PERGO Defense Plus Locking Engineered Hardwood Floor Instruction Manual
- June 4, 2024
- PERGO
Table of Contents
Defense Plus Locking Engineered Hardwood Floor
Plus Locking Engineered Hardwood Floor
Instruction Manual
Locking Engineered Hardwood – Floor Installation Instructions
Tools Required for Installation
PERGO® IS MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED BY UNILIN NORTH AMERICA, LLC CUSTOMER SERVICE | 1-800-33-PERGO | NA.PERGO.COM/CONTACT-US
Site Requirements
Locking engineered hardwood is a durable floor covering, not intended as a
structural material. Locking engineered hardwood requires a clean, dry, secure
subfloor that meets building codes. Locking engineered hardwood flooring can
be installed above, on or below grade.
The following requirements are not intended to supersede federal, state, or
local building codes, but as with many other interior finish products, may
require modifying existing structural components for a successful
installation. The owner assumes responsibility for compliance with all
building codes.
All work involving water or moisture (plumbing, masonry, painting, plastering)
must be completed prior to flooring installation. The building envelope must
be complete and exterior doors and windows installed. Exterior grading and
gutter downspouts should be completed and permanent HVAC systems in operation.
Precautions should be taken to protect floors from other trade work. Do not
cover floors with plastic, red rosin, felt or wax paper, or previously used
cardboard. Instead, use a breathable material such as clean, dry, plain
uncoated cardboard or craft paper; inks from printed cardboard could damage
the hardwood floor. The floor should be thoroughly cleaned before covering to
remove grit and debris that would damage the finish.
Locking Engineered Hardwood – Floor Installation Instructions
The floor must be completely covered to eliminate uneven ambering from
exposure to UV light. Locking engineered hardwood flooring is suitable for use
in climate-controlled indoor installations only and should not be installed
over any floor with a sump pump or in a room with a floor drain. The room
temperature should be 60-80°F, with relative humidity between35-55%. These
environmental conditions are specified as pre-installation requirements and
must be maintained for the life of the product. Additionally, any HVAC system
must be in operation for a minimum of 14 days prior to performing moisture
tests or installation. Building interiors are affected by two distinct
humidity seasonsHeating and Non-Heating. Care should be taken to maintain
humidity levels between 35-55% year-round. As with all wood flooring,
expansion and contraction will be minimized if the interior relative humidity
is consistently maintained year-round. Humidification and/or dehumidification
systems may be necessary to maintain your home environment to prescribed
relative humidity conditions. All heating methods create dry, low humidity
conditions. Humidifiers are recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage or
gapping in wood floors due to seasonal periods of low humidity. During the
non-heating season, proper humidity levels should be maintained by using an
air conditioner or dehumidifier.
RADIANT FLOOR HEATING
This product can be used in combination with many types of in-floor heating.
The heating system can be cast in a concrete floor or in a thin layer of
filler on the surface of a concrete subfloor. It can also be installed under a
wood subfloor or installed on the surface of the subfloor as an electrical
matting if it meets the floor flatness requirements.
a. Follow the instructions from the supplier of the floor heating system.
b. Concrete subfloors must be installed and cured with no heat transfer for a
minimum of 60 days.
c. The heating system must be in operation for at least two weeks before
installation. The system may be turned off or set to a suitable installation
temperature (65 to 72°F).
d. The flooring surface temperature, which is the surface of the subfloor or
the heat radiating from electric heating mats, should not exceed 84°F (29°C).
CAUTION Excessive floor heating will damage flooring planks. Radiant
heating systems create dry heat that lowers interior humidity levels. It may
be necessary to add supplemental humidity in order to maintain recommended RH
levels (35-55%) and prevent damage to the wood floor.
A moisture test is strongly recommended to determine if high moisture exists
in the subfloor. When using a calcium chloride moisture test for concrete
subfloors (ASTM F1869), values must be 5 lbs/1000ft2/24-hr or <80% RH with in
situ probes (ASTM F2170). Moisture readings of wood subfloors must be 12%.
Acceptable job site conditions, including relative humidity and subfloor
moisture conditions, must be maintained throughout the lifetime of the
flooring.
This product is installed as a floating floor only and requires the use of
T-moldings in doorways 4 ft (1.22m) or less and in rooms 40 feet (12.2 m) or
larger in length or width. Floor movement must not be constrained by glue,
nails, screws, hardware, or other fixed obstructions. This product must be
installed in accordance with these installation instructions.
The site and Material Preparation
a. Remove carpet and padding. Also, remove any wood flooring installed on
concrete. Do not remove products unless they are asbestos-free.
b. Undercut door frame and wall base. Slide the flooring at least 1/4″
underneath the door frame and wall base. Also leave a concealed 3/8″ minimum
expansion space under each.
c. Remove bumps or peaks in the subfloor and fill depressions with floor
leveling compound to ensure no more than 3/16″ unevenness per 10-foot span.
d. Acclimate unopened products before installation for a minimum of 48 hours.
e. Clean debris from subfloor before installation.
f. For concrete subfloors, install a vapor barrier with overlapped seams of 8″
or more.
g. For planks without attached underlayment, install over a single layer of
underlayment appropriate for locking engineered wood floors. For planks with
attached underlayment, it is acceptable to install Pergo FloorMate®
underlayment prior to flooring installation if desired. Make sure to follow
the Pergo FloorMate installation instructions, taking special care to seal all
foam edges with sealing tape and repair all tips and perforations in the
underlayment vapor barrier prior to flooring installations. A separate vapor
barrier should not be used in conjunction with Pergo FloorMate underlayment.
h. Some cartons may include a starter/cut plank with a white label on the
face. These planks are a conservation measure to help reduce the waste of
trees that contain natural imperfections. We recommend cutting the plank on
each side of the label to create two planks for starting and finishing a row
during your installation. If the label is near the end of the plank, you will
only be able to cut it on one side of the label. DO NOT install cut pieces
less than 8″ in length. For more information call 1-800-33-PERGO or visit
na.pergo.com/contact-us.
Flooring Installation
Flooring Installation
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Inspect each plank. The floor should be installed by blending planks from several cartons at the same time to ensure good color and shade mixture throughout the installation.
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For the first row along straight walls, remove the tongue on all long side joints and on the short side of the 1st plank only.
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For uneven walls, trace contour on tongue-side of plank and cut.
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Assemble the first-row tongue side toward the wall. Insert the end tongue into the end groove and rotate downward to assemble. Keep the planks aligned and the joints closed.
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Two spacers thick side to thick side = 3/8″.
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Provide a 3/8″ space for expansion on all sides. the First piece must be at least 8″ long. Start new rows with pieces trimmed from the previous row or use a starter/cut plank from step H of the site and material preparation. Ensure at least a 12″ end joint offset.
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At a slight angle, insert the tongue of plank 2 into the groove of plank 1 until the plank edges meet, and then rotate down until the joints lock.
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Join the short end of the plank first. There will be a gap on the long side joints when the plank is rotated down.
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Raise the outside edge of the plank upward approximately 1″. Maintain this angle as you push the plank in until the plank edges meet. Rotate the plank downward until the joint locks. Repeat these steps to complete the installation. Installation Tip: Place a carton of planks across the end of the row being installed to keep installed planks in place during installation.
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Alternate Tap Method: Align the tongues into the grooves of the long and short sides of the planks. Install the long side first by placing a tapping block no closer than 8″ from either end and tap lightly along the long side until the joint is closed tightly. Then tap the end using the tapping block into a locked position. Note: Uneven tapping or use of excessive force may damage the joint.
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Ensure there will be a 3/8″ gap (after the joint is closed) to the wall for expansion.
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For the last row, align the plank to be used on top of the 2nd to the last row. Using a full-width plank as a spacer, trace wall contour, and cut plank.
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For the last row, install the long side tongue into the groove with the end joint aligned. Using a pull bar and hammer, work evenly along the length of the plank and lightly tap the joint closed.
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After tapping the long side joint closed, tap the short side closed, using a tapping block or a pull bar.
Installation Under Doorway Frames -
Slide plank under the pre-cut door frame.
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Tap the long side joint closed first. Then tap the end joint closed.
Installation Around Fixed Objects (such as Pipes) -
Allow 3/8″ expansion space around pipes or other fixed objects.
Finishing the Installation -
Remove all spacers.
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Create a watertight seal by applying flexible 100% silicone sealant to the entire perimeter of the installation. DO NOT use acrylic sealant.
· First fill all expansion spaces with a 3/8″ compressible PE foam backer rod and cover with silicone sealant.
· Prior to installing the moldings, apply silicone sealant to the portion of the molding or transition that will contact directly with the flooring surface.
· Install moldings and immediately wipe away any excess silicone sealant.
· Apply silicone at connections to doorframes or any other fixed objects.
Care and Cleaning
The place felt floor protectors under the legs of moveable furniture. Chair
casters should be rubber — not plastic or metal. Place walk-off mats at
entrances. Dust mop as a primary cleaning method. Occasionally wet mop with
water only, using a well-wrung-out mop; DO NOT pour liquid directly on the
floor or use an excessively wet mop that will puddle or leave moisture
standing on the floor. If needed, use a solution of 1 cup of vinegar per
gallon of water OR 1/3 cup ammonia per gallon of water. DO NOT use detergents,
abrasive cleaners, soaps, waxes, or polishes. A residential steam mop may be
used provided the steam is applied to a microfiber pad and not applied
directly to the floor. Make sure to set the temperature of the steam mop to
the appropriate setting for hardwood floors, or to the lowest setting. Steam
mop in the length direction of the planks only. Use correct hard surface
vacuum tools. DO NOT use rotating beater bars, floor scrubbers, jet mops, or
similar products. Wipe up spills immediately. DO NOT allow topical moisture to
remain on the floor longer than the time specified in the product warranty.
Engineered hardwood reacts to sunlight.
Hardwood contains certain types of acids in its cellular structure. With
exposure to sunlight, these acids begin to amber. The color change is referred
to as patina. The hardwood will reach its own natural warmth and patina level
and stop ambering. The amount of patina is directly related to the species,
amount of acids, and the level of sunlight. The entire floor will reach the
same patina level over time. This is often noticed after a rug is removed and
the floor is noticeably different in color underneath. If you remove the rug
and expose the entire floor to the same amount of light, it will even out over
time and become uniform in color.
WARNING: Wood Dust
- Cutting, sanding, or machining wood products produces wood dust. While wood products are not hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the state of California has classified wood dust as a human carcinogen.
- Airborne wood dust can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation. Power tools should be equipped with a dust collector. Use an appropriate NIOSH-designated dust mask. Avoid dust contact with skin and eyes.
- In case of irritation flush your eyes with water. If needed seek medical attention. If dermatitis occurs, seek medical attention.
- PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer.
- The products in this carton DO NOT contain asbestos or crystalline silica.
- DO NOT MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERIZE EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT, ASPHALTIC “CUTBACK” ADHESIVES, OR OTHER ADHESIVES.
- DO NOT sand existing resilient tile, sheet flooring, backing, or felt linings. These products may contain asbestos fibers that are not readily identifiable. Inhalation of asbestos dust can cause asbestosis or other serious bodily harm. Check with local, state, and federal laws for handling hazardous material before attempting the removal of these floors.
IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE FOR MINNESOTA RESIDENTS ONLY:
THESE BUILDING MATERIALS EMIT FORMALDEHYDE. EYE, NOSE, AND THROAT
IRRITATION, HEADACHE, NAUSEA, AND A VARIETY OF ASTHMA-LIKE SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING
SHORTNESS OF BREATH, HAVE BEEN REPORTED AS A RESULT OF FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE.
ELDERLY PERSONS AND YOUNG CHILDREN, AS WELL AS ANYONE WITH A HISTORY OF
ASTHMA, ALLERGIES, OR LUNG PROBLEMS, MAY BE AT GREATER RISK. RESEARCH IS
CONTINUING ON THE POSSIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FORMALDEHYDE.
REDUCED VENTILATION MAY ALLOW FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS TO
ACCUMULATE IN THE INDOOR AIR. HIGH INDOOR TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY RAISE
FORMALDEHYDE LEVELS. WHEN A HOME IS TO BE LOCATED IN AREAS SUBJECT TO EXTREME
SUMMER TEMPERATURES, AN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM CAN BE USED TO CONTROL INDOOR
TEMPERATURE LEVELS. OTHER MEANS OF CONTROLLED MECHANICAL VENTILATION CAN BE
USED TO REDUCE LEVELS OF FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER INDOOR AIR CONTAMINANTS. IF
YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE, CONSULT
YOUR DOCTOR OR CALL THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Warranty Conditions
The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for the final inspection of
product quality. Examine flooring for color, finish, and style prior to
installation. If the material is unacceptable, contact the seller immediately.
Wood is a natural product and contains characteristics such as variations in
color, tone, and graining. Flooring is manufactured in accordance with
industry standards, which allows the manufacturing and natural deficiency
tolerances up to 5% of the total installation. The installer should work from
a minimum of 3 cartons at the same time to ensure good color and shade blend.
The installer must use reasonable selectivity and hold out or cut off pieces
with deficiencies. DO NOT install undesirable pieces. Flooring warranties DO
NOT cover materials with visible defects once they are installed. Installation
is the acceptance of product quality.
It is the responsibility of the installer and owner to ensure that Jobsite,
environmental, subfloor, and subsurface conditions involved meet or exceed all
requirements as outlined in installation instructions prior to installation.
The manufacturer declines all responsibility for product performance or
installation failure due to subfloor, substrate, or environmental deficiencies
or Jobsite conditions.
For service under the warranty please contact your local The Home Depot store.
Describe the problem and in many cases, they can provide you with a solution.
For installation, maintenance, and technical questions please call
1-800-33-PERGO.
Pergo locking engineered hardwood flooring is manufactured by Unilin Flooring
North America LLC 550 Cloniger Drive Thomasville, NC 27360
PERGO® IS MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED BY UNILIN NORTH AMERICA, LLC CUSTOMER
SERVICE
1-800-33-PERGO
NA.PERGO.COM/CONTACT-US
References
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