Parterre 5mm Loose Lay Luxury Vinyl Plank is a long lasting, easy-to-install floor with the real look of wood plank in its patterns and texture. The product is ideal for new construction and renovation.
The purpose of this manual is to provide specific instructions for the installation of Parterre 5mm Loose Lay Luxury Vinyl Plank. You may reference Parterre Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank Installation Guidelines for instructions pertaining to storage, material handling, subfloor preparation, jobsite conditions and post installation protection at parterreflooring.com.
If you have questions or comments, please visit us at www.ahfproducts.com or 866-243-2726.
Adhesive
Parterre 5mm Loose Lay Luxury Vinyl Plank requires the installer to use the recommended adhesive only on the perimeters of the installation if the width or length of the installation space is 20 feet or under. If the width or length of the installation space exceeds 20 feet, the use of a grid adhesive application is required. This will allow the installation space to remain stable when installing the planks loosely within each designated area created by the perimeter adhesive and the adhesive used to create the grids.
Determining Slab Porosity
The flooring contractor must determine slab porosity to choose the preferred adhesives trowel notch and procedures for proper open time. Ensure surface is dust free prior to performing the following test. Permit surface to dry completely before performing additional activities.
To determine if a subfloor is porous, place two droplets of water in various areas. If the subfloor is porous, the water will be absorbed within 45-60 seconds.
Parterre Universal Adhesive
DESCRIPTION
Versatile for nearly any flooring installation, Parterre Universal is a pressure sensitive adhesive that has a strong resistance to high vapor emissions; guaranteeing up to 95% RH when used in new construction and up to 90% RH for use in pre-existing buildings. Parterre Universal Adhesive is FloorScore® certified and ColorReady™ for an easy installation process.
| Parterre Universal Adhesive | |
| Trowel | Non-Porous Substrates: Square Notch (1/16″ deep, 1/16″ wide, 1/16″ apart) Porous Substrates: U Notch (1/16″ deep, 1/32″ wide, 1/32″ apart)  |
| Coverage | Square Notch: 150-180 sq. ft. /gal (13.9-16.7 sq m) U-Notch: 220-260 sq. ft. /gal (20.4-24.2 sq m) |
| Open Time | 30-60 minutes before transitioning from mint green to teal |
| Working Time | 12 hours |
| RH (ASTM F2170) | New slabs: 90% Existing slabs: 95% |
| pH | 5-12 |
| MVER (ASTM F1869) | N/A |
| Shelf Life | 2 Years, Unopened |
| Clean Up | Wet– clean damp cloth Dry– clean, white cloth and mineral spirits |
Subfloor Preparation
Follow all manufacturer’s recommendations and industry standards regarding subfloor preparation. Moisture tests are required on all concrete subfloors regardless of grade level and whether the concrete is freshly poured or is classified as an older slab. Substrate must be prepared per ASTM F710 standards including, but not limited to the following:
Concrete floors must be dry, clean, smooth, and structurally sound. They shall be free of any foreign materials that might prevent adhesive bond, including dust, dirt, solvent, paint, wax, oil, grease, residual adhesive, adhesive removers, incompatible sealers, fire-retardant chemicals, fungicides, release agents, alkaline salts, excessive carbonation, laitance, mold, mildew, and curing, sealing, hardening, or parting compounds.
CONCRETE UNDER FLOORS MUST BE FLAT
It is imperative that the concrete under floors not deviate more 3/16” in 10 lineal feet or must not exceed 1/32” in a span of 12”.
Fill all surface cracks, grooves, depressions, control joints and non-moving joints with a moisture-resistant latex/Portland cement patch or leveling compound, allow to fully cure and correct high or low spots before applying adhesive.
The substrate, adhesive and flooring must be acclimated in an enclosed building with the HVAC operational between 65-80° and between 25-65% relative humidity, for at least 72 hours before, during and after the installation.
When installing over radiant heated subfloors, turn the heat off for 24 hours before, during and after installation. Failure to turn the heat off may result in shortened working time of the adhesive. When turning radiant heat back on, raise it incrementally, not to exceed a change of more than 5 degrees per hour to a maximum of 85°.
Directions
Refer to all manufacturer’s recommendations and approvals prior to installation. This adhesive is for indoor use only. Spread adhesive using the recommended trowel (see trowel guide). When installing over a porous substrate, the flooring can be laid into wet or dry adhesive. For a wet lay installation, spread the adhesive and wait approximately 10-15 minutes to allow the adhesive to flash off. Laying in wet will allow for movement of the flooring until adhesive has set. When installing tile or vinyl plank it is recommended to let the adhesive dry to the touch before installing. When installing over a non-porous substrate, the adhesive must be allowed to dry completely (dry to the touch) before laying flooring (see recommended trowel guide when installing over non-porous substrates). The dry time will depend on the temperature and humidity of the environment. Once the flooring is installed, roll the whole installation with a 100 lb. three-section roller to assure adhesive has made proper contact with flooring.
Recommended Substrates
- Concrete
- Portland Based Underlayments
- Properly Prepared Gypsum
- APA Approved Plywood
- OSB
- Terrazzo
- Fiber Cement Underlayment
- Radiant Heated Sub-floors
- Properly Prepared VCT (Single Layer)
- Properly Prepared Sheet Vinyl (Single Layer, fully adhered)
Restrictions
- This product is for interior installations only.
- Do not install when MVER is over 8 lbs. per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours; per ASTM F1869.
- Do not install when concrete internal relative humidity is over 90%, per ASTM F2170.
- Do not install when ambient temperature is not between 60°F & 95°F.
- Do not install when ambient relative humidity is above 65%. The dimensional stability of some vinyl flooring products is very sensitive to fluctuations in ambient environment conditions. Parterre is not responsible for installation issues caused by dimensional changes in flooring.
It is the sole responsibility of the installer to determine the suitability and compatibility of the adhesive for the user’s intended use.
Layout
The layout of large commercial installations (large open areas, hallways, etc.) of Parterre 5mm Loose Lay, may require the use of a transit, laser or other tools with minimal deviation when striking accurate guidelines.
Preplanning should enable the layout to be done economically, minimizing waste. When possible, install the length of the plank parallel with the incoming source of light, and/or the longest room dimension.
Installations in long hallways with adjoining rooms should be carefully planned so that at least one half the plank width remains when the cuts are made at the wall, cabinet or fixed obstacle. Your layout should be positioned so equal cuts are on the opposing walls and in doorways with as wide of a cut as possible, allowing for a balanced installation.
Plank width may have to be altered in the doorways of adjoining rooms to avoid small cuts at the walls of these areas. These decisions should always be approved by the architect, designer or end user.
Often, in smaller rooms, the perimeter is highly visible. Care should be taken to attempt uniform cuts on opposing walls where the length of the plank is parallel with the wall. Try to make the cuts as large as possible for best results when installing the product.
Layout: Tile
STEP 1: SQUARE THE ROOM: Square the layout of the room, find the center of one end of the room. Locate the same point at the other end-wall. Snap a chalk line between these points to mark the center line on the floor. Then, measure along this center line to find the middle of the room. At the center point, mark off a line across the room at precise right angles to the first line. This can be accomplished using the 3-4-5 triangle method. Starting from the center point, make a mark measuring 4 feet vertically and 3 feet horizontally. Connect the marks with a diagonal line to complete the triangle. If the diagonal line does not measure exactly 5 feet, then the center crossing lines are not at a true right angle.
TIP: Multiples of the 3-4-5 triangle method may be used for greater accuracy in large rooms (e.g. 6-8-10, 9-12-15, etc.).
STEP 2: BALANCE THE ROOM: Either measure or dry-lay a row of tiles from the center line to the side wall to determine the size of the first and last tiles. If the resulting border is too small in either direction, move the row of tiles over one-half tile width and snap a new line. This becomes your new starting line. TIP: Use the dimensions of the room to calculate the size of the first tile without dry-laying.
Layout: Plank
STEP 1: Determine which direction the planks will run. Find the center of each of the end walls (the walls perpendicular to the long dimension of the planks) 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 from the center line to the wall running parallel to the long direction of the planks to determine the width of the last row of planks.
STEP 2: Dry layout to determine width of border plank: Avoid having border pieces less than half the width of the size plank that is being installed. If you find the border planks will be less than 1/2 the width of the plank, the center starting line should be shifted a distance equal to 1/2 the plank width in order to balance the room and provide for a larger cut piece at the wall.
Installation of Product
Before installing the product, verify that all the cartons are clearly marked with the same batch/run numbers to avoid any problems during installation. In addition, always work from at least two cartons at a time blending the planks from those cartons to ensure minimal shade variations creating a consistent, uniform installation in shade, gloss and pattern.
The starting point may be accomplished by striking a line on the substrate parallel to the longest, straightest wall. See information above for determining placement.
Measure this distance on opposite ends on the long starting wall, then use a chalk line and strike a straight line the entire length of the wall. Continue around the perimeter of the room by striking lines 12” from each wall, fixed vertical surface or cabinet until you reach the original starting line again.
Using the correct trowel notch, spread the recommended adhesive between the line and the wall. This technique not only simplifies placement of starting planks, but will be critical for a tight, precise installation after starting.
Allow the adhesive to time to dry depending on temperature and humidity. The installer must cover the area with the plank flooring within the adhesive working time.
Start the installation on the starting wall by positioning a full plank 1/8” from wall at the end of the plank, while positioning the side edge of the plank into the adhesive. Be sure to follow the chalk line precisely the entire length of the plank. Then, roll immediately with a seam roller.
Continue installing individual planks end to end while keeping each plank’s edge on the chalk line. When you must cut the end of the last plank, measure the length required and subtract 1/8” for expansion at the wall, fixed vertical surface, or cabinet. Use a new utility blade in a utility knife to score the plank’s surface while following a straightedge or square to ensure a straight score. Fold the balance down, then cut from underneath to complete the cut. Position the last plank, and roll.
The fall off from the previous plank will start the final row next to the wall as long as it is at least 6” long. Measure the distance from the first row of plank’s edges, and then deduct an 1/8” from those plank’s edges to determine the width of plank making the fill. Again, use a straightedge to score the top of the plank, fold and cut from underneath. Position that plank, then continue cutting and placing until the end of the row. Roll installed planks with a three-section minimum 100 lb. roller.
Remember to install the next row, but make sure your starting plank is at least 6” long. Stagger the end joints randomly from the adjacent row by at least 6”. Use your hand roller to embed the start of each row and the last plank in each row uniformly into the adhesive. Keep the end and side joints tight and net with pressure by working off the installed flooring. When finishing the installation, use 1/2” Styrofoam in 2’ x 8’ sheets as walking/kneeling boards to avoid any movement of the installed planks. Finish the room by measuring your cuts and reducing by 1/8” using the same technique for cutting.
Once the entire room has been installed, roll all the perimeter adhesive bands using your three-section minimum 100 lb. roller.
Immediately install all reducer/transition strips at unprotected or exposed edges that could be easily damaged where the flooring stops. If for any reason the reducers or transition strips are not available to install, use sacrificial tile remnants or scraps at the exposed edges by temporarily taping them in position to avoid aggravating damage that may require a tile
replacement to finish the job. Then, install shoe molding or quarter round at the perimeter to cover the 1/8” expansion gap at the walls, fixed vertical surfaces, and/or cabinets.
Clean Up
Remove wet adhesive immediately with a damp cloth. Use mineral spirits to remove dried adhesive.
CAUTION: Mineral spirits is flammable. Read and follow all precautions on the container label.
Post Installation Protection
Confirm or equip all furniture, appliances, carts and any other moveable equipment with soft, wide, non-staining casters or floor protectors with a minimum diameter of 1” that is engineered to protect hard surface flooring from indentation from static loads.
Always use runways made from at least 1/4” plywood or 1/4” Masonite™ to protect flooring from damage that may occur when moving heavy objects across the flooring. You may also use furniture moving aids or specialty equipment designed specifically for the use of moving large objects without damage to the floor. AIRSLED® would be an example of this type of equipment.
If the project is still under construction the floor should be protected from other trades during construction. Be cautious with protective coverings over installed floors that might stain, yellow, or stick to the flooring. To avoid damage or soil, tape the paper’s edges with a releasable, non-staining, non-yellowing tape. Also, if large plywood formats are to be used on the paper, tape its edges again to the paper to avoid an accumulation of dirt or debris under the plywood’s edge. Heavy traffic could embed the debris into the flooring’s surface causing permanent damage.
Avoid flooding or washing the newly installed product until the adhesive has fully cured-approximately 5-7 days, or longer depending on room temperature and the temperature of the underfloor. Stripping is not required nor recommended for initial cleaning.
Please note that the initial cleaning of the installed product is essential before occupancy. Failure to clean thoroughly and properly at this time will make routine maintenance more difficult.
Sweep or vacuum thoroughly to remove all dust, dirt, loose grit, soil and debris. Spots of adhesive can be removed with a clean, white cotton cloth and dampened with mineral spirits. Always use caution when handling flammable solvents.
If the flooring was subjected to excess dirt, soil and heavy traffic before the initial maintenance, use a properly diluted cleaner according to label instructions. Use any water/cleaning solution conservatively and do not use abrasive cleaners.
Use a standard scrubbing machine or an automatic scrubber equipped with the proper color of pad for the soiling to be cleaned. Be sure to test to make sure the pad selected does not damage the flooring tile’s surface.
Rinse using a clean mop and clean water. Change rinse water often to avoid leaving a dirty residue. Wet vacuum, fan dry or simple allow it to dry naturally without any traffic.
Precautions and Considerations
Parterre 5mm Loose Lay Luxury Vinyl Plank should only be installed in environments and spaces that are environmentally controlled at all times. Never install this product at windows with extreme exposure to the sun. Temperature fluctuation at the surface of the floor could cause extreme movement causing unacceptable gapping or expansion resulting in peaking at the joints.
Also, never install this product in heavy commercial environments exposed to heavy rolling loads, constant movement of furniture or heavy foot traffic. You may reference Parterre Flooring Systems Tile and Plank installation guidelines for instructions pertaining to fully adhered installations for these situations.
If you have questions or comments, please visit us at www.ahfproducts.com or 866-243-2726.