Installation Guide

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In-floor Radiant Heat:
Use only recommended flooring adhesive over manufacturer’s
recommended plywood substrate.
• Turn the heat off for 24 hours before, during and 24 hours
after installation when installing over radiant heated
subfloors
• Failure to turn the heat off may result in shortened working
time of the adhesive.
• Floor temperature must not exceed 85°F (30°C).
• Failure to strictly follow adhesive manufacturer’s guidelines
may result in failure and void warranty.
Warning: Heating mats work very well under carpet, tile and
stone, however we do not recommend to have them placed
directly underneath a wood or bamboo floor. It is best to install
wood or bamboo flooring over embedded floor heating systems.
*This type of installation requires a specific construction of the
plywood subfloor and the installer for such must be familiar with
the NWFA recommendations.
NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) can be reached at
800-422-4556 U.S, or 800-848-8824 Canada.
GENERAL RADIANT HEAT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
• Radiant systems work effectively and with less trauma to the
wood floor if the heating process is gradual, based on small
incremental increases in relation to the outside temperature.
• Subfloors should have proper moisture tests according to
testing procedures outlined by the NWFA.
• Avoid penetration of the heating element, tubing
• Concrete subfloors should be fully cured.
• With water-heated radiant-heat systems, a pressure test
should be performed by a qualified plumber or the system
installer prior to beginning the installation of the wood
flooring.
• Radiant heat is dry heat and a humidification system may be
necessary to maintain wood flooring in its comfort zone.
AFTER INSTALLATION
• Flooring should be one of the last items installed in a project.
In order to protect the floors while other trades are finishing
their work prior to final cleanup and turnover to the owner,
use rosin paper and only use 3M
®
Blue Tape to hold the
rosin paper to the floor (other blue tapes may damage the
finish). Clean the floor thoroughly before laying the rosin
paper to ensure that no debris is trapped underneath. DO
NOT USE plastic film or other non-breathing coverings as
this can cause the floor to become damaged from humidity
buildups.
• Remove expansion spacers and reinstall base and/or
quarter round moldings to cover moldings to cover the
expansion space.
• Dust mop or vacuum your floor to remove any dirt or debris.
• It is suggested that you buff the floor with lamb’s wool pads
in order to remove any loose splinters, residues, foot prints,
etc.
• Install any transition pieces that may be needed (reducers,
T-moldings, nosing. etc.).
• If using glue-down method, do not allow foot traffic or heavy
furniture on floor for 24 hours
IMMEDIATELY AFTER INSTALLING OIL FINISHED FLOORS
• Vacuum the floor
• Clean the floor thoroughly with WOCA REFRESHER diluted
in water using:
1 CUP of WOCA REFRESHER per 5 QUARTS of warm water
• In a bucket, add 1 cup of WOCA REFRESHER to 5 quarts of
warm water.
• Damp mop only
• Make sure you rinse the cloth in another bucket of clean
water, as you do not want to reincorporate the dirt back onto
the floor.
• Let dry for 2 hours minimum before resuming traffic
• WOCA REFRESHER is available in natural (for natural and
colors other than white) and white (for white oiled floors).
• Perform normal daily or weekly cleaning by vacuuming or
dry mopping grit, dust etc.
Protection and Maintenance of Your Floor
Lasting beauty can be achieved through purchasing a quality floor
covering and providing proper on-going maintenance.
Fading: Natural floors contain organic pigments and are subject to
fading when exposed to direct sunlight. Where possible, use drapes or
other systems to protect your floor from excessive light.
Joints: Natural flooring reacts to the conditions in the environment.
Natural flooring plank systems expand and contract in response to
fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Controlling the environment,
maintaining an adequate temperature and relative humidity, will
minimize the visible effects of normal contraction and expansion.
Optimum recommended temperature is 70°F and relative humidity is
30% - 50%. In very dry climates, the use of a humidifier might be
necessary.
Photosensitivity: Natural Floors cork, bamboo, and hardwood floors
are photosensitive and will change color as they age or are exposed to
U.V. light. In some species (i.e. bamboo, cork), the natural
pigmentation will be lost and can develop a “bleached” appearance. In
many exotic hardwood species (i.e. Tigerwood), the flooring develops
a rich patina that will darken the appearance and enhance the natural
beauty of the material.
As this is a natural occurring phenomenon, accelerated with exposure
to U.V. light, it is not considered a material defect and is excluded from
coverage under the provisions of Natural Floors Limited .
Tips to Minimize Fading/Discoloration
• Avoid rubber-backed mats and rugs, as the backing may
discolor your floor.
• Change the location of your rugs periodically. Rearrange
more frequently if they are placed in front of doors and
windows.
• Use light filtering window treatments (i.e. blinds, drapes,
window film) that will help prevent sunlight exposure.
• Rearrange furniture seasonally to allow the flooring to
darken and age uniformly.
If completing a flooring extension or board replacement after the
original installation has been down for a period of time, the new
flooring will have a lighter appearance. As the material is exposed to
natural light, it should eventually blend in with the surrounding areas.
However, due to the age of your flooring, surface wear (and/or)
exposure to U.V. light, Natural Floors cannot guarantee replacement
flooring will be a 100% match to your existing product.
Remember that color variation is to be expected with natural products.
However, should an individual plank be doubtful as to appearance or
dimension the installer should not use this piece.