Installation Guide

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July 3, 2019 Please contact 1-866-843-8453 for further assistance.
PRE-INSTALLATION BASICS
Please contact our Customer Service Department at [phone] if
you have any questions or concerns regarding the installation and/or
care & maintenance of HDC Solid Core, so as to ensure that you do
not engage in any actions that might void the HDC Solid Core Limited
Warranty.
The installation of HDC Solid Core does not generally require acclimation
in residential applications if the product is stored properly. If the product
is subject to extreme hot or cold temperatures prior to installation, allow
the product to acclimate to room temperature. The room of installation
must be between 35°F & 100°F (1.7°C & 38°C). The HVAC system must
be on and functional before, during and after installation.
Product should be stored horizontally in a dry area away from direct
sunlight. Do not leave next to heating or cooling ducts. All work involving
water must be completed well in advance of the installation of HDC Solid
Core. Do not store flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For
example, garages and exterior patios are not acceptable areas to store
flooring. Flooring stored on a concrete slab should be elevated at least 4”
(10.2cm) to allow air circulation under cartons. Ensure that all trades have
been completed, including; drywall, plasterwork, plumbing, painting, etc.
Locate the run number on the short end of each carton and verify that all
of the material for your job is from the same run. Minor shade variations
within the same run number contribute to the natural look of HDC Solid
Core. To minimize noticeable shade variation, avoid installing material
from different runs across large expanses. The run number is the eight-
digit number separated by decimal points beginning with the two-digit
day, then the two-digit month, and finally the four-digit year.
Run Number
10.05.2017
Day.Month.Year
Randomly pull planks from three different cartons to ensure good color
and shade mixture. Carefully inspect each plank for visual defects prior
to installation. Do not install damaged planks.
Safety and Health Precautions
Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance with
manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe
and improper use can cause serious injuries. Avoid inhalation and
exposure to airborne particles by wearing personal protective equipment,
including: NIOSH or OSHA approved dust masks, safety goggles and
work gloves.
JOB SITE EVALUATION
Prior to installation, the homeowner or installer must ensure that job
site conditions (including subfloor/substrate, ambient temperature and
relative humidity) will not negatively affect the floor. The manufacturer
is not responsible for damages associated with improper installation or
poor site conditions.
Moisture
Test all concrete subfloors for moisture content and document the results.
Visual checks are not reliable. Moisture must still be checked even though
HDC Solid Core is waterproof in order to protect surrounding structure.
Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near walls
containing plumbing, near foundation walls and in the center of the room.
Moisture requirements vary by subfloor; please see the following details
that correspond to the appropriate subfloor.
Crawl Spaces
Concrete slab or ground must be dry. Ensure that crawl spaces have
open vents year-round to ensure proper air circulation and prevent
moisture build-up. The ground in the crawl spaces must be completely
covered using 6 mil polyethylene. Crawl space clearance between the
earth and underside of joists should be no less than 18” (45.7cm) and the
perimeter vent area should be equal to 1.5% of the total square footage
of the crawl space or as mandated by code.
APPROVED SUBFLOORS
Concrete, Plywood, OSB, Particleboard, Chipboard, Hardwood (Solid,
Engineered, Parquet), Tile (Ceramic, Terrazzo, Stone, Asbestos, Peel and
Stick), Non-Cushion Sheet Vinyl, Metal, VCT, DRIcore
All subfloor requirements noted below must be met prior to the installation
of HDC Solid Core.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (ALL SUBFLOORS)
• Must be level to within ¼” in a 10ft. (6mm in a 3m) span; no bumps
or low spots. Subfloors should not slope more than 1” per 6ft. (25mm
per 1.8m).
• 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 HDC Solid Core.
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” (6mm) on ceramic tiles, terrazzo,
quarry tiles, and similar floors with a cementitous leveling and
patching compound.
• Install over one layer of vinyl only.
Product Description: Solid Core Plank and Tile Flooring
Grade Levels: Above Grade / On Grade / Below Grade
Installation Method: Floating - Drop and Lock