CALI 7701000600 Shorebreak Black Sands Marble Waterproof Tile Look Laminate Flooring Installation Guide
- May 15, 2024
- CALI
Table of Contents
laminate shorebreak
Tiburon Marble
Installation Guide
888-788-2254
CALIfloors.com
The Collection
Flooring System
Flooring Accessories
Pre-Installation
Floating Click-Lock Laminate Shorebreak Installation
(Pages 3-10)
Before you begin installation, remember to P.A.C.E. yourself with the
checklist below. Full installation instructions and maintenance guidelines can
also be found online at CALIfloors.com.
Floating Click-Lock Laminate Shorebreak Installation
Note: Flooring not used for its intended purpose will not be covered
under warranty.
Whether you’re a pro or DIY homeowner, installing laminate plank flooring is
fast and easy thanks to click-lock tiles. Follow the guidelines below and get
your space transformed!
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When ordering Laminate flooring materials, we recommend including an additional 5-8% to allow for errors and cutting waste.
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CALI flooring is manufactured in accordance with accepted industry standards, which permit manufacturing, grading and natural deficiencies not to exceed 5%. If more than 5% of the material is unusable, do not install the flooring.
Immediately contact the distributor/retailer from which the flooring was purchased. No claim will be accepted for materials with visible defects once they are installed. Installation of any material serves as acceptance of the material delivered. -
Installer/Owner assumes all responsibility to inspect all flooring before installation. Planks deemed unacceptable in appearance can be placed in closets, near walls or simply not used. Pieces with glaring defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or not used as use constitutes acceptance.
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It is the responsibility of the installer/homeowner to determine if the job site conditions, environmental conditions and sub-floor are acceptable for the installation of Laminate Shorebreak flooring. Prior to installation, the installer/ owner must determine that the jobsite meets or exceeds all applicable World Floor Covering Association Installation Guidelines. CALI does NOT warrant against failure resulting from or connected with subfloor, job site damage, or environmental deficiencies after installation. CALI makes no warranty or guarantee of the quality of the chosen installer’s work or of a particular installation performed by him or her. CALI disclaims all liability for any errors or improprieties in the installation of its products by an installer.
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Floor noise is normal and will vary from one installation type to the next. Occasional noise is due to structural movement and may relate to sub-floor type, flatness, deflection, and/or related to the fasteners, changes in environmental conditions, relative humidity and the amount of topside pressure applied to the flooring. For these reasons, floor noise is not considered a product or manufacturer defect.
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During installation, it is the installer’s responsibility to document all jobsite conditions and measurements including the installation date, site relative humidity, temperature, and subfloor moisture content. This information must be retained by the installer and left with the property owner as a permanent record. For a complete list of points to address prior to installation, refer to the NALFA Jobsite checklist
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Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry.
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Never nail or screw anything through a FLOATED floor.
Transport, Storage, Acclimation
- Transport and store cartons in lay down, flat position.
- Stack boxes no more than 8 cartons (4ft.) high. Keep away from direct sunlight.
- Unopened boxes should be acclimated in normal living conditions for 24 hours prior to installation.
- Room temperature and relative humidity of install area must be consistent with year-round living conditions for at least 5 days prior to installation.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Prior to installation, inspect planks in daylight for visible faults/damage.
Check if subfloor/site conditions comply with the specifications described in
these instructions. If you are not satisfied, do not install, and contact your
supplier. CALI is not responsible for flooring that is installed with visible
defects.
Recommended Tools
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- Utility knife
- Backer rod
- Silicone sealant
- Pencil
- 1/2″ spacers
- Rubber mallet
- Table or circular saw
Subfloor Requirements
General
- Floating floors can be laid on top of most hard surfaces (e.g. concrete, ceramics, wood)
- Soft subfloors (e.g. carpets) must be removed
- The subfloor must be level – Flat to 3/16” per 10-foot radius
- The subfloor must be clean – Thoroughly swept and free of all debris
- The subfloor must be dry
- The subfloor must be structurally sound
Even though CALI Laminate Shorebreak flooring is waterproof it is NOT considered a moisture barrier. CALI always requires the use of a moisture barrier (like 6mil plastic) on concrete.
Acceptable Subfloor Types
- CD Exposure 1 plywood (grade stamped US PS1-95)
- OSB Exposure 1 subfloor panels
- Underlayment grade particleboard
- Concrete slab
- Existing wood floors must be fastened to exisiting subfloors
- Ceramic tile (must fill in grout lines with a compatible patch compound)
- Resilient tile and sheet vinyl
Acceptable Subfloor Thickness Requirements:
Wood subfloors must be securely fastened. A best practice is to nail or screw
every 6” along joists to avoid squeaking. If leveling is needed, sand down
high spots and fill in low spots with a Portland based leveling compound.
Quick Tip! If your plywood, OSB or particle board subfloor is reading higher
than 13% MC it is advised to find and correct the source of moisture intrusion
before continuing installation. CALI is not responsible for any damage caused
by moisture intrusion.
Concrete subfloors must be fully cured and at least 60 days old, preferably 90
days old. If leveling is needed, grind down high spots and level low spots
with a Portland based leveling compound.
Ceramic tile, resilient tile and sheet vinyl must be well-bonded to subfloor,
in good condition, clean and level. We do not recommend sanding existing vinyl
floors, as they may contain asbestos. We do recommend filling any grout lines
or embossing with a compatible patch compound. Any damage caused by skipping
this step will not be covered by CALI.
Crawlspaces must have a minimum of a 6-mil polyethylene sheeting covering any
exposed earth. Crawl-spaces must have adequate ventilation and a minimum of
18” of air space between the ground and the floor joist.
Moisture Barriers and Underlayments
Even though CALI Laminate Shorebreak is waterproof it is NOT considered a
moisture barrier. CALI always requires the use of a moisture barrier such as
CALI 6 Mil Plastic or CALI Complete or Titebond 531 on concrete subfloors.
Titebond 531 can also be used over concrete subfloors. Test the subfloor
moisture prior to installation and apply an appropriate moisture barrier based
on the subfloor moisture content.
Note: Moisture barriers are not required on subfloors above habitable spaces (2nd, 3rd stories, etc).
While moisture won’t damage CALI Laminate Shorebreak, moisture intrusions from
concrete hydrostatic pressure, flooding, or plumbing leaks, along with high
levels of alkalinity, can affect the floor over time. Moisture can also be
trapped below the flooring and create mold or mildew, resulting in an
unhealthy indoor environment. The installer, not CALI is responsible for
making sure the concrete moisture and alkalinity are suitable prior to
installing this floor.
If using a moisture barrier or underlayment not sold by CALI, check with the
manufacturer to ensure it is approved for use with the specified floor type.
Underlayments over 2mm thick should not be used.
Note: Damage caused by using a moisture barrier not provided by CALI is not covered under warranty.
Radiant Heat Systems
Note: Flooring can be installed over 1/2″ (12mm) embedded radiant heat.
Radiant heat systems must have a minimum of 1/2″ (12mm) separation from the
product.
Ensuring stable job site conditions, subfloor suitability and proper
acclimation are especially important when installing over a radiant heat
system. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the
recommended environmental conditions are met for installation. Refer to your
radiant heat system manufacturer to determine its compatibility with laminate
flooring, and to learn the specific requirements for installation.
- Because of the wide variety of systems on the market (Hydronic, embedded in concrete, electrical wire/coil, heating film/mat) each with its own features and applications, it is recommended that the user consult with the radiant heating provider for best practices, installation methods and proper subfloors. With Laminate Shorebreak the floating installation method is the only method recommended for use with radiant heat systems.
- It is recommended that you to turn off radiant heat system 24 hours before installation and keep off 24 hours after installation.
- The flooring must be acclimated per CALI’s Laminate flooring acclimation instruction over the radiant heat with the system turned on throughout the acclimation timeframe.
- The system must be turned down to 65°F and maintained 24 hours prior to installation.
- Once install is complete, turn system back on and slowly bring back up to normal operating temperature over a period 4-5 days.
- Floor should never be heated over 85°F. Consult with your radiant heating system manufacturer to successfully limit the maximum temperature.
- Always remember that rugs placed over radiant heated flooring can increase the surface temperature in that area by 3°- 5°F degrees.
- Relative Humidity must be maintained between 20-80%.
- When turning off the radiant heat system it must be turned down slowly at a rate of 1.5° degrees per day. You should never just turn the system off.
- For additional information on radiant heating systems please refer to http://www.radiantpanelassociation.org or the NWFA’s Radiant Heat Guidelines.
Installation of CALI® Laminate Shorebreak Flooring
Before laying: Measure the room at right angle to the direction of the planks.
Planks in the final row should be at least 3″ in width. Due to this rule,
planks in the first row may need to be cut to smaller size. Shuffle planks in
order to obtain a pleasant blend of shades. Lay planks preferably following
the direction of the main source of light. We recommend laying on wooden
floors crossways to the existing floorboard. You should never nail or screw
planks to the subfloor.
- Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensure varied color, shade and appearance.
CALI Laminate will have multiple plank variations.
Expansion gaps: Even though CALI Laminate Shorebreak will have very minimal expansion and contraction, it is still required to leave 1/2″ expansion space around the perimeter as well as all fixed objects (tile, fireplace, cabinets).
- If the installation area exceeds 40 feet in either direction transition pieces are needed.
- To cover your expansion space, CALI carries matching laminate flooring moldings that include reducers, T-moldings, and thresholds.
- Baseboards and quarter round can have a silicone caulking placed between plank and trim to provide additional moisture protection.
Quick Tip! When installing around pipes, drill the hole 3/4” larger than the diameter of the pipes.
Installation
Installing the First Two Rows:
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Starting from the left, place the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Throughout the entire installation process, remember to check that your spacers are maintaining the 1/2” expansion space along room perimeter or next to any fixed objects.
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Install the second piece by aligning the butt end with the end of the first piece at an angle. Gently push the second piece down until the tongue and groove lock together to secure the end joint. The planks should lay flat.
Quick Tip! Planks can be easily connected by hand, but you can gently use a lightweight rubber mallet to ensure engagement. -
Ensure that the planks remain aligned and the joints stay securely closed throughout the installation process. Continue in this manner until reaching the final board in the first row.
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When you reach the wall, cut the tile no less than 6″ to fit while maintaining the 1/2″ expansion gap.
Quick Tip! Place a carton of planks across the end of the row being installed to keep planks in place throughout installation.
Next Steps:
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Start new rows with pieces trimmed from previous rows that are at least 12″ in length and ensure a minimum end joint offset of at least 1/3 the length of the plank. At a slight angle, insert tongue into the groove of the plank from the previous row until the laminate edges meet. Angle down until the joints lock.
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Install second plank by angling long side of the plank and gently sliding until the butt end seams are in contact, and then gently tapping all seams into place. After installation is complete remove all 1/2″ spacers and insert 3/8″ compressible PE foam backer rod. Seal expansion space with 100% flexible silicon sealant. DO NOT use acrylic-based sealant.
Quick Tip! Be sure to add enough sealant so that there is a small amount of squeeze-out to be wiped away.
Disassembling
Separate the whole row by lifting up delicately at an angle. To separate the
planks, leave them flat on the ground and slide them apart. If the planks do
not separate easily you can slightly lift up the plank when sliding them
apart. Do not lift up more than 5 degrees.
After Install/Floor Care Maintenance:
- For general cleaning, steam mop or dry/damp mop as needed using Bona Stone Tile & Laminate Floor Cleaner a similar product.
- Never flood-mop or wet-mop, as standing water may cause permanent damage. The moisture from the dampened mop should evaporate off the floor quickly.
- Although CALI Laminate Flooring is waterproof, it is still a best practice to avoid excess moisture on the floor. Therefore, we recommend soaking up spills immediately using a dry towel or dry mop.
Preventative Care:
- Vacuum or sweep the floor with a broom or dust mop on a regular basis or as needed to remove dirt, sand, or grit to protect the floor from scratches. Be careful of other debris such as small rocks and pebbles being dragged across the floor.
- Do not use vacuums that use a beater bar or turn beater bar off; brush or felt vacuum heads are recommended as opposed to hard heads.
- Keep pet nails trimmed to avoid excessive scratching.
- To prevent indentations and scratches, remove small diameter buttons/ends from furniture legs and replace with felt tipped non-staining floor protectors with a surface no less than 1” in diameter. Heavier objects may require wider floor protectors. Periodically check the felt tips for wear or buildup of grit/ debris and replace as needed.
- Fit rolling furniture with soft rubber casters with a diameter of at least 2”.
- When moving large appliances or furniture, use proper dollies, glides, or 1/8” Masonite with the shiny side down – do not slide or drag across the floor. Rolling appliances across the floor or using heavy load bearing carts with small wheels may damage the laminate floor.
- Use interior and exterior doormats at entrances to prevent dirt and moisture from being tracked onto the floor. Area rugs are also recommended in front of kitchen sinks and in high traffic areas. Rugs must be made of a breathable material to prevent moisture entrapment. We recommend using a breathable rug underlay; mesh or grid patterns are best. Do not use rugs with solid rubber or vinyl backings as this may damage the finish.
- Limit direct sunlight on the floor by using curtains and blinds in areas that are exposed to high UV rays.
- Abrasive or harsh chemicals should not be used to clean the floor. Never use any of the following products on the floor: mineral spirits, paint thinner, ammonia-based cleaners, acrylic finishes, wax-based products, detergents, bleach, polishes, oil soap, abrasive cleaning soaps, or acidic materials. Never apply wax treatments to the floor.
- Heating units or non-insulated ductwork close to the flooring or subfloor may cause “hot spots” which must be eliminated prior to installation.
- Heavy furniture (500+ lbs.) may obstruct the free, natural movement of a floated floor.
- Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry and never nail or screw anything through a floated floor.
- Lighter colors and darker colors naturally show more dirt, flaws, and marks and are considered higher maintenance
Laminate Shorebreak Flooring Installation Guide
Questions?888-788-2254
CALIfloors.com