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MAKE SURE THE PANELS ARE MIXED SUFFICIENTLY WHEN YOU INSTALLING THEM,
SO THAT YOU DO NOT END UP WITH TOO MANY IDENTICAL, LIGHT OR DARK PANELS
NEXT TO EACH OTHER. RAFTER INSTALLATION, IT IS THE INSTALLER'S
RESPONSIBILITY TO ADVISE THE HOME OWNER OF THE FOLLOWING:
THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS LISTED IN THE PAMPHLET INSIDE THE
CARTON MUST BE FOLLOWED IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE THE LIFE OF THE FLOOR.
General Acclimation: This is a necessary step to make sure the WPC/LVT product will function
as it is designed and make the installation easier. Store UNOPENED BOXES and lay them flat
in the rooms it will be installed for at least 48 hours. Make sure the temperature in the rooms is
between 65-85 F (18.3-29.5C).
Subfloors: The WPC/LVT product can be installed over concrete, some wooden subfloors, as
well as some existing floor coverings. Proper preparation of the subfloor is a major part of a
successful installation. Roughness or unevenness of the subfloor may telegraph through the
new floor covering, resulting in an unsightly surface and excessive wear on high spots. This
unevenness may also compromise the integrity of the locking system which may void the
warranty. No matter what kind of subfloor the WPC/LVT is installed over, the subfloor MUST be
dry, clean, smooth, flat and leveled, free from all existing adhesive residue, and must be
structurally sound with no spring or abnormal deflection.
Wooden Substrate: All wood floors must be suspended at least 18" above the ground. Adequate
cross-ventilation must be provided, and the ground surface of a crawl space must be covered
with a suitable vapor barrier. Wood sub floor must be at least 5/8"(15.5mm), exterior grade T&G
plywood, or 23/32" (18mm) OSB, with no spring or abnormal deflection. Particleboard,
chipboard, construction grade plywood, any hardboard and flake board are not recommended
as underlayment for fully adhered installations. All have inadequate uniformity, poor dimensional
stability, and variable surface porosity. BFH will not accept responsibility for adhered installation
over these subfloors.
Concrete Surfaces: The WPC/LVT product can be successfully installed over concrete substrate
on grade, above grade or below grade. a. Concrete subfloors must be dry, smooth and free
from dust, solvent, paint, wax, grease, oil, asphalt sealing compounds and other extraneous
materials. The concrete should be constructed in accordance to local construction standards,
and shall have a minimum compressive strength of 3500 psi. Installation of a moisture vapor
barrier is recommended prior to pouring of on or below grade slabs. Moisture vapor
transmission shall not exceed 31b/1000 sq. ft. per 24 hours, per ASTM F-1869. b. New concrete
slabs must be thoroughly dry (at least six weeks) and completely cured. Moisture should be
tested according to ASTM F2170, when tested according to this method; the internal relative
humidity shall not exceed 75%. c. Holes, grooves, expansion joints and other depressions must
be filled with latex leveling underlayment, and troweled smooth and feathered even with the
surrounding surface. d. Concrete floors with a radiant heating system are satisfactory, provided
the temperature of the floor does not exceed 89°F a t any point. Before installing the flooring, the
heating system must be turned on to eliminate residual moisture.
Existing Floor Covering: Our Interlocking WPC/LVP can also be installed over some of smooth,
hard—surface existing floor coverings. Check flooring for any curled area around the perimeter
or at seams and repair if necessary. Ceramic tile should be made smooth by applying a cement
overlay such as patching or leveling compound.
