Lifeproof 2019-VSPC-MB16 Florence 7 mm T x 5.12 in. W x 36.22 Inch L Waterproof Engineered Click Bamboo Flooring Instruction Manual

Lifeproof 2019-VSPC-MB16 Florence 7 mm T x 5.12 in. W x 36.22 Inch L

Waterproof Engineered Click Bamboo Flooring Instruction Manual

CAUTION: ASBESTOS IN EXISTING FLOOR:

This product does not contain asbestos. Existing installed resilient ooring and asphaltic adhesive may contain asbestos llers or crystalline silica. Do not sand, dry sweep,dry scrape, drill, saw, bead-blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient ooring, backing, lining felt, asphaltic “cutback” adhesive or other adhesive. See “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings” (rfci.com) for detailed information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures.

CAUTION: DO NOT INSTALL IN all exterior installations, seasonal porches, boats, campers, RV’s, sunrooms, solariums, non-temperature controlled rooms or homes.

SAFETY AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance to manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe and improper use can cause serious injuries. Avoid inhalation and exposures to airborne particlesby mechanical means and by wearing personal protective equipment. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes NIOSH or OSHA approve dust masks, safety goggles andwork gloves.

LIMITED LIFETIME RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY

Our flooring products come with a Lifetime Structural (Residential) Warranty/ Lifetime Residential Finish Manufacturer Warranty/ 5-Year Light Commercial Finish Warranty. The warranty applies to the original purchaser of the flooring only and guarantees that the surface will not wear-through or peel off for the duration of install. Installation of the product confrms your acceptance of the product. Failure to follow Pre-Installation and Installation guidelines will void the manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty does not cover damage from improper use, care, maintenance or installation, including scratching, exposure to moisture and humidity, water damage, denting, telegraphing, fading, or staining. In the case of standing water or ooding, Lifeproof™ will not act as a waterprooting barrier for the subfloor and/or any surrounding structure. Any damage to the suboor and/or surrounding structure that is caused by standing water
or ooding is not covered by this limited warranty. For interior household use only. All maintenance instructions must be followed. Please review our warranty coverage information for specific terms and conditions.

PRE-INSTALLATION

OWNERS/INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY

Thoroughly examine the flooring prior to installation for grade, color, finish and quality. Ensure adequate lighting for proper inspection. If flooring is not acceptable, do not install the floor. Please contact the seller immediately and arrange for replacement. Industry standard allows up to 5% of material may be culled for blemishes or defects without being considered defective. Please note our products contain a standard pattern variation and installers should be working from multiple open boxes to ensure boards are blended throughout. The manufacturer cannot accept responsibility for installation of flooring with visible defects. Installation of this product warrants the acceptance by the installer or owner for the quality of the material, as well as conditions in which the material is being installed therein.

To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any activity that is not covered in this manual, please contact our Customer Support Team at 1-800-956-8538.

It is the Installer/Owner responsibility to ensure that the conditions are acceptable prior to the installation of the flooring. 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, exposure to excessive or insufficient moisture, 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.

It shall be the responsibility of the Installer to document installation date, product SKU and lot information, duration of product acclimation, flooring moisture content, subfloor moisture content, site relative humidity and site temperature. This information must be documented by the installer and a copy provided to the property owner to ensure product warranty coverage.

Squeaking and clicking noises are the result of interactions among flooring, joists and subfloors when they move. Limiting the movements of the flooring system usually eliminates most of these noises. Sometimes, it is impossible to eliminate them completely and minor squeaking or clicking noises are to be accepted as normal flooring phenomenon.

Failure to follow any and all of Lifeproof™ recommended installation guidelines will void warranty coverage. WSPC flooring should be one of the last items installed for any new construction or remodel project. All Lifeproof™ products must be installed per the manufacturer’s guidelines. For any questions or specifications not specifically outlined herein, please contact Lifeproof™ Technical department.

• All “wet” work – e. – paint, drywall, concrete, masonry, plumbing must be complete and dry prior to the delivery of WSPC flooring.
• Gutters and downspouts should be in place and the exterior grade complete to allow for proper drainage of water away from the building’s exterior
• Flooring should not be exposed to extremes of humidity or moisture and products must be installed using an appropriate moisture barrier or
• HVAC should be on, operational and maintained between 60 – 80 degrees with a relative humidity of 35%- 55% range a minimum of 5 days prior to delivery, during and after installation of the
• If HVAC is not possible at time of installation the environmental conditions must be at or near normal living conditions between 60 – 80 degrees and at the average yearly relative humidity for the
• Test wood subfloors for moisture content using moisture meter recommended for wood flooring, such as Ligomat SDM or comparable. Take readings of the subfloor (minimum of 20 readings per 1000 sq. ft.) and average the
• Test the concrete subfloors moisture content by calcium chloride testing or by using an appropriate moisture The moisture content for concrete subfloors registered after a calcium chloride test should not be greater than 3 pounds per 1000 square feet of area. If it exceeds these limits, DO NOT install the flooring. Before moisture testing begins, the slab must be cured for a minimum of 30 days. The moisture vapor emission rate for concrete subfloors must not exceed 75% RH using ASTM 2170 or 3 pounds per 1000sqft per 24 hours using Calcium Chloride test ASTM 1869. If using a moisture meter, please refer to the recommended guidelines set forth for by that moisture meter’s manufacturer.
• Basements and crawl spaces must be Crawl space clearance from ground to underside of joist to be no less than 18” and perimeter vent spacing should be equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space area to provide cross ventilation in accordance with local regulations.

PREPARING AND LEVELING THE SUBFLOOR

1. The subfloor needs to be structurally
2. The sub-floor should be free of any surface If it is not, fill gaps with a Portland-based leveling cement (for concrete floors only) or sand/grind down any uneven areas. For wood floors, use a wood leveling patch or skim coat as needed.
3. The sub-floor must be level and flat to 3/16 (5mm) per 10’ radius or 1/8 in. (3.2mm) per 6-foot radius.
4. Any gaps in the sub-floor should not exceed 3/16 (5mm).
5. Use flooring screws into floor joists if necessary, to minimize squeaks in
6. The surface must be clean and free of any contaminants such as wax, paint, grease, dust, oil, nails, staples, old adhesive, and thoroughly swept and free of all debris.
7. For concrete installation, ensure that the concrete is not low-density (below 3000 psi) or gypsum
8. Plywood must be CDX-rated at least 3/4 thick. OSB must be 3/4 in., PS2 rated, and installed sealed-side down.
9. Moisture content should not exceed 12%.

CONCRETE SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS

Concrete subfloors must:

• Have minimum rated strength of 3000
• Be level to within 1/8 in a 6 ft. span or 3/16 in. in a 10 ft. span; no bumps or low spots.
• High spots can be removed by grinding; depressions can be filled with patching compound formulated for use in floor
• Be clean; no construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the floor; if necessary, scrape and sweep away before the installation; no protrusions of nails, debris, metals should
• New concrete slab must cure for at least 60 It must have a minimum 10 mil polyethylene sheet between the ground and the concrete.
• Be free from moisture related conditions which can damage the installed

CONCRETE MOISTURE

Test all concrete subfloors for moisture content and document the results. Visual checks are not reliable. Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing plumbing, near foundation walls and in the center of the room. Minimum sample size is 3 samples per 1000 sq. ft. of area and one test for every additional 1000 sq. ft. thereafter.
Moisture content should meet one of the following criteria:

• 5% when tested using Tramex Concrete Moisture
• Less than 3 pounds per 1000 ft. per 24 hours when using Calcium Chloride test (ASTMF1869).
• 75% when using Relative Humidity Testing (ASTMF-2170).

EXISTING FLOORS

Installation over existing floor requires the installer to consider potential issues related to moisture damage, adhesive failure and fastener failure. Contact the adhesive and fastener manufacturers respectively for their specific instructions, recommendations and requirements.

NOTE: Concrete moisture content may be acceptable the time of the test. These tests do not guarantee a perpetual “dry” concrete slab. The concrete slab moisture content can vary at other times of the year. We are not responsible for moisture-related damage to installed flooring.

WOOD SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS

The subfloor must be clean; no presence of construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the floor; no protrusions of nails, debris, or metals should remain. If necessary, scrape and sweep the subfloor before the installation.

The subfloor must be structurally sound and stable; no movements or squeaks; no loose panels or loose nails; no signs of ply de-lamination or other damages. Repair all shortcomings before installation. The subfloor must be flat; no visible bumps or low spots; the subfloor should be flat to within 1/8 in. in 6 ft. span or 3/16 in. in 10 ft.. Test for moisture using a reliable moisture meter. Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near foundation walls, near walls containing plumbing lines and in the center of the room. Measure 20 locations per 1000 sq. ft.

Moisture content of the subfloor should be less than 12%. Moisture content difference between the subfloor and flooring should be 2% or less.

PLYWOOD OR ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB) SPECIFICATIONS

On truss/joist spacing of 16 in. (406 mm) O/C or less, the industry standard for single-panel subflooring is a minimum 5/8 in. ( 19/32 in., 15.1 mm) CD Exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels (CD Exposure 1) or 23/32 in. OSB Exposure 1 subfloor panels, 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets. Expansion gap between panels should be 1/8 in. (3 mm). If panels are not tongued and grooved and there is not sufficient spacing or is inadequate, cut in the required spacing with a circular saw. Do not cut in expansion space on tongue and groove panels.

PARTICLE BOARD OR FIBER BOARD

Only for floating installation.

RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION AREA

This product is not suitable for any outside use, sunrooms/solariums, shower/tub, saunas, seasonal porches, camping trailers, boats, RV’s or rooms that have a potential of 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 planks. Use window treatments or UV tinting on windows. Vinyl planks are not intended for use on stairs or vertical surfaces. Do not nail, screw or fasten to substrate. Install cabinetry, island and peninsula counters, vanities, tubs, and showers first. Then install planks around them.

INSPECT THE FLOORING

Inspect material for color, finish, milling, texture and grade. Set aside pieces that may not be acceptable once installed. The floors have been thoroughly inspected during the manufacturing process, but it is the responsibility of the installer/homeowner to do final inspection and cull-out boards that are not acceptable before installation.

STORAGE AND CONDITIONS

Do not store flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For example, garages and exterior patios are not acceptable areas to store flooring. Handle and unload flooring with care and store within the environmentally controlled site in which it is expected to perform.

ACCLIMATION

Acclimation is not required on Lifeproof Waterproof Engineered Bamboo Flooring. If there is a significant difference in temperature and/or humidity in the duration of transport or at the installation site, acclimation may be necessary. If acclimation is needed, please be sure to follow the below criteria.

• Minimum acclimation time is 72 Lifeproof™ recommends 7-10 days acclimation time for optimization.
• If you do not allow the flooring sufficient time to acclimate and the moisture content of the flooring exceeds that of the subfloor, the flooring will continue to contract after installation and gaps may develop between the Likewise, if the moisture content of the flooring is less than that of the subfloor, the flooring may expand and/or cupping may develop.
• Store this flooring at the installation area before installation to allow the flooring to acclimate and adjust to room temperature and
• Do not open or remove product from cartons during
• Do not store directly on concrete or near outside
• Flooring should be kept in the location of install and stacked in an alternating pattern allowing sufficient space for air to

BLENDING OF CARTONS

To achieve a uniform appearance across the entire floor, we require that you open and work from a minimum of four cartons at a time and lay out the flooring ahead of time. Be sure to mix the planks for the best aesthetic appearance. Make certain the room is well lit to ensure color is consistent and that any visual defects can be seen and removed prior to installation. “Racking the Floor” is essential to achieve a random appearance. As you continue working across the floor remember to maintain a six-inch minimum space between the end joints.

Randomly install different lengths to avoid a patterned appearance. Never waste materials; the end cuts from starter rows should be used at the opposite side of the room to complete rows or may be used to start the next row.

UNDERCUT DOOR CASINGS

Undercut all door casings 1/16 in. higher than the thickness of the flooring being installed. To do this, use a scrap piece of flooring as a guide. Lay it on the substrate and cut the casing with a handsaw or use a power jamb saw set at the correct height. Failure to undercut casings will result in automatic void in warranty coverage.

EXPANSION SPACE

An expansion space of ½ in. must be left around the perimeter of the room and at all vertical obstructions. More or less spacing may be needed depending on the geographical region, interior climate, and or time of the year. Your WSPC flooring WILL move/shrink/expand. This is a normal occurrence of flooring products.

COORDINATING TRANSITION MOLDINGS

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. Lifeproof™ cannot be held liable for color variations that may exist between flooring and coordinating trim accessories under any circumstances.

We require any installation of this floor that is installed in the floating method to use a T-Molding once the installation has gone more than 35 feet in any single direction. Installations of the flooring beyond this distance must use a T-Molding to release stress from the floor and allow the floating installation to properly expand and contract.

T-moldings are also required in narrow flooring areas 36 in. or less in width; floor areas interrupted by wall sections extending out of the wall, including cabinets; floor areas which are not rectangular; wall openings-with or without a door; L shaped rooms or otherwise not rectangular rooms will require T-moldings to split into rectangular sections. Failure to use appropriate T-moldings will void warranty coverage.

RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOOR

This product cannot be installed over radiant heated subfloor.

UNDERLAYMENT

This flooring is waterproof and reliably secures the flooring panels on all four sides. However, excessive moisture in the subfloor could promote mold, mildew, and other moisture related issues like the trapping of moisture emissions under the flooring, which may contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment. A layer of 6 mil poly film with all edges overlapped and taped is required over concrete subfloors. A second additional underlayment is allowed under this product in a residential application. If installed over a secondary underlayment, this underlayment cannot be greater than 3 mm thick, with the exception of cork products that must not exceed ¼ in.

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 flooring. Do not use plastic or polyethylene sheeting to cover the floor since they will trap moisture that will damage the flooring. The flooring must be cleaned and completely free of any and all debris to minimize damage. If you have any questions regarding installation of flooring not addressed in our guidelines, please contact our technical department.

GENERAL INSTALLATION TOOLS

• Moisture Meter
• Tape Measure
• Pencilhalk Line
• Hand Saw or Power Saw
• Utility Knife
• Tapping block
• Crow Bar or Pry Bar
• Wood or Plastic Spacers (¼ )
• Hammer or Rubber Mallet
• 100% silicon & PE Foam Backer Rod

FLOATING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Please refer to www.homedepot.com for latest updates
NOTE: Please refer to www.homedepot.com for latest updates

STEP TWO – LAY OUT

2.1Chose the longest and straightest boards and align the plank’s tongue with the working line. Cut the last plank to the proper length leaving a ¼ in. from the end wall. Repeat this step for the second row, making sure to stagger the joints. The minimum end stagger is 6 inches.

STEP THREE – RACK THE FLOOR

3.1. Once the rst row is in place, continue to lay out the planks. Remain working from at least four open cartons. Be sure to blend the planks and stagger the end joints a minimum of 6 in. apart to ensure a favorable appearance.

STEP FOUR – INSTALLATION OF FLOORING

4.1. Once enough of the planks have been racked out, begin installing the planks by tting the short side of the click system into the long side of the click system. Make sure that the click system is engaged evenly, any gapping can compromise the integrity of the installation. To ensure a tight t, use a tapping block and rubber mallet on the long seams and tap down on the top of the plank at the short seams. Continue installing planks across the room ending at the far wall.
4.2. It may be necessary to rip the last row to allow for the ¼ in. expansion. If the last row is 2 in. or less click the pieces to the last full uninstalled row and install them together. If needed, use a light rubber mallet to make the remaining rows tight to the installed planks.

STEP FIVE – SEALING THE PERIMETER

5.1. Once install is complete, use 100% silicone sealant around the perimeter of the installed ooring. Fill the expansion gap with compressable PE foam backer rod and cover with 100% silicone sealant.

STEP SIX – COMPLETING THE JOB

5.1 Clean the floor with a prefinished hardwood cleaner such as; Bona®, Woodwise® or Glitsa®.
5.2Install transition pieces -i.e. – stair nose, reducer, end cap, t-molding and base Please follow manufacturer’s installation guidelines for transitions.
5..3 Inspect final floor for nicks and or minor gaps – fill with appropriate color wood putty/filler.
5.4Any unused material should be stored in a dry place in case future repairs are We recommend saving at least 2 boxes.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

WITH TODAY’S ADVANCES IN FLOORING STAINS AND FINISHES, CLEANING WOOD HAS

NEVER BEEN EASIER. THERE ARE OTHER STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO MINIMIZE MAINTENANCE AND MAINTAIN THE BEAUTY OF YOUR WSPC 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 wood floor Lifeproof™ recommends a prefinished hardwood cleaner, such as Bona®.
  • For moderately soiled areas, use a mild solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and distilled 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 Left over residue will form a dull film.
• Always spot test in an inconspicuous
• Do not use any vinyl care floor cleaning products on wood
• Do not use vinegar as a cleaning solution; its acidic properties will harm the
• Use throw rugs both inside and outside doorways to help prevent grit, dirt and other debris from being tracked onto your For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink.
• Do not wet-mop the Standing water can dull the finish, damage the floor and leave a discoloring residue.
• Do not use a steam mop of any Damages associated with steam mop use will void warranty coverage.
• Wipe up spills
  • Caustic or abrasive products may cause harm to the finish and are will not be covered under the products warranty
• Do not wax your floor unless it was originally wax finished
• Protect your floor with floor protectors that are at least 1 in diameter made of non-staining felt, such as Safeglides® from Glitsa® under the legs of furniture to help prevent scuffing and scratching; Larger pads may be required on bigger objects.
• Avoid walking on your wood floors with cleats, sports shoes and high
  • A 125-pound woman walking in high heels has an impact of 2,000 pounds per square 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 It is best to pick up the furniture completely to protect the floor from damage.
• Use a humidifier throughout the winter months (or dehumidifier in the summer months) to keep the floor’s movement and shrinkage to a

FLOOR REPAIRS

• Very light and small surface scratches can be repaired with a staining “touch up” pen of the appropriate
• Slightly deeper scratches can be repaired by means of colored putty, and/or Fill the scratches with the putty, level with putty knife and use terry cloth towel to wipe off excess.
• Very deep scratches may require the replacement of

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References

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