Installation Instructions

Carefree Plank is a floating flooring system that
utilizes an attached adhesive strip to connect
the planks together. No additional adhesive is
required. You simply connect the planks together
by pressing the edges into the adhesive strip.
The planks bond to each other, not to the floor.
General Information
Carefree is recommended for installation in
enclosed heated areas where HVAC has been
in operation for at least 30 days. Do not install
Carefree on ramps or in rooms with sloping
floors or floor drains.
Always handle, store and transport Carefree
carefully to prevent distortions. Store and
transport cartons on a flat surface in neat stacks
no more than 10 cartons high. Store cartons
flat, never on the end or side.
The suboor and all ooring material must be
conditioned at a constant temperature between
65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C) for 48 hours
prior to, during and 48 hours after installa-
tion. Thereafter, maintain a room temperature
between 55°F (13°C) and 85°F (29°C).
Carefree is a oating oor. Allow 1/8” space
for expansion between the planks and all
vertical surfaces. Cover the space with trim.
Do not install base cabinets on top of Carefree.
Do not install Carefree in a dusty environment
or remove the paper liner from the adhesive
strip until ready to be covered with a plank.
Tools and Materials
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Chalk Line
• Carpenter Square
• Utility knife (Tile cutter optional)
• Cutting board
• Hand roller or soft cloth
Preparing the Area
Move all furniture, appliances, and xtures
from the room.
Remove all binding strips or other restrictive
molding from doorways, walls, etc.
Undercut wood door casing so that the
flooring can be slid under it.
Subfloor Requirements
Carefree Plank can be installed directly over a
variety of subfloor surfaces. All subfloor surfaces
must be clean, dry, smooth and free of movement.
In remodel applications remove all adhesive
residue or other substances that can prevent
the floor from floating. All protruding surface
imperfections should be leveled. Set nails and
fasteners 1/32” below the surface.
Fill depressions wider than 1/8” with a portland
cement-based latex patching compound.
WARNING: DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP,
DRILL, SAW, BEADBLAST, OR MECHANICALLY
CHIP OR PULVERIZE EXISTING RESILIENT
FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT, ASPHALTIC
“CUT-BACK” ADHESIVE, OR OTHER ADHESIVE.
These products may contain asbestos bers
and/or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust.
Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory
tract hazard.
Various federal, state, and local government
agencies have regulations governing the removal
of in-place asbestos containing material. If you
are considering the removal of a resilient floor
covering structure that contains or is presumed
to contain asbestos, you must review and comply
with all applicable regulations. Regulations
outside the United States may vary.
Copies of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute
Recommended Work Practices for the Removal
of Resilient Floor Coverings are available from:
Resilient Floor Covering Institute
401 East Jefferson Street • Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20850 • www.rfci.com
Layout – Determine the direction that planks
will be installed in the room. Normally the long
direction of the plank will be installed parallel
CAREFREE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
with the long direction of the room. To balance
the flooring in the room, mark the center of the
oor. Measure the distance from the mark to
the wall. Divide this measurement by the plank
width (6”). If the remainder is less than half a
plank width (3”), then add 3” to the remainder to
determine the width of the plank in the rst row.
Example: Room width 12’-2” or 6’-1” on each
side of the center mark 6’-1” (73”) divided by 6”
equal 12 with a remainder of 1”. Since 1” is less
than one half of the plank width, add 3” to the
remainder for a starting plank width of 4”.
Note: Check to make sure that the joints in the
nished oor offset joints in the underlayment
by at least 2”. Adjust the layout if necessary.
Installation – Note: The rst row of planks can
be secured to the subfloor with a strip of thin
double face tape to prevent it from moving during
installation. Use a string or chalk line to make
sure the rst row is straight before the planks
are secured to the tape.
Lay the rst row of planks along the wall starting
in the left corner with the adhesive strips facing
out away from the walls (Fig. 1). Allow a 1/8”
space between the edge of the planks and the wall,
base cabinets and any other vertical surfaces.
