SMARTCORE PDMS Coretec Floors Claremount

INSTRUCTIONS

Simple, easy-to-follow instructions for the handy DIYer. Start to finish, everything you need to know to install your SMARTCORE floor like a professional.

If you’ve printed these instructions, use the QR code to view the installation video.

INSTALLATION

Follow these simple steps for an easy DIY installation with quick, professional results.

Step 1: Gather your tools

• Tape Measure
• 1/4″ Spacers
• pencil
• Tapping Block
• Rubber Mallet
• Pull Bar
• Utility Knife
• T-Square

Step 2: Make sure your space is clean, flat, dry and structurally sound.

Step 3: Measure your space

Step 4: Choose your starting wall

Step 5: Place the tongue side in the starting corner (work from left to right).

Step 6: Use several spacers to maintain a 1/4″ expansion gap along the walls.

An easy way to distinguish the tongue from the groove is that the tongue comes off the top of the plank.

Step 7: Lock the short ends together to complete your first row. Cut the planks as needed to fit the space.Step 8:Start your second row. With a cut-off that is more than 8″ long or start with a new plank.Remember to stagger end joints from row to row – 8+” for planks and 12+” for tiles.

Planks: Use the cut-off end from the previous row to begin the next row. If the cut-off end is less than 8″, cut a new plank to be 8″ or more to start the next row.

Tiles: Always begin a row with either a full tile or a half tile so the joints are consistently staggered in a “brick work” type pattern. Step 9: Connect the long end into the groove end of the plank in the previous row at a low angle and rotate the plank towards the floor. Align the tongue over the groove of the short end of the plank, applying light pressure to join the planks together. Step 10: To lock the planks, use a rubber mallet and lightly tap on the top of the flooring being installed near the joint seam. You should feel the planks lock together.Step 11: Continue to use your spacers to maintain the expansion gap along the walls. Repeat the steps to finish the room. Enjoy your new floor!

RESILIENT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR SPC PRODUCTS

GENERAL INFORMATION
All instructions and recommendations should be followed for a satisfactory installation.

• Acclimation of material before installation is not required; however, the floor covering should be installed in a climate-controlled environment with an ambient temperature range between 55°F- 85°F (13°C-29°C) or an average temperature of 70°F (21.1°C). For installations involving 3-season scenarios, meaning the dwelling or installed space is without climate control for extended periods during certain seasons of the year, the post-installation temperature range allowed is an ambient room temperature between -25°F and 155°F (31.6°C- 68.3°C). This allowance is for floating floors only and does not apply to glue-down installations.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as doing so may result in discolouration. During peak sunlight hours, the use of the drapes or blinds is recommended. Excess temperature due to direct sunlight can result in thermal expansion and UV fading.
• Install the product after all other trades have completed work that could damage the flooring.
• If cabinets are to be installed on top of the flooring (including islands), that area of material must be fully adhered to the subfloor (including an additional 2 ft. beyond the cabinets and islands).
• To minimise shade variation, mix and install flooring from several cartons.
• Inspect all flooring for damage before installing. If you have any concerns about the product fit or finish, call Shaw Information Services at 1-800-441-7429. Claims will not be accepted for flooring that has been cut to size and/or installed.
• Use cementitious patching and levelling compounds that meet or exceed maximum moisture level and pH requirements. Use of gypsum-based patching and/or levelling compounds which contain Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi is acceptable.
• Installation Methods: Floating (on, above or below grade)  / Glue Down (on, above or below grade)
• Required perimeter expansion spacing for Floating or Glue Down installation is as follows:
• For areas less than 2500 sq/ft. usUse/4″ gap
• For areas larger than 2500 sq/ft. Use a 1/2″ gap.
• This flooring is waterproof and reliably secures the flooring panels on all four sides. However, excessive moisture in the subfloor could promote mould, mildew, and other moisture-related issues like the trapping of moisture emissions under the flooring, which may contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment.
• An additional layer of 6-mil poly film or equal vapour retarder with a perm rating of 1 or less may be used as an additional layer of protection.
• A second underlayment is allowed under any currently sold SPC Product with attached underlayment in a residential application.  If installed over a second underlayment, this underlayment cannot be greater than 3 mm thick. IIC (ASTM E492-09) and STC (ASTM E90-09) lab testing on certain SPC products tested with and without a second layer of underlayment, to date, does not indicate that a second underlayment will provide additional acoustic benefit.

SUBFLOOR INFORMATION
All subfloors must be clean, flat, dry and structurally sound. The correct preparation of the subfloor is a major part of a successful installation. Subfloor must be flat; 3/16″ in 10′ or 1/8″ in 6′.

WOOD SUBFLOORS

Do not install material over wood subfloors that lay directly on concrete or over dimensional lumber or plywood used over concrete. Refer to ASTM F1482 for panel underlayment recommendations.

1. Do not apply sheet plastic over wood subfloors.
2. Basements and crawl spaces must be dry. Use of a 6 mil black polyethene is required to cover 100% of the crawl space earth. Crawl space clearance from ground to underside of joist is to be no less than 18”, and perimeter vent spacing should be equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space area to provide cross ventilation. Where necessary, local regulations prevail.
3. DO NOT install over sleeper construction subfloors or wood subfloors applied directly over concrete.
4. All other subfloors – Plywood, OSB, particleboard, chipboard, wafer board, etc. must be structurally sound and must be installed following their manufacturer’s recommendations. Local building codes may only establish minimum requirements of the flooring system and may not provide adequate rigidity and support for proper installation and performance. If needed, add a layer of APA-rated underlayment, fasten and secure according to the underlayment manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Resilient flooring is not recommended directly over fire-retardant-treated plywood or preservative-treated plywood. An additional layer of APA-rated 1/4″ thick underlayment should be installed.

CONCRETE SUBFLOORS
NEW AND EXISTING CONCRETE SUBFLOORS SHOULD MEET THE GUIDELINES OF THE LATEST EDITION OF ACI 302 AND ASTM F 710, “STANDARD PRACTICE FOR PREPARING CONCRETE FLOORS TO RECEIVE RESILIENT FLOORING” AVAILABLE FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS, 100 BARR HARBOR DRIVE, WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428; 610-832-9585; HTTP://WWW.ASTM.ORG.

1. Floors shall be smooth, permanently dry, clean, and free of all foreign material such as dust, wax, solvents, paint, grease, oils, and old adhesive residue. The surface must be hard and dense, and free from powder or flaking.
2. Concrete slabs must be dry with no visible moisture.
3. Required Moisture Testing – maximum moisture level per ASTM 1869 CaCl is 8 lbs. and ASTM 2170 In-situ Relative Humidity 90% per 1000 sq ft. in 24 hours.
4. Do not install over concrete with a history of high moisture or hydrostatic conditions. Excessive moisture in the subfloor could promote mould, mildew, and other moisture-related issues like the trapping of moisture emissions under the flooring, which may contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment. Shaw Industries does not warrant nor is responsible for damage to floor covering due to moisture-related issues.
5. pH level of concrete should be between 7-10.
6. The final responsibility for determining if the concrete is dry enough for the installation of the flooring lies with the floor covering installer.

NOTE: IT MAY NOT BE THE FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CONDUCT THESE TESTS. IT IS, HOWEVER, THE FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THESE TESTS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED, AND THAT THE RESULTS ARE ACCEPTABLE BEFORE INSTALLING THE FLOOR COVERING. WHEN MOISTURE TESTS ARE CONDUCTED, THEY INDICATE THE CONDITIONS ONLY AT THE TIME OF THE TEST.

LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
All recommendations and guarantees as to the suitability and performance of lightweight concrete under resilient flooring are the responsibility of the lightweight concrete manufacturer. The installer of the lightweight product may be required to be authorised or certified by the manufacturer. Correct on-site mixing ratios and properly functioning pumping equipment are critical. To ensure proper mixture, slump testing is recommended.

• Lightweight aggregate concretes having dry densities greater than 90 lbs. per cubic foot may be acceptable under resilient flooring.
• Concrete slabs with heavy static and/or dynamic loads should be designed with higher strengths and densities to support such loads.
• Surface must be permanently dry, clean, smooth, free of all dust, and structurally sound.
• Perform Bond testing to determine the compatibility of the adhesive with the substrate. Shaw 9050 primer (or equivalent/comparable primer) can be utilised to promote adhesion.
• Three internal relative humidity tests should be conducted for areas up to 1000 SF. One additional test for each additional 1000 SF.

Radiant Heating: Radiant-heated subfloor systems can be concrete, wood or a combination of both.

The heating system components must have a minimum of 1/2″ separation from the flooring product. The system must be on and operational for at least 2 weeks before installation to reduce residual moisture. Three days before installation, lower the temperature to 665°F. After installation, gradually increase the temperature in increments of 5°F to avoid overheating. Maximum operating temperature should never exceed 85°F. Use of an in-floor temperature sensor is recommended to avoid overheating. Contact the manufacturer of your radiant heating system for further recommendations.

• Electric Radiant Floors: consist of electric cables (or) mats of electrically conductive materials mounted on the subfloor below the floor covering. Mesh systems are typically embedded in thin-set. When embedding the system components, use cementitious patching and levelling compounds that meet or exceed Shaw’s maximum moisture level and pH requirements.  Use of gypsum-based patching and/levelling compounds which contain Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi is acceptable.
• Hydronic Radiant Floors: pump heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern under the flooring. Typically installed in channels under a wooden subfloor (r) embedded in concrete slabs. Requires the installer to follow a specific nailing pattern to avoid penetration of the heat system.

EXISTING FLOOR COVERINGS
Flooring can be installed over most existing hard-surface floor coverings, provided that the existing floor surface is fully adhered, clean, flat, dry, structurally sound and free of deflection.

• Existing sheet vinyl floors should not be heavily cushioned and should not exceed more than one layer in thickness. Soft underlayment and soft substrates will compromise the product’s locking ability as well as diminish its indentation resistance.
• Installation is NOT allowed over any type of carpet.
• Do NOT install over wood floors adhered to concrete.
• Never use solvents or citrus adhesive removers to remove old adhesive residue. Solvent residue left in and on the subfloor may affect the new floor covering.

INSTALLATION
Tools: Tape Measure, Utility Knife, Jigsaw, Tapping Block or Rubber Mallet, Pull Bar, 1/4″ Spacers, T-Square, Safety Glasses, Broom or Vacuum and, if necessary, tools for subfloor repair.

Tips: To cut the flooring, simply measure and mark the flooring. Then, use a T-square and a utility knife to score and snap. You will also need to back-cut the underpad (if applicable) on the bottom of the flooring. If you have difficulty using this method. You can use a jigsaw. Circular saw or mitre saw.

Floating Installation
SPC flooring is designed to be installed utilising the floating method. Proper expansion space 1/4” (6.35 mm) is required. Undercut all doorjambs. Do not fasten wall mouldings and or transition strips to the flooring.

Glue Down Installation
SPC flooring products are approved for glue-down installation over approved wood and concrete substrates. Follow adhesive label application instructions. Maintain 1/4” (6.35 mm) perimeter expansion space. Refer to the adhesive label for the moisture limits of the adhesive.

Recommended adhesive
Shaw T-180 or equivalent/comparable adhesive. If alternate adhesives are used, a bond test should be performed to ensure compatibility.

Flooring must be installed in a staggered (offset) pattern

Remember to stagger end joints from row to row — 8+” for planks and 12+” for tiles.

Planks: Use the cut-off end from the previous row to begin the next row. If the cut-off end is less than 8″, cut a new plank to be 8″ or more to start the next row.

Tiles: Always begin a row with either a full tile or a half tile so the joints are consistently staggered in a “brick work” type pattern.

1. Before you start with the installation, it is important to determine the layout of the flooring. Proper planning and layout will prevent having narrow flooring widths at wall junctures or very short length pieces at the end of rows.
2. Determine if the starter row will need to be cut. (*To have a balanced floor layout, the width of the flooring for the first and last row may need to be cut.) The cut width of the flooring should be ½ the width of the flooring. If the first row of flooring does not need to be trimmed in width, it will be necessary to cut off the unsupported tongue so that a clean, solid edge shows towards the wall.
3. Installation of the product must start from the left side of the room, working to the right when working in front of the flooring or facing the starting wall. Use spacers along the walls to maintain proper expansion space (1/4”) and align the first piece.
4. Install the second row by aligning and dropping the end tongue over the end groove of the first piece. Apply light pressure to join the two pieces together.
5. If needed, use a rubber mallet to fully engage the short side of the flooring by lightly tapping on the top of the flooring to engage and sit flush with the adjacent piece. Maintain an expansion gap of approximately 1/4” from the wall. Repeat this process to complete the first row. At the end of the row, Measure and cut the flooring to complete the row. Note: To create a cut edge, use a straight edge on the face of the flooring to score and snap the flooring. Install the cut edge closest to the wall. If the end is raised, use a non-marking rubber mallet to lightly tap the end (tongue side) about 1” from the seam. Do NOT tap directly on the seam.
6. Start the second row by cutting the flooring to the desired length. Keep in mind thathe t the piece must not be shorter than 6″ (15cm) to achieve the best appearance.
7. Install the first piece in the second row by inserting the long side tongue into the groove of the piece in the first row. This is best done with a low angle. Maintain light pressure on the side seam as you rotate the flooring to the subfloor. Use a rubber mallet to engage the short side by tapping lightly on the top of the flooring. Very little force is required to seat the tongue into the groove. You should feel the tongue lock into the groove. Repeat the process with the remaining pieces to complete each row.
8. It is critical to keep the first two rows straight and square, as they are the “foundation” for the rest of the installation. Check for squareness and straightness often.
9. Continue installation and make sure to achieve a random appearance with end pieces of a minimum of 6″ (15cm). Check that all pieces are fully engaged; if a slight gapping is found, the gap can be tapped together by using a tapping block and a scrap of flooring to cover the tapping block to avoid damage to the flooring.
10. When fitting under door casings, if necessary, a flat pull bar may be used to assist in locking the joints. Doorjambs or at row ends near walls where space is limited, the tongue can be “shaved” and glue containing “cyanoacrylate” can be applied to the groove to join the pieces together.
11. When fitting around obstacles or into irregular spaces, the flooring can be cut easily and cleanly using a utility knife with a sharp blade. It is often beneficial to make a cardboard template of the area and transfer this pattern to the flooring.

COMPLETION

1. Protect all exposed edges of the flooring by installing wall moulding and/or transition strips. Make sure that no flooring will be secured in any way to the susubfloor
2. For wet areas such as bathrooms, caulk the perimeter of the floor with a silicone caulk.
3. Protect the finished flooring from exposure to direct sunlight to reduce fading and thermal expansion.
4. Cutting a resilient product into a fine point may lead to delamination. Use an ethyl cyanoacrylate-based glue to help fuse the resilient point. Be sure to clean all glue from the top surface immediately. Alcohol based glues may cause resilient products to swell.
5. Adhering tape to the surface of your resilient flooring could damage the surface.
   • Do not use tape to secure floor protection directly to the floor during construction or renovation. Instead, adhere tape to the material used to protect the floor and secure it to the base moulding along the wall.  A material such as ram board can also be used to protect your flooring.

RESIDENTIAL RESILIENT LIFETIME/ 30 LIGHT COMMERCIAL LIMITED WARRANTY

Lowe’s (“the Company”) warrants its flooring products under this Limited Residential Warranty when used in the proper fit for use in indoor residential or light commercial applications. The warranty belongs to you, the original owner, occupied end-use purchaser and begins when you purchase the resilient and extends for the limited warranty period stated on the product specification. The basis of a awarranty-relatedclaim iclaim s the original “Company” invoice or authorised “Company” dealer. The flooring must be installed according to the Company’s installation guidelines and specifications. The product must be maintained by the Company’s maintenance recommendations, and such maintenance continues throughout the original installation. Light commercial means that the product should be utilised in areas with light to moderate foot traffic and minimal to no rolling loads. Proper floor protection must be used to prevent premature damage. Any product installed in light commercial areas where rolling loads are expected to be present should be glued down using an approved adhesive. For questions about approved usage locations, please contact your retailer. Damage resulting from a failure to follow installation and cleaning/maintenance guidelines will not be covered under this warranty. Installation guidelines, specifications, and product care recommendations can be obtained from your retailer.

WHAT THE WARRANTY COVERS

Manufacturing Defects – The Company warrants that the flooring product will be free from manufacturing defects during the period of this warranty. Manufacturing defects include, but are not limited to, delamination, core voids, thickness variation, and dimensional stability defects. Dimensional stability-related defects are defined as dimensional changes in the width and/or length of the product greater than the tolerances as defined in ASTM F2199. Dimensional variation is defined as thickness, length, width and squareness measurements that exceed ASTM tolerances.

Wear
The Company warrants that the resilient floor product will not wear through to the pattern/decor layer under normal use during the period of this warranty. Normal use is defined as light to moderate foot traffic.
When used in a residential application,, the following additional coverage is granted:

Waterproof Warranty
This warranty covers topical moisture as long as the water does not flow over the edge of the surface
(edge of the room, cut boards, etc.). The Company warrants that for the lifetime of the stated warranty period from the date of original purchase, your product will not swell, cup or crack due to:

• Normal cleaning practices (see care and maintenance document for additional information)
• Moisture due to everyday household spills (see care and maintenance document for additional information)
• Normal moisture levels from the subfloor when exposed to such conditions (see installation instructions document for additional information)

While moisture will not affect the product’s integrity, it is possible that, when excessive moisture accumulates in buildings, subfloors, or on building materials, mould (and/or) mildew growth can occur,r particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. In addition, such excessive moisture levels can cause the ends and/or sides of the product to lift/flare due to the vapour pressure from underneath. Such damage from excessive moisture levels (as outlined in the installation instructions document) is not covered by this warranty. All sources of subfloor moisture should be remedied before installation.

Petproof Warranty
The Company warrants that your luxury vinyl floor will resist staining caused by pet (domestic cat or dog) stains, including urine, faeces, and vomit. Stain resistance means the ability of your floor to resist (i.e., minimise or withstand) permanent stains for as long as you own your floor. Cleaning of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before removal, the more difficult a stain will be to remove. The Limited Petproof Warranty DOES NOT COVER: Any urine, faeces, or vomit stains other than pet.

WHAT CONDITIONS APPLY
For jobsite and floor preparation conditions, see product-specific installation guidelines. Any moisture-related testing (i.e. relative humidity, pH, and calcium chloride) is the responsibility of the installer.

The following are not covered by this warranty:

• Damage caused by any of the following:
• Fire, burns
• Flooding
• Subfloor moisture emissions
• Alkali emissions
• Vacuum cleaner beater bar
• Intentional or accidental abuse
• Castor chairs/rolling loads – use chair pads under castor desk/rolling chairs
• Moving heavy appliances
• Cuts or gouges from sharp objects
• Surface scratches,, unless covered by a scratch warranty
• Residual indentations or gouges resulting from heavy static loads, heeled shoes, spiked shoes, metal cleats or skates. Use floor protectors under stationary furniture legs/feet to distribute weight loa..ds
• Changescolourolor or appearance resulting from, but not limited to, sunlight exposure or heat exposure
• Changes in shade, texture, or gloss over time
• Outdoor applications
• Minor shadcolourcolor, or texture difference between the store samples or marketing photographthe y and delivered p.roduct
• Performance failures resulting from failure to follow the appropriate Company installation instructions
• Damage resulting from failure to follow the Company installation instructions or cleaning and maintenance guidelines
• Stains resulting from, but not limited to, spills, mould, chemically reactive materials,and  adhesives
• Losses due to inconvenience, loss of time, incidental expenses, or consequential damages

This warranty excludes all casualty events normally covered by insurance, including, but not limited to, damages caused by fire, flooding, or standing water from leaking plumbing, faucets, or appliances.
Our warranty is against squeaking, popping or crackling. Some squeaking, popping, or crackling is possible when installed using floated methods.

WHAT IF YOU NEED WARRANTY SERVICE
You, the original purchaser, will contact your authorised Company Dealer and/or Sales Representative for warranty or claim service. Please provide valid proof of purchase and a detailed description of the issue, along with photographs showing the concern. Samples should be submitted for testing when available.
Dealers/Shaw Sales Representatives will file a claim via www.shawnow.com and submit the information you provided. A Shaw claims representative will thoroughly evaluate your claim. Claims contact information: Shaw Industries Financial Services, PO Box 2128, Dalton, GA 30722 – 1-800-446-9332 option 2.

WHAT THE COMPANY WILL DO
Replacement resilient will come from the current running-line product, comparable to the warranted product.

• Within Two Years: Claims on defects of this product as covered by this warranty that are reported in writing within two years of purchase, the Company will arrange a credit based on the original purchase of the product or replace the product. If professionally installed, reasonable labour costs are included.
• After Year Two: Claims on defects of this product, as covered by this warranty, that are reported in writing after two years of purchase and within the specified warranty coverage term, the Company will arrange a credit based on the original purchase of the product or replace the product. Labour costs are not included.

Should a defect covered under this warranty be found, the affected area will be repaired to conform to the warranty. If repair is not practical, the Company may, at its sole option, replace the affected resilient or refund the proportional purchase price for the affected area. The Company will pay the reasonable costs for freight and labour. Any additional costs incurred will be at the consumer’s expense.

NOTE: The warranty is not transferable. It extends only to the original owner-occupied end-use purchaser. The Company does not grant to any person or entity the authority to create for it any obligation or liability in connection with this product. The Company shall not be liable to the consumer or any other person or entity for any incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of breach of this limited warranty or any implied limited warranty..
(excluding merchantability).

All implied warranties, including an implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are hereby limited to the duration of this limited warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or the limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to the purchaser. This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights; such rights may vary from State to State.

Documents / Resources

SMARTCORE PDMS Coretec Floors Claremount [pdf] User Manual PDMS Coretec Floors Claremount, Coretec Floors Claremount, Floors Claremount

References

• User Manual