See attachments at bottom for French and Spanish language versions.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING AHF PRODUCTS FLOORING. Properly installed and cared for, your new flooring will be easy to maintain and will keep its great look for years. If you have questions or comments, please visit us at www.ahfproducts.com or 1 866-243-2726.

These directions are based on industry standards and best practices. Failure to follow these installation instructions may result in damage to the flooring and void the floor’s warranty.

• For complete warranty information call 1-866-243-2726 or go to www.ahfproducts.com.
• For technical or installation questions, or to request a Safety Data Sheet, please call 1-866-243-2726 or visit www.hardwoodexpert.com our technical website.
• For general questions or comments, please visit us at www.ahfproducts.com or call 1-866-243-2726

WARNING: EXISTING IN-PLACE RESILIENT FLOOR COVERING AND ASPHALTIC ADHESIVES. DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP, DRY SCRAPE, DRILL, SAW, BEADBLAST, OR MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERIZE EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT, ASPHALTIC  “CUTBACK” ADHESIVE, OR OTHER ADHESIVE. These existing in-place products may contain asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the existing in-place product is a non-asbestos-containing material, you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to determine asbestos content and may govern removal and disposal of material. See current edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) publication Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings for instructions on removing all resilient floor covering structures or contact your retailer or AHF Products at 866 243 2726. AHF floor coverings and adhesives do NOT contain asbestos.

Gauge	Size	Adhesive
.205″ (5.2 mm)	7˝ x 48˝ (180 x 1210 mm)	Bruce® BondLink™ & Apex Pro™
.205″ (5.2 mm)	9˝ x 60˝ (220 x 1510 mm)	Bruce® BondLink™ & Apex Pro™
.205″ (5.2 mm)	12˝ x 24˝ (304.8 x 609.6 mm)	Bruce® BondLink™ & Apex Pro™
.205″ (5.2 mm)	16˝ x 32˝ (406.4 x 812.8 mm)	Bruce® BondLink™ & Apex Pro™

ADHESIVES:
If a full spread glue down installation is desired with SPC flooring, use the recommended adhesive found in the glue down option chart in the instructions above. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for the adhesive application.

INSTALLATION:
Location: All grade levels
Fitting: All methods
The new lock system makes installation a snap. Breakthrough innovation installs easily and securely with minimal prep.

TOOLS:
Tape measure, chalk line, utility knife, pencil, spacers, straight edge, vacuum or broom, tile cutter or cutting shear; subfloor
prep supplies; recommended adhesives if gluing down.

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL LOCKING INSTALLATION:

• SPC Flooring with locking installation should not be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Direct sunlight can result in discoloration, and excessive temperatures may cause expansion. The use of drapes or blinds is recommended during peak sunlight exposure.
• Most installations will need approximately a 10% cutting allowance added to the square footage of the room.
• Always work out of three cartons to mix shade and visual.
• Proper conditioning of both the jobsite and the flooring is necessary.
• Store, transport, and handle SPC flooring so as to prevent any distortions. Store cartons flat, never on edge. Distortions will not disappear over time. Ensure that the planks/tiles are laying flat at time of installation.
• Installations of carpet, metal strips and other transition moldings should not push fully into the flooring and should allow for some slight movement wherever practical.
• Protect the floor from heavy-rolling loads, other trades and replacement and/or movement of appliances by using sheets of plywood or similar.
• SPC flooring alone is waterproof but excessive subfloor moisture may promote mildew or mold issues.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The locking installation system allows the planks/tiles to be installed without using adhesives as a floating floor installation. The planks/tiles should be installed 3/8˝ to 1/2˝ away from all vertical surfaces such as walls, cabinets, pipes, etc.

When installed in bathrooms, the gap should be filled and sealed with a good quality siliconized or acrylic caulk. The gap will then be covered with molding or wall base. Base cabinets should not be installed on top of the planks/tiles.

NOTE: For all installations open several cartons and mix them as they are installed to help blend any slight shade differences from one carton to the next.

Before starting the installation, verify that the material is of the correct style, color, quantity, and run numbers, and ensure that the correct adhesive has been selected for area of usage. Also, confirm that all pre-installation requirements, as detailed in the remainder of this section, have been satisfactorily completed. Start of flooring installation indicates acceptance of current subfloor conditions and full responsibility for completed work.

CHECK RUN NUMBERS AND MANUFACTURE DATE:
To determine manufacture date, locate the run number on the short end of the carton. It is the eight-digit number separated by decimal points beginning with the two-digit day, then the two-digit month, and finally the four-digit year: DAY.MONTH.YEAR-29.10.2020.

Locate the run number on the short end of each carton and verify that all of the material for your job is from the same run. Minor shade variations within the same run number contribute to the natural look of SPC Flooring.

To avoid noticeable shade variations, do not install material from different runs across large expanses.

Upon receipt, immediately remove any shrink-wrap and check material for damage, and that the material is of the correct style, color quantity, and run number. Immediately report any discrepancies.

GENERAL STORAGE:
Store all materials flat and off of the floor in an acclimatized, weather-tight space between 65°-85°F (18°-29°C).

SUBSTRATES:

All substrates listed must be properly prepared and meet certain requirements. There may be other exceptions and special conditions for these substrates to be suitable as noted below. The application of subfloor preparation materials must be in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. All warranties and guarantees pertaining to the suitability and
performance of any preparation or ancillary product rests with that material manufacturer or the flooring contractor. Embossing levelers, patches, concrete, gypsum-based products and other such items, are the sole responsibility of the flooring contractor, general contractor, and/or manufacturer of the particular sub-flooring product.

SUITABLE SUBSTRATES INCLUDE:

• Concrete – dry and smooth on all grade levels
• Suspended wood subfloors with approved wood underlayments – must have minimum of 18˝ well-ventilated crawl space underneath
• Suspended hardwood flooring that is fully adhered, smooth and square edge without texture
• Single-layer, fully-adhered, existing resilient floors – must not be foam-backed or cushion-backed
• Ceramic tile, Terrazzo, Marble
• Polymeric Poured (seamless) floors
• Fully-sanded OSB
• Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum

DO NOT INSTALL OVER:

• Existing resilient tile floors that are below grade
• Existing cushion-backed vinyl flooring
• Carpet/Carpet pad
• Hardwood flooring that has been installed directly over concrete (including parquet)
• Floating Floors
• Sleeper Substrates

Avoid subfloors with excessive vertical movement. Optimum performance of floor covering products occurs when there is little horizontal or vertical movement of the subfloor. If the subfloor has excessive vertical movement (deflection) before installation of the flooring, it is likely it will do so after installation of the flooring is complete.

Water proof-Structural integrity of flooring will not degrade due to contact with moisture/water.

SPC Flooring is intended for interior use only and is suitable for above-grade, on-grade and below-grade applications. However, SPC Flooring should not be installed in locations where the substrate beneath the building structure is exposed to the elements.

SPC Flooring is a floating floor and should be allowed to expand and contract freely. It must not be nailed or fastened through the flooring and into the subfloor. Fill expansion spaces around potentially wet areas with premium waterproof 100% silicone caulk. Always remove standing water, pet urine and other liquids promptly. Direct sunlight may cause SPC Flooring to fade or the joints to separate. Protect the product from direct sunlight using window treatments or UV tinting on windows. SPC is a waterproof floating floor, but it should not be used to seal an existing floor from moisture. SPC flooring cannot inhibit the growth of mold or prevent structural problems associated with, or caused by flooding, excessive moisture, alkalis in the subfloor, or conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure. Regardless of location, always remove standing water, urine and other liquids promptly. Moisture issues should be addressed and corrected at the job site prior to installation.

JOB CONDITIONS/PREPARATIONS:

• Surface Preparation: The surface must be free of dust, solvents, varnish, paint, wax, oil, grease, sealers, curing compounds, residual adhesive, adhesive removers and other foreign materials that might affect the adhesion of resilient flooring to the substrate or cause a discoloration of the flooring from below. Spray paints, permanent markers and other indelible ink markers must not be used to write on the back of the flooring material or used to mark the substrate as they could bleed through, telegraphing up to the surface and permanently staining the flooring material. If these contaminants are present on the substrate, they must be mechanically removed prior to the installation of the flooring material.
• In renovation or remodel work, remove any existing adhesive residue* so that 100% of the overall area of the original substrate is exposed.
• Temperature: SPC flooring should only be installed in temperature-controlled environments. It is necessary to maintain a constant temperature before, during and after the installation. Therefore, the HVAC system must be in operation before the installation of resilient flooring. Portable heaters are not recommended, as they may not heat the room and subfloor sufficiently. Kerosene heaters should never be used.
• Allow all flooring materials and adhesives to condition to the room temperature for a minimum of 48 hours before starting the installation.
• The area to receive the resilient flooring should be maintained at a minimum of 65° F (18° C) and a maximum of 85° F (29° C) for 48 hours before and during installation, as well as 48 hours after completion. When installing SPC, the maximum room temperature should not exceed 85° F (29° C).
• During installation, the room temperature should never rise above 85° F (29° C). The performance of the flooring material and adhesives can be adversely affected outside this temperature range. During the service life of the floor, the room temperature should never rise above 100° F (38° C) nor fall below 55° F (13° C). The performance of the flooring material and adhesives can be adversely affected outside this temperature range.
• Testing: Conduct calcium chloride tests or percent relative humidity tests. Bond tests should be conducted for compatibility with the substrate when using the full spread method.
• Radiant-Heated Substrates: Radiant-heated substrates must not exceed a maximum surface temperature of 85° F (29° C).
• Use of Adhesive: Use Bruce® Apex Pro™ Adhesive in areas where the product will be subjected to direct sunlight, topical moisture, concentrated static and dynamic loads or temperature fluctuations.
• ATTENTION: Mold and mildew grow only in the presence of moisture. Jobsite mold and moisture issues must be addressed and corrected prior to installation. Please visit www.epa.gov/mold for information about safely preventing and removing mold, mildew and other biological pollutants.
• Floor Flatness: The surface shall be flat to 3/16˝ in 10 ft. (3.9 mm in 3 m). Level high spots by sanding, grinding, etc. and fill low spots. Smooth surface to prevent any irregularities or roughness from telegraphing through the new flooring.

Concrete Floors:

• All concrete floors, regardless of age or grade level must be properly cured, free of excess moisture, and prepared in accordance to the most current version of ASTM F710 (Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring). Below and on-grade concrete subfloors must have a suitable vapor retarder properly installed beneath the slab (ASTM E1745). The surface of concrete floors to receive resilient flooring must be dry, clean, smooth and structurally sound.
• WARNING: Concrete Subfloors Containing Coal Fly Ash: Fly ash is routinely used in cement in LEED-certified projects. Installing floors on concrete substrates containing coal fly ash can be problematic and therefore may require aggressive scarification or shot blasting prior to installation of flooring materials. Perform bond test prior to the installation of SPC flooring if coal fly ash has or may have been used.
• Concrete PSI: Concrete substrates must have compression strength of 3,000 psi or greater.
• Expansion Joints / Isolation Joints: Such joints (or other moving joints) are incorporated into concrete floor slabs in order to permit movement without causing random cracks in the concrete. These joints must be honored and not be filled with underlayment products or other materials, and floor coverings must not be laid over them.
• Treating Surface Cracks: Cracks, grooves, depressions, control joints, or other non-moving joints, and other irregularities shall be filled or smoothed with high-quality Portland cement-based patching or underlayment compounds for filling or smoothing or both. Some surface cracks may need to be chased and filled. Patching or underlayment compound must be moisture, mildew and alkali-resistant, and must provide a minimum of 3,000 psi compressive strength after 28 days, when tested in accordance with Test Method ASTM C109 or ASTM Test Method C472, whichever is appropriate. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions of such subfloor preparation materials for more details.
• Concrete Compressive Strengths: Because of traffic loads anticipated for commercial and institutional environments, concrete slabs should meet the requirements for ACI* Class 2 or Class 4 floors.
• WARNING: Do not lightly skim-coat highly polished or slick, power-troweled concrete surfaces. A thin film or residue of floor patch will not bond sufficiently to a slick subfloor and may become a bond breaker, causing tiles to release at the interface of the subfloor and patching material.

Lightweight Concrete:

• The minimum density of lightweight concrete should be greater than 90lbs. per cubic foot, with minimum compression strength of 2,500 psi or greater. Some concrete slabs may require higher dynamic and static loads and should be designed to accommodate these requirements. Lightweight concrete or gypsum substrates may need to be primed prior to the installation of flooring. Contact the subfloor preparation manufacturer for recommendations, and always perform a bond test before proceeding.
• Because lightweight concrete can retain significant amounts of moisture within the slab, the lightweight floors should be tested in accordance with ASTM F2170. Do not use ASTM F1869 test method, as this method does not indicate moisture deep in the concrete slab.

Tile, Terrazzo, Asbestos Tile, Resilient Tile, and Non-Cushion Sheet Vinyl:

NOTE: The responsibility for determining if the old resilient flooring is well-bonded to the subfloor rests with the contractor and the installer.

• Existing floors must be firmly attached to the structural floor. They must be clean, smooth, dry, structurally sound and flat within 3/16˝ within a 10-foot radius with no abrupt height differences.
• The substrate should not slope more than 1˝ per 6′ in any direction. Fill all grout joints on ceramic tiles, terrazzo, quarry tiles and similar floors with a leveling and patching compound.
• Confirm that the existing flooring is completely and firmly bonded. The responsibility for determining if the old resilient flooring is well-bonded to the subfloor rests with the contractor and the installer.
• Existing flooring must have been properly installed over underlayments and subfloors recommended as suitable for resilient flooring.
• They may not show evidence of moisture or alkaline.
• Waxes, polishes and other finishes must be removed with a commercially available stripper. We would recommend using a 3M Black Pad for stripping purposes only. Do not allow the stripping solution to dry at any time. Thoroughly rinse the existing flooring with clean water after removing the stripping solution. Do not flood with water or stripping solution at any time.
• Indentations or damaged areas should be replaced or repaired.

Underlayment Panels:

Underlayments for resilient flooring must be:

• Structurally sound
• Specifically designed and warranted for resilient flooring
• A minimum of 1/4˝ (6 mm) thick
• Of a smooth surface, so as to prevent telegraphing
• Able to resist indentations
• Free of any substances that may cause flooring to stain

AHF Products is NOT responsible for:

• Joint or texture show-through
• Tunneling and ridging over underlayment joints
• Discoloration from stain sources in the panel, regardless of the type of underlayment panel used
• Underlayment panel problems caused by local climate conditions, basement wall and subfloor construction, or improper installation.

We strongly suggest that you secure a written guarantee and installation instructions from the supplier or manufacturer of the underlayment board being used.

Plywood:
Use only American Plywood Association (APA) rated underlayment grade plywood, with a minimum grade of “BB” or “CC”, and minimum 1/4˝ thickness. Allow expansion spacing between plywood butt joints of 1/32˝–1/16˝ or follow manufacturer’s instructions. When installing underlayment, stagger cross-joints 4´ on an 8´ panel (minimum 16˝), lightly butt the panels, and set fasteners flush or slightly below the surface level of the underlayment. Fill underlayment seams, nail holes and any indentations with an approved Portland Cement-type floor patch; allow recommended drying time and sand the patch until smooth; otherwise, use manufacturer-certified poplar, birch, and spruce plywood underlayment, with a fully sanded face and exterior glue.

All dust must be COMPLETELY removed to ensure a strong adhesive bond. Vacuum or sweep thoroughly, then apply adhesive.

Lauan Plywood:
Use only Type 1 lauan exterior grade “BB” or “CC” for underlayment. The use of lesser grades of lauan plywood is unacceptable and may cause severe problems when used as an underlayment, including discoloration, indentation, loss of bond and delamination.

Raised Access Panels:
Inspect the subfloor thoroughly. The access panels should be structurally sound, smooth, level, clean, dry and free of any foreign loose matter or defects. The raised panels should meet the following standards:

• The entire raised access floor must be clean, smooth, dry, structurally sound, and flat within 3⁄16˝ within a 10-foot radius with no abrupt height differences.
• Gaps between panels should not exceed .04˝ (1 mm).
• Lipping of panels and the height differences between adjacent panels should not exceed .03˝ (0.75 mm).

Metal Substrates:

• SPC flooring may be installed directly over steel, stainless steel, aluminum and lead substrates using the appropriate adhesive. These types of substrates must be thoroughly cleaned, dried and free of dust, dirt, wax, paint, grease, or any other contaminates that may interfere with the adhesive bond. The surface may require cleaning with mineral spirits to remove oil or grease prior to abrading or lightly sanding the surface to achieve a satisfactory bond.
• A bond test should be performed prior to installation. Metal substrates require the non- porous application method.

Polymeric Poured Floors:

• These type of floors are generally two-part, resin-based, epoxy paints or coatings. It’s very difficult to tell whether or not they are well bonded to the substrate and are subject to issues with excessive moisture. It is therefore recommended that polymeric poured floors be removed so as to avoid potential problems.

LAYOUT AND FITTING:

• Recommended fitting procedures include straight scribing, pattern scribing or cutting with a tile cutter.
• Before installing the material, plan the layout so tile joints fall at least 6˝ (15.24 cm) away from subfloor/underlayment joints. Do not install over expansion joints.
• In spaces where the room does NOT exceed 100´ in any direction these products can be installed without T-molding. The planks/tiles should be cut to allow 3/8˝ to 1/2˝ of expansion room at all walls and vertical obstructions.
• Base cabinets can be installed on top of the planks/tiles the recommended guidelines in the special situation instructions below.
• Wood door casings should be undercut so that SPC flooring will fit neatly beneath them. Position the plank /tile on the substrate against the door casing.
• For wood casings lay the handsaw flat against the scrap plank/tile and carefully cut the door casing to the height of the plank/tile. Cut around Metal Door Casings, do not cut metal door casings.
• Before installing the material, plan the layout so plank/tile joints fall at least 6˝ (15.24 cm) away from subfloor/underlayment joints. Do not install over expansion joints.
• The end joints should be staggered a minimum of 6˝ (15.24 cm) apart when installing planks.

INSTALLATION:

Determine which direction the planks/tiles will run. Find the center of each of the end walls (the walls perpendicular to the long dimension of the planks/tiles) and place a pencil mark on the floor. Connect these points by striking a chalk line down the center of the room. Do a dry layout of planks/tiles from the center line to the wall running parallel to the long direction of the planks/tiles to determine the width of the last row of planks. (Fig 1)

INSTALL FIRST ROW:

• Inspect each plank/tile prior to installation for damaged planks.
• To minimize pattern repeats, always pull from at least 3 cartons while installing.
• Lay first row of boards with tongue side facing the wall.
• If the starting wall is crooked, trace the contour of the wall on the first row of planks/tiles and trim as needed.
• Use spacers along all sides that butt up against walls to maintain 3/8˝ (6.35 mm) to 1/2˝ (12.7 mm) expansion zone.
  • Expansion zone is required around the perimeter of the room as well as against any fixed objects. Lay pieces from left to right. Lock the end joints by aligning the end tongue with the end groove of the previous board then tapping the joints together. (Fig 2).

FIRST PLANK/TILE SECOND ROW:

• Cut the first plank/tile in the second row to one-third its length before installing it. Insert the long tongue edge of the plank/tile into the long groove edge of the first plank/tile. Make sure there are no gaps. Tap along the long groove edge using a tapping block.

SECOND PLANK/TILE SECOND ROW:

• Insert the long edge, then slide the plank/tile until the short tongue touches the short groove edge on the first plank/tile of the second row. Press the joint into place with your fingers and tap the short joint with a rubber mallet. Square the joint by tapping the long edge of the plank/tile using a tapping block.
• Continue laying planks/tiles, one row at a time and staggering the end joints.
• Angle the long edge of the next board in the second row to lock into the first row. Lock the end joints by aligning the end tongue with the end groove of the previous board then tapping the joints together.
• Follow the order described above to continue laying the boards in the second and additional rows.
• NOTE: After the first 3 rows of planks/tiles are installed, they should be checked with a string line to ensure that rows are still running straight. If they are not, it could be that the starting wall has some irregularities that caused bowing in the installation. If so, the starting row of planks/tiles may have to be scribed and re-trimmed to account for any unevenness in the wall. Stagger end joins by 6 in. and cut pieces at end of row should be 12in. or greater. Continue installing the remaining rows in similar fashion. Maintain the 6 in. minimum staggered end joints between rows. After you have enough rows in place, you may find it easier to turn around and work on top of the newly installed planks/tiles for the remainder of the room.
• Continue installing planks/tiles. Maintain a random appearance by offsetting the end joints by least 6 inches for planks.
• Always be certain that the planks/tiles are fully engaged. If slight gapping is noticed, place a cut piece of flooring (bridge piece) in the side groove that spans the ends of two adjacent planks/tiles within a row. Then tap the side of the plank/tile with a tapping block. When fitting in areas such as door casings it may be necessary to use a flat pull bar to engage the lock.
• Continue installing the remaining rows in similar fashion. For planks, maintain the 6˝ minimum staggered end joints between rows and for planks/tiles maintain the 3/8˝ gap at perimeter and vertical surfaces.

PROCEDURE: GLUE DOWN OPTION

Adhesive	Set in wet	Dry to touch	Trowel
BondLink 99% RH 12lbs-MVER	20-30 minutes	30-60 minutes	Porous: 1/16˝ x 1/16˝ x 1/16˝ (1.6 x 1.6 x 1.6 mm) Sq. Notch Non-Porous: 1/16˝ x 1/32˝ x 1/32˝ (1.6 x .8 x .8 mm) U-notch
Apex Pro No moisture test needed	10 minutes	N/A	1/16˝ x 1/32˝ x 1/32˝ (1.6 x .8 x .8 mm) U-notch

Use Adhesive Bruce Apex Pro in areas where the SPC product will be subjected to direct sunlight, topical moisture, concentrated static and dynamic loads or temperature fluctuations.

• Move the chalk lines to the corner or end of the room farthest from the doorway. These lines should be 2´ or 3´ from the wall depending on your reach. (refer to layout and fitting section above for layout)
• Plan floor layout according to Floating Installation procedure above.
• Apply the adhesive according to adhesive instructions.
• Allow the adhesive to set until dry-to-touch, following the recommended open time. To test, press your thumb lightly on the surface of the adhesive in several places. If the surface feels slightly tacky as your thumb is drawn away and does not stick to your thumb, the adhesive is ready for installation. A semi-wet adhesive installation may be used let adhesive skin over for 20-30 minutes before installation. This is recommended for this type of flooring it will allow you to reposition the planks/ tiles. Immediately remove any adhesive from the surface of the flooring using a clean, white cloth dampened with a neutral detergent and water. Roll the tile in both directions after installation using a 100-lb. roller. Do not allow traffic for 24 hours after installation. Newly installed flooring should not be exposed to rolling load traffic for at least 72 hours after installation to allow setting and drying of the adhesive.

NOTE: Allowing the proper open time will help to minimize plank/tile shifting. The amount of open time will vary according to job conditions, temperature, humidity, air flow and type of substrate.

Special Situations:
When installing thinner gauge material next to thicker gauge material, install thicker material first and then butt a 12˝ (30.5 cm) wide piece of scribing felt against the thicker material. Adhere the Scribing Felt to the subfloor with the proper adhesive. Use Fast Setting Cement-Based Patch and Skim Coat or Patch, Underlayment and Embossing Leveler to feather the edge of the Scribing Felt to the level of the substrate. Allow the patch to dry completely before installing the flooring. Scribing felt is not recommended to be used under the entire installation.

Substrate Flatness Tolerances	3/16˝ in 10´ and 1/8˝ in 6´ Slope no more than 1˝ in 6´
Acclimation Requirements	48 hours
Transition Requirements (T-Mold) for Large Spaces	Required in rooms greater than 100´ in any direction
Transition Requirements (T-Mold) Doorways/Thresholds	Required
Installation Over Existing Ceramic Tile Floor	Filling Grout Lines Required
Glue Down Installation	Not Required
Subfloor RH/MVER Recommendations	85% RH/8 lbs. MVER
Radiant Heat	Approved – Substrate surface temperature not to exceed 85° F
3-Season/Non-Climate Controlled Environments	Not Recommended
Perimeter Expansion Requirements	3/8˝ around perimeter walls & heavy fixed objects such as cabinetry Installation that exceed 100´ use a 1/2˝ expansion space
Optimal Interior Environmental Conditions	50°F – 100°F / 40% – 60% RH
Definition of “Waterproof”	Structural integrity of flooring will not degrade due to contact with moisture/water**

MAINTENANCE TIPS:

AHF Flooring is designed to be maintained with a No Polish/No Buff maintenance system or by traditional resilient flooring maintenance methods, which include the use of polishes, spray buffing.

Techniques and appropriate maintenance systems.

• Sweep, dust mop or vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove all loose dust, dirt, grit and debris.
• Remove any dried adhesive residue with a clean, white cloth dampened with mineral spirits or warm water.

INSPECT THE WORK:

• Inspect your workmanship. Was the floor properly rolled into the adhesive as required for most products? Check for loose edges or seams and correct as necessary. Are there trapped air blisters, buckles, dirt, or debris particles under the flooring? Is there adhesive on the surface? Take care of any problems immediately.
• By inspecting the completed installations, you often avoid future problems by making minor adjustments to your installation techniques, such as adjusting adhesive open times, proper trowel notching, conditioning the material, or subfloor preparation.

FINISHING THE JOB:

• Replace any molding. Nail the molding to the wall surface (not through the flooring). At doorways and at other areas where it may meet other flooring surfaces, it is preferable to use a trim to cover the exposed edge but not pinch the planks/tiles. Leave a gap between the planks and the adjoining surface.
• Once installed, protect your SPC floor from heavy rolling loads, other trades and appliances by using sheets of plywood or MDF.
• When replacing appliances or whenever moving heavy furniture over the flooring, place a wood panel under the object. Without moving the panel, slide or roll the object over it. Follow with additional panels as needed. Taking this precaution will help reduce scratches, tears or buckling of the flooring material.

CLEAN-UP:

• The most obvious consideration in clean-up is trash and waste product removal. Tools, equipment, adhesives or any chemicals that may present safety hazards should be properly stored or disposed of. Be alert to such materials and conditions when other trades are working in the same area and in occupied homes. Keep all walkways, work areas, stairways and doorways free of obstruction or trash.
• Check surrounding walls, cabinets and fixtures for adhesive smears or accidental damage that may have occurred during the installation. Correct as necessary, and show the owner any conditions that require further attention by plumbers, electricians, etc.

PROTECT THE FLOOR:

Traffic, Dirt and Discoloration:

• In new construction, you may provide a protective covering of plain, undyed kraft paper in high traffic areas to guard against damage to the new floor. Be sure the covering does not contain any inks, markings, or other agents that could stain the new floor. AHF Products does not recommend the use of mats or rugs with rubber or latex backings since they may cause permanent discoloration. Protect all products from the direct flow of heat from hot-air registers, radiators, or other heating fixtures or appliances.

Moving Heavy Appliances and Equipment:

• When moving heavy or sharp objects (such as appliances) over resilient flooring installations, place a wood panel under the object. Without moving the panel, slide or roll the object over it. Follow with additional panels as needed. This prevents scratches, tears, or buckling of the flooring material.
• Before moving wheeled or castered objects over newly adhered flooring, use wood panels to protect the floor by distributing the load. Otherwise, permanent wheel tracking could develop in the flooring, caused by movement in the fresh adhesive. We recommend protecting the resilient flooring with wood panels whenever heavy objects are moved across it.
• Newly installed commercial flooring should not be exposed to routine rolling load traffic (carts, lifters, etc.) for at least 72 hours after installation to allow setting and drying of adhesives. If rolling loads cannot be avoided, protect the newly installed commercial flooring for 72 hours after installation by covering with wood panels. Equip table and chair legs with floor protectors to minimize scratches and indentations.
• Take care to prevent damage to resilient flooring by wheeled vehicles, castered furniture, and appliances and dollies. Wheels or casters should have widths and diameters suitable for the loads to be carried. This will reduce rolling resistance and minimize or eliminate the risk of cutting or permanently indenting the flooring.
• NOTE: Since rolling-type casters and certain feet on furniture, and appliances may damage resilient flooring, any warranty as to their suitability rests with the furniture or appliance manufacturer.

Guidelines for Floor Protection Devices (furniture feet, rests, casters, wheels, etc.):

• The contact area should be smooth and flat to provide full contact and be free of small protrusions, irregularities, roughness, depressions, mold lines, embedded dirt, grit etc.
• The contact area should be large enough to distribute the load evenly without damaging the floor.
• All edges should be slightly rounded to prevent damage if briefly turned on edge.
• Floor contact devices should be manufactured from non-staining materials.
• Floor contact devices should be properly maintained. Worn, damaged and missing devices should be replaced.
• Furniture, appliances, equipment, etc. should be properly leveled so that all floor contact devices rest fully and firmly on the floor at all times.