Remove the paper liner from the adhesive strip at
the end of the rst plank and secure the end of
the next plank by pressing down on the planks.
Caution: The paper liner is slippery. Place it into
the trash immediately after it is removed from the
adhesive strip to avoid a slip hazard. Protect the
exposed adhesive strip from dust and foot trafc.
Do not remove the paper liner until you are ready
to cover the adhesive strip with another plank.
Continue to install the planks in the rst row
including the cut piece at the end of the row.
Lay the second row starting in the left corner with
a plank cut 2/3 the length or about 24” (Fig. 2).
Place the cut end against the wall. The piece you
cut off can be used at the other end of the row if
the layout permits. Remove the paper liner from
the installed plank in the rst row and place it in
the trash. Lay the plank by holding one end up
while slowly positioning the other end and edge
into the adhesive strip against the previous laid
planks to achieve a tight joint. Do not slide planks
together. If adjustments are required, lift the plank
off the adhesive strip and reposition it. Complete
the second row including the cut piece at the end
of the row. Use a hand roller to secure the plank
in the adhesive strip and level the joints.
Start the third row with a plank cut to 1/3 the
length; about 12” (Fig. 2). Thereafter maintain
a random layout with end joints staggered by at
least 8”. Always put the cut end against the wall.
Plan the layout to avoid using small pieces
(less than 6”) at the ends of the row.
Once you have completed 3 or 4 rows, it is
easier to work from on top of the installed plank.
Continue to install the planks by laying each plank
in place without sliding it. Make sure the joints
are laid together tight; if necessary, lift the plank
and re-position it to close any open joints.
After completing the installation roll the entire
floor in both directions with a 100 pound three
section roller. Use a hand roller to secure the
edges and ends in the adhesive strip and level
the joints.
Cutting – Cut planks with a sharp utility knife
and straight edge or square.
Measure the space between the last whole plank
and the wall and subtract 1/8”. Mark the plank
and place it over a cutting board. Carefully score
the top surface of the plank, release liner and
adhesive strip where it will be cut. Bend the plank
at the score mark until it breaks. Cut the tape on
the bottom side at the score mark to separate the
pieces. Install the plank with the cut end against
the wall. For more intricate cuts make a paper
template of the area and transfer it to the plank.
Caution: Use extreme caution when using
a knife to avoid injury. Always keep fingers
and hands away from the cutting path. Keep
children and pets away from the work area.
Intricate Room Layouts – Some installations
with multiple rooms, closets, intricate layouts
or alcoves may require changing the direc-
tion of the planks. This can easily be done by
removing the adhesive strips from a plank and
placing them along the edge and end of the plank
where the direction will change. Carefully position
the adhesive strip centered along the edge and
end of the plank without overlapping the strips.
When done correctly, the plank(s) will have an
adhesive strip on both edges and ends (Fig. 3).
Continue to install planks in the opposite direction
as required.
Bathrooms
Only when the bathroom is installed as a separate
room can the toilet be set on the planks. Always
ll the gap around the entire perimeter and at
xtures with a high quality acrylic or silicone
caulking to prevent water from seeping under the
floor. Caulking should be used even when the
perimeter will be covered with trim.
Repairs
Small chips or gouges can often be repaired by
lling the damaged area with a matching wax stick
that is available in most home centers or Testers
model paint available in craft stores. If damage is
more extensive, a plank can be removed and
replaced easily. To replace a damaged plank follow
the procedures below:
Using a sharp utility knife cut through a corner
of the damaged plank taking care not to cut into
the adjacent planks.
Use a putty knife and hammer if necessary to
lift the corner of the plank.
After the corner is removed, carefully lift the
plank off the adhesive strip. Use one hand to lift
the plank and the other to hold the floor down.
If necessary, use a heat gun to heat the plank
along the edges over the adhesive strip.
This will allow it to release more easily.
Remove the adhesive strips from the replace-
ment plank.
Install the replacement plank starting in the
corner and working toward the opposite end.
