Tools Needed
- Measuring Tape
- Utility Knife
- Straight Edge
- 100lb Floor Roller
- Jig Saw for irregular cuts around objects
Purchase Your Material
Measure length and width of room. Multiply to get square footage, purchase approximately 10% extra to allow for trimming, mistakes or future needs. Overage will vary upon layout, irregular shaped areas will use more square footage then measured.
Prior to Installation
Inspect your planks in a well lit area. Examine color, finish and quality of each plank before installation. Make sure boxes have the same color name and number of what you ordered. Check dye lots if applicable to your job site. Color, shade or texture variations between samples, print photography and the actual box product are not warranted. Mix and install planks from several different cartons to minimize shade or texture variations.
Calcore will not warrant different dye lots will match eachother. We maintain strict quality control at the factory, but it is a good idea to check for blemishes or flaws. Planks installed with a defect will not be warranted.
Acclimate flooring (in carton) for minimum 24-48 hours prior to installation in the area planks will be installed. Job site acclimation is critical. Floorcovering should be installed in a climate-controlled environment with an ambient temperature between 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit or average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and a humidity range of 35-55% during installation and life of floor. It is necessary to maintain a constant temperature, before, during and after the installation process.
Direct sunlight can damage your floor. Avoid direct sunlight exposure for long periods of time. During peak sunlight hours, use curtains, drapes, blinds or solar film is required. Excessive temperatures due to sunlight through windows can exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit and will change the dimensional structure and UV cured wear layer of your LVP/LVT. This may result in warped or faded planks. Do not install in sunrooms, solariums or saunas.
Subfloor Preparation
The subfloor surface must be smooth, flat, dry, clean, free of any overspray, and solid. Carpet staples or adhesive must be removed to ensure proper installation. Subfloors should be flat within a tolerance of 3/16” per 10’ or 1/8” in 6’. Any unevenness over 3/16” must be sanded( follow local laws if applicable- always wear a mask) down or 1/8” in 6’. Any unevenness over 3/16” must be sanded down or filled with a floor leveler. Voids or humps in the subfloor will prevent vinyl planks from aligning properly. Crawl spaces must be a minimum of 18”from the ground to the underside of the joists. Moisture resistant tape should be used to seal the crawl space to limit strong air/moisture flow. Wood subfloors should be nailed or screwed every 6” along joists to avoid squeaking. Subfloors must be carefully checked for moisture problems Any moisture problems need to be addressed prior to installation. New concrete floors need to cure for a minimum of 90 days. IF installing over ceramic tile or existing embossed sheet vinyl with a grout line greater than 1/16” , it will be necessary to skim coat the grout lines with floor leveler.
Moisture
It is the contractor’s as well as the installer’s responsibility to test all concrete substrates, both new and old, for moisture content to determine if it is sufficiently dry to install flooring. Maximum level per CaC1test method is 5lbs per 1000 in 24 hours. Maximum level for ASTM2170i-SITU Relative humidity test is 85%. Relative humidity should never exceed 85%. Moisture and Hydrostatic pressure can create issue with flooring and can get in walls & structure of the home and create an unhealthy environment. NOTE: Glue Down flooring is not warranted or guaranteed due to poor installation or the presence of excessive alkali, moisture or hydrostatic pressure in subfloors. Do not install where flooring will be exposed to temperatures exceeding 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use any additional underlayment under LVP/LVT. Do not install over any heavily cushioned sheet vinyl. Soft underlayments and soft substrates will diminish the products inherent strength in resisting indentations. Never install over any type of carpet or carpet padding. Not approved over hydro- radiant heating.
Installation
When planks are installed over concrete, wood, prepped tile or existing (properly prepped) resilient floors. It is recommended to use a strong hard set pressure sensitive adhesive. Follow the manufacturers recommended instructions. Spread rate will vary depending on subfloor and trowel size used.
For best results, LVP/LVT should be installed starting from the center of the room. Measure and mark the center of each end wall. Connect the center points with a chalk line. Locate the center and establish a second chalk line at a right angle to the existing line. Planks should be installed in a pyramid fashion. Across length of room and build towards one wall. Carefully place the first plank at the junction of the chalk lines. Continue laying across the length of the room. Make sure each one is flush against the chalk line and butted evenly across the width of the plank as well as tight against the adjoining plank (s). Planks should be staggered, with a minimum of 8” between end joint of adjacent planks. No plank shorter than 6” should be installed. You may need to make a template for irregular cuts against door jambs, pipes or protruding objects in your work space. We recommend a dry fit to ensure piece is cut correctly before gluing.
When installation is complete a roller should be used to ensure a good bond from product to adhesive. Follow adhesive guidelines. Finish with rubber or wood base for desired look. Attach finish trim to the wall, not the floor.
