Installation Guide

Installation Instructions
lifeproof™ Waterproof Rigid Core
Luxury Vinyl Multi-Width Plank Flooring
For Assistance, Call: 1-866-843-8453
www.homedepot.com
Product Description
6.5 mm thick x 4.25 in., 5.59 in., 9.84 in.
(three plank widths) x 47.64 in. long
Rigid Core Vinyl Planks
Grade Levels
Above Grade / On Grade
Below Grade
Installation
Method
Floating - Drop
and Lock
2 HOMEDEPOT.COM/LIFEPROOF
8/29/2017 Please contact 1-866-843-8453 for further assistance.
EXISTING FLOORS
Installation over existing floor requires the installer to consider potential issues
related to moisture damage, adhesive failure and fastener failure. Contact the
adhesive and fastener manufacturers for instructions, recommendations and
requirements for their respective products.
Acceptable existing floor coverings include: solid hardwood, linoleum (1 layer
only), terrazzo, ceramic, and stone tile. Tiled floors with grout lines larger than
1/4 in. will require a cementitious leveling compound to fill any grout lines,
voids, or cracks.
Non-acceptable floor coverings include: carpet (any type), foam underlayment,
cushioned-back vinyl, rubber, cork, laminate, free-floating floors, and wooden
floors over concrete.
JOB SITE CONDITIONS
Prior to installation, the installer must ensure that job site conditions (including
subfloor/substrate, ambient temperature and relative humidity) will not
negatively affect the floor. The manufacturer is not responsible for damages
associated with improper installation or poor site conditions.
STORAGE AND CONDITIONS
The installation of lifeproof
TM
does not require acclimation. However, we
recommend installation in rooms with temperature between 50°F & 100°F
(10°C & 38°C). The HVAC system must be on and functional before, during and
after installation. Product should be stored horizontally in a dry area away
from direct sunlight. Do not leave next to heating or cooling ducts. Ensure that
all trades have been completed to eliminate dry wall dust, paints, etc. Do not
store flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For example, garages
and exterior patios are not acceptable areas to store flooring. Flooring stored
on a concrete slab should be elevated at least 4 in. to allow air circulation
under cartons.
EXISTING HOME
An existing home should have a consistent room temperature between 50°F
& 100°F (10°C & 38°C) and relative humidity (RH) of 40%-60%. Continual
deviation from these conditions can potentially affect the dimensional stability
of the flooring. When using a heater during winter months, humidity may be
much lower than the acceptable range. During the warmer months, maintain
humidity levels using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or by periodically turning
on your heating system.
NEW CONSTRUCTION OR REMODEL
All work involving water, such as the pouring of basement concrete floors,
drywall and plasterwork, plumbing, etc. must be completed well in advance of
the floor delivery. Ensure that the building is enclosed. Where building codes
allow, permanent heating and/or air conditioning systems should be operating
at least two weeks preceding installation and should be maintained during
and after installation. If it is not possible for the permanent heating and/or
air conditioning system to be operating before, during and after installation,
a temporary heating and/or dehumidification system that simulates normal
living (occupied) conditions can enable the installation to proceed until the
permanent heating and/or air conditioning system is fully operational. Your
job site should have a consistent temperature between 50°F & 100°F (10°C
& 38°C) and relative humidity (RH) of 40%-60% which should be maintained
continuously thereafter.
RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION AREA
Do not install vinyl planks over carpet or any foam underlayment. This product
is not suitable for any outside use, sunrooms/solariums, saunas, seasonal
porches, camping trailers, boats, RVs, 3-season rooms, lanais or rooms that
have a potential of flooding. Do not install in rooms or homes that are not
temperature controlled. Exposure to long term direct sunlight can cause
damage to your floor. Failure to properly shade or UV tint windows can
discolor, fade, or buckle vinyl planks. Use window treatments or UV tinting on
windows. Vinyl planks are not intended for use on stairs or vertical surfaces.
Do not glue, nail, screw or fasten to substrate. Install cabinetry, island and
peninsula counters, vanities, tubs, and showers first. Then, install vinyl planks
around them. Flooring can be installed under toilets. Leave proper expansion
space around flange and caulk. Do not anchor toilet through the material.
BASEMENTS AND CRAWL SPACES
Concrete slab or ground must be dry. Ensure that crawl spaces have open
vents year round to ensure proper air circulation and prevent moisture build-
up. The ground in the crawl spaces must be completely covered using 6 mil
polyethylene. Crawl space clearance between the earth and underside of joists
should be no less than 18 in. and the perimeter vent area should be equal to
1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space or as mandated by code.
RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOOR
This product can be installed over radiant heat concrete subfloors. The radiant
heating system must be cast 1/2 in. below the surface of the concrete slab and
should be operating at least 2 weeks before installation. Set the temperature
of the radiant heating system to 68°F (20°C) 48 hours before, during, and 72
hours after installation. You may gradually raise the temperature starting 72
hours after installation. The finished floor surface must not exceed 85°F (29°C)
for the life of the floor. Because radiant heat creates a dry heat that can lower
interior humidity levels, it may be necessary to add a humidifier to maintain
the humidity level between 40-60% to prevent damage to the vinyl floor.
Consult with the radiant heat system manufacturer to ensure that the system
is compatible with vinyl flooring.
MOISTURE BARRIER/UNDERLAYMENT PADDING
CONCRETE SUBFLOOR
When installing over a crawl space, it may be necessary to use a moisture
barrier to prevent moisture migration. A plastic film with a minimum thickness
of 6 mil should be placed with a 4 – 6 in. (101.6 – 152 mm) overlapped seam,
and taped with a suitable tape.
SOUND CONTROL UNDERLAYMENT
lifeproof
TM
vinyl flooring includes a pre-attached sound-mitigating
underlayment pad. Do not use any additional foam or cushioned underlayment,
as doing so will void the lifeproof
TM
Limited Warranty.
EXPANSION GAP
A required gap width of 1/4 in. is required around the perimeter of the floor
and between the floor and all vertical obstructions. Do not place permanently
mounted structures (such as kitchen counters/cabinets) on the installed floor.
TRANSITION MOLDING
Rooms larger than 100 ft. x 100 ft. require the use of coordinating T-molding
transitions. Doorways and archways less than 4 ft wide also require the use of
transition pieces.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS BASICS
Moisture meter (wood, concrete or both) • Utility knife & straight edge •
Measuring tape • 6 mm (1/4 in.) spacers • Pencil • Tapping block •
Soft faced hammer • Eye protection • Broom • Felt pads
OPTIONAL TOOLS: Jig saw • Table saw • Miter saw • Circular saw