Installation Guide

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CaliFloors.com
CALI Cork Flooring Installation Guide
Care & Maintenance Guidelines
General Care
• For general cleaning, dry or damp mop as needed using Bona Stone Tile & Laminate Floor Cleaner or something
similar
• Never use a steam mop or wet-mop as standing water may cause permanent damage and the heat from the
steam mop may dull the finish. The moisture from the dampened mop should evaporate off the floor quickly.
• Although Cali Cork is water resistant, it is still a best practice to avoid excess moisture on the floor. Therefore, we
recommend soaking up spills immediately using a dry towel or dry mop.
• Cali Cork floors, like all cork flooring, are subject to changes in temperature and humidity. As a general rule, flooring
will perform best when the interior environment is controlled to stay within a relative humidity range of 35%-65%
and a temperature range of 60° to 80° Fahrenheit. Seasonal fluctuations in relative humidity may cause the cork
flooring to gain moisture with periods of high humidity and lose moisture during low periods of humidity. During
warm, humid weather, cork expands and during dry weather, cork contracts. These changes may be noticeable
but can be minimized by using an HVAC system to maintain relative humidity between 35%-65%. This seasonal
movement is a normal characteristic of cork flooring and is not considered a defect. It is the owner’s responsibility
to maintain appropriate conditions via the use of a humidifier and/or de-humidifier. Ventilation, humidity, and
temperature control is a must even when the home is not occupied.
• To clean up dried glue use either Bostik Ultimate Adhesive Remover or Titebond Adhesive Remover cleaning wipes.
Preventative Care
• Vacuum or sweep the floor with a broom or dust mop on a regular basis or as needed to remove dirt, sand, or grit
to protect the floor from scratches. A grain of sand has dozens of sharp edges and can create scratches if tracked
across the floor. Be careful of other debris such as small rocks and pebbles being drug across the floor.
• Do not use vacuums that use a beater bar or turn beater bar off; brush or felt vacuum heads are recommended as
opposed to hard heads.
• Keep pet nails trimmed to avoid excessive scratching and gouging.
• To prevent dents and scratches, avoid walking on the floor with cleats, sports shoes, and high heels. High heels
concentrate pressure in a small area and may dent the floor.
• To prevent indentations and scratches, remove small diameter buttons/ends from furniture legs and replace with
felt tipped non-staining floor protectors with a surface no less than 1” in diameter. Heavier objects may require
wider floor protectors. Periodically check the felt tips for wear or buildup of grit/debris and replace as needed.
• Fit rolling furniture with soft rubber casters with a diameter of at least 2”.
• When moving large appliances or furniture, use proper dollies, glides, or 1/8” Masonite with the shiny side down –
do not slide or drag across the floor. Rolling appliances across the floor or using heavy load bearing carts with small
wheels may damage the vinyl floor.
• Use interior and exterior doormats at entrances to prevent dirt and moisture from being tracked onto the floor.
Area rugs are also recommended in front of kitchen sinks and in high traffic areas. Rugs must be made of a
breathable material to prevent moisture entrapment. We recommend using a breathable rug underlay; mesh or
grid patterns are best. Do not use rugs with solid rubber, latex, or vinyl backings as this may damage the finish.
• Limit direct sunlight on the floor by using curtains and blinds in areas that are exposed to high UV rays. We
recommend rearranging rugs and furniture periodically so that the color changes evenly.
• Abrasive or harsh chemicals should not be used to clean the floor. Never use any of the following products on
the floor: mineral spirits, paint thinner, acetone, ammonia-based cleaners, acrylic finishes, wax-based products,
detergents, bleach, polishes, oil soap, abrasive cleaning soaps, or acidic materials such as vinegar. Never apply wax
treatments to the floor.
• Heating units or non-insulated ductwork close to the flooring or subfloor may cause “hot spots” which must be
eliminated prior to installation.
• Heavy furniture (500+ lbs.) may obstruct the free, natural movement of a floated floor.
• Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry and never nail or screw anything through a floated floor.
• Lighter colors and darker colors naturally show more dirt, flaws, and marks and are considered higher maintenance.
Installation