F04B2 - INSTALLATION GUIDE - CORK FLOORING

F04B2-1 Cork flooring installation - General requirements
F04B2-2 Installation requirements
F04B2-3 Installation of cork underlayment
F04B2-4 Flooring installation methods and considerations
F04B2-5 Installation of Cork flooring
F04B2-6 Installation of accessories
F04B2-7 Inspection and approval
F04B2-8 Finishing of Cork flooring
F04B2-9 Inspection and approval
F04B2-10 Protection
F04B2-11 Cleaning and maintenance
Preface:
This reference guide covers the installation of cork flooring and related materials. Individuals using this guide should verify all facts relative to the particular project requirements.

1 • CORK FLOORING INSTALLATION - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

.01 General:

  • The installation of cork flooring shall be governed by the scope of work (including work included and excluded) as noted in Part F04A - Installation Guide - Scope of Work unless otherwise defined by trade agreements within the area of jurisdiction of the work.

  • The materials, equipment, and services required to supply and install cork flooring shall be governed by the requirements noted in F03C1 - Material Guide (Cork Flooring).

  • 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 cork flooring and related accessories.

  • Most cork 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 planned installation layout to assure colour and pattern match, pre-conditioning of flooring materials, and finally the use of correct installation procedures and techniques. The cork flooring manufacturer's recommended installation procedures must be followed or the manufacturer may reserve the right to withhold any guarantee.

  • Part of any installation is the correct choice of appropriate materials to suit both the project design requirements and actual site conditions.

  • Prior to installation, the cork flooring manufacturer and the adhesive manufacturer (when applicable) must be consulted in regard to the suitability of and recommendations for their materials and method of installation. Only products and installation methods specifically designed for the selected material shall be used.

.02 Tools and Installation Materials:

  • All cork flooring and related accessories shall be installed using tools and materials recommended by the material manufacturers and as referenced in this standard.

  • Proper tools and use of appropriate materials are essential for a skilled and proficient cork flooring installation. Refer to Part BB1B - Resilient Flooring Tool Glossary and EE1B - Laminate Flooring Tool Glossary for appropriate tools.

  • All required tools should be on the job site for the complete duration of installation work to assure a uniform and correct installation.

.03 Acceptable Substrates and Conditions:

  • Refer to Part A10 - Acceptable Conditions, for acceptable substrate types and environmental conditions for the installation of cork flooring materials.

  • Unless otherwise specified or agreed to prior to installation, the General Contractor or Owner is responsible for providing acceptable substrates and site conditions for the installation of cork flooring and related materials.

  • Environmental conditions and the type, location, condition, and preparation of new and existing substrate surfaces shall be in accordance with the cork flooring material manufacturer's recommendations for the particular flooring product specified and the installation conditions that apply.

  • 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 Part A11 - Substrate Testing. All other substrate surfaces shall be tested for moisture in accordance with these same requirements.

  • The timetable for work and work by other trades shall be reviewed prior to commencing any installation of cork flooring to ensure that the schedule for installing such materials can be maintained.

  • Any existing flooring materials, including adhesives, shall be removed and disposed of in a legal manner or recycled where possible, or where permitted, be covered by an acceptable underlayment.

  • All substrate surfaces to receive cork flooring shall be structurally sound and be clean, dry, and smooth (i.e., be free of moisture, dirt, dust, soil, existing adhesive, paint, varnish, oils, grease, waxes, sealers and curing and hardening compounds, and any other substances detrimental to fillers and adhesives and that may cause localized or widespread bond failure). All surfaces shall be vacuumed clean.
  • Special Note: The use of any cleaning agents, such as sweeping and cleaning compounds, shall be approved by the adhesive and cork flooring manufacturers before use as some of these products are detrimental to adhesive bonding or may have a detrimental affect on the flooring after installation.

    • All cracks and protrusions shall be filled or levelled and all indentations and joints must be properly patched or repaired.

    • 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 requirements noted in PPart A13 - Patching and Filling.

    • If required by the patch or adhesive manufacturer, areas shall be primed, particularly if they are porous and highly absorbent, which may prevent adequate adhesive bond.

    • Substrate surfaces shall be sealed and/or primed if required by the adhesive and cork flooring manufacturer using materials and methods acceptable to them.

    • All defects likely to impair finished work shall be reported to the General Contractor, Consultant, and Owner in writing. Cork flooring installation work shall not proceed until all deficiencies and unsatisfactory site and environmental conditions have been corrected.

    • Installing cork flooring prematurely before other trades have completed their work or in the presence of personnel not essential to the installation of cork flooring often results in visible damage, soiling, adhesive failure, delamination, and dimensional instability. These conditions may not be immediately evident. Unless otherwise permitted, the installation of cork flooring should not begin until the work of all other trades has been completed and the area is cleared of all obstacles, movable objects etc., and on-site worker traffic.

    .04 Planning, Layout, and Shop Drawings:

    • All facets of cork flooring installation shall be carefully coordinated before ordering materials.

    • To aid in the estimation / Bidding and ordering / installation of cork flooring materials, correct measurements, and detailed diagrams may be necessary.

    • In large scale installations, scaled drawings should be prepared using actual site measurements for both new construction or existing areas in order to determine quantities and types of materials to be installed including cork flooring, adhesive, mouldings and other accessories, and to identify proper location of seams.

    • The following shall also be considered:

      • Plank and pattern direction of cork tile in each area.

      • Quantities of cork flooring needed for each area, including tile and plank.

    • For large commercial and complex projects, the cork flooring supplier / contractor shall provide material ordering / shop drawings to the design authority or Owner for pre-approval (in accordance with specification submittal requirements where applicable). Shop (installation layout) drawings shall be prepared for each floor area to receive cork flooring with each area measured individually.

    • Do not scale the design authority's drawings or calculate sizes from drawing dimensions shown. All measurements must be taken at the site.

      • Shop drawings, when required, shall contain the following information:

      • Date of drawing and scale.

      • Room and floor numbers (based on drawing information and Finish Schedules provided by the design authority when applicable).

      • Type and colour / pattern of cork flooring required for each area and any notations where pattern direction changes will occur.

      • Location and type of all edge mouldings, door termination details, and type and details of base in each area.

      • Party responsible for removing furniture and oversize items in existing areas.

      • Party responsible for removing and disposal of existing floor covering materials in existing areas.

      • Type of substrate, floor preparation required, and installation method for each area.

      • Party responsible for preparation of substrate if beyond scope of work requirements. This may include removal of existing materials and slab preparation, underlayments, etc.

      • Name and address of the project (building).

      • Name, address, phone, facsimile, and email numbers of the Owner

      • Name, address, phone, facsimile, and email numbers of the cork flooring supplier and installation company.

      • 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).

    .05 Storage, Handling, and Delivery:

    • Most cork flooring manufacturers have high manufacturing standards and stringent inspection procedures for their finished products. Nevertheless, all cork flooring should be inspected upon delivery and before installation and if any suspected irregularities are noted that might give rise to undesirable visual effects, installation should not proceed until the manufacturer has inspected the cork flooring and an agreed upon course of action has been established.

    • Cork flooring materials shall be packaged by the manufacturer with the type, colour and finish of flooring units and other pertinent information clearly marked on each carton and delivered directly to work areas when required.

    • All other materials (e.g. adhesives, accessories, etc.) shall be wrapped / sealed in their original labelled and unopened containers and stored on flat.

    • Cork 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 and surrounding surfaces.

    • All materials shall be stored in the shop and on site in a secure, climate-controlled, dry space within manufacturer's written temperature and humidity requirements, and adequately protected from dirt, dust, moisture, and other contaminants.

    .06 Conditioning:

    • All cork flooring, adhesive, and related materials shall be conditioned or acclimatized within the area of installation and be adequately protected from soil, dust, moisture, and other contaminants during this time. Where possible the conditioning period shall be for at least 48 hours before installation, or as a minimum at least until the materials reach the installation area temperature and humidity levels.

    • To facilitate conditioning cork flooring shall be removed from packaging in the area in which it is to be installed prior to actual installation.

    • Failure to acclimatize cork flooring may result in:

      • dimensional changes.
      • development of wrinkles and bubbles over time.
      • lack of adhesion.

    • Areas where cork flooring is to be installed must also be heated and ventilated and the ambient and substrate temperatures and humidity levels must be within the flooring and adhesive manufacturers requirements. Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturers the ambient temperature shall be between 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 85°F) and the relative humidity shall be between 30% and 65%. Unless otherwise approved by the manufacturers the minimum substrate (notably concrete) temperature shall be not less than 10°C (50°F).

    • Note: If the temperature and humidity levels are outside these parameters, the installation must not begin until the heating and ventilation system (and air conditioning system if an option) is operational and temperature and humidity levels reach minimum manufacturer and NFCA requirements. These conditions shall be maintained for a minimum of 48 hours before, during, and at least 48 hours after the installation.

      • From the time cork 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 cork flooring.

      • Installed cork flooring shall also be protected from excessive heat. Flooring installed over a heating plant or uninsulated heating ducts may develop cracks unless protection from such localized 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 sub-floor in these areas is recommended. Insulation used over a heating plant should be non-flammable.
2 • INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

.01 Moisture Control and Testing:

  • When cork flooring will be installed on new concrete, on a concrete slab-on-grade, or over unheated and unventilated spaces, there is danger of dampness and condensation.

  • To be absolutely certain moisture does not reach cork flooring installed over such substrates, a vapour retarder membrane must be used. Where this is placed will depend on the type of system used:

    • For on-grade concrete slab construction, a 0.15 mm (6 mil) polyethylene or other membrane waterproofing should be installed directly under the slab and over free-draining compacted granular fill. This membrane is provided by the General Contractor. In addition adequate drain tile should be provided adjacent to the footings, and in colder areas perimeter insulation is highly recommended to prevent cold transfer and freezing / thawing of the fill and slab.
    • Note: While a vapour retarding membrane prevents moisture passage from fill below a slab-on-grade it also retards concrete curing. It is therefore important that the concrete be tested for vapour emission as noted herein.

      • For suspended substrates over unheated and unventilated spaces with or without exposed earth below, a 1.5 mm (6 mil) polyethylene vapour retarding membrane or minimum 50 mm (2") concrete skim coat over the earth surface as well as cross ventilation of the space is essential.

      • Supplementing a vapour retarding membrane below the slab, a water impervious underlayment with taped joints may be used above the slab. The use, supply, and installation of this underlayment shall be determined by the cork flooring installer.

    • A suspended substrate with a controlled / heated environment below does not require a surface vapour retarder.

    • It is important to note that the appearance of any new or existing concrete substrate surface can be deceiving and it is never safe to assume that it is dry. Accordingly all new and existing on or below 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 cork flooring installation. This testing shall be provided by the General Contractor in a timely manner before flooring installation.

    • In new construction, 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 and environmental conditions are acceptable at the time of cork flooring installation, subsequent failure of the flooring installation due to the presence of moisture or failure of membrane waterproofing or dampproofing will not be the responsibility of the cork flooring installer. Repairs to the cork flooring as a result of such moisture problems, will be the responsibility of the General Contractor (or Owner).

  • .02 Substrate Levels:

    • Unless otherwise pre-approved by the cork flooring manufacturer, substrate surface level tolerances shall be within a maximum of 4.5 mm in 3000 mm (3/16" in 120") for slabs-on-grade and 3 mm in 3000 mm (1/8" in 120") for suspended / supported floors of all types (concrete, wood, etc.).

    • Where used, patching compounds must be polymer-fortified, suitable for the intended application, and be applied in strict accordance with the patching manufacturer's instructions and NFCA requirements noted in Part A13. If required by the cork flooring manufacturer (or adhesive manufacturer where cork 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.

    .03 Acceptable Substrate Surfaces:

    • All suitable substrates must be dry, sound, and be 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: Cork 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 slab swept clean.

    • Wood Substrates: Cork flooring can be adhered (tile or plank) or mechanically fastened (engineered tile or plank) over wood substrates that conform to flooring manufacturer's recommendations and NFCA minimum requirements. Such flooring substrates must utilize either plywood or other suitable subfloor sheathing over wood joists that are sized and spaced to meet floor load requirements. Panel subfloor sheathing shall be installed with face grain laid at right angles to joists and be fastened with appropriately spaced screw or ring-nail fasteners. Unless otherwise recommended by the flooring manufacturer the minimum thickness of subfloor sheathing shall be 19 mm (3/4") for joists at 600 mm (24") o.c. and 16 mm (5/8") for joists at 400 mm (16") o.c. or less. Any loose areas should be re-fastened and the subfloor swept clean.

    • Suspended wood flooring structures 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 provided. 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 cork flooring remains balanced throughout all four seasons.

      • Existing Floor Finishes: Cork plank flooring may be installed over existing hardwood and resilient sheet or tile flooring subject to pre-approval by the cork flooring manufacturer. Conventional cork tile may be installed over existing hardwood flooring subject to pre-approval of cork flooring manufacturer. In each case the substrate must be structurally stiff enough and meet cork flooring manufacturer and NFCA minimum preparation requirements. Unless otherwise pre-approved by the manufacturer, all other flooring types including carpet, cushion, and ceramic, marble, stone tile flooring must be removed. Cork plank flooring installed over hardwood flooring should be installed at right angles to hardwood flooring where possible.

      • 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.

      • All defects likely to impair cork flooring work shall be reported to the General Contractor (or Owner when contract is with the Owner) in writing. Cork flooring installation shall not proceed until all deficiencies and unsatisfactory environmental and site conditions have been corrected.

      .04 Cork 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 the concrete slabs or within concrete topping over wood or concrete substrates, installed on the underside of wood subflooring, and an electric flat wire blanket installed below a thin concrete topping. Some systems are not suitable for the installation of cork flooring.

      • In all cases where cork flooring is to be installed over an in-floor radiant heating system acceptable to the flooring manufacturer the following precautions must be adhered to:

        • The slab must be tested for moisture and confirmed dry.

        • The flooring manufacturer must be consulted to determine if the heating system needs to be turned off within the slab and flooring needs to be installed on cool slab.

        • If the radiant heating system is on, it should be running at 20°C (68°F) for two weeks (or at least 5 days) prior to delivery of cork flooring to site to drive moisture out of the substrate (notably concrete) and to acclimatize the area. The heating system should remain on throughout the installation process and the temperature should be maintained during and for at least three days after the installation of cork flooring.

        • Thermostat controls must be fully operational to avoid overheating the floor.

        • 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 so as to avoid unnecessarily shocking the floor with sudden heat loss or gain, particularly with glued joint flooring.

        • Do not install cork flooring in direct contact with radiant heating elements or coils or over green concrete or wet subfloor sheathing. A radiant heat source directly beneath cork flooring may cause rapid moisture gain or loss.

        • 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 cork flooring after installation:

        • Cork flooring is an insulator and may require higher water temperatures for a radiant heat system.

        • 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.

        • 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.

        • Radiant heating water temperature must be controlled to keep it to a maximum of 52°C (125°F). This will limit the temperature of the slab surface to about 29°C (85°F).

        • Engineered (laminated) cork tile and plank flooring is recommended over radiant heated floors, but tiles (without a tongue and groove joint) will shows gaps during heating season.
  • 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. Kicks, gable ends and other finishing details can be installed after the floor covering to cover termination points and any necessary expansion gaps. 
    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.
3 • INSTALLATION OF CORK UNDERLAYMENT

.01 The method of installation varies with underlayment requirements, i.e., whether it is a crack suppression / isolation membrane or if it is an acoustical membrane. It may be loose       laid / unbonded to the substrate or it may be adhered to the substrate surface without the use of fasteners.

.02 Unroll cork underlayment and cut to desired lengths. Lay underlayment loosely over area to be installed ensuring that both ends of the roll curl down towards the substrate (if the       ends curl up the material must be turned over).

.03 For acoustical underlayment, unroll cork and cut 50 mm (2") wide strip off of roll and adhere to all perimeter walls, vertical surfaces, and around any protrusions through flooring.

.04 Never mechanically flatten underlayment with screws, nails, or staples if it is being used as an acoustical barrier as this will severely diminish its acoustical values.

.05 Spread adhesive on substrate using a V-notched trowel of type recommended by adhesive and flooring manufacturer.

.06 Install cork isolation underlayment over adhesive tight to walls and partitions, butting seams. Tape joints and seams with minimum 25 mm (1") wide duct tape or fibreglass mesh       tape.

.07 Install cork acoustical underlayment over adhesive or free floating leaving a 6 mm (1/4") gap at walls and all vertical projections. Install expansion joint material or fill with                   acoustical sealant to prevent sound transmission through the walls.

.08 Roll adhered underlayment with a 75 to 100 lb. roller starting in the center and rolling to the outer edge to eliminate air bubbles.

.09 Protect underlayment from damage until installation of finish flooring materials.

4 • FLOORING INSTALLATION METHODS AND CONSIDERATIONS

.01 There are a variety of methods used to install cork flooring. Contact the flooring manufacturer / supplier for particular methods and products. Some of these include:

  • Adhered Cork Flooring: This method is used for "conventional" cork tile flooring using a full adhesive spread on approved substrates.

  • Mechanically Fastened Cork Flooring: This installation method is used for engineered (laminated) cork plank (and large tile) flooring on approved wood substrates using nails or staples concealed in tongue and groove joints.

  • Floating Cork Flooring: This installation method without fasteners or adhesive is used for engineered (laminated) cork tile and plank flooring over approved substrates. Cork flooring units are either "mechanically" locked together using tongue and grooves that have an interlocking configuration or are glue locked together with glue applied to the tongue and grooves of each unit (in some instance manufacturers also recommend gluing end joints of planks as well). Some glued systems require clamping the planks together until the glue sets. (Note this type of flooring is not glued to the substrate).

.02 Contact the cork flooring manufacturer for details of types, location, and condition of subfloors and areas recommended.

.03 Lightweight and/or cellular concrete subfloors (less than 1600 kg/m²) as well as gypsum-based toppings are not suitable for the application of cork flooring unless otherwise               pre-approved by the flooring manufacturer. Such subfloors must be topped with a minimum of 25 mm (1") of standard concrete or with an industry approved Portland cement           base mastic underlayment mixed and applied as directed by the product manufacturer.

5 • INSTALLATION OF CORK FLOORING
01 Depending on type, cork flooring may be installed either glued to the substrate or installed as a floating floor without the use of fasteners or adhesive on top of substrate. The           latter may require a separate underlayment under the flooring to allow it to move freely.

.02 General Requirements:

  • The following recommendations are intended as a general guide. On request, manufacturers will make available detailed product and installation recommendations for their tiles and planks.

  • Installation of cork flooring must be performed by qualified installers fully familiar with all aspects of this installation and installed in strict accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and NFCA minimum requirements. .3 All materials shall be conditioned as noted herein.

  • Adhesives and fasteners used for installations shall be of the type recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

  • Adhesive shall be uniformly applied using a notched trowel and an application rate as recommended by the tile and adhesive manufacturer. Adhesive open time and all safety measures regarding ventilation, open flames and other precautionary requirements noted on the container label shall be observed. For detailed information follow instructions on container label regarding adhesive application, open time etc. and MSD requirements.

  • Cork flooring manufacturer's provide trims and mouldings that either match or compliment cork flooring.
  • Cork flooring manufactore's provide trims and mouldings that either match or compliment cork flooring.
.03 Cork Tile Installation:

  • Prior to installation and after conditioning mix tiles from various cartons to maintain natural variations of colour.

  • Cork tile shall be installed starting in the centre of the room and working outwards towards perimeter walls. Other acceptable commercial practices can be substituted as the starting point to provide a border width equal to at least half a tile.

  • Cork tile shall be installed with joints straight, in true plane, and symmetrical. Adjacent tile joints may be aligned or offset (i.e. staggered) a half tile width. Alternately install tile in a chequer board pattern with tile pattern direction at right angle to adjacent tile. Pattern shall be pre-approved by Consultant / Owner. 

  • Border tile shall be scribed to vertical surfaces, cut and fitted into place after the field tile has been laid and before wall base has been installed. Roll floor as each section is installed, and again when entire room is complete to ensure uniform adhesion. Tiles must be installed continuous through doorways and other openings for a uniform appearance.

  • Tiles should be carefully rolled a minimum of four times in each direction with a roller of size and weight as recommended by the flooring manufacturer to ensure full adhesion of tile to the substrate.
  • Excess adhesive shall be cleaned off of tiles after installation using methods and materials recommended by flooring and adhesive manufacturer.
  • Do not allow foot traffic for 24 hours and avoid heavy loads and rolling stock on newly installed flooring for at least 5 days and until adhesive has fully set.
.04 Engineered (laminated) Cork Plank and Tile Installation:

  • Prior to installation and after conditioning mix tile and plank flooring units from various cartons to maintain natural variations of colour.

  • 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. The Design Authority should consult the cork flooring manufacturer or supplier for such information.

  • 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 the direction together with the client or tenant.

  • The most common layout of plank flooring is with edges of 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 flooring. All layouts must use room centre lines.

  • Cork planks must be installed based on room or area centre lines. Installation can start from the centre of the room or area working outward toward perimeter walls or can start at the wall working outward toward the centre. In either case ensure a minimum half plank at walls. In all cases the alignment of the walls must be verified before commencing work to ensure they are square to one another.

  • The location and straight alignment of the first course of cork 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 fitted tightly to the next. Each plank must be carefully aligned with adjacent planks. Small variations in plank size must be accommodated during installation to maintain a square installation. A "creeping" pattern cannot be corrected after it develops.

  • Cork planks can be installed in 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 planks (minimum of 16") could 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.

  • Planks shall be cut to fit all walls and a minimum expansion space of 6 to 10 mm (1/4" to 3/8") must be provided at all vertical interfaces (walls, etc.).

  • Planks shall be fitted by hand and adjusted by using a piece of wood and a hammer or mallet. Never hammer directly on plank edges.

  • When recommended by the cork flooring manufacturer, apply a bead of glue evenly to the groove along the full length and width of each panel.
6 • INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES

.01 Install protective edgings / reducer strips in strict accordance with manufacturer's written recommendations for type of flooring and substrate.

.02 Tightly place protective edging strip against exposed edges of flooring and tightly fit to abutting sides.

.03 Securely bond to the sub-floor in a straight line.

.04 Install base to cover expansion joint.

7 • 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           cork flooring. Accordingly, the removal of glue shall be in strict accordance with glue and tile manufacturer's recommendations.

.03 In the event that installation work is performed on behalf of an Owner, it is important that the finished floor is 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 installed flooring. A note to this effect should be made on the report form.

8 • FINISHING OF CORK FLOORING

.01 Cork flooring is either pre-finished or it may be site finished.

.02 When cork flooring is site finished, installed flooring shall be cleaned prior to finishing in accordance with manufacturer's requirements.

.03 Site finish cork flooring only after it has been installed and is in place for at least seven (7) days to allow adhesive to set with building temperature and relative humidity and               moisture content of flooring maintained within installation parameters before commencing finishing operations.

.04 Vacuum clean cork flooring and carry out final review to ensure surfaces contain no glue, marks, or other substances detrimental to type of finish to be applied.

.05 Apply clear water-based urethane or paste wax coats to cork flooring using methods and application rate in strict accordance with finish manufacturer's written recommendations       to achieve a matte / satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish to match pre-approved sample of finished cork flooring. Ensure each coating is dry before apply the next. Unless otherwise       noted apply not less than three coats of finish (except apply four coats in high traffic areas).

.06 For pre-finished cork tile flooring apply one coat of clear water-based urethane over entire floor to seal tile joints. Note that this does not apply to pre-finished engineered tile or           plank flooring unless otherwise noted by manufacturer.

.07 Where required by finish, buff and vacuum flooring after each application of finish if recommended by finish manufacturer.

.08 Site finish wood mouldings (base, base shoe, quarter round, reducer strips, etc.) to match finished flooring.

9 • 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 from engineered cork flooring joints when           used.

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

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

10 • PROTECTION

.01 Installed cork flooring shall be protected with heavy Kraft-paper or other suitable covering. Do not use non-breathable sheet or film that could cause condensation to form.               Maintain covering throughout remainder of construction period.

.02 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. 

.03 The overall responsibility for the protection of all installed flooring, from completion of flooring 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 working persons, or the actions of persons causing damage from setting-up or delivering                       equipment, furniture, or other items etc. to the site.

11 • CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

.01 Refer to Part F05 - Cleaning and Maintenance for requirements.

.02 Maintenance data and cleaning and finishing instructions shall be provided to the Owner by the manufacturer for each type of cork flooring installed.