Use and Care Guide

FLOATING LUXURY VINYL TILE
PREPARATION & INSTALLATION:
1. Why is acclimation necessary for my floor tiles and how long? Acclimation allows the solid vinyl flooring to become
equal to the installed environment. This will better allow the flooring to become more stable during normal temperature
fluctuations. All floors must be acclimated under normal site conditions and temperatures for 48 hours prior to
installation. Ideal room temperatures for luxury vinyl should be maintained at 65°F-85°F (19°C-29°C).
2. What subfloors are approved for floating luxury vinyl planks?
a. Concrete Subfloors- must be flat, dry smooth, and free from dust, solvent, wax, grease, oil and other extraneous
materials
b. Wood Subfloors-APA rated exterior grade plywood B-C sanded face
c. APA rated underlayment panels
d. APA rated OSB- minimum ¾” thickness and installed per APA guidelines
e. NEVER INSTALL OVER LUAN, PARTICLE, CHIP OR STRAND PLYWOOD, MASONITE or any other type of
hardboard underlayment.
f. Existing Floor Coverings- Yes, if the surface is smooth, firmly bonded and leveled with a cement based leveling
embosser. Existing floor cannot be cushioned.
3. Can Floating Luxury Vinyl be installed in direct Sunlight? Direct sunlight will heat up the flooring causing it to expand in
length and width. The use of suitable window coverings to block direct sunlight in times of exposure is highly
recommended to avoid joint separation.
4. Can Floating Luxury Vinyl be installed over radiant heated floors? Yes, as long as the temperature stays set between
65°-85°F.
5. Can Floating Luxury Vinyl be installed on Stairs? Yes, although specific steps must be taken to ensure that the flooring is
properly installed on stairs, please email us directly for instructions, [e-mail]
6. Can Floating Luxury Vinyl be installed on the walls? Our vinyl tiles and planks are not manufactured for use on vertical
surfaces and may not pass the local building code for flame spread index.
7. Is this Floating Luxury Vinyl suitable for a basement? Yes, and it is recommended that a moisture test be conducted
prior to installation. Moisture vapor that is trapped under the vinyl flooring can cause an unhealthy environment in the
home. Consult Novalis if excessive moisture is found in the concrete subfloor.
8. Do I need to use a transition and if so, when? Transition mouldings are required in all doorways and archways less than
6 feet wide; for solid funs of flooring longer than 30 lineal feet; when butting up to other types of floor covering
9. Can flooring be installed in homes with wheelchair access? Yes. Luxury vinyl flooring is suitable for use in homes
that are ADA compliant for wheelchair access, but not recommended for use on ramps and sloped
surfaces. Use of motorized wheelchairs and scooters is not recommended on floating vinyl flooring as damage
may occur to the locking mechanisms.
MAINTENANCE:
1. How do I clean my floor? Use a DAMP mop and “neutral pH” cleaner to remove any sediments or contaminants to
the flooring. These cleaners are safe enough for regular use on solid, luxury vinyl flooring. Do not use any type of
chemical or harsh cleaners. Regular sweeping and vacuuming with and electric broom are also recommended. Do
not use a vacuum with a standard “bristled beater bar” as this can damage the wear layer on the floor covering.
2. What shouldn’t I use on my floor to clean it? Don’t use the following: Abrasive cleaners, abrasive powders, oil
based cleaners, detergent based cleaners, multi surface cleaners or bleaches.
3. What can I use to bring a shine to my floor? Use of satin or gloss floor finishes will enhance the sheen of a vinyl
floor. Be sure to use a floor finish that is compatible with solid vinyl tiles.
4. Can I use a Swiffer? Yes. Swiffer’s work well for daily maintenance on your vinyl floors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS