Laminate Installation Instructions

Laminate Installation Instructions
Tools and Materials/Introduction/Care Instructions
Installation \ Laminate\Laminate Installation Instructions
Tools and Materials/Introduction/Care Instructions

The entire laminate installation system (Chapter XVI of the 2009/2010 F-5061) is available for download online at http://www.armstrong.com/common/c2002/content/files/15948.pdf

A. LAMINATE TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Armstrong Laminate Flooring
Armstrong Quiet Comfort Premium Underlayment S-1836
Armstrong Quiet Comfort Underlayment S-1837
Armstrong Moisture Barrier Sheeting S-1831A
Armstrong Laminate Flooring Accessories
- Armstrong 99
- Bruce EverSeal Adhesive
Armstrong Laminate Flooring Coordinated Transitions & Moulding Pieces
Carpenter's Square
Tape Measure
Polyethylene Tape
Hammer
Utility Knife
Safety Glasses
NIOSH-Designed Dust Mask
Saw (see optional tools)
100% Silicone Caulk (for bathroom & high moisture installations)
Bucket of Warm Water
Clean Cotton Cloths
Touch-Up Kit/Filler Kit
Plastic Scraper for Glue Removal

B. OPTIONAL TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Router
Drill
Saws
- Table Saw
- Miter Saw
- Circular Saw
- Hand Saw
- Jigsaw
Dividers
Chalk Line
Cleaner such as Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor cleaner (S-302) or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner
White Vinegar
Pocket Plane

CAUTION! WOOD DUST
Sawing, sanding, or machining wood products can produce wood dust. Airborne wood dust can cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified wood dust as a nasal carcinogen in humans.

ALWAYS FOLLOW MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND PRACTICES WHEN USING POWER TOOLS!

Precautionary Measures if Power Tools Are Used:
The power tools must be equipped with a dust collector. If high dust levels are encountered, use the appropriate NIOSH-designated dust mask. Avoid dust contact with eyes and skin.

First aid measures in case of irritation:
Flush eyes and skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE FOR MINNESOTA RESIDENTS ONLY:
THESE BUILDING MATERIALS EMIT FORMALDEHYDE. EYE, NOSE, AND THROAT IRRITATION, HEADACHE, NAUSEA AND A VARIETY OF ASTHMA-LIKE SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING SHORTNESS OF BREATH, HAVE BEEN REPORTED AS A RESULT OF FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE. ELDERLY PERSONS AND YOUNG CHILDREN, AS WELL AS ANYONE WITH A HISTORY OF ASTHMA, ALLERGIES, OR LUNG PROBLEMS, MAY BE AT GREATER RISK. RESEARCH IS CONTINUING ON THE POSSIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FORMALDEHYDE.

REDUCED VENTILATION MAY ALLOW FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS TO ACCUMULATE IN THE INDOOR AIR. HIGH INDOOR TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY RAISE FORMALDEHYDE LEVELS. WHEN A HOME IS TO BE LOCATED IN AREAS SUBJECT TO EXTREME SUMMER TEMPERATURES, AN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM CAN BE USED TO CONTROL INDOOR TEMPERATURE LEVELS. OTHER MEANS OF CONTROLLED MECHANICAL VENTILATION CAN BE USED TO REDUCE LEVELS OF FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER INDOOR AIR CONTAMINANTS.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

Questions about Armstrong Laminate Flooring should be directed to our Consumer Solution Center at 1 800 233-3823.

C. INTRODUCTION

Floating Floor Structure
Armstrong Laminate Flooring is considered a "floating" floor and is installed using a floating floor system. These floors are intended for indoor use only and can be installed over virtually any existing floor structure. Since these floors are composed of natural cellulose fibers, they will expand and contract with changes in relative humidity.

Do not attach to the subfloor at any point.
Do not fit flush against any fixed vertical surfaces like walls, pipes, passageways or staircases.
For most installations, where the relative humidity is between 45% and 65%, a minimum 1/4" (6.35 mm) to 1/2" (12.7mm) expansion zone is required around the perimeter of the room as well as against any fixed objects. This zone accounts for the normal movement of the floor system.
Where the room is larger than 40' (12.19 m) but less than 80' (24.38 m) in plank length or wider than 26' (7.92 m) but less than 52' (15.85m) across the width of planks, a minimum of 1/2" (12.7)mm) expansion zone is required around the perimeter of the room as well as against any fixed objects. In addition, T-mouldings must be used to compensate for more movement in rooms larger than 80' in board length or wider than 52' in board width. Refer to Section J, Transitions & Moulding Pieces, for further details.
Temperature changes will have little effect on the movement of these floors.
The number of square feet of laminate required is not equal to the number of square feet in the area of the room because the laminate must be fit to walls and objects. An approximate cutting allowance of 10% for wood visuals and 15% for tile visuals or herringbone must be added to the square footage estimate.

