Installation Guide

RESIDENTIAL D.I.Y. FLOATING FLOOR
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
WARRANTY GUIDELINES
May 2015 Page 4
6. To install the remaining planks in the second row, first align the long edge tongue into the groove of the previous
row at a shallow angle. Slide the piece to the left until the piece meets the previously installed piece.
7. Angle the long edge tongue into the plank/tile in the row above and lock it together while making sure the left side
joint is lined up to properly engage. Line up the bottom corner of the side joint ensuring the whole edge does not
overlap the previous installed piece. Engage the short edge joint.
8. Work across the length of the room installing planks/tiles along the wall in the first row and then aligning the
planks/tiles in the second row. It is critical to keep these two rows straight and square, as they are the
“foundation” for the rest of the installation. Check for squareness and straightness often while installing the floor.
9. Use of several 5/16” (8mm) spacer blocks along the first wall will ensure the proper spacing is achieved and that
floor does not ‘walk’ back towards the wall during installation.
10. Cut the last plank/tile in the first row to fit approximately 5/16" short of the end wall. Use the cutoff of this plank
to start the third row.
11. Continue installing plank/tiles, being certain to maintain a random appearance (planks) or the pattern (tiles) and
offset end seams by at least 6” (see Figure 3). Maintain a 5/16" expansion gap at all fixed vertical surfaces. Check
to be certain all planks are fully engaged; if slight gapping is noticed, you may use a scrap piece of flooring and
engage the upper angle joint to the gapped piece. Using the mallet, gently tap the pieces up until the gap
disappears. Do not try this with the side joints.
12. Install wall moldings and door transition moldings last. Be sure that all moldings are fastened directly to the wall
studs or directly into the flooring; do not place any fasteners through the floating vinyl flooring!
AFTER INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE
Be sure all pieces are set flat and have tight edges. In the event that the STAINMASTER
®
locking luxury vinyl flooring is
not the last portion of the construction project, the floor must be protected from construction traffic and damage. Utilize
a reinforced fiber protective board or a heavy Kraft paper (min. 60#) and cover the floor.
Initial maintenance:
A. After installation, thoroughly sweep the floor and then clean with a neutral pH cleaner. Do not soak the floor as
the water will migrate through the joints and lay on the subfloor, possibly causing condensation and moisture
issues.
B. If necessary to remove stubborn dirt or build up, a slow speed (175 rpm) buffer can be utilized with a white,
non-abrasive pad.
C. Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
D. Use of commercial, heavy duty auto-scrubbers is discouraged for cleaning solid vinyl flooring.
E. Consult the Novalis Flooring Maintenance guide for further care and maintenance instructions at
www.novafloor.us.
Regular maintenance:
A. Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a brushless vacuum will keep dirt and debris off the vinyl floor.
B. Ensure all furniture and fixtures have the appropriate floor protectors installed and are changed regularly.
C. Damp mop the floor weekly to remove dirt; a small amount of a neutral pH cleaner can be used to help remove
dirt and buildups. A white scrub pad can be used on heavy deposits. Do not use multi-surface or ammoniated
cleaners.
D. Use of a finish is not recommended by Novalis. If one is desired it should be specifically designed for vinyl
flooring with a urethane wear surface. Contact Novalis at 866-NOVALIS or [e-mail] for
further instructions.