INSTALLING THE FLOOR: Floating Installation
Install a moisture barrier (StrateStuff Safeguard is recommended; 8 mil polyethylene film minimum) over entire sub-floor
surface. If using StrateStuff Safeguard, carefully apply following the manufacturer’s instructions on label. If using
polyethylene film, overlap sheets 18 inches and tape together creating airtight seal. After moisture barrier is installed and set,
install 1/8" foam padding by rolling out one roll at a time over vapor barrier, or a 2 In One Pad may be substituted by
following the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions. Be 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 and tape down any additional loose edges.
An exterior wall is usually the straightest and best reference line to start the installation. Direction of finished flooring should
be at right angles to the floor joists whenever possible. Establish a starting line by leaving a minimum 1/2" expansion gap
around all vertical obstructions. Measure this distance from the starting wall (in at least two places) close to the starting wall’s
opposite corners. Mark these points and snap a working chalk line parallel to the starting wall allowing the required
expansion space between the starting wall and the edge of the first row of flooring. To maintain the expansion gap
throughout the installation, use 1/2" spacers between hardwood flooring board and wall or other object.
Boards should be installed left to right with the edge of the groove lined up against the chalk line, side-tongue facing out to
the right. Whenever possible, the tongue along with width and length of the board should be facing out so that the
tapping block or pull tool always uses the tongue of the flooring. If the groove is facing out and a tapping block or pull tool
is used, the edge of the board may be damaged.
For the best performance of your floating floor, use a stair-step pattern installation (see figure 1), staggering
seams 12" to 15". No two end joints should be within three rows of each other.
Install first two rows by applying a thin bead of glue in the groove on the side and end of each board (see figure 2). Press
each board firmly together and lightly use a tapping block if necessary. Clean excess glue from between boards with a
damp cloth or mineral spirits. Tape each board together at side and end seams using 3-M Blue Tape. Allow glue to set
before continuing installation of subsequent rows.
Always remember to allow for the expansion gap and clean excess
glue from between boards. 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 1/2" spacer against wall, and using a full
width plank, trace distance from wall onto final row (see figure 3).
Cut planks for final row to designated width. Apply glue and fit into
place. Trim excess polyethylene film and/or padding so it will not be
visible once moldings are installed. Tape may be removed within one
hour. Allow 12 hours before placing furniture on floors and 24 hours
before introducing heavy objects or full traffic.
(continued)
8/30/04
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Casanova
Engineered
79
(800) 525-BR111(2711)
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Fax (800) 577-2711
•
www.br111.com
Figure 2.
