Installation Guide
Installation
RESILIENT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR WPC PRODUCTS
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
These installation guidelines apply to the WPCproducts only. All instructions and recommendations should be followed for a satisfactory
installation.
Acclimation of material prior to installation is not required, however, the floor covering should be installed in a climate controlled
environment with an ambient temperature range between 55° - 85°F (13°-29°C) or average temperature of 70 degrees (21.1°).
For installations involving 3 season scenarios, meaning, the dwelling or installed space is without climate control for extended
periods during certain seasons of the year, the post installation temperature range allowed is an ambient room temperature
between 32F and 100F (0°- 37.7°C). This allowance is for floating floors only and does not apply to glue-down installations.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, doing so may result in discoloration. During peak sunlight hours, the use
of drapes or blinds is recommended. Excess temperature due to direct sunlight can result in thermal expansion and UV fading.
Install product after all other trades have completed work that could damage the flooring.
If cabinets are to be installed on top of the flooring (including islands), that area of material must be fully adhered to the
subfloor (including an additional 2’ beyond the cabinets and islands).
To minimize shade variation, mix and install flooring from several cartons.
Inspect all flooring for damage before installing. If you have any concerns about the product fit or finish, call Shaw Information
Services at 1-800-441-7429. Claims will not be accepted for flooring that has been cut to size and/or installed.
Use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet or exceed maximum moisture level and pH requirements. Use of
gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the
compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable.
Installation Methods: Floating (on, above or below grade) / Glue Down (on,above or below grade)
Required perimeter expansion spacing for Floating or Glue Down installation is as follows:
For areas less than 2500 sq. ft. use 1/4" gap
For areas larger than 2500 sq. ft. use 1/2" gap.
WPC flooring is waterproofand reliably secures the flooring panels on all four sides. However, excessive moisture in the subfloor
could promote mold, mildew, and other moisture related issues like the trapping of moisture emissions under the flooring, which
may contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment.
Additional layer of 6 mil poly film or equal vapor retarder with a perm rating of 1 or less may be used as an additional layer of
protection.
A second underlayment is allowed under any currently sold WPC product with attached underlayment in a residential
application. If installed over a second underlayment, this underlayment cannot be greater than 3 mm thick. IIC (ASTM E492-
09) and STC (ASTM E90-09) lab testing on certain WPCproducts tested with and without a second layer of underlayment, to
date, does not indicate that a second underlayment will provide additional acoustic benefit.
II. SUBFLOOR INFORMATION
All subfloors must be clean, flat, dry, and structurally sound. The correct preparation of the subfloor is a major part of a successful
installation. Subfloor must be flat:3/16" in 10' or 1/8" in 6'.
A. WOOD SUBFLOORS
Do not install material over wood subfloors that lay directly on concrete or over dimensional lumber or plywood used over concrete.
Refer to ASTM F1482 for panel underlayment recommendations.
1. Do not apply sheet plastic over wood subfloors.
2. Basements and crawl spaces must be dry. Use of a 6 mil black polyethylene is required to cover 100% of the crawl space
earth. Crawl space clearance from ground to underside of joist is to be no less than 18” and perimeter vent spacing should be
equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space area to provide cross ventilation. Where necessary, local
regulations prevail.
3. All other subfloors - Plywood, OSB, particleboard, chipboard, wafer board, etc. must be structurally sound and must be installed
following their manufacturer’s recommendations. Local building codes may only establish minimum requirements of the flooring
system and may not provide adequate rigidity and support for proper installation and performance. If needed add an additional
layer of APA rated underlayment, fasten and secure according to the underlayment manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Resilient flooring is not recommended directly over fire-retardant treated plywood or preservative treated plywood. An additional
layer of APA rated 1/4" thick underlayment should be installed.
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For reference purposes only if printed or downloaded.