MP GLOBAL QuietWalk Plus Underlayment for Glue and Nail Down Flooring Instruction Manual
- June 5, 2024
- MP GLOBAL
Table of Contents
QuietWalk Plus Underlayment for Glue and Nail Down Flooring
Instruction Manual
NSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
QuietWalk Plus Underlayment is designed for use with most nail, glue down, and floating floor products and is flexible, easy to install, and features a 3 mil moisture-resistant top film layer. This sound reduction underlay system is suitable for use over most types of industry-approved subfloors (3/4″ plywood, concrete, OSB flooring, etc.). Consult with the flooring manufacturer for specific recommendations and requirements for your installation.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Moisture: All sub-floor assemblies should be tested for moisture before
installing your flooring products.
Wood sub floors: Using a species-specific moisture meter (Tramex, Lingo-
Mat, or Delmhorst) determine if conditions are dry before installing. Wood
subfloor moisture reading must not exceed 12%; the ideal moisture content
within new solid wood flooring is 6%-9%. The differential balance between the
wood flooring and subfloor must not exceed 4% or 2% for board widths over 2
1/4″. If moisture readings are too high, postpone the installation, find the
moisture source, and correct it. Raise heat and increase ventilation, holding
off installation until proper conditions are met.
Concrete subfloors: Prior to installation the moisture content of
concrete must be measured. Concrete must be 60 to 90 days old. Moisture
testing only establishes the presence of moisture at the time of measurement.
Of greater concern is future moisture-transferring up through the slab into
the surface, therefore the use of a moisture barrier is necessary.
CONCRETE SLAB MOISTURE TESTING METHODS
Calcium chloride test ASTM F 1869, a quantitative test used to determine the
amount of moisture in the slab. The emissions of moisture must not exceed 7lbs
per 1000 sq ft, in 24 hrs for QuietWalk Plus Underlayment. Testing kits are
available at most flooring tool supply distributors.
Rapid (RH) testing method ASTM F2170: a test for relative humidity within the
slab. The results shall not exceed 75% at the time of testing.
QuietWalk Plus Underlayment is designed to be installed in enclosed areas
where temperatures will not fall below 55°F or go above 100°F The underlayment
and adhesives must be conditioned at 70 degrees Fahrenheit with the relative
humidity between 25 % and 65% for at least 24 hrs before and 72 hrs after
installation. Product is NOT recommended in areas subjected to heavy rolling
loads.
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In order for any isolation barrier to be effective a certain amount of compressibility/deflection is required and to be expected when installing any flooring over an underlayment. This deflection may cause mild squeaking or “floor noise”, especially in nail-down applications. “Excessive squeaking or Floor Noise” can result from; loose or unlevel subflooring or improper installation methods and is not considered a product defect.
QUIET WALK PLUS UNDERLAYMENT APPLICATION
NAIL DOWN INSTALLATION:
For Mechanically Fastened Solid Wood, Engineered Wood Floors, and solid bamboo products:- Roll the QuietWalk Plus Underlayment out with an overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off the flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of the room using a sharp utility knife maintaining a 1/4″ gap at the perimeter).
- Roll out the next row in the same manner butting underlayment close to the first row (do not overlap padding) seams should be butted together leaving no gaps or overlaps.
- Remove the tape strip and secure the overlapping moisture barrier film. When cutting around obstacles or when the end of roll seams are butted together tape seams with duct tape or a quality strapping tape.
- Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s Installation Instructions.
* Low profile Floors: Wood flooring products need to be a minimum of
3/8″ thickness in nail-down applications over QuietWalk Plus Underlayment
DOUBLE GLUE INSTALLATION:
Double Glue installation refers to gluing down the underlayment to the
substrate and then gluing the floor covering to the underlayment. The layers
will be as follows: substrate, adhesive, underlayment, adhesive, and floor
covering. Use the manufactured recommended adhesive and trowel size for
adhering the underlayment to the substrate as well as the floor covering to
the underlayment. For low profile solids, engineered, and bamboo flooring.
The surface must be clean, dry, and free of contaminants and sealers.
- Roll the Underlayment out with an overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off the flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of the room using a sharp utility knife maintaining a 1/” gap at the perimeter). Cut the flap off each row for this glue-down application. Only use manufactured recommended adhesive types and trowel size for adhesion of this underlayment to the substrate and the flooring product to the underlayment.
- Use a 75 or 100 lb three-section roller to secure the Underlayment to the substrate prior to installation of the finished flooring.
- Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.
*Prior to installation of the finished flooring. Due to the various subfloors in structures, please consult with the flooring manufacturer for adhesive specifications and approved subfloor recommendations.
* Installations over concrete:
- Wood floor adhesives alone are not moisture barriers.
- For the best results, do not mix adhesive products.
FLOATING INSTALLATION:
For installation of click together, edge-glue floating engineered wood, click bamboo, laminate (including those with attached cushions)
- Be sure the sub-floor surface is clean and dry.
- Roll the QuietWalk Plus roll out with an overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off the flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of the floor using a sharp utility knife maintaining a 1/2″ to 3/4″ gap at the perimeter).
- Seams need to be butted together flush, do not overlap the pad. Roll out the next row, in the same manner, butting underlayment close to the first row.
- Remove the tape strip and secure the overlapping moisture barrier film. Seal seams with duct tape or quality strapping tape when cutting around obstacles or when the end of roll seams are butted together.
- Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.
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Installations over concrete in high moisture areas (The emissions of moisture must not exceed 6 lbs per 1000 sq ft, in 24 hrs for QuietWalk Plus Underlayment.
The emissions of moisture must not exceed 10 lbs per 1000 sq ft, in 24 hrs for QuietWalk Plus Underlayment. Testing kits are available at most flooring tool supply distributors) and will require additional protection such as our 6 mil poly moisture barrier.
FLOATING SUBFLOOR APPLICATION:
QuietWalk Plus may be added as an isolation barrier to a free-floating plywood underlayment installation.
Floating Plywood Nailing Base: Install a floating plywood nailing base over concrete to receive nail-down wood flooring:- Lay 6 mil polyethylene sheet vapor barrier over a concrete substrate. Overlap seams 6 inches and seals with duct tape.
- Roll the QuietWalk Plus roll out with an overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off the flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of the floor using a sharp utility knife maintaining a %” gap at the perimeter).
- Seams need to be butted together flush, do not overlap the pad. Roll out the next row, in the same manner, butting underlayment close to the first row.
- Remove the tape strip and secure the overlapping moisture barrier film. When cutting around obstacles or when the end of roll seams are butted together seal seams with duct tape.
- Lay one layer of 1/2 inch thick CDX exterior grade plywood over the vapor barrier leaving a 1/8 inch gap between panels.
- Lay the second layer of 1/2 inch thick CDX exterior grade plywood on a diagonal over the first plywood layer again leaving a 1/8 inch gap between panels.
- *Provide a minimum of 1/2-inch expansion space at the perimeter of the room for normal-sized areas.
- Screw plywood layers together in a 6-inch or staple pattern. Exercise care not to puncture sheet vapor barrier by using appropriate length fasteners.
- Prior to installation of wood flooring, install 15 lb asphalt roofing felt underlayment.
- Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.
RADIANT HEAT SYSTEMS:
Please refer to the flooring manufacturers and the radiant heat product
installation instructions when installing over radiant heat systems.
View Installation Videos and Tips at
Quietwalk.com/plus