PRE-INSTALLATION & JOBSITE CONDITIONS

Transcription

1 Wire Brushed Teak Installatin Guidelines Thank yu fr chsing Casabella Hardwd Flring. T prtect yur investment, it is extremely imprtant that yu understand this infrmatin prir t beginning, since imprper installatin can vid all manufacturing warranties. These installatin guidelines must be strictly fllwed. If even ONE f the fllwing recmmendatins is nt fllwed, the flr and installatin may fail. These instructins are fr the qualified, experienced hardwd flring installer. Fr mre details n the basics f installing hardwd flring, please cntact the Natinal Wd Flring Assciatin at , r visit ORDER ENOUGH PRODUCT As a natural prduct, hardwd flring can have bards that are defects that ccur during the manufacturing prcess r naturally as a characteristic f the wd species. Accepted industry standards allw fr up t 5% defective prduct (either natural r manufacturing related) based n the riginal hardwd flring purchased. At least 5% - 8% additinal flring prduct shuld be rdered abve actual square ftage t allw fr cutting, grading and culling f the material. Fr #2, #3, r Rustic grades, rder an extra 10% - 12%. MANUFACTURER HAS NO CONTROL WHERE FLOORING IS STORED Once the end user receives the prduct, the manufacturer and seller have n cntrl ver where the prduct was stred, r if it was placed in a damp area, r n a cncrete substrate that was giving ff misture vaprs. D nt stre in the garage r utside. This is the precise reasn that all manufacturers and industry installatin guidelines insist that the installer and end user must prperly acclimate the wd flring t bring it t within 2% f the wd sub flr r cncrete substrate. In additin, the installer must check the misture cntent f the bards t make sure they are nt t dry r t wet and that the sub flr is nt prducing excessive misture. This is nt the respnsibility f the manufacturer r the seller. It is clearly ne f the installer. PRE-INSTALLATION & JOBSITE CONDITIONS It is the installer/wners respnsibility t check and ensure that the jb site is envirnmentally and structurally acceptable prir t the installatin f Casabella Hardwd Flring. NORMAL LIVING CONDITIONS

2 The jb site must be climate cntrlled nrmal living cnditins fr at least ne week befre any wd flring is delivered. The Natinal Wd Flring Assciatin states that wd flrs perfrm best when the hme's envirnment is within nrmal living cnditins : Relative humidity is between 40% t 50% (preferably 45% t 50%). Temperature is frm 60º F t 80º F (preferably 68º F t 72º F). lthermstat fan switch is left ON t prvide a cnstant flw f air acrss the flr. ACCLIMATION OF SOLID WOOD FLOORING Acclimatin is nt a length f time measurement, it is a functin f making sure the misture cntent f the flr bards t be installed are within a 2% range f the sub flr s misture cntent. Stack bxes in an alternating crss manner, at least 4 ff the sub flr, t allw air circulatin. Open bx ends and any plastic wrap. If pssible, spread ut individual bards in the rms t be installed. Leave them sitting fr at least ne week. This will allw bards t acclimate t the nrmal living cnditins that will be experienced when the jb is finished and ccupied. ACCLIMATION OF ENGINEERED FLOORING Because engineered flr bards are much mre stable, Casabella recmmends the fllwing: Stre n the jb site Fr 72 hurs At nrmal living cnditins as described abve Leave bards in sealed cartns until installatin FAILURE TO CONDUCT MOISTURE TESTING IS THE NUMBER ONE INSTALLER ERROR The installer must cnduct mandatry misture testing f wd flr bards and sub flrs. Use a pin type misture meter n bards and wd sub flrs. Cncrete substrates require special cncrete meters r calcium chlride testing. Planks (3 r wider) bards must have a misture cntent that is within 2% f the misture cntent in the sub flr. Strip (2 1/4 ) bards must be within 4%. CONCRETE SUBSTRATES ONLY FOR ENGINEERED FLOORING CALCIUM CHLORIDE TEST Misture transfer must nt exceed 3 lbs/1000 square feet with this test. One test must be perfrmed every 250 square feet. These test kits can be fund at installatin supply firms, nline at r by calling (888) 216-TEST (8378). TRAMEX CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER METER Misture readings using this meter shuld nt exceed 4.5 n the upper scale. MOISTURE BARRIER SYSTEMS The fllwing misture barrier systems are recmmended. They carry a warranty frm their manufacturer: Bstik MVP4 Technical Services

3 Please remember that yur warranty against misture vapr transmissin cmes frm the manufacturer f the sealer.. INSTALLER MUST CHECK CRAWL SPACE The Natinal Wd Flring Assciatin installatin guidelines states, in Sectin 1, Chapter 1, Page 1, "Acceptable Jb Site Cnditins", that the installer/retailer is respnsible fr checking t see if the jb site cnditins are acceptable fr a wd flr installatin. These checks shuld be dne lng befre the installer arrives n the jb site t start the installatin. In this case, a quick inspectin when the jb estimated wuld have revealed that the crawl space was unacceptable, and therefre the jb site was nt ready fr a wd flring installatin. Current guidelines fr crawl spaces are: "There must be a minimum f 18" frm the grund t the underneath side f jists, they must be dry (n apparent r standing water) and must be cvered 100 percent by a vapr retarder f 6-mil black plyethylene that is verlapped 6" and lapped up the walls 6". Crawl spaces als shuld have 1.5 percent f pen venting per 1,000 square feet (92.90 square meters) f flr area, and the venting shuld be prperly lcated t fster crss ventilatin. In additin t these guidelines, installers must check and fllw lcal building cdes. CONCRETE SUBSTRATE MUST BE LEVEL It is the installer's respnsibility t make sure the cncrete substrate is flat within 1/8" in 6' and 3/16 in 10 feet. If it is nt, then the high pints must be grund dwn and the lw valleys filled with leveling cmpund. Furthermre, the cncrete substrate must be free f all cntaminants, i.e. paint, varnish, kersene frm heaters, dry wall paste, crayn marks, grit, sil, and ther freign chemicals and substances. Once they prceed t install the flr, they are assuring all f the parties invlved that the cncrete substrate has been inspected, is level, free f all cntaminants, and is acceptable, resulting in a prperly installed flr. WOOD SUBFLOOR MUST BE LEVEL In the Chapter 4 f The Natinal Wd Flring Assciatin's Installatin Guidelines (Wd Subflr Guidelines), it states that wd subflrs must be flat, clean, dry, structurally sund, free f squeaks, and free f prtruding fasteners. Fr installatins using mechanical fasteners f 1 1/2 and lnger, the subflr shuld be flat t within 1/4 in 10', r 3/16 in 6'. Fr glue dwn installatins, and installatins using mechanical fasteners f less than 1 1/2, the subflr shuld be flat t within 3/16 in 10', r 1/8 in 6'. If peaks r valleys in the subflr exceed the tlerances specified abve, sand dwn the high spts and fill the lw spts with a leveling cmpund r ther material apprved fr use under wd flring. Hwever, it is the builder's r general cntractr's respnsibility t prvide the wd flring cntractr with a subflr that is within the tlerances listed abve. If there is mvement r squeaks in the subflr, refasten the subflr t the jists in prblem areas. Prtruding fasteners are easily remedied by driving thse fasteners deeper int the subflr. DRY LAY FLOOR FIRST Yu shuld expect variatins in clr tnes, shade, grain, and character marks in yur wd flring. Meet with yur installer. Have them pen the bxes and pull bards at randm frm many different cartns. Then ask them t dry lay and arrange planks t suit yur persnal taste. Nw is the time t let the installer knw what yu like and dislike befre they install the first bard. HOME OWNER END USER RESPONSIBILITY Yur presence during the installatin is crucial. Apprximately 40% f installatin failures and/r custmer dissatisfactin are due t installer errr. If yu chse nt t be present, yu frg the ability and right t participate in the bard selectin prcess. In ding s, yu have left it up t the installer's judgment fr arranging flr bards accrding t natural variatins such as clr, grain, and length. Neither the wd flring manufacturer nr the seller can be held respnsible fr any unpleasant surprise resulting frm the installer's lack f qualificatins r pr judgment. Once installed, yu and the installer wn the flr. The respnsibility t reslve any dispute is between yu and yur installer. This has lng been an industry accepted rule.

4 NEW CONSTRUCTION OR REMODELING BUILDER AND INSTALLER CHECKLIST The Natinal Wd Flring Assciatin states, in their technical publicatin, A-100 Water and Wd, page 14, and Casabella states that laying the flr shuld be the LAST STEP in yur prject. Even BEFORE the wd flring is delivered, make sure that: A) The huse is clsed r sealed in with all drs and windws installed. B) Plaster, paint, and plywd sub flrs and/r cncrete substrates are thrughly dry. C) All plumbing r wet trades must be cmpletely finished. D) The fundatin is dry and the basement is well ventilated. E) The flr in the crawl space (if it has ne) is cmpletely cvered, verlapped, and lapped up the wall six inches by a 6-8 mil black plyurethane plastic film. F) The heating r ventilatin system is wrking prperly and that the cnditins inside yur rm(s) where the wd flring installatin is t take place have been kept at an apprximate temperature f 68º F (20º C), and a relative humidity f between 40% and 50% fr at least ne week prir t the acclimatin f the wd flring t it's nrmal climatic envirnment that it is t perfrm in. G) Slid wd flring is acclimated fr minimum f at least ne week prir t it's installatin (the wd manufacturer's installatin guidelines d supersede). Furthermre, the rm's temperature and relative humidity must be kept at the recmmended levels shwn abve, with a cnstant flw f air acrss the flr, during and after the installatin until the end user mves int the rms and/r huse and cntrls the climatic cnditins t their preference. A failure t make sure that EVERY ONE f these industry prven steps are meticulusly fllwed can result in splits, cracks, cupping, buckling, bard delaminatin, finish flaking, blisters, bubbles, face checks, and peeling, r ther majr prblems with the wd flring. DO NOT INSTALL TOO EARLY Casabella Wd Flring and the Natinal Wd Flring Assciatin agree that prefinished wd flrs are defined as a factry-finished prduct requiring installatin nly. When wd flrs are installed, all ther trades shuld have finished their wrk n the jb site. By being installed the week befre the clsing date,the newly installed wd flrs will be subject t less ptential fr damage. The flr will remain in tp cnditin fr the cnsumer's final walk-thrugh. Pre-finished wd flrs shuld be climatized, as it is installed during the same time frame as carpet. By crdinating the timing f the tw installatins, there shuld be less cnstructin traffic, and the heating and air cnditining units can be activated a week befre the installatin. If this industry prven practice is nt fllwed, the installatin will lk great at mve in, but shrtly thereafter the flr will begin t separate. What caused the prblem? Acclimatin t the jb site cnditins. Where was the flring stred n the jb site fr acclimatin? The likely answer t the prblem is that the pre-finished flr was installed t early. The prduct shuld nt have been installed n the jb site befre the new hme was under climate cntrl fr at least ne week. The flr was stabilized t an elevated misture cntent, nt t cnditins after mvein. Als, after mvein, the heat r air cnditining (air mvement) systems remved a prtin f the jb site misture frm the wd, allwing a reductin in the face width which resulted in visual cnditins such as: separatin between bards (cracks r gaps), face checks, splits, cupping, delaminatin, raised grain, finish prblems, etc. DO NOT USE PROTECTIVE COVER The use f prtective cverings that are nt breathable such as plastic, paper,cardbard, Masnite, carpet r carpet padding,etc., ver new wd flrs may cause future misture related prblems. Like a lid n a Tupperware jar, these kind f prtective cverings will trap misture nrmally being released by the bards and drive it back dwn int the wd flring and subsurface. The verall effect is that f a ht huse as the bards verheat and g int stress shck. This can result in elevated misture levels, cupping, crwning, buckling, bard delaminatin, peeling, r flaking f the finish, side and end jint gaps, stress fracture face checks, r split ends. This is NOT the result f any manufacturing deficiencies in the wd flring prduct. The burden t reslve this issue is that f the persn wh chse t cver the flr. PREVENTING GAPS BETWEEN BOARDS

5 If the wd flring was delivered t a new hme and was installed prir t the cnditining f the hme thrugh it's air cnditining and heating system, gaps between planks may ccur at a later date. In additin, there wuld have been n cnsistent mvement f air acrss the new wd flr. When it was turned n, it wuld have caused the hme t start drying ut due t the dehumidifying actin f the air cnditining and/r heat. During this time it extracts mst f the misture ut f the wd flr, making the wd cntract r shrink and allw bjectinable gaps t ccur. Wd flring is a part f the interir finish. Just like a grand pian, wd flring shuld nt be delivered r installed until after all f the cnstructin dampness is gne, the building clsed in, and under cmplete, stable temperature and humidity cntrl. We recmmend: A) Letting a humidifier run in the hme until the relative humidity cmes within the recmmended 40% t 50% level (preferably 45% - 50%) with the temperature between 60º and 80º F, preferably between 68º t 72º F. This level shuld be maintained fr anther tw weeks until stable. Then clsely examine these gapped planks. B) As needed, rewrk the planks r replace the gapped planks. Once the flr has gne thrugh a cmplete year f seasns and gaps have nt filled up, they will remain gapped. Sanding and refinishing the flr will d nthing t imprve the appearance. Filling in the cracks with putty wuld be a band-aid apprach, as the putty will becme lse and fall ut as the bards expand and cntract. PRE-INSTALLATION WARNING: Casabella Hardwd Flring is designed and manufactured t strict manufacturing tlerances fr use in typical residential envirnments. Once ur quality prduct leaves ur hands, we n lnger have any cntrl. Only yu, the installatin cntractr, can cnduct the mandatry misture testing f the sub flr and bards t make sure they are within 2% r less f each ther. If the interir relative humidity is t high r t lw, yu are respnsible t alert all parties f the issues yu're having. If the relative humidity is less than 40%, installed bards may cup, split, check, crack, shrink (r delaminate, if engineered). In such dry cnditins, we recmmend the use f humidifier t intrduce misture t the hme. Flr bards installed nt a wet sub flr may experience checks, splits, crwning, cupping, buckling, shrinking, swelling, crebard telegraphing (if engineered), delaminatin r edge r crning edge raise. It's pssible the installed bards can be saked frm abve by clean-up crews r ther cntractrs in the hme. Again, cnduct the MANDATORY misture testing n the sub flr and new flr bards. DO NOT INSTALL THIS FLOORING ON A WET SUB FLOOR OR WHEN THE HOME'S ENVIRONMENT IS EXPERIENCING DRY CONDITIONS. RELATIVE HUMIDITY REALLY MATTERS When the indr relative humidity is maintained at a cnsistent level thrughut the year, natural expansin and cntractin f the bards will be minimized. During the heating seasn, frced air heating, wd stves and electric heat tend t create very dry cnditins. A whle huse humidifier is recmmended if the hme has a frced air heating system. Otherwise, the use f a prtable humidifier is a gd chice. An average size prtable humidifier is suggested fr every 400 square feet f installed flring. Be sure t read the humidifier's perating instructins fr best results. Nn-Heating Seasn: The reverse is usually the issue. The hme's air cnditiner r a dehumidifier shuld be used t lwer the interir relative humidity if it exceeds 50%. Turning n the heating system peridically can als cntrl the interir envirnment. WOOD FLOORING HAS A COMFORT LEVEL, TOO The Natinal Wd Flring Assciatin states the fllwing in page 5 f their technical publicatin A-100, entitled Water and Wd : Wd flring will perfrm best when the interir envirnment is cntrlled t stay within a relative humidity range f 30% t 50%, and a temperature range f 60 F t 80 F. Frtunately, that's the same

6 cmfrt range mst humans enjy. The chart belw indicates the misture cntent the wd will likely have at any given cmbinatin f temperature and humidity. Nte that equilibrium misture cntents in the recmmended temperature/humidity range cincide with the 6% t 9% range within which mst hardwd flring is manufactured. Althugh sme mvement can be expected even between 6% and 9%, wd can expand and shrink dramatically utside that range. Wd flrs perfrm best when the interir envirnment s relative humidity range is kept between 35-50% (preferably 45-50%). The temperature range frm degrees Fahrenheit is acceptable, but the ideal temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. T recap, the ideal: Relative humidity is 45%. Temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. When these guidelines are nt maintained, damage t yur wd flr will be mst likely t ccur. Sme f these bjectinable appearances can be, but are nt limited t, dry cupping, cracking, splits, cracks, gaps at jints, delaminatin f plys, finish is issues such as peeling, flaking, chipping, rupturing, wet cupping, tenting, buckling r nises emitting frm the flr when walked n. It is extremely imprtant t keep the envirnment surrunding yur wd flr at the nrmal living cnditins as described abve. If necessary, heating systems, air exchanges, air cnditiners, dehumidifiers, whle huse r prtable humidifiers shuld be used t cntrl these envirnmental cnditins. Because wd is a natural material that is hygrscpic, it cnstantly reacts t the misture (relative humidity), high r lack f in the hme s envirnment. While the temperature f the interir envirnment is an imprtant factr, it is abslutely critical t maintain a relative humidity f n lwer than 35 percent and n higher than 50 percent. Stagnant air is nt gd fr wd flring; therefre, we recmmend that yu leave the HVAC system s fan switch in the On psitin t prvide a flw f air acrss the flr. If away frm hme, the climate cntrls shuld be left within the parameters suggested abve. The key t preventing future prblems with yur hardwd flring is t keep the jb site envirnment within it's cmfrt zne at nrmal living cnditins. See the peach clred bx in the chart belw.

