Fitting Guidelines Engineered Oak Flooring
Pre Fitting Instructions
It is necessary that the flooring to be laid is left to acclimatise in the packaging (at room temperature) for at least 36 hours, preferably one week. Lie horizontal and flat at the ideal relative humidity level of 45%.
The room should be dry, if the building is a new building with a concrete floor, wait until the floor is completely dry. The flooring should be laid at a minimum room temperature of 15c and a maximum of 22c.
The greatest possible care is taken to produce your floor. However, we advise you to check the boards for visible defects. Where appropriate cut out any unsightly defects as part of wastage allowance. Use any cut boards for starting or finishing a row.
PROCEED WITH A VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE FLOORING BEFORE INSTALLATION. The installer or user assumes all responsibility for final inspection of product quality. This inspection of the whole flooring should be done before installation or use. Carefully examine the flooring for colour, finish and quality before installing or using it. ONCE INSTALLED OR USED, THE FLOORING IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTED BY THE INSTALLER AND THE OWNER. Make sure you have good lighting while laying the floor.
Preparation
The Engineered 20mm thick flooring can be laid over a variety of surfaces (concrete, plywood, joists) and even over existing level wooden floorboards. Sub floor must be dry, level and with good load-bearing properties. Moisture content of floorboard subfloor should be 9% (with a tolerance of 2%). You should first check that there are no loose pieces, should any be found, these need to be screwed down. 18mm and 14mm thick multiply boards can be laid over either concrete or plywood and existing floorboards. 14mm 3 layer construction boards over concrete or plywood only. 14mm 3 layer construction board is not suitable over underfloor heating. The floor level must be +/- 3mm in any 2metre direction.
If the base is concrete or screed, its moisture content should be 3% or less and the mortar should be evenly set. If the floor is to be laid in a new building, the rooms should be enclosed with the windows closed. All wet trades should be finished and the relative humidity in the premises should be between 40% and 64% - the humidity of the plasterworks and paintwork should be less than 5%.
The Engineered flooring is generally compatible with the most common water based under floor heating systems (check with your supplier for further details). Not to be used over electric mat under floor heating systems. The temperature of the finished surface must never exceed 26 degrees centigrade at all times.
Floating Floor Installation
Alternative Installation Method – Fully bonded to sub floor
Engineered 20mm, 18mm and 14mm multiply thick flooring can be glued directly to the chosen substrate. Preparation of the subfloor should be the same as above. A suitable flooring adhesive must be used and advice taken from your supplier.
When choosing to fully bond down onto the sub floor there is no need to glue the tongues of the boards with PVA. It is recommended that a flexible adhesive is used as this will reduce the stresses transferred to the subfloor by the natural movement of the timber floor.
Alternative Installation Methods – Secret Nailing
Where the subfloor is of wooden construction (joists, battens, plywood, floorboards) the engineered 20mm multiply thick flooring can be nailed directly to the subfloor. A suitable length flooring nail must be used in conjunction with a manual flooring nail gun i.e. Porta-Nailer. The end joins must meet over a batten or joist and nailed accordingly. The relevant BS EN atandards stipulate nail centres of 350mm.
Please refer to the operating instructions of the chosen nailing apparatus for advice.
It is advisable that pre- natural oiled flooring has a coat of oil applied to the boards either before or after installation for further protection and the potential prevention of dry spots.
Seek advice from a pofessional wood floor fitter before proceeding.
James Deane Partnership Ltd
Phone: 07773 009702
E-mail: james@jamesdeane
partnership.co.uk
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