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RECOMMENDED ACCLIMATION PERIOD
Bamboo Flooring Hawaii, LLC’s flooring should be unpacked removed from the boxes and acclimated between 10
14 days and sometimes longer, in order to bring the flooring within an acceptable 4% of the moisture level of the
subfloor. Subfloor moisture tests must be performed and documented prior to installation. Product acclimation must
be performed to the actual environmental conditions of which that floor will be installed. Failure to perform any of the
above stated subfloor testing and proper acclimation m
ACCEPTABLE SUBFLOORS
The sub -floors must be on or above grade & structurally sound. Bamboo flooring can be installed over the following
sub-floors:
- Concrete - Existing Wood Floors - Plywood (at least 3
Grade
******see specific instructions for installing over radiant heat subfloors******
SUBFLOORING REQUIREMENTS:
All subfloors and subfloor systems must be structurally sound and must be installed following their manufacturer’s
recommendations. Local building codes may only establish minimum requirements of the flooring system and may
not provide adequate rigidity ad support for proper installation and performance of a hardwood floor. Whenever
possible install the planks perpendicular to the floor joists for maximum stability. Our warranties DO NOT cover any
problems caused by inadequate substructures or improper inst
Concrete:
New concrete should be cured at least 60 days or more, depending on slab thickness, moisture content
and other environmental conditions. Floor must be dry, clean, smooth, and level to within 3/16” deviation per 10
radius. Moisture test the concrete before installing the flooring. First, inspect for any wetness at the base of the
drywall, or for visible signs of moisture on the concrete. Second, test for moisture. Using polyfilm, tape a 2’ X 2’
square to the slab in 3 or 4 locations (more if the area is large) and, if practical, place a lamp on the polyfilm for 24
hours. The presence of moisture is certain if the slab is discolored (the polyfilm is cloudy) and especially if there are
water droplets on the underside. Calcium Chloride tests are also available that will give instant readings. The
acceptable moisture limit for the concrete is a maximum of 3 pounds per thousand square feet.
If any chemical is used to seal or cure slabs this may create a barrier again
any agent is used on the concrete is to drop water on the concrete surface, if it beads rather than soaking into the
slab, suspect a sealer was used and plan to remove it. Painted concrete and oil slicks should als
Cleaning:
All concrete surfaces should be scoured with 3 1
contamination such as paint, grease, sealers, oil, waxes, or sweeping compounds. Adhesive installation should not
be used over any of these substances. Prior to installation it is necessary to sweep, vacuum and possibly etch the
concrete if needed.
Smooth and level:
All high spots should be removed with a grinder, and low spots filled with a good quality Portland
cement patch mix. Allow adequate curing time prior to starting installation. Do not install over concrete that has a
compressive strength of less than 3000
Plywood, Solid Lumber, or Multi Layered Products:
wide variety of wood available in many grades and qualities, gluing and nailing is recommended with all sub
under-lament panels should be spaced 1/8” to ensure adequate expansions space. Re
necessary. It is necessary to sand off any high edges to level the sub
old wood floors, apply 1
⁄4”
– 3/8” plywood with proper glue and screw attachment. Screw every 6” to avoid squeaking.
Moisture Test:
Before installing over a wooden sub
any qualified commercial moisture meter. The moisture difference between the wood sub
flooring should be no more than 4%. Plywo
Sheet Vinyl and Vinyl Tile:
Make sure that all tiles or sheet goods are firmly bonded to the sub
materials are poorly bonded, remove them and also remove all residues off the fl
of wax by rough sanding. Do not glue over heavily cushioned sheet goods or rubber tile.
Ceramic Tile:
Make sure all tiles are firmly bonded to the sub
adhere them or remove them and all adhesive residue or mortar. Rough up the surface of the tiles with a terrazzo
grinder or 3 1
⁄2 open grit sandpaper to ensure a good mechanical bond. All powder created by grinding or sanding
must be removed by cleaning with water. Allow the tile
ay result in voiding the BFH warranty.
\4” thick) - Sheet vinyl - Vinyl tile - 5 Ply Sheathing
allation of said substructures.
st the adhesive. An easy test to check if
o be removed.
⁄2” open grit paper to remove any dirt or surface
-PSI. Do not install over lightweight concrete.
Plywood sub-floors should be at least 3
⁄4” thick. There is a
-nail old sub
-floor to be within 3/16” a 10 foot radius. Over
-floor, check it for moisture using a Delmhorst J
- floor and the bamboo
od must be kiln dried and not exceed a moisture level of 12%
-
ooring adhesive. Remove all traces
-floor. If any tiles are poorly bonded, re
to dry thoroughly before spreading adhesive.
-
feet
-floors. All
-floors where
- 4 equivalent or
floor. If these
-
