Installation Sheet

3
October 2021
All subfloor requirements noted below must be met prior to installation.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (ALL SUBFLOORS):
• Must be flat to within3/16" in a 10ft. radius; no bumps or low spots. Subfloors should not slope more than 1" per 6ft.
• Must be clean: no construction debris, soil, mud or any other objects on or adhering to the floor; if necessary, scrape
and sweep away before the installation; no protrusions of nails, debris, or metals should remain.
• Must be free from moisture-related conditions that can damage the installed flooring.
• Be structurally sound without deflection.
CONCRETE SUBFLOORS
• High spots can be removed by grinding; depressions can be filled with patching compound formulated for use in floor
installation.
• Cure for at least 90 days (applies to newly-laid concrete slabs).
• Can be either sealed or unsealed.
• Between 7 and 9 alkalinity when performing pH test (ASTM F710).
• Moisture content should meet one of the following criteria:
• 4% max. when tested using Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter.
• Less than 8 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. per 24 hours MVER (Moisture Vapor Emission Rating) when using Calcium
Chloride test (ASTM F1869).
• 85% max. when performing Relative Humidity Testing (ASTM F2170).
WOOD (PLYWOOD, OSB, PARTICLEBOARD, CHIPBOARD, SOLID HARDWOOD, LUAN) SUBFLOORS
• Wood subfloors must be A.P.A approved with a minimum grade of “BB” or “CC”. For reference, A.P.A. is the acronym
for an organization originally known as the “American Plywood Association”, and that is now known as “The
Engineered Wood Association”.
• Perform moisture tests using a reliable moisture meter in multiple locations. Moisture readings should never exceed
14% for plywood, OSB, particleboard, chipboard, and solid hardwood subfloors. If moisture readings exceed 14%, it
should be corrected at the job site before installing vinyl plank flooring.
TILE, TERRAZZO, ASBESTOS TILE, RESILIENT TILE, NON- CUSHION SHEET VINYL, AND METAL SUBFLOORS
• Existing floors must be firmly attached to the structural floor.
• Fill in grout lines larger than ¼" on ceramic tiles, terrazzo, quarry tiles, and similar floors with a cementitious leveling
and patching compound.
• Install over one layer of vinyl only.
IN-FLOOR RADIANT HEAT:
This product can be installed over radiant heat concrete subfloors. Consult with the radiant heat system manufacturer to
ensure that the system is compatible with vinyl flooring.
• Electric and hydro systems are acceptable.
• In-floor radiant components must be a minimum of ½" below flooring.
• Floor surface temperature should never exceed 85°F.
• Heating system should be operational for at least two weeks prior to installation to calibrate temperature settings.
• Flooring cannot be laid directly over radiant heating mats.
CAUTION: If you contemplate 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. Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, bead
blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient flooring, backing, lining felt, asphalt “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. Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk
of bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the product is a non-asbestos containing material, you must presume it
contains asbestos. See “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings” (rfci.com) for detailed
information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures.