Installation Guide

Concrete
(All installation methods)
The flooring can be glued directly to concrete with a minimum compressive strength of 3000 PSI. Do not install over
a concrete sealer or painted concrete. If present, remove by grinding or sanding. Do not install over slick, heavily
troweled or burnished concrete. Roughen the surface as necessary by sanding or grinding. Use an appropriate NIOSH-
designated dust mask. Floating floors can be installed over any structurally sound concrete.
Concrete Moisture Tests
All concrete subfloors should be tested, and results documented,
for moisture content. Visual checks may not be reliable. Test several
areas, especially near exterior walls and walls containing plumbing.
Acceptable test methods for subfloor moisture content include:
• Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter Meter (Figure 3): Moisture
readings should not exceed 4.5 on the upper scale. (Figure 3 shows
an unacceptable reading of over 4.5) Concrete Moisture Meters give
qualitative reading results-not quantitative ones. These results are a
quick way to determine if further testing is required.
NOTE: The following tests are required in residential/commercial
applications. Either or both tests are acceptable.
• Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM F 1869): The maximum moisture
transfer must not exceed 3 lbs./1000 ft.
2
in 24 hrs. with this test.
• RH Levels in Concrete Using In-situ Probes (ASTM F 2170) should not exceed 75%.
“DRY” CONCRETE, AS DEFINED BY THESE TESTS CAN BE WET AT OTHER TIMES OF THE YEAR. THESE TESTS DO
NOT GUARANTEE A DRY SLAB.
Moisture Retardant Systems
If excessive moisture is present or anticipated, use Bruce
®
Summit Select adhesive or Bruce
®
ProConnect Plus
adhesive or inexpensive sheet vinyl must be used to reduce vapor intrusion.
• Bruce
®
Summit Select
™
All In One adhesive: Apply the adhesive using the trowel that is attached on every pail.
Flooring can be installed immediately after applying the adhesive.
• Bruce
®
Summit Select
™
adhesive: Apply the adhesive using the Summit trowel that is listed on every pail. Flooring
can be installed immediately after applying the adhesive. (Only when installing Bruce Hydropel)
• Sheet vinyl: An inexpensive sheet vinyl or “slip-sheet” (felt-backed with vinyl wear layer) may be installed. Use
a premium grade, alkali resistant adhesive and a full spread application system to properly bond the vinyl to
the subfloor. Follow the sheet vinyl manufacturer’s instructions for installation procedures. A bond test may be
required as an adhesion test. Install several small areas (3´ x 3´) (1 m x 1 m) and allow the vinyl to set for 72 hours.
Remove the vinyl. If the backing remains attached to the concrete, the subfloor should be acceptable for sheet vinyl
installation. Install the sheet vinyl and allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours prior to beginning installation. Degloss
as necessary to create an adequate adhesive bond. Always check for adequate adhesive bond.
Acoustic Concrete
(All installation methods)
Acoustic concrete normally contains large quantities of gypsum that may inhibit the adhesive’s capability to
properly bond. Acoustic concrete must be primed with a primer such as Taylor 2025 or the concrete manufacturer’s
recommended primer/surface hardener. Test the concrete by scraping the surface with a nail or other sharp object. If
the concrete powders or crumbles, it is not sound and suitable for direct application of hardwood flooring and may
require the use of a floating sub-floor system. Always check for adequate adhesive bond. The concrete must have a
minimum compressive strength of 2000 PSI.
Ceramic, Terrazzo, Slate & Marble
(All installation methods)
All grout joints and broken corners that exceed 3/16˝ (5 mm) must be filled with a cementitous leveling compound
patch and underlayment. The surface should be cleaned and abraded to create a good bonding surface for the
adhesive. Loose tiles must be re-adhered to the subfloor or filled as above. Remove all sealers and surface treatments.
Always check for adequate adhesive bond.
Acoustic Cork Underlayment
(All installation methods)
The flooring can be glued or floated directly over full-spread, permanently bonded acoustic cork. The cork should have
a density of no less than 11.4 lb./cubic foot. The cork, in general, should be pure cork combined with a polyurethane
or resin binder. Install cork in accordance with cork manufacturer’s recommendations. Always check for adequate
adhesive bond. When floating floors over cork DO NOT use foam underlayment.
