Installation & Assembly

SEHWII011007
3) Wait 24-48 hours, remove and check for the appearance of condensation or a darkening of the concrete slab.
4) Either occurrence signals the likely presence of excess moisture, requiring a mandatory Calcium Chloride
Test.
If you have determined that the slab has excessive moisture, then Calcium Chloride and PH alkalinity tests must be
performed to determine the moisture content, vapor emissions, and alkalinity levels in the concrete floor. Test
evaluations will determine what corrective measures need to be taken.
• Perform a Calcium Chloride test according to the manufacturers’ instructions. The maximum acceptable
reading is 3-lbs. /1000 sq. ft /24 hours for moisture emissions.
• Perform a PH Alkalinity Test according to the manufacturers’ instructions. A pH reading of 6-9 on a pH
number scale of 1-14 is acceptable.
y If the test results exceed these readings, the concrete slab should be sealed with an appropriate sealer
that will correct high emissions, as per the sealant manufacturers’ recommendations.
y Also check all site drainage to make sure all exterior water flows are directed away from the job site.
Installation on Plywood and Wood Substrates: Do not install over particleboard, with exception of products that can
be installed using the floating installation method. Subfloor should be constructed of 5/8” or thicker plywood when
installing directly over 16” on center 2”x10” joists. 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 new
hardwood flooring directly over an old wood or strip wood floors, sand any high spots. Re-nail the old floor to eliminate
squeaks or loose boards, and install new planks at right angle (perpendicular) to the old floor. The moisture content of the
wood or plywood subfloor should not exceed 14%.
Important: Do not install any Shaw Hardwood Flooring Product using the glue down installation method over any
vinyl asbestos flooring, vinyl composition tile, linoleum, asphalt tile, ceramic or stone tiles, carpet, or vinyl sheet
products. Use a Shaw Hardwood that is rated for the Floating Floor Installation Method.
Installation on Concrete Slabs:
Note: Slip Sheet method of Installation has specific installation requirements. Contact Shaw Technical services at
1-800-441-7429 for approved installation procedures.
Important: Please see section “Installing Shaw Hardwood Floor over Radiant Heated Subfloors” below if installing
radiant heated floor systems. Hardwood planks with HDF core are not approved to install over any type of radiant
heated flooring systems, except for the Esteem VersaLock (oak only) hardwood.
FLOATING FLOOR INSTALLATION METHOD
Approved Subfloor Types:
All Shaw Engineered Hardwood Flooring
™
products which have been approved for the floating installation method
can be installed over any dry, level, sound subfloor, regardless of install level or sub floor type. All subfloors should
be covered with Shaw Silent Step
™
“3 in 1” or “2 in 1” Underlayment, or an approved foam underlayment. When
using a basic foam underlayment over a concrete subfloor, you must also use a 6 or 8 mil. polyethylene film under
the foam pad, which acts as a vapor barrier.
Note: Any pre-existing wood panels or strips that are floating or direct glued to the concrete slab, must be removed
before installing Shaw Engineered Hardwood flooring using the floating method.
Below Grade: All Shaw Engineered Hardwood Products, when installed using the floating installation method, can
be installed below grade.Always check the slab for exccessive moisture and perform a PH test to insure that the slab
is suitable for hardwood installation.(See Concrete Slabs:) Install Shaw Silent Step
™
“3in1”, “2in1” Underlayment,
or the 6 mil. poly film and basic foam underlayment,which should be installed with ends butted together and taped
with a clear 2” packaging tape to prevent any moisture from coming up through the seams. The Silent Step
™
“3 in
1”, “2in1” underlayment or 6 mil. poly film should be lapped up the wall 4” all the way around the room. This can
be trimmed off after moldings are installed. If you are using the Silent Step
™
“3 in 1”or “2 in 1” Underlayment, you
are ready to begin the installation. However, if you have used the 6 mil. poly film, you need to install a approved
basic foam pad on top of the 6 mil poly film butting the edges (but not overlapping). All seams must be taped with
2” clear package tape when installing over concrete slab.