Hardwood Installation Instructions Hallmark Floors |
Sub-Floor Preparation

Hardwood Installation instructions & sub-floor preparation guidelines must be read thoroughly before installing the floors.

OWNER- INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY

1. Be on site when your new floors arrive. Verify that they are the correct collection and color before they start the installation process. This is very important. *See Maintenance & Warranty Guide (p.1)
2. Inspect all materials carefully prior to installation. Warranties do not cover materials with visible defects once they are installed. Installation constitutes acceptance.
   
3. Inspect the hardwood flooring in well lighted conditions to ensure proper identification of any potential problems. Carefully inspect the flooring for grade, color, finish, and quality.
4. Material that is subjectively viewed as unacceptable but falls within Hallmark Floors grading norms will not be replaced. Material with visible defects can be returned for replacement through the dealer.
5. Prior to installation of any flooring, the installer must ensure the job site and sub-floor conditions meet the requirements specified in these instructions.
6. Hardwood flooring installation should be one of the last items completed on the construction project. Limit foot traffic on the finished wood floor.

CAUTION: WOOD DUST

Governmental agencies have determined wood dust to be a nasal carcinogen. The sanding and sawing of wood flooring can produce wood dust that can cause eye, nose, skin, and respiratory irritations. All sanding and sawing equipment should be fitted with dust collection systems to reduce airborne dust. Wear appropriate NIOSH designated dust masks to reduce the risk of dust inhalation. Wear proper eye protection and avoid prolonged contact with eyes and skin. In the event of skin or eye irritation, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention!

Source: http://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65

STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handle and unload wood flooring with care. Store in a dry place; make sure to provide at least a four-inch space (using dry 4” x 4” stickers or a dry pallet that provides enough clearance) under boxes for proper air movement. Prior to delivery of flooring, outside doors and windows must be in place. All concrete, masonry, plastering, and other “wet” work must be complete and thoroughly dry. Roofing and the exterior shell of the structure must be finished and weather tight with doors and windows installed. The wall coverings should be in place and all painting completed–except for the final coat on the base molding. Room temperature and humidity should be consistent with year-round conditions for at least one week prior to installation. When possible, install base molding after floor installation is complete. HVAC must be running with a room temperature of between 60º F to 80º F and relative humidity constant between 30 and 50%.

Additional Source: http://www.nwfa.org/

Pre-Installation Check List | Sub-Floor Preparation | Hardwood Installation

Visual Inspection

The first inspection is visual and basic. Is there water in the building?

Exterior Checks

Is exterior soil elevation 6” below edge of flashing?
Does exterior slope away from foundation at a rate of 6” drop in 10’ for soft-landscaped areas and 3” drop in 10’ for hard-paved areas? Proper drainage away from the structure is absolutely critical to ensure weather tight conditions and crucial to proper hardwood flooring performance. If structure is near a hill, the lot should be graded with a swale to move moisture off the lot and prevent it from coming in contact with the foundation.

Crawl Space Ventilation

If home has raised foundation, does it have proper cross-ventilation? Crawl space clearance must be a minimum of 24” between the ground and the bottom of the floor joists.

STOP

Soil should be covered with 6-8 mm black plastic to provide a vapor barrier as specified by NWFA. Plastic must be overlapped at joints by a minimum of 8 inches and fully taped with high-quality, moisture-proof duct tape. Size of available vents should equal 1.5% of the square footage within the crawl space. Relative humidity should be consistent with interior of home. Moisture content of sub-floor should not vary more than a 2% MC from the top of the sub-floor to the bottom.

It may be necessary to install temperature/humidity activated exhaust fans to create more movement in the crawl space. Uncontrolled humidity and moisture in crawl space will lead to mold and damage to the structure as well as the hardwood floor. In these events a contractor specializing in dehumidifying systems will need to be contracted to keep crawlspace humidity within proper norms. This is more likely in high humidity areas. Ensure that clothes driers are properly vented to the outside of the foundation. Check for signs of plumbing, both pressurized and non- pressurized/drain leaks.

Basement Moisture & Humidity Control

Basements should be completely weather tight and proper drainage away from the foundations walls in place to insure that basement remains dry.

1. Rain gutters must be in place to carry moisture away from the house. French drains are recommended, and basement walls should be properly sealed.
2. Relative humidity of basements should not be more than 10% higher than the upper floors.
3. Humidity control of the basement is vital to help control mold and prevent damage to the structure and hardwood flooring.
4. Basement walls should be inspected for cracks and excessive moisture content.
5. Drains must be placed at basement windows.
6. Direct sprinklers and irrigation systems away from the foundation.
7. Sprinklers spraying the foundation edge can lead to moisture intrusion into structure. Drip irrigation systems for plant beds is recommended.

SUB-FLOOR MOISTURE TESTING – CONCRETE | Hardwood Installation

* Moisture Testing MUST be recorded.

Calcium Chloride: ASTM F1869

NWFA standards specify that the slab should not be emitting more that 3 lbs. per 1,000 square feet per 24 hour period. Carefully follow the instructions in the test kit to ensure that you get accurate results.

NOTE: The slab emissions can vary based on soil humidity and room temperature. Consult adhesive manufacturer’s directions for the moisture abatement system they recommend.

Humidity Probe & Digital
Meter: ASTM F2170

Widely used in Europe, this test determines the amount of humidity in the slab. This is an effective way to determine a slab’s potential for emitting moisture.

NOTE: Refer to adhesive manufacturers required testing methods. Adhesive manufacturer’s offer moisture warranties that may be conditional. Follow their directions closely to ensure compliance and full warranty coverage.

SUB-FLOOR MOISTURE TESTING-WOOD

* Moisture Testing MUST be recorded.

Probe-type (pin) meters are considered the best method of testing. Remember: the top and bottom of the subfloor should vary no more than 2%. Wood substrates must have a moisture reading of no more than 10% when using Tramex, Delmhorst, or equivalent moisture meter and be within 4% of the moisture content of the flooring to be installed.

SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION CONCRETE | Hardwood Installation

New concrete slabs require a minimum of 60 days drying time before covering them with a wood floor. The slab must be fully cured. Slab must be comprised of Portland-based mix with 3,000 P.S.I. of compressive strength. Glue-down application over gypsum or lightweight concrete mixes of lesser strength is not acceptable. (see floating installation section for installation over lightweight substrates). Remove all paint, oil, existing adhesives, wax, grease, dirt, sealers, and curing compounds. Do not use solvent-based strippers under any circumstances because residual solvents can prevent the satisfactory bonding of the vapor barrier and adhesive systems. It is important to ensure a long lasting bond between the adhesive, the concrete, and the boards.

Use sanding system with 20 grit # 3-1/2 open-face paper to remove loose, flaky concrete. For heavy surface contamination, it may be necessary to bead-blast the concrete surface. Subfloor tolerance for a flat and level surface is 3/16” within a 10’ radius and 1/8” in a 6’. These are industry standards established by NWFA. Use a straight edge to determine if sub floor requires grinding or filling.

NOTE: A quarter is approximately 1/16” of an inch thick and can be used as a thickness gauge. Grind high spots and fill low spots with Portland-based filler.

NOTE: Use the filler recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.

SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION CONCRETE | Hardwood Installation

New concrete slabs require a minimum of 60 days drying time before covering them with a wood floor. The slab must be fully cured. Slab must be comprised of Portland-based mix with 3,000 P.S.I. of comprehensive strength. Glue-down application over gypsum or lightweight concrete mixes of lesser strength is not acceptable. (see floating installation section for installation over lightweight substrates). Remove all paint, oil, existing adhesives, wax, grease, dirt, sealers, and curing compounds. Do not use solvent-based strippers under any circumstances because residual solvents can prevent the satisfactory bonding of the vapor barrier and adhesive systems. It is important to ensure a long lasting bond between the adhesive, the concrete, and the boards.

Use sanding system with 20 grit # 3-1/2 open-face paper to remove loose, flaky concrete. For heavy surface contamination, it may be necessary to bead-blast the concrete surface. Subfloor tolerance for a flat and level surface is 3/16” within a 10’ radius and 1/8” in a 6’. These are industry standards established by NWFA. Use a straight edge to determine if sub floor requires grinding or filling.

NOTE: A quarter is approximately 1/16” of an inch thick and can be used as a thickness gauge. Grind high spots and fill low spots with Portland-based filler.

NOTE: Use the filler recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.

Source: http://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65

CAUTION: CONCRETE DUST
Governmental agencies have determined concrete dust to be a nasal carcinogen. The sanding grinding of concrete can cause eye, nose, skin and respiratory irritations. All equipment should be equipped with dust collection systems to reduce airborne dust. Wear appropriate NIOSH designated dust mask to reduce risk of dust inhalation. Wear proper eye protection and avoid prolonged contact with eyes and skin. In the event of eye irritation flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention!

CAUTION: ASBESTOS
Governmental agencies have determined that asbestos is a respiratory carcinogen. Avoid sanding or scraping of old vinyl floors as they may contain asbestos. Take proper precautions and contact an asbestos abatement company to remove any old vinyl or vinyl tile floors

INSTALLING OVER EXISTING FLOOR COVERINGS ON CONCRETE

Perimeter-glued resilient vinyl and rubber tiles are not acceptable underlayments and must be removed. Terrazzo, tile, and full spread glue-down vinyls that are dry, structurally sound and level (as described above) are suitable as a sub-floor for installation. See adhesive manufacturer’s guidelines. As indicated above, the surface must be sound, tight and free of paint, oil, existing adhesives, wax, grease and dirt. Terrazzo and ceramic tile must be sufficiently scuffed to assure adhesion. Existing hardwood flooring must be removed prior to the installation of a new wood floor on concrete.

SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION WOOD | Hardwood Installation
Wood sub-floors need to be well nailed or secured with screws. Nails should be ring shanks, and screws must be counter sunk.
The wood sub-floor needs to be structurally sound (i.e. without loose boards, vinyl, or tiles). Sub-floor must be ANSI- rated plywood, OSB (oriented strand board), or sound lumber, a minimum of 3/4” thick, and dry.
Sub-floor tolerance for a flat and level surface is 3/16” within a 10’ radius and 1/8” in a 6’ radius. These are industry standards established by NWFA. No fiberboard or particle board panels acceptable for nail down installation. Underlayment/industrial grade particle board sheeting over existing wooden sub-floor usually suitable for glue down applications. See adhesive manufacturer’s specifications to ensure adhesive is suitable for use over underlayment/industrial particle board sheeting. Counter sink all screws/nails and sand any uneven edges smooth.
High spots should be sanded smooth and low spots shimmed with plywood that is secured to the sub-floor and sanded flat.

NOTE: Do not use cement-based patch to correct any wooden sub-floor problems in preparation for nail down. In the event of moisture, determine source, eliminate, and allow sub-floor to dry. Particle board sheeting of existing wood subfloor and leveling compounds are acceptable for glue-down or floating applications only (they are NOT suitable for nail-down applications). If sub-floor is less than 3/4” thick, or sanded to thickness less than 3/4” add a single cross layer of CDX or better grade veneer core plywood for strength and stability (minimum 5/16” thick for a total 1” thickness

CLEAN THE SUB-FLOOR

After all prep work is completed, sweep and/or vacuum the sub-floor.
Dust and dirt can affect the adhesive or vapor barrier’s ability to adhere to the slab.

HYDRONIC SYSTEMS IN WOOD SUB-FLOOR:

Assembly must include an aluminum transfer sheet to ensure even distribution of heat. Aluminum tube hanging systems must cover on the entire distance between the joists on the bottom of the sub-floor.

Radiant Floor Heating Installation Guide for in floor heating.

Hardwood Installation Instructions Hallmark Floors |  Sub-Floor Preparation 

Hardwood Installation instructions must be read thoroughly before installing the floors. Owner must be present on site to approve the floors before installation. Installation means acceptance.

 

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