Installation Guide

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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. Operating surface temperature must be less than 82°F. Decrease
temperature before installation. Increase temperature gradually after installation. Glue down installation may require additional
installation requirement. Contact glue manufacturer for specific recommendation. 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 concrete moisture content meets the concrete moisture standard, 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: Use asphalt-saturated paper or #15 or #30 felt that meets ASTM Standard D4869 or UU-B-790, Grade D.
Overlap along the edge seams 2”- 4” wide. This retards moisture movement from below.
Sound Control Underlayment
Check with sound control manufacturer for application guidelines. Generally, the less compressive underlayment is preferred.
Expansion Gap
Required gap width is 1/2”. 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.
Transition Molding Floating installation, transition T-molding is required in the following cases: floor spanning greater than 35 feet in
length or width; wall openings-with or without door.
Note: Floor areas interrupted by wall sections extending out of the wall; floor areas which are not rectangular may experience buckling
or gapping if there is excessive floor expansion or shrinkage.
Adhesive
Use premium flooring adhesive which is non-water based, formulated for hardwood flooring installation.
Preferred type: moisture cure urethane floor glue.
Tools and Materials
Basics:
Tape measure • Moisture meter (wood, concrete or both) • Chalk line & chalk • Hammer • Electric power saw • Carbide tipped saw
blade for fine cut • NIOSH-designated dust mask • Hand saw or jamb saw • Eye protection • Straight edge or Spacers • Pry Bar •
Mallet • Broom • Color matched wood putty • Tapping block • Pull bar.
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.
Certain wood flooring adhesives may have special requirements and limitations of use. Some existing floor may not be acceptable.
Not following the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations can lead to installation failure or product damage and will void your
warranty.
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.