PRIMO WALK Premium SPC Hybrid Flooring Installation Guide

Premium SPC Hybrid Flooring

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE

This Guide Includes four sections, Introduction, Preparation, Installation, Finishing, and Maintenance.
We advise you to follow all these instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

PRODUCT: PRIMO WALK – SIGNATURE Premium SPC Hybrid Planks
JOINING SYSTEM: Uniclic® Patented Technology

This product must be installed in compliance with AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS 1884: 2021 Floor Coverings – Resilient Sheet and Tiles – Installation Practices.

Office & Warehouse: 20/8 Victoria Ave., Castle Hill Trading Zone, Castle Hill, NSW 2154 – Phone: +61 477 309 602
Email:Sales@primowalk.com.au , Info@primowalk.com.au
Website:www.primowalk.com.au

1. INTRODUCTION

PRIMO WALK Signature is a premium quality SPC hybrid flooring that is fully waterproof and perfect for both residential and commercial purposes. This product is only for indoor usage and should be kept away from lengthy periods of UV exposure. PRIMO WALK is a floating floor, but it should not be used to seal an existing floor from moisture. PRIMO WALK cannot prevent mould growth or structural difficulties related to or caused by flooding, excessive moisture, alkalis in the flooring, or hydrostatic pressure situations. Always remove standing water, urine, and other liquids as soon as possible, regardless of location. Before installation, moisture issues on the job site must be addressed and repaired. Compared to conventional floating wood or vinyl-based flooring solutions, PRIMO WALK is more dimensionally stable; however, acclimatisation takes 48 hours. When this SPC hybrid flooring is exposed to high heat or cold, it might become too rigid or flexible, which can make installation complicated and could harm the locking mechanism. For installation, the ideal material and environment temperature range is 18 °C – 29 °C. PRIMO WALK supplies all matching accessories including scotia, stair nose, T-moulding, and End Cap profiles to achieve the best finishing.

2. PREPARATION

2.1. Transport and Storing

To avoid distortions, store, and transport PRIMO WALK SPC hybrid flooring with caution always. The boxes should be transported and stored in tidy stacks on a level surface. The boxes should never be kept upright or in a damp or dirty space. Keep the boxes away from extreme temperatures (below 5°C) or above 35°C. Before installation, PRIMOWALK SPC hybrid floors must spend at least 48 hours acclimatizing to a temperature between 18 and 29°C in the installation room. It is necessary to keep the floor and room at this temperature before, during, and for at least 24 hours following the completion of the installation. The ideal temperature range for installation is between 18 and 29°C degrees.

2.2. Identify Your Subfloor

The Condition of the subfloor plays a critical role in the appearance and longevity of the floor. Ensuring a smooth, clean, and dry subfloor before installation is essential to achieve the best results and optimal performance of the flooring. Adhering to Australian Standards 1844:2021 for Resilient Sheet and Tiles Installation Practices is crucial for proper subfloor preparation. Following these standards helps ensure a quality installation of hybrid flooring, contributing to its longevity and performance.
Notably, PRIMO WALK can be installed over various existing hard floor coverings, but it’s crucial to adhere to specific notes and requirements for different surfaces. It is important to mention that soft floor products like carpets are not suitable substrates for hybrid flooring.

✓ APPROVED SUBFLOORS
PRIMO WALK is suitable for use on a broad range of subfloors, but these two important notes must be checked before verifying your subfloor:

✓ All approved substrates for PRIMO WALK must be sturdy, sound, clean, dry, and flat within specified tolerances (3mm within 1.8 meters or 5mm within a 3-meter radius) is crucial for a successful installation. The subfloor should not slope more than 25mm per 1.8 meters in any direction.
✓ PRIMO WALK is waterproof, but it’s essential to address any job-site moisture issues before starting the installation. This proactive step helps prevent potentially severe damage to the subfloor and surrounding structures and mitigates the risk of mould and mildew growth.

• CONCRETE SUBFLOOR
  For concrete subfloors, it’s essential to ensure that the moisture content is below 4% and the Relative Humidity (RH) is less than 75% before installation.
  For a new concrete floor, allow a minimum of one week of drying per 1 cm (3/8″) thickness up to 4 cm (1-1/2″). If the thickness exceeds 4 cm (1-1/2″), double the drying time. For instance, a 6 cm (2-1/2″) concrete subfloor requires at least 8 weeks of drying time. Ensure that concrete moisture remains below 75% relative humidity, as per AS1884 standards. Keep in mind that these time limits are approximate and may vary based on climate conditions and building ventilation.

• WOODEN SUBFLOOR
  PRIMO WALK can be directly installed over a flat wooden subfloor. However, if there are uneven areas greater than 2 mm/1 m, these should be addressed. Options include sanding, levelling, or using a suitable wood-based underlay to make the subfloor flat and stable.
  First, ensure that any existing floor covering is completely removed. Inspect the subfloor for any signs of mould or insect infestations. If present, address these issues before proceeding with the installation. The subfloor must be level. Nail down any loose parts to create a stable surface for the new flooring. Ensure that the crawl space under the subfloor is adequately ventilated. Good ventilation helps prevent moisture-related issues. Clear any obstacles in the crawl space and confirm that there is sufficient ventilation. Proper airflow helps prevent moisture buildup. The moisture content of the wood must not exceed 12%. High moisture content can lead to issues such as warping or mould growth. Use a moisture meter to check and, if necessary, address any moisture concerns before installation.

• UNDERFLOOR HEATING
  For spaces with underfloor heating or cooling, your dealer or installer of the floor heating system must guarantee that the floor surface temperature remains below 28°C. only in-slab heating systems are suitable, always incorporate a 200um plastic barrier before installation, and gradually increase the temperature by 5°C per day after installing the PRIMO WALK Hybrid Flooring. It’s crucial not to install a PRIMO WALK Hybrid Floor on loose-laid heating systems such as electrical foils, etc. For more information, consult your PRIMO WALK dealer to ensure proper installation and compatibility.

• TILE, TERRAZZO, ASBESTOS TILE, RESILIENT TILE, NON-CUSHION SHEET VINYL, AND METAL
  A secure and firm attachment of the existing floor to the structural floor is critical. This helps prevent vertical deflection and safeguards the integrity of the PRIMO WALK Hybrid Flooring. Levelling grout lines between tiles or addressing gaps exceeding 2mm in depth and 4mm in width is recommended, and the maximum accepted height difference between adjacent tiles is 1mm. Bumps must be removed by sanding or scraping. To address grout line issues on ceramic tiles, terrazzo, quarry tiles, and similar floors, use a cementitious levelling and patching compound for filling. This helps achieve a smooth and even surface.

• UNACCEPTABLE SUBFLOORS
  Before installing PRIMO WALK, it’s essential to remove the existing floors mentioned below and eliminate old adhesives. Encapsulate any remaining adhesives or cutback residue by applying a suitable smoothing compound, to create a barrier.

• PARQUET OVER CONCRETE

• HARDWOOD OVER CONCRETE

• CUSHION BACK SHEET VINYL

• ENGINEERED HARDWOOD OVER CONCRETE

• CARPETING/CARPET PAD

• FLOATING FLOORS

• SLEEPER SUBSTRATES

2.3. Cleaning and Surface Check

Clean Up the Job Site, remove all debris, and sweep and vacuum the subfloor. Smooth, non-porous floors should be damp mopped after vacuuming and allowed to dry thoroughly before installing PRIMO WALK Hybrid Flooring. All dust must be removed before installation. Verify that the subfloor is clean, dry, level, sturdy, and devoid of chemicals and grease. Scrape off and wipe off any old adhesives if necessary. Fix significant imperfections in the surface and wide cracks.

2.4. Heavy and Fixed Objects

When it comes to floating floors like PRIMO WALK Hybrid Flooring, maintaining the ability of the floor to move freely around heavy objects is essential. Floating installation should always remain floating for optimal performance.
Fixing the floor with heavy objects can hinder the free expansion and contraction of the flooring, potentially leading to issues. It’s essential to follow installation guidelines to allow PRIMO WALK Hybrid Floor to move freely around heavy items, preventing problems like open joints or separating planks. To prevent fixing the flooring, install heavy objects before placing the PRIMO WALK Hybrid Floors first, it allows for proper expansion and contraction and maintains the integrity of the installation. Also, for installation of heavy objects with radiant heat, like an oven, on the recommended hearth is advisable. Ensuring the PRIMO WALK is installed around the hearth while respecting perimeter gaps helps maintain the flooring flexibility and avoids potential issues with expansion and contraction.
(Examples of heavy and fixed objects: Kitchens, Kitchen Islands, heavy stoves, electrical accumulators, built-in cabinets/wardrobes, etc.)

2.5. Check the Doors and Door Casings

• Doors- Before the installation, consider the thickness of the PRIMO WALK Hybrid Floor and ensure that doors still can open and close smoothly without any obstructions.
• Wood Door Casings- Undercut wood door casings to accommodate PRIMO WALK, ensuring a neat fit beneath them to conceal the expansion space.
• Metal Door Casings- Avoid cutting the metal door casings, instead, cut the PRIMO WALK Hybrid Floors around them and leave the required expansion space. Post-installation, fill the space with a coordinating premium waterproof 100% silicone sealant.

2.6. Installation Tools and Safety Equipment

• Installation Tools: The following standard tools are needed: Hammer, Saw with Blades for Plastic (a jigsaw, hand circular saw, hand saw, or cross-cut saw), Tape Measurer, String Line, Pencil, Pull-Bar, Spacers and a Tapping Block suitable for the Uniclic® click system.
• Safety Equipment: Dust Mask minimum P2 (during sawing), Safety Goggles and Gloves, safe footwear (steel capped preferably).

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Prioritize safety during installation by wearing safety goggles, gloves, and safe, preferably steel-capped footwear. Use dust extraction and respiratory protection (minimum P2 dust mask) when cutting flooring or trims with any saw. Adhere to specific safety requirements outlined by ancillary product manufacturers, especially when using products like levelling compounds.

2.7. Pre-Installation Checklist

• INSTALLER/END-USER CHECKLIST
  All flooring materials must be inspected by the installer or final consumer before installation. The product is considered to be the right colour and kind once it has been installed. Before starting the installation, please make use of the following checklist:
  ✓ Is the volume of the purchased product sufficient for the desired area?
  ✓ Does the product meet the expectations of the client?
  ✓ Are the instructions and installation guides being followed?
  ✓ Has the product been allowed to acclimatise at room temperature for a minimum of 48 hours?
  ✓ Is this the right product (please verify the size, colour, and pattern)?
  ✓ Are the manufacture dates of all the materials you need for your job the same?
  NOTE: (To determine Size, Colour, Pattern and Manufacture date, you can find the related labels on the short end of each carton)

2.8. Key Installation Considerations

Subfloor Flatness Tolerances| 5 mm in 3 meters or 3 mm in 1,8 meters
Slope no more than 25mm in 1,8 meters
---|---
Damp Proof Membrane – 0,20mm| Not Required
Is underlayment (underlay) required| No – PRIMO WALK SIGNATURE includes an integral pre-attached underlayment
Acclimation Requirements| 48 hours* (Optimum material and building temperature before installation is 18°C – 29°C.)
Maximum Installation area without expansion joints in the middle of the floor| Can be installed in areas/rooms up to a maximum of 1000 m2 (33m x 33m) without the need for expansion joints in the middle of the floor! T-Mould Transition requirements for larger areas/rooms: These are required in rooms greater than 33 meters in either direction!
*NOTE:* always respect that expansion joints of 10mm are required around perimeter walls, pipes, and heavy fixed objects.
Transition Requirements (T-Mould) Doorways/Thresholds| Required
Glue Down Installation| Not Required/Not Recommended
Internal Subfloor Relative Humidity (RH) Recommendations| Maximum 75% R H when assessed
Underfloor/Subfloor Heating| Approved: Substrate surface temperature must not exceed 28°C!
installation over electrical systems is not allowed
Installation over existing ceramic, stone, terrazzo, and resilient tiles| Can be installed on top of existing ceramic or stone tile floors, respecting a maximum grout-line width of 4 mm and a maximum grout-line depth of 2 mm!
The maximum accepted height difference between adjacent tiles is 1mm.
NOTE: In all other situations then explained; Fill in grout lines with cementitious levelling and patching compound and follow instructions as described in “Identify your Substrate” in this manual!
4-Season/Non-Climate Controlled Environments| Installation on floors is not recommended in living rooms or other areas, including closed.
areas without windows, which cannot be ventilated (in which no ventilation or air conditioning can take place) all year round.
Expansion Requirements| 10 mm around perimeter walls, pipes and heavy fixed objects such as kitchens and cabinetry
Optimal Interior Environmental Conditions| During installation: between 18°C and 29°C
During life of flooring: between 12°C – 35°C and 40% – 60% R H (Relative humidity)
Definition of “Waterproof”| The structural integrity of flooring will not degrade due to contact with moisture/water***
Installation in Glass Houses and Winter Garden| Can be installed in Glasshouses / Winter gardens taking into consideration the following.
important criteria:

• Room/building temperature before or during installation must be between 18°C and 29°C.
• Normal room temperature after installation (when the floor is in use) must be between >12°C and 35°C.
• Maximum floor surface temperature allowed (caused by direct sunlight) is 70°C.
• Room air ventilation is required in both winter and summer seasons!

*NOTE: Direct Sunlight may cause fading of your floor! Always protect your floor from direct sunlight using window treatments or UV protection foil on windows!

3. INSTALLATION

PRIMO WALK SIGNATURE Hybrid Flooring connects through the Uniclic ® joining system, placed on a well-prepared subfloor without being permanently atta2ched. Due to the vinyl’s sensitivity to temperature changes, leaving5a gap around the entire perimeter is essential.
Conditioning and installing the flooring within the recommended service temperature range (18-29°C) help avoid excessive expansion or contraction in varying temperature conditions. While many open-plan spaces don’t require control joints, it’s advisable to incorporate them at doorways for unrestricted expansion or contraction of the entire panel, a practice known as “compartmentalization.” A suggested 10 mm perimeter gap can be concealed with Scotia, Endcap, or other specialized profiles that match this product, all of which are accessible from your retailer.
The Uniclic ® joining system allows flexibility in choosing the starting point for installation. Consider the most convenient approach to installing the floor. Our demonstration is oriented for right-handed individuals, progressing from left to right, but you can opt for the opposite direction if preferred. Uniclic ® stands out due to its uniqueness, offering the flexibility to install the planks in two different ways:
Method A: This method involves positioning the panel at an angle of 20 to 30° to the already installed panel, gently moving it up and down while applying forward pressure for automatic clicking into place. You can choose either to insert the tongue into the groove or the groove onto the tongue, with the tongue-in-groove method being the most common.
Method B: Using Uniclic ®, you can tap panels into each other without lifting. For this method, you must use the special Uniclic ® tapping block. It’s crucial to avoid a single forceful tap to prevent panel damage; instead, gradually tap them into each other.

[1] Ensure thorough mixing of the panels during installation to prevent clustering of identical, light, or dark panels. For optimal visual outcomes, it’s advisable to install the floorboards parallel to the longest wall and in alignment with the direction of light incidence.

[2] Before commencing, meticulously measure both the length and width of the room to strategize an accurate layout, ensuring a balanced appearance for the floor. This approach prevents the last row from being excessively narrow. If the last row measures less than 40mm, it’s recommended to simply install by cutting down the planks of the first row in length.

[3] Start the first row with a whole plank. Begin by sawing off the tongue on both the long and short sides.

[4] Place the plank with the sawn-off sides against the wall and use spacers between the planks and the wall. This ensures a sufficient expansion joint width of 8 to 10 mm.

[5] Certainly, when sawing the panels, have the pattern side facing down for a clean cut, especially when using a jigsaw, sabre saw or circular handsaw and facing up when you use a handsaw or a crosscut saw. It’s crucial to avoid aligning the end joints of panels in two successive rows; maintain a stagger of at least 30 cm between joints for optimal results.

[6] When installing, angle the panel between 20 to 30° to the already installed panel. Gently move the panel up and down while applying forward pressure, and the panels will automatically click into place.

[7] Using Uniclic ®, tapping the panels into each other without lifting is possible. Employ the special Uniclic ® tapping block for this method. It’s essential not to join the planks with a single tap. To prevent damage, gradually tap them into each other.

[8] When installing Uniclic ® planks proves challenging with the tapping block, especially in tight spaces like against the wall, you can use the pulling iron and hammer to tap them into each other.

[9] After installing enough rows, continuing the installation is straightforward: place an unopened pack of panels on the already installed rows, switch your position, and click the short side of the panel into the previous one.

[10] Position both of your hands near the joint and pull the long side of the plank toward you. The panels will now click together.

[11] Repeat this process consistently until you reach the end of the room.

[12] To accommodate seasonal variations in room humidity, the floor must have the flexibility to expand and contract. Ensure a minimum 8 to 10 mm expansion joint on all sides of the floor, including around pipes, thresholds, and under doors. Expansion joints can be finished with skirting attached to the subfloor. Installing a control joint at doorways is advisable, as it allows the planks to expand and contract freely.

[13] Remove all spacers.

4. FINISHING

[1] Install the skirting boards or scotias against the wall without attaching them to the floor. This approach allows the floor to freely expand and contract beneath them. In areas where profiles, skirting boards or scotias cannot be placed, fill expansion joints with non-hardening filler.

[2] while sawing the panels, ensure a minimum 10 mm expansion joint under the door. If lifting the panel is not possible, use the tapping block or pulling iron along with a hammer to tap the panels together when the planks are flat on the floor.

[3] In rows with a pipe, ensure the pipes align precisely with the short side of two panels. Use a drill bit with a diameter equal to the pipe plus 20 mm (3/4″). Click the panels together on the short side and drill a hole centred on the joint between the two panels. You can now install the panels on the floor.

[4] For rows with a double pipe, follow these steps:

1-   Measure where the pipe will emerge through the plank, accounting for the expansion joint.
2-   Use a drill bit with a diameter equal to the pipe plus +20 mm for expansion. Drill through the panel where the pipe will emerge.
3-   Extend the hole to the edge of the panel.
4-   Lay the panel around the pipe.
5-   Take another panel, cut a piece that fits precisely in the remaining hole, and glue this piece with wood glue.

[5] In places where it is difficult to install the planks with the tapping block (e.g. underneath radiators), you can tap the planks together with a pulling iron and a hammer.

[6] It’s advisable to seal the floor perimeter in bathrooms, laundries, or areas prone to excessive water to prevent water from flowing in and under the floor. Using a soft silicon sealant is recommended for completing the sealing process in such wet areas.

5. MAINTENANCE

5.1. Initial Cleaning after Installation

✓ Clear away loose dirt or grit by either sweeping or vacuuming the area.
✓ Clean the floor by washing it with cool to lukewarm water, using a suitable cleaner as per the provided instructions.

5.2. General Care and Maintenance

[1] you can walk on your new PRIMO WALK Hybrid Flooring immediately after installation.

[2] Make sure to maintain indoor climate conditions at a minimum of 5°C and ideally within the range of 12 to 35°C. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the subfloor temperature within the specified range.

[3] For the dry maintenance of your hybrid floor, it is permissible to use a vacuum cleaner with gentle edges and soft wheels. Ensure that the vacuum cleaner is equipped with soft wheels and a specialized parquet brush to prevent any scratches on the floor. It is important to understand that steam mops or wet mops are not recommended for any hard surface floor covering. Steam cleaners and wet mops however are permitted on PRIMO WALK. When using a steam cleaner on PRIMO WALK Hybrid Flooring, it is recommended to cover the direct steam pressure with a cloth to ensure even distribution of steam and heat. While cleaning, keep the steam cleaner in motion, and for optimal results, clean the floor in the same direction as the installation of the planks.

[4] Eliminate any dirty residue by damp mopping the floor with clear water. Caution: avoid flooding the floor.

[5] Common spot cleaners are appropriate for removing most marks. Ensure prompt action by wiping up spills and stains as soon as they occur.

[6] To prevent damage to your floor, protect furniture and chair legs. When using office chairs, ensure they have soft castors designed for hard flooring, as regular castors can damage your floor. Alternatively, use a suitable desk mat.

[7] When moving heavy items or furniture, always lift them up instead of dragging them to avoid damage. Ensure furniture legs have a broad floor surface and non-staining floor protectors. Furniture with taller or wider feet provides better weight distribution, reducing the risk of floor damage. Place non-rubber-backed mats at entrances to prevent dirt transfer, minimizing maintenance and extending floor life. Be cautious with rubber types, as prolonged contact may cause permanent stains. Avoid contact with extremely hot items like cigarettes or matches, as it can result in permanent damage to the floor.

5.3. Preventive Care and Maintenance

✓ Avoid using vinegar, polishes, waxes, oil soaps, harsh detergents, or solvents on your floor.
✓ Do not use abrasive cleaners or cleaning agents, as they may leave dull residues on the surface of the floor.
✓ Place walk-off mats at all outside entrances to help minimise dirt and debris from being brought into the space.
✓ Utilise indoor mats and rugs that are non-staining to help protect your flooring.
✓ Do not expose to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
✓ Saving a few planks is a wise precaution in case of accidental damage. Flooring professionals can easily replace or repair damaged planks when needed.
✓ Employ wide floor protectors beneath tables, chairs, and heavy furnishings to prevent permanent damage to your floor.
✓ Do not flood the floor or be subject to standing liquids including urine.

Effective : Jan 2024 |Revision One www.primowalk.com.au

References

• PrimoWalk SPC Hybrid Flooring – PRIMO WALK
• PrimoWalk SPC Hybrid Flooring – PRIMO WALK

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