7 Misture meter manufacturers state that misture meters accurately measure the misture cntent f wd prducts when the misture cntent is in the range f 6% t 30%. Any misture meter readings utside f the range f 6% t 30% will nt be scientifically accurate. Thrugh deductive reasning and the data btained frm the Frest Prducts Labratry, U.S. Department f Agriculture, an accurate estimatin f the wd's misture reading can be determined. WOOD SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES Part I Wd Subflr Specificatins Subflr panels shuld cnfrm t US Vluntary Prduct Standard PS1-95, Cnstructin and Industrial Plywd and/r US Vluntary PS2-04 and/r Canadian perfrmance standard CAN/CSA Cnstructin Sheathing. Other CSA standards als apply. Slid-bard subflring shuld be ¾ x 5 ½ (1 x 6 nminal), Grup 1 dense sftwds, N. 2 Cmmn, kiln-dried t less than 15 percent misture cntent. Bth CD EXPOSURE 1 plywd and OSB Expsure 1 subflr panels are apprpriate subflring materials, but the prper thickness f the material will be determined by the factrs nted belw in Part IV Panel Prducts Subflring, E Acceptable Panel Subflrs. Particle bard is NOT recmmended by Casabella Hardwd Flring. Part II Subflr Misture

8 Nte: The Natinal Assciatin f Hme Builders' Green Hme Building Guidelines cntains the fllwing directive under Sectin 5.3.8: NAB Mdel Green Hme Building Guidelines: Check misture cntent f wd flring befre enclsing n bth sides. Ensure misture cntent f subflr/substrate meets the apprpriate industry standard fr the finish flring material t be installed. Fr slid strip flring (less than 3 wide), there shuld be n mre than 4 percent misture cntent difference between prperly acclimated wd flring and subflring materials. Fr wide-width slid flring (3 r wider), there shuld be n mre than 2 percent difference in misture cntent between prperly acclimated wd flring and subflring materials. Part III Subflr Flatness and Integrity Wd subflrs must be flat, clean, dry, structurally sund, free f squeaks and free f prtruding fasteners. Fr installatins using mechanical fasteners f 1 ½ and lnger, the subflr shuld be flat t within ¼ in 10 feet, r 3/16 in 6 feet. Fr glue-dwn installatins and installatins using mechanical fasteners f less than 1 ½, the subflr shuld be flat t within 3/16 in 10 feet r 1/8 in 6 feet. If peaks r valleys in the subflr exceed the tlerances specified abve, sand dwn the high spts and fill the lw spts with a leveling cmpund r ther material apprved fr use under wd flring. Hwever, it is the builder's r general cntractr's respnsibility t prvide the wd-flring cntractr with a subflr that is within the tlerances listed abve. Inspect the subflr carefully. If there is mvement r squeaks in the subflr, refasten the subflr t the jists in prblem areas. Prtruding fasteners are easily remedied by driving thse fasteners deeper int the subflr. Part IV Panel Prducts Subflring l Fr panel prducts subflring, check fr lse panels and re-nail r screw dwn lse panels securely. Ensure that there is prper expansin space (1/8 ) between the panels. If the subflr panels are nt tngue-and-grved and if there is n sufficient expansin space, use a circular saw t create the specified space. DO nt saw thrugh jints n T&G subflrs. l Als check fr delaminated r damaged areas and repair thse areas as needed. l Make sure the subflr is free f debris befre beginning installatin. l Acceptable Panel Subflrs: Truss/jist spacing will determine the minimum acceptable thickness f the panel subflring. On truss/jist spacing f 16 (406mm) /c r less, the industry standard fr singlepanel subflring is nminal 5/8 (19/32, 15.1 mm) CD Expsure 1 Plywd subflr panels ( CD Expsure 1) r 23/32 OSB Expsure 1 subflr panels, 4' x 8' sheets. On truss/jist spacing f mre than 16, up t 19.2 (488mm) /c, the standard is nminal ¾ (23/32, 18.3mm) T&G CD EXPOSURE 1 Plywd subflr panels, (Expsure 1), 4' x 8' sheets, glued and mechanically fastened, r nminal ¾ 23/32, 18.3mm) OSB Expsure 1 Plywd subflr panels, (Expsure 1), 4' x 8' sheets, glued and mechanically fastened. Truss/jist systems spaced ver mre than 19.2 (488mm) /c up t a maximum f 24 (610mm) require nminal 7/8 T&G CD EXPOSURE 1 Plywd subflr panels,

9 (Expsure 1), 4' x 8' sheets, glued and mechanically fastened, r nminal 1 OSB Expsure 1 subflr panels, 4' x 8' sheets, glued and mechanically fastened r tw layers f subflring. Or brace between truss/jists in accrdance with the truss/jist manufacturer's recmmendatins and with lcal building cdes. Sme truss/jist systems cannt be crss-braced and still maintain stability. Fr duble-layer subflrs, the first layer shuld cnsist f nminal ¾ (23/32, 18.3mm) CD Expsure 1 Plywd subflr panels (CDX), 4' x 8' sheets r nminal ¾ (23/32, 18.3mm) OSB Expsure 1 subflr panels, 4' x 8' sheets. The secnd layer shuld cnsist r nminal ½ (15/32, 11.9mm) CD EXPOSURE 1 plywd subflr panels, (Expsure 1) 4' x 8' sheets. The ½ plywd shuld be ffset by ½ panel in each directin t the existing subflring. The panels may als be laid n a diagnal r perpendicular, with 1/8 spacing between sheets. Nail n a 12 minimum grid pattern, using a ring-shanked nails r staples. Fastening and Spacing Specificatins Fllw the panel manufacturer's recmmendatins fr spacing and fastening. Typical panel spacing and fastening requirements fr truss/jist systems call fr apprximately 1/8 (3.2mm) expansin space arund the perimeter f each panel, with panels fastened every 12 (305mm) alng intermediate supprts. Edge swell shuld als be flattened. This can usually be accmplished by using an edger sander. Part V Slid Bard Subflring Slid bard subflring shuld be: ¾ x 5 ½ (1 x 6 nminal), Grup 1 dense sftwds (SYP, Dug Fir, Larch, etc.), N. 2 cmmn, kiln-dried t less than 15% MC. Slid-bard subflring shuld cnsist f bards n wider than 6 inches, installed n a 45 degree angle, with all bard ends full bearing n the jists and fastened with minimum 8d rsin-cated r ring-shanked nails, r equivalent. Sme types f wd flring shuld nt be installed directly ver slid-bard subflring. Thinclassificatin slid strip flring must have a 3/8 r better plywd underlayment installed ver slid bard subflring. INSTALLATION OVER EXISTING FLOORS Casabella des nt recmmend their flring t be installed ver existing flrs. CONCRETE SUBFLOOR GUIDELINES Part I Cncrete Subflr Specificatins Subflr Must Be Flat Make sure the cncrete slab is flat t a flatness tlerance f 1/8 t 3/16 in a 10- ft radius. If the slab is ut f specificatin, cnsider grinding, flating r bth. Many high spts can be remved by grinding, depressins can be filled with apprved patching cmpunds, and slabs als can be flattened using a self-leveling cncrete prduct. When sanding r grinding cncrete, care must be taken t minimize the amunt f silica dust prduced. OSHA recmmends using dust-cllectin devices, r applying water t the cncrete befre sanding. Apprved respiratrs may als be used t minimize the amunt f silica dust inhaled. Subflr Must Be Dry

