Installation Guide

2 May 26, 2021 Please contact 1-866-843-8453 for further assistance.
Product Description: Rigid Core Plank and Tile Flooring
Grade Levels: Above Grade / On Grade / Below Grade
Installation Method: Floating - Drop and Lock
RIGID CORE PLANK AND TILE FLOORING
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
PRE-INSTALLATION BASICS
Please contact our Customer Service Department at [phone] if
you have any questions or concerns regarding the installation and/or care
& maintenance of SPC Flooring, so as to ensure that you do not engage in
any actions that might void the SPC Flooring Limited Warranty.
The installation of SPC Flooring does not generally require acclimation in
residential applications if the product is stored properly. If the product is
subject to extreme hot or cold temperatures prior to installation, allow the
product to acclimate to room temperature. The room of installation must
be between 35°F & 100°F (1.7°C & 38°C). The HVAC system must be on
and functional before, during and after installation.
Product should be stored horizontally in a dry area away from direct
sunlight. Do not leave next to heating or cooling ducts. All work involving
water must be completed well in advance of the installation of SPC
Flooring. Do not store flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions.
For example, garages and exterior patios are not acceptable areas to
store flooring. Flooring stored on a concrete slab should be elevated at
least 4” (10.2cm) to allow air circulation under cartons. Ensure that all
trades have been completed, including; drywall, plasterwork, plumbing,
painting, etc.
Minor shade variations within the same run number and/or between run
numbers contribute to the natural look of SPC Flooring. To maximize
noticeable shade variation, randomly pull planks from three different
cartons to ensure good color and shade mixture. If you have multiple run
numbers, ensure the mixture captures planks from across run numbers.
Carefully inspect each plank for visual defects prior to installation. Do
no install damaged planks. The run number is the eight-digit number
separated by decimal points beginning with the two-digit day, then the
two-digit month, and finally the four-digit year.
Run Number
10.05.2017
Day.Month.Year
Safety and Health Precautions
Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance with
manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe and
improper use can cause serious injuries. Avoid inhalation and exposure to
airborne particles by wearing personal protective equipment, including:
NIOSH or OSHA approved dust masks, safety goggles and work gloves.
JOB SITE EVALUATION
Prior to installation, the homeowner or installer must ensure that job
site conditions (including subfloor/substrate, ambient temperature and
relative humidity) will not negatively affect the floor. The manufacturer
is not responsible for damages associated with improper installation or
poor site conditions.
Moisture
Test all concrete subfloors for moisture content and document the results.
Visual checks are not reliable. Moisture must still be checked even though
SPC Flooring is waterproof in order to protect surrounding structure.
Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing
plumbing, near foundation walls and in the center of the room.
Moisture requirements vary by subfloor; please see the following details
that correspond to the appropriate subfloor.
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 polyethylene. Crawl space clearance between the earth and
underside of joists should be no less than 18” (45.7cm) 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.
APPROVED SUBFLOORS
Concrete, Plywood, OSB, Particleboard, Chipboard, Hardwood (Solid,
Engineered, Parquet), Tile (Ceramic, Terrazzo, Stone, Asbestos, Peel and
Stick), Non-Cushion Sheet Vinyl, Metal, VCT, DRIcore
All subfloor requirements noted below must be met prior to the installation
of SPC Flooring.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (ALL SUBFLOORS)
• Must be level to within ¼” in a 10ft. (6mm in a 3m) span; no bumps
or low spots. Subfloors should not slope more than 1” per 6ft. (25mm
per 1.8m).
• Must be clean: no construction debris, soil, mud or any other objects
on or adhering to the floor; if necessary, scrape and sweep away
before the installation; no protrusions of nails, debris, or metals
should remain.
• Must be free from moisture-related conditions that can damage the
installed flooring.
• Be structurally sound without deflection.
CONCRETE SUBFLOORS
• High spots can be removed by grinding; depressions can be filled
with patching compound formulated for use in floor installation.
• Cure for at least 90 days (applies to newly-laid concrete slabs).
• Can be either sealed or unsealed.
• Between 7 and 9 alkalinity when performing pH test (ASTM F710).
• Moisture content should meet one of the following criteria:
• 4% max. when tested using Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter.
• Less than 8 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. per 24 hours MVER (Moisture
Vapor Emission Rating) when using Calcium Chloride test (ASTM
F1869).
• 85% max. when performing Relative Humidity Testing (ASTM
F2170).
WOOD (PLYWOOD, OSB, PARTICLEBOARD, CHIPBOARD,
SOLID HARDWOOD, LUAN) SUBFLOORS
• Wood subfloors must be A.P.A approved with a minimum grade of
“BB” or “CC”. For reference, A.P.A. is the acronym for an organization
originally known as the “American Plywood Association”, and that is
now known as “The Engineered Wood Association”.
• Perform moisture tests using a reliable moisture meter in multiple
locations. Moisture readings should never exceed 14% for plywood,
OSB, particleboard, chipboard, and solid hardwood subfloors. If
moisture readings exceed 14%, it should be corrected at the job site
before installing SPC Flooring.
TILE, TERRAZZO, ASBESTOS TILE, RESILIENT TILE, NON-
CUSHION SHEET VINYL, AND METAL SUBFLOORS
• Existing floors must be firmly attached to the structural floor.
• Fill in grout lines larger than ¼” (6mm) on ceramic tiles, terrazzo,
quarry tiles, and similar floors with a cementitous leveling and
patching compound.
• Install over one layer of vinyl only.