Installation Guide

RESIDENTIAL D.I.Y. FLOATING FLOOR
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
WARRANTY GUIDELINES
May 2015 Page 2
3. New concrete slabs must be thoroughly dry and completely cured. The final responsibility of
determining the moisture content of the concrete is with the flooring installer / homeowner.
4. Holes, grooves, cracks and depressions must be properly fixed and filled with a cement-based, polymer
modified patching or leveling compound and feathered smooth. Follow the manufacturer’s directions
for the specific cement compound.
5. Concrete floors with a radiant heating system are satisfactory for installation. The flooring temperature
must never exceed 83 F (28 C). Before installation of the flooring, turn on the heating system to the
normal operating temperature for acclimation and removal of residual moisture. When starting radiant
systems after flooring is installed, gradually bring the slab temperature to the desired room temperature,
avoid sudden increases and decreases in the temperature settings.
B. Wood Subfloors
1. Wood subfloors must be suspended at least 18 in. (46 cm.) above ground. Adequate cross ventilation
must be provided and a suitable vapor barrier installed over the ground in all crawlspaces.
2. Wood subfloors directly on concrete or installed over sleeper construction are NOT suitable for the
installation.
3. Acceptable wood underlayments are: APA registered underlayment veneer panels, APA registered
exterior grade plywood sanded face with B-C, plugged face or better rating, single later Sturd-I-Floor rated
panels (min. 23/32” thick) with sanded face, Luan plywood.
4. Never install vinyl flooring over OSB, particle, chip, or strand plywood, Masonite, or any other type of
hardboard underlayment.
C. Existing Floor Coverings
1. Floating vinyl floors can be installed over most existing hard-surface floor coverings provided the existing
floor surface is smooth or can be made smooth.
2. Ceramic, porcelain, marble and granite tiles are suitable and must be clean and made flat by applying a
cement-based embossing leveler or patch.
3. Existing resilient floors must be firmly bonded, stripped of all finishes/waxes, single layer and covered
with an embossing leveler if necessary. Cushion-backed vinyl and floating vinyl floors are not suitable as
substrates for floating vinyl tile or planks.
4. Cement terrazzo, painted or stained concrete and metal floors may be suitable for use as substrates
provided they are properly cleaned and prepared. All contaminants, loose particles and flakes must be
removed and a suitable cement-based patch used to smooth the floor.
5. Hardwood floors must be securely bonded to the substrate. Remove any waxes, finishes, etc. before
installing vinyl flooring.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
General
A. Do not secure individual planks or tiles to the subfloor. All door jambs and moldings should be undercut.
Cabinets, kitchen islands and other fixtures cannot be installed on top of floating vinyl flooring. Wall moldings,
including baseboard and quarter round, must not be fastened through the vinyl flooring.
B. Maintain a 5/16” (8mm) gap consistently around the perimeter of the vinyl floor at all vertical surfaces. Moldings
should be installed a minimum of 1/32” (.79mm) above the flooring to allow for movement.
C. Do not wrap floating vinyl floors around doors, entryways or other openings that are less than 6 feet (2 meters)
wide. A suitable T-molding or transition strip must be used while maintaining the 5/16” (8mm) expansion gap
under the molding in all openings less than 6 feet (2 m) wide. Do not install door transitions through the vinyl
flooring.