Installation Guide

GENERAL INFORMATION & LIMITATIONS
STAINMASTER® 4.0-mm thick, including a 0.3-mm (12-mil) wear layer, floating floor (DL) is designed to be installed indoors as a “floating
floor” for residential or light commercial applications. All light commercial applications must be installed by a qualified flooring contractor,
who must also have enough professional liability insurance coverage (aka Errors and Omissions Insurance) for the project. Also, it is
required by the flooring contractor to document every process, including testing, subfloor preparation, and the installation with video or
photographs, as this may be required in the unlikely event of a claim. The installation and maintenance instructions along with the limited
warranty and packaging instructions, must be read, understood, and followed before installation commences.
Designated light commercial areas of acceptable use are as follows:
• Specialty Retail – Art galleries, jewelry stores, boutiques/clothing stores, and gift shops.
• Medical – Doctor offices & waiting rooms, exam rooms, and reception areas (areas where hospital beds are excluded).
• Multi-Use – Living spaces/apartments/hotel rooms, laundry rooms, storage areas, conference rooms, and light-use exercise rooms (no
free weights or aerobics, must use heavy vinyl mats under the equipment).
• School / Institution – Meeting & training rooms, offices, common areas, lobbies, storage areas, and reception areas.
• Office / Industrial – Offices, reception areas, storage rooms, conference and training rooms.
Do not secure individual planks to the subfloor with mechanical fasteners or adhesives of any kind. Do not install cabinets, kitchen islands,
or other non-movable objects on top of or through the flooring. The roughness or unevenness of the subfloor may telegraph through the
new floor resulting in an unsightly surface, excessive wear on high areas, and a failure of the locking mechanism. Use non-rubber backed
entrance matting at all outdoor entrances; this will improve air quality and reduce maintenance.
Felt glides ≥ 1-inch
2
(645-mm
2
) must be used on all furniture that may slide on the floor. Do not move heavy or sharp objects directly across
the floor; use hard surface “Sliders”, available from home improvement stores. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods;
extended exposure may result in discoloration. During peak sunlight hours, the use of the drapes or blinds is recommended. Do not install
with any visible defects or damage, doing so assumes acceptance and full responsibility for the damaged material, immediately contact the
technical department at 866-NOVALIS or [e-mail].
QUICK REFERENCE CHART
Concrete moisture requirement ≤ 90% RH per ASTM F2170 or use ≥ 6-mil PE sheet vapor retarder (not included)
pH testing Not required
Flatness tolerance ≤ 1/8-inch over 6-foot and 3/32-inch over 1-foot in all directions
Acclimation temperature & period Between 65° F and 85° F for ≥ 8 hours
Installation temperature Between 65° F and 85° F
Optimal service temperature Between 65° F and 85° F
Acoustic underlayment Not required
Doorway transition requirements Required if the doorway is ≤ 6-foot wide
Expansion gap Yes, 5/16” (8 mm) minimum
Expansion joints Required for areas > 30-foot in length