Installation Guide

Installation Instructions
Preparation
Please carefully review the instructions for both Elastilon and your flooring material before starting your project.
Elastilon is designed as a floating installation system, so do not permanently fix or attach to the subfloor or install
under permanent cabinetry. Be sure to inspect all flooring thoroughly before installation to ensure that there are no
visible defects. It is the responsibility of the owner / installer to ensure that the material, the environmental and the
sub-floor conditions are acceptable before the installation commences. The following instructions comply with
recommendations as outlined in the Installation Guidelines and Methods published by the National Wood Flooring
Association (NWFA). Additional application information is available at www.NWFA.org
As wood is a natural product, it is important to recognize that hardwood floors will be affected by the levels
of humidity and temperature within a room. The climate conditions in the room need to be maintained prior
(at least 14 days), during and after the installation. The installation site must have a consistent room
temperature of 60-80F (16-27C) and humidity level between 40-65% maximum (maintaining humidity levels
closer to the upper range are recommended). Permanent air conditioning and heating systems need to be
operational at all times. Care must be taken with wood stoves and electric heat which tend to create very dry
conditions. The use of dehumidifier or humidifier depending on the situation may be necessary to maintain
desired results. For complete details on how to deal with wood floors and the environment, please refer to
the NWFA publications (# A100 - Water and Wood / No. C200 -Problems, Causes and Cures).
Jobsite preparation is necessary for a proper installation. Be sure to follow the minimum jobsite
recommendations listed in Section 1, Chapter 1 of the NWFA Installation Guidelines and Methods.
All sub-floors must be prepared for installation in accordance with normal subfloor preparation procedures
and accepted tolerances within the wood flooring industry. Check the sub-floor to see if it specifically meets
the following requirements:
Dry - Concrete slabs must be at least 60 days old and the moisture content cannot exceed 3lbs./1000
sf under a Calcium Chloride test. The moisture content of the concrete floor must not exceed 3.9%
with use of a Tramax Concrete Moisture Encounter Meter. Also the RH levels in the Concrete using in-
situ Probes (ASTM F207-02) should not exceed 75%. If the moisture level of the concrete subfloor
cannot be determined or if levels exceed the desired parameters then the use of a 6 mil polyethylene
film vapor barrier (perm rating of .13 or less) is mandatory.
Wood sub-floors must not exceed 13% moisture content and the moisture content
difference between the sub-floor and the flooring material must not exceed 4%.
Flat - Floor must be even with a maximum tolerance between 1/8” over 6 ft or 3/16” in a 10 ft radius. (2mm
per 2.5 meters)
Clean and structurally sound - Free of debris and any other loose material. Wood sub-floors must be stable
and securely fastened to supporting joists. Be sure to nail or screw any areas that are loose or squeak. Sand,
scrap, or grind any raised edges and level all low spots with the appropriate leveling compound (Concrete
floors included) so that maximum tolerances are met.
Radiant Heat – Use of an approved wood flooring water or electrical radiant sub floor heating system is
approved when installed either within or above the concrete / wood sub-floor. The heating system should be
run 3 to 4 days prior to the installation at a reduced temperature of 64F (18c). Two days after the installation
is complete, the temperature of the system may be raised gradually over a one week period to its desired
operating temperature. Please note that the surface temperature of flooring should never exceed 81F (27C).
Adding humidification may be necessary to maintain humidity levels at required levels. Always follow the
flooring manufacturers’ recommendations when it comes to radiant heat.

Summary of content (4 pages)