Warranty Guide

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Lowes.com
PREPARATION
SUBFLOOR MOISTURE CHECK
Engineered hardwood fl ooring may be used for above-, on-, and below-grade applications. On all
common substrates, on- and below-grade applications are susceptible to moisture and should be tested
for moisture prior to installation in several locations within the installation area. Acceptable conditions for
above-, on-, and below-grade applications are:
• Less than 3 lbs. /1,000 sq. ft. / 24 hrs. on a calcium chloride test
• No greater than 4% on an electronic concrete moisture meter
• Wood substrates must have a moisture reading of no more than 12% when using an electronic pin
type wood moisture meter. The difference between the moisture content of the wood subfl oor and the
hardwood fl ooring must not exceed 4%.
DO NOT INSTALL FLOORING IF MOISTURE TESTS EXCEED LIMITS NOTED ABOVE.
Appropriate actions must be taken to reduce subfl oor moisture. Steps could include waiting until the
subfl oor dries to meet specifi cations or use of an appropriate moisture barrier.
PREPARATION SPECIFIC TO FLOATING INSTALLATIONS
LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE SUBFLOORS
Lightweight concrete with a dry density of 100 pounds or less per cubic foot is only suitable for engineered
wood fl oors when using the fl oating installation method.
To test for lightweight concrete, scrape a coin or key across the surface of the subfl oor. If the surface
powders easily or has a dry density of 100 pounds or less per cubic foot, use only the fl oating installation
method.
To ensure a long lasting bond, make sure that the perimeter of the foundation has adequate drainage and
vapor barrier.
UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Floating installation requires the use of a 2-in-1 foam underlayment with an attached 6 Mil polyethylene,
designed for engineered hardwood fl oating fl oors. There must be a minimum thickness of 1/8 in. and a
2.0# density.
IMPORTANT: Underlayment requirements are very critical in a fl oating installation. Excessive pad
compression or compaction is a common cause of seam failure.
FLOATING FLOOR EXPANSION SPACE REQUIREMENTS
An expansion space of at least ½ in. must be maintained around the perimeter of the room, all pipes,
counters, cabinets fi replace hearths, doorframes and any other fi xed vertical objects in the room.
RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOORS
Approved Wood Species:
• WHTE OAK / RED OAK
Prior to the installation over a radiant heated fl ooring system, the following guidelines must be followed
in order to prevent unsatisfactory results for the fl ooring:
• Previously noted concrete subfl oor requirements apply.
• Use only the fl oating installation method.
• Relative humidity of the jobsite must be maintained between 35 – 60%. Use of a humidifi cation
system may be required to maintain the proper humidity level. Failure to maintain the humidity
range noted can result in excessive drying of the fl ooring which may lead to surface checking.