VINYL PLANK FLOORING INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

READ BEFORE INSTALLING

Vinyl Plank flooring is designed to replicate the look of a real wood floor. Our intention is to include variations in surface texture, color, grain patterns, and gloss levels. To make the floor look as realistic as possible, we recommend working from several cartons at once for a natural look.

The installer and/or end user is responsible to inspect the floor before installing the planks. If a plank is questionable in terms of color, pattern, texture, gloss level, or milling, do not install it. The Manufacturer cannot be responsible once the plank is installed.

Due to the precise milling of the tongue and groove click system, subfloor flatness needs to be <2mm within 1m area for best product performance. The Manufacturer also recommends maintaining a mm expansion space along both edges and ends of the boards and between any walls or vertical obstructions. And while our floor is waterproof, it is not a proper moisture barrier. Proper waterproofing practices should be followed to protect the home from moisture issues.

PREINSTALLATION JOBSITE CHECK LIST

· Jobsite conditions are beyond the control and responsibility of the Manufacturer.

· Inspect each piece before installing and do not install any questionable/objectionable pieces.

· Crawl spaces below flooring must be properly ventilated and covered with underlay.

· Room temperature in the home, before, during, and after installation needs to be consistent with normal living conditions. (approximately 65-75 degrees and 30 to 50% humidity levels)

· Vinyl flooring can be susceptible to thermal degradation if subjected to long periods of direct exposure to excessive heat and sunlight. Use of shades/blinds/drapes, or other window treatments is suggested to avoid exposing the floor to extreme sunlight conditions.

SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS

· Subfloor must be clean, structurally sound/tight, and visibly dry.

· Floor must be flat to <2mm within 1m area.

· Acceptable Substrates include: Concrete Slab, Sheet Vinyl, Ceramic Tile, CDX Grade Plywood, OSB (3/4” Min), Underlayment grade Particleboard, and existing Hardwood or Laminate floors.

RADIANT HEAT: It is approved for over in-floor radiant heat systems. The following guidelines apply:

· The heating system should be turned off during the installation, as well as 24 hours before, and 24 hours after.

· After installation, the system should gradually be brought up to temperature, and should never exceed 85 degrees.

· Surface applied heating matts are not an acceptable type of radiant heat.

BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR FLOOR

· Plan your layout to allow for a 6-10mm expansion space from all vertical obstructions.

· Dry lay several cartons of flooring to get a feel for color and surface variations and to make sure the floor meets the end user’s satisfaction. Claims for color, surface, and grain variations cannot be accepted once the floor is installed.

· Place the floor in the home at least 48hours before installing, to adapt with room temperature and moisture condition.

· If color coordinated molding is to be used, first select panels that best match the available molding and make sure these panels are installed adjacent to the molding.

FLOOR INSTALLATION

· Carefully follow the installation graphics and printed instructions below each picture.

· Take precautions with tapping blocks and pull bars so that the Unilin Angle/Tap tongue and groove system is not damaged.

INSTALLING UNDER DOOR JAMBS:

MAINTAINING AND PROTECTING YOUR FLOOR

· As with any fine floor covering, care should be taken when moving heavy furniture or appliances back into the room. Use wood panels to protect the floor when rolling heavy appliances back into place.

· Proper floor protectors should be used under any furniture which is regularly moved, or which is heavy and may dent the floor.

· Non staining, non-rubber backed protective matts should be used under rolling office chairs, and any rolling furniture/carts need to have wide, flat wheels.

· Protective walk off matts should be used at all exterior doors.

· Oil and petroleum-based driveways can stain vinyl floors. Do not track petroleum-based products onto a floor.

· Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dirt/grit. Do not use a vacuum with a revolving beater bar.

·It should be regularly cleaned with a low PH cleaner such as 3M neutral cleanser. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.