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
WPC TILE Installation Instructions
GENERAL GUIDELINES
All instructions and recommendations are based on the most recent information available. They should be followed for
an ideal installation. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in installation failures. EarthWerks® is not liable for
improper installation practices beyond our guidelines and current industry standards.
1. This product should be stored at the jobsite in a climate controlled area with an average temperature between
55-85⁰ F (13-29⁰ C). All areas where product will be installed must have a working heat and air conditioning source,
operational for a minimum of one week prior to installation and remain in operation during and after installation.
Conditions should be at the same temperature and humidity level expected during normal use (between 55-85⁰
F / 13-29 C with relative humidity no greater than 65%). This product should NEVER be installed outdoors.
2. Product should only be installed after the jobsite has been cleaned and cleared of debris that could potentially
damage a finished tile installation.
3. During the WPC Tile installation, mix and install tiles from several different cartons to minimize shade variation.
4. The finished WPC tile installation should be protected from exposure to direct sunlight.
SUBFLOOR INFORMATION
Although this WPC Tile locking system is designed to be a “floating” floor installation, proper preparation of the subfloor
is still a major part of a successful installation. Roughness or unevenness of the subfloor may telegraph through the new
floor. Unevenness in the subfloor can also cause problems with the integrity of the locking system and possibly cause the
locking system to disengage. All subfloors should be smooth and flat with the tolerance not exceeding more than 1/8” in
a 6’ span. All subfloor and underlayment patching must be done with a non-shrinking, water-resistant Portland cement
patching compound.
A. Concrete Subfloors
1. Concrete subfloors must be dry, smooth, and free from dust, solvent, paint, wax, grease, oil, asphalt sealing
compounds, and other extraneous materials. The surface must be hard and dense, and free from powder or
flaking.
2. New concrete slabs must be thoroughly dry (at least six weeks) and completely cured. The final responsibility for
determining if the concrete is dry enough for installation of the flooring lies with the floor covering installer.
3. Holes, grooves, expansion joints and other depressions must be filled with a Portland cement-based underlayment
and troweled smooth and feathered even with the surrounding surface.
4. Concrete floors with a radiant heating system are acceptable, provided the heating system is embedded into
either the concrete or covered with a Portland cement based self-leveler. Heating system must be covered with
a minimum ½” separation between the flooring and heat source. The temperature of the subfloor must not
exceed 85°F at any point. Before installation, turn on the heating system to eliminate any residual moisture.
B. Wood Subfloors
1. Wood subfloors must be suspended at least 18” above the ground. Adequate cross-ventilation must be provided,
and the ground surface of a crawl space must be covered with a suitable vapor barrier.
2. Wood subfloors directly on concrete or installed over sleeper construction are NOT suitable for the installation.
3. All wood and wood composition panels, including plywood, OSB, flake board, and particle boards can be used
providing they are smooth, flat, structurally sound, and free of deflection.
4. A 1/4” underlayment panel should be installed over the subfloor if the surface of the wood subfloor is not smooth.
C. Existing Floor Coverings

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