Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsShaw ManualsFlooringCooperstown Click 6 in. x 48 in. Alexandria Resilient Vinyl Plank Flooring (27.58 sq. ft. / case)

C. Existing Floor Coverings



Floorte™ Pro flooring can be installed over most existing hard–

surface floor coverings, provided that the existing floor surface

is clean, flat dry and structurally sound.



Existing sheet vinyl floors should not be heavily cushioned and

not exceed more than one layer in thickness. Soft underlayment

and soft substrates will compromise the product's locking ability

as well as diminish its indentation resistance.



Installation is NOT allowed over any type of carpet.



Do NOT install over wood floors adhered to concrete.



Never use solvents or citrus adhesive removers to remove old

adhesive residue. Solvent residue left in and on the subfloor may

affect the new floor covering.

III. INSTALLATION

Floating Installation Only

Floorte™ Pro plank flooring is designed to be installed utilizing the

floating method. Never secure the planks to the subfloor when using

the floating installation method. Do not install cabinets or fixed

objects on top of the flooring. Proper expansion space (5/16”), 8mm

is required. Undercut all doorjambs. Do not fasten wall moldings and

or transition strips to the planks.

Before you start with the installation, it is important to determine

the layout of the flooring. Proper planning and layout will prevent

having narrow plank widths at wall junctures or very short length

pieces at the end of rows.

As with all plank products, install the planks parallel to the longest

exterior wall.

Determine if the starter row will need to be cut. If the first row of

planks does not need to be trimmed in width, it will be necessary

to cut off the unsupported tongue so that a clean, solid edge shows

towards the wall.

Installation of the product must start from the left side of the

room, working to the right when working in front of the planks or

facing the starting wall.

Install the second plank in the row by angling the end tongue into

the end groove of the first plank. Be careful not to bend the corner

of the plank. Maintain an expansion gap of approximately 5/16" -

8mm from the wall. Start the second row by cutting a plank to the

desired length. Keep in mind that the plank must not be shorter

than 6" (15cm) to achieve the best appearance.

Install the first plank in the second row by inserting the long side

tongue into the groove of the plank in the first row. This is best

done with a low angle of the plank. Maintain pressure into the side

seam as you rotate the plank to the subfloor. Install the second

plank in the second row by inserting the short end tongue into the

previously installed plank groove. Align the plank so that the long

side tongue tip is positioned just over the groove lip of the plank

in the first row. Working from the end seam, at a low angle, insert

the long tongue into the groove of the adjoining plank. Very little

force is required to seat the tongue into the groove. You should

feel the tongue lock into the groove.

Work across the length of the room installing planks along the

wall in the first row and then aligning the planks in the second

row. It is critical to keep these two rows straight and square, as

they are the “foundation” for the rest of the installation. Check

squareness and straightness often.

Cut the last plank in the first row and leave an expansion gap of

around 5/16" - 8mm. Planks may be cut with a utility knife using

the “score and snap” technique. The leftover of this plank may be

used to start the third row if it’s a minimum 6" - 15cm long.

Continue installing planks and make sure to achieve a random

appearance with end pieces of minimum 6" - 15cm. Check that all

planks are fully engaged; if a slight gapping is found, the gap can

be tapped together by using a tapping block and a scrap of

flooring to cover the tapping block in order to avoid damages on

the planks.

10.

When fitting under door casings, if necessary, a flat pull bar may

be used to assist in locking the planks.

11.

When fitting around obstacles or into irregular spaces, planks

can be cut easily and cleanly using a utility knife with a sharp

blade. It is often beneficial to make a cardboard template of the

area and transfer this pattern to the plank.

12.

Protect all exposed edges of the flooring by installing wall

molding and/or transition strips. Make sure that no plank will be

secured in any way to the sub floor.

13.

For wet areas such as bathrooms caulk the perimeter of the floor

with a silicone caulk.

14.

Protect the finished flooring from exposure to direct sunlight to

reduce fading and thermal expansion.

IV. REPAIRS

Floorte plank flooring is tough and durable; however, if a plank

becomes damaged, it can be replaced. If the damaged plank is

along the perimeter of the room, the easiest technique is to

disconnect the planks until the damaged plank is removed.

Replace the plank and reassemble the planks. If it is impractical

to disconnect and reassemble the flooring, the following

procedure should be followed:

It’s recommended to use painters tape along the sides of the

board to be replaced to prevent damage to the adjoining boards.

Using a Utility Knife, cut through the center of the damaged

plank, running the length of the plank.

Carefully remove cut pieces from the insert. You can use a utility

knife to remove the pieces from the floor. Clean up any debris from

opening area.

To prepare replacement plank. Cut and remove tongue from the

long side and the short end of the plank. This can be

accomplished by using a Utility knife.

Using a Utility Knife, remove approximately 1.5 inches of the

groove on the long side of the plank from the tongue end.

Apply a small bead of Super Glue (Ethyl Cyanoacrylate) adhesive

to the groove of the boards in the floor.

Insert replacement plank, locking the long side joint (groove

side) into the

existing floor.

NOTE: The

tongue end of the

replacement plank

will overlap the

existing floor

prior to be fully inserted.

Using a scrap piece of plank as a tapping device, tap the groove

end into place. Insert the blade of a Utility knife on the opposite

side to lift and adjust the end as it is being tapped into place.

10.

Place a weight on the plank until the adhesive sets. (Shaw

recommends minimum 6-8 hours).