Installation Guide

05152020
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All instructions and recommendations should be followed for a
satisfactory installation.
Acclimation of material prior to installation is not
required, however, the floor covering should be installed
in a climate controlled environment with an ambient
temperature range between 55° - 85°F (1-29°C) or
average temperature of 70°F (21.1°C).
For installations involving 3 season scenarios, meaning,
the dwelling or installed space is without climate control
for extended periods during certain seasons of the year,
the post installation temperature range allowed is an
ambient room temperature between -25°F and 155°F
(31.- 68.3°C). This allowance is for floating floors only
and does not apply to glue-down installations.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods,
doing so may result in discoloration. During peak sunlight
hours, the use of the drapes or blinds is recommended.
Excess temperature due to direct sunlight can result in
thermal expansion and UV fading.
Install product after all other trades have completed work
that could damage the flooring.
If cabinets are to be installed on top of the flooring
(including islands), that area of material must be fully
adhered to the subfloor (including an additional 2 ft.
beyond the cabinets and islands).
To minimize shade variation, mix and install flooring from
several cartons.
Inspect all flooring for damage before installing. If you
have any concerns about the product fit or finish, call
Shaw Information Services at 1-800-441-7429. Claims
will not be accepted for flooring that has been cut to size
and/or installed.
Use cementitious patching and leveling compounds
that meet or exceed maximum moisture level and pH
requirements. Use of gypsum-based patching and/
or leveling compounds which contain Portland or high
alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive
strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable.
For cracks or saw cuts deeper than 1", follow the
preparation and application instructions for Shaw QuikFill.
QuikFill is a 2-part urethane treatment that prevents
future damage from moisture penetrating to the surface
of the slab that may damage or breakdown adhesives or
unapproved patching compounds.
Installation Methods: Floating (on, above or below grade)
/ Glue Down (on, above or below grade)
Required perimeter expansion spacing for Floating or Glue
Down installation is as follows:
For areas less than 2500 sq/ft. use 1/4" gap
For areas larger than 2500 sq/ft. use 1/2" gap.
This flooring is waterproof and reliably secures the
flooring panels on all four sides. However, excessive
moisture in the subfloor could promote mold, mildew, and
other moisture related issues like the trapping of moisture
emissions under the flooring, which may contribute to an
unhealthy indoor environment.
Additional layer of 6-mil poly film or equal vapor retarder
with a perm rating of 1 or less may be used as an
additional layer of protection.
All subfloors must be clean, flat, dry and structurally sound.
The correct preparation of the subfloor is a major part of a
successful installation. Subfloor must be flat; 3/16" in 10' or
1/8" in 6'.
A. Wood Subfloors
Do not install material over wood subfloors that lay directly
on concrete or over dimensional lumber or plywood used
over concrete. Refer to ASTM F1482 for panel underlayment
recommendations.
1. Do not apply sheet plastic over wood subfloors.
2. Basements and crawl spaces must be dry. Use of a 6
mil black polyethylene is required to cover 100% of the
crawl space earth. Crawl space clearance from ground to
underside of joist is to be no less than 18” and perimeter
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
2. SUBFLOOR INFORMATION
TECHNICAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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