MP GLOBAL Cross Link Foam Underlayment Instruction Manual
- June 6, 2024
- MP GLOBAL
Table of Contents
MP GLOBAL Cross Link Foam Underlayment
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The Underlayment is designed for use with most glue down and floating floor products and is flexible, easy to install. This sound reduction underlay system is suitable for use over most types of industry-approved sub floors (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. All wood and concrete subfloors must be flat within 1/8″ over a 6′ span or 3/16″ over a 1 O’ span. All areas must be checked prior to installation
Wood subfloors: 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. 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 3
lbs per 1000 sq ft, in 24 hrs for the 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.
The 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.
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”, “Excessive squeaking or Floor Noise” can result from; loose or
unlevel subflooring or improper installation methods and is not considered a
product defect.
APPLICATION
DOUBLE STICK INSTALLATION:
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 ¼” gap at the perimeter). Cut the flap off each row for this glue-down application.
- Apply the finished floor covering the manufacturer’s recommended pressure-sensitive adhesive and allow to flash until tacky. Use a 75 or 100 lb three-section roller to secure the underlayment to the substrate prior to installation of the finished flooring.
- Install the finished flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s instructions using their recommended pressure-sensitive adhesive. Be sure to run the flooring seams perpendicular to the seams of the underlayment.
- 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. Only use manufactured recommended adhesive types for adhesion of this underlayment to substrate and flooring product to the underlayment.
- Installations over concrete:
- Wood floor adhesives alone are not moisture barriers.
- For the best results, do not mix adhesive products. Use moisture barriers and adhesives from the same manufacturer.
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 Underlayment 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. Be sure to run flooring seams perpendicular to the seams of the underlayment.
- Installations over concrete in high moisture areas (The emissions of moisture must not exceed 3 lbs per 1000 sq ft, in 24 hrs for The Underlayment. Testing kits are available at most flooring tool supply distributors) will require additional protection such as our 6 mil poly moisture barrier.
RADIANT HEAT SYSTEMS:
Please refer to the flooring manufacturers and the radiant heat product installation instructions when installing over radiant heat systems.