Installation Guide

Doc. ID: 185 Rev: 2 Effective: 4/1/2015 Page | 3
tongued and grooved. Do not cut in expansion space on joined tongue and groove of panels.
Particle Board or Fiber Board
Only for floating installation.
Existing Floors
Installation over existing floor requires the installer to consider potential issues related to moisture damage, adhesive failure and fastener
failure. Contact the adhesive and fastener manufacturers respectively for their specific instructions, recommendations and requirements.
Acceptable floor coverings include: solid hardwood, linoleum, terrazzo, ceramic tile and other “moisture sealing floors.”
Unacceptable floor coverings include: carpet, needle punch felt, edge glued linoleum and other “moisture absorbing flooring.”
Radiant Heated Subfloor
This product can be installed over radiant heated subfloor. Heating system must be in operation at least for 7 days prior to installation. .
Decrease temperature before installation. Increase temperature gradually after installation. Operating surface temperature must be less
than 84°F. Contact heater manufacturer for specific installation instruction.
Moisture Barrier and Moisture Retarder
Concrete Subfloor: For floating installation, use 6 mil polyethylene film or other means with equivalent permeability. Overlap the edge
seams and tape it together. Extend moisture barrier up to the wall about 1 inch high. When installed on above grade concrete and the
moisture content meets standards for concrete moisture, a moisture barrier is not required. For direct glue installation, use a moisture
barrier if moisture level exceeds requirement (see Concrete Moisture section above).
Wood Subfloor: Not required.
Sound Control Underlayment
It is optional. Check with sound control manufacturer for application guidelines. Generally, the less compressive underlayment is preferred.
Expansion Gap
Required gap width range is 5/16” to 3/8”. It is required around the perimeter of the floor and between floor and all vertical obstructions.
Do not place permanently installed structures such as kitchen counter/cabinet on the installed floor.
Wet Areas
This product can be installed in kitchens, mud rooms, powder rooms, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Do not install in saunas, swimming pool areas and other similar extreme wet areas.
Fill all expansion gaps with water repellant caulk.
Adhesive
Water based acrylic glue and designed for gluing PVC, LVT and other vinyl based flooring.
Tools and Materials
Basics:
Utility knife, chalk line, chalk, pencil, T-square, tape measure, spacers, broom, hand saw or jamb saw, eye protection, work gloves.
Additional Supplies for Glue-Down Method:
Flooring adhesive • Trowels • Adhesive remover for selected adhesive • Clean rags • Weight roller • 3M Blue tape
Bond Failure
Bond failure is NOT flooring product defect. Most installation failures, including bond failure, result from jobsite moisture. Do not unpack or
deliver flooring to the jobsite until moisture problems are corrected. Read adhesive manufacturer’s instruction carefully. Not following the
adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations can lead to installation failure or product damage and will void your warranty.
Glue Spots on Face of Finished Floor
Adhesive can damage the floor’s finish, especially when it has dried. It is extremely important to take precautionary steps NOT to leave finger
prints or footprints marks on the face of the board. If glue comes in contact with the face of the board, remove immediately with the
adhesive remover recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. Use clean towels, changing frequently to prevent haze and adhesive residue.
If the spot removal damages the appearance of the boards, replace the board.
Helpful Pointers
General Tips
• Make sure your work area is well lit. Good visibility ensures that color is consistent and that visually defective planks are detected and
removed.
• Preferred minimum length of the first and last plank is 12”. The remainder of the last plank can be used as a starter board on the following
rows.
Safety and Health Precautions
Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance to manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe
and improper use can cause serious injuries.
Avoid inhalation and exposures to wood dust by mechanical means and by wearing personal protective equipment.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which include NIOSH or OSHA approve dust masks, safety goggle and work gloves.
or deliver flooring to the jobsite until moisture problems are corrected. Read adhesive manufacturer’s instruction carefully. Certain
wood flooring adhesives may se of it can cause serious injuries.
Avoid inhalation and exposures to wood dust by mechanical means and by wearing personal protective equipment.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which include NIOSH or OSHA approve dust masks, safety goggle and work gloves.