Installation Guide

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Odyssey Flooring Installation Guide
Moisture Testing Subfloor
General: Test the subfloor for moisture content before installation. If high moisture readings are found, identify the moisture
source and correct the problem. Extend acclimation time and increase ventilation until the proper conditions have been met.
Apply a moisture barrier. Please note that test results are only applicable the day of testing and will not ensure that moisture will
not fluctuate with seasonal changes. Regardless of subfloor moisture content, the use of a moisture/vapor barrier is required
for all installations. CALI does not warrant against moisture related problems.
Wood Subfloors: Wood Subfloors: Use moisture meter to test wood subfloor moisture content. If results show moisture vapor
at or exceeding 12%, determine its source and correct problem. Do not install the floor without a vapor barrier. CALI always
recommends using a moisture/vapor barrier, especially if the moisture content of the flooring and subfloor vary greater than 3%.
Concrete Subfloors: Concrete subfloors must be tested for moisture vapor pressure in more than one place for consistent
readings. If test results show moisture vapor exceeds the minimum requirements below, do not install the floor without an
impermeable vapor retarder with a perm rating of less than .13 designed to permanently block this moisture.
• Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM F 1869): Maximum vapor emissions cannot exceed 3lbs/1000SF in 24 hours
• Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter: Moisture readings should not exceed 4% on upper scale
• In-Situ Probe Method (ASTM F 2170): Relative Humidity levels should not exceed 75%
Moisture Testing Wood Floor
Use a reliable moisture meter that will accurately read the specific wood species being installed. Examples of acceptable
moisture meters include Delmhorst or a Lignomat SDM. If needed contact moisture meter manufacturer to verify settings for
specific species being installed.
Moisture Barrier Requirements
General: Unexpected changes to subfloor moisture content may cause dimensional changes to the floor. To ensure a lifetime
of satisfaction, it is strongly recommended that CALI flooring be installed over a moisture barrier or vapor retarder (following
manufactures guidelines) per the following specifications:
Wood Subfloors: For best results, use a moisture barrier/vapor retarder with a perm rating between 0.7 and 50 when tested
in accordance with ASTM E-96 Method A. Install as recommended by the manufacturer. Examples of acceptable moisture
barriers for wood subfloors include: Aquabar B, Asphalt laminated paper (UU-B-790a, Grade B, Type I, Style 1a.) and:
Asphalt-saturated kraft paper.
Concrete Subfloors: For concrete applications, a moisture barrier/vapor retarder should be chosen based on concrete
moisture content. For unlimited moisture protection, CALI recommends the use of Titebond 531+ Moisture Control System.
Install as recommended by the manufacturer.
Acclimation & Conditioning of CALI Flooring
The goal of acclimation is to allow the moisture content (MC) of the flooring to fully adjust to its new surroundings before
installation.
• Determine Normal Living Conditions - Ideal interior environmental conditions vary from region to region and job site to
job site. It is the installer’s responsibility to know what the “ideal” climate conditions are and customize the acclimation of
the floor around those conditions. For a general view of moisture content averages by region, see the map below.
• Control Home Conditions Accordingly - Acclimation should occur at normal living conditions. Before opening the
cartons, the indoor environment should reflect the room temperature and relative humidity levels expected to be present
before, during, and most importantly, after installation. Operate temperature / humidity control systems as normal. Allow
normal ventilation through rooms.
For Odyssey Engineered Hardwood Flooring: CALI recommends simply opening the ends of each box and breaking the
shrinkwrap covering the flooring planks.
• Acceptable Areas for Acclimation - Acclimate the flooring as close to the center of the installation area as possible. Do
not store flooring next to outside walls, in direct sunlight, near air vents or under conditions that don’t reflect the normal
home environment. Garages, and exterior patios, for example, are not acceptable areas to store wood flooring during
acclimation.
• Determine Appropriate Acclimation Time Frame - CALI engineered hardwood flooring should be allowed to acclimate
on the job site for 72 hours.
Pre-Installation