Installation Guide

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Installation
For floating installations an underlayment is generally not required. However, if you prefer an even quieter installation you can
include an underlayment approved for resilient products.
Note: Larger rooms require additional expansion space. Add 1/16” to the width of the expansion space for every 3’ the room
extends beyond 25’.
Work from several open boxes of flooring and “dry lay” the floor before permanently laying the floor. This will allow you to select varying
textures, colors, and sheens, and to arrange them in a harmonious pattern. Remember, it is the installer’s responsibilit
y to determine
the expectations of what the finished floor will look like with the end user first and then to cull out pieces that do not meet those
expectations.
Begin installation next to an outside wall. This is usually the straightest and best reference for establishing a straight working line.
Establish this line by measuring an equal distance from the wall at both ends and snapping a chalk line.
The distance you measure
from the wall should be the width of a plank. You may need to scribe cut the first row of planks to match the wall in order to make a
straight working line if the wall is out of straight.
You may want to position a few rows before starting installation to confirm your layout decision and working line. When laying flooring,
stagger end joints from row to row by at least 8” (20
cm) for planks. Use the cut-off end to begin the next row when cutting the last
plank in a row to fit. If cut-off end is less than 8”, discard it and instead cut a new plank at a random length (at least 8” in length) and
use it to start the next row. Always begin each row from the same side of the room.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
These installation guidelines apply to the SMARTCORE® Naturals product. All instructions and recommendations should be followed for
a successful installation.
Tools: Tape Measure, Utility Knife, Jigsaw, Tapping Block or Rubber Mallet, Pull Bar, ¼” Spacers,T-Square, Safety Glasses, Broom or
Vacuum and, if necessary, tools for subfloor repair.
SMARTCORE® Naturals floor covering is an interior product and must be stored/installed in a temperature-controlled interior
environment, maintained between 55 and 85 degrees F or 13°-29°C.
Excessive moisture in the subfloor could promote mold, mildew, and other moisture related issues that will contribute to an
unhealthy indoor environment. USFloors is not responsible for damages related to these moisture issues. USFloors
recommends a 6 mil polyfilm when installing over concrete subfloors.
Flexible silicone caulking should be used around the perimeter of the installation in areas being exposed to excessive topical
moisture.
Flooring should be installed after all other trades have completed work that could damage the flooring.
Use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet or exceed maximum moisture level and pH requirements. Use of
gypsumbased 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.
Inspect all planks for damage prior to installation. If you have any concerns about the product fit or finish, call USFloors Tech
Services at 800-404-2675 Claims/Returns will not be accepted for any flooring that has been cut to size and/or installed.
Radiant Heat: SMARTCORE® Naturals flooring can be installed over radiant heat using either the floating or glue down method.
When gluing floor, use only USFloors approved adhesive over manufacturer’s recommended substrate. Radiant heat systems must
have a minimum of 1/2” separation from the product. Maximumoperating temperature should never exceed 85°F (30°C). Use of an in-
floor temperature sensor i
s recommended to avoid overheating.
Turn the heat off for 24 hours before, during and 24 hours after installation when installing over radiant heated
subfloors
Failure to turn the heat off may result in significantly shortened working time of the adhesive
Floor temperature must not exceed 85°F (30°C).
Once the installation has been completed, the heating system should be turned on and increased gradually (5 degree
increments) until returning to normal operating conditions.
Failure to strictly follow adhesive manufacturer’s guidelines may result in failure and void the warranty.
Warning: Electric heating mats that are not embedded into the subfloor are not recommended for use underneath
SMARTCORE® Naturals floors.
Installation: SMARTCORE® Naturals flooring is engineered to be installed utilizing the floating method. Do not install cabinets or fixed
objects atop the floor
ing. Proper expansion space is required. Undercut all doorjambs. Do not fasten wall moldings and or transition
strips to the floor and planks.
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For reference purposes only if printed or downloaded.