10 Refer t Misture Requirements and Misture Testing. Cncrete misture meters and ther tests can be useful in identifying misture prblem areas. Hwever, NWFA guidelines specify using relative-humidity testing (ASTM F-2170), calcium chlride testing (ASTM F-1869) r calcium carbide (CM) testing (ASTM D and MilSpec CRD-C154-77) t identify the misture cntent f the slab. If a slab tests t high in vapr emissin t glue a flr dwn, cnsider using a vapr retarder type prduct, installing a vapr retarder and a plywd sub-flr r using an alternative installatin methd. Misture readings shuld nt exceed 4.5 when using a Tramex cncrete misture encunter. Cncrete slabs with a calcium chlride reading f mre than 3 require use f a vapr retarder with a perm rating f 1 r less. It is strngly recmmended t use an impermeable vapr retarder with a perm rating f 0.13 r less, such as 6 mil plyethylene film. Slab Must Be: Minimum 3000 PSI Free frm nn-cmpatible sealers, waxes, and il, paint, drywall cmpund, etc. Check fr the presence f sealers by applying drps f water t the slab, if the water beads up, there may be sealers r ils. D nt attempt t glue a wd flr ver a chalky r sft cncrete slab. Burnished, slick steel-trweled slabs may require screening with a 30-grit abrasive. Specificatins fr Lightweight Cncrete Make sure the cncrete is well bnded t the sub-flr. Check fr hllw spts, cracks and lse areas. As with n-grade cncrete sub-flrs, make sure the cncrete is clean, flat t specificatin, and dry. Over lightweight cncrete (less than 3000 PSI), if the flring adhesive used has a higher shear strength than the cncrete, use the Flated Subflr installatin methd. If the PSI f the cncrete is unknwn, use the Flated Subflr installatin methd r cntact the adhesive manufacturer. Rule f thumb: Draw a nail acrss the tp; if it leaves an indentatin, it is prbably lightweight cncrete. END-USER RESPONSIBILITY End-User Presence Is Critical The wd manufacturer states, in their installatin and warranty guidelines, that they cntrl all f the steps invlved in its prductin f prefinished wd flrs frm kiln drying t finishing. As hardwd is a prduct f nature, it is nt perfect. Industry standards allw a tlerance in quality variatin nt exceeding 5% f the ttal quantity purchased. We strngly recmmend that the custmer interview several prspective wd flring installers fr their qualificatins. Ask them fr references and make telephne

11 calls t check them ut. Apprximately 40% f the reasns fr installatin failure and/r custmer dissatisfactin is due t installer errr. They must be the prfessinal n the jb. Hwever, YOUR PRESENCE DURING THE INSTALLATION IS CRUCIAL. If yu decide t hire an installer wh will install yur hardwd (r bamb) flr withut yur supervisin it is YOUR respnsibility t ensure the gd judgment f the installer. The installer must inspect and cull thse bards which are defective r undesirable. The installer shuld be selective when assessing the quality f the wd, grading, and lengths f bards, and when arranging flr bards accrding t the natural variatins, such as clr and grain f the species selected. If yu were present during the installatin f yur flr yu can ask yur installer t place bards in areas that are less visible and accrding t yur taste, rather than in the center f the rm r near the fcal pint f the rm, such as the fireplace. The wd manufacturer can nt be held respnsible fr any unpleasant surprise resulting frm the installer's lack f qualificatins r pr judgment. Once the flr is installed the wnership and respnsibility t reslve any disputes is between the installer and the end user. Bard Selectin Custmer and Installer The end user and installer are respnsible fr the final inspectin and apprval f bards being installed. If the custmer chses nt t be present during the installatin perid, they frg their ability and right t participate in the bard selectin prcess. In ding s, they have left the selectin f bards up t the judgment f the installer. Once installed, the end user and installer wn the flr. This has been a lng standing wd flring industry standard. Failure f Installer t Satisfy the Owner The installer is cmmissined and cntracted by the wner. Owners shuld chse their installer carefully by checking references and previus jb experience, etc. The cheapest is nt always the best. Installing hardwd flring is a highly skilled peratin. The cntract t install is between the wner and the installer. Casabella is in n way respnsible fr the wner's chice f installer r any failure by the installer t satisfy the wner. Installer and Custmer Own the Flr This certified wd flring inspectr finds that this custmer's issues shuld clearly be reslved between the cnsumer and the installer. The installer did nt fllw industry installatin guidelines as set frth by the Natinal Wd Flring Assciatin. Once the wd flring is installed, the installer and the end user have accepted wnership. Any cnsideratin f this custmer's claim will be at the discretin f the wd manufacturer and/r seller. INSTALLING A SUBFLOOR OVER CONCRETE Part I Direct Gluing a Subflr Over Cncrete Always fllw the adhesive manufacturer's recmmendatin fr prper applicatin, prper adhesive and crrect trwel ntch and spread rate. If necessary, add vapr retarder recmmended by the adhesive manufacturer befre applying adhesive. Part II Flated Subflr In n-grade and belw-grade applicatins, always add vapr retarder befre applying underlayment. A vapr retarder is recmmended anytime slid ¾ wd flring is installed ver cncrete. A vapr retarder is required fr installatin ver cncrete with a calcium chlride reading greater than 3 punds, a relative humidity reading f greater than 75%, r a calcium carbide (CM) reading f greater than 2.5%. Flated Subflr System

12 Materials 2 layers nminal 3/8 (10mm) minimum CD Expsure 1 Plywd subflr panels (CDX) 4' x 8' sheets. Installatin methd: Place the first plywd layer with edges parallel t wall, withut fastening. Leave ¾ space between wall and plywd. Plywd panels shuld be placed with 1/8 gaps between sheets. Lay the secnd layer perpendicular r at 45 degree angle t the first. Plywd panels shuld be placed with 1/8 gaps between sheets and a ¾ minimum expansin space at all vertical bstructins and wall lines. Staple r staple and glue (with urethane r cnstructin adhesive) the secnd layer t first layer n 12 interir grid pattern (6 n the perimeter). Be careful nt t penetrate the vapr retarder. Alternate Subflr System Materials Use nminal ¾ (23/32, 18.3mm) CD Expsure 1 Plywd sheathing, 4' x 8' sheets. Installatin methd Part III Glue Dwn Subflr Cut sheets t 16 x 8' r smaller panels, scred n back 3/8 deep a minimum f every 12 acrss width. 16 planks riented perpendicular r diagnally t directin f flring. Panels staggered every 2', and spaced 1/8 between ends, with ¾ minimum expansin space at all vertical bstructins. Always fllw the adhesive manufacturer's recmmendatin fr prper subflr, spread rate and trwel ntch. If necessary, add vapr retarder befre applying underlayment. A vapr retarder is recmmended anytime slid ¾ wd flring is installed ver cncrete. Glue-Dwn Subflr System: Materials Use nminal 5/8 (19/32, 15.1mm) CD Expsure 1 Plywd subflr panels, (Expsure 1), 4' x 8' sheets. Installatin methd: Cut the plywd panels t 2' x 8', r 4' x 4' sectins.

13 Part IV Nail-Dwn Subflr Scre the back f the panels ½ the thickness n a 12 x 12 grid. Apply an adhesive apprved fr the installatin f plywd, per the plywd manufacturer's recmmendatins. Lay sectins in a staggered jint pattern in the adhesive, with 1/8 spacing between sheets, and ¾ minimum expansin space at walls and all vertical bstructins. Always fllw Casabella s recmmendatins fr prper subflrs as previusly discussed. In n-grade and belw-grade applicatins, always add vapr retarder befre applying underlayment. In abve-grade applicatins, fllw the flring manufacturer's recmmendatins. A vapr retarder is recmmended anytime slid ¾ wd flring is installed ver cncrete. Nail-Dwn Subflr System Over Cncrete Materials Minimum: use nminal 5/8 (19/32, 15.1mm) CD Expsure 1 Plywd subflr panels (CDX), 4' x 8' sheets. Installatin methd NOTE: Fasteners may be pwder-driven pins, pneumatic driven nails, screws, defrmed pins, r ther fasteners suitable fr cncrete applicatin. Check with fastener manufacturer fr specificatin such as length, drill size, and/r sht lad where applicable. Part V Screed System Stagger panel jints allwing apprximately 1/8 expansin space arund all panels t prevent edge peaking due t cmpressin caused by panel swell. Allw ¾ minimum expansin space at all vertical bstructins. Panels shuld be mechanically fastened. Fr pwder lad r pneumatic pressure infrmatin, cntact yur lcal supplier. Fasten 2 frm the edge every 6-8 alng the perimeter f the sheet and ne fastener r mre spaced every 12 in the interir f the panel. Fasten the center first t prevent the subflr frm bwing. Areas with higher humidity may require additinal fasteners. Casabella des nt recmmend the installatin f their engineered wd flring ver screeds. SOLID STRIP AND PLANK FLOORING INSTALLATION Part I Acceptable Jbsite Cnditins and Jbsite Checklist Refer t previusly described guidelines.

14 Part II Acclimatin Guidelines Refer t previusly described guidelines. Part III Apprpriate Grade Levels Slid strip and plank wd flrs can be installed successfully abve grade level r n grade, but are nt recmmended fr installatin belw grade. The entire flring level is cnsidered t be belw grade where sil is present alng any perimeter wall and is mre than 3 abve the installed wd flring level. Grund shuld be slped away frm the huse fr prper drainage. (Fllw lcal building cdes.) Part IV Subflrs Wd Jist Systems Refer t previusly described guidelines. Part V Subflrs Cncrete Slab Refer t previusly described guidelines. When installing slid strip and slid plank flring ver cncrete, a vapr retarder is always required ver the cncrete slab and belw the subflring material. A minimum 6 mil cnstructin grade plyethylene film, with perm f 0.13, r ther impermeable material with a perm f 0.15 r less is recmmended. Casabella des nt recmmend ur slid hardwd flrs t be installed by the direct-glue dwn methd ver a cncrete slab. Part VI Slid Strip & Plank Installatin Methds Always fllw the Casabella s recmmended installatin prcedures. Basic Tls and Accessries: Rubber mallet / 4d-6d Flring nails / Jamb saw r hand saw / Chalk line / Pencil / 15 lbs. Asphalt felt / Table saw r band saw / Hammer / Tape measure / Leading brand f hardwd flring cleaner / Brm / Pwernail manual 45 T&G Pwernailer, pneumatic 445 Pwernailer r ther machines designed r adapted specifically t ¾ slid wd flring / Quality misture meter with manufacturer's relevant extic species calibratin figures. NOTE: ¾ is meant fr nail-dwn r staple-dwn (with 2 fasteners) installatin nly. Unfinished and factry-finished slid strip and slid plank flring shuld be installed perpendicular t the jists r n a diagnal fr any single layer subflr. (Exceptin: Over diagnal, slid subflr bards, install perpendicular t jists r subflr directin.) When ¾ slid strip and slid plank flring is laid parallel with the flr jists, fllw ne f these tw steps: Add a layer f minimum nminal ½ (15/32 ) CD Expsure 1 (CDX) plywd underlayment t the existing subflr (as previusly recmmended).

15 Or brace between truss/jists in accrdance with the truss/jist manufacturer's recmmendatins and with lcal building cdes. Sme truss/jist systems cannt be crss-braced and still maintain stability. Befre installing wd flring, place an apprved vapr retarder. Sme examples f acceptable vapr retarders ver wd subflrs include: An asphalt laminated paper meeting UU-B-790a, Grade B, Type I, Style 1a. Asphalt-saturated kraft paper r #15 r #30 felt that meets ATM Standard D-4869 r UU- B-790 Grade D. These misture retarders d nt replace the need t cnduct mandatry misture testing f flr bards and subflr! Wall Line Layut Chse a starting wall accrding t the mst aesthetically r architecturally imprtant elements in the rm, taking int cnsideratin fireplaces, drs, cabinets and transitins, a well as the squareness f the rm. The starting wall will ften be the lngest unbrken wall in the rm. Snap a wrking line parallel t the starting wall, allwing ¾ expansin space between the starting wall and edge f the first strip r plank run. Randm-width plank is laid ut with alternating curses varying by widths. Start with the widest bard, then the next width, etc., and repeat the pattern. Lay ne rw f strip r plank alng the entire length f the wrking line. Tp-nail and blind-nail the first rw (hand-nail if necessary), using apprpriate fasteners. Denser species may require pre-drilling. Each succeeding rw shuld be blind-nailed with the nailing machine wherever pssible. At the finishing wall and ther bstructins, it may be necessary t blind-nail by hand until tp nailing is required. Distribute lengths, aviding H patterns, stair stepping and ther discernible patterns in adjacent runs. Stagger end jints f bards rw t rw a minimum f 6 fr strip flring, 9 fr 3, 12 fr 4, 15 fr 5 and 18 fr planks wider than 5. T minimize expansin n flrs wider than 20 feet, mre r less spacing between rws may be needed, depending n gegraphical area, interir climate cntrl and time f the year. Where spacing is required: Use a washer r remvable spacer t leave additinal space every few rws and/r start in center f rm and wrk ut t bth sides. D nt use spacers that may cause damage n ur factry-finished flrs. Nailing: Blind-nail thrugh the tngue using 1 ½ - 2 fasteners. Use 1 ½ fasteners with nminal ¾ plywd subflr direct t cncrete slab. Face-nail bards where needed using 6d-8d casing r finish nails. Fasteners shuld be spaced every 6-8 n blindnailing, r every n face-nailing. Fr additinal fastening, any f the fllwing ptins may be used in additin t the nailing schedule.

16 Fr wide-width plank flring (5 r wider), t assist the nailing schedule f 6-8 and increase hlding pwer, there are three ptins. Screw and plug at end jints, alternating at staggered lcatins and intervals alng each bard. Apply an apprved urethane wd flring adhesive, such as Bstik's Best. Use kerfing r relief cuts every 8 t 12 parallel t the grain using mre relief cuts fr wider bards. Typically, the relief cut shuld be 3/8 n a ¾ bard. NOTE: These ptins, hwever, will nt necessarily eliminate cupping. Blind-nail and face-nail, as necessary, t cmplete the final rws. Center Line Layut NOTE: Fr instructins n using trammel pint methd t square a rm and find the center pint, see Trammel Pint Methd. Find the center f yur rm, measuring ff the tw lngest walls, and snap a line dwn the center f that rm. Install a starter bard n the line. Fasten the starter bard t the flr using wd screws. Nail the first rw f wd flring against the starter bard, being careful nt t mve the starter bard when nailing. The grve f the flring shuld be against the starter bard. Drill and hand-nail the first three rws thrugh the tngue. DO NOT USE TOP NAILS. Use a blind nailer t install the remaining rws f wd flring. Use the nailing practices described earlier in the chapter. After installing in ne directin, remve the starter bard and start rws ging in the ppsite directin. Install a spline r a slip tngue in the grve f the bard that was against the straightedge. Put wd glue dwn the entire length f the grve befre installing the spline. Install the spline using a blind nailer. T keep the spline in alignment fr the next flring bard, use a scrap piece f wd flring t run alng the length f the spline as yu nail. Install the remaining rws in the ppsite directin. Use the nailing practices described earlier in the chapter. Tngue and Grve T Lse Cautin! When first starting t nail the flring dwn and after nailing dwn a small sectin f apprximately 25 square feet, make sure that this initial test sectin f flring, nce nailed t the subflr, is firmly affixed. In particular, check t make sure that the grve side f each piece, being held dwn nly by the tngue f the adjacent piece, des nt rck up and dwn if weight is place n it and then remved. If the grve side des exhibit up/dwn mvement, STOP! This mvement will nt sand ut nr can this up and dwn mvement be crrected later n! It will be necessary t glue this flr dwn in additin t nailing it in rder t crrect this cnditin, which is caused by a t lse tngue and grve. Lsely milled flring may be nailed and installed in beads f a nn-

17 hardening cnstructin adhesive such as a Liquid Nails caulking type laid n 8 centers r the flring may be laid with a full mastic spread in additin t nailing. It is the installers respnsibility t ascertain whether this t lse f a T & G cnditin exists in the flring prir t installatin. If the flring is fund t have a t lse T & G cnditin, Casabella will, upn ntificatin frm the installer prir t installatin, crrect the prblem as fllws: At Casabella s ptin, Casabella will either replace the flring, refund the purchase cst f the flring, r cmpensate the installer fr the extra cst f the adhesive/mastic nw necessary t insure a gd installatin. Casabella shall nt be respnsible fr replacing any flring in excess f the 25 square ft nailed dwn as the test sectin and then fund t have excessive up and dwn mvement. ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION Part I Acceptable Jbsite Cnditins and Jbsite Checklist Refer t instructins previusly described Part II Acclimatin Guidelines Casabella Engineered Wd Flring shuld be stred in the climate cntrlled jb site fr 72 hurs t adjust t rm temperatures. The planks shuld be left in unpened cartns until ready fr installatin. Part III Apprpriate Grade Levels Engineered wd flrs can be installed successfully n, abve r belw grade level. Engineered wd flrs can be installed directly t cncrete r wd subflr. The entire flring level is cnsidered t be BELOW grade where sil is present alng any perimeter wall and is mre than 3 abve the installed wd flring level. Grund shuld be slped away frm the huse fr prper drainage. (Check lcal building cdes. Lcal building cdes prevail. Fllw lcal building cdes.) Part IV Subflrs Wd Jist Systems See instructins previusly described. Part V Subflrs Cncrete Slab See instructins previusly described. Part VI Engineered Flring Installatin Methds Casabella engineered wd flring shuld nt be installed directly t screeds. Nte n randm-width plank Randm-width plank is laid ut with alternating curses varying by widths. Start with the widest bard, then the next width, etc., and repeat the pattern. Chse a Starting Wall Chse a starting wall accrding t the mst aesthetically r architecturally imprtant elements in the rm, taking int cnsideratin fireplaces, drs, cabinets and transitins, as well as the squareness f the rm. The starting wall will ften be the lngest unbrken wall in the rm.

18 GLUE-DOWN ENGINEERED STRIP AND PLANK Basic Tls and Accessries: Rubber mallet / 4d-6d Flring nails / Jamb saw r hand saw / Chalk line / Pencil / 15 lbs. Asphalt felt / Table saw r band saw / Hammer / Tape measure / Leading brand f hardwd flring cleaner / Brm / Pwernail manual 45 T&G Pwernailer, pneumatic 445 Pwernailer r ther machines designed r adapted specifically t ¾ slid wd flring / Quality misture meter with manufacturer's relevant extic species calibratin figures. There are several different ways t start an installatin f glue-dwn engineered wd flring., The fllwing has prven successful. Test the substrate fr misture accrding t apprpriate misture testing prcedures described previusly. Excessive/elevated misture shuld nt be present. The subflr shuld be within acceptable misture cntent as per adhesive manufacturer's recmmendatin befre installing. An expansin space f 9/16 (r the thickness f the planks) shuld be left arund the perimeter and at all vertical stps. Snap a wrking line parallel t the starting wall, the width f the bard, plus the tngue and recmmended expansin space. Install a starter bard alng the edge f the wrking line and begin installatin. Alternatively, lay ne rw f plank in the adhesive alng the length f the wrking line. Fllw the installatin prcedure recmmended by the adhesive manufacturer, which includes a subflr misture cntent, spread rate, trwel size, pen time, wrking time and flash time as necessary. Spread the adhesive a instructed up t and alng the wrking line. Distribute lengths, aviding H patterns, stair stepping and ther discernible pattern in adjacent runs. Stagger end jints f bards rw t rw a minimum f 6 fr strip flring, 9 fr 3 plank, 12 fr 4, 15 fr 5, and 18 fr planks wider than 5. 3-M Blue Tape shuld be used. D nt use 3M's quality #2090 tape. If recmmended by the adhesive manufacturer, rll the flr with the prper rller. MECHANICALLY FASTENED STRIP AND PLANK CAUTION: It is extremely imprtant t use the apprpriate adapters as well as staples r cleats. Imprper fasteners, machines, and air pressure can cause severe damage. If necessary, add a vapr retarder. Snap a wrking line parallel t the starting wall, allwing expansin space. Lay ne rw f plank alng the entire length f the wrking line. Tp-nail and blind-nail the first rw (hand-nail if necessary), using apprpriate fasteners. Denser species may require pre-drilling. Each succeeding rw shuld be blind-nailed wherever pssible.

19 Typical: narrw crwned (under 3/8 ) 1-1 ½ staples r 1-1 ¼ hardwd flring cleats designed fr engineered flring. Typical: every 3-4 with staples, every 4-6 with cleats, and within 1-2 f end jints. Use apprpriate size fastener fr tp nailing first rw, last rw and any area where blind nailer will nt fit. Add each additinal rw f flring. Distribute lengths, aviding H patterns, stair stepping and ther discernible patterns in adjacent runs. Stagger end jints f bards rw t rw a minimum f 6 fr strip flring, 9 fr 3 plank, 12 fr 4, 15 fr 5, and 18 fr planks wider than 5. During installatin f flring pieces, push r gently tap bards flush t the previus rw. Tap against the tngue; tapping the grve may damage the edge. T prevent damage t the finish, avid tapping the face f the bard with a rubber mallet. FLOATING ENGINEERED FLOORING Additinal tls fr flating installatin: Pull Tl r Crwbar Flating flr pad with built in misture barrier fam with misture barrier 2 in 1 r 3 in 1 Tapping Blck (used with care) 3-M Blue Tape D Nt Use 3-M #2090 Glue Franklin Titebnd II r Equivalent PVA-2 flating flr (ply vinyl acetate) adhesive Subflr flatness is critical t the success f a flating flr installatin. (See Wd Subflr Guidelines and Cncrete Subflr Guidelines.) Test the substrate fr misture accrding t apprpriate misture testing prcedures. Excessive/elevated misture shuld nt be present. The subflr shuld be within acceptable misture cntent as per manufacturer recmmendatin befre installing. If necessary, add vapr retarder. (See Acceptable Vapr Retarders in Misture Requirements and Misture Testing.) At least 9/16 expansin space shuld be left arund the perimeter and at vertical stps. Typical: Subflrs are cvered with a resilient material, fam underlayment r crk. A 2- in-1 r 3-in-1 underlayment is a gd chice. Casabella engineered flring must be edge-glued. End jints must be staggered apart. N tw end jints shuld be within three rws f each ther. If they are nt, the flr installatin may lse dimensinal stability, causing gapping and/r tenting.