Installation Guide
Installation
RESILIENT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR WPC PRODUCTS
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
These installation guidelines apply to the WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) products 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 and/or a temperature between 55° - 85°F (- 13°-29°C) or average temp. of 70 degrees (21.1°)
Post installation temperature range is between 32 and 100 degrees F (0°- 37.7°C).
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, doing so may result in discoloration. During peak sunlight hours, the use
of the drapes or blinds is recommended. Excess temperature due to direct sunlight can result in thermal expansion and UV
fading. In extreme situations of direct sunlight we suggest that the glue down method be used.
Install product after all other trades have completed work that could damage the flooring.
To minimize shade variation, mix and install planks from several cartons.
Inspect all planks 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 – Floating or Glue down - installed on, above, or below grade with recommended adhesives.
For installation in areas larger than 50’x50’, 2500 sq. ft. provide a minimum expansion space of 1/2” (12.7 mm) around the
perimeter.
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. IIC (ASTM E492-09) and STC (ASTM E90-09) lab testing on certain WPC products tested with and without a
second layer of underlayment, to date, does not indicate that a second underlayment will provide additional acoustic benefit.
When used the second underlayment can not be more than 3mm thick.
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.
B. CONCRETE SUBFLOORS
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For reference purposes only if printed or downloaded.