Use and Care Manual

Installation Instructions
Rigid Vinyl Plank
For Assistance, Call:1-714-685-7568
www.homedepot.com/homedecorators
Grade Levels
Above Grade / On Grade
Below Grade
Installation Method
Click Lock
HOMEDEPOT.COM/HOMEDECORATORS
Please contact 1-800-986-3460 for further assistance.
CAUTION: ASBESTOS IN EXISTING FLOOR: This product does not contain asbestos. Existing installed resilient ooring and asphaltic adhesive may contain asbestos llers or crystalline silica. Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, bead-blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient ooring, backing,
lining felt, asphaltic “cutback” adhesive or other adhesive. See “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings” (rfci.com) for detailed information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures.
CAUTION: DO NOT INSTALL IN all exterior installations, seasonal porches, boats, campers, RV's, sunrooms, solariums, non-temperature controlled rooms or homes.
Safety and Health Precautions
Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance to manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe and improper use can cause serious injuries. Avoid inhalation and exposures to airborne particles by mechanical means and by wearing personal protective equipment. Wear appropriate
personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes NIOSH or OSHA approve dust masks, safety goggles and work gloves.
Warranty
This flooring product comes with a manufacturer Limited Wear Warranty. The warranty applies to the original purchaser of the flooring. It warrants the original purchaser that the finish surface will not wear through for the duration of the stated warranty from the date of purchase. Contact our Customer Service Team at
1-714-685-7568 to request a written copy which provides detailed terms of coverage and limitations.
Pre-Installation
OWNER/INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY
The owner is advised to be at home during the installation for consultation/direction. The owner and installer should discuss installation and layout to maximize
satisfaction. If this is not possible, consultation should be done prior to installation. The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for product quality of
completed installation.
PERFORM PRE-INSTALL INSPECTION. FOR CLAIMS PURPOSES, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO OPEN UP TO 4 BOXES FOR PRODUCT INSPECTION. DO NOT OPEN ALL THE
BOXES. OPENING ALL THE BOXES CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRODUCT. INSPECT ALL THE TILES IN THESE 4 BOXES CAREFULLY. EXAMINE FLOORING
FOR COLOR, FINISH AND QUALITY. IF YOU DISCOVER THAT PRODUCTS ARE DEFECTIVE, OR IF MATERIAL IS QUESTIONABLE, YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE RETAILER.
IF YOU ARE SATISFIED, PROCEED WITH INSTALLATION.
Prior to installation, rack up planks/tiles from several boxes to ensure uniform distribution of colors, shades and characters in the installed ooring. Planks/tiles
having similar widths should be placed together in the same row to minimize gaps between boards.
Purchase ooring to be installed in one large area at the same time. Product purchased at a later time than the rst purchase may vary beyond your
expectations.
Accessories, trims and moldings are manufactured to coordinate with the varied appearances of the oor planks/tiles. Any exact matches are coincidental. Non-
matching accessories are not defective products.
This product is manufactured according to strict quality standards. In the event that defects are discovered in the eld, the industry standards permit a defect
tolerance not to exceed 5%. Order an additional 10% extra for cutting wastage and grading allowances (more for diagonal installations).
During installation, inspect the planks/tiles continuously. Defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or held out. Installing defective
planks/tiles implies acceptance.
Clicking noises are the result of interactions among ooring, joists and suboors when they move. Sometimes, it is impossible to eliminate them completely and
minor clicking noises are to be accepted as normal ooring phenomenon.
IMPORTANT: With square edge products, some ledging can be visible up to a .15 mm variance.
To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any activity that is not covered in this manual, please contact our Customer
Support Team at 1-714-685-7568.
CONCRETE SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
Concrete suboors must:
□ Have minimum rated strength of 3000 psi.
□ Be level to within 3/16 in. in a 10 ft. span; no bumps or low spots. High spots can be removed by grinding; depressions can be lled with patching
compound formulated for use in oor installation. Suboors should not slope more than 1 in. per 6 ft.
□ Be clean; no construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the oor; if necessary, scrape and sweep away before the installation;
no protrusions of nails, debris, metals should remain.
