Earthwerks Glue-Down LVT/LVP Flooring Installation Guide

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Installation Instructions for Glue-Down LVT/LVP Flooring Products

Read entire installation instruction sheet prior to beginning installation. Improper installation of the flooring or deficiencies related to site conditions may result in failure of the installation and will void your warranty. Owner/installer assumes all responsibility for final inspection and acceptance of product prior to installation. Always reference manufacturer’s current installation recommendations. Installation guidelines are available in additional languages upon request.

For installations in EU: refer to standards for installation of floorcovering for the country of installation (Germany VOB/C and DIN18365/DIN18299; UK British Standard BS8203:2017; France NF P62-203:2007-04-01; NF DTU 53.2:2007-0401; Spain UNE CEN/TS 14472-4:2004).

Job-site Evaluation:

Calculate the room size prior to installation. Add 5-10% to total flooring quantity needed to cover floor surface for cutting waste.

Determine the direction the floor will be installed. It is recommended that the flooring be installed parallel to the longest outside wall or parallel to the main light source for optimal appearance.

Acclimate flooring for a minimum of 48 hours prior to installation in the area where it is to be installed. Room temperature and relative humidity must be consistent with normal, year-round living conditions for at least one week prior to installation. Conditions should be maintained at the same temperature and humidity level expected for normal use between 65-85 degrees F (18-29 degrees C) with relative humidity range between 35-65%, before, during and after installation. LVT/LVP is not suitable for exterior use or in areas where normal, year-round climate-controlled conditions are not maintained.

Ensure that subfloors are dry prior to onset of installation and that a moisture barrier is installed between the ground and subfloor. Concrete should be cured and tested for moisture.

Substrate must be clean and free of dirt, debris, or any contaminates; structurally sound; and level to within 3/16” over a 10-foot radius (4 mm over a 300 cm radius).

Carefully examine each piece of flooring for visible defects prior to installation. Ensure there is sufficient natural or artificial lighting for thorough inspection of the flooring with regard to finish, color, texture and sheen. Do not install any piece of flooring that may be considered questionable in appearance or quality. Installer assumes all responsibility for acceptance of flooring installed with visible or manufacturing defects.

Check cartons to ensure that the item number and lot number are the same for all material to be installed. Work from 2-3 cartons at a time to insure the best representation of pattern, color, and design. Manufacturer is not responsible for color or sheen variation when material from multiple lots is installed.

Check planks and tiles for directional arrows imprinted on the back of the product. Ensure that all arrows are pointing in the same direction to insure proper visual of installed product.

Tools needed:

Tape measure, pencil, chalk line, utility knife, manufacturer’s recommended notched trowel, 100 lb. (50 kg) roller

Subfloor Requirements and Preparation:

All subfloors should be inspected prior to installation, and must be smooth, clean, dry, structurally sound, and free of dust, dirt, oil or any other contaminant that would inhibit a proper bond. Use a good quality Portland cement-based patching compound to fill or smooth any irregularities in the subfloor that may telegraph through the surface of your LVT/LVP.

Concrete subfloors must be at least 90 days old and fully cured. Concrete must be free of moisture or high alkalinity, with a minimum of 6-mil poly film moisture barrier between the ground and the concrete. Concrete must be pH neutral prior to installation. Moisture levels in concrete should be tested according to ASTM F2170-2 (standard test method for determining relative humidity in concrete floor slabs using in situ probes) with a moisture content not exceeding 5 pounds per 1000 sf; or ASTM F1869-98 (standard test method for measuring moisture vapor emission rate of concrete subfloor using anhydrous calcium chloride – CM method) with a maximum permissible moisture content of 2.0%. See also BS 8203:2017 Annex B Hygrometer test for dampness of concrete, cementitious and calcium sulphate bases.

Concrete should be dry, clean, and level to within 3/16” in a 10-foot radius (4 mm over a 300 cm radius). Level low spots with a Portland cement based leveling compound and grind high spots to ensure floor is level.

Manufacturer does not warrant or guarantee unsatisfactory installations due to the presence of excessive alkali, moisture or hydrostatic pressure in subfloors.

Wood subfloors shall have at least 18” (46 cm) of well-ventilated space below. The ground under crawl spaces must be covered with 6-mil (1.25 mm) poly film to reduce moisture vapor transmission. Wood subfloors must be double construction or equivalent, with a minimum thickness of 1” (2.54 cm), such as APA rated underlayment grade plywood with a fully sanded face that is free of voids. Wood subfloors such as particle board, OSB or construction grade plywood are not suitable subfloors and must be overlaid with a layer of APA underlayment grade plywood or coated with a quality embossing leveler to smooth any irregularities in the subfloor that may telegraph through the surface of the LVT/LVP.

Warning: Existing resilient floor coverings and black asphalt adhesive may contain asbestos, asbestos fiber or crystalline silica. Do not sand, scrape or abrade these materials. If removal of existing resilient floor covering is necessary, be certain that all precautions are taken, and proper procedures are followed. For information regarding proper removal procedures in the US, please refer to “Recommended Work Practices for the Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings” published by The Resilient Floor Covering Institute. In Europe, please refer to “Asbestos and man-made mineral fibre materials in buildings: practical guidance. 2000”, DETR publications.

LVT/LVP may be installed over some existing floor covering materials. Existing resilient floor covering must be smooth and consist of a single layer of non-cushioned flooring which is well adhered to the subfloor. Use embossing leveler to smooth the surface and prevent telegraphing on to your new LVT/LVP. Do not install over carpet, perimeter glued resilient flooring, ceramic tile, hardwood flooring or laminate flooring.

LVT/LVP flooring may be installed over in-floor hydronic radiant heat systems under the following guidelines. Complete system must be operational at least one week prior to installation. The system should be turned off 72 hours prior to installation and remain off 72 hours after installation is complete. After this timeframe, gradually return system to normal room temperature setting. Subfloor surface must never exceed 80 degrees F (27 degrees C) throughout the life of the floor. Flooring and adhesive should never come in direct contact with heating system. All other standard installation instructions apply.

Sweep or vacuum subfloor to remove any loose dust or dirt particles prior to onset of installation.

Starting the Installation:

LVT/LVP may be installed with wet-set or pressure sensitive adhesive, or equivalent. Use of high temperature (HT) adhesive may be necessary for extreme climate conditions (sunrooms, basements and underfloor heating systems). It is the installers responsibility to ensure that the proper adhesive is used for each application and specific site conditions. Follow adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations for use, with manufacturer recommended trowel. Spread only the amount of adhesive that can be covered within the working time specific to the adhesive being used. Contact supplier for a listing of acceptable adhesives.

When installing flooring with attached pad, no additional underlayment should be used. Underlayment for use with LVT/LVP products without pad attached must be specifically designated for use with LVT/LVP. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

 

For best results, LVT should be installed starting from the center of the room. Measure and mark the center of each end wall. Connect center points with a chalk line. Locate the center and establish a second chalk line at a right angle to the existing line. (Figure 1)

 

 

Tile should be installed in a pyramid fashion. Carefully place the first tile at the junction of the chalk lines. Continue laying the tiles, making sure each one is flush against the chalk line and tight against adjoining tile. (Figure 2)

To fit partial tiles, lay the piece to be cut exactly over the last full piece, place another full piece against the wall and make the cutting line where they overlap (Figure 3). Make sure the edge of the flooring is against the wall to ensure the factory-finished edges are next to each other. To fit the floor around the door jambs, pipe or other protrusions, cut a paper pattern to fit, and trace it on the face of a piece. Cut the piece and try fitting it into place before installing.

When installing LVP, position the first plank at the junction of the chalk lines. (Figure 1) Continue laying the planks, making sure each one is flush against the chalk line and tight against the adjoining plank. Be sure the planks are well seated into the adhesive and continue laying in either pyramid fashion or row by row. (Figure 2 & 3) Planks should be staggered, with minimum of 8” (200 mm) or 25% of the length of the plank between end joint of adjacent planks. No plank less than 6” (150 mm) should be installed.

When installation is complete, roll flooring in both directions using a 100 pound (45-50 kg) sectional floor roller. Install trim to cover any exposed space or uneven cuts at walls or vertical obstructions. Do not affix trim to the floor.

Preventive Care:

The easiest way to maintain the optimal look and performance of your floor is to reduce the amount of dirt, grit and moisture with an effective barrier mat. This should be cleaned regularly. The use of rubber-backed or coco-fiber mats is NOT acceptable, as they are known to stain resilient floors.

Never slide heavy furniture or fittings over an unprotected floor. Severe scratching or damage may occur as a result. The floor should be protected from wheels, casters or feet of fittings and furniture, avoiding rubber products, which may stain the floor. Use hard plastic or felt pads under heavy furniture to prevent point loads. Non-staining felt pads can also be used, provided they are changed on a regular basis to prevent dirt, debris and grit build-up. Wide, non-staining type W casters at least 2” (50 mm) in diameter, or floor protectors should be used on rolling furniture, such as office chairs (in Europe, casters must be in accordance with DIN18354 and EN12529).

Furniture polish and window cleaning agents should be applied directly to a cloth to avoid overspray or spillage onto the floor. Contact with some agents, such as silicone, will make the floor surface extremely slippery, which may result in accidents.

Regular Maintenance

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and loose debris, then clean with PH neutral cleaner specifically formulated for use on resilient floor covering, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and allow to dry. Always remove excess moisture to prevent slip and fall hazards. Do not use soap-based detergents, caustic or abrasive cleaners.

Most cleaning agents will not harm the floor; however, all residue of cleaning agents should be removed immediately to avoid discoloration. The following substances may stain or discolor resilient flooring: tar, nail-polish, varnish, some spices, shoe polish, lipstick, solvent-based paints, rubber mats, coco-fiber mats, asphalt, permanent markers, crayons, hair dye.

Additional considerations for floor care:

• Never use a steam mop on the flooring. Use of steam mops may cause damage to your floor.
• Always use clean floor care applicators. Use of dirty applicators redistributes the dirt throughout the floor surface.
• Do not mix cleaning products from different manufacturers – they may not be compatible.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
• Take precautions to prevent dark rubber from coming in contact with the floor.
• Protective mats are recommended under castor chairs or wheeled furniture.
• Never deviate from the manufacturer’s recommended instructions for use of maintenance products.
• Use warning signs to advise that cleaning is in progress – damp floors are slippery and may present a slip/fall hazard
• Use curtains, blinds or solar film to protect against thermal dimensional changes and discoloration of the flooring from exposure to direct sunlight.
• Retain several planks for repairs in case of accidental damage.