eLKa 14mm Rustic Herringbone Engineered Wood Flooring Instructions

Real wood.
engineered. flooring.
14mm RUSTIC
HERRINGBONE ENGINEERED
WOOD FLOORING

14mm Rustic Herringbone Engineered Wood Flooring

UNILIN, Division Flooring
Unit 5 Rampart Business Park — Greenbank Industrial
Estate — Newry — BT34 2QU
08448 118 288
EN 14342:2005+A1:2008
Engineered wood flooring with T&G for interior use
Reaction to fire:| Dfl-S1
Linked with the minimum mean density| 620kg/m3
and minimum overall thickness| 14mm
Emission(release) of formaldehyde| El
Emission of pentachlorophenol| <5PPm
Breaking strength(max.load) and span| 1.9Kn
Slipperiness| NPD
Thermal conductivity:| 0.13w (mk)
Biological durability:| Class 1
Declaration of Performance:| ELKAW002
Supplier Code:| PKFGHSH

General Instructions
Congratulations with your new ‘Engineered Wood Flooring’. Before starting with the installation, it is critical that you read the following instructions carefully. Failure to do so will inevitably result in problems occurring and invalidate your warranty.
“INSTALLATION IMPLIES ACCEPTANCE” NO WARRANTY WILL BE OFFERED FOR APPEARANCE RELATED CLAIMS ONCE THE PRODUCT IS INSTALLED

Installer / Owner Responsibility

• To install Herringbone flooring correctly without issues requires an appropriately trained and experienced installer with a high technical ability
• This herringbone flooring is made up of single sided panels with three groves to allow for multiple designs and save on wastage

Engineered floors are a natural product and as such are subject to many variances in both colour and character, this is to be expected at all times. In order to establish a consistency of product a grading and waste allowance of 10% has been set to allow for waste cuts and de-selection of material if deemed unsuitable for the installation. This product is produced with a manufacturing tolerance of + or – 0.5% on the dimensions of the board, this should be considered on installation and where product is out of tolerance that section dismissed as part of the cutting and waste allowance.
The installer or owner assumes all responsibility for final inspection of the product quality prior to installation. The installer or owner must determine that the job site environment and the sub-surfaces involved meet or exceed all requirements within these instructions; claims will not be accepted if a fault was visibly noticeable or preventable prior to installation. These conditions are noted further within
The installer or owner assumes all responsibility for final inspection of the product quality prior to installation. The installer or owner must determine that the job site environment and the sub-surfaces involved meet or exceed all requirements within these instructions; claims will not be accepted if a fault was visibly noticeable or preventable prior to installation. These conditions are noted further within.

• All flooring must be stored in the correct conditions prior to installing.
• This product “must not” be stored on site until all sub – floors; plastering, cement work; decorating and all other wet work is completely dry.
• The nominated party “consumer or installer” that takes ownership has final responsibility to ensure that they have received the correct species and finish that was selected.
• The installer/owner must inspect each board and deselect pieces with defects whatever the cause, under no circumstances should these be installed.
• Engineered floors must not be installed below ground level, in bathrooms or in potential wet / damp areas.
• It is normal practice to use stain, putty or filler stick for defect correction or minor dimension differences. Always work from 3 to 4 packs at a time mixing boards to achieve the appearance you require, taking into consideration the texture of the wood and the natural change in colours.
• Each floor, even each board is an individual piece of nature, which is guaranteed to make your home a place of beauty

Note: Keep a record of all your readings for later reference and warranty enquires. We strongly recommend you keep a record of your moisture and humidity readings prior to installation and in order to accurately determine acclimatisation. These measurements “will be” required by the manufacturer or supplier if there are any future problems.

