Installation Guide

INSTALLATION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
All recommendations and guarantees as to the suitability and performance of lightweight concrete under resilient ooring
are the responsibility of the lightweight concrete manufacturer. The installer of the lightweight product may be required to be
authorized or certied by the manufacturer. Correct on-site mixing ratios and properly functioning pumping equipment are
critical. To ensure proper mixture, slump testing is recommended.
Lightweight aggregate concretes having dry densities greater than 90 lbs. per cubic foot may be acceptable under resilient ooring.
Concrete slabs with heavy static and/or dynamic loads should be designed with higher strengths and densities to support such loads.
Surface must be permanently dry, clean, smooth, free of all dust, and structurally sound.
Perform Bond testing to determine compatibility of adhesive to the substrate. Shaw 9050 primer can be utilized to promote adhesion.
Three internal relative humidity tests should be conducted for areas up to 1000 SF. One additional test, for each additional 1000 SF.
Radiant Heat: Hydronic only - Radiant heat components must have a minimum of 1/2" separation from the product. This is
the only type of radiant heat system that is approved. Radiant heat system must be on and operational for at least 2 weeks
prior to installation to reduce residual moisture within the concrete. Three days prior to installation lower the temperature to
65 degrees, after installation gradually increase the temperature in increments of 5° F to avoid overheating. Maximum
operating temperature should never exceed 85°F. Use of an in-oor temperature sensor is recommended to avoid
overheating.
C. EXISTING FLOOR COVERINGS
Flooring can be installed over most existing hard-surface oor coverings, provided that the existing oor surface is fully
adhered, clean, at dry structurally sound and free of deection.
Existing sheet vinyl oors should not be heavily cushioned and not exceed more than one layer in thickness. Soft underlayment and soft substrates will
compromise the product's locking ability as well as diminish its indentation resistance.
Installation is NOT allowed over any type of carpet.
Do NOT install over wood oors adhered to concrete.
Never use solvents or citrus adhesive removers to remove old adhesive residue. Solvent residue left in and on the suboor may affect the new oor
covering.
III. INSTALLATION
Tools: Tape Measure, Utility Knife, Jigsaw, Tapping Block or Rubber Mallet, Pull Bar, 1/4" Spacers, T-Square, Safety Glasses,
Broom or Vacuum and, if necessary, tools for suboor repair.
Floating Installation
WPC / SPC plank ooring is designed to be installed utilizing the oating method. Proper expansion space 1/4” (6.35 mm) is
required. Undercut all doorjambs. Do not fasten wall moldings and or transition strips to the planks.

Glue Down Installation: WPC / SPC products are approved for glue down installation over approved wood and concrete
substrates. Follow adhesive label application instructions. Maintain 1/4” (6.35 mm) perimeter expansion space. Refer to
adhesive label for moisture limits of the adhesive.
With IXPE/EVA attached pad: Shaw T-180, Shaw 200 & Shaw DP99
Without attached pad: Shaw 200 (residential/multi-family), Shaw 4100 (commercial, rolling load exposure & high trafc areas)
Cork backed products: Shaw 200, Shaw 1500, Shaw 4100 & Shaw 4151
Tile patterns must be installed in a staggered (offset) brick pattern. Minimum 1/3 offset 1/2 offset is preferred.
2For reference purposes only if printed or downloaded. Revision: 05242019