Installation Instructions

Connections 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
• Connections is recommended for installation in
enclosed heated areas where HVAC has been in
operation for at least 30 days. Do not install
Connections on ramps or in rooms with sloping
floors or floor drains.
• Always handle, store and transport Connections
carefully to prevent distortions. Store and trans-
port cartons on a flat surface in neat stacks no
more than 10 cartons high. Store cartons flat,
never on the end or side.
• The subfloor and all flooring 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 installation.
Thereafter, maintain a room temperature
between 55°F (13°C) and 85°F (29°C).
• When using flooring from two or more cartons,
make sure pattern and run numbers found on the
carton are the same. This information is
stenciled on the outside of each carton.
• Connections is a floating floor. Allow a 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 Connections.
• Do not install Connections in a dusty environ-
ment or remove the paper liner from the adhe-
sive strip until ready to be covered with a plank.
Tools and Materials
• 100-pound, 3-section, roller
• Hand roller
• Chalk line
• Carpenter square
• Utility knife (tile cutter optional)
• Cutting board
• Tape measure
Preparing the Area
• Move all furniture, appliances, and fixtures 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
Connections 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 fibers
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 with
the long direction of the room. To balance the
flooring in the room, mark the center of the floor.
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 first 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
finished floor offset joints in the underlayment by
at least 2”. Adjust the layout if necessary.
Installation – Note: The first 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 first row is straight before the planks are
secured to the tape.
Lay the first 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 first 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 traffic.
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 first 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 32” (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 first 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.
CONNECTIONS INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Subfloor Surface
Wood subfloor
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
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 condi-
tion. Repair all cracks and damaged areas.
The temperature of the floor should be
limited to 70°F (21°C) for 24 hours
before, during and 48 hours after installa-
tion. There after the maximum floor tem-
perature 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 fill low areas to a smooth surface with
a latex modified portland cement under-
layment to achieve a flat surface
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
Adhesive Strips
Adhesive Strip
®
by
TM