Installation Guide
4 of 7
the intended usage. Install and prepare panels and seams according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also refer to ASTM F1482,
“Standard Practice for Installation and Preparation of Panel Underlayments to Receive Resilient Flooring.″
• Many times, wood panel subfloors are damaged during the construction process or are not underlayment grade. These panels must
be covered with an appropriate underlayment. Underlayment panels are intended to be used to provide a smooth surface on which
to adhere the finished floor covering. Underlayment panels cannot correct structural deficiencies.
• Panels intended to be used as underlayment should be specifically designed for this purpose. These panels should have a minimum
thickness of 1 ⁄4″ (6 mm). Any panels selected as an underlayment must meet the following criteria:
ο Be dimensionally stable.
ο Have a smooth, fully sanded face, so graining or texture will not telegraph through.
ο Be resistant to both static and impact indentation.
ο Be free of any surface components that may cause staining, such as plastic fillers, marking inks sealers, etc.
ο Be of uniform density, porosity and thickness.
ο Have a written warranty for suitability and performance from the panel manufacturer, or have a history of proven performance.
• Any unevenness at the joints between panels must be sanded to a level surface. Gaps between panels, hammer indentations and all
other surface irregularities must be filled and sanded.
• Particleboard, chipboard, construction grade plywood, OSB, flake-board and wafer board are not recommended as underlayments.
All have inadequate uniformity, poor dimensional stability and variable surface porosity. ArtMore will not accept responsibility for
adhered installation over these subfloors. In all cases, the underlayment manufacturer or underlayment installer is responsible for all
underlayment warranties.
RESILIENT SUBSTRATE
• Must be single layered, non-cushion backed, fully adhered, and smooth.
• Show no signs of moisture or alkalinity.
• Wax, polish, grease and grime must be removed.
• Cuts, cracks, gouges, dents and other irregularities in the existing floor covering must be repaired or replaced.
NOTE:
The responsibility of determining if the existing flooring is suitable to be installed over rests solely with installer/ flooring
contractor on site. If there is any doubt as to suitability, the existing flooring should be removed, or an acceptable underlayment
installed over it. Installations over existing resilient flooring may be more susceptible to indentation.
POURED FLOOR SUBSTRATE (EPOXY, POLYMERIC, SEAMLESS)
• Must be totally cured and well bonded to the concrete.
• Must be free of any residual solvents and petroleum residue.
• Wax, polish, grease and grime must be removed.
• Cuts, cracks, gouges, dents and other irregularities in the existing floor covering must be repaired or replaced.
• Texture must be smooth.
• Show no signs of moisture or alkalinity.
TERRAZZO + CERAMIC FLOOR SUBSTRATE
• Surface must be thoroughly sanded to remove all glaze and waxes.
• Cuts, cracks, gouges, dents and other irregularities in the existing floor covering must be repaired or replaced.
• Clean the grout lines.
• Use a good quality Portland cement based leveling compound to fill all grout lines and other depressions.