ACCEPTABLE SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS:
Sub floors must be checked for moisture content using appropriate testing method (Calcium
Chloride test or moisture meter).
If excessive moisture is detected, extra precautions must be
taken.
All moisture tests must be documented prior to installation for NapaCork warranty to be in
effect.
1) Clean - scrape, broom clean, and smooth. Sub floor should be free of wax, paint, oil,
sealers, adhesives, curing agents and other debris.
2. Level/Flat - All sub floors need to be level within 3/16" in 10' and/or 1/8" in 6'. Fill any low
spots (no more than 1/8" at a time) with a cement-leveling compound and sand or scrape
off any high areas or joints. Follow the instructions of the leveling compound manufacturer.
Leveling compounds must be tested for moisture to ensure they are properly cured and
within the manufacturer's specified requirements for proper installation.
3. Fill any cracks with latex floor filler. Apply a primer or thin coat of adhesive on porous and
absorbent sub floors to prevent adhesive from "disappearing" into the surface.
Wood Sub floor
Structurally Sound - Crawl spaces must be covered 100% by a vapor retardant of 6 mil black
polyethylene. Vents should be properly located to foster cross ventilation. Nail or screw any
loose areas that squeak. Replace any water damaged, swollen or delaminated sub flooring or
underlayment. Avoid sub floor with excessive vertical movement unless they have been
properly stiffened prior to the installation of the cork flooring. Dry-check moisture content of the
sub floor; moisture content of wood sub floors should not exceed 12%.
Concrete Sub floor
Cork flooring can be laid directly on dry concrete, but to avoid moisture concerns, it is
recommended that you use 6-mil polyethylene for a moisture barrier (run up the wall 3”,
overlap seams 8”, and tape sheets together). Surface preparations using mechanical methods
such as sanding or scouring with open coat paper or a titanium disk is recommended.
TOOLS FOR INSTALLATION:
NapaCork flooring panels, ½” wedges, chisel, crowbar, mallet, measuring tape, 6-mil
polyethylene (optional), ruler, saw, wood block
RECCOMMENDATIONS FOR INSTALLATION:
♦
NapaCork flooring may be installed over the existing flooring. (Just be sure that
existing flooring is level and doesn’t exceed acceptable moisture levels of 4 lbs/sq. in.)
♦
Plan the installation before starting. Measure the area where the flooring is to be
installed. Generally, the last row of flooring would have to be cut longitudinally to adjust.
If the flooring remains thin, the first row of flooring should also be cut to match the
dimensions of the flooring in the last row.
♦
Do not adhere the flooring to the ground with glue, nails or screws. Cork Planks are
to be floated on top of existing sub floor.