Wood Subfloors and Underlayment
(All Installation Methods)
General: The wood subflooring materials must not exceed 13% moisture content. Using a reliable wood moisture
meter, measure moisture content of both the subfloor and the hardwood flooring to determine proper moisture
content. Moisture content of wood subfloors must not exceed 12% as indicated by a wood moisture meter, and
be within 3% moisture content of the product being installed.. When installing parallel to the floor joists it may be
necessary to stiffen the subfloor system by installing an additional minimum of 3/8˝ (9.5 mm) approved underlayment.
Applicable standards and recommendations of the construction and materials industries must be met or exceeded.
NOTE: As flooring manufacturers, we are unable to evaluate each engineered system. Spacing and spans, as well as
their engineering methods, are the responsibility of the builder, engineer, architect or consumer who is better able to
evaluate the expected result based on site-related conditions and performance. The general information provided below
describes common, non-engineered joist/subfloor systems. Engineered flooring systems may allow for wider joist
spacing and thinner subflooring materials.
Wood Structural Panel Subfloors and Underlayment
(All Installation Methods)
Structural panels/underlayment must be installed sealed side down. When used as a subfloor, allow 1/8˝ (3 mm)
expansion space between each panel. If spacing is inadequate, cut in with a circular saw. Do not cut in expansion
space on tongue and groove panels.
• Plywood: Must be minimum CDX grade (exposure 1) and meet US Voluntary Product Standard PS1 performance
standard or Canadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325-0-92. The preferred thickness is 3/4˝ (19 mm) as a
subfloor [minimum 5/8˝ (16 mm)] or 3/8˝ (9.5 mm) as underlayment.
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB): Conforming to US Voluntary Product Standard PS2 or Canadian performance standard
CAN/CSA 0325-0-92 construction sheathing. Check underside of panel for codes. When used as a subfloor, the
panels must be tongue and groove and installed sealed side down. Minimum thickness to be 23/32˝ (18 mm) thick
when used as a subfloor or 3/8˝ (9.5 mm) as underlayment.
• Waferboard and Chipboard: Conforming to US Voluntary Product Standard PS2 or Canadian performance standard
CAN/CSA 0325-0-92. Must be 3/4˝ (19 mm) thick when used as a subfloor and 3/8˝ (9.5 mm) thick when used as an
underlayment.
• Particleboard: Must be a minimum 40-lb. density, stamped underlayment grade and 3/4˝ (19 mm) thick.
Solid Wood Subfloors
(All Installation Methods)
• Minimum 3/4˝ (19 mm) thick with a maximum width of 6˝ (15 cm) installed at a 45˚ angle to the floor joists.
• Group 1 dense softwood (Pine, Larch, Douglas Fir, etc.) No. 2 common, kiln dried with all board ends bearing on
joists.
• For glue down applications add 3/8˝ (9.5 mm) approved underlayment.
Existing Wood Flooring
(All Installation Methods)
• Existing engineered flooring must be well bonded/fastened. When gluing over existing wood flooring of any
thickness, the finishing materials must be abraded or removed to foster an adequate adhesive bond. When flooring
is to be mechanically fastened, the existing engineered wood flooring must be a minimum of 3/8˝ (9.5 mm) thick
installed over approved wood/wood composite underlayment that has been properly fastened. When installing over
2
engineered flooring that is glued to concrete, the minimum thickness of that flooring must be 1/2˝ (13 mm) to allow
for the length of the fastener.
• Existing solid wood flooring that exceeds 6˝ (15 mm) in width must be covered with 3/8˝ (9.5 mm) approved
underlayment and fastened as required. Do not install over solid flooring attached directly to the concrete.
INSTALLING THE FLOOR
Before You Start
• Before installing the planks, central heat or air conditioning should be operating for 14 days.
• Install only at room temperature above 60˚F (16˚C) and 30-50% humidity conditions.
• In rooms with under-floor (radiant) heating, the surface temperature of the subfloor may not, under any
circumstances, exceed 85˚F (29˚C). Increasing heat should be done in 5-degree increments. Ascertain that the
subfloor is properly engineered or controlled for the flooring being installed. Subfloors designed for materials with
higher resistance to heat transfer, such as carpet, WILL damage the flooring. Installations that include multiple floor
covering products on a single heating circuit must be adjusted for the flooring product with the highest heat transfer
or lowest temperature requirement.
• When possible, preselect and set aside boards that blend best
with all horizontally mounted moldings (reducer/stair nose etc.)
This will assure a uniform final appearance. Install these boards
adjoining the moldings.
• Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to
ensure good color and shade mixture.
• Be attentive to staggering the ends of the boards at least 4˝-6˝
(10-15 cm) when possible, in adjacent rows. This will help ensure
a more favorable overall appearance of the floor.
STEP 1: Doorway and Wall Preparation
(Floating Installations)
• Undercut door casings and jambs. Remove any existing base,
shoe mold or doorway thresholds. These items can be replaced
after installation. When undercutting door casings the installer
should confirm there is the recommended expansion space. The
floor must have 1/16˝ clearance under the door casing to be able
to float freely without vertical restriction.
STEP 2: Plan Your Layout Using the Following Steps
(Floating Installations)
• Decide the direction of the floor installation in the room. Planks
installed parallel to windows accent the floor the best. Floors
should be installed perpendicular to the floor joists. If the floor is
being installed parallel to the joists based on installation needs, it
may be necessary to add an additional underlayment, at least 3/8˝
thickness to ensure the subfloor is adequate for this layout. Stiffen
subfloors as necessary to prevent vertical movement.
NOTE: If your room exceeds a maximum room width of 30´ (9 m) or
a maximum room length of 30´ (9 m) additional expansion space is
required. T- Moldings may be used at doorways or intersections to
increase the expansion space.
STEP 3: Laying the Underlayment
(Floating Installations) (Only when installing Bruce Hydropel)
• Install the underlayment in the same direction that the hardwood
flooring is to be installed.
• Extend the underlayment a few inches up the wall.
• Trim excess prior to installing trim or moldings.
• The floating floor underlayment may already have double-
sided tape for ease of taping the precut overlapping seams. If
a non-adhesive underlayment is used, tape all seams with the
recommended tape.
STEP 4: Installing First Row
(Floating Installations)
• Begin on the left side of the room and work right.
• Lay the first full piece with the small, tongue side facing the wall
(Fig. 4).
• Install second and subsequent full pieces in the first row by
aligning short ends of boards and locking into place (Fig. 5).
• Use spacers along all sides that butt up against walls to maintain a
1/2˝ (12.7 mm) expansion zone (Figs. 5 & 6).
• Continue laying boards in the first row until you need to cut the
last piece.
• Measure the distance between the wall and the face surface of
the last board. Subtract 1/2” (6.35 mm) and cut the board. (See
cutting instructions above.)
• If this distance is less than 8˝ (20.32 cm) go back to the first full
plank and cut approximately 8˝ (20.32 cm) from the end closest
to the starting wall. This will leave a longer piece at the end of the
first row.
Installing Remaining Rows
• Begin the second row of planks with the piece cut from the last
piece in the first row. If the piece is shorter than 8˝ (20.32 cm), cut
a new plank in half and use it to begin the second row. Whenever
practical, use the piece cut from the preceding row to start the
next row. End joints of all boards should be staggered 8˝ (20.32
cm) or more.
• Install the long end of the first board at an angle to the board in the
previous row. Keep this board at its natural angle slightly raised
off the subfloor (Fig. 7). Use a scrap piece of hardwood to support
the row if needed.
• Continue installing full boards in the second row by angling the
short end of the next board in the row to lock into the previous
board (Fig. 8). Position the board so that the long side of the board
is close to boards in the previous row and overlapping the groove
of the boards in the previous row.
• Angle up and push forward until the boards lock together (Fig. 9).
• Continue installing full boards in the second and subsequent rows
until you reach the wall on your right.
• Mark the last piece, cut and install. After all boards in the row are
installed, press or walk all boards flat to the subfloor to begin the
next row (Fig. 10).
• Use a pull bar when necessary to ensure joints are tight (Fig. 11).
Installing the Last Row
• The last row in the installation may need to be cut lengthwise.
• Place the row of planks to be fit on top of the last row of installed
planks. Use a divider or a piece of the plank as a scribe to trace the
contour of the wall (Fig. 12).
Figure 3
1/2"
Figure 6
Figure 5
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 4
Figure 12