Roll the replacement plank with a steel hand
roller to seat it into the adhesive and level
the edges.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER INSTALLATION
Install wall trim around the entire perimeter
to cover the 1/8” expansion space. Place trim
lightly over the floor and secure it to the wall
or cabinets, not to the floor. Install doorway
transition moldings. Do not pin the floor with
the molding or drive fasteners through the floor.
Seal the edge with a high quality acrylic or
sicone caulking in wet areas to prevent water
from seeping under the floor.
Return appliances and furniture to the room by
rolling or sliding them over strips of plywood
or hardboard. Install protective felt pads on
chairs and other movable furniture.
Wait 48 hours before damp mopping the
floor and at least 5 days before wet mopping
or washing.
Make sure furniture legs have large surface,
nonstaining oor protectors. Replace small,
narrow metal or dome-shaped glides with
smooth, flat glides that are in flat contact with
the floor. Glides should be equipped with
self-adhesive felt pads to avoid scratching
the surface of the floor. The pads should be
checked periodically for grit and wear and
replaced when necessary.
Heavy furniture or appliances that are not
moved often should be equipped with flat,
nonstaining composition furniture casters or
cups of appropriate size - available in square
from 1 1/2” to 2 5/8” and in round from
1 3/8” to 1 5/8”.
Mobile appliances and furniture should be
equipped with easily swiveling casters. They
should be at least 2” in diameter with non-
staining hard rubber treads at least 3/4” wide.
Do not use ball-shaped casters.
Place mats at outside entrances to prevent dirt,
grit and soil from being tracked onto your floor.
Caution: Carefree, like other types of hard-
surfaced floors, can become slippery when wet.
Allow time for the floor to dry after washing.
Immediately wipe up wet areas from spills or wet
feet. Place mats at outside entrances to prevent
water, snow or ice from being tracked onto your
oor. Improper polishes or nishes can also cause
slipperiness.
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit and
sand that can abrade, dull or scratch your new
floor. Do not use a vacuum with a beater brush,
because it may damage the oor’s surface.
Wipe up spills promptly with a damp cloth
or mop.
Wash your oor with a good quality non-
detergent floor cleaner.
Caution: Avoid one-step “mop and polish”
products, dishwashing liquids and oil-based
cleaners. These may leave a residue which can
attract dirt and dull your oor’s nish. Avoid
cleaners that contain abrasives or solvents which
may permanently damage your floor.
www.congoleum.com
Congoleum Corporation
3500 Quakerbridge Road
Mercerville, NJ 08619
© 2014 Congoleum Corporation
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION
PREVENTIVE CARE
REGULAR CARE
Specification
Single layer Sturd-I-Floor rated panel 23/32”or heavier
Double layer construction, minimum 1” thick
Minimum of 18” of well ventilated air space below structural supports
Plywood, other hardwood veneer panels, particleboard,
OSB - Sand joints smooth and set fasteners 1/32” below the surface.
Do not install over weathered or rough underlayment.
With vapor emissions 5 pounds or less.
Do not install over expansion joints.
Minimum 2000 psi compression rating. Must be smooth, dry and in
sound condition. Repair all cracks and damaged areas.
The temperature of the oor should be limited to 70°F (21°C) for
24 hours before, during and 48 hours after installation. There after
the maximum floor temperature should not exceed 85F(29C).
Must be single layer, fully adhered and in good condition.
Do not install over heavy cushioned or cushioned backed flooring
or tile installed below grade. Heavily embossed floors should be
leveled with embossing leveler.
Must be well bonded. Grind high spots and ll low areas to a
smooth surface with a latex modied portland cement underlayment
to achieve a flat surface.
Subfloor Surface
Wood suboor suspended over
joist or trusses up to 19.2” OC
Wood Underlayments
Concrete, on, above
and below grade
Lightweight Concrete
and Gypsum Topping
Radiant Heated
Floors
Existing Resilient Flooring
and Tile
Note: Refer to warning
statement above.
Ceramic, Marble
and Terrazzo
Figure 1
Figure 2 Figure 3
Adhesive Strip
Adhesive Strip
Glueless Floor system

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