Installation Guide

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EarthWerks® ▪ 10850 Train Court Houston, Texas 77041-6208 USA ▪ www.earthwerks.com
Last Updated 2017 ▪ EarthWerks®Vinyl Flooring ▪ Installation Instructions
10. Using gentle force and at a 20–30 degree angle, push the long side tongue into the groove of the adjoining
tile by sliding along the short side seam. You may need to lift the tile to the left of it slightly to allow for the
“sliding” action.
11. The remaining tile can be installed in the room using the same technique. Make sure the required expansion
gaps are maintained against all fixed vertical parts (such as walls, doors, cabinets etc).
REPAIRS
In the unlikely event that a piece of product is damaged for whatever reason, the simplest method of repair is to disconnect
the tiles carefully (protecting the tongue and groove edges) until the damaged piece can be removed. Then replace the
damaged piece with a new one and reassemble the disconnected tiles. This typically works for tiles that are closest to the
two long walls of a room. For damaged pieces that are not close to the perimeter, you may have to remove the damaged
pieces and insert new pieces without the short and long end grooves.
1. Using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge, cut out the damaged piece by leaving approximately 1” strip
attached to the adjacent pieces.
2. Carefully cut back from the four corners of the tile to the inside edges in space left by the cut out piece.
3. Remove the tile edges carefully from of the adjacent pieces, making sure the tongues and grooves of the adjacent
tiles are not damaged.
4. Using a utility knife, remove the tongue strip on both the long and short ends of the replacement piece. In addition,
remove the groove strip of the short end of the replacement piece.
5. Place double-sided carpet tape along the three sides of the adjacent pieces, making sure the tongues and grooves
of the adjacent tiles are not damaged. Only the top-side release paper should be removed. The bottom-side
release paper should NOT be adhered to the subfloor.
6. Position the replacement tile by engaging the groove of the long side into the tongue of the adjoining piece and
pushing down on the other three sides. The carpet tape will hold the replacement piece in place with its adjacent
tiles. Use a hand roller to further secure the tape.
AFTER INSTALLATION
Sweep, dust mop or vacuum the floor to remove any debris.
Flooring should be one of the last items installed in a project. Protect the floors while other trades are finishing their work
prior to final cleanup and turnover to the owner. Use rosin or other breathable paper and blue painters tape to hold the
paper to the floor. Make sure no debris is under the paper.
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION OF YOUR NEW FLOOR
Clean up spills immediately. Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly and damp mop weekly. We recommend using Earthwerks
Floor Cleaner EWFC32 for routine cleaning. This can be purchased from the flooring dealer where the Fold-Down Product
was purchased. Do not use soap based detergents or abrasive cleaners. Earthwerks does not recommend the use of steam
cleaners on our flooring. To avoid possible permanent indentation or damage, proper floor protection devices must be
used under furniture and appliances. Exercise care when removing and replacing furniture or appliances.