□ New concrete slab must cure for at least 90 days. It must have a minimum 10 mil polyethylene sheet between the ground and the concrete.
□ Be free from moisture related conditions which can damage the installed ooring.
CONCRETE MOISTURE
Test all concrete suboors for moisture content and document the results with a photo. For full warranty coverage, we recommend documenting your test results
with a photo. Visual checks are not reliable.
Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing plumbing, near foundation walls and in the center of the room. Minimum sample size
is 3 samples per 1000 sq. ft. of area and one test for every additional 1000 sq. ft. thereafter.
Moisture content should meet one of the following criteria:
□ 4% max. when tested using Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter over bare concrete with no adhesive or sealer.
□ Less than 8 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. per 24 hours when using Calcium Chloride test (ASTM F1869).
□ 85% max. when using Relative Humidity Testing (ASTM F2170).
NOTE: Concrete moisture content may be acceptable the time of the test. These tests do not guarantee a perpetual “dry” concrete slab. The concrete slab
moisture content can vary at other times of the year. We are not responsible for moisture-related damage to installed ooring.
WOOD SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
The suboor must be clean; no presence of construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the oor; no protrusions of nails, debris, or
metals should remain. If necessary, scrape and sweep the suboor before the installation.
The suboor must be structurally sound and stable; no movements or squeaks; no loose panels or loose nails; no signs of ply de-lamination or other damages.
Repair all shortcomings before installation.
The suboor must be at; no visible bumps or low spots; the suboor should be at to within 3/16 in. in 10 ft. span. Test for moisture using a reliable pin type
meter. Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near foundation walls, near walls containing plumbing lines and in the center of the room. Moisture
levels should not exceed 14%.
PLYWOOD OR ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB) SPECIFICATIONS
On truss/joist spacing of 16 in. (406 mm) O/C or less, the industry standard for single-panel subooring is a minimum 5/8 in. (19/32 in., 15.1 mm) CD Exposure
1 plywood suboor panels (CD Exposure 1) or 23/32 in. OSB Exposure 1 suboor panels, 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets. Expansion gap between panels should be 1/8 in. (3
mm). If panels are not tongued and grooved and there is not sufcient spacing or is inadequate, cut in the required spacing with a circular saw. Do not cut in
expansion space on tongue and groove panels.
PARTICLE BOARD OR FIBER BOARD
Only for oating installation. Product has to be sound and stable with no visible signs of moisture-related conditions.
EXISTING FLOORS
Approved suboors include concrete, plywood, OSB, particleboard, chipboard, hardwood (solid, engineered, parquet), tile (ceramic, terrazzo, stone, asbestos,
peel and stick), non-cushion sheet vinyl, metal, VCT, DRIcore.
Adhered and sound vinyl sheet goods, linoleum and resilient (VCT) tiles: Old vinyl and linoleum tiles or sheet goods normally do not need to be removed if they
are fully bonded and free of any notable damage. Some older vinyl sheet goods and tile contain asbestos. Should it contain asbestos special precautions must
be taken for your safety. Contact a professional immediately for inspection and removal.
Ceramic tiles and terrazzo: Old at ceramic tiles normally do not require removal. Grout joints wider than 1/16 in. must be lled. Usually, HDC Plank products
can be installed directly over ceramic tiles and terrazzo providing they are fully adhered, smooth, sound and dry. These ooring materials must be smooth and
at to within 1/4 in. in a 10 ft. radius and must not vary more than 1/16 in. when measured with a 3 ft. straight edge.
Do not install over more than one layer of vinyl.
Non-approved suboors include carpeting/carpet pad, cushioned vinyl ooring, oating oors, laminate, parquet over concrete, cork, engineered hardwood
over concrete, sleeper substrates, hardwood over concrete and rubber. Remove these oors and old adhesive before installing new ooring.
JOB SITE CONDITION
Prior to installation, the installer must ensure that at the time of installation, the job site conditions including suboor/substrate, ambient temperature and
relative humidity, and all impacting variables will not negatively affect the oor. The manufacturer will decline responsibility for damages associated with
improper installation or poor site conditions.
