E04B Installation

E04B - INSTALLATION GUIDE - INSTALLATION

E04B-1 Laminate flooring installation - General Requirements
E04B-2 Installation requirements
E04B-3 Laminate flooring installation methods
E04B-4 Installation of laminate flooring
E04B-5 Inspection and approval
E04B-6 Protection
E04B-7 Maintenance Data

Preface:
This study guide covers the installation requirements for laminate plank and tile flooring and related materials. Specifiers and/or persons using this guide should verify all facts relative to the particular project installation requirements.

1 • LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

.01 General:

Regardless of the installation method chosen, proper preparation and the use of skilled installers is necessary for a satisfactory finished appearance and the performance of laminate flooring and related accessories.
Most floor covering contractors employ highly skilled installers who recognize the importance of following proper procedures to assure both the best appearance and the best performance of the finished installation. This means careful attention must be given to the proper preparation of substrates, a properly planned installation to assure appropriate flooring pattern layout, pre-conditioning of laminate flooring materials, and the use of correct installation procedures and techniques. The laminate manufacturer's recommended materials and procedures must be followed. Unless there is rigid adherence to such procedures, the manufacturer will reserve the right to withhold any guarantee.
Part of any installation is the choice and use of the correct tools and installation materials to suit the particular installation.
Prior to installation, the laminate flooring manufacturer as well as any flooring installation material manufacturers (such as underlayments and adhesive if used) must be consulted in regard to their recommendations for the installation of their materials. Only methods and materials specifically designed for the installation method selected shall be used.

.02 Tools and Installation Materials:

All laminate flooring and accessories shall be installed using tools and materials recommended by the material manufacturers and as referenced in this standard.
Proper tools and quality materials are essential for a skilled and proficient installation and generally include pull bar, tapping block, wall spacers, tape measure, utility knife, broom, electric saw with a carbide blade, straight edge (minimum 1830 mm (72") long), hammer, pencil, and eye and ear protection.
All required tools should be on the job site during the complete duration of installation work to assure a uniform and correct installation.

.03 Acceptable Substrates and Conditions:

Refer to NFCA Reference Manual Part A10 - Acceptable Conditions, for acceptable substrate types and environmental conditions for the installation of laminate flooring materials.
Unless otherwise specified or agreed to prior to Bidding or installation, the General Contractor or Owner is responsible for providing acceptable substrates and site conditions for the installation of laminate flooring and related materials.
All site and substrate surface conditions and their preparation shall be in accordance with the laminate flooring material manufacturer's recommendations and NFCA requirements as noted in the NFCA Reference Manual Part A10 - Acceptable Conditions.
Note: Laminate flooring when installed over an uneven substrate surface (including depressions and protrusions) may result in squeaking floors and cause premature surface wear.
Where laminate flooring is to be installed over basements and crawl spaces or below grade such spaces must be dry and well ventilated. In joist construction over crawl spaces, outside cross ventilation through vents or other openings in the foundation walls must be provided with no dead air areas. A surface cover of 6 mil polyethylene film is essential as a vapour retarder in crawl space construction. An electronic pin moisture meter set to the correct wood species type and reading no more than 12% moisture content is a general guide. In all cases ensure the substrate meets the manufacturers requirements for subfloor moisture content before proceeding with installation.
Where laminate flooring is to be installed over concrete, all concrete substrate surfaces shall be tested for moisture and alkalinity in accordance with floor covering material manufacturer's recommendations and NFCA requirements as noted in the NFCA Reference Manual Part A11 - Substrate Testing. All other substrate surfaces shall be tested for moisture as applicable in accordance with these requirements.
All site conditions, installation requirements, and the timetable for work shall be reviewed. Substrates, environmental conditions, and work by other trades shall be acceptable prior to commencing any installation of laminate flooring and to ensure that the schedule for installing such flooring can be maintained.
Any existing floor covering materials, including adhesive, shall be removed and recycled or disposed of in a legal manner.
All substrate surfaces to receive laminate flooring shall be clean, dry, smooth, and free from all substances detrimental to fillers and patching compounds where required and to adhesive bond where flooring materials will be glued to such surfaces. Surfaces shall be vacuumed clean.
Laminate flooring shall only be installed over substrates that are acceptable to and are prepared in accordance with NFCA requirements and specific product manufacturers recommendations for the type of flooring materials and specific installation methods selected.
All substrates must be structurally sound so as to not compromise the laminate flooring installation. Unless otherwise agreed to prior to commencing work all structural deficiencies shall be corrected by others before laminate flooring installation.
Where used, patching compounds must be polymer-fortified, suitable for the intended application, and be applied in strict accordance with the patching material manufacturer's instructions and NFCA requirements noted in NFCA Reference Manual Part A13 - Patching and Filling. If required by the patching compound or adhesive manufacturer, patched areas shall be primed and/or sealed, particularly if they are porous and highly alkaline, which may prevent adequate adhesive bond where flooring is glued.
All defects likely to impair flooring work shall be reported to the General Contractor (or Owner) in writing. Laminate flooring installation shall not proceed until all deficiencies and unsatisfactory environmental and site conditions have been corrected.
Installing laminate flooring prematurely before other trades have completed their work or the presence of personnel not essential to the flooring installation often results in visible damage and soiling. These results may not be immediately evident.

