Installation Guide
EARTHWERKS SPC FLOATING PLANK FLOOR
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES
A product of Swiff-Train Company ▪ 10850 Train Court, Houston TX 77095 ▪ 800-275-7943
J a n u a r y 2018 2 | P a g e
ensure a good break and then shave the backing of the piece to make it smooth and even. This method
may also cause the backing to crack or break off in areas close to the score line which will require using a
new plank.
** Improper storage or acclimation of floating vinyl flooring may result in gapping, or buckling of joints which
are difficult to engage properly. Improper locking of the mechanism may cause one or more of the following
conditions in your flooring: joints to be distressed resulting in a ‘peaked’ appearance; delamination due to
ledging; separation of joints from extreme environmental temperature changes; cupping or side joint failures.
SUBFLOOR INFORMATION
Approved Substrates
All substrates regardless of composition must be smooth and flat to within 3/16” (4.76mm) in 10 feet or
achieve an “F32” rating by use of mechanical grinding/sanding or suitable Portland cement based
patch/level compound.
Above, on or below grade concrete without hydrostatic pressure, excess moisture or alkalinity; must be
fully cured and dry, free from curing compounds, sealers, etc.
Above or on grade lightweight concrete, properly prepared and without hydrostatic pressure, excess
moisture or alkalinity
Above or on grade Gypsum concrete surfaces, properly prepared and sealed, and without hydrostatic
pressure, excess moisture or alkalinity
APA registered underlayment, sanded face exterior grade with minimum rating of C-C plugged face
APA registered exterior grade plywood sanded face with ratings as follows: APA A-B, A-C, B-B, B-C, C-C
plugged face
APA Approved / Rated OSB panels, minimum 23/32” thickness, properly installed. It is recommended to
fully sand the surface of the OSB panels to ensure smooth, even seams and reduce the surface ridges on
the panels. Contact Technical Support for guidelines.
Properly prepared and well bonded existing resilient floor covering, single layer only
Cement Terrazzo, ceramic tile, marble – must be properly prepared.
Certain metal floors – contact EarthWerks Technical support for assistance.
Old adhesive residue that has been properly prepared.
Radiant heated floors where heat does not exceed 85F (29C)
The following are not approved substrates for installing EarthWerks SPC flooring: Rolled or panel-type foam,
rubber, cork or other compressible underlayments not recommended by EarthWerks rubber, cork or asphalt
tiles; textured or cushion backed resilient flooring; “Sleeper” floor systems or plywood floors that have been
installed directly over a concrete slab; lauan and mahogany-type plywood panels; Masonite™ or other
hardboard or fiber based underlayment; CCA (pressure treated), oil treated or other coated plywood; CDX or
other plywood with knots or open defects; underlayment made of pine or other soft woods; hardwood flooring;
laminate flooring; paint, wax, oil, grease, residual adhesive, mold, mildew, and other foreign materials that
might prevent floating planks and tiles from natural movement; other uneven or unstable substrates.
Substrate Preparation
Although EarthWerks SPC flooring is not susceptible to damage from moisture, excessive subfloor moisture is an
ideal breeding ground for mold, mildew and fungus-all of which can contribute to an unhealthy indoor living
environment. If excess moisture is found in the substrate proper remediation steps should be taken prior to
installation.