Installation Guide
INSTALLATION
6. Install rst row of planks with groove facing the straight edge. Work from right to left. Complete the rst row. Make sure there are no gaps between the
boards. Use a tapping block if need to close the boards together. Immediately wipe away any excessive adhesive with a clean, slightly dampened cloth.
CAUTION: Adhesive that is allowed to dry on the nish surface can be difcult to remove and may leave a haze.
7. At the end wall use an end pry bar, if needed, to pull the ends of the planks tight.
8. Continue to install the oor working right to left, repeating the process until the completion of the oor. Continue to use the spacers on all vertical
surfaces to maintain the ½” expansion.
DO NOT USE laminate straps as they may damage the ooring
9. The last row will most likely require cutting to width but it should be no less than 1 ½” wide. To do this, lay the plank face up on top of the last full row
installed. Trace the wall contour on the last plank using a scrap piece of plank and a pencil.
10. Install cut planks and pull into place with a pry bar. Install spacing wedges between planks and wall.
11. Remove the straight edge (starter row) and install the last row using the pry bar. Allow oor to dry for a minimum of 12 hours before removing all
spacing wedges and allowing foot trafc.
12. Install trim and moldings the following day.
RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOORS
Refer to Website or Sample board to conrm as an approved product.
Non Approved products are not warranted for use over Radiant Heat.
Prior to installation of ooring over radiant heat system it is important that the guidelines are followed in strict accordance. Failure to follow
the guidelines may produce unsatisfactory results.
Floating installation method only, direct glue down is NOT recommended.
Sub oor must be at to 3/16” in 10’ or 1/8” in 6’
Prior to installation moisture testing must be conducted and documented per ASTM test method 1869-89 for concrete or using a pin type meter
for wood sub oors.
The moisture content for concrete sub oors registered after a calcium chloride test must not be greater than 2 pounds per 1000 square feet of
area. If it exceeds these limits, DO NOT install the ooring.
Relative humidity of the jobsite must be maintained between 35-55% relative humidity. Use of humidication system may be required to
maintain the proper humidity level. Failure to maintain proper humidity level can result in excessive dryness of ooring.
It is highly recommended that the radiant heat system be designed specically to accept a wood oor.
Use of an in oor temperature sensor as well as a separate thermostat for the individual room is required.
An outdoor temperature sensor should be used to adjust water temperature according to anticipated heat loss.
Jobsite Requirements
Prior to installation of ooring the radiant system must be installed per manufacturer’s instructions.
Before installation of ooring material the follow conditions are required:
1. Moisture content of concrete must not exceed 2.0 lbs. per CaCl test method (ASTM1869-89) Wood sub oors not to exceed 12% and be within 4% of the
wood ooring.
2. Concrete must be allowed to properly cure and dry a minimum of 4 weeks prior to operation of radiant heat system
3. Operation of radiant heat system should be set to run at 2/3 maximum output for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to installation of ooring to further allow
moisture from concrete to dissipate and reach a nal moisture content. This must be done in both heating and non-heating seasons.
4. Prior to installation (4 days) reduce to a temperature of 65°.
5. Floating Installation - Install ooring according to oating oor installation guidelines. Use of a 2 in 1 underlayment is required.
6. When gluing planks run a continuous bead of adhesive in the groove on both the end and length of the board.
7. Remove any excess glue that squeezes out onto surface of the planks with a clean damp rag. Change rags and water periodically to avoid leaving a haze
on surface.
After Installation & Seasonal Operation
48 hours after completion of installation, slowly raise temperature of the heating system to its preferred operating level over a period of 5 days. Do not
allow the surface temperature to exceed 80°
Humidity level must be maintained between 35%-55% R.H.
Seasonal gapping should be expected.
Surface checking can be expected if the proper humidity level is not properly maintained between 35-55% R. H. or if the oor’s surface temperature
exceeds 80°.
Completing the Job – All Installations
Sweep or vacuum oor
Clean the oor with proper hardwood oor cleaner
Install transition pieces -i.e. – thresholds, t-moldings, base boards and quarter round. Nail moldings to wall, not the oor.
Inspect nal oor for nicks and or minor gaps – ll with appropriate color wood putty.
Unused material should be left with owner and stored in a dry place in case of future repairs are needed.
Use plywood or hardboard when moving heavy appliances or furniture across oor.
Floor Protection During Construction
After installation, if you choose to protectively cover the oor, cover the oor completely, since some species are light-
sensitive and uncovered areas may change color. Use a covering material with a vapor permeance (perm rating) of 1 perm or
more (tested inaccordance with ASTM E-96) to avoid trapping moisture/vapor on or within the oor. Any covering should be
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