.04 Planning and Layout

All facets of laminate flooring installation shall be carefully coordinated before ordering materials.
To aid in the estimation / Bidding and ordering / installation of laminate flooring and related materials site measurements are required.
In large sized commercial and institutional or complicated projects, scaled drawings should be prepared using actual site measurements for both new construction and existing areas in order to determine quantities and types of materials (flooring, underlayments, moulding and trim, etc.) to be installed, to identify orientation of flooring, and to provide details as required.
In all cases the following shall be considered:
Strip / plank direction in each area.
Pattern layouts where applicable.
Quantity of flooring required for each area allowing for method of product packaging and unusable material in each carton.
Quantity of underlayment required for each area, including roll length requirements.

.05 Shop Drawings (installation / layout drawings where required):

Where specified, the laminate flooring supplier / contractor shall provide material ordering / shop drawings to the design authority or Owner for pre-approval in accordance with specification submittal requirements.
Shop drawings shall be prepared from actual site measurements for each floor area to receive laminate flooring. Do not scale the design authority's drawings or calculate sizes from drawing dimensions shown.
Shop drawings shall contain the following information:
1. Room and floor numbers (based on drawing information and Finish Schedules provided by the design authority when applicable).
2. Type of substrate and installation method for each area and floor preparation required.
3. Type of underlayment required for each area, including roll length requirements, i.e., a cut list.
4. Laminate flooring type (i.e., plank / width or tile size), and direction / pattern of laminate flooring for each area.
5. Type and locations of all base, trim, and mouldings within each area.
6. Large scale detail drawings where required (laminate on stairs, etc.).
Shop drawings shall also include the following additional information as appropriate:
1. Name and address of the project (building).
2. Name, address, and phone, facsimile, and email numbers of the Owner
3. Name, address, and phone, facsimile, and email numbers of the laminate flooring supplier and installation company.
4. In new or renovation construction, the name, address, and phone, facsimile, and email numbers of the General Contractor or Project Manager and design authority (e.g. architectural or interior design firm).
5. Date of drawing and scale.
6. Party responsible for removing furniture and oversize items in existing areas.
7. Party responsible for removing and disposal of existing floor covering materials in existing areas.

.06 Material Delivery, Handling, and Storage:

All laminate flooring and related installation materials shall be stored, handled, and delivered in strict accordance with material manufacturer's requirements and in a manner to prevent damage or distortion to the materials.
Laminate flooring shall be delivered from the point of manufacturing to the jobsite packaged and fully protected from moisture and the elements. Materials shall not be shipped or unloaded in rain, snow, or other excessively humid conditions unless adequately protected, nor shall they be stored in excessively dry heat conditions that might result in over drying materials which may result in buckled flooring if installed without proper acclimatization or adequate expansion gaps.
All laminate flooring materials should be inspected upon delivery and before installation and if any suspected irregularities are noted that might give rise to problems the installation should not proceed until the supplier has inspected the material and an agreed upon course of action has been established.
All materials shall be stored on site in secure, climate-controlled, dry spaces within manufacturer's written temperature and humidity requirements (as noted herein), and adequately protected from dirt, dust, moisture, and other contaminants. Under no circumstances shall such materials be moved to and/or stored in unconditioned spaces.
New construction shall be closed in with outside windows and doors in place and all concrete, masonry, gypsum board, and framing members, etc. shall be thoroughly dry before flooring materials are delivered to the job site. This means that moisture level tests must be conducted to determine moisture levels within the building. It may be necessary to delay delivery and installation to allow excessive moisture trapped within building areas during construction to evaporate. The average moisture content of wood framing members and sub-flooring should be below 14% before delivery of flooring materials as moisture content above this level may cause moisture related problems.
In warm months the areas must be well ventilated and during winter months heating shall be maintained near occupancy levels at least five days before flooring materials are delivered (and after flooring has been installed).
Cartons of flooring must lay flat, unopened, and stacked no more than 3 high with 100 mm (4") of airflow around them during the conditioning period. In addition cartons must be kept away from any heating / cooling ducts, drafts, or direct sunlight and at least 450 mm (18") away from adjacent walls. Do not stand or lean cartons of flooring against walls.

.07 Conditioning:

It is important to maintain the moisture content of laminate flooring received on site in order to prevent problems arising from moisture absorption or over drying of this material.
To ensure that such problems do not occur, laminate flooring and other related installation materials (underlayments, adhesive, mouldings, etc.) shall be conditioned within the areas of installation and be adequately protected from moisture and contaminants during this time in strict accordance with manufacturers requirements.
Areas in which laminate flooring is to be installed must be heated and ventilated and the ambient and substrate temperatures and humidity levels must be within the flooring and installation material manufacturers requirements. Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturers the following conditions shall apply:
1. ambient temperature: between 18oC to 29oC (65oF to 85oF).
2. relative humidity: preferably between 40% and 60% (maximum 75%).
3. substrate (notably concrete) temperature: not less than 15oC (60oF).
Note: If the temperature and humidity levels are outside these parameters, the installation must not beginuntil the heating and ventilation system (and air conditioning system if an option) is operational and the temperature and humidity level reaches the minimum manufacturers and NFCA requirements and is maintained for a minimum of 72 hours before, during, and at least 72 hours after the installation.
From the time flooring is delivered and until occupancy, temperature and humidity levels must be maintained at or near occupancy levels. After occupancy the environmental conditions must be controlled so as to maintain the heat and humidity levels at a constant level within the ranges noted. Extended times (more than 1 month) without HVAC controls can promote elevated moisture conditions that can adversely affect laminate flooring.
Installed laminate flooring shall also be protected from excessive heat. Flooring installed over a heating plant or un-insulated heating ducts may develop cracks unless protection from the heat is provided. A double layer of 15 lb., or a single layer of 30 lb. asphalt felt/building paper, or 13 mm (1/2") standard insulation board between joists under the flooring in these areas is recommended. Over a heating plant the insulation used should be non-flammable.

2 • INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

.01 Moisture Control and Testing:

When laminate flooring will be installed on concrete slabs placed directly on grade or over unheated and unventilated spaces where there is danger of dampness and condensation.
New concrete is heavy with moisture, an inherent enemy of wood. Proper on-grade slab construction requires a free draining support layer (e.g., compacted granular fill) and a vapour retarder between the fill and the slab as noted below. While this prevents moisture entry through the slab, this membrane also retards curing of the concrete.
To be absolutely certain moisture does not reach laminate flooring installed over concrete substrates on or below grade, a vapour retarder membrane must be used. Where this is placed will depend on the type of system used.
1. For on-grade concrete slab construction, 0.15 mm (6 mil) thick polyethylene or other membrane waterproofing must be installed directly under the slab and over the compacted granular fill (as noted above). This membrane is usually provided by the General Contactor. In addition, adequate drain tile should be provided adjacent to the footings. In colder areas perimeter insulation is highly recommended to prevent cold transfer and freezing / thawing of the fill and slab.
2. Supplementing the vapour barrier below the slab, a water impervious underlayment complete with taped joints should be used on the slab. This is usually provided by the laminate flooring Contractor.
A suspended concrete slab with a controlled environment below does not require a surface vapour retarder.
A suspended slab over exposed earth or an uncontrolled environment below requires a proper vapour retarder over the slab surface. In this case cross ventilation below the slab is essential, and, if over exposed earth, a 1.5 mm (6 mil) polyethylene ground covering should be provided.
It is important to note that the appearance of any new or existing concrete slab can be deceiving and it is never safe to assume that it is dry. Accordingly all new and existing on grade or suspended concrete substrates shall be tested by an independent testing agency for moisture content and alkalinity levels in accordance with the requirements of NFCA Reference Manual Part A11 - Substrate Testing. The testing methods employed must be acceptable to the flooring manufacturer before testing. Such testing must be conducted in several areas of each area or room. Test results must show acceptable conditions before commencement of any laminate flouring installations. This testing shall be conducted by the General Contractor in a timely manner before flooring installation in accordance with the requirements of Part A11 - Substrate Testing.
In new construction, the materials used (especially wood framing materials) may have a high-moisture content that invariably leads to excessive relative humidity levels in interior areas. Signs indicative of this are water and condensation on wall surfaces, glazing and window frames, etc. Frequently, signs along the lower-edge rebates of door and window frames point to the fact that condensation occurs sporadically at certain times of the day or night, depending on ventilation times and patterns. If these or similar situations are encountered, efforts should be made to induce room air drying through forced dry air heating and ventilation.
Where moisture tests have been conducted and documented and conditions are acceptable at the time of installation, subsequent failure of the laminate flooring due to the presence of moisture or failure of membrane waterproofing or dampproofing will not be the responsibility of the laminate flooring Contractor. Repairs to the laminate flooring as a result of such moisture problems, will be the responsibility of the General Contractor (or Owner).
Woodsubstrates: An electronic pin moisture meter set to the correct wood species type and reading no more than 12% moisture content is a general guide. In all cases ensure the substrate meets the manufacturers requirements for subfloor moisture content before proceeding with installation.

