Cascade XT360 Loose Lay Flooring Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Cascade
Table of Contents
Loose Lay Flooring
Installation Instructions
Material Inspection
Inspect all material for correct pattern and color. Each plank/tile should be carefully inspected for any defects or damage prior to installing. Any material installed with a visible defect is not the responsibility of the manufacturer. Upon return of the material with a visible defect, replacement material will be provided but labour will not be covered.
Step 1: Sub Floor Preparation
Loose Lay flooring can be installed in new construction (concrete, OSB,
plywood) as well as over existing flooring that has been secured to the
subfloor (vinyl, linoleum, ceramic tile, hardwood installed above grade).
Subfloor must be flat, solid, smooth, clean, dry, and free of dust. Any deficiencies such as cracks or gouges in the subfloor must be filled with a cement-patching compound before installation. It is not recommended to glue Loose Lay flooring to OSB or Particle board. The subfloor must be level to within 1/8” (3mm) over a 10ft (305cm) span. Moisture testing is a mandatory step of subfloor preparation. Concrete subfloors (new or existing) must meet ASTM – F710 Preparing Concrete Floors for Resilient Flooring (www.astm.org). For concrete subfloors the maximum allowable moisture is 80% RH, using insitu probe, and the calcium chloride test – 5lbs/1000 sf per 24hrs MVER (Moisture Vapor Emissions Rate). Concrete PH must be between 5 to 9. New concrete must be cured for a minimum of 28 days prior to installation. Lightweight concrete must have a minimum density of 90lbs/cubic ft. – cellular concrete with plastic (wet) densities over 100lbs/cubic ft. are acceptable. Wood Subfloors – Total combined thickness should be a minimum of 1”. This is for structural integrity and to prevent deflection in the subfloor, which in turn could cause patch/underlayment/leveler to fail. The wood underlayment must be a minimum of 1/4” thick – APA – approved plywood, equivalent poplar/birch plywood, flooring underlayment grade OSB/particle board, all of which has a fully sanded face and is recommended as flooring underlayment. All wood substrates including plywood, and existing hardwood must be moisture tested and read below 11%. Although this product is waterproof, that does not mean it can act as its own moisture barrier. Hydrostatic pressure being released from the subfloor can damage planks. Moisture levels that exceed the stated tolerances can also result in the growth of mold/mildew which can be extremely dangerous to your health. Failure to meet subfloor requirements will VOID all product warranties.
Maintain a room temperature between 18°C (64.4°F) and 29°C (85°F) before, during, and after installation. Loose Lay flooring can be installed over radiant heat with a maximum allowable heat of 27°C (80°F). Heating system components must have a minimum ½” (13mm) separation from the flooring. The heating system must be in operation for at least 3 weeks prior to installation. Heat should be turned off 48 hours prior to installation, during installation, and 48 hours following installation. 48 hours after installation is complete, the heat can be gradually increased in 5°F increments until it reaches the desired temperature. Skim coat ceramic tile grout lines with a floor-leveling compound before installation. Latex floor primer can be used over concrete and wood subfloors. Primer can provide additional bonding for approved adhesives and double faced tape.
Do NOT Install Over
- Multiple layers of previous flooring
- Cushion backed resilient flooring
- Subfloor that has been abated or contains alkali
The use sound deadening underlayment is not recommended. We recommend you contact the underlayment manufacturer to determine if their product is suitable for this type of flooring. All flooring failures that occur when an underlayment is used are the responsibility of the underlayment manufacturer.
Step 2: Getting Ready for Installation
Loose lay flooring must be acclimated to room temperature between 18°C
(64.4°F) and 29°C (85°F) for 48 hours prior to installation. To ensure best
results, remove the top of the carton allowing airflow into the carton, but do
not remove product from box.
Measure room to ensure the length and width of your first row of planks is
within tolerance – keeping in mind that the starting/ending row planks must be
at least 2” wide. If this cannot be achieved when starting with a full plank,
the first row must be cut to accommodate the last row.
Planks running perpendicular to perimeter walls must be a minimum of 6” long.
It is recommended that cut planks are joined factory end to factory end with
the cut side facing a perimeter wall.
Step 3: Choose Your Installation Method
Perimeter Lock Method
Suitable for residential applications (see installation guide below for more details). Cascade XT360 is the recommended adhesive for use with this flooring. Double faced tape can be used in small rooms.
Full Spread Method
Suitable for all installation types. Required for commercial applications. Cascade XT360 is the recommended adhesive for use with this flooring.
Step 4: Time for Start Installing
Tools required: Utility Knife / Straight Edge / Measuring Tape
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Perimeter Lock Method (P.L.M.)
Following the adhesive manufacturer’s application requirements, apply a 6-10” strip of adhesive around the perimeter of the room. Place your first row on top of the adhesive ensuring the planks are tight to corner and adjoining walls. Roll the planks into the adhesive with a hand roller to ensure proper bond.
It is highly recommended that planks be glued down when transitioning to other rooms (i.e. doorways, hallways). Additional adhesive should also be used in areas that are susceptible to movement, such as near large appliances. Areas that are exposed to large amounts of direct sunlight should also be glued down.
Be creative with the preceding rows. Cut your first plank (minimum 6”) so that subsequent full planks are loose laid in a staggered formation. End joints should also be a minimum of 6” apart.
Planks can be cut by scoring the top layer with a utility knife or with the use of a vinyl floor cutter.
To navigate around irregular objects, trace and cut a pattern around them using heavy paper, trace the same pattern onto the plank and cut along traced lines with a utility knife. Finish by dropping in the final row of planks, ensuring a tight fit has been achieved against all surrounding walls. -
Full Spread Method (F.S.M.)
Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s installation instructions. Planks must be installed tight to perimeter walls. Planks should be staggered to achieve the best visual effect. When installing in heavy commercial traffic areas, or applications with heavy rolling loads, the entire floor must be adhered with a suitable adhesive. Cascade XT360 is the recommended adhesive for glue down installations. To ensure a proper bond, the entire installation must be rolled in both directions with a 100lb roller.