glue-down luxury vintl tile and plank (lvt) installtion guide

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GLUE-DOWN LUXURY VINTL TILE AND
PLANK (LVT) INSTALLTION GUIDE:
Follow all instructions and recommendations when
installing this product; failure to do so may result in the
voiding of your product warranty. It is the PURCHASER
/ OWNER / INSTALLER’S sole responsibility to inspect
this product prior to installation to ensure that the
product is in good and acceptable condition and of the
correct colour tone and style.
GENERAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION:
1. Boxes of flooring must be stored and acclimated on site
a minimum of 3 days laying on a flat dry surface at a
controlled temperature between 65°- 85°F (18° - 29°C).
2. Flooring may only be installed indoors at a controlled
temperature of between 65°- 85°F (18° - 29°C). Do not
install this product in outdoor environments; it is
designed for indoor use only.
3. It is recommended that flooring be the last phase of a
renovation or construction project to avoid damage to
the floor by other tradespersons and other project work.
4. Install product from a minimum of 3 different boxes to
optimize tone, finish and pattern variation.
5. Subfloor and/or underlayment repairs and leveling must
be done using a non-shrinking water resistant Portland
cement patching compound or self-leveling compound.
In all cases, the compound must be fully cured and dry
before installing this product.
6. Never install products over residual asphalt-type
adhesives; they can discoloration of this product. Residual
asphalt-type adhesive must be completely removed and/or
fully covered with a glued down underlayment that will
prevent bleed through discoloration.
7. Install using one of the following adhesives:
 Mapei ECO 360
 Taylor TUFF GRIP 2091
 Refer to our website for an updated list of approved
adhesives: www.inspirafloors.com
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
 Sharp utility knife
 Tape measure
 Carpenter’s pencil
 Straight-edge
 Carpenter’s square
 LVT tile and plank cutter/guillotine (optional)
 Chalk line
 Site laser (large installations)
 100 lb (45 Kg) three section floor roller
 Approved adhesive
 Adhesive trowel (per adhesive manufacturer’s specs)
 Adhesive solvent
 Clean rags
 Tools and materials necessary for the particular site
preparation and installation.
SAFETY CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
 Clean work gloves
Safety glasses
Knee pads
Other safety, ventilation or respiration equipment as
may be required for the particular site preparation and
installation.
SUBFLOOR INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS:
Proper preparation of the subfloor is key to a satisfactory
installation. Uneven, rough, crumbling or cracked areas in
the subfloor may telegraph through and be visible the new
floor. Nail and screw heads must be secure and flush,
plywood seams secure and flush. Proper subfloor repair
and preparation is very important. High areas are more
prone to wear and low areas to moisture and dirt
accumulation.
GENERAL WOOD SUBFLOOR INFORMATION:
 Subfloor must be suspended at least 18” (45 cm) above
the ground and have proper cross-ventilation to vent
away humidity. The ground must be covered with a
minimum 6 mil poly vapor barrier.
 Wood subfloor panels that are used under the flooring
must be undamaged, smooth and flat and not deflect
under normal load. The following wood subfloor panels
may be used: plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) and
flake/wafer board.
 Subfloors must be securely fastened to the building
frame with non-rusting nails or screws, ensure heads
are flush. Seams between sheets must not deflect and
must be flush. For new construction, it is recommended
that panels also be adhered to floor joists to minimize
panel movement and potential squeaks.
 Do not use solvent based adhesives when installing
subfloor panels, the fumes from the solvents may
damage this product.
 All subfloor installation details are the full and sole
responsibility of the installer.
GENERAL UNDERLAYMENT PANEL INFORMATION:
 Existing wood subfloors may be damaged or not be of
underlayment grade and therefore not suitable for the
installation of this product. If this is the case, existing
subfloors panels must be either removed and replaced
or covered with an approved underlayment.
 Underlayment panels must provide a smooth surface for
this product to be glued down to.
 It is important to note that underlayment panels will not
correct structural deficiencies, all site deficiencies must
be corrected prior to installation of underlayment panels.
 Particleboard, chipboard, OSB, construction-grade
plywood, fibreboard and flakeboard are not
recommended for use as an underlayment. Installation
over these subfloors will void the product warranty.
 The underlayment manufacturer and/or underlayment
installer is/are responsible for all underlayment
warranties.
 If the surface of the wood subfloor is rough or seams are
not fully flush, a 1/4” (6mm) underlayment panel should
be installed over the subfloor. Install in a different
pattern so seams do not align or overlap with those of
the subfloor.
Underlayment must meet the following standards:
1. Be dimensionally stable across a wide range of
seasonal humidity levels.
2. Be of consistent thickness, density, surface texture and
porosity.
3. Have a smooth surface to avoid the telegraphing of
wood-grain or surface texture.
4. Be able to resist both dynamic and static loads to avoid
deflection and indentation of the floor.
5. Be free of surface contamination or products that may
cause staining and/or affect the bonding of the adhesive.
6. Have a written warranty that confirms their being suitable
as an underlayment for the gluing down of vinyl flooring
and the adhesive used to install this product.
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GENERAL CONCRETE SUBFLOOR INFORMATION:
 Concrete subfloors must be dry, smooth, clean, dustfree and be free of any of the following contaminants:
solvent, paint, wax, grease, oil, asphalt sealing
compounds and other materials that could adversely
affect this product or the performance of the adhesive.
 Concrete surface must be hard and dense and free of
any deterioration such as spalling, heaving, crumbling,
large or open cracks or moisture problems. Repair as
required prior to the installation of this product.
 It is the sole responsibility of the PURCHASER /
OWNER / INSTALLER to determine if the concrete
subfloor is dry enough for installation of this product.
 Never install this product where excessive moisture or
water infiltration problems may exist. It is important to
consider that a floor that is dry now, may during some
seasons be subject to moisture or water infiltration risks,
verify with the building owner. This product is not a
water-proofing or moisture-proofing product, always fully
correct any and all moisture and/or water infiltration
problems fully before installing this product.
 New concrete must be dry and thoroughly cured
(minimum 60 days old). Concrete curing agents, surface
hardeners and other additives may affect adhesive bond
performance. The surface of the floor should be sanded
to remove and residues.
 It is the contractor’s and/or installer’s responsibility to
test all concrete substrates for moisture content to
determine if it is sufficiently dry to install Inspira LVT
flooring; this includes both new and old concrete.
Moisture in a concrete subfloor should be tested
according to ASTM F 1869-98 (Calcium Chloride
Moisture Test using the Quantitative Method). Concrete
moisture levels must never exceed 5lbs per 1000 s.f. per
24 hour period or ASTM F 2170-2 (Standard Test
Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete
Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes.) Relative humidity in
installation areas should never exceed 75% RH.
 Product failure of any type caused by hydrostatic
pressure and/or moisture vapor emission from the
subfloor is not covered by the warranty and is the sole
responsibility of the PURCHASER / OWNER /
INSTALLER.
 All concrete subfloors contain mold, mildew and fungus
spores; damp subfloors increase the risk of their growth
and the development of an unhealthy living
environment. Mold, mildew and fungus growth may
cause discoloration. Moisture from flooding, leaking
plumbing, spills, appliances, pets, footwear and other
sources can cause the development of mould, mildew
and fungus growth.
 This product will not support mould, mildew or fungal
growth and is not directly affected by moisture. It is not,
however, designed or intended to be used as a mould,
mildew or fungal growth prevention system.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR REMOVAL OF EXISTING
RESILIENT FLOORING:
Health warning to installers when removing existing
resilient flooring: In the event you wish to remove the
previously installed flooring, please note the following:
 Your existing resilient flooring, backing, lining felt,
asphalt cut-back adhesives or other adhesives may
contain asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica. DO
NOT grind, chip, sand, drill, saw, bead-blast or pulverize
this material in any way; either by hand or by machine.
 Avoid creating dust when working in contact with
these materials. The inhalation of dust from these
materials is a known cancer and respiratory tract
hazard. The wearing of an approved dust mask suitable
for this type of dust is recommended.
 Unless you are absolutely certain that the resilient
flooring you are removing is a non-asbestos material,
you must assume that it contains asbestos. Local
regulations may require that the material be tested by an
approved laboratory or agency for asbestos content
and, if confirmed, regulated removal / disposal of the
material may be required.
 For more information, please refer to the current
edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI)
publication: “Recommended Work Practices for
Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings” (www.rfci.com)
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Holes, cracks, low areas, expansion joints and other
surface repairs must be filled, feathered and troweled
smooth with the surrounding area as noted previously.
Concrete floors with a “warm water type” radiant heating
systems are approved for this product as long as the
temperature of the floor does not exceed 85°F (29°C) in
any area at any time. Before installing this product, the
heating system should be turned on a minimum of 3
days before installation to optimize the floor’s dryness.
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING EXISTING
FLOOR COVERINGS:
 For optimal product performance, this product should
not be installed over existing resilient flooring.
 Stone and ceramic tiles surfaces should be made
smooth by applying a feather coat of a cementitious
compound or self-leveling compound; allow to fully cure
and dry before installing this product.
GENERAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION:
1. Tile installations may be done in different patterns
including:
 Brick: install with a 50/50 offset.
 Random: offset tiles a different distance on each row of
between 3” & 12” (76 to 305mm).
 Cascade: offset tiles 25% or 33% of their length on
each row at either 6” or 8” (152 or 203mm).
 Contempra: select or accent rows installed with tiles at
90° to adjacent rows, note that the gloss level of accent
row may appear slightly different, this is normal.
 45° Angled: rows at 45° to the room’s layout, note that
45° patterns have an approximately 5% higher waste
factor, be certain to plan a sufficient waste allowance.
2. Plank installations may be done in different patterns
including:
 Random: offset planks a different distance on each row
of between 4” & 24” (102 to 610mm).
 Europa: brick style, install with a 50/50 offset.
 Cascade: offset planks 25% or 33% of their length on
each row at either 12” or 16” (305 or 406mm).
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45° Angled: rows at 45° to the room’s layout, note that
45° patterns have an approximately 5% higher waste
factor, be certain to plan a sufficient waste allowance.
3. Custom tile and plank combination installations can
create very attractive projects; the design possibilities
are nearly limitless. An accurate and to scale site
installation plan is key to the realization of an attractive
and well planned project design.
4. Before starting your installation, decide if you want your
installation to be “centered and balanced” with the
general shape of the room or with main hallways. A
carefully measured and accurately drawn site
installation plan is essential for a successful project.
Careful site installation planning helps to avoid narrow
last rows or misaligned rows when walls are not
perfectly straight or square.
 Plank and tile rows should parallel the longest wall for
an optimal appearance.
 If tiles or planks have directional arrows embossed on
their backside, install all pieces in the same direction.
 Tiles and planks should be installed from a minimum of 3
cartons at a time. In the case of larger multi-pallet
installations, verify that the colour tone, texture and sheen
of tiles or planks from different pallets and/or lot #’s are
compatible. Take care to avoid installing tiles or planks
with same or similar patterns adjacent to one another.
GENERAL ADHESIVE USE INFORMATION:
 Select the adhesive that best meets your project’s
requirements from the list of approved adhesives noted
previously.
 Follow all instructions, safety precautions, requirements
and recommendations of the adhesive manufacturer.
 Be certain to use a new notched trowel that is the
specific type and size specified by the adhesive
manufacturer. Old, dirty or wrong format trowels may
not apply the correct amount of adhesive; failure to
apply the correct amount of an approved adhesive will
void your warranty.
 Mineral spirits is an approved adhesive remover.
Remove adhesive before it dries or sets on the surface.
GETTING STARTED:
 Use and wear proper eye and skin protection at all
times. The use of professional grade knee pads is helps
to avoid knee injury from prolonged kneeling on hard
surfaces.
 Following the site installation plan, determine the
location of the starting line for the first rows and carefully
mark this line on the floor using a chalk line.
 Apply adhesive to the floor in this area (2 tiles wide or 3
planks wide) on each side of the starting line.
 When the adhesive is ready to receive tiles or planks as
per the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations,
begin positioning tiles or planks along both sides of the
starting line; ensure that they follow the line perfectly
and that there are absolutely no gaps between any tiles
or planks.
 To ensure your planned installation pattern is followed
accurately, proper measurement and location of the first
tile or plank in each subsequent row is critical. Setting
out preset gridlines on the floor is recommended.
 Tiles and planks may be cut using a sharp utility knife
and a carpenter’s square (score and snap). Alternately
you may use an LVT tile and plank cutter (guillotine).
 Take care to allow for a 1/8” (3mm) gap around all walls,
posts trims, mouldings, doorjambs, pipes, counters,
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cabinets and other vertical surfaces. This gap should be
covered with a wall-base moulding afterwards. Caulk
and seal all exposed perimeter gaps.
Install no more than 4 to 6 rows at a time; stop briefly to
verify that each group of 4 to 6 rows is acceptable and
that there are no gaps, adhesive blotches, tiles or planks
grouped together with identical patterns, lifting areas
(missing adhesive) or other issues. Fully correct any
issues before proceeding to the installation of the next 4
to 6 rows.
To ensure correct bonding to the subfloor, use a
minimum 100 lb (45 Kg) three section floor roller. Roll
each 4 to 6 row section immediately after its installation.
Take care to avoid having boots and other objects
coming into contact with the adhesive and tracking it
onto the finished floor.
Immediately remove any
adhesive contamination from the floor following the
adhesive manufacturer’s instructions and precautions.
In all cases, always use an original factory cut end when
aligning planks and tiles together for clean and tight
seams. Hand-cut edges must only be used against
walls or other non-visible areas.
Take care not to displace freshly installed tiles or planks
when walking on them.
If necessary, overlay a
working/walking surface (kneeling board, plywood etc) in
areas necessary until the adhesive sets up fully.
In bathroom installations, caulk all perimeter areas to
prevent the risk of water infiltration under walls,
cabinets, toilets, bathtubs, pedestals etc.
Toilets,
pedestal sinks and vanity cabinets may be installed over
the floor for a superior fit and finish.
Cover and protect all exposed edges of the floor by
baseboard type molding and/or a transition strip where
the floor meets another type of floor or threshold.
GENERAL
PRECAUTIONS,
MAINTENANCE
AND
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
 Wait a minimum of 24 hours before allowing full volume
traffic to circulate on the floor.
 Wait a minimum of 48 hours after installation before you
wash the floor. To wash, use a damp mop (warm water
with a mild soap or detergent) to remove surface dirt
and dust.
 Always remove excess water after cleaning or a spill, it
is a slip and fall hazard. Standing water over a seam
can attack the adhesive, weakening the bond to the
subfloor and cause the flooring to detach.
 Never drag boxes, furniture, appliances or other objects
across this or any floor.
 Furniture legs should have fresh felt protectors applied
to them. Roller type castors are also acceptable.
 Wait a minimum of 24 hours before placing heavy items
(appliances, furniture, pool tables etc) on the newly
installed floor covering for at least 24 hours after
completion of the installation.
 South and west facing high sunlight areas (rooms with
large windows and large patio-doors) may be affected
by solar heating. Solar heating may cause the adhesive
to partially or fully release, tiles and planks may also be
subject to excessive thermal expansion.
Before
installing this product in these types of areas, verify the
solar heating conditions and determine if the floor’s
surface will exceed 85°F (29°C). This product should
never be installed in areas where the floor’s surface
temperature will attain or exceed 85°F (29°C).
 Petroleum-based products (fuel, oil, asphalt, tar,
bitumen, driveway sealers, etc) can surface stain this
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product. Precautions (taking off shoes) should be taken
to avoid the transfer of these materials onto this product.
The placement of “non-staining” type door-mats is
recommended at all entrance areas. Do not use rubber
type mats or mats that are not marked “non-staining”.
Occasional damp mopping (warm water with mild soap
or detergent) and vacuuming is all that is needed to
®
keep this product well maintained.
Swiffer type
cleaning wands are also acceptable cleaning options.
GENERAL REPAIR INFORMATION:
In the event the surface of a tile or plank is damaged, it may
be repaired using one of the following techniques:
 It is important to keep and store a few spare full-size
pieces or complete boxes (larger projects) of matching
product from all projects in the event of an accident,
repair or a minor renovation. Note we cannot guarantee
the availability of matching product in the future.
 Starting in the middle of the tile or plank, cut an “X”
pattern to all 4 corners. Pry out each of the 4 pieces
and scrape away all residual adhesive. Apply fresh
adhesive and a replacement tile or plank. Weight down
with a flat surface for 24 hours to ensure full bond to the
adhesive.
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
This product carry’s the following warranty terms: 15 years for
residential installations. This product does not carry a commercial use
warranty.
This warranty is subject to the procedures, recommendations,
limitations, disclaimers and exclusions mentioned herein and in the
general information, installation and warranty sections of this
document. This Inspira LVT product carries a limited residential
warranty against manufacturer and workmanship defects when used
under normal conditions and installed in accordance with the
Manufacturer’s
installation
instructions
to
the
original
Owner/Purchaser/Installer of the product, as long as they continuously
own the home or commerce where the product is installed for the
period of the warranty. Consult your original packaging for the warranty
time specific to the product you have purchased. Note that you must
retain an original label of the product purchased which denotes your
warranty duration, as well as the UPC code and your original receipt of
purchase. This warranty is not transferable. Manufacturer’s warranty
and liability does not extend beyond the LVT flooring strips and is
limited to a maximum value of the original purchase price of the LVT
flooring. Warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the LVT strips
at the sole option of the manufacturer. The warranty does not include
labour and installation costs. Claim compensation (if approved and/or
authorized by Strategis Floor & Decor Inc.) is limited to the specific
area which Strategis Floor & Decor Inc. deems to be valid under the
claim. This warranty is a “pro-rated” type warranty.
Warranty
compensation (if applicable) will be calculated on a prorated basis,
based on the number of years and/or months remaining in the warranty
according to the date of installation and date of filing of a warranty
claim.
Product warranty use and limitation definitions are:
Residential warranty is limited to dweller owned and occupied single
family homes and single family occupied rental homes, apartments or
units.
Usage limitations are further defined herein.
This warranty does not cover and specifically excludes such damages
as: indentations, scratches, dents, pet damages and stains caused by
normal wear and tear, sheen loss in high traffic areas, erosion,
pebbles, stones, sand, all other abrasives, inadequate protection,
mould, mildew, bacteria, lack of maintenance, weather conditions, fire,
floods, natural disasters, excessive heat, heating and air-conditioning
systems, accident, improper installation or handling, cleaning,
negligence or other causes not attributed to manufacturing or
workmanship defects or failure to adhere to and follow all the
manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance and
incorrect or insufficient maintenance. Any modification to the product
other than as outlined in the manufacturer’s installation instructions will
render the warranty null and void.
This warranty excludes changes to or differences in gloss levels or
colour tone between tiles or planks.
This warranty excludes noises of all types (creaks, squeaks etc)
emanating from the floor and/or subfloor.
This warranty excludes floors which have been installed in areas without
adequate temperature control and/or when temperature has not been
maintained within 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C) throughout the entire
year.
This warranty excludes: high traffic areas, areas adjacent to
entrance/exit areas, areas where there are sliding or rolling loads like
under chairs or other objects, areas with abrasive debris/grit and areas
that are not maintained and cleaned adequately to remove dirt and grit.
Expansion of the floor caused by sunlight and/or excessive
temperatures is not considered a defect under this warranty.
This warranty excludes claims due to differences in the colour and
character from display models, physical samples, web-site / literature /
advertising images, as well as differences in colour and character from
plank to plank.
The warranty excludes claims due to natural changes in colour from
exposure to light, or to areas which have not changed in colour due to
less exposure to light than surrounding areas.
This warranty explicitly excludes products sold “as is”.
The original purchaser is responsible for correct installation,
maintenance and cleaning of the LVT flooring in accordance with the
included instructions. Colour & manufacturing flaws up to 5% are not
considered as manufacturer’s defects under this warranty.
This warranty specifically excludes claims for damages attributed to infloor (radiant) heating systems, or damages caused by heat released
by or escaping from heating ducts, sunlight, heating vents or electric
baseboards and hot water heating system registers and in all cases
where temperatures have exceeded 29°C (85°F).
Strategis warrants to the original user that its products, when in their
original manufactured condition, will be free from defects, delamination and dimensional inconsistency during the warranty period
when installed and used under normal residential use in accordance
with the terms, installation instructions, limitations and conditions
herein.
Strategis warrants to the original user that the wear-layer on this LVT
product will not wear through nor separate from the LVT flooring during
the warranty period when installed and used under normal residential
use in accordance with the terms, installation instructions, limitations
and conditions herein.
Should your LVT floor fail to live up to the provisions of this warranty,
Strategis, at its sole option, to the original purchaser/home owner, will
repair or replace the area it deems to quality under warranty claim at
no cost to the original purchaser/home owner with the same or similar
product. If the repair or replacement by a same or similar product
cannot provide a reasonable and satisfactory claim resolution,
Strategis, at its sole option may elect to provide to the original
purchaser/home owner a refund of the original price of the materials
only for the area LVT deems to quality under the warranty claim.
This warranty is the entire and sole statement of warranty for the
product and replaces any and all previous warranties, written, spoken,
implied or otherwise. No implied warranties exist beyond the terms and
conditions of this warranty, Strategis assumes no legal liability for any
and all actual incidental and/or consequential damages, however,
some states and provinces do not permit the exclusion or limitation of
incidental and/or consequential damages, as such, this exclusion may
not apply to you. This like all warranties gives you specific legal rights,
in addition, you may also have other rights that vary from state to state
or from province to province.
To file a warranty claim, first contact the original supplier where the
LVT floor was purchased. If the supplier cannot resolve the problem or
claim to your satisfaction, submit your warranty claim in writing within
the warranty period as noted on original packaging.
Note that Strategis reserves the right to visit or have its agent visit the
premise where the product claim originates to inspect the product in
dispute and to remove samples for verification and technical analysis.
Failure to provide reasonable access to the installation area or to provide
requested information and/or documentation may result in denial of the
claim.
All warranty claims must be made in writing to Strategis Floor & Decor
Inc. and must include a complete copy of the original purchase receipt,
installation documentation and other information that may be requested
by Strategis.
Claims are to be forwarded to:
Strategis Floor & Decor Inc., 420 rue Jean-Neveu, Longueuil, QC,
Canada, J4G 1N8
www.inspirafloors.com
[email protected]