Installation Guide

SUITABLE TYPES OF FLOORS AND FLOOR PREPARATION
CONTINUED
INSTALLATION
MAINTENANCE
avoid this, ensure that concrete suboors are constructed according to
the American Concrete Institution’s guidelines (ACI’s 302.2 Guide). To
check current conditions, a RH test using in situ Probes (ASTM F2170)
is necessary. There also is calcium chloride testing (ASTM F1869)
but the in situ Probe (ASTM F2170) is the preferred test. Lightweight
concrete (minimum density of 90 lbs. per cubic foot) is acceptable if
installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and primed with
A&A’s MS003 primer. Cover the ground surface with a minimum 6 mil
(0.15mm) plastic poly sheeting moisture barrier.
Note: New concrete needs to cure for at least 60 days before installing
ooring materials.
If considering Radiant heat, only Hydronic radiant heat is allowed. The
heating components must have a mínimum of 3/8” separation from the
product. System must be operational for a minimum of two weeks prior
to installation. Five days prior to installation, the temperature should be
reduced to 65°F (18°C). After installation, the temperature can be raised
gradually (5°F per hour) to a maximum operation temperature of 85°F
(29°C). An in-oor thermostat is recommended to avoid overheating
and a transition strip must be used for any installation longer than 40’ in
any direction. It is also suggested to use T-Molding in doorways.
long and the joint offset from the previous row should be at least 10”
(26cm) apart. To attach, tilt the plank you are installing slightly
upwards (about 15-25°), insert its tongue into the previous row’s
groove, and lower it into place. The plank will click into place with
light pressure (Figure D).
• Install the second plank in the second row by inserting the short end
tongue into the previously installed plank’s groove. Align the plank
so that the long side tongue tip is positioned just over the groove lip
of the plank in the rst row (Figure E). 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 t the tongue into the groove.
You should be able to feel the tongue lock into the groove (Figure F).
Continue locking each piece into place, short side rst and then
long side.
• To t the last row, lay a plank on top of the previous row. With the
plank against the wall, mark a line down the length of the plank and
cut the planks accordingly (Figure H).
• Door Frames and heating vents also require expansion room. Cut
the planks to the correct length. Place the cut plank next to its actual
position, use a ruler to measure the areas to be cut out and mark
them. Cut out the marked points allowing the correct expansion
distance on each side. T-molding is suggested in all doorways.
• You can trim doorframes by turning a panel upside down to use as
a height guide. Using a handsaw, cut door frames to the necessary
height so that planks slide easily under them.
• To nish the perimeter of the room, install quarter round molding u
sing nishing nails. Nail quarter round directly into the baseboard not
the ooring.
NEVER USE oor polish or oor cleaning wax, oils, soaps, etc. These
products can damage and/or leave a lm on the ooring. This is not a
ooring defect.
This product can be installed over most existing oors including
wood, non-cushioned vinyl or linoleum, and ceramic/porcelain tile if
the existing ooring is intact and properly secured to the suboor. If
installing over ceramic/porcelain tile, grout lines in excess of 1/16”
(0.625) must be lled with a Portland based skim coat/oor leveler
according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Warning: This product should not be installed over carpet. Installation
over carpet will void the warranty. When installed in rooms with direct
sunlight, during the peak hours of sunlight, the use of blinds/shades or
drapes to avoid prolonged direct sunlight period is recommended.
This product is waterproof but is not a moisture barrier. The product
can withstand topical water and water penetration for us to 16 hours
without being damaged. However, water leaking over or around the
outer edges of the ooring can damage a wood suboor and breed
mold/mildew growth on suboor and walls. This is not considered a
defect in the ooring.
Moisture in concrete suboors can créate high moisture vapor
emission levels, hydrostatic pressure, and high alkalinity levels. This
combination is highly corrosive and damaging to ooring, over time. To
• Remove the tongue (on the long side) from the rst row of planks.
This will ensure that the decorative surface of the ooring is under
the nished trim when installed. Use a utility knife to score through
the tongue several times until it easily snaps off (Figure A).
Note: The rst row of planks may need to be trimmed lengthwise for a
better t at the end of the installation. Measure the room and divide by
the width of the plank. If there is a remainder of less than 2”, the rst
row will need to be trimmed by that amount.
• Starting in the left hand corner, place the rst plank with its’ trimmed
side towards the wall. Use spacers along all walls to maintain a
minimum expansion gap of 1/4” (7-8mm) between the walls and the
ooring (Figure B).
• Attach the ends of the rst plank and the second plank by lifting the
second plank and inserting the tongue on the short side into the
groove of the rst plank and lowering it into place. Line up edges and
corners carefully (Figure C).
Using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge, score a line on the top
surface of the plank. The plank should split on the score line with little
effort. Use saw to cut plank to size.
Note: The end pieces must be longer than 8”. This may require cutting
a plank to start a row depending on the size of the room.
• Begin the next row with the cut piece from the previous row, creating
the necessary stagger. This piece should be a minimum of 8” (20cm)
Dust-mop or broom can be used for daily maintenance. When
necessary, clean with a MOIST cloth or mop and a neutral PH cleaner –
heavy use of detergent cleaners will leave a residue and, over time, lead
to a cloudy lm.
HARDWOOD FLOORING
INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS