
      • Use a vacuum over each drilled hole to remove loose dust, debris, or particles.
      • While vacuuming, lightly tap the area with a rubber mallet to further dislodge hidden debris and ensure a clean cavity for adhesive bonding.

    Application Instructions

    1. Prepare the Cartridge
      • Remove the cap from the Fix-A-Floor® cartridge.
      • Cut the nozzle tip so that it fits snugly into the drilled holes—avoid cutting too wide, and ensure it does not touch the subfloor when inserted.
      • To open the cartridge for use:
        • Unscrew the nozzle from the threaded cartridge nub.
        • With a utility knife, cut an opening directly above the cartridge nub thread line.
        • Screw the nozzle back on securely and keep the cartridge upright to prevent premature flow.
    2. Apply the Adhesive
      • Load the prepared cartridge into a full-framed caulk gun (8:1 to 10:1 thrust ratio).
      • Insert the nozzle firmly into the first drilled hole and begin slowly dispensing the adhesive.
      • Continue applying until adhesive visibly overflows from adjacent holes—this ensures the cavity is completely filled.
      • Repeat for all drilled holes in the marked area, taking care to avoid adhesive drippage when moving between holes.
    3. Set and Cure
      • Immediately wipe away excess adhesive using a damp sponge or cloth.
      • Place a 20-pound weight (such as a bucket of water, stack of books, or tool case) on the repaired area to help the flooring bond evenly.
      • Clean up any additional overflow that may occur and allow the adhesive to cure undisturbed for a minimum of 24 hours.
    1. Fill and Finish
      • After the adhesive has fully cured, fill each drilled hole with matching grout (for tile) or wood filler (for plank).
      • Smooth the filler flush with the surface and allow it to dry completely.
      • Once dry, wipe the area clean with a dry cloth to restore the floor’s appearance.
      • For any remaining adhesive haze or buildup, use Fix-A-Floor® Adhesive & Residue Remover following label directions.

     

     

    For Best Results

    • Fix-A-Floor® Repair adhesive is NOT recommended for use on floating floor systems that utilize click-lock edges or underlayment. It can be used to repair glue-down laminate and luxury vinyl flooring. Ensure the product is tested in one repair area first before applying it to others.
    • Not recommended for use on carpet flooring.
    • Use Red Devil® Revolving Barrel Caulk Gun (3988) or similar half-barrel/full-framed 8:1 to 10:1 thrust ratio caulk gun. Avoid using a skeleton-frame caulk gun for application. 
    • Ensure to apply Fix-A-Floor® Injection Repair Adhesive slowly when using the Fix-A-Floor® Micro Injection Nozzle. This will help prevent any unnecessary adhesive blowout.
    • Ensure the tile floor is installed properly using adequate expansion joints. Stress on the tiles will limit the success of this product.
    • When repairing heated floors, ensure heating elements are turned off for 48 hours before, during, and after application.
    • When repairing bathroom & shower tile, ensure subfloor is free of moisture before application and surface is adequately sealed after adhesive has fully cured.
    • Can be used as a general flooring adhesive to reattach entirely removed tiles or planks.
    • Recommended for minor wood floor applications. For large-scale wood floor applications, use Fix-A-Floor® Polyurethane Wood Floor Repair.