.02 Substrate Flatness:

Unless otherwise pre-approved by the laminate flooring manufacturer, a substrate surface shall be a maximum of 4.5 mm in 3000 mm (3/16" over 120" or 1/8" over 6') for slabs on grade and/or suspended / elevated subfloors.
Where used, patching compounds must be polymer-fortified, suitable for the intended application, and be applied in strict accordance with the patching material manufacturer's instructions and NFCA requirements noted in Part A13. If required by the laminate flooring manufacturer (or adhesive manufacturer where laminate flooring is glued down) the patched areas shall be primed and/or sealed, particularly if they are porous and highly alkaline.
Where level discrepancies are too large, i.e. where the thickness of patching and filling compounds required exceeds NFCA tolerances, such surfaces must be corrected by others using a self-levelling cementitious underlayment in accordance with requirements of Part A13 - Patching and Filling.

Spec note: FF/FL measurements taken in accordance with ASTM E1155 do not determine acceptable flatness for floor covering installations.

.03 Acceptable Substrate Surfaces:

All suitable substrates must be dry, sound, and free of grease, oils, stains, and dust. Refer to NFCA Reference Manual Part A10 - Acceptable Conditions.
All substrates must be structurally sound so as to not compromise the flooring installation. Unless otherwise agreed to prior to commencing work, all structural deficiencies must be corrected by others before any flooring is installed. Cracks, hairline fractures, and damaged areas shall also be properly repaired.
Concrete Substrates: Laminate flooring can be installed successfully on suspended and above grade concrete slabs, slabs-on-grade, and on below grade slabs subject to manufacturers requirements and pre-approval. Such surfaces must have a smooth trowel finish that is level within noted tolerances. Any high spots should be ground smooth and low spots filled, and the slab swept clean.
Wood Substrates: Laminate flooring can be installed over wood substrates that conform to flooring manufacturer's recommendations and NFCA minimum requirements. Such flooring substrates must utilize either minimum 16 mm (5/8") thick exterior plywood or other suitable subfloor sheathing over wood joists that are sized and spaced to meet floor load requirements, and with sheathing panel face grain laid at right angles to joists and fastened using appropriately spaced fasteners. Any loose areas should be re-nailed and the subfloor swept clean.
This flooring structure must either be heated from below, be insulated below, or have outside cross ventilation through vents or other openings in the foundation walls with no dead air areas. If over a crawl space, a ground cover of 0.15 mm (6 mil) polyethylene film or concrete skim coat shall be provided as a moisture barrier. These measures are required to ensure that particle board, fibre board, or other wooden subfloors substrates are permanently dry at all times in order to guarantee the equilibrium moisture content of the substrate and laminate flooring remains balanced throughout all four seasons.
1. Existing Floor Finishes: Existing floor finishes (hardwood, resilient vinyl or linoleum sheet or tile, and ceramic, marble, stone tile flooring) can serve as a substrate provided they are structurally stiff enough and meet the laminate flooring manufacturer and NFCA minimum preparation requirements. Carpet flooring and cushion must be removed. Laminate flooring installed over hardwood flooring should be installed at right angles to old floor boards where possible.
2. Thresholds should be removed to allow new flooring to run flush through doorways. Existing doors and baseboards should be removed. Any raised nails must be driven down, loose and warped boards replaced, and floor surfaces swept clean without use of water
3. All defects likely to impair flooring work shall be reported to the General Contractor, Consultant, and Owner in writing. Laminate flooring installation shall not proceed until all deficiencies and unsatisfactory environmental and site conditions have been corrected.

