Installation Guide

4
2017_12_AR_LOW
INSTALLATION IN WET AREAS
Since prolonged water exposure could damage your laminate flooring, the following installation
recommendations should be closely followed to validate your residential water warranty. Wet areas would
include, but are not limited to: bathrooms, powder rooms, kitchens, mud rooms, foyers, and laundry rooms.
Neither flooring planks nor accessories are recommended for applications with extreme humidity. The
water warranty excludes all products thinner than 5/16-inch and does not apply to beveled edge products
when used in bathrooms. An expansion area of 3/8-inch must be provided around all vertical obstructions
including walls, permanent cabinets, pipes, etc. All perimeter expansion areas must be completely filled in
with a water-repellent flexible silicone sealant. When applying sealant, it is helpful to first apply a strip of
masking tape parallel to and approximately 1/32-inch from the edge of the flooring. Then fill the expansion
area with sealant, remove any excess with a plastic scraper or putty knife, then remove the tape. Let dry for
24 hours before exposure to water. It is important that moisture does not enter the core of any cut planks.
PIPES
In rows where there is a pipe, make sure the pipe falls exactly in line with the short side of two planks. Take a
drill bit with the same diameter as the pipe plus 3/4 inch for the expansion. Click the planks together on the
short side and drill a hole centered on the joint between the two planks. Now you can install the planks in the
floor. See Diagrams 6A-6B-6C.
UNDER DOORFRAMES
When sawing the planks, ensure that the expansion joint under the door is at least 3/8 inch. If you cannot lift
the plank, use an adapted tapping block or pull bar and hammer to tap the planks together with the planks
flat on the floor. See Diagrams 7A-7B.
FINISHING
• Remove all spacers.
• Install the moulding on the plastic membrane that runs up the wall from under the floor. Never attach the
moulding to the floor. This method allows the floor to expand and contract under the moulding
(See Diagram 8A).
• For a perfect finish around pipes, use rosettes or flexible silicone caulking.
• In places where profiles or mouldings cannot be placed, fill expansion gaps with flexible silicone caulking.
PRECAUTIONS
• Protect furniture and chair legs with proper felt or rubber caps.
• Avoid bringing dirt, water and sand indoors by providing a suitable solid-backed floor mat at the door.
• Furniture on casters/wheels must use soft, rubber wheels that are suitable for a laminate floor and/or use a
suitable protective mat.
• Ensure that humidity in the room is always between 35-65%. Use a humidifier if necessary.
MAINTENANCE
• The smooth surface of your laminate means it never retains dirt or dust.
• Never use wax, polish, oils, soaps, detergents, shine enhancers or varnish on the floor.
• For dry maintenance, we recommend a dust mop or vacuum cleaner with soft bristle brush only.
• For slightly damp maintenance, we recommend a laminate cleaner which you spray directly and lightly
on a duster. Always wipe dry immediately until no more moisture is visible on the floor. The use of other
cleaning products might damage your floor. For bevel edge products, we strongly recommend dry
cleaning only.