IMPEC BAMBOO INSTALLTION MANUAL€¦ · 2016. 3. 30. · “Impec’Bamboo”’...

“Impec Bamboo” The Ultimate Bamboo Flooring

IMPEC BAMBOO INSTALLTION MANUAL Please Read The Following Instruction Carefully Before Begin To Install Your Floor

Thank You For Purchasing IMPEC BAMBOO General Info: The following guidelines and instructions provided by “IMPEC BAMBOO” are to act solely as a reference guide. We