Installation Guide
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR SMARTCORE PRO
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
These installation guidelines apply to the Smartcore PRO products only. All instructions and
recommendations should be followed for a satisfactory installation.
The floor covering should be stored and installed in a climate controlled location with a
temperature between 55° - 85°F - 13°-29°C or average temp. of 70 degrees (21.1°) If
product is stored in temperatures outside this range prior to installation it is recommended
to acclimate the material for 48 hours prior to installation.
Post installation temperature range is between -25 and 155 degrees F (31.6°- 68.3°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.
Regardless of new construction or remodeling projects, keep flooring stored in rooms that
are not being worked in and only 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 on, above, or below grade.
For installation in 3 season rooms or areas larger than 50’x50’, 2500 sq. ft. provide a
minimum expansion space of 5/8” (16mm) around the perimeter
Tools:
Tape Measure, Utility Knife, Jigsaw, Tapping Block or Rubber Mallet, Pull Bar, ¼"
Spacers, T-Square, Safety Glasses, Broom or Vacuum and, if necessary, tools for subfloor
repair.
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'.
Underlayments
–
Do NOT add an additional underlayment
. Product has an attached
pad and the use of an additional underlayment is
NOT
approved.
CAUTION:
Some types of nails, such as common steel nails, may cause discoloration of the vinyl
floor covering. Recommendations for attaching underlayment panels are not included. Solvent
based construction adhesives are known to stain vinyl floor coverings. All responsibility for
discoloration problems caused by the use of the above mentioned products is not the responsibility
of Shaw, but rests with the installer and the underlayment panel manufacture.
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.
Smartcore PRO 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
1.
Floors shall be smooth, permanently dry, clean, and free all foreign material such as dust, wax,
solvents, paint, grease, oils, and old adhesive residue. The surface must be hard and dense, and
free from powder or flaking. Refer to ASTM F710 for additional information.
2.
New concrete slabs must be dry. Maximum moisture level per CaCl test method is 8 lbs.
per 1000 in 24 hr. Maximum level for ASTM 2170 In-situ Relative humidity test method
- 85%.
3.
Do no install over concrete with a history of high moisture or hydrostatic conditions.
4.
Ph level of concrete should be between 6 - 10
5.
The final responsibility for determining if the concrete is dry enough for installation of
the flooring lies with the floor covering installer.
Radiant Heat: Hydronic only -
Radiant heat components must have a minimum of 1/2"
separation from the product. This is the only type of radiant heat system that is approved.
Radiant heat system must be on and operational for at least 2 weeks prior to installation to
reduce residual moisture within the concrete. Three days prior to installation lower the
temperature to 65 degrees, after installation gradually increase the temperature in increments
of 5° F to avoid overheating. Maximum operating temperature should never exceed 85°F. Use
of an in-floor temperature sensor is recommended to avoid overheating.