Installation Guide
3
3
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 grow 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 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.
•
Inspect all planks for damage prior to installation. If you have any concerns about the product fit or finish, call USFloors Tech Services at
844-873-8123 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. Maximum operating temperature should
never exceed
85°F (30°C).
Use of an in-floor
temperature sensor
is
recommended
to avoid
o
v
erheating.
•
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.