our first step should be to check the job site before delivery. Be sure the flooring
will not be exposed to excessive periods of high
humidity or moisture. The surface grade or slope
should direct water away from the building.
Basements and crawl spaces must be dry and well
ventilated. In joist construction with no basement,
outside cross ventilation through vents or other openings
in the foundation walls must be provided with no
dead air areas. A surface cover of 6 mil polyethylene
film is essential as a vapor retarder in crawl space
construction.
The building should be closed in with outside windows
and doors in place. All concrete, masonry, sheetrock
and framing members, etc. should be thoroughly
dry before flooring is delivered to the job site. In warm
months the building must be well ventilated; during
winter months heating should be maintained near
occupancy levels at least five days before the flooring
is delivered and until sanding and finishing are
complete.
Because materials used to provide energy efficient
structures trap moisture in a residence, it may be necessary
to delay delivery and installation of flooring to
allow the excessive moisture trapped during
construction to evaporate. The average moisture content
of framing members and subflooring should be
below 12%-14% before delivery of the flooring. Moisture
contents above 12%-14% can cause moisture related
problems.
When job site conditions are satisfactory, have the
flooring delivered and broken up into small lots and
stored in the rooms where it will be installed. Allow
4 to 5 days or more, for the flooring to become
acclimated to job site conditions.
If flooring is packaged,
open or remove packaging for acclimation.
From the time flooring is delivered and until occupancy,
temperature and humidity should be maintained
at or near occupancy levels. After occupancy,
continue to control the environment. Extended times
(more than 1 month) without HVAC controls can promote
elevated moisture conditions which can adversely
affect flooring.
Protect flooring from excessive heat. Flooring
installed over a heating plant or un-insulated heating
ducts may develop cracks unless protection from the
heat is provided. Use a double layer of 15 lb., or a
single layer of 30 lb. asphalt felt/building paper, or
1/2in standard insulation board between joists under the
flooring in these areas. Over a heating plant the
insulation used should be non-flammable.
Flooring Installation Guide :: Index
1) Installation Introduction
2) Handling & Storage
3) Job Site Conditions
3.1) Installing over Concrete
3.2) Testing Concrete for Excessive Moisture
3.3) Concrete Slab Preparation Prior to Installation
4) Laying & Fastening
5) Plank Flooring
6) Laying a New Strip Floor Over an Old Floor
7) Parquet, Block Herringbone & Similar Flooring
8) Special Construction Situations
9) Tips for Easier & Better Flooring Installations
10) Strip Flooring on Walls & Ceilings
11) Installation of Gymnasium Floors over a Concrete Slab
Installation content courtesy of NOFMA. FloorMall.com is a Proud Member of NWFA.
