Installation Guide

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Hardwood Flooring Installation Guide
Pre-Installation
• Floor noise is normal and will vary from one installation type to the next. Occasional noise is due to structural movement
and may relate to sub-floor type, flatness, deflection, and/or related to the fasteners, changes in environmental
conditions, relative humidity and the amount of topside pressure applied to the flooring. For these reasons floor noise is
not considered a product or manufacturer defect.
• Cali Bamboo® flooring is intended for installation on or above grade only. Flooring installed below grade is not covered
under warranty.
Prior to Installation of Cali Bamboo Flooring
Job Site Prepartion
Prior to installation, it is the installer’s responsibility to determine that the jobsite, environment and subfloor conditions all
meet the requirements of the National Wood Flooring Association. Do not deliver flooring to jobsite until the building has
been enclosed with windows and doors, all cement, plastering, and other “wet” work has been completed, and a consistent
room temperature has been reached. Confirm proper drainage exists around the structure. Lack of moisture protection can
allow excessive water or moisture to penetrate basement walls, flow beneath concrete slabs, basement floors, and into crawl
spaces. In crawl spaces, exposed earth must be fully covered with minimum 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Crawl space vents
must be open. A moisture retardant such as 6 mil polyethylene film must be placed in crawl spaces. Heating units or non-
insulated ductwork close to the flooring or subfloor may cause “hot spots” which must be eliminated prior to installation.
During installation, it is the installer’s responsibility to document all jobsite conditions and measurements including the
installation date, flooring moisture content, site relative humidity, temperature, and subfloor moisture content. This information
must be retained by the installer and left with the property owner as a permanent record. For a complete list of points to
address prior to installation, refer to the NWFA’s Jobsite Checklist.
Subfloor Requirements
General: Subfloor must be structurally sound and meet all NWFA guidelines. All subfloors must be flat to a tolerance of 3/16”
in a 10’ radius. Use appropriate leveling products for correcting subfloor deficiencies. Subfloor surfaces must be smooth,
clean, dry and free of contaminants that would interfere with an adhesive bond. All subfloors should be tested for moisture
content (see “Subfloor Moisture Testing”). If high moisture readings are found, identify the moisture source and correct the
problem before installation. Do not install flooring directly over floor joist without proper subflooring.
Appropriate Wood Subfloors Materials:
• CD Exposure 1 plywood (grade stamped US PS1-95)
• OSB Exposure 1subfloor panels (grade stamped US PS1-95)
• Solid-board subflooring should be ¾” x 5½” (1” x 6” nominal), Group 1 dense softwoods, No. 2 Common, kiln dried
Acceptable Subfloor Thickness Requirements:
Joist System Spacing (inches on center) Minimum Thickness
12” 5/8”
12” to 16” 3/4”
16” to 19.2” 7/8”
19.3” to 24” 1-1/8”
Concrete Subfloors: Subfloor must meet all above requirements. Concrete must be fully cured and at least 60 days old.
Concrete must be free of dirt, oil, paint, old adhesive, wax, sealers and curing agents. Concrete that is not properly leveled
can cause improper adhesive transfer, hollow spots, and squeaks. Sand or grind down high spots. Level low spots with
appropriate leveling material; allow extra drying time for the leveling compounds. Test subfloor moisture content. To minimize
moisture transfer from the slab, apply: Titebond 531+ Moisture Control System.
Moisture Testing Subfloor
General: Test the subfloor for moisture content before installation. If high moisture readings are found, identify the moisture
source and correct the problem. Extend acclimation time and increase ventilation until the proper conditions have been met.
Apply a moisture barrier. Please note that test results are only applicable the day of testing and will not ensure that moisture
will not fluctuate with seasonal changes. Regardless of subfloor moisture content, the use of a moisture barrier is required for