Installation Guide

1 March 13, 2020 Please contact 1-866-843-8453 for further assistance.
RIGID CORE PLANK AND TILE FLOORING
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Product Description: Rigid Core Plank and Tile Flooring
Grade Levels: Above Grade / On Grade / Below Grade
Installation Method: Floating - Drop and Lock
Rigid Core Flooring is intended for interior use only and is suitable for
above grade, on grade, and below grade applications. DO NOT install
in any outside areas, saunas, seasonal porches, camping trailers, boats,
RVs, lanais, rooms that are prone to flooding, or homes that are not
temperature-controlled.
Rigid Core Flooring is a floating floor and should be allowed to expand
and contract freely. It must not be glued, nailed, or fastened to the
subfloor in any way. Permanent cabinets, vanities, islands and similar
items should be installed first. Then, install Rigid Core Flooring around
them, leaving the proper expansion gap. Rigid Core Flooring can be
installed under vanities with legs. Rigid Core Flooring can be installed
under toilets; leave proper expansion space around flange and use a
premium waterproof 100% silicone caulk. Do not anchor toilet through
the material.
Rigid Core Flooring is a waterproof floating floor, but it should not be
used to seal an existing floor from moisture. It cannot inhibit the growth
of mold or prevent structural problems associated with, or caused by
flooding, excessive moisture, alkalis in the subfloor, 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.
Protect Rigid Core Flooring from exposure to direct sunlight via the use
of window-treatments or UV-tinting on windows.
Rigid Core Flooring is not recommended for areas subject to heavy
rolling loads.
If the flooring is to be installed by a third party, then it is suggested
that the homeowner be present 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
occur prior to installation. The owner/installer assumes all responsibility
for quality of completed installation.
Tools for Installation:
Utility Knife Straight Edge
Measuring Tape ¼" (6mm) Spacers
Pencils Profiled Tapping Block
Pull Bar Eye Protection
Soft-Faced Hammer Broom
Felt or Nylon Pads
Optional: Jig Saw, Table Saw, Miter Saw, Circular Saw, Hole Saw,
Moisture Meter (wood, concrete, or both)*
*Tools may be available for rent at your local home improvement store.
Overage Allowances
Order 10% more flooring than square footage to
account for cuttings and waste
Subfloor Flatness
Tolerances
¼" in 10ft., Slope not more than 1" per 6 ft.
(6mm in 3m, Slope not more than 25mm per 1.8m)
No abrupt height differences. High spots should
be sanded or ground down and low areas should
be filled
Vapor Barrier (6 mil
polyfilm)
Not Required
Should Underlayment
(pad) be used?
No - Rigid Core Flooring includes a pre-attached
sound-mitigating pad. Do not use any additional
sound suppression underlayment or padding, as
doing so will void the Rigid Core Flooring Limited
Warranty
Acclimation
Requirements
Not Required
Transition
Requirements
Required when installing Rigid Core Flooring
in a room or area that is larger than 50 lineal ft.
(15.24m) in any direction
Installation On Stairs or
Vertical Surfaces (walls)
Voids Warranty
Installation Over
Existing Ceramic Tile
Floors
Filling grout lines less than ¼" not required
(Follow Subfloor Flatness Tolerances)
Glue Down Installation Voids Warranty
Subfloor RH/MVER
Recommendations
85% Relative Humidity / 8 lbs. MVER (Moisture
Vapor Emission Rating
Radiant Heat Approved - See page 3
Expansion Gap
Requirements
¼" (6mm) around perimeter walls & heavy fixed
objects such as cabinetry or baths
Required Interior
Environmental
Conditions
50°F - 90°F (10°C - 32°C)
Definition of
“Waterproof”
Structural integrity of Rigid Core Flooring will not
degrade due to contact with moisture/water
KEY INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS