QuietWalk Plus Versatile Acoustical Underlayment Installation Guide

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

View Installation Videos and Tips atQuietWalk.com/plus

NOTE: Nail down methods are no longer approved for QuietWalk Plus after 07/01/2024

QuietWalk Plus Underlayment is designed for use with most glue down and floating floor products and is flexible, easy to install and features a 3 mil moisture resistant top film layer. This film has been 3rd party tested and is certified as a Class 2 vapor retarder according to NWFA guidelines. 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.

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 7lbs per 1000 sq ft, in 24 hrs for QuietWalk Plus Underlayment. Testing kits are available at most flooring tool supply distributors. If the moisture emission rate exceeds 7lbs/1000sf/24hrs or the RH exceeds 75%, a 6-mil poly must be installed underneath the QuietWalk Plus.

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.

*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.

QUIETWALK PLUS UNDERLAYMENT APPLICATION

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, 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.

Surface must be clean, dry, and free of contaminants and sealers.

1. Roll the Underlayment out with overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of room using a sharp utility knife maintaining a ¼” gap at 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.
2. Use a 75 or 100 lb three section roller to secure Underlayment to substrate prior to installation of finished flooring.
3. Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

*Prior to installation of finished flooring. Due to the various subfloors in structures,please consult with the flooring manufacturer for adhesive specifications andapproved 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)

1. Be sure the sub floor surface is clean and dry.
2. Roll the QuietWalk Plus roll out with overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of floor using a sharp utility knife maintaining a 1/2″ to 3/4″ gap at perimeter).
3. Seams need to be butted together flush, do not overlap the pad. Roll out next row in same manner butting underlayment close to first row.
4. Remove the tape strip and secure the overlapping moisture barrier film. Seal seams with duct tape or a quality strapping tape when cutting around obstacles or when end of roll seams are butted together.
5. Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

*Installations over concrete in high moisture areas (Reference the concrete slab moisture testing methods section).

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:

1. Lay 6 mil polyethylene sheet vapor barrier over concrete substrate. Overlap seams 6 inches and seal with duct tape.
2. Roll the QuietWalk Plus roll out with overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of floor using a sharp utility knife maintaining a ¼” gap at perimeter).
3. Seams need to be butted together flush, do not overlap the pad. Roll out next row in same manner butting underlayment close to first row.
4. Remove the tape strip and secure the overlapping moisture barrier film. When cutting around obstacles or when end of roll seams are butted together seal seams with duct tape.
5. Lay one layer of 1/2 inch thick CDX exterior grade plywood over vapor barrier leaving 1/8 inch gap between panels.
6. Lay second layer of 1/2 inch thick CDX exterior grade plywood on a diagonal over first plywood layer again leaving 1/8 inch gap between panels.
7. *Provide a minimum of 1/2-inch expansion space at the perimeter of room for normal-sized areas.
8. Screw plywood layers together in a 6 inch or staple pattern. Exercise care not to puncture sheet vapor barrier by using appropriate length fasteners.
9. Prior to installation of wood flooring, install 15 lb asphalt roofing felt underlayment.
10. Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

RADIANT HEAT SYSTEMS:

Please refer to the flooring manufactures and the radiant heat product installation instructions when installing over radiant heat systems.

REV: 0624

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