Installation Guide

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND LIMITED 50 YEAR RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY
2G / FD CLICK PREFINISHED ENGINEERED PLANK
2
SF2GFDFI50 REV. CRB 3-16
● DRY - - Moisture content of sub floor must not exceed 14% prior to installation of wood flooring. All moisture testing must be
verified & documented before and after wood has been acclimated 48 hours and job site requirements met.
WOOD SUBSTRATES: Test the moisture of the wood substrate using a calibrated moisture meter approved for testing wood
moisture according to the meter manufacturer. The reading should not exceed 14%, or read more than a 4% difference than
moisture content of products being installed.
CONCRETE SLABS (regardless of existing floor covering): All concrete sub floors must be tested for moisture content prior
to installation of the hardwood flooring. The concrete subfloor must be a minimum of 30 days old prior to moisture testing. The
moisture content of the concrete sub floor must not exceed 3 lbs. /1000 sq. ft. /24 hour emissions per CCTM and or 75% per
Relative Humidity Test
Below are methods to test to indicate moisture is present in the concrete sub floor:
1) Use an approved calibrated concrete moisture meter (Tramex Concrete Encounter) as a preliminary measurement for moisture.
Follow manufacturer’s specific calibration requirements.
Any reading higher than 4% indicates the need for a Calcium Chloride (ASTM F-1868) and or Relative Humidity test (ASTM F-
2170) and pH test.
2) Perform a polyfilm test. Tape down 2’ x 2’ polyfilm squares (a clear garbage bag or plastic drop cloth will do) in several places on the
floor. Wait 24-48 hours, and then check for the appearance of condensation on the inside of the bag or plastic for a darkening on the
concrete sub floor. Either occurrence signals the likely presence of excess moisture, requiring a mandatory calcium chloride test.
3) Test with a 3% Phenolphthalein in Anhydrous Alcohol Solution. Do not apply solution directly to the concrete surface. First chip ¼”
deep into the concrete test area and apply several drops of the solution. Any change in color signals the likely presence of excess
moisture, requiring a mandatory calcium chloride test.
4) Once you have determined the moisture content and that moisture is present a calcium chloride and pH alkalinity test must be
performed to determine the moisture emissions through the concrete slab of the moisture and alkalinity in the concrete floor so
appropriate corrective action can be taken.
● Perform a calcium chloride test (ASTM 1869) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The maximum acceptable reading is
3-lbs. /24 hours/1000 sq. ft. for moisture emissions. Three test for the first 1,000 square feet and one test for every 1,000
square feet thereafter.
 Perform a Relative Humidity test (ASTM2170) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The maximum reading is 75%.
Three tests for the first 1,000 square feet and one test for every 1,000 square feet thereafter.
● Perform a pH alkalinity test according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A pH reading of 6-9 on a pH number scale of 1-14 is
acceptable.
● If the test results exceed this number, the concrete slab should be sealed with appropriate sealers to correct those emissions
as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. This must be documented before installation.
Note: If excessive moisture (3-lbs. to 7-lbs.) is present or anticipated, use a moisture retardant system to seal the concrete or an
inexpensive sheet vinyl/slip sheet glued directly to the concrete slab to reduce vapor intrusion. Follow the instructions of the sheet vinyl
manufacturer, using a premium grade alkaline resistant adhesive, and full spread application system to bond the vinyl to the subfloor.
For additional requirements and information, refer to our Slip Sheet Technical Note.
Note: If a sub floor has been flooded or rained upon, it may not be suitable to install flooring.
INSTALLATION on WOOD SUBSTRATE:
Note: Do not use the glue down or staple down installation method on underlayment grade particleboard.
Sub floor should be constructed of 5/8” (19/32”) or thicker plywood or 3/4“(23/32") OSB when installing directly over minimum 2 x 10 floor
joists 16” on center. For up to 19.2” on center 3/4“(23/32") plywood or OSB should be used. For 19.2” to 24” on center 7/8” plywood or
OSB should be used. Structural Panels must be installed sealed side down. Plywood sheets should be laid with grained outer plies at
right angles to joists; adjacent rows staggered four feet and nailed every 6” along each joist with 7D or larger nails. When installing
directly over old wood or strip floor, sand any high spots, re-nail old floor to eliminate squeaks or loose boards, and install new planks at
right angle (perpendicular) to the old floor, or overlay old floor with 1/4” plywood underlayment. Leave a 1/8” gap at the edges and nail
with 7D or larger nails every 6” at the edges and every 12” in both directions and through the interior of each sheet of plywood. Edge swell
should be flattened. The moisture content of the wood or plywood should not exceed 14%.
INSTALLATION on CONCRETE SLABS:
All concrete sub floors should be tested for moisture content. New concrete slabs require a minimum of 30 days curing time before
moisture testing and installation. Concrete sub floors must be free of existing adhesives, grease, oil, dirt, and curing compound. These
may be removed chemically or mechanically, but do not use a solvent based stripper. The residual solvents can prohibit satisfactory bond
of floor adhesives, the concrete, and the flooring. To ensure a lasting bond make sure the perimeter of the foundation has adequate
drainage and vapor retarder.
Apply a liquid based moisture vapor retarter coating to the subfloor. Over concrete, use only concrete moisture sealer systems that are
specifically designed for moisture suppression and adhesive bonding properties. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.
The underlying floor must be permanently dry and protected against moisture. If this requirement is not met, the planks can swell, shrink
and warp and may void the warranty.
Note: LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE:
Lightweight concrete has a dry density of 100 pounds or less per cubic foot and is only suitable for engineered wood floors when
using the floating installation method. Many products have been developed as self-leveling toppings or floor underlayment. These
include cellular concrete, resin reinforced cementations, underlayments and gypsum-base materials. Although some of these
products may have the necessary qualifications of underlayment for wood flooring installation, others do not. To test for lightweight
concrete, scrape a coin or key across the surface of the sub-floor. If the surface powders easily or has a dry density of 100 pounds or