.04 Laminate Flooring Over Radiant In-Floor Heating:

There are a variety of radiant in-floor heating systems. Some of these include heating elements (hot water piping) installed within concrete slab or concrete topping or on the underside of wood subflooring, or an electric flat wire blanket installed below a thin concrete topping. Some systems are not suitable for the installation of laminate flooring. Note: Radiant heat companies do not recommend the use of particle board substrates under radiant heating.
In all cases where laminate flooring is to be installed over an in-floor radiant heating system acceptable to the flooring manufacturer the following precautions must be adhered to:
1. The slab must be tested for moisture and confirmed dry.
2. The flooring manufacturer must be consulted to determine if the radiant heating system needs to be on or turned off and the flooring installed on cool slab
3. If the radiant heat system is on, it should be running at 20°C (68°F) for two weeks (or at least 5 days) prior to the delivery of laminate flooring to the site to drive moisture out of the slab and to acclimatize the area, and it should remain on throughout the installation process. The temperature should be maintained during and for at least three days after the installation of laminate flooring.
4. Thermostat controls must be fully operational to avoid overheating the floor.
5. If the heating system is not operational or the heat has to be turned off or back on this must be done gradually at 5°C increments at a time to avoid unnecessarily shocking the floor with sudden heat loss or gain, particularly with glued joint flooring.
6. Do not install laminate flooring in direct contact with radiant heating elements or coils or over green concrete or wet subfloor sheathing.
7. Precautions must be taken to ensure that the cavity below the subfloor is well aerated and permanently dry at all times in order to guarantee that the equilibrium moisture content of the concrete or particle board, fibre board or wooden subfloor remains balanced throughout all four seasons.
The following factors may affect the laminate flooring after installation:
1. Wood flooring is an insulator and may require higher water temperatures for a radiant heat system.
2. The heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system should have a mechanical humidity control. This will monitor the room and keep the relative humidity at an even level, which will keep the equilibrium moisture content of the floor stable
3. An outside thermostat is recommended to respond to rapid temperature changes resulting from outside sources (e.g. sun through windows) and to protect the perimeter of the system from condensation absorption during the spring and fall when rapid temperature changes may occur.
4. Radiant heating water temperature must be controlled to keep it below a maximum of 52°C (125°F) so that the slab surface temperature does not exceed 29°C (85°F). Unless otherwise required by the flooring manufacturer a temperature of 20°C (68°F) should be maintained.

3 • LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION METHODS

Generally laminate flooring is installed floating over an underlayment on an acceptable substrate surface (wood subfloors, concrete slabs, and even some types of existing floor finishes except carpet) that are above, on, or below grade. In some cases laminate flooring may also be glued to substrates.
Floating Installations: With this type of installation method the laminate flooring is not mechanically fastened to any part of the substrate and the laminate flooring units (planks or tiles) are held together by friction or mechanical means.
Glued Joint Installations: Some manufacturers may require that the joints be glued (this may apply to both floating and glue down installations). Unless specific instructions to the contrary apply and irrespective of the type of installation method selected, it is important that sufficient glue is applied along the upper edge of the tongue-and-groove joint as to be expelled on the surface to provide a sealed joint.
Glue Down Installations: In a few instances and under special circumstances, laminate flooring may be adhered to acceptable substrate surfaces using a full-surface adhesive bond, despite the fact that by conception laminate flooring is intended as a floating (and removable) installation. If this is a request, flooring installers are urged to contact the manufacturer or supplier with a view to ascertaining whether the product is suitable or approved for this type of installation and, if so, for the type of adhesive and the installation technique to be used. As there are many types of adhesives on the market it is important to use the manufacturer's recommended adhesive and trowel size when installing their flooring. Not doing so could void any product guarantee. Note: A variety of underlayments may be used in conjunction with laminate flooring installation. Refer to NFCA Reference Manual Part D03C - Material Guide - Flooring for various types and usage.

4 • INSTALLATION OF LAMINATE FLOORING

.01 General Requirements: The following generally applies to both laminate plank and tile flooring.

Prior to Laying: It is imperative that the squareness and alignment of walls is verified and compensated for before commencement of installation of any flooring. This must be done in strict accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and NFCA minimum requirements.
Moisture Barrier: In order to protect laminate floors from the risk of possible damage caused by rising dampness from below (i.e. through a concrete slab on grade without a vapour retarder under the slab or from an unheated / un-insulated crawl space) a vapour retarder may be required to be installed directly onto a substrate surface. Particular care should be exercised to ensure that individual sheets overlap at least 200 to 300 mm (8" to 12") and taped. This requirement must be reviewed with the designer as well as the laminate flooring manufacturer. In some cases where laminate is to be installed over existing sheet vinyl or linoleum floor coverings, the flooring may be sufficiently impermeable to act as a vapour retarder, while in others it may be required over cement based subfloors including ceramic tile and terrazzo.
Underlayment: An acoustical / resilient underlayment as recommended by the laminate flooring manufacturer must be installed in strict accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and NFCA minimum requirements. The material is usually supplied in roll form with the first length placed along the longest wall. (For information on types and acoustical ratings refer to Part E03C - Material Guide. The type of underlayment and substrate will determine whether underlayment joints are to be taped. Usually underlayments over wood and other "organic" flooring are not taped whereas underlayment over concrete is. Consult laminate flooring for requirements.
Dry Laying Laminate Flooring: Seven or eight loose rows of plank flooring should be laid out end to end in staggered pattern with end joints at least 150 mm (6") apart. Care should be taken to ensure even distribution of long and short pieces and to avoid clusters of short boards. The same applies to tiles with an appropriate number of tiles. In each case this is done to ensure a mix of flooring and to check for appearance.
Inspection of Materials: Before installing plank or tile flooring, each piece should be inspected for flaws and damage before installation. This includes checking joints and grooves to make sure they are clean and free of debris. In addition, material should be pulled from three cartons at a time to ensure a random appearance.
All flooring should be installed off room centre chalk lines in each direction so that perimeter pieces are of equal width. The width of the first row of planks or tiles should be approximately the same width as the last row (on the other side). This may require cutting the first row plank or tile to a smaller width. Measuring across the room and dividing by the width of a plank or tile will indicate how many full-width planks or tiles will be used and what size width will be needed for the last row. The first and last rows should never be less than 50 mm (2") in width. Aligning to or equally straddling the centre line will result in an appropriate width each side of the room.
Similarly, the length of the shortest plank abutting the wall at right angles to the direction of travel should not be shorter than 200 mm (8"), or in the case of tile; not less than 50 mm (2").
In the event that the walls of a room are neither at right angles nor parallel, a decision should be taken before commencing installation as to which side of the room is to accommodate the taper-cut planks or tiles.
Floating Floors: Floating floors, by design, are meant to "float", unrestricted in a way that allows them to expand and contract naturally as indoor environmental conditions change. They can do this on a variety of acceptable substrate surfaces such as wood sub-floors, concrete slabs, and even some types of existing floors. Floating floors must not be anchored in anyway to the sub-floor below or have natural expansion and contraction impeded.
Overlap transitions: Transitions must be carefully installed to allow natural expansion and contraction of the Laminate flooring. T Caps - End Caps - Reducer Strips - Overlap Bull Nosings - Quarter Round are all different wood moldings used for transitioning wood flooring to other floor coverings.

02. Installation of Laminate Plank Flooring: The following generally applies to laminate plank flooring:

All laminate plank flooring must be installed in strict accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and NFCA minimum requirements.
Direction of Flooring: For best appearance, plank flooring should be laid in the direction of the longest dimension of the room or area and where possible across or at right angles to joists. Ideally, planks should also be parallel to incoming sunlight. As the direction of installation can have a significant influence on the perceived size and perspective of a room, it is sound practice to determine this direction together with the Owner.
Laminate flooring planks can be installed in either a regular or an irregular pattern. Care should be taken to ensure that the minimum staggered overlap or offset is 200 mm (8"). Joints should align and be tight.
Random length (minimum of 400 mm (16") planks should be used to ensure a more natural look with cut pieces from the end of each row as starting planks for the next. End joints should be staggered a minimum of 300 mm (12") so as not to show a repeating pattern.
The location and straight alignment of the first course of plank flooring is important. The first or starter plank is laid with the groove side to the wall followed by the rest of the flooring with each adjacent board fit tightly to the next.
The method of connecting planks-to-planks or tiles-to-tiles is subject to the manufacturers specific instructions. This also includes the sequence of installation.

.03 Installation of Laminate Parquet / Tile Flooring:

All laminate plank flooring must be installed in strict accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and NFCA minimum requirements.
The style, type, and size of laminate parquet / tile flooring may vary somewhat among the different flooring manufacturers. Detailed installation instructions are usually provided with the flooring, or are available from the flooring manufacturer or distributor. The Design Authority should consult the laminate flooring manufacturer or supplier for such information.
The most common layout of parquet / tile flooring is with edges of parquet units square with the walls of the room. Another way is a diagonal pattern, with lines at a 45° angle to walls. Other special patterns and layouts may be used. In all cases, walls should not be used as working lines for laying parquet. All layouts must use chalked centre lines (as noted above in 4.01.2)
Each piece must be carefully aligned with all of its neighbours. Small variations in size must be accommodated during installation to keep overall pattern squared up. A "creeping" pattern cannot be corrected after it develops. A carefully laid out floor causes less problems during field work.
Parquet must always be installed in a pyramid, or stair-step sequence rather than in rows. This again prevents the small inaccuracies of size from magnifying, or "creeping" to gain an appearance of misalignment.
Tiles should be cut to fit all walls and an expansion space allowed on all sides.
With tiles, a diagonal pattern is recommend where the length is more than 1-1/2 times the width. This diagonal placement minimizes expansion under high humidity conditions.

.04 Adhesive:

Where panel joints are to be glued, the type of adhesive and method of application must be in strict accordance with the manufacturers requirements.
Where laminate flooring is to be glued to the substrate the type of adhesive, trowel notch size, and method of application must be in strict accordance with the manufacturers requirements. This also requires a clean acceptable substrate surface.

.05 Installation Issues:

Uneven joints (Proud Edges): Irregularities and tolerances between individual planks may become apparent along the sides and ends. Maximum height differences of .004" (0.10 mm) are tolerable, whereby a minimal (one or two every 500 square feet of area), number of individual incidents in non-traffic or dark lit areas, of up to .008" (0.02mm) are acceptable.
During installation, if the product has joints that exceed this tolerance when properly engaged, the installation should stop and the manufacturer advised. Note: Hand scraped products may deviate from these tolerances due the irregular pattern design and surface height fluctuations. In such cases no one generic standard is available and Manufacturers pre-published specifications describing tolerances for the product in question shall apply and should be used at point of sale to set end user expectations.
Convex / Concave warping: The maximum acceptable tolerance for convex and concave, measured across the full width of the installed plank, is 0.25 mm (3/32").
Openings: Openings within the floor surface with a maximum width of 0.2 mm (0.007") are acceptable, providing that the joints are glue-filled and tight.
Providing that manufacturing tolerances are within the specified limits, there should be no further need for adjustment of joints to ensure alignment.
The above-mentioned tolerances include such irregularities as are inherent in the manufacturing process and the joint gaps which may result because of them.
The above-mentioned irregularities and tolerances can also be deemed to be natural properties of the product and do not therefore constitute a fault.

.06 Laminate Flooring Expansion:

Most complaints concerning laminate flooring are related to inadequately prepared substrate surface (non flat and undulating), inadequate expansion spaces, weight restricting natural lateral movement of the floating floor system and changes in the ambient humidity and moisture content of the flooring. All of these issues can result in gaps between planks, cupping, buckling, movement in the flooring, squeaks, pops and creaking noises.
As a laminate wood core is a wood composite material, it will absorb moisture when it is exposed to higher humidity levels until it is in equilibrium with the humidity and temperature of the surrounding environment. Moisture absorption will cause the flooring to swell. Shrinkage of wood (as an example) begins at 25-30% moisture content, the fibre saturation point, and will continue until it reaches 0% moisture content, an oven dry state. Conversely, swelling occurs as wood increases in moisture content from 0% to 25-30% moisture content, the fibre saturation point. Above 25% - 30% wood is dimensionally stable.
Laminate (except that with a waterproof core) will not shrink or swell equally in all directions. A change in moisture content from 0% to 28% (oven dry to fibre saturation point) will increase the size of a panel piece longitudinally or along the length more than across the width. The shrinking and swelling depends on a number of conditions in the area of installation:
- incomplete construction such as concrete, masonry, gypsum board.
- the moisture content of substrate systems and moisture conditions at the jobsite.
- the moisture content of flooring at the time of delivery.
- the expected moisture content of wood flooring in a particular area after acclimation and installation.
- the type and operation of the HVAC system.
- the time of year.
Expansion Allowance: Generally, laminate flooring is expected to expand in humid climates and shrink in dry climates / conditions. Because of this an allowance for expansion must be left around the perimeter of a room or area as well as at vertical interfaces such as millwork, around columns, door frames, etc. The width of the gap may vary if environmental conditions of the project are above the norm, i.e., in areas with higher humidity and temperature variations. In general, the amount of expansion space is related to the predominant relative humidity present in the room. In rooms with a predominantly low moisture content (30-50% R.H.) a minimum free space of 1/4" (6mm) is recommended and for high moisture content (50-90% R.H.) more than 7/16" (11mm) is recommended. Many products recommend an expansion gap equal to the thickness of the laminate product (12mm thick laminate requires a 12mm expansion space). In all cases, the width of the gap left for expansion shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for the material and actual site conditions that apply.
Allow extra expansion space for extended runs of flooring as per manufacturers instructions. For unbroken runs exceeding 40' along the length and 26' across the width expansion joints should be used and/or add 1.5mm (1/16") of additional expansion space per 1m (3') of flooring run.
Expansion gap requirements must be met at all transitions to rigid materials.
Expansion joint profiles: These should be installed as follows in consideration of the size and geometry of the floor surface:
1. On surfaces greater than 12000 mm (40 feet) in the direction of the length of the individual laminate flooring planks.
2. On surfaces greater than 8000 mm (26 feet) in the direction of installation travel.
3. In doorways between rooms.
4. In porch areas.
5. Between offset adjoining rooms.
6. Along the course of expansion joints in the substrate / subfloor.
Sheen differences: There are several variables that can contribute to sheen variation in laminate flooring. Sheen levels are typically found in the manufacturers product specifications.
1. Manufacturing related sheen variation can happen while planks are being pressed.
2. A style / color standard is used for comparison when manufacturing a new order and quality control checks are performed within a timely manner during running of the orders. It is unusual to see much sheen variation within the same run. Most sheen variation complaints are the result of variations during plank replacement matching or the customer installing material at one time and then coming back and deciding to install another room at a different time.
  1. Claims for uneven sheen variation of laminate floors can originate from manufacturing or installation.
  2. Products manufactured in different facilities or in the same facility at different times can have a sheen variation, even if they are the same style and color if the process is not controlled or if quality checks do not identify the issue.
  3. Laminate planks purchased from different stores may be from different lots. Box labels should be carefully checked to ensure that they are the same prior to installation.
  4. It is important for installers to examine the floor as the installation progresses to ensure consistency in the floors appearance. Viewing with reflective light striking across the floor can aid in identifying uneven sheen levels.
  5. Individual plank angle can change the perception of sheen levels from plank to plank while measurable sheen levels actually stay the same. View from different directions, lighting and with shade.
Weight on a floating floor:
1. Excessive weight can result in restriction of movement within a floating floor system. This can cause separation of planks (gaps) and squeaks / creaks to develop as the joints of the flooring become under pressure. Floating floors should be scheduled for installation after millwork, cabinetry, kitchen islands, built in bookshelves etc., are in place. Cabinet boxes and structure should be installed so their weight is transferred to the subfloor not the floor covering.
2. Expansion gaps must be honoured at all termination points to millwork or rigid vertical obstructions.
3. Baseboards should be installed without downward pressure on a floating floor system to avoid restriction of naturally occurring lateral movement. A 1mm to 2mm space between the bottom of the baseboard and the top surface of the flooring is recommended. This space can then be filled / caulked at time of painting as necessary.
4. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for product weight tolerance when available.
5. Installation of a floating floor system should be in strict accordance with the manufacturers installation guidelines.
Accessories and trims:
1. Wall Base: Should be fastened (nailed or glued to the wall and not the flooring, after the entire floor is in place. Avoid restricting floating floor expansion and contraction with baseboard installation.
2. Door jambs: Avoid restricting floating floor expansion and contraction with door jamb installation.
3. Shoe Moulding: If used, should be nailed to the base not to the flooring after the base is in place.
4. Overlap transitions: Transitions must be carefully installed to allow natural expansion and contraction of the Laminate flooring. T Caps - End Caps - Reducer Strips - Overlap Bull Nosings - Quarter Round are all different laminate moldings used for transitioning the flooring to other floor coverings.

5 • INSPECTION AND APPROVAL

.01 After installation, the floor surface should be carefully inspected and cleaned, in particular with a view to removing any glue residue (when used).

.02 Depending on the type and nature of the glue used to bond the tongue-and-groove joints, dried-on glue residue may prove stubborn and difficult to remove from the surface of laminate flooring.

.03 In the event that installation work is performed on behalf of an Owner, it is important that the finished floor be reviewed in the presence of the Owner and that a report form is completed and signed.

.04. At the same time, the Owner should be handed a copy of cleaning and maintenance instructions for the flooring installed. A note to this effect should accordingly be made on the report form.

6 • PROTECTION

Installed flooring shall be protected with heavy Kraft-paper or other suitable covering as recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Do not use non-breathable sheet or film that could cause condensation to form. This covering must be maintained throughout the remainder of construction period.
For heavy loads, areas where deliveries will be made and areas where construction work will continue, additional protection as recommended by the manufacturer shall be used to prevent compression, dragging and scratch related damage.
The overall responsibility for the protection of all installed laminate flooring, from completion of work until the Owner's take-over, is the responsibility of the General Contractor. The flooring contractor will not be able to control the work or actions of on-site workers, or the actions of persons causing damage from setting-up or delivering equipment, furniture, or other items to the site.

7 • MAINTENANCE DATA

Maintenance data and cleaning instructions shall be provided by the manufacturer for each type of laminate floor covering installed and provided to the Owner.
For care and maintenance instructions see B05 - Cleaning and maintenance

END OF PART E04B