Installation Guide

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-floor temperature sensor is recommended to avoid overheating.
!
WARNING! DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP, DRY SCRAPE, DRILL, SAW,
BEADBLAST OR MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERIZE EXISTING RESILIENT
FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT, ASPHALTIC “CUTBACK” ADHESIVES
OR OTHER ADHESIVES.
These products may contain either asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation
of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers
greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the product is a non-
asbestos-containing material, you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the
material be tested to determine asbestos content and may govern the removal and disposal of material. See
current edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) publication Recommended Work Practices
for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings for detailed information and instructions on removing all
resilient covering structures. For current information go to www.rfci.com
C. Existing Floor Coverings

Floorte™ Pro 5 flooring can be installed over most existing hard–surface floor coverings,
provided that the existing floor surface is clean, flat dry and structurally sound.

Existing sheet vinyl floors 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 floors adhered to concrete.

Never use solvents or citrus adhesive removers to remove old adhesive residue. Solvent
residue left in and on the subfloor may affect the new floor covering.
III. INSTALLATION
Floating Installation Only
Floorte™ Pro 5 plank flooring is designed to be installed utilizing the floating method. Never
secure the planks to the subfloor when using the floating installation method. Do not install
cabinets or fixed objects on top of the flooring. Proper expansion space (5/16”), 8mm is
required. Undercut all doorjambs. Do not fasten wall moldings and or transition strips to the
planks.
1. Before you start with the installation, it is important to determine the layout of the flooring.
Proper planning and layout will prevent having narrow plank widths at wall junctures or
very short length pieces at the end of rows.
2. As with all plank products, install the planks parallel to the longest exterior wall.
3. Determine if the starter row will need to be cut. If the first row of planks does not need to be
trimmed in width, it will be necessary to cut off the unsupported tongue so that a clean,
solid edge shows towards the wall.
4. Installation of the product must start from the left side of the room, working to the right
when working in front of the planks or facing the starting wall.
5. Install the second plank in the row by angling the end tongue into the end groove of the first
plank. Be careful not to bend the corner of the plank. Maintain an expansion gap of
approximately 5/16" - 8mm from the wall. Start the second row by cutting a plank to the
desired length. Keep in mind that the plank must not be shorter than 6" (15cm) to achieve
the best appearance.
6. Install the first plank in the second row by inserting the long side tongue into the groove of
the plank in the first row. This is best done with a low angle of the plank. Maintain pressure
into the side seam as you rotate the plank to the subfloor. Install the second plank in the
second row by inserting the short end tongue into the previously installed plank groove.
Align the plank so that the long side tongue tip is positioned just over the groove lip of the
plank in the first row. Working from the end seam, at a low angle, insert the long tongue
into the groove of the adjoining plank. Very little force is required to seat the tongue into the
groove. You should feel the tongue lock into the groove.
7. Work across the length of the room installing planks along the wall in the first row and then
aligning the planks in the second row. It is critical to keep these two rows straight and
square, as they are the “foundation” for the rest of the installation. Check squareness and
straightness often.
8. Cut the last plank in the first row and leave an expansion gap of around 5/16" - 8mm.
Planks may be cut with a utility knife using the “score and snap” technique. The leftover of
this plank may be used to start the third row if it’s a minimum 6" - 15cm long.
9. Continue installing planks and make sure to achieve a random appearance with end pieces
of minimum 6" - 15cm. Check that all planks are fully engaged; if a slight gapping is found,
the gap can be tapped together by using a tapping block and a scrap of flooring to cover the
tapping block in order to avoid damages on the planks.
10. When fitting under door casings, if necessary, a flat pull bar may be used to assist in
locking the planks.
11. When fitting around obstacles or into irregular spaces, planks can be cut easily and
cleanly using a utility knife with a sharp blade. It is often beneficial to make a cardboard
template of the area and transfer this pattern to the plank.
12. Protect all exposed edges of the flooring by installing wall molding and/or transition
strips. Make sure that no plank will be secured in any way to the sub floor.
13. For wet areas such as bathrooms caulk the perimeter of the floor with a silicone caulk.
14. Protect the finished flooring from exposure to direct sunlight to reduce fading and
thermal expansion.
© Revised 021518 Shaw Industries Group, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company
For reference purposes only if printed or downloaded.