Technical> Installation> General Guides
Important information for all installations
- Moisture and humidity must be taken into consideration at all times during the installation process. Subfloor moisture content must meet the guidelines established by the National Wood Flooring Association. If necessary an appropriate moisture barrier must be used.
- Wood is a natural substance that absorbs humidity and gives it off again. The optimal humidity level for you and your floor should range between 40-65%. In some climates this is very difficult to maintain. Humidifiers, plants and fountains can help. Any climate alterations outside the recommended range could result in drying and cracks in your flooring. This is not a defect in the wood, but a natural reaction to low humidity.
- Manufacturer's guidelines and installation details should be followed. They may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
- Engineered flooring may be installed over some existing flooring with proper underlayment or adhesives as recommended by the manufacturer.
- When installing over in-floor radiant heat, the heating system, must be operational for at least 30 days to cure the concrete, reduce moisture content, and acclimate the house to the actual conditions that will exist. An appropriate moisture barrier or underlayment should be used. At its surface, wood flooring should never be hotter than 85 degrees F. (National Wood Flooring Association guidelines) In order to protect wood floors over in-floor radiant heat, sensors should be placed in the floor or the gypcrete to shut off the thermostat if the temperature gets too high.
- All wood flooring should be allowed to acclimate to the room temperature
and conditions where it will be installed.
- Before you start, inspect the planks for damage, dimensions and the selected pattern. Take note of color and grain variations while planning the layout of the floor.
