Installation Guide

ATTENTION! READ BEFORE INSTALLING!
FOR BEST VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF YOUR FLOOR
This ooring replicates the look of a natural product which has natural variations in color, texture, and sheen/gloss.
For best visual effect, shufe planks or tiles from several cartons and do not install similar planks or tiles next to one
another.
SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
Suboor should be dry and level to 3/16” per 10 ft. radius for best installation results.
Angle-Tap Installation Instructions for SMARTCORE
®
Floors
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION. If the following instructions leave any
unanswered questions or if additional information is required, please call Natural Floors toll free at 800-404-2675 (706-733-6120).
FLOORING MATERIAL SHOULD BE INSPECTED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
Responsibility for the suitability of SMARTCORE ooring and accompanying products for each individual installation cannot be
assumed by Natural Floors, since Natural Floors has no control over the installer’s proper application. Should an individual plank
or tile be doubtful as to appearance or dimension the installer should not use this piece. Natural Floors will send a replacement in
a timely fashion.
NOTE: SMARTCORE oors may be installed with a direct glue-down method on approved wooden (or) concrete substrates that
are on or above grade only. Use only Natural Floors recommended ooring adhesive. Please consult with adhesive manufacturer
to determine if suitable for use with this material.
READ BEFORE INSTALLING
While SMARTCORE is waterproof, it’s not a moisture barrier. It’s still a good idea to make sure concrete is cured and tested for
moisture and that a moisture barrier is installed in the crawl space and even under a SMARTCORE oor over a concrete suboor.
Moisture won’t damage SMARTCORE, but it can get in the walls and structure of the home. A couple of extra dollars and a few
minutes is a small investment for the added protection and peace of mind.
Because houses and buildings, as well as adjacent hardwood or laminate oors, expand and contract, Natural Floors
recommends to leave a ¼” expansion gap between the perimeter walls and any adjacent hardwood oor.
Natural Floors recommends using the glue down method when installing SMARTCORE where it will be exposed to temperatures
greater than 140° F (60° C) or below 32° F (0° C).
Use good common sense installation practices, and you’ll have a successful installation that results in a beautiful oor.
PRE-INSTALLATION JOBSITE REQUIREMENTS
Natural Floors cannot be held responsible for site conditions.
Carefully examine the ooring prior to installation for color, nish, sheen, and quality. Ensure adequate lighting for proper
inspection. If ooring is not acceptable, contact your supplier immediately and arrange for a replacement. Natural Floors cannot
accept responsibility for ooring installed with visible defects. Prior to installation of any ooring, the installer must ensure that the
jobsite and suboor meet the requirements of these instructions. Natural Floors is not responsible for ooring failure resulting from
unsatisfactory jobsite and/or suboor conditions.
Flooring should be one of the last items installed in any new construction or remodel project.
Crawl spaces must be a minimum of 18′′ (46 cm) from the ground to the underside of the joists. A ground cover of 6–20 mil black
polyethylene lm is essential as a vapor barrier. Joints must be lapped 6′′ (15 cm) and sealed with moisture resistant tape. The
crawl space should have perimeter venting equal to a minimum of 1.5% of the crawl space square footage. These vents should be
properly located to foster cross ventilation. Where necessary, local regulations prevail.
Room temperature and humidity of installation areas should be consistent with normal, year-round living conditions for at least
one week before installation of ooring. Maintaining an optimum room temperature of 70° F and a humidity range of 30-50% is
recommended.
PRE-INSTALLATION SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
All Suboors must be:
Dry
Structurally sound
Clean: Thoroughly swept and free of all debris
Level: Flat to 3/16” per 10-foot radius
Wood suboors must be dry and well secured. Nail or screw every 6” along joists to avoid squeaking. If not level, sand down high
spots and ll low spots with a Portland-based leveling patch.
Concrete suboors must be fully cured, at least 60 days old, and 6-mil polylm is recomended between concrete and ground.
Suboor should be at and level within 3/16” per 10’ radius. If necessary, grind high spots down and level low spots with a
Portland leveling compound.
Ceramic tile, resilient tile and sheet vinyl must be well-bonded to suboor, in good condition, clean, and level. Do not sand
This oor can
be installed on
all levels of the
home.
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