Installation Guide

3
• Begin installation with several rows at a time. Use the fastener schedule (Figure 10) for proper spacing based on
board width. Fasten each board with a minimum of two fasteners 1˝-3˝ (2.5-7.6 cm) from the ends. To ensure a more
favorable overall appearance, end-joints of adjacent rows should be staggered a minimum of 4˝-6˝ (10-15 cm) when
possible.
• The last 1-2 rows will need to be face-nailed where clearance does not permit blind nailing with the stapler or brad
nailer. Pre-drill and face-nail on the tongue side following the nailing pattern used for the first row.
• Rip final row to fit and face-nail. If the final row is less than 1˝ (2.5 cm) in width, it should first be glued to the
previous UNINSTALLED row and the two joined units should be face nailed as one.
General Information for Glue-Down Applications
Adhesive Working Time
Bruce
®
Summit Select™ All In One Premium Adhesive 50-75 Minutes
Bruce
®
Summit Select Unlimited Moisture Vapor Barrier
Elastomeric Wood Flooring Adhesive
45 Minutes
• Open times and curing times of ALL adhesives vary depending upon subfloor porosity, air movement, humidity and
room temperature. Adjust the amount of adhesive spread on the subfloor accordingly. The adhesive should not be
applied if subfloor or room temperature is below 60°F (16°C). WORKING TIME WILL VARY DEPENDING ON JOB
SITE CONDITIONS.
• Hold trowel at a 45° angle (Figure 11) firmly against the subfloor
to obtain a 50-60 ft.
2
(4-5.5 m
2
) per gallon spread rate (30-35 ft.
2
per gallon for Summit spread with the included Summit All-In-One
trowel) or other adhesive manufacturer’s trowel. The trowel will leave
ridges of adhesive and very little adhesive between the ridges. This
method will allow you to still see the chalk lines between the ridges
and provide the recommended spread rate. For additional application
instructions, follow the recommendations on the adhesive container.
• An anchor row may be set and secured to the subfloor to provide
a stationary point to be pushed against so flooring does not move
during the installation.
• Ensure proper ventilation within the room to mitigate fumes. An electric fan is helpful.
• Rolling is not required with the Summit Select All in One adhesive, but if desired, do not do so until the adhesive has
cured for 2 hours. When using the Bruce Summit Select Unlimited Moisture Vapor Barrier Elastomeric Wood Flooring
adhesive, roll and cross roll floor with a 75-100 lbs (34-45 kg) roller within 1 hour of installation and again within 2
hours to ensure proper transfer of adhesive.
NOTE: DO NOT INSTALL FLOORING USING RUBBER MALLETS. STRIKING THE SURFACE WITH A RUBBER MALLET
MAY “BURN” THE FINISH CAUSING IRREPAIRABLE DAMAGE.
STEP 3: Spread the Adhesive
(Glue-Down Installations)
• Spread sufficient amounts of the recommended adhesive with the recommended trowel (Figure 2) in an area that can
be covered in 60 minutes (see adhesive information).
• If necessary, nail a sacrificial row with 1˝ (2.5 cm) nails on the dry side of the chalk line to help hold the first row in
place.
NOTE: Avoid kneeling or installing on the surface of the flooring. If necessary, distribute weight using a kneeler board.
STEP 4: Installing the Floor
(Glue-Down Installations)
(Figure 12a-12d)
• Use the longest, straightest boards available for the first 2 rows. For
random and alternate width products, use the widest plank for the
first row. The first row of planks should be installed with the edge of
the groove lined up on the chalk line. The tongue should be facing the
starting wall. The first row must be aligned and seated in the adhesive,
as all additional rows will be pushed back to this original row. Remove
tongue to allow for expansion space, if necessary, on the row adjoining
the wall.
• When installing pieces, engage the end-joint first, as close to the side
(long) tongue and groove as possible, then slide together tightly to
engage the side (long) joint tongue and groove. To avoid adhesive
bleed-through and memory pull-back, avoid (as much as possible)
sliding pieces through the adhesive when placing them into position.
STEP 5: Installing the Floor
(Glue-Down Installations)
• During the installation occasionally remove a piece of flooring from the
subfloor and inspect the back for proper adhesive transfer. Adequate
adhesive transfer is necessary to ensure sufficient holding strength.
• If the adhesive skins over and fails to transfer, remove and spread new
adhesive to achieve proper bonding.
• The last 1-2 rows will need to be face-nailed when clearance does
not permit blind nailing with a stapler or a brad nailer. Pre-drill and
face-nail or pneumatically nail on the groove side, following the nailing
pattern used for the first row.
NOTE: Clean adhesive from the surface of the floor frequently, using the
recommended adhesive cleaner. Do not use 3M Scotch-Blue™ 2080 Tape
before adhesive is removed from the surface. Use clean towels, changed
frequently, to prevent haze and adhesive residue.
• Check for a tight fit between all edges and ends of each plank. End-
joints of adjacent rows should be staggered 4˝-6˝ (10-15 cm) when
possible, to ensure a more favorable overall appearance (Figure 4).
