Installation

Installation Instructions
— Tile and Plank

WARNING: Please read these instructions carefully before installation. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please contact the distributor or retailer from whom the material was purchased. Failure to properly install according to the instructions below may void your Windrose Flooring Warranty.

Warranty: 20 Year Residential; 10 Year Commercial (Americas collection, .5mm wear layer and WILD Flooring .3mm Wear layer)
6 Year Residential and 5 Year Commercial (WILD Flooring .15mm wear layer)

INSPECT PRODUCT BEFORE INSTALLATION
Prior to installation, the original purchaser should inspect all materials for color, grade, quantity, quality, sheen level, or any material defects against the BOL/work order. Ensure adequate lighting for proper inspection. The manufacturer declines any responsibility for materials with obvious defects ONCE THEY ARE INSTALLED. DO NOT INSTALL if you think the material is not acceptable. Instead, contact the distributor/retailer immediately.

PRE-INSTALLATION
JOB SITE CONDITION
Proper job site conditions are to be determined by the installer at the time of installation. For best results, the subfloor over which the flooring is to be installed should be:
·       Smooth- no deflections in the surface beyond 3mm (1/8”) in 8 linear feet.
·       Even- straight and level surface
·       Firmly attached- all surface patch, underlayment, and self-levelers should be properly applied and cured in accordance with manufactures instructions for those materials.
·       Clean- surface should be free of dirt, dust, paint, residual adhesive from previously installed flooring, or other debris which could inhibit the material bond to the surface or cause imperfections in the appearance of the finished floor.
·       Temperature controlled- Conditions for installation of the material should be between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 30°C) for 48 hours prior to, during, and post installation.

PRODUCT ACCLIMATION
·       Maintain all flooring material and adhesive between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 30°C) for at least 48 hours before, during and post installation.
·       In applications at new construction sites, it is recommended that the HVAC system being operational for 1 week prior to installation to ensure the temperature, humidity, and stability of the site conditions.

SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION
Proper preparation of the sub-floor is an important part of a successful installation. The finished appearance and performance of the floor covering will be determined and affected by the condition of the subfloor.

·       All subfloors must be sound, dry, clean, smooth, and free from excessive moisture or alkali. Remove dirt, paint, varnish, wax, oils, solvents and other foreign matter that would interfere with a good bond, such as curing agents and sealers.

a) Concrete Subfloors (on all grade levels):
·       All concrete slabs must be checked for moisture before installing material. Anhydrous Calcium Chloride tests conducted according to ASTM F 1869 and/or In Situ Relative humidity tests as conducted to ASTM F 2170 are the most commonly acceptable test procedures.
·       Moisture levels should not exceed 8lbs/1000 sq ft over a 24 hour period or 85% RH.
·       If sub-floor moisture vapor transmission levels exceed the recommended limit, the concrete must be allowed to dry-out prior to installing the floor.

b) Wood Sub-floors:
·       All wood underlayment products should be APA underlayment grade plywood, sanded on one side.
·       Follow manufacturers guidelines for the installation of the underlayment grade plywood using appropriate fasteners.

c) Existing Resilient Floor Covering*:
·       Flooring may be installed over 1 layer of non-cushioned vinyl flooring provided the existing flooring is firmly bonded to the subfloor and meets all other criteria mentioned above. Any embossing in the existing flooring must be smoothed with an appropriate embossing leveler or floor patch.

Radiant Heated Substrates: Installation of Windrose Flooring over radiant heated substrates is acceptable only in those conditions where the radiant heated floors do not exceed 90°F (32°C) for extended periods of time.

NECESSARY PRODUCTS
Adhesive (for glue down products only)
·       Windrose Flooring adhesive is the preferred material for installation of our floors.
·       When using an alternative flooring adhesive, ensure that the adhesive is designed for the installation of Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank. Please use the adhesive manufacturer’s recommended adhesive guidelines for moisture tolerance, site conditions, and trowel size

Installation
It is a good practice to dry lay the first few courses of material to determine layout and preferred direction. Typically, the installation should begin in the center of the space working outwards to the vertical walls.
Plank and Tile Installation
·       Do a dry layout of planks from the center line to the wall running parallel to the long direction of the planks to determine the width of the last row of planks.
·       Planks should be installed by offsetting end joints of each tile. As a general rule, end joints from plank to plank should be no closer than the width of the planks being installed.
·       Once layout is determined, spread adhesive over an area no greater than what can be covered with flooring in the next 90 to 120 minutes.
·       Press tiles and planks firmly into adhesive and against the adjacent tiles and planks to minimize any movement in the material after installation.
·       Make sure the plank is well seated into the adhesive paying special attention to the edge. Periodically check the back of the planks to ensure adequate coverage of adhesive. 90% to 100%
·       Upon completion of each section and again upon completion of the entire installation, roll the floor with a 100-pound roller. Use a hand roller in confined areas where the large floor roller will not reach. While the floor is able to receive foot traffic upon completion of the installation, rolling of heavy loads should be avoided for 72 hours allowing for complete curing of adhesive and the bond to the flooring.

POST-INSTALLATION

IMPORTANT: Limit the amount of water used in cleaning the flooring for at least 72 hours after installation. This will allow the flooring to become “seated” in the adhesive and prevent excess moisture and cleaning agents from interfering with the adhesive bond.

·       Use pieces of hardboard or underlayment panels to protect the floor when moving heavy furniture and appliances back into the room.
·       Pay attention to any excess adhesive that may have come up between the planks or tiles during rolling. Wet adhesive can be removed using a damp cloth while mineral spirits or an alternative adhesive remover may be required for dried adhesive. Do NOT use solvents such as acetone and/or thinner.
·       Recommend all rolling chairs have castors designed for resilient flooring
·       Regular maintenance including sweeping and mopping will help improve the look and durability of your Windrose Flooring product.