REVISED  JULY  21,  2015  

ENGINEERED  FLOORING  

INSTALLATION  INSTRUCTIONS  

 &  FLOOR  CARE  GUIDE  

 

IMPORTANT   TOOLS  NEEDED    

Please  read  these  instructions  prior  to  proceeding  with  installation.  

•     To  ensure  the  full  benefit  of  warranties,  these  instructions  and  maintenance   procedures  must  be  followed.  

•   Hardwood  flooring  is  a  beautiful  product  with  natural  variations  in  color,  tone  and   grain.  We  cannot  warrant  against  color  variations  within  a  floor  nor  variations   between  samples  and  the  installed  floor.    

•   Subfloors  must  be  dry,  level  and  clean.  

•   Both  room  and  flooring  must  be  properly  acclimated  to  temperature  and     humidity  conditions.    It  is  not  necessary  to  open  boxes  during  acclimation.  

•   Installers:  Inform  your  customers  of  the  details  in  section:  “Installers  –  Advise  Your  

Customer  of  the  Following.”  

•   Do  not  open  flooring  packages  until  you  are  ready  to  begin  installation.  

•   Work  out  of  several  cartons  at  the  same  time  to  ensure  color  and  shade  mix.  

•     This  flooring  may  be  laid  over  radiant  heating  provided  there  is  effective  and  uniform   heat  distribution  over  the  entire  floor.  The  floor’s  surface  temperature  must  never   exceed  80°F  in  any  place.    Maple,  Beech,  Ash  and  Asian  Jatoba  expand  and  contract   more  than  other  wood  species.  There  is  a  greater  risk  of  gaps  occurring  with  these   species  especially  when  installed  over  radiant  heating  systems.  Such  gaps  are  NOT   manufacturing  defects  and  are  not  covered  by  the  warranty.  

•   Do  not  use  water  based  adhesives  over  sheet  vapor  barriers  or     sound  insulation.  

•     Not  recommended  for  bathroom  or  other  high  moisture  installation  areas.    

•   Use  of  stain,  filler  or  putty  stick  for  defect  correction  during  installation  should  be   accepted  as  normal  procedure.  

•   Handsaw,  circular  saw  or  jigsaw  

•   Chalk  line  

•   Hammer  

•   Tape  measure  

•   Pull  bar  

•   Tapping  block  

•   Wooden  or  plastic  spacer  wedges  

 

•   Moisture  meter  (wood,  concrete  or  both)    

For  glue-­‐down  installations,  use  Fortane  Adhesives  or  equivalent  flooring  adhesive  (See   your  distributor  or  retailer  for  adhesive  recommendations.)  Follow  manufacturer’s  guidelines   and  tool  recommendations  when  using  adhesive.    Do  not  use  water  based  adhesives  over  sheet   vapor  barriers  or  sound  insulation.  

 

For  nail-­‐down  or  staple-­‐down  installations,  use  the  proper  nailer.  See  Nail-­‐Down  or  Staple-­‐

 

Down  Installation.  

For  floating  installations  use  white  wood  glue  (PVAC).  

CAUTION: By  not  using  proper  tools,  “puckering”  may  result  on  the  face  of  the  plank.  The   manufacturer  is  not  responsible  for  problems  caused  by  use  of  improper  tools.  See  your   distributor  for  tool  recommendations  and  use.  

 

Note:  Never  hit  the  planks  directly  with  a  hammer.  Always  use  a  wooden  block  to  protect  

the  edges  of  the  boards.  

 

 

INSTALLER/OWNER  RESPONSIBILITY  

Beautiful  hardwood  floors  are  a  product  of  nature.  This  flooring  is  manufactured  in  accordance   with  accepted  industry  standards,  which  permit  a  defect  tolerance  not  to  exceed  5%.  The   defects  may  be  manufacturing  or  natural.  

•   When  flooring  is  ordered,  5%  must  be  added  to  the  actual  square  footage  needed  for   cutting  and  grading  allowance.  

•   The  installer  assumes  all  responsibility  for  final  inspection  of  product  quality.  This   inspection  of  all  flooring  should  be  done  before  installation.  Carefully  examine  flooring  for   color,  manufacturing,  factory  finish  and  quality  before  installing  it.  The  installer  must  use   reasonable  selectivity  and  hold  out  or  cut  off  pieces  with  defects,  whatever  the  cause.  If   material  is  not  acceptable,  do  not  install  it  and  contact  the  seller  immediately.  

•   Prior  to  installation  of  any  hardwood-­‐flooring  product,  the  installer  must  determine  that   the  job-­‐site  environment  and  the  subfloors  involved  meet  or  exceed  all  applicable  

standards  and  recommendations  of  the  construction  and  materials  industries.  These   instructions  recommend  that  the  construction  and  subfloor  be  dry,  stiff  and  flat.  The   manufacturer  declines  any  responsibility  for  job  failure  resulting  from  or  associated  with   sub-­‐surface  or  job-­‐site  environmental  deficiencies.  

