General Wood Floor Installation Guidlines
This section, is designed to answer the most common questions on how to install an engineered "glue down" strip wood flooring, as well as outline the steps necessary to prepare your room for this renovation.
This is not meant to replace a professional installer, but rather to help customers understand the process. Please read carefully all the information included with your flooring purchase, and follow the manufacturers recommendations!
Temperature Requirements
As a general rule, the job site for a wood flooring installation does not need to be climate controlled. If you are transporting wood flooring from one extreme temperature into another, however, make sure to condition the cartons 48 hours before installation.
Structural Requirements
The structural integrity of the job site is critical for a satisfactory wood installation. The type and method of construction, grade level, and flooring system components all impact the installation of wood flooring products. Many times local building codes establish only minimum requirements for flooring systems. These minimum requirements may not provide sufficient rigidity for successful installation and continued performance of wood flooring products. Structural flooring systems are either constructed of concrete (or cement like materials) or wood. The following description of each of these structural flooring constructions should provide flooring installers with enough information to make intelligent decisions regarding the suitability of these systems with wood flooring installations. For more comprehensive information, contact the manufacturer of the particular flooring system. The American Concrete Institute and the American Plywood Association can provide details for their respective products.
Subfloor/Underfloor Recommendations & Preparation
All subfloors must be installed as recommended by their manufacturers. Warranties offered by the flooring manufacturers do not cover problems caused by inadequate substrates or their improper installation. Make certain to check subfloor thoroughly for the following:
Subfloor must be clean. Remove all oil, dirt, grease, wax, sealers, paint, adhesives, or any other substance that would hinder installation. Use the necessary tools, for example, a floor scraper.
Subfloor must be level to 1/4" per 10-foot span. To check, just stretch a 10-foot string or lay a 10-foot straightedge over subfloor. If the subfloor dips or crowns 1/4" or more in the span, it must be leveled. Use the appropriate leveling compound to level low areas in the subtloor. If the floor has a crown or rise, level it by sanding or grinding to meet 1/4" specifications. There are additional concerns an installer must take into consideration for each different type of subfloor (wood, concrete, light concrete, etc.) other than the requirements stated above. Follow recommendations outlined by the flooring manufacture carefully. You may find existing subfloors that do not meet our criteria. In that case, follow the directions for repair or replacement of the sub-floor so your wood floor installation will be successful.
Wood Subfloors
All wood subfloors must be structurally sound, dry, at least ¾" in thickness, solidly fastened to appropriately spaced floor joists, and in compliance with all local building codes. First, make sure subfloor is dry. Subfloor wood moisture content cannot exceed 10% prior to installation. To determine wood moisture content use a quality moisture meter. Next, determine if subfloor is structurally sound. Use the following requirements as a guide.
Planks may be installed (stapled, nailed, glued, or floated) to a single layer of 3/4"-thick tongue-and-groove plywood or ¾" structural grade oriented strand board (OSB) substrate over floor joists on 16" centers.
If the subfloor is plywood or OSB less than ¾" thick, add a second cross layer for strength and stability (minimum 5/16" thick to total 1" in thickness). To reduce the possibility of squeaking, install the underlayment per the manufacturer's guidelines. NOTE: Structurally sound wood floors will not have movements or deflections. Subfloor movement or improper subtloor installation will eventually cause squeaking. It is the owner's responsibility to be certain the substrate and substructure are in compliance with all local building codes. When selecting and installing underlayment panels, be certain they are specifically designed for this purpose. These panels should have a minimum thick ness of 3/8". Any panels selected for use as underlayment must meet the fol lowing criteria: Possess dimensional stability. Offer resistance to both static and impact indentation. Offer uniform density, porosity, and thickness. Provide a written warranty for suitability and performance from the panel manufacturer or a history of proven performance. CAUTION: Wood substrates directly fastened to concrete are not satisfactory for the installation of wood floor coverings. This non-ventilated construction practice will result in deterioration of the wood substrate system and may cause problems such as underlayment joint telegraphing. Manufactuers generally will accept no claims regarding performance of there wood products installed over this subfloor construction. NOTE: Do not staple or nail down engineered wood flooring over - partlcleboard subfloors.
Concrete Subfloors
All concrete subfloor systems must meet or exceed local building code specifications. For concrete slabs that are on- or below-grade it is recommended that they be constructed so that ground water vapor cannot penetrate. These concrete slabs should be provided with a drainage pad at least 4" thick. It should consist of crushed aggregate of no less than ¼" in size. Drainage pads of sand are only permitted when FHA approval is obtained. The drainage pad should be covered with an effective water-vapor-proof membrane. This membrane should not rupture during pour and must be carried up the sides of the slab. Suspended, above-grade concrete subfloors often require extended drying time to lose initial moisture. Suspended, preformed concrete plank construction requires a minimum of 1 1/2" of concrete topping to make it suitable for wood floor products. This type of construction may also require extended dry ing time. Curing and drying time will vary depending on the type of concrete mix and the environment in which it is placed. New concrete slabs require a minimum of 6 weeks' drying time before covering them with a wood floor. You may install the floor over concrete subfloors when you are using (glue-down method) if the subfloor is visually dry and has no history of moisture problems.
Moisture tests
Moisture tests can only indicate conditions at the time of the test. Neither the manufacturer nor the flooring contractor can be responsible if moisture levels change in the future.
Glue-Down Installation Requirements & Procedures
Glue-down system makes installation smooth and easy. Wood planks are glued to the subfloor using a urethane-based Mastic adhesive and a minimum 3A6" x 5/32" V-notched trowel. This moisture-cured polyurethane adhesive forms a tenacious bond, and in high humidity conditions open time will shorten in length. The adhesive is VOC-compliant, nonflammable, contains 0% water, and has a very mild odor. Additionally, the adhesive's curing time is similar to that of standard chlorinated solvents. NOTE: Do not install engineered wood flooring over perimeter-installed resilient flooring.
In other words if installing over vinyl it must be fully glued down, not just around the perimeter.
Cleanup
Clean Mastic adhesive from floor and tools while still wet. Once it dries, it's very difficult to remove. If it dries on the floor's finish, follow this Procedure: Carefully scrape off excess adhesive with a plastic scraper. Take care not to scratch the floor's finish. Sweep floor to remove all dust and dirt.
Remove residue using a white 3M pad dampened with mineral spirits. Follow up with Mannington UltraClean spray cleanser.
Final Inspection
After the floor is rolled and cleaned, inspect the floor for nicks, scratches, and planks that may have moved during installation, as well as any other imperfections that need attention. Touch up nicks and scratches with touch-up products. In typical climates, the new floor can accept foot traffic within 12 hours. Arid (dry) climates may require more curing time.
Floor Protection During Construction
Always protect the surface of installed flooring during construction by laying a quality felt paper over the floor and taping it to the baseboards. Never use plastic or polyethylene sheeting to cover the floor since they trap moisture. The covering material must allow the floor to breathe.