Laminate Flooring Glue (Bruce EverSeal or Armstrong 99)

Specifically designed to create a strong, water-resistant bond between the tongue and groove.
The integrity of the floor installation depends on the use of the appropriate glue, the amount of glue and the proper installation techniques.
Use for Laminate installations in full bathrooms, high moisture areas, and light commercial environments.
Easy cleanup.
Coverage for locking laminate using glue: up to 150 sq. ft. (500 linear ft)/16 ounce bottle.

Glue-down Laminate installation

Laminate may be fully adhered to approved substrates using Armstrong ProConnect Wood Flooring Adhesive, Bruce EVERBOND Wood Flooring Adhesive,Bruce Equalizer Armstrong 57 urethane adhesives. For full installation instructions, refer to the instructions on the adhesive label.
For installations over VapArrest S-135 Professional Moisture retardant system, use Bruce Equalizer or Armstrong 57.

Quiet Comfort PremiumUnderlayment

Recommended under all laminate flooring with no attached underlayment (use Armstrong Moisture Barrier Sheeting under laminate flooring with attached underlayment).
High density cross-linked polyethylene foam laminated to polyethylene film moisture barrier. Includes 3″ extended polyethylene filmand pre-applied tape sealed together for easy handling and installation. (Refer to Section E - Subfloor Requirements for further details.)
Does not promote mold or mildewgrowth and will not decay or breakdown.
Provides a cushion between the floor and the subfloor and compensates for slight subfloor irregularities.
Provides a thermal barrier, reducing the "cold floor" feeling common to floors that are directly bonded to the subfloor.
Absorbs underfoot noise and provides greater underfoot comfort.
Eliminates the need for a separate vapor barrier.
Installed with the logo side up.
Coverage: 100 sq. ft./roll; 1500 sq. ft./jumbo roll.

Quiet Comfort Underlayment

Recommended under all laminate flooring with no attached underlayment (use Armstrong Moisture Barrier Sheeting under laminate flooring with attached underlayment).
A polyethylene closed-cell foam laminated to a polyethylene film moisture barrier.
Acts as a moisture barrier. Includes 3″ extended polyethylene film and pre-applied tape for easy handling and installation. (Refer to Section E - Subfloor Requirements for further details.)
Does not promote mold or mildew growth and will not decay or breakdown.
Provides a cushion between the floor and the subfloor and compensates for slight subfloor irregularities.
Provides a thermal barrier, reducing the "cold floor" feeling common to floors that are directly bonded to the subfloor.
Eliminates the need for a separate vapor barrier.
Installed with the logo side up.
Coverage: 100 sq. ft./roll; 1600 sq.ft./jumbo roll.
Provides sound absorbing insulation.

Moisture Barrier Sheeting

Recommended under all laminate flooring with attached underlayment when installed over concrete.
.005" (.127 mm) polyethylene film.
Acts as a moisture barrier when seams are taped together with polyethylene tape.
Coverage: 30" x 40' roll - 100 sq. ft./roll

D. CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Armstrong Laminate Flooring is extremely easy to clean.

DO NOT WAX OR POLISH your floor.
For everyday cleaning, vacuum with a wand attachment or damp mop.
To remove excessive dirt buildup, use Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner (S-302) or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner.
Before using water or Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner (S-302) or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner, thoroughly wring out your mop or sponge. An excessive amount of moisture is not necessary.
As with any hard-surfaced materials, laminate flooring can be slippery when wet. Promptly wipe up spills with a moist sponge or soft cloth (Fig. 1).
DO NOT CLEAN THIS FLOOR WITH ABRASIVE CLEANERS, ABRASIVE SCRUBBING PADS, STEEL WOOL, OR SCOURING POWDER.
To avoid scratching, use Armstrong Floor Protectors or protective pads under chairs and furniture legs.
Use walk-off mats at entryways to collect tracked-in dirt and grit and to absorb excess moisture.
Because metal rolling casters can damage the floor, we do not recommend them. If rolling casters are used, we recommend only soft wheels wide enough to support the load.

Fig. 1