ATTENTION  INSTALLERS,  CAUTION:  WOOD  DUST  

Sawing,  sanding  and  machining  wood  products  can  produce  wood  dust.  Airborne  wood  dust   can  cause  respiratory,  eye  and  skin  irritation.  The  International  Agency  for  Research  on  Cancer  

(IARC)  has  classified  wood  dust  as  a  nasal  carcinogen  in  humans.  

Precautionary  Measures:  If  power  tools  are  used,  they  should  be  equipped  with  a  dust   collector.  If  high  dust  levels  are  encountered,  use  an  appropriate  NIOSH-­‐designated  dust  mask.  

Avoid  dust  contact  with  eye  and  skin.  

First  Aid  Measures  in  case  of  Irritation:  In  case  of  irritation,  flush  eyes  or  skin  with  water  for   at  least  15  minutes.    

Material  Safety  Data  Sheets  are  available  at  1-­‐866-­‐722-­‐4442  

INSTALLERS  -­‐  ADVISE  YOUR  CUSTOMER  OF  THE  

FOLLOWING  

SEASONS:  HEATING  AND  NON-­‐HEATING  

Recognizing  that  wood  floor  dimensions  will  be  slightly  affected  by  varying  levels  of  humidity   within  your  building,  care  should  be  taken  to  control  humidity  levels  within  the  35-­‐55%  and  

60°–75°  Fahrenheit  temperature  range.  To  protect  your  investment  and  to  assure  that  your   floors  provide  lasting  satisfaction,  we  recommend  the  following:  

•   Heating  Season  (Dry)  -­‐  A  humidifier  is  recommended  to  prevent  excessive  shrinkage  in   wood  floors  due  to  low  humidity  levels.  Wood  stoves  and  electric  heat,  in  particular,  tend  to   create  very  dry  conditions.  

•   Non-­‐Heating  Season  (Humid,  Wet)  -­‐  Proper  humidity  levels  can  be  maintained  by  use  of  an   air  conditioner,  dehumidifier,  or  by  turning  on  your  heating  system  periodically  during  the   summer  months.  Avoid  excessive  exposure  to  water  from  tracking  during  periods  of   inclement  weather.  Do  not  obstruct  in  any  way  the  expansion  joint  around  the  perimeter  of   your  floor.  

RADIANT  HEATING  

See  the  “Installing  Over  Radiant  Heat”  and  “Exclusions  To  Warranty:  Radiant  Heat”  sections  for   specific  details  to  inform  your  customers  about  radiant  heating.    

 

FLOOR  REPAIR  

Minor  damage  can  be  repaired  with  a  touch-­‐up  kit  or  filler.  Major  damage  will  require  board   replacement,  which  can  be  done  by  a  professional  floor  installer.  

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PRE-­‐INSTALLATION  PROCEDURES    

JOBSITE  EVALUATION  

It  is  the  responsibility  of  the  installer  to  assure  that  all  factors  that  could  impact  the   performance  of  a  hardwood  floor  are  evaluated  and  addressed  prior  to  installation.  

ACCLIMATING  THE  HARDWOOD  FLOORING  

HVAC  systems  should  be  fully  operational  at  least  14  days  prior  to  flooring  installation,   maintaining  a  consistent  room  temperature  between  60°  –  75°  Fahrenheit  and  relative  humidity   between  35-­‐55%.  This  not  only  stabilizes  the  building’s  interior  environment,  but  also  is   essential  when  acclimating  hardwood  flooring  to  the  job  site.  

Hardwood  flooring  should  be  unloaded  and  handled  with  care  and  stored  within  the   environmentally  controlled  site.  Flooring  stored  upon  “on-­‐grade”  concrete  floors  should  be   elevated  at  least  four  inches  to  allow  air  circulation  under  cartons.  Cartons  should  be  spaced   out,  not  stacked  or  stored  on  pallets.  Leave  hardwood  flooring  in  closed  cartons  during  

acclimation  period.    

ROOM  PREPARATION  

Remove  existing  baseboards,  quarter  rounds,  thresholds  and  undercut  door  jambs,  using  a   piece  of  flooring  material  as  a  guide.  Door  frames  and  other  wooden  elements  should  be  sawed   off  at  the  bottom  in  order  to  be  able  to  push  the  panels  under  them.  

PRE-­‐INSTALLATION  INSPECTION    

It  is  the  responsibility  of  the  installer  to  inspect  each  board  for  visible  defects  before  

installation  If  the  defective  board  has  been  installed,  no  cost  of  labor  will  be  paid  for  repair  or   replacement  of  defect.  

SUBFLOOR  TYPE  

The  flooring  may  be  installed  over  the  following  subfloors  if  properly  prepared.  For  other  types   of  subfloors  please  contact  your  distributor.  

•   Concrete:  On,  above  or  below  grade  installations  are  acceptable.  Must  be  clean,  dry  and   smooth  within  3/16”  over  10’.  

•   Acoustic  Cork:  Must  be  bonded  to  the  surface.    Density  must  be  between  11.4  and  13   lbs/cubic  foot.  Cork  must  be  a  maximum  of  1/4”  thick,  made  from  pure  cork  with   polyurethane  binders.    

•   Terrazzo  and  Ceramic  Tile:  Should  be  lightly  sanded  and  cleaned  with  mineral  spirits.  

Allow  the  mineral  spirits  to  dry  prior  to  spreading  the  adhesive.  If  grout  lines  are  too  deep   they  need  to  be  filled  and  allowed  to  dry  before  installation.  

•   Wood  Type  Subfloors:  Includes  plywood,  OSB  and  underlayment  particle  board  and  tongue   and  groove  boards.  Must  be  smooth  and  dry.  Squeaks  and  popping  areas  should  be  screwed   prior  to  spreading  adhesive.  

•   Vinyl :   Includes  sheet  and  vinyl  tile.  Vinyl  must  be  securely  fastened  to  the  subfloor  with  full   spread  adhesive.  Loose  laid  or  perimeter  glued  sheet  vinyl  must  be  removed.  Lightly  sand   vinyl,  clean  with  mineral  spirits  and  allow  to  dry  prior  to  spreading  adhesive.  

SUBFLOOR  PREPARATION    

Subfloor  must  be:    

•     clean  and  free  of  wax,  paint,  oil,  and  debris.  Scrape  smooth  and  sweep.  

•     subfloor  should  be  flat  to  3/16”  over  10’.  If  subfloor  prep  work  is  required,  “hills”  should  be   sanded  down  and  “valleys”  filled  with  an  underlayment  patch,  developed  by  a  reputable   manufacturer  for  use  with  hardwood  flooring.  Do  not  sand  sub-­‐surfaces  such  as  vinyl  or   synthetic  tiles  that  may  contain  asbestos.    

•     Structurally  sound  prior  to  installation.  Screw  loose  areas  to  reduce  squeaking  and  replace   water  damaged  or  delaminated  sub-­‐flooring  or  underlayments.  

WOOD  SUBFLOOR  MOISTURE  TESTING  

Check  moisture  content  of  subfloor  especially  adjacent  to  exterior  walls  and  plumbing  fixtures.  

Moisture  content  of  subfloor  must  not  exceed  12%  or  have  more  than  a  4%  difference  

than  moisture  level  of  product  being  installed.  If  more  than  a  4%  difference,  determine  the   source  of  moisture  and  remedy  prior  to  installation.  

CONCRETE  SUBFLOOR  MOISTURE  TESTING  

Several  tests  are  outlined  below.  These  tests  do  not  guarantee  a  dry  concrete  slab  year  round.    

With  that  in  mind,  a  moisture  barrier  using  a  minimum  of  6  mil  poly  film  should  have  been   installed  between  the  ground  and  concrete.  See  “Moisture  Barrier  System”  below.

 

 

 

•   3%  Phenolphthalein  in  Anhydrous  Alcohol  Solution  Do  not  apply  solution  directly  to   concrete  surface.  First,  chip  1/4”  deep  into  concrete  test  area  and  apply  several  drops  of  the   solution.  If  any  change  in  color  is  observed,  further  testing  is  required.  

•   Calcium  Chloride    

Moisture  transfer  should  not  exceed  3  lbs/1,000  square  feet  with  this  test.  One  test  must  be   performed  every  250  square  feet.  

•   Relative  Humidity  Testing  (using  in  situ  probes)  

Perform  3  test  for  each  1000sf.    RH  should  be  below  75%.    Readings  over  75%  may  require   additional  moisture  prevention  steps  prior  to  installation.    See  below.    

MOISTURE  BARRIER  SYSTEM  

If  the  above  tests  reveal  unacceptable  moisture  levels,  use  a  moisture  vapor  product  such  as  

Fortane  MVS  Ultra  or  comparable  product  before  installation.  

SET  UP  

•   In  order  to  have  sufficient  material  on  hand,  calculate  area  and  add  5%  of  material  to  allow   for  cutting  waste  and  minor  natural  or  manufacturer’s  defects.    

•   Work  out  of  several  cartons  at  the  same  time  to  ensure  color  and  shade  mix.  

 

LAYOUT  

•   Layout  should  be  designed  to  save  labor  and  materials  as  well  as  to  enhance  the  appearance   of  the  floor.  The  floor  will  be  stronger  and  more  stable  if  you  lay  it  so  that  the  joints  in  the   rows  are  staggered  at  least  10  inches.  Staggered  or  irregular  joints  mean  less  material  waste   and  a  better  overall  appearance.    Stair  stepping  and  “H”  joints  are  not  as  visually  pleasing  as   randomly  staggered  end  joints  and  will  waste  labor  and  material.  

•   Plan  the  layout  so  that  the  last  row  of  flooring  (which  usually  needs  to  be  cut  lengthwise)  is   not  too  narrow.  In  some  cases,  it  may  be  necessary  to  cut  the  first  row  as  well  as  the  last  row.  

Measure  across  the  entire  room  to  calculate  the  width  of  the  last  board.  The  last  board   cannot  be  less  than  2”  wide.  If  necessary,  rip  your  first  row  (remove  tongue  edge)  so  last   board  can  be  at  least  2”  wide.  

•   Allow  expansion  space  along  the  walls  equal  to  that  of  the  thickness  of  the  floor.    

For  example,  if  the  floor  is  3/8”  thick,  allow  for  3/8”  space.  Flooring  should  be  laid  at  right   angle  to  the  floor  joist  and,  if  possible,  in  the  directions  of  the  longest  dimension  of  the  room.

 

•   The  greater  the  surface  area,  the  greater  the  room  for  expansion  required.  For  rooms  larger   than  1,000  sq.  ft.  or  exceeding  25’  in  any  direction  the  perimeter  expansion  space  must  be   increased  1/16”  for  every  additional  3’.  Also,  additional  expansion  joints  must  be  added  in   the  middle  of  the  room  or  in  appropriate  doorways  and  archways.  The  expansion  space   should  be  covered  with  transition  moldings.  Do  not  fill  the  expansion  gaps.  

INSTALLATION  OVER  RADIANT  HEAT  

 (Floating  installation  only)  

Note:  Special  care  should  be  taken  into  consideration  when  choosing  a  wood  species  to  be   installed  over  radiant  heat.  Maple,  Hickory  and  Asian  Jatoba  expand  and  contract  more  than   other  species.  There  is  a  greater  risk  of  gaps  occurring  especially  when  installed  over  radiant   heating  systems  and  may  void  the  warranty.    

INSTALLERS—ADVISE  YOUR  CUSTOMER  OF  THE  FOLLOWING  

•   Maximum  allowable  wood  surface  temperature  is  80°  Fahrenheit.  Note  that  rugs  can   increase  surface  temperatures  5°  Fahrenheit  or  more.  

•   Maintain  35-­‐55%  humidity  at  all  times.  If  necessary,  use  humidifiers.    

•   Room  temperature  should  not  vary  more  than  15°  Fahrenheit  season  to  season.    

HEATING  SYSTEM  REQUIREMENTS  

•   Only  low  temperature  radiant  heating  systems  with  accurate  control  systems  that  assure   that  the  floor’s  surface  temperatures  never  exceed  80°F  are  permitted.  

•  The  entire  floor  area  must  be  evenly  heated.  Even  with  perimeter  heating  systems  the  floor’s   surface  temperature  must  never  exceed  80°F.  

SETTING  THE  HEATING  SYSTEM  FOR  INSTALLATION  

•   System  must  be  fully  operating  at  normal  temperature  for  a  minimum  of  14  days  prior  to   floor  installation.  

•   The  heating  system  must  be  turned  off  24  hours  prior  to  installation  and  must  remain  off  for  

24  hours  after  installation.    

•   Starting  24  hours  after  completion  of  installation,  turn  on  the  heating  system  and  gradually   increase  the  temperature  over  a  7-­‐day  period  to  normal  operating  level.  Never  allow  the   floor  surface  temperature  to  exceed  80°  Fahrenheit.  

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SUBFLOOR  

•  The  floor  construction  should  have  a  heat  dissipating  layer  that  provides  an  even   temperature  across  the  entire  floor  area  and  avoids  high  temperatures  in  any  area.  Under   plywood  subfloors  heat  transfer  plates  or  insulation  must  be  in  place.  

•   The  subfloor  should  be  completely  dry.  Moisture  on  a  dry  weight  basis  must  not  exceed  

1.5%  for  concrete,  0.3%  or  less  for  gypsum  and  6–12%  for  wood  subfloors.    

•   A  vapor  barrier  should  be  installed  on  all  concrete,  stone,  mineral  or  wood  subfloors.  It  must   be  directly  under  and  as  close  to  the  flooring  as  possible.    

•   Heating  pipes  must  be  covered  with  1”  of  concrete  or  be  a  minimum  of  1/8”  below  bottom  of   plywood  subfloor.    

•  The  wood  floor  must  lie  tight  against  the  sub-­‐surface  without  an  air  gap  that  can  cause   considerable  drying  out  of  the  wood.    

 

LAYOUT  

•     Separate  adjoining  radiant  heated  and  non-­‐radiant  heated  areas  with  expansion  joints.  

FLOATING  INSTALLATION  

INSTALL  UNDERLAYMENTS  

Install  6  mil  Polyethylene  vapor  barrier  over  entire  flooring  surface.  Overlap  sheets  of  

Polyethylene  16”  and  tape  together  creating  an  airtight  seal.  Using  a  minimum1/8”  foam   padding,  roll  out  one  roll  at  a  time  over  vapor  barrier  being  careful  not  to  poke  holes  or   otherwise  damage  material  during  installation.  Run  padding  up  walls  1”  to  1.5”  and  secure  in   place  with  tape.  Join  padding  sections  with  tape  strip.  Tape  down  any  additional  loose  edges.  A  

“2-­‐in-­‐1”  foam  padding  /moisture  barrier  may  be  substituted  for  Polyethylene.  

INSTALLING  THE  FLOOR  

Boards  are  installed  left  to  right  with  the  groove  side  facing  the  wall.  A  stair-­‐step  pattern  will   be  repeated  throughout  installation.  Stagger  the  ends  of  the  boards  a  minimum  of  8  inches.  

Leave  expansion  space  equal  to  that  of  the  thickness  of  the  floor  around  all  vertical  

objects  such  as  walls,  poles,  and  stairs.  If  starting  wall  is  uneven,  trace  the  contour  of  wall,   using  a  scriber,  onto  first  row  of  planks  and  cut  to  size.  

APPLICATION  OF  ADHESIVE  

To  secure  a  durable  wood  floor  the  boards  must  be  bonded  with  adhesive  in  the  tongue  and   groove.  We  recommend  waterproof  PVAC  glue.  The  glue  must  be  applied  in  a  continuous  1/8”   bead  on  the  inside  top  of  the  groove  on  both  the  long  and  short  edges.  

GLUING  AND  TAPING  

Dry  fit  first  row  using  stair-­‐step  pattern.  Number  each  plank  in  the  order  of  installation.  When   you  reach  the  last  plank  in  first  row,  turn  plank  180°  so  tongue  is  flush  against  tongue  of   previous  plank.  Mark  the  plank  and  cut  to  length.  Dry  fit  final  plank  of  row.  

Begin  dry  fitting  second  row,  starting  with  (if  possible)  left  over  piece  from  previous  row.  Be   sure  to  stagger  end  of  boards  at  least  8”  to  achieve  effective  stair  step  pattern.  

Floating  installation  is  completed  by  gluing  and  taping  flooring  profiles  together.  Separate  first   two  rows  noting  installation  order.  Holding  the  first  board  with  the  tongue  resting  in  the  palm   of  your  hand,  apply  a  thin  bead  of  glue  in  the  groove  on  the  side  and  end  of  the  board.  Repeat   process  with  subsequent  planks.  Press  each  board  firmly  together,  tapping  profiles  lightly  with   a  block  and  hammer  if  necessary.  Immediately  clean  excess  glue  from  between  boards  with  

a  damp  cloth.  Tape  each  board  together  at  side  and  end  seams.  (Use  correct  tape-­‐  3M  2080  or  

2090).  Often  the  last  row  will  not  end  with  a  full  plank.  When  this  happens,  place  a  full  row  of   planks  on  top  of  the  last  row  installed.  Insert  a  3/8“  spacer  against  wall,  and  using  a  full  width   plank,  trace  distance  from  wall  onto  final  row.  Cut  planks  for  final  row  to  designated  width.  

Apply  glue  and  fit  into  place.  Tape  should  be  removed  within  one  hour.  Allow  12  hours   before  placing  furniture  on  floors  and  24  hours  before  introducing  heavy  objects  or  full  traffic.  

 

Note:  Do  not  install  cabinets  or  walls  on  top  of  floating  floors.  

GLUE-­‐DOWN  INSTALLATION  

THE  PLANKS  

•   To  determine  a  straight  first  starting  row,  use  a  snap  line  the  width  of  a  few  boards  plus  3/8“   expansion  space  from  the  wall.  To  keep  first  rows  straight  and  in  place,  nail  a  straight  1”  x    2”   or  1”  x    4”  holding  board  on  the  first  snap  line.    

•   Make  another  snap  line  at  about  24”  from  the  holding  board.    

 

 

•   Spread  adhesive  in  first  working  area.  Do  not  spread  more  adhesive  than  can  be  covered   within  20  minutes.    

