Installation Instructions

Cutting Panels
Maintain temperature and
humidity in space approximate
to that of normal occupancy
prior to, during and after
installation. Install
underlayment, with fastener
marks up. Panels may be cut
by scoring and snapping with
a utility knife and straight
edge, or by sawing, working
from the face side. With score-
and-snap method, score panel
twice and snap away from cut
face, then snap panel in
reverse direction to break the
back. Where necessary, use a
rasp or surform to smooth the
cut edges.
Cutouts
For dicult cuts, combine
the score-and-snap method
with use of a handsaw or low-
RPM power saw. Cut holes
for plumbing with a hole saw,
keyhole saw or variable-speed
jigsaw. A power saw should be
used only if equipped with a
dust-collection device. Always
wear an OSHA-approved
dust mask when cutting USG
Fiberock panels with a power
saw.
For more cutting techniques,
consult your USG sales
representative.
Panel Layout
Lay cut edges against the
wall— only factory edges
should be joined. Begin laying
panels at one corner. Maintain
1/4" space between panels and
perimeter walls. Stagger joints
a minimum of 16" so that four
panel corners never meet, and
oset end and edge joints of
panels a minimum of 12"–16"
from subfloor panel joints. Butt
panel edges and ends lightly
together. =A maximum 1/32"
gap is allowed.
Preparation for resilient
flooring: Consider critical
lighting when determining
panel layout. Run continuous
panel joints in the direction of
the dominant source of natural
light, when possible.
Prior to installation of final
floor covering, avoid heavy
trac and moving heavy items
across panels. If necessary,
items such as refrigerators or
other appliances with wheels
(or on wheeled dollies) may
be rolled over underlayment
surface; using strips of hard
wood or scrap underlayment
to bear the wheel trac
is recommended. Allow a
minimum of 24 hours after
floor covering installation
before placing heavy
appliances or furniture on
floor.
Cutting and
Laying Out Panels
6
1/4" gap
subfloor
factory
edges
underlayment
cut edge
16" 16"