Installation Guide

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CaliFloors.com
CALI Cork Flooring Installation Guide
Joist System Spacing (Inches on Center) Minimum Thickness
12” 5/8”
12” to 16” 3/4”
16” to 19.2” 7/8”
19.3 to 24” 1-1/8”
Quick Tip! If your plywood, OSB or particle board subfloor is reading higher than 13% MC it is advised to find and
correct the source of moisture intrusion before continuing installation. CALI is not responsible for any damage caused
by moisture intrusion.
Concrete Subfloors: Concrete subfloors must be fully cured and at least 60 days old, preferably 90 days old. If leveling
is needed, grind down high spots and level low spots with a Portland based leveling compound. Slabs must be free of
hydrostatic pressure.
Quick Tip! When laying 6 mil plastic it is always advised to overlap the seams at least 6” and cover all seams with duct
tape.
Ceramic Tile, resilient tile and sheet vinyl must be well-bonded to subfloor, in good condition, clean and level. We do
not recommend sanding existing vinyl floors, as they may contain asbestos. We do recommend filling any grout lines or
embossing with a compatible patch compound. Any damaged caused by skipping this step will not be covered by CALI.
Crawlspaces must have a minimum of a 6-mil polyethylene sheeting covering any exposed earth. Crawl spaces must
have adequate ventilation and a minimum of 18” of air space between the ground and the floor joist.
Moisture/Vapor Barriers are required when installing cork flooring. It is the customer’s/installer’s responsibility to
check the subfloor for moisture prior to installing the floor. Always install a moisture barrier capable of protecting the
amount of moisture coming from the subfloor. Moisture intrusions from concrete hydrostatic pressure, flooding, or
plumbing leaks, along with high levels of alkalinity, can affect the floor over time. Moisture can also be trapped below
the flooring and create mold or mildew. The installer, not CALI, is responsible for making sure the concrete moisture and
alkalinity are suitable prior to installing this floor.
Radiant Heat Systems
CALI® flooring is only recommended for use over radiant heat systems if the special requirements specified by the
National Wood Flooring Association are met (please refer to the NWFA’s Radiant Heat Guidelines). Ensuring stable job
site conditions, subfloor suitability and proper acclimation are especially important when installing over a radiant heat
system. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the recommended environmental conditions are met for
installation. Refer to your radiant heat system manufacturer to determine its compatibility with bamboo flooring, and to
learn the specific requirements for installation.
• Because of the wide variety of systems on the market (Hydronic, embedded in concrete, electrical wire/coil,
heating film/mat) each with its own features and applications it is recommended that the user consult with the
radiant heating provider for best practices, installation methods and proper subfloors.
• The floating installation method is the only method recommended for use with radiant heat systems.
• Radiant heat system must be turned on and in operation for at least one week before installation.
• The flooring must be acclimated per CALI’s required acclimation instruction over the radiant heat with the system
turned on throughout the acclimation timeframe.
• The system must be turned down to 65°F and maintained 24 hours prior to installation.
• Once install is complete, turn system back on and slowly bring back up to normal operating temperature over a
period 4-5 days.
• Floor should never be heated over 82°F. Consult with your radiant heating system manufacturer to successfully limit
the maximum temperature.
• Always remember that rugs placed over radiant heated flooring can increase the surface temperature in that area
by 3°- 5°F degrees.
• Relative Humidity must be maintained between 35-65%. The use of a humidifier may be necessary to achieve this.
• When turning off the radiant heat system it must be turned down slowly at a rate of 1.5° degrees per day. You
should never just turn the system off.
• For additional information on radiant heating systems please refer to http://www.radiantpanelassociation.org or the
NWFA’s Radiant Heat Guidelines.
Pre-Installation
Acceptable Subfloor Thickness Requirements:
Wood Subfloors: Wood Subfloors must be
securely fastened. A best practice is to nail or
screw every 6” along joists to avoid squeaking.
If leveling is needed, sand down high spots and
fill in low spots with a Portland based leveling
compound.