Godfrey Hirst Hybrid Floors Uniclic Angle-Sidestep User Manual

: June 5, 2024
: Godfrey Hirst

Table of Contents

Installation Instructions
Care & Maintenance
- Cleaning & Care
- Maintenance
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Hybrid Floors
Uniclic® (Angle -Angle and Sidetap)
Australia / New Zealand
Hybrid

Installation Instructions

Product| Dimensions| Click Type| Locking System Description
---|---|---|---
Apollo 1500 (AU) 1 Apollo XL (NZ;| 1500 x 180 x 6.5mm| UnicliC| Angle-Angle (Sidetapi
Apollo Stone/Elements Hybrid Tile| 915 x 228 x 6.5mm| Uniclice| Angle-Angle (Sidetap)
Aquaclic| 1220 x 180 x 5.5mm| Uniclice| Angle-Angle (Sidetap)
High Street Hybrid / Kensington Hybrid Series| 1500 x 180 x 6.3mm| Uniclic°| Angle-Angle (Sidetap)
Metropol 1200 / Abode Elevate| 1200 x 182 x 6mm| Uniclic®| Angle-Angle (Sidetap)
Hybrid Oak| 1524 x 203 x 6.5mm| Uniclic®| Angle-Angle (Sidetap)
Hybrid Stone| 915 x 228 x 6.5mm| Uniclic®| Angle-Angle (Sidetap)
Metropol 1500| 1500 x 228 x 6.5mm| Uniclic®| Angle-Angle (Sidetap)

Godfrey Hirst recommends installation be carried out by a professional flooring installer.

Warning
Prior to any take-up or removal of floor coverings, adhesives, or underlay, you should be certain these do not contain asbestos. If it is known or suspected the previous flooring, adhesive or underlay contains asbestos, you should avoid creating dust, and the previous flooring and/or components should only be removed by an appropriately licenced asbestos removal contractor.

General

Inspect product in good lighting conditions to ensure it is correct (colour, quality and quantity) as ordered. Open boxes cannot be returned. Godfrey Hirst hybrid flooring is for interior use only.
Note locking systems listed above.
Generally Godfrey Hirst hybrid flooring does not need to be acclimatised. However, if boxes are exposed to extreme temperatures (under 5°C or over 50°C) within the 12 hours prior to installation, unopened boxes should be acclimatised for a minimum of 12 hours at temperature between 18-27°C and a relative humidity between 30-60%. This temperature and humidity range is to be maintained before, during, and after installation.
Subfloor must be solid, level (2mm over 1000mm), dry and clean. Godfrey Hirst hybrid flooring can be installed over most existing floorcoverings (e.g. ceramic tiles, linoleum, PVC etc.) provided the floor is flat, dry and in the case of ceramics in a residential installation, grout line tolerances are no more than 3mm wide and 3mm deep. Otherwise grout joints should be filled to the level of the tiles with a suitable leveller. Carpet, carpet underlay and/or existing floating floors is not a suitable subfloor.
Install a plastic sheet over rough subfloors such as chipboard to ensure the product’s backing does not get caught on the rough subfloor.
Minimum 10mm expansion gaps to be provided at all fixed vertical surfaces (including around cabinetry, island benches, and all fixed furniture).
Check each board for visual defects and locking system integrity in optimal lighting before and during installation. Clean any debris out of locks before installation. Always use boards from several packs and inspect each board to get the best balanced visual installation. Never install defective product. Installation is recognised as acceptance of all visual defects.
Boards can be cut with the score-and-snap method for straight cuts, and with clippers for complex cuts. If cutting boards using any type of saw, dust extraction and/or respiratory protection must be used.
Skirting boards or Godfrey Hirst scotia and/or end caps will be needed to cover the perimeter expansion gap. Alternately, the skirting boards can be undercut. Fixings should be to the wall only, never directly to the floor. Silicone or caulking compound is not recommended. Godfrey Hirst has water resistant accessories to match/complement the hybrid flooring.
Minimum width of boards for first and last rows is 50mm. End stagger of joins in rows should be minimum 300mm.
Ensure that the first 3-4 rows are checked for straightness using a string line. Continue to check for straightness at all stages of the installation.
Godfrey Hirst hybrid floors are extremely stable and can installed in individual rooms up to 20m long and 15m wide. In complex or multi room installation, internal expansion joins at doorways / thresholds are required.

Wet Area Installation

If your Godfrey Hirst hybrid flooring is being installed in a wet area:

Check with your builder to ensure product suitability/ compliance with your local building code.
Prior to installation of the hybrid flooring, please refer to country of installation building code requirements. Australia, please refer to National Construction Code Part 3.8.1 and AS3740 [Waterproofing of Wet Areas within Residential Buildings]. New Zealand, please refer to Acceptable Solution E3/AS1, amendment 7, November 2021.
Free standing bathtubs should not be installed on a hybrid floor as it needs to float.
If a floor waste is installed in the area a hybrid floor is not suitable as it needs to float.
Following the instructions set out in the Installation Procedure above separate/isolate the wet area from the balance of the floor/area with a Godfrey Hirst t-mould, end cap or similar at the doorway or other adjoining areas and seal the perimeter of the wet area floor using a bathroom grade soft silicone to prevent moisture seeping under the floor.

Do not allow water to pool on the floor for any long periods of time. Wet towels or bath mats should never be left on the floor to dry.

Please note:

Godfrey Hirst recommends that batches not be mixed. In circumstances where the installer has two or more batches, they must check to ensure they are compatible in design, colour, surface texture, gloss level, dimensions and locking system.
Although Godfrey Hirst hybrid floors are waterproof, it should not be used as a moisture barrier, and should not be installed in areas that have a continual risk of excessive moisture/flooding such as saunas or outdoor areas. If being installed in a wet area (e.g. bathroom, laundry etc.) please refer to the Wet Area Installation note.
Hybrid floors must be installed using a floating floor system they need to be able to move. Ensure expansion gaps allow for movement, and furniture items exceeding 200kg are not placed on the floor.
Insufficient expansion gaps, including in doorways and under trims, will cause a floor to potentially buckle, peak, cup, and/or separate, leading in most cases to floor failure.
Godfrey Hirst hybrid flooring should never be installed over any electrical radiant heating system – the speed of sudden temperature changes having the potential to negatively affect the floor. Godfrey Hirst hybrid flooring may, if properly installed, be installed over hydronic underfloor radiant heating systems. Please contact Godfrey Hirst for detailed installation instructions.
Uneven subfloors can cause the locking system to break and/or the floor to sound drummy, or become noisy, and will cause early deterioration and/or failure of the floor.
Godfrey Hirst hybrid floors are not recommended for hairdressing salons.
Care and Maintenance Instructions must be followed to maintain the product warranty. Please ensure these instructions are left with the occupier.

Detailed Drawings

Perform preparation works including (but not limited to) any levelling, undercutting of door jambs, and/or skirting boards.
Hybrid floors are normally installed adjacent the longest run where possible. Plan your installation, refer to note 8 below, which may necessitate trimming the first row.
Start in the left corner, install the first row. Leave a minimum expansion gap of 10mm at ends and sides. The amount of expansion is dictated by the expected temperature fluctuations in the building. As a general rule, leave as much expansion as possible to allow for excessive temperature fluctuations.
Install the second row:
Use the off-cut from the first row to start the second row. It must be

300mm, and not closer than 300mm from the end join in the previous row.
Locking System:
Short side first, then slightly lift the row and engage the long side. Or, long side first and sidetap the short side with a tapping tool.
Continue laying the floor. Place wedges/packers to ensure the required expansion gap is respected.
At doorways, Godfrey Hirst Hybrid (UNICLIC® Angle-Angle) can be sidetapped. Engage the long side of the board and use a tapping block to engage the short end of the board.
At other fixed points, such as heater vents or fixed pipes, leave an expansion gap.
The final row must be a minimum 50mm in width. Glue the last rows end joins with PVC glue.
Internal expansion gaps are required at doorways/thresholds and rooms exceeding 20m x 15m.
Remove spacers/wedges from around the room and install skirting boards and/or Godfrey Hirst scotia and/or finishing trims (in accordance with Godfrey Hirst accessories installation guidelines). Never fix any trims directly to the floor and ensure fixing does not compromise expansion gaps. Silicone or caulking compound is not recommended.

Care & Maintenance

Congratulations on selecting a quality floor designed with easy care and maintenance in mind. To help enjoy the longevity of your floor for many years to come, follow these simple steps:

Cleaning & Care

Immediately - clean up any liquid or water based spills or any other potentially staining marks using a dry clean cloth. Though Godfrey Hirst hybrid floors are waterproof, don’t leave liquid/water based spills there just to test it. Godfrey Hirst floors are resistant to most spots and stains, however some materials or colourants (such as tar, grease, oil, dyes, waxes, ball point, marker pens, or foods/beverages containing strong dyes as mustard, curry, cordial, coffee, tea etc.) may under certain conditions migrate into the wear layer causing indelible stains.
Daily or as required - remove any loose dirt or grit which could damage the floor by sweeping with a soft dry broom or vacuum (preferably with an effective dust filter and suction nozzle for hard surfaces turning off a powerhead, if installed).
Weekly - damp mop the floor using water and a PH neutral cleaner to remove any footprints, dirt and other stains or marks.
As required - stubborn scuffs and stains can easily be removed using a damp cloth or sponge with a diluted solution of methylated spirits. Ensure the methylated spirits is completely rinsed from the flooring.
Never use a steam-mop or steam-cleaner.
Never use abrasive cleaners, nylon scouring pads, steel wool, scouring powder or bleach as they may damage the floor.
Never use oil, soap, wax or polishes as these finishes may make the floor slippery and can leave a dull finish on the floor.
Place entrance mats (which must not have a rubber backing) at all external doors to trap dirt, sand, grit, moisture, and other substances from shoes:
a. Double entrance mats are required for residential installations 1 coarse external mat, and 1 medium internal mat.
b. Triple commercial mats with a minimum walk off zone of 3.5 metres are required for commercial installations refer to mat manufacturer.
Mats must be cleaned regularly.
Use non-staining felt protectors under heavy pieces of furniture. Fit office chairs, filing trolleys, mobile containers and old hard or sharp edged castors on furniture with soft treads or castors. Chair pads should be used under desk chairs with castors.
Heavy objects and furniture such as large bookcases, full sized billiard tables, freestanding bathtubs, or kitchen units should not be situated on any floating installation. This can lead to the floor failing to respond to contraction and expansion, which can cause squeaking, gapping and possible failure.
Never drag, slide or roll furniture or appliances across your floor. Protect the surface if using a trolley to move heavy objects.
Floor to ceiling windows coupled with the Australian/New Zealand sun can create floor surface temperatures over 70°C. Godfrey Hirst hybrid flooring is manufactured to be stable in low and high temperatures (0-55°C). However, your floor should be protected from extreme temperatures and strong direct sunlight by the use of interior temperature and humidity control (recommended temperatures 10-30°C and relative humidity levels between 30% and 70%), window tinting, awnings and/or curtains/ blinds. Dramatic temperature changes and/or extreme humidity can cause joins to lip/gap and prolonged direct sunlight will cause fading.
Pet claws can scratch the flooring. Keep nails trimmed.
Spiked heels or shoes in need of repair can severely damage your floor. In areas of excessive traffic and wear, make use of runners or area rugs. Rugs should be cleaned regularly.

Maintenance

Hybrid floors are maintained by the above CLEANING & CARE instructions.
Hybrid floors cannot be sanded.

Commercial Installations – Additional maintenance may be required for commercial installations. A copy of the Godfrey Hirst Commercial Cleaning and Maintenance Guide is available at www.godfreyhirst.com/au/commercial/technical/installation- maintenance.

Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd
PO Box 93 Geelong Vic 3220
1300 444 778| Godfrey Hirst Floors New Zealand
142 Kerrs Road, Wiri, Manukau City
2241 Freecall (NZ) 0800 500 210| 97837-0622. Details correct at time of publication June 2022. Please see www.godfreyhirst.com for information updates.
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