STORAGE AND CONDITIONS
Acclimate the ooring a minimum of 24 hours before installation in the area it is to be installed. Conditions between 50°F and 100°F (10°C and 37°C) are
required before, during and after installation. Cartons should be evenly stacked no more than ve high on a at surface and away from any heating/cooling
ducts or direct sunlight.
EXISTING HOME
An existing home should have a consistent room temperature between 50°F and 100°F (10°C and 37°C) and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-85%. Continual
deviation from these conditions will affect the dimensions of ooring. When using a heater during winter months, humidity may be much lower than the
acceptable range. During the warmer months, maintain humidity levels using an air conditioner, dehumidier, or by turning on your heating system periodically.
NEW CONSTRUCTION OR REMODEL
All work involving water, such as pouring basement concrete oors, drywall and plasterwork, plumbing, etc. must be completed well in advance of the oor
delivery. Ensure that the building is enclosed. Where building codes allow, permanent heating and/or air conditioning systems should be operating at least
two weeks preceding installation and should be maintained during and after installation. If it is not possible for the permanent heating and/or air conditioning
system to be operating before, during and after installation, a temporary heating and/or dehumidication system that simulates normal living (occupied)
conditions can enable the installation to proceed until the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system is fully operational. Your job site should have a
consistent temperature between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C) and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-85% which should be maintained continuously thereafter.
RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION AREA
Do not install vinyl planks/tiles over carpet or any foam underlayment. This product is not suitable for any outside use, sunrooms/solariums, saunas, seasonal
porches, camping trailers, boats, RV’s or rooms that have a potential of ooding. Do not install in rooms or homes that are not temperature controlled. Exposure
to long term direct sunlight can cause damage to your oor. Failure to properly shade or UV tint windows can discolor, fade, or buckle vinyl planks/tiles. Use
window treatments or UV tinting on windows. This ooring is a oating oor and should be allowed to expand and contract freely. It must not be glued, nailed,
or fastened to the suboor in any way. Permanent cabinets, vanities, islands and similar items should be installed rst. Then, install this ooring around them,
leaving the proper expansion gap. This ooring can be installed under vanities with legs as well as under toilets; leave proper expansion space around the
ange and use a premium waterproof 100% silicone caulk. Do not anchor toilet through the material.
This product is a waterproof oating oor, but it should not be used to seal an existing oor from moisture. It cannot inhibit the growth of mold or prevent
structural problems associated with, or caused by ooding, excessive moisture, alkalis in the suboor, or conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure.
Regardless of location, always remove standing water, urine and other liquids promptly. Job site moisture issues should be addressed and corrected prior to
installation. Fill expansion spaces around potential wet areas only with premium waterproof 100% silicone caulk.
BASEMENTS AND CRAWL SPACES
Concrete slab or ground must be dry. Ensure that crawl spaces have open vents year round to ensure proper air circulation and prevent moisture build up.
The ground in the crawl spaces must be completely covered using 6 mil black polyethylene. Crawl space clearance between the earth and underside of joists
should be no less than 18 in. and the perimeter vent area should be equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space or as mandated by code.
RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOOR
If considering Radiant heat, only Hydronic radiant heat can be used. The heating components must have a minimum of 3/8 in. separation from the product.
System must be operational for a minimum of two weeks prior to installation. Five days prior to installation, the temperature should be reduced to 65°F
(18°C). After installation, the temperature can be raised gradually (5°F per hour) to a maximum operation temperature of 85°F (29°C). An in-oor thermostat
is recommended to avoid overheating. A transition strip must be used for any installation longer than 40 linear feet and/or wider than 30 linear feet. It is also
suggested to use T-Molding in doorways.
MOISTURE BARRIER/UNDERLAYMENT PADDING
CONCRETE SUBFLOOR
When installing over a crawl space or concrete slab, it may be necessary to use a moisture barrier to prevent moisture migration. A plastic lm with a
minimum thickness of 6 mil should be placed with a 4 – 6 in. (101.6 – 152 mm) overlapped seam, and taped with a suitable tape.
EXPANSION GAP
A required gap width of 1/4 in. is required around the perimeter of the oor and between the oor and all vertical obstructions. Do not place permanently
mounted structures such as kitchen counters/cabinets on the installed oor.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS BASICS
Tape measure, Utility knife, Eye protection, Gloves, Tapping block, Soft-faced hammer, Pull bar, 1/4 in. spacers, Level, Reciprocating saw (optional), Miter or
circular saw (optional), Knee pads (optional).
Helpful Pointers
GENERAL TIPS
□ Make sure your work area is well lit. Good visibility ensures that color is consistent and that visually defective planks/tiles are detected and removed.
□ The minimum length of the rst and last plank/tile is 8 in.. If the last plank/tile will be less than 8 in., adjust the length of the rst plank/tile. The remainder of the last plank/tile can be used as a starter board on the following rows.
□ Using a shorter piece at undercut door jams will help when tting ooring in place.
IMPORTANT: Never hit the ooring directly with a tapping block and be careful not to fracture ooring edges.
□ For plank installation, we recommend staggering the end joints a minimum of 6 inches.
□ For tile installation, we recommend staggering the end joints a minimum of 3 inches.
NOTE: Do not install four corners together, as this will not provide a stable installation.
CUTTING THE LAST ROW TO WIDTH
□ Most often the entire length of the last row will need to be cut so that it is narrow enough to t the remaining space.
□ Measure the distance between the oor face edge (exclude the tongue) to the wall. Subtract 1/4 in. from this measurement for expansion gap. Draw a line. Cut through the line. Discard the excess piece. Proceed with the installation.
Preparing for Installation
□ Ensure suboors are clean.
□ Lay out several cartons. Randomly rack the ooring planks/tiles to ensure good color and shade mixture and end joint
spacing. Minimum end stagger is 8 in. Inspect plank/tile quality and grading.
□ Lay out trim moldings in advance and nd ooring pieces whose shade closely matches. Set these aside for future use.
□ Remove the existing base, shoe molding or threshold carefully. They can be used to cover the 1/4 in. expansion gap left
around the edge of the room.
□ Undercut doors and casings using a handsaw laid at on a piece of scrap ooring. Never undercut metal door casings.
8
Installation
1. INSTALLING THE FIRST ROW
a. It is recommended that installation begin in a corner of the room. Between the rst row
of ooring and the wall, insert spacers so that a 1/4 in. (6 mm) gap is created.
b. When installing the rst row, insert the short edge of one plank into the short edge of
another plank at a slight angle and rotate downward. Continue to complete the starter
row maintaining a straight edge for the following row.
c. Use a tapping block and soft faced hammer to close any gaps between the planks.
d. Once you reach the end of the rst row, measure and cut the nal plank so that it
completes the row while also leaving the necessary 1/4 in. expansion gap. Last planks of
rows must be at least 8 in. long.
NOTE: Use a spare plank to create a straight edge at the cut line. Use a utility knife to
score the top of the pattern and snap the panel. It will be necessary to cut the foam
underlayment after snapping the panel.
1a
1b 1b
1c
1d
2. INSTALLING THE SECOND AND REMAINING ROWS
a. Start the second row of ooring by using the trimmed planks from the previous row. First
pieces must be at least 8 in. long. End joints should be staggered a minimum of 6 in.
b. At a slight angle, insert the long edge tongue of the rst plank in row 2 into the long edge
groove of the plank in row 1 until the plank edges meet, and then rotate down until the
joints lock.
c. When joining the next plank to the rst plank in the row, join the short side edges rst.
There will be a gap on the long side joints when the plank is rotated down.
d. Raise the outside long edge of the plank upward approximately 1 in. Maintain this angle as
you push the plank in until the long edge of the plank meets the long edge of the rst row.
Rotate downward on the plank until the joint locks.
e. After tapping the long side joint closed, close the short edge joints using a tapping block
or pull bar.
f. Repeat these steps to complete the installation.
g. After each row is complete, ensure there will be a 1/4 in. (6 mm) gap (after the joints are
closed) to the wall for expansion.
2d
2e
2f 2g
2c
2b2a
2e
> 6 in
> 15 cm