Installation Guide

Moisture Testing:
Sub-floor moisture testing is necessary, it will alert you of current moisture issues that may affect the installation
and promote the growth of unhealthy mold and mildew which could potentially affect you and your family’s health,
as well as the flooring. You may want to consult with a professional for proper testing and guidance. Moisture
levels above 12% in wood subfloors or 4.5 on moisture encounter meters for concrete subfloors can promote the
growth of mold and should be investigated to determine the cause and solution of the problem.
Checking for moisture: Use a Ligno DuoTec (or equivalent) moisture meter for wood, or a Tramex Concrete
Moisture Encounter meter (or equivalent) for concrete. You can also use a calcium chloride test for concrete; test
results above 5 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft., (or 85% RH using in-situ probes) in a 24 hour period can indicate a more
extreme moisture issue and should be investigated.
Concrete Subfloors:
Planks can be installed over concrete on all grade levels if a proper moisture barrier is used. A minimum 6 mil
polyethylene moisture barrier should be used with concrete subfloors. Moisture vapor emissions should not
exceed 5 lbs./24 hour per 1,000 sq. when tested with the Anhydrous Calcium Chloride Test in accordance with
ASTM F 1869 or 85% RH in accordance with ASTM F 2170 “Standard Test Method for Determining Relative
Humidity in Concrete Slabs using in situ Probes. Any uneven areas greater than 3/16 inch (4.76mm) in a 10 foot
(3.05m) radius should be leveled with a Portland cement based patching compound. Holes and cracks in the
cement should be patched, and expansion joints should be filled with a latex patching compound. Newly poured
concrete floors must cure for a minimum of 90 days. Please note it is the person installing the floor and/or the
homeowner’s responsibility to ensure any moisture or alkalinity issues are resolved prior to installing the floor.
NOTE: Excessive moisture may cause the growth of unhealthy mold or mildew and/or cause staining of
the flooring which is not covered by our Warranty.
Wood Subfloors:
Planks should be installed over a smooth, flat, level wood subfloor, underlayment grade plywood, lauan plywood
and other underlayments recommended by the manufacturer for use with a floating plank floor. Subfloor should
be flat within 3/16 inch (4.76mm) in a 10 foot (3.05m) radius. Wood subfloors must be suspended at least 18"
above the ground. Adequate cross-ventilation must be provided, and the ground surface of the crawl space should
be covered with a suitable vapor barrier. If installing over a crawl space, a minimum 6 mil polyethylene moisture
barrier should be used.
NOTE: Avoid subfloors with excessive vertical movement or deflection because subfloor movement
may cause the locking mechanism to wear down, or even break. Indications of excessive deflection are
subfloor fastener release, squeaking, compromised or sectional contours such as bowing or dipping in
floors and uneven flooring material. Nail or screw subfloor panels to secure boards with excessive
vertical movement or deflection prior to installation of the flooring material. Our warranties DO NOT
cover any problems caused by inadequate substructures or improper installation of substructures.
Recommended Areas:
This flooring is suitable for installation in most areas of your home, including basements. This floor may not be
suitable for vacations homes or homes where the temperature is not controlled year-round. Care should be
taken not to expose the flooring to standing water or liquids for extended periods of time, as it may damage the
floor.
Existing Flooring:
Our Wellmade HDPC® Wood Planks can be installed over a variety of finished floors including single layer resilient
sheet flooring/ tile, ceramic, marble and terrazzo. The surface must be in good condition and show no signs of