•   When  the  first  section  is  complete,  strike  another  parallel  snap  line  from  the  last  row   installed,  spread  the  adhesive  and  complete  the  section.    

 

•   Repeat  section  by  section  until  the  job  is  finished.  Remove  the  starting  board,  spread   adhesive  and  complete  the  area  from  the  starting  board  to  the  wall.  

•   To  fit  the  last  piece,  lay  it  upside-­‐down  with  the  tongue  edge  parallel  to  the  tongue  edge  of   the  piece  next  to  it,  the  short  end  butting  up  against  the  wall.  Mark  the  cutting  line  on  the   back  of  the  board  and  cut  it  to  the  correct  width  (save  the  cut  off  piece  for  the  second  row).  

Turn  it  over,  fit  it  and  glue  in  place.    

NAIL-­‐DOWN  OR STAPLE-­‐DOWN  INSTALLATION  

Note:  Do  not  nail  or  staple  5/16”  thick  flooring  planks.

 

SUBFLOOR  PREPARATION  

Remove  all  dirt  and  rough  areas  by  thoroughly  cleaning,  sanding  and  leveling.  Note:  particle  

board  is  not  a  suitable  subfloor  for  nail-­‐  or  staple-­‐down  installation.  The  clean  subfloor   should  be  covered  wall-­‐to-­‐wall  with  15  lb  felt  paper  or  equivalent,  overlapping  4”  along  the   edges.  

INFORMATION  FOR  PNEUMATIC  FASTENING  MACHINES  

Note:  Use  pneumatic  staplers  with  correct  shoe  base  for  thickness  of  the  product.  

 

Improper  pressure  settings  and  failure  to  use  proper  adapters  can  cause  severe  damage  to  the   flooring.  The  correct  adapter  and  air  pressure  setting  will  properly  set  the  fastener  in  the  nail   pocket.  Low  air  pressures  may  fail  to  properly  set  the  fastener  and  damage  adjoining  boards.  

Air  pressures  set  too  high  may  cause  damage  to  the  tongue  which  may  dramatically  reduce  the   holding  power  of  the  fastener  causing  loose,  squeaky  floors.  Make  certain  that  the  compressor   has  a  regulator  in-­‐line  with  the  air  hose  for  proper  adjustment.    

Set  the  compressor  pressure  to  recommended  PSI  and  adjust  accordingly  using  a  “practice”   board.  Check  for  surface  and  tongue  damage  before  proceeding  with  installation.  Manual  

Model  250  Powernailer  can  also  be  used.  

 

INSTALLATION  

To  determine  a  straight  first  starting  row,  use  a  snap  line  the  width  of  a  few  boards  plus  

3/8“expansion  space  from  the  wall.  To  keep  first  rows  straight  and  in  place,  nail  a  straight  1”  x  

2”  or  1”  x  4”  holding  board  on  the  first  snap  line.  For  nailer  or  stapler  use  correct  shoe  based  on   thickness  of  flooring.  (See  illustration  under  glue-­‐down  installation.)

 

Begin  installation  with  several  rows  at  a  time,  tightening  boards  as  necessary  to  reduce  gaps   before  fastening.  Attach  each  board  with  fasteners  every  6”–8”  and  3”  from  the  ends.  

The  last  1–2  rows  will  need  to  be  face  nailed  where  clearance  does  not  allow  blind  nailing  with   stapler  or  brad  nailer.  Brad  nail  or  face  nail  on  tongue  side.  Rip  the  final  row  to  fit  and  face  nail.  

If  the  final  row  is  less  than  1”  width,  it  should  be  edge-­‐glued  to  the  previous  row,  before   installation.  The  two  joined  rows  can  be  face  nailed  as  one  board.  

Go  back  to  the  starting  wall,  remove  the  starting  block  and  complete  final  rows  using  6d  nails,   counter  sunk  and  filled.    

3  

ALL  INSTALLATIONS:  COMPLETING  THE  JOB  

•   Remove  spacer  wedges.  

•   Cover  all  expansion  gaps  along  walls  and  vertical  protrusions  with  base  board,  quarter   round  or  pocket  moldings.  Nail  moldings  to  wall,  never  to  the  flooring.  

•   Clean,  sweep  and  vacuum  installed  flooring  before  use.  

 

•   Use  of  stain,  filler  or  putty  stick  for  defect  correction  during  installation  should  be  accepted   as  normal  procedure.  

•   If  the  floor  is  to  be  covered,  use  a  breathable  material  such  as  cardboard.  Do  not  cover  with   plastic  or  any  other  material  acting  as  a  vapor  barrier.  

FLOOR  CARE  GUIDE  

PREVENTATIVE  MAINTENANCE  

To  ensure  the  full  benefit  of  warranties  and  to  extend  the  beauty  of  your  new  hardwood  floor,   we  recommend  the  following  preventative  maintenance  steps  for  your  hardwood  floor.  

•   Use  floor  mats  at  all  entrances  to  help  keep  dirt  and  moisture  from  being  tracked  in.  Area   rugs  are  recommended  in  high  traffic  areas  and  at  sinks.  Mats  and  area  rugs  should  be  slip   resistant  with  backing  that  will  not  discolor  the  floor.  

•   To  help  guard  against  scratches  and  dents,  install  felt  floor  protectors  under  furniture  legs   and  equipment.  

•   Use  soft  rubber  castors  for  rolling  furniture.  

•   Remove  high  heels  or  shoes  that  need  repair.  Some  types  of  high  heel  shoes  can  severely   damage  the  surface  of  any  floor  covering.  

 

•   Maintain  a  healthy  humidity  at  40–60%.  Certain  regions  within  North  America  have  extreme   changes  in  humidity  levels  that  can  affect  all  wood  floors.  To  maintain  the  humidity  at  the   healthy  range  of  40–60%,  it  may  require  either  a  humidifier  or  a  dehumidifier.  

REGULAR  MAINTENANCE  

•   Do  not  let  sand,  dirt  and  grit  build  up  on  your  floors.  

•   Dust,  sweep  and  vacuum  floors  regularly.  

•   For  normal  cleaning  use  a  sponge  mop  with  clear  water,  squeezed  very  dry.  DO  NOT  wet   mop  your  hardwood  floor.  

 

•

DO  NOT  use  a  steam  cleaner  or  steam  mop  to  clean  hardwood.  

•   For  heavier  cleaning,  use  Impressions  Hardwood  Floor  cleaner.  Impressions  Hardwood  floor   cleaner  is  available  at  your  local  flooring  retailers.  Avoid  using  products  with  wax,  soap,  oil  

or  silicone!  

See  your  dealer  for  recommended  maintenance  and  floor  care  products  for  polyurethane   finished  hardwood  flooring.  

RESIDENTIAL  WARRANTIES

 

 

 

EXCLUSIVE  LIFETIME  WARRANTY    

This  flooring  is  produced  according  to  strict  manufacturing  and  environmental  standards.  

Our  confidence  in  the  product  is  reflected  by  extension  of  this  full  residential  warranty  to  the   original  purchaser.

PRE-­‐INSTALLATION  WARRANTY    

We  warrant  that  this  product  is  free  of  defects  and  exceeds  the  industry  standards.  You  and/or   your  installer  should  carefully  inspect  each  plank  before  installation.    

LIFETIME  STRUCTURAL  WARRANTY    

We  guarantee  that  this  product  is  free  from  defects  in  lamination  and  milling  and  will  remain   free  of  these  defects  for  as  long  as  you  own  your  residence.  In  the  unlikely  event  of   delamination,  warping,  cupping  or  buckling  of  the  product  because  of  manufacturing  defects,   we  will  replace  or  repair  the  defective  flooring  pieces  at  no  cost  to  you.    

FINISH  WARRANTY    

We  warrant  that  there  will  be  no  wear-­‐through  of  the  finish  in  residential  installations   provided  the  recommended  maintenance  procedures  are  followed.    

ENVIRONMENTAL  WARRANTY    

All  components  of  this  flooring  are  chosen  for  their  responsible  environmental  impact.  This   flooring  product  does  not  harm  the  environment  throughout  its  complete  life  cycle  from   production  through  disposal.  All  woods  are  from  professionally  managed  “sustained  yield”   forests.  All  glues  used  within  this  flooring  are  MR  LFE  “E1”  standard.  The  acrylic  finish  does  not   release  any  harmful  solvents,  formaldehyde  or  heavy  metals.    All  Impressions  Hardwood   products  are  CARB  II  Compliant.    

EXCLUSIONS  TO  WARRANTY    

These  warranties  are  exclusive  to  the  original  purchaser  and  may  not  be  assigned  or   transferred.  This  is  a  residential  warranty  only  and  exclusions  include  damages  arising  from   subflooring,  plumbing  breakage  or  leakage  and  similar  catastrophes,  and  failures  arising  as  a   result  of  hydrostatic  pressure.    

THE  FOLLOWING  ARE  EXCLUDED  FROM  THIS  WARRANTY:    

•   Improper  Storage,  Handling  or  Installation.  Installation  instructions  must  be  followed.  Subflooring  must  be   dry  and  properly  installed.    

•   Improper  Adhesives.  Damage  caused  by  use  of  water  based  adhesives  over  sheet  vapor  barriers  or  sound   insulation.  

•   Improper  Maintenance.  Maintenance  instructions  must  be  followed  and  in  particular  the  floor  cannot  be  wet   mopped.    

•   Extreme  Conditions  and  Surface  Checking.  The  humidity  level  in  the  home  must  be  in  the  40%–60%  range   throughout  the  year  using  air  conditioners,  humidifiers  or  dehumidifiers  as  appropriate.  Dramatic  variations  in   humidity  may  cause  micro  checking  of  the  finish.  This  is  not  considered  a  defect  and  is  not  covered  by  the   warranty.  

•    Gapping  of  Planks.  This  warranty  does  not  cover  gapping  caused  by  natural  expansion  and  contraction,   improper  seating  of  planks  during  installation  or  by  mastic  memory.    

•   Abuse  or  Misuse.  This  warranty  does  not  cover  damage  caused  by  neglect,  abnormal  use  or  misuse,  application   of  solvents,  corrosives  or  other  chemicals  to  the  flooring,  color  change,  excessive  pivot  and  point-­‐loads,  stiletto   shoes,  heavy  furniture  or  equipment,  unpadded  furniture  feet,  water,  pet  claws,  pet  urine,  damage  from  sand,   pebbles  or  other  abrasives  or  other  unintended  uses.    

•   Water  Damage.  This  warranty  does  not  cover  damage  caused  by  moisture  penetration  through  the  subfloor,   flooding,  leaking  plumbing,  overflowing  sinks  or  similar  water  damage.    

•   Insect  Infestation.  This  warranty  does  not  cover  any  insect  infestation  after  the  product  has  left  the  factory.    

•   Radiant  Heat.  Only  low  temperature  radiant  heating  systems  which  are  regulated  to  never  exceed  80°F    at  the   wood  surface  may  be  used.  If  surface  area  is  allowed  to  exceed  80°  all  warranties  are  void.  Only  Float-­‐In   installations  are  acceptable  for  Radiant  Heat  subfloors.  Maple,  Beech,  Ash  and  Asian  Jatoba  expand  and  contract   more  than  other  wood  species.  There  is  a  greater  risk  of  gaps  occurring  especially  when  installed  over  radiant   heating  systems.  Such  gaps  are  NOT  manufacturing  defects  and  are  not  covered  by  this  warranty.  

•   Natural  variations.  Wood  is  a  natural  product,  containing  natural  variations  in  color,  tone  and  grain.  We  do  not   warrant  against  natural  variations  in  color  within  the  floor  nor  variations  between  samples  and  the  installed  floor.  

Variations  may  also  develop  over  time  because  of  varying  exposure  to  sunlight  or  UV  light.    

Other  items  not  covered  under  the  warranties  include  damage  caused  by  natural  events  such  as  hurricanes,   tornadoes,  earthquakes,  and  floods;  installation  of  flooring  with  visible  defects;  construction  traffic  abuse  to  the   surface  of  the  flooring;  use  of  non-­‐recommended  nailers,  staplers  or  adhesives;  squeaking,  popping  or  crackling  by   any  cause  other  than  the  mismanufacture  of  the  tongue  or  groove.    

In  the  event  that  there  is  a  claim  against  this  warranty,  the  manufacturer  will  pay  for  one  replacement  of  the   portion  of  the  installation  that  is  defective.  This  includes  all  reasonable  materials  and  labor.  The  manufacturer   excludes  and  will  not  pay  consequential  or  incidental  damages  under  this  warranty.  The  sole  remedy  provided   herein  is  the  repair,  refinish  or  replacement,  at  the  sole  option  of  the  manufacturer.    In  the  unlikely  event  that  the   manufacturer  is  unable  to  correct  the  failure  after  a  reasonable  number  of  attempts,  the  manufacturer  will  refund,   if  requested,  the  purchase  price  of  the  portion  of  defective  floor  on  a  prorated  basis.    Any  attempt  to  repair  or   replace  the  floor  prior  to  the  manufacturer’s  inspection  and  authorized  repair  actions  will  void  this  warranty.  This   warranty  does  not  include  the  cost  of  labor  if  the  flooring  is  installed  by  other  than  professional  installers.  It  does   not  apply  to  any  products  designated  or  sold  as  B-­‐grade  which  is  sold  “as  is.”  There  are  no  other  warranties,   including  merchantability  or  fitness  for  a  particular  purpose,  expressed  or  implied  other  than  those  listed  within   this  warranty.  This  warranty  will  not  be  deemed  to  have  failed  its  essential  purpose  while  the  manufacturer  is   willing  to  repair  or  replace  defective  goods.  Some  states  do  not  allow  the  exclusion  of  Incidental  or  consequential   damages  and  therefore,  this  exclusion  may  not  apply.  This  warranty  gives  you  specific  legal  rights  which  may  vary   from  state  to  state.    

Warranty  Service    

To  obtain  service  under  this  warranty,  contact  your  dealer.    

REV:  07212015  

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