Acclimatising & On-Going Environment Conditions

AS PART OF THE WARRANTY CONDITIONS OF YOUR ENGINEERED FLOOR IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ACCLIMATISE THE PRODUCT FOR 48 HOURS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
The aim of acclimatising wood flooring is to allow the temperature an moisture content of the timber to adjust to the normal expected day to day conditions within the building once it is occupied. Prior to installation, it is the installer’s responsibility to ensure that the internal site conditions are stable and are suitable for the installation of engineered flooring. A room temperature of between 18 -20ºC and relative humidity of between 3565% must be maintained.
In winter, especially when the temperature is 0ºC or below, and the air is dry outside, we recommend the use of a humidifier to stabilize site conditions if the site readings are showing below 35% humidity.
The building should be fully enclosed including doors and windows and heating should be operational.
Failure to do this could cause on-going behavioural problems with the floor and will invalidate the warranty.
All wet work must have been completed otherwise the moisture will transfer from walls floors and ceilings to the hardwood flooring
The delivered flooring must be left in the packaging with wrapping intact. The flooring should be stacked horizontally no more than 2 to 3 packs high or wide. Break up stacked cartons with battens to increase air circulation. The use of gas or paraffin heaters should be avoided. Do not store next to radiators. The flooring must be left in situ in the room it is to be installed for 3-7 days before installation. Further checks must be undertaken by the installer to confirm the wood flooring is in equilibrium with the site it to be installed.
You can expect your Engineered flooring to be supplied at 8 % +/- moisture content at the point of delivery. The correct moisture content for installation within the UK & ROI climate is 10% +/-. Testing must be carried to ensure the product is within this window. If the product has moved beyond 12% action should be taken to reduce the moisture / humidity readings within the area / product. A reputable installer will have testing equipment such as “Tramex” to check relative humidity and the moisture content of the subfloor / wood.

New build and renovation projects
A new installation site needs to dry out before wood flooring is delivered. There is nearly always excessive moisture on either new construction sites or major refurbishment contracts. In these instances, the wood will absorb the excess moisture, resulting in stress issues such as cupping, delaminating, expanding and later contraction. Always protect against excessive moisture ingression, where it helps use dehumidification equipment to stabilise the site conditions.
‘’Explanation of why the flooring should be one of the last jobs to be undertaken on site; Other trades can damage an excellent installation if care is not taken to safeguard against moisture ingression in hard wood floors. In new building projects moisture is introduced into the fabric throughout the construction process. Example; Under BS882 a concrete mix of (1:2:4) one cubic metre of concrete will contain 187 litres of water. This will have to dry out to below 4% moisture content (impediance) 75% Rh before your flooring is installed. Therefore, you must always take a new moisture reading of the concrete sub floor before proceeding with the installation.
If the subfloor is between 4% Mc and 6.5% Mc then a 2 part Epoxy DPM must be applied to the subfloor and if bonded direct the flooring secured with a flexible adhesive such as trade / trowel flex.

Sub base:
When fitting to a sub base other than battens (Screed, ply, chipboard) the sub base must conform to BS 8204: Part 1 1987, which states that it must not deviate by more than + or – 3mm under a 2m straight edge in any one direction. Uneven subfloors will cause movement and joint / floor failure. Wooden sub structures must be sound and securely fixed. They must be a minimum of 18mm in depth in order to be supportive. (This applies to Ply or Chipboard also)
Always show a preference for Ply to be used as opposed to Chipboard. Ply will offer a better fix, there is potential that the adhesive will not have a secure connection to chipboard. Furthermore, chipboard when damp will become less resilient if moisture is introduced. Screed / Concrete subfloors must be solid, stable, clean, free of wax, paint and old adhesive residue. The moisture content using Tramex / Other none destructive moisture meter should be under 4% (2.5% CM test / Din Standard), above this will cause excessive dimensional change in the wood flooring resulting in problems such as cupping / delaminating not covered by the guarantee. Floor boards need to be overlaid with a minimum of 6mm Plywood securely fixed as per BS 8201:2011 and is, sound, flat, and under 12% moisture content. Prior to overlaying with plywood a bitumen paper barrier confirming to BS 1521 must be installed directly on top of the wooden suspended sub floor. Always check the airbricks are clear and to allow appropriate air flow within the sub floor void.

**Expansion

**

All Engineered floors will react to changes in the presence of moisture within the boards. In the winter months when central heating is present, moisture leaves the wood causing the floor to contract which will leave slight gaps between each plank. In the summer months when the humidity is higher the wood will expand and the gaps will disappear. This needs to be allowed for during the fitting process. Therefore, it is important when installing an Engineered floor to leave the proper expansion area around the perimeter and to ensure the flooring is fully acclimatised prior to installation. An expansion gap of 10mm must be in place around the “FULL” perimeter of the room. Flooring must “NOT” be run through doorways in to other rooms, instead it should be broken in the doorway again allowing 10mm; this gap is covered by a profile that is not fixed to the new flooring. No fixed objects are to be installed on the flooring – there is no exception!
Please note with a large area (lengths in excess of 13 m) the floor must be divided with an expansion gap provided on both length and width. On completion, this gap is again covered by a profile that is not fixed to the new flooring.
Under-floor heating: Embedded Systems Only, Matting Systems are not Suitable
This product is suitable for use with under-floor heating systems subject to the manufacturer’s recommended installation guidelines with timber flooring. When laying a floor where under floor heating has been installed it is important to follow these guidelines:

1. The heating has been started up at least 3 weeks before laying the floor to achieve an ambient living environment.
2. Make sure that there is no water leaking from the pipes.
3. If the subfloor is concrete, make sure the concrete is dry. This means not more than 2.5% moisture, full depth of screed (WHEN THE FLOOR IS COLD).
4. The subfloor has to meet all the requirements for under floor heating.
5. The surface temperature of the ground (below the engineered flooring) MUST NOT EXCEED +27°C.
6. The heating has to be turned off 48 hours before laying the floor.
7. 2 days after laying the floor, the heating should be turned on gradually, increasing 2-3°C every 24 hours.
8. A minimum temperature of 18 °C must be maintained.
9. Do not cover the floor with rugs etc when the UFH heating is operating

Always check the heating manufacturer’s detailed instructions to ensure compatibility.
Some possible designs

**Installation of Herringbone Floor

**

Full Coverage Glue Down Installation Only:
On completion of the preceding tasks the following steps should be followed for Installation.

1. You must use a water-free, MS, or Polyurethane glue, specially formulated for use with wood flooring.
2. Installation must be full coverage with the traditional trowel method, in all cases follow the instructions of the adhesive manufacturer. With this method, you adhere direct to the sub floor and you do not need to apply glue to the tongue and groove.
3. Concrete / screed floors should be primed with a Polyurethane Primer “only” – other primers such as PVA should never be used.
4. Any surplus glue that may seep out on to the surface of the wood must be removed immediately with suitable wipes.
5. Generally you will want the flooring to run the longest length of the room towards a natural source of light for aesthetic reasons.
6. Under cut the bottom of door frames, wardrobes, etc. to allow for the flooring and underlay to fit under it.
7. Open a number of packs and “shuffle” the boards to ensure an even distribution of colour and character.
8. If you discover a defective piece DO NOT LAY IT. You are the final judge of acceptable quality.
9. Unilin Distribution or its dealers will not be responsible for costs associated with installing, finishing and/or replacing flooring installed with obvious defects.
10. SETTING OUT, ACCURACY AND MARKING PROCEDURES ARE VITAL TO ENSURE THERE IS NO RUN OUT / GAPPING ISSUES.
11. Regularly check the floor alignment during installation.
12. Mark a straight line down the centre of the room then measure the width from the centre line to the wall to ensure the final board cuts that will be installed are of suitable length either side of the room. If required relocate the initial centre line to suit as shown in diagram 1a.
13. Mark line 2 & 3 either side of the centre line at a distance equal to the corner points of the flooring to be installed when connected as diagram 2a.
14. Create a template larger in size than the length of flooring boards, this template must be exactly square to support the rows installed. This should be rotated with its upper and lower points aligned with the right hand side marker line shown in diagram 3a.
15. Spread the adhesive in front of the template up to the initial number of rows to be installed. The instructions of the adhesive
16. manufacturers must be followed including notch size and type of trowel.
17. Lay the first boards as in diagram 4a ensuring the corners are aligned with the centre and parallel lines and square to the plywood template.
18. Subsequent rows should be installed in the same manner, so the intended pattern is formed.
19. Continue the same process left and right of the starter boards.
20. Further lines parallel to the first set to use as board corner marker points as the installation progresses outwards.
21. Progress the installation of the first rows until they reach full room width
22. The perimeter and all fixed objects must be fitted ensuring a 10mm expansion gap.
23. If required a tapping block should be used to tap boards together, direct contact of hammer or mallet on the board edge is not recommended.
24. All perimeter gaps should be covered with skirting or Scotia using cover strips at thresholds.

Wood floor care guide:
Wood floors are a lifetime investment, and decisions concerning them should not be taken lightly. Routine maintenance should include protecting the surface finish from moisture and heavy wear which creates scratches.
Consumer Expectations:
Wood floors are NOT impervious to the day to day impact of grit, food, spills, and water. Preventive maintenance like area rugs, floor protectors (on ALL furniture on your wood floors), and routine maintenance with proper hardwood floor cleaner should always be exercised (improper products can contribute to additional wear, may VOID your warranty, and cause failure when recoating).
Good practice:
Keep this as a regularly scheduled event. Always perform this process before and after a major event that involves a high volume of traffic on the floor.

• Do: Place Protector pads on ALL furniture legs resting on your wood floor.
• Do: In high traffic areas use added protection to prolong the surface life of your floor.
• Do: Place walk off mats and area rugs in high traffic areas (make sure they stay dry and are cleaned underneath on a regular basis).
• Do: Perform routine maintenance; this should include sweeping, vacuuming and/or dust mopping to remove dirt and grit.
• Do not: Wear high heel shoes as this will cause indentations in the wood, keep your pets nails trimmed on a regular basis.
• Do not: Use WET or STEAM mops.
• Do not: Use ammonia.
• Do not: Use dust cleaning substances.
• Do not: Track dirt over the surface of the floor, clean immediately.
• Do not: Use other general floor cleaning products, only specialised Elka cleaning products should be considered.
• Do not wax a Polyurethane or oiled finish.

**Checklist of Critical Guidelines

**

The following checklist must be completed before the Installation of wood floor products.
The information on the checklist MUST be followed in every way. If any of these requirements are NOT completed, you WILL be jeopardizing your wood floor performance and/or warranties and guarantees. Allowing any items to be overlooked, could cause the installation to fail in the short or long term. Once this information is secured, a signed copy should be kept in a safe place in case future concerns arise.

PRE-INSTALLATION EVALUATION OF JOB SITE:

Date| Time
Job Name
Address
City
Postcode
Telephone

UNTIL THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN MET, THE JOBSITE IS NOT READY FOR WOOD FLOOR INSTALLATION!
EXTERIOR CONDITIONS:

• GUTTERS AND DOWN PIPES ARE PROPERLY PLACED TO DRAIN WATER AWAY FROM STRUCTURE: YES / NO

INTERIOR CONDITIONS:

• ALL WET TRADES (TILE, PAINT, PLASTER, ETC.) HAVE COMPLETED WORK ON SITE: YES / NO
• THE BUILDING IS ENCLOSED; WEATHER TIGHT, INCLUDING DOORS AND WINDOWS: YES / NO
• HVAC (HEAT VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING) ARE IN PLACE AND OPERATING PROPERLY: (3-5 days prior to delivery of wood floor products) YES / NO
• THE TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY WITHIN THE STRUCTURE ARE AT “NORMAL LIVING CONDITIONS” (TEMP- BETWEEN 18 -20ºC AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY BETWEEN 45 – 65%) YES / NO

CONCRETE SLAB CONDITIONS

• DPM HAS BEEN INSTALLED UNDER THE SLAB: YES / NO
• CONCRETE HAS A MOISTURE CONTENT OF UNDER 4% IMPEDIANCE (2.5% CM Test / Din Standard / 75% Rh): YES / NO
• SLAB, IT IS FLAT AND TO SPECIFICATIONS: YES / NO
• IF APPLICABLE ALL AIRBRICKS CLEAR FROM OBSTRUCTION YES / NO
• IF APPLICABLE TAR SATURATED CRAFT PAPER INSTALLED OVER FLOORS WITH A CRAWL SPACE BELOW YES / NO

DELIVERY AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• THE FLOORING WILL NOT BE INSTALLED BELOW GROUND LEVEL: YES / NO

MOISTURE CONDITIONS

• MOISTURE CONTENT OF THE WOOD SUBFLOOR IS NO MORE THAN 2 PERCENTAGE POINTS ABOVE OR BELOW THE FINISH FLOORING AND IS WITHIN REGIONAL MOISTURE CONTENT GUIDELINES. YES / NO
• MOISTURE TESTING OF CONCRETE BEGAN NO SOONER THAN 30 DAYS AFTER THE SLAB WAS POURED. TEST RESULTS (BELOW 4%) INDICATED THAT IT IS SAFE FOR WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION TO BEGIN, AND ALL READINGS HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED: YES / NO

WHAT TYPE OF TESTING EQUIPMENT WAS USED?
MAKE & MODEL

RESULTS / READINGS:
Subfloor % Mc
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Installer
Company
Tel:
I verify jobsite is ready for wood flooring installation
Signed
Date

FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THESE GUIDELINES ARE MET, AND FOLLOWED TO THE LETTER.
IF NOT, SOMEONE [BUILDER, OWNER, WOOD FLOOR CONTRACTOR, or ALL] NEEDS TO SIGN OFF THAT THESE ITEMS HAVE NOT BEEN FOLLOWED.
THAT PERSON COULD ULTIMATELY TAKE SOME, IF NOT ALL, RESPONSIBILITY

For further technical information on this product visit: www.elkaflooring.com
Important: Elka Warranty. Please review your Elka flooring warranty at www.elkaflooring.co.uk
Elka flooring is brand registered & imported by Unilin Distribution Ltd.
Elka Unit 4, “The Furrows” Barton Dock Rd. Trafford Park,
Manchester M32 0SZ

References

• Elka Wooden Flooring | Elka Flooring
• Elka Wooden Flooring | Elka Flooring
• Elka Wooden Flooring | Elka Flooring

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