Installation Guide

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August 12, 2019
Existing Floors
Installation over existing floor requires the installer to consider potential issues related to moisture damage,
adhesive failure and fastener failure. Contact the adhesive and fastener manufacturers respectively for their
specific instructions, recommendations and requirements.
Acceptable floor coverings include: Solid wood, linoleum (1 layer only), terrazzo, ceramic, and stone tile. Tiled
floors with grout lines will require a cementitious leveling compound to fill any grout lines, voids, or cracks.
Unacceptable floor coverings include: Carpet (any type), foam underlayment, cushioned-back vinyl, rubber, cork,
laminates, free-floating floors, and wooden floors over concrete.
Recommended Installation Area
This product is not suitable for any outside use, sunrooms/solariums, shower/tub, saunas, seasonal porches,
camping trailers, boats, RV’s or rooms that have a potential of flooding. Do not install in rooms or homes that are
not temperature controlled.
Exposure to long term direct sunlight can cause damage to your floor. Failure to properly shade or UV tint windows
can discolor, fade, or buckle planks. Use window treatments or UV tinting on windows. Vinyl planks are not
intended for use on stairs or vertical surfaces. Do not nail, screw or fasten to substrate. Install cabinetry, island and
peninsula counters, vanities, tubs, and showers first. Then install planks around them.
Inspect the Flooring
Inspect material for color, finish, milling, texture and grade. Set aside pieces that may not be acceptable once
installed. The floors have been thoroughly inspected during the manufacturing process, but it is the responsibility of
the installer/homeowner to do final inspection and cull-out boards that are not acceptable before installation.
Acclimation
Store this flooring at the installation area before installation to allow the flooring to acclimate and adjust to
room temperature and humidity.
Do not open or remove product from cartons during acclimation.
Do not store directly on concrete or near outside walls.
Flooring should be kept in the location of install and stacked in an alternating pattern allowing sufficient space
for air to circulate.
Do not install the flooring until the moisture content of the subfloor where the flooring will be installed is
within 2% for planks greater than 3” wide and 4% for planks less than 3” wide from the moisture content of
the flooring.
Minimum acclimation time is 72 hours. Acqua Floors recommends 7-10 days acclimation time for
optimization.
If you do not allow the flooring sufficient time to acclimate and the moisture content of the flooring exceeds
that of the subfloor, the flooring will continue to contract after installation and gaps may develop between the
flooring. Likewise, if the moisture content of the flooring is less than that of the subfloor, the flooring may
expand and/or cupping may develop.
Acceptable Installation Methods
Above Grade
Float
On Grade
Float
Below Grade
Float