• It may be necessary to align the product with a cut-off piece of scrap as
shown in (Figure 13 - Keep scrap angle low to avoid edge damage).
• To eliminate minor shifting or gapping of product during installation,
use 3M Scotch-Blue™ 2080 Tape to hold the planks together. After
installation is complete, remove all of the 3M Scotch-Blue™ 2080 Tape
from the surface of the newly installed flooring. Do not let the tape
remain on the flooring longer than 24 hours. Avoid the use of masking
or duct tape, which leaves an adhesive residue and may damage the
finish.
• If necessary, use weights to flatten boards with bows until adhesive
cures, in order to prevent hollow spots. Boards that cannot be flattened
should be cut in length to reduce the bow or should be not used.
Scotch-Blue is a trademark of 3M.
All other trademarks are owned by AHF, LLC, or its subsidiaries or affiliates. © 2021 AHF, LLC.
AHF Products, 3840 Hempland Road, Mountville, PA 17554
LA-295726-221
• Be sure not to spread adhesive too far ahead of your work area (Figure 12d).
• Complete the installation using this same technique for the remainder of the floor.
• Avoid heavy foot traffic on the floor for at least 24 hours. Lift the furniture or fixtures back into place after 24 hours.
STEP 6: Complete the Installation
• Remove all tape and clean the floor with the recommended hardwood flooring cleaner.
• Install or re-install any transition pieces, reducer strips, T-moldings, thresholds, bases and/or quarter round moldings
that may be needed. These products are available pre-finished to blend with your flooring (see below). Nail moldings
into the wall, not the floor.
• Inspect the floor, filling all minor gaps with the appropriate blended filler.
• If the floor is to be covered, use a breathable material such as cardboard. Do not cover with plastic.
• Installers (that are not owners) should leave warranty and floor care information with the owner and advise them of
the product name and code number of the flooring they purchased.
• To prevent surface damage, avoid rolling heavy furniture and appliances on the floor; use plywood, hardboard or
appliance lifts if necessary. Use protective castors/castor cups or felt pads on the legs of furniture to prevent damage
to the flooring.
V. TRANSITION AND WALL MOLDINGS
• Reducer Strip: A teardrop shaped molding used around fireplaces, doorways, as a room divider, or as a transition
between hardwood flooring and adjacent thinner floor coverings. Fasten down with adhesive, small nails or double-
faced tape.
• Threshold: A molding undercut for use against sliding door tracks, fireplaces, carpet, ceramic tile, or existing
thresholds to allow for expansion space and to provide a smooth transition in height difference. Fasten to subfloor
with adhesive and/or nails through the heel. Predrill nail holes to prevent splitting.
• Stair Nosing: A molding undercut for use as a stair landings trim, elevated floor perimeters, and stair steps. Fasten
down firmly with adhesive and nails or screws. Predrill nail holes to prevent splitting.
• Quarter Round: A molding used to cover expansion space next to baseboards, case goods, and stair steps. Predrill
and nail to the vertical surface, not into the floor.
• Combination Base and Shoe: A molding used when a base is desired. Used to cover expansion space between the
floor and the wall. Predrill and nail into the wall, not the floor.
• T-Molding: A molding used as a transition piece from one rigid flooring to another of similar height or to gain
expansion spaces. Fasten at the heel in the center of the molding. Additional rigid support may need to be added to
the heel of the molding dependent upon the thickness of the goods covered. Do not use this molding as a transition
to carpet.
INSTALLERS – ADVISE YOUR CUSTOMER OF THE FOLLOWING
FLOORING OWNERS – BE ADVISED OF THE FOLLOWING
Seasons: Heating and Non-heating
Recognizing that hardwood floor dimensions will be slightly affected by varying levels of humidity within your building,
care should be taken to control humidity levels within the 30-50% range. To protect your investment and to assure that
your floors provide lasting satisfaction, we have provided our recommendations below.
• Heating Season (Dry): A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage in hardwood floors due to low
humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions.
• Non-Heating Season (Humid, Wet): Proper humidity levels can be maintained by use of an air conditioner,
dehumidifier, or by turning on your heating system periodically during the summer months. Avoid excessive
exposure to water from tracking during periods of inclement weather. Do not obstruct in any way the expansion joint
around the perimeter of your floor.
• Damage caused by failing to maintain the proper humidity levels is not manufacturing related and will void the
floor’s warranty.
NOTE: Final inspection by the end-user should occur from a standing position.
FLOOR REPAIR
Minor damage can be repaired with a Bruce touch-up kit or filler. Major damage will require board replacement, which
can be done by a professional floor installer.
Reducer Strip Threshold Stair Nosing Quarter Round T-Molding
Figure 11
Figure 12a
chalk line
work area - adhesive
Figure 12b
chalk line
work area - adhesive
groove side
2 31
Figure 12c
Figure 12d
1 2 3
10 11 12
13
4 5 6
7 8 9
Figure 13