DA VINCI:
Cork floating floor installation for cork planks
These instructions are guidelines only and if you are confused by any of these instructions we recommend you contact a local contractor. All product warranties do not cover problems due to improper installation.
BEFORE YOU START
Uniclic Cork Planks are only suitable for dry indoor applications. Installation and maintenance instructions must be followed strictly. Uniclic Cork Planks must be stored at normal room conditions (68-72 F) for at least 48 hours before installation. The material must get acclimatized properly.
Install the floor at a room temperature of at least (68° F) and a relative humidity of 40 – 60%. Keep the room climate constantly close to these figures.
Uniclic Cork Planks can be installed bye the glue-less and floating method. Uniclic Cork Planks stands out for its exceptional exact fitting. This must be considered during installation. An unprofessional installation can result in damage to the locking ststem. A glued installation is possible - see the instructions below.
Check Uniclic Cork Planks for possible defects prior the installation. Complaints can only be accepted before installation.
Cork is a natural product. Differences in color and structure are natural and typical. Prior to actual installation, dry-lay the floor, blending the planks from several cartons to determine optimum appearance. Variances in color and structure are material/nature related. Color alterations can result, as is the case with any natural product. Darker cork planks are subject to fading when exposed to direct sunlight. This is a natural occurrence and not considered a defect.
THE SUBFLOOR
The subfloor must be constructed properly – dry, sound and flat.
Uniclic Cork Planks can be installed on existing firm floors (Linoleum, PVC,...), but all textile floors must be removed.
Allowed moisture content according to CM-method:
Concrete slabs: < 2,0 % CM (radiant heated < 1,8 % CM)
Anhydrite slabs: < 0,3 % CM (radiant heated < 0,3 % CM)
Do not install in rooms, where the flooring is exposed to excessive periods a high humidity or moisture, like bathrooms or showers.
To prepare the slab grind off any high spots, fill low spots, clean up grease, oil and other contaminants, and sweep clean. Unevenness in the subfloor may not exceed 3 mm (1/9”) at a measure-distance of 1 m (3 1x4').
To be certain normal slab moisture does not reach the finished floor a proper vapor retarder must be used on top of all mineral sub floors like ceramic tiles, concrete, plaster-boards and floors where moisture might arise Cover the entire slab with a 0,2 mm (6 mil) polyethylene film, overlapping edges at least 20 cm (8”). The overlap joint must be taped. Extend the film approx. 3 cm (1“) up the wall.
No other foam or underlayment is needed because of the built in cork back layer. Additional measures to improve the soundproofing are scarcely possible and should therefore not be undertaken. If additional soundproofing is used, then please note that Uniclic is not suitable for use with soft soundproofing mats.
MEASUREMENTS
Laying over an old wood floor: drive down any raised nails, re-nail loose boards and replace any warped boards that can’t be made level, then install at a right angle or on a diagonal.
Pre-plan the floor by measuring the room first. If the width of the last row is less than 5 cm (2”) saw the first and the last plank in equal width.
In rooms with more than 100 m2 (120 sq.yd) - longer than 12 m (39 ft) – or wider than 8 m (26 ft) – expansion space must be kept. (this space can be deleted when keeping a proper climate year round) Expansion space from the building site always must be taken on. Otherwise place expansion space in room narrows or in the doorways. Cover the expansion space with suitable coverings.
INSTALLATION
First row:
(1) Start with the first plank in the right corner of the room, tongue-side facing the wall. Work from right to left. Use spacer shims on the long side and the front side of the plank to ensure the proper space to the wall – approx. 1 (1/2”).
(2) Position the second plank as an exact extension of the first plank. Lift the plank in an angle of approx. 20° and put tongue and groove of the front side together. Lower the planks when tongue and groove are tight. Slight pressure makes it easier to lever in extension. To achieve a perfect joint, tap the front end of the already installed plank lightly with a tapping block
(3) Continue in the same manner up to the last plank. It is usually necessary to shorten the last plank.
The expansion space for the wall always should be in parallel with the wall. If the wall is not straight, install the first 3 rows without wedges. Put the installed boards to the wall and mark the wall’s line with a spacer. Dismount the installation and saw the planks accordingly.
If you use a hand-saw, always saw face up. If you use an electric saw, always saw face down.
Following rows:
(4) Begin the second row with the cut-off end of the first row. The front edge-offset of the planks should be approx. 12”. Place spacer with front side to the wall. Angle the cut-off to be installed against the previously laid row. For levering in, raise the plank approx. 20°, insert the lengthways groove in the lengthways tongue and lower plank where there is a tight lengthways joint on to the tapping block.
(5) Lever the next plank in place from the front side so that only a very short distance remains for it to be pushed into the lengthways connection.
(6) Push the still raised plank into the lengthways tongue. It is easier to insert when raised slightly. Do not undo the already firm front connection when pushing in. Push close to the front connection itself to ensure this is done.
(7) Remove the tapping block when lengthways and front joints are tight and lower the planks by careful tapping with the tapping block. Do not simply push the planks down! Your light tapping helps to ensure that the Uniclic fit is fully interlocking. This ensures that you get an optimal joint. Continue the installation to the last row of planks, as described.
Gluing - at your choice:
If you just want to use the glueless Uniclic-system as an efficient installation tool, apply PVAc glue (waterproofed) in small doses but continuously to the special leaving blank in the profile. If any glue gets on the surface of the flooring, wipe off immediately with a damp cloth.
Radiant heating pipes:
Drill a hole into the plank with a diameter that is 2 cm larger than the pipe’s diameter. Saw from the hole to the edge of the plank. Install the plank. Glue in the piece of the plank which you have sawn out. Cover with a special covering for radiant heating pipes.
How to shorten doorframes.
Position a loose plank face down close to the doorframe and cut the doorframe along the plank.
Installation in areas where leveraging is not possible. Whenever the conditions for installation mean it is not possible to lever the planks (pushing under door frames, rails etc.), You can simply cut or chisel off the projecting lock pin on the groove side. The joint then corresponds with that of a tongue and groove system and it must be glued.
You can walk on the flooring immediately after the installation. Remove the wedges. Trim off any projecting foil all around. Nail or screw mouldings to the wall, never to the floor.
INSTALLATION OVER RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOORS
Uniclic Cork Planks can also be installed on a radiant heated subfloors. Special installation instructions must be followed. The surface temperature must not exceed 78 ° F. During the heating period joints can emerge. To control this contraction and possible gap at the short side of the plank you can glue the short joint of the planks.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR VARIOUS ROOMS:
Kitchens:
If the kitchen is getting all new cabinets, put the cabinets in first. This also applies in other rooms where built-ins are planned. Logic says to put your cork flooring in first, with the cabinets on top so there is no trim needed around the cabinets. Many cabinet manufacturers install a 5/8” thick toe kick, which can be installed after your cork flooring is installed. This eliminates the need for quarter round along the base of the cabinets except at exposed gable ends. The weight of the cabinets (or built-ins) can actually pin your cork flooring down, not allowing it to float as needed with expansion and contraction. It is very important to maintain a minimum gap of 3/8” between your cork flooring and all walls, cabinets, transition strips etc.
When moving appliances across a cork floor, you will need to put plywood down and create path to the location of appliance. Please be extremely careful since sliding heavy objects could gouge or damage your flooring. Never slide or move appliances over cork floors without glider sheets underneath. Typically, your cork floor should be placed only under the front feet of the dishwasher and stove.
If your cork floor is pre finished, you do not need to apply additional polyurethane but it is a good idea to consider sealing the seams. We recommend contacting a professional to tackle this part of the job. Always check for compatibility between the existing floor and new polyurethane prior to recoating.
Bathrooms:
The same rules apply to bathrooms as kitchens. The main difference is the toilet. Always remove the toilet, and tile up to the flange. When reinstalling the toilet it may be necessary to install 2 wax rings, one on top of the other, or get an extender kit, which is simply a larger wax ring. It is always a good idea to change the supply line to the tank at this time. It is highly recommended that you seal your cork flooring with several coats of polyurethane after installation and caulk all edges to create a water tight cork floor and protect from humidity.
Stairs:
Floating floors can be glued to wood stairs with a multi purpose glue and a urethane glue for other types of stairs. Edges can be covered up with stair trim.
Hallways into bedrooms or from room to room:
Whenever installing cork flooring in multiple areas that are adjoining through a doorway, it is recommended to physically separate the cork floors at the opening. For example, if you were doing a hallway and three bedrooms, you would be doing 4 smaller cork floors tied together with the T-molding. The tiles should be installed in such a way that when the T-molding is installed between them, it falls directly under the door when it is closed. If the opening has no door, simply place the T-molding in the center of the opening. Remember to maintain the gap between your cork flooring and the base of the T-molding.
Offices:
If rolling chairs are used at desks, place a plastic floor mat under the chair. Be sure to use the mat that does not have the pointed nubs on the bottom that will puncture your cork flooring.
Existing Fireplace hearths:
Fireplace hearths are an area that follows the same rules as walls and cabinets. A gap needs to be maintained between the cork floor and the hearth. Typically, a molding can be placed between your cork flooring and the hearth to give a nice finished look.
Maintenance:
The type and frequency of maintenance to be applied to APC CORK flooring will vary depending on the type and amount of traffic on the floor.
• Sweep, vacuum or clean with a damp mop or cloth on a regular basis.
• Never pour water directly on the cork floor.
• Remove liquids and spills immediately.
• Protect floor covering by using felt protectors on chairs and other pieces of furniture.
On a “need to” basis, it is recommended that the floor be cleaned with a recommended floor cleaning solution. Example: A hardwood cleaner or any neutral floor cleaner (follow manufacturer’s recommendation).
Note: Cork is a natural product, thus it is normal to observe minor color shading between panels and slight discoloration from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Any heavy furniture and chairs should have thick felt pads placed on the feet to help disburse the weight. Heavier objects such as pianos and pool tables may require a large pad under the feet. This will help to reduce denting of your cork flooring. If a piano is left unprotected in one spot, the cork floor will actually crush, ruining the cork floor tile.
If heavy items are on wheels (pianos, big screen TV’s etc) they should not be rolled directly on the cork floor. Always put a piece of plywood with a packing quilt underneath to move these objects. Heavy enough objects will even dent wood floors.
Routine cleaning should be done only with Bona Kemi Hardwood floor cleaners. No harsh detergents containing any vinegars, pastes, or waxes should be used.
Over time, the urethane layer will wear, as on any floor of this nature. It is important to have your cork flooring recoated before the urethane is worn completely off.
Web Site Disclaimer
The contents of this web site are provided “as is”. Although Cork Innovations and the manufactures we represent always strives to provide accuracy, the site may contain technical and descriptive inaccuracies, typographical and photographical errors and out-of-date information. Cork Innovations web site information may be updated or changed without notice at any time. Use of the information is therefore at readers own risk. In no event shall Cork Innovations be liable for special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or related to the use of this web site.
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