Installation Guide

3 HOMEDEPOT.COM
July 3, 2019 Please contact 1-866-843-8453 for further assistance.
APPROVED SUBFLOORS cont.
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.
• In-floor electric and hydro systems are acceptable.
• In-floor radiant components must be a minimum of ½” (13mm)
below flooring.
• Floor surface temperature should never exceed 85°F (29°C).
• Heating system should be operational for at least two weeks prior
to installation to calibrate temperature settings.
• Installation directly over electric heat mat systems is not approved.
NON-APPROVED SUBFLOORS
• Carpeting/Carpet Pad • Cushioned Vinyl Flooring
• Floating Floors • Laminate
• Parquet Over Concrete • Cork
• Eng. Hardwood Over Concrete • Sleeper Substrates
• Hardwood Over Concrete • Rubber
Remove the floors noted above and remove old adhesive before
installing HDC Solid Core.
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.
HELPFUL POINTERS &
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
• Work area should be well lit. Proper visibility ensures that color
is consistent and that visually defective planks are detected and
removed. Subfloor must be clean and free of debris.
• Undercut door jambs and casings using a handsaw laid flat on a
piece of scrap flooring. Never undercut metal door casings.
• Make sure the profiled edge of the tapping block is secure and flat
against the plank before lightly tapping in place with soft-faced
hammer. Never use the tapping block (by itself) to hit against the
edge of the planks.
• Carefully remove the existing base, shoe molding or thresholds.
They can be reused to cover the ¼” (6mm) expansion gap around
the edge of the room.
• The minimum length of the first and last plank is 8” (20.3cm). If the
last plank will be less than 8” (20.3cm), adjust the length of the first
plank. The remainder of the last plank can be used as a starter plank
on the following rows.
• The minimum end-joint stagger is 8” (20.3cm). Keeping this in mind,
vary the distances from end joints row-to-row for a more random
and realistic installation.
ALL SEASON/THREE-SEASON ROOMS
HDC Solid Core is permitted in “three-season rooms” only if the
installation meets the below criteria
• Maximum room size of 500 Sq. Ft. (46.5 Sq. M.)
• Room must be completely enclosed (roof, floor, walls and windows)
and not exposed to any outside elements.
• Installation must occur at room temperature between 35°F and
100°F (1.7°C and 38°C).
• Allow 3⁄8” (10mm) expansion space around perimeter and all fixed
objects.
AVAILABLE MOLDINGS
Select moldings and transitions are available in Home Depot stores. All
coordinated moldings and transitions are available via special order or
via homedepot.com. Follow molding installation instructions for proper
installation.
Tile must be installed in a brick pattern,
where the seams are staggered.
Grade Levels
Above Grade / On Grade
/ Below Grade
Installation Method
Floating - Drop and Lock
Installation Video available on YouTube
Product Description: Solid Core Plank and Tile Flooring
Grade Levels: Above Grade / On Grade / Below Grade
Installation Method: Floating - Drop and Lock