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To continue with our tips on Installing Hardwood, let's discuss pre-installation recommendations and best practices, including storage & handling and site requirements.
Pre-Installation Recommendations and Best Practices
Prior to installation of any hardwood flooring product, the installer must determine that the job-site environment and the sub-surfaces involved, meet or exceed all requirements as stipulated in the installation instructions. The manufacturer declines any responsibility for job failure resulting from or associated with sub-surface or job-site environment deficiencies.
Storage and Handling
Handle and unload with care. Store in a dry place, preferably within the room where the product is to be installed. Be sure to provide at least a four-inch air space under cartons when storage occurs over concrete. DO NOT OPEN CARTONS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. This may cause the tongue to swell making installation difficult.
Site Requirements
EXTERIOR: Exterior grading should be complete with surface drainage directing water away from the building. All gutters and downspouts should be in place.
INTERIOR: The building should be closed in with all outside doors and windows in place. All concrete, masonry, framing members, drywall, paint and other wet work should be thoroughly dry. The wall coverings should be in place and the painting completed except for the final coat on the base molding. When possible, delay installation of base molding until flooring installation is complete. Subfloors (wood or concrete) must be checked for moisture content using the appropriate testing method. This product may be installed below, on or above grade. Basements and crawl spaces must be dry and well ventilated. Concrete should be at least 60 days old. Permanent air conditioning and heating systems should be in place and operational. The installation site should have a consistent room temperature of 60-75° F and humidity of 35-55% for three days prior, during and until occupied. Do not install in areas of high moisture incidence such as bathrooms and powder rooms.
NOTE: Radiant heated subfloors. In rooms with under-floor (radiant) heating, the surface temperature of the subfloor may not, under any circumstances, exceed 85° F. Increasing heat should be done in 5-degree increments. DO NOT install species other than Oak when using this type of heating system. Excessive heat may cause unacceptable shrinkage and structural damage.
Next "Tips" Installmement - Subfloor Requirements and Preparation or visit The Floor Trader - Installation Tips for Hardwood.
