thdstatic Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Installation Guide
- June 5, 2024
- thdstatic
Table of Contents
Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank
Installation Guide
OWNER/INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of the owner/installer to ensure that conditions are acceptable prior to the installation. The manufacturer declines any and all problems associated with the flooring that are related to or attributed to improper Jobsite conditions. Any splits, cracks, grain raising, checking, edge fracturing, splintering, cupping, crowning/peaking, warping, twisting, expansion/contraction, telegraphing, buckling, or chipping that occurs during or after the floor has been installed and as a result of abuse, misuse, improper maintenance or care, improper installation technique and improper environmental conditions are not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Prior to installation of any flooring, the installer must ensure that the Jobsite and subfloor meet the requirements of these installation instructions. All necessary accessories, including trim, must be present at the jobsite prior to beginning installation. The manufacturer is not responsible for flooring failure resulting from unsatisfactory Jobsite and/or subfloor conditions. When purchasing flooring, we recommend adding 5%-15% to actual square footage needed for cutting allowance and to compensate for culled material. It is acceptable that up to 5% of material be outside the range of acceptance and not be considered defective. If your flooring has issues with any of the following inspection points, they must be reported to the seller immediately, failure to do so before installing or within 30 days of purchase will void any warranty pertaining to the found issue.
- Quality: Ensure that the quality of the material is as you requested.
- Quantity: Ensure that you have ordered and received the proper amount of flooring to complete your project.
- Color/Finish: Ensure that the material has the correct color, finish, texture, and gloss level that you are expecting.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED
– Utility knife & straight edge
– Measuring tape
– Shears for cutting around irregularly shaped objects
– 3/8 spacers
– Transition moldings and baseboards
– Glue recommended for Vinyl plank installation
– Trowel as recommended by the glue manufacturer
TIPS FOR MEASURING
Measure the length and width to determine the square footage of the room.
Alcoves or offsets should be measured separately. When purchasing flooring, we
recommend adding 5%-15% to the actual square footage needed for cutting
allowance, to compensate for culled material, and for future replacement
needs.
CAUTION: This vinyl flooring can be installed over existing smooth
flooring that has a density greater than 500kg/m3 (similar to plywood) and
that is fastened by nails or glue to its substrate. This product is not
suitable for any outside use, sunrooms/solariums, showers, saunas, seasonal
porches, camping trailers, boats, RVs or rooms that have a potential for
flooding. Do not install in rooms or homes that are not temperature
controlled. Exposure to long-term direct sunlight can cause damage to your
floor. Failure to properly shade or UV tint windows can discolor, fade, or
buckle vinyl planks. Use window treatments or UV tinting on windows. Vinyl
planks are not intended for use on stairs or vertical surfaces. Do not glue,
nail, screw or fasten to the substrate. Install cabinetry, island and
peninsula counters, vanities, tubs, and showers first. Then install vinyl
planks around them. Closely follow instructions from the Glue manufacturer
BEFORE INSTALLATION
Prior to installation, the installer must ensure that at the time of installation, the job site conditions including subfloor/substrate, ambient temperature and relative humidity, and all impacting variables will not negatively affect the floor. The manufacturer will decline responsibility for damages associated with improper installation or poor site conditions. Place vinyl flooring horizontally in the room where it will be installed. Do not remove the vinyl flooring from the box during this acclimatization period. The room should remain between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit 48 hours before, during, and after installation. If installing over Hydronic Heating, it is required that this acclimatization period to be 72 hours with the same temperature conditions. Check all planks before and during installation. Defective planks should never be installed. Once a defective plank is installed, it will be deemed accepted.
SUBFLOOR PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
The subfloor surface must be smooth, flat, level, dry, clean, and solid. Any
adhesive residue must be removed to ensure proper installation. The subfloor
should be flat within a tolerance of 3/16′(5mm) over a span of 10′ (3m) or
1/8”(3mm) over a span of 6′ (2m). Any unevenness past these tolerances must be
sanded or filled with a floor leveler. Voids or humps in the subfloor will
cause telegraphing. New concrete floors need to cure and dry for a minimum of
60 days before the installation of flooring.
Radiant Heat flooring:
(Hydronic(liquid)heat)- Liquid-based heating systems must be activated and ran
at 68 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 weak before installing vinyl flooring. Heating
levels must never exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit after the flooring is
installed. When changing temperature, a maximum increase or decreaseof 2
degrees Fahrenheit must be ensured. (Electric heat) We do not approve vinyl
flooring for installation on electric heating systems because of their rapid
temperature changes.
TRIM AND TRANSITIONS
Always have all necessary transition moldings on site prior to beginning
installation. Make sure all transitions and moldings have been coordinated
with planks that have similar color and graining. Set them aside for use when
a transitioning is necessary. The Vendor cannot be held liable for color
variations that may exist between the flooring and coordinating trim
accessories under any circumstances.
- Reducer- Used to transition from a laminate floor to linoleum or other types of surfaces that are thinner than the vinyl flooring.
- Stair Nose (where available)- Used at the edge of each step in a staircase and landing.
INSTALLATION
Note: mix planks from multiple boxes to limit shade variations.
Installation should begin with a corner and proceed from the wall with the
tongue facing the wall. Allow a minimum gap of 3/8”(10mm) for product
expansion. Transition moldings or baseboards will cover the gap.
The temperature of a room varies due to differences between the seasons.
Therefore, your vinyl flooring floor must be able to expand and contract in
all directions. The greater the surface area, the greater the room for
expansion required. For rooms up to 25′(7.7 m) wide and 40′(12.3 m) long,
allow 3/8”(10mm) allow a 3/8″(10mm) expansion gap at all walls and near
anything that is fixed to the flooring substrate. This gap must be provided
around pipes or at thresholds or obstacles. For rooms over this size, an
additional expansion joint must be inserted to limit the maximum runs to the
maximum lengths. Ensure to glue the entire flooring to is substrate by using
glue that is recommended for LVT/LVP. Follow instructions from the glue
manufacturer. DO NOT USE pressure-release adhesive.
- Ensure that your subfloor is level and smooth by using a polymer-modified patching compound.
- When installing vinyl flooring, you must stagger the short ends from one row to another by a minimum of 8″.
- To start the second row, measure and mark the plank, then using a straight edge and utility knife, score the plank and snap it.
- Always start the next row with the last plank remaining from the previous row unless that piece is less than 8″ long.
- To install around irregular objects simply make a pattern out of heavy paper to fit around pipes irregular objects. Place the pattern on the plank and trace. Cut along trace lines using a utility knife or heavy-duty scissors and lay the plank. Allow for expansion gaps along each wall.
- When installing the last row, cut the pieces lengthwise while ensuring to keep proper expansion space from the wall. Complete the installation by installing your base-board moldings which will cover the flooring’s expansion gaps.
FLOOR PROTECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION:
Always protect the surface of the installed flooring during construction.
Cover the floor with quality rosin paper or other paper that will allow the
floor to breathe and secure it to the baseboards; never tape directly to the
flooring. Do not use plastic or polyethylene sheeting to cover the floor. The
flooring must be cleaned and completely free of any and all debris to minimize
damage. If you have any questions regarding the installation of flooring not
addressed in our guidelines, please contact our technical department at
800-956-8538.
CARE & MAINTENANCE GUIDE
With today’s advances in vinyl flooring stains and finishes, cleaning vinyl has never been easier. There are other steps you can take to minimize maintenance and maintain the beauty of your vinyl floors. Regular maintenance requires little more than sweeping with a soft bristle broom if your floor includes a beveled edge that could collect debris.
- Clean your floors periodically with a professional vinyl floor cleanser. The Manufacturer recommends a P/H Neutral vinyl cleanser, such as Bona®.
- For moderately soiled areas, use a mild solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and distilled water. Dilute the mixture by mixing one-part alcohol and 2 parts distilled water. For tougher spots, use a higher concentration of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water.
- Avoid using any cleaning agents containing wax, oil, or polish. The leftover residue will form a dull film.
- Always spot test in an inconspicuous area.
- Do not use any wood care floor cleaning products on vinyl floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes can cause the surface to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
- Do not use vinegar as a cleaning solution, its acidic properties will harm the finish.
- Use area rugs both inside and outside doorways to help prevent grit, dirt, and other debris from being tracked onto your floor. Please use a breathable rug pad underneath all throw rugs to prevent scratching.
- Place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink.
- Do not wet-mop the floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the floor and leave a discoloring residue.
- Do not use a steam mop of any kind. Damages associated with steam mop use will void warranty coverage.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- Protect your floor with floor protectors that are made of non-staining felt under the legs of furniture to help prevent scuffing and scratching; Larger pads may be required on bigger objects. Scratching due to insufficient protection is not covered under by the warranty.
- Avoid walking on your vinyl floors with cleats, sports shoes, and high heels.
- A 125-pound woman walking in high heels has an impact of 2,000 pounds per square inch. An exposed heel nail can exert up to 8,000 pounds per square inch. This kind of impact can dent any floor surface.
- When moving heavy furniture, do not slide it on the flooring. It is best to pick up the furniture completely to protect the floor from damage.
FLOOR REPAIRS
- Very light and small surface scratches can be repaired with a staining “touch-up” pen of the appropriate color or by using an almond stick. Please refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations on proper application.
- Slightly deeper scratches can be repaired by means of colored putty, acrylic, and/or stains. Fill the scratches with the putty, level with a putty knife and use a terry cloth towel to wipe off excess.
- Very deep scratches or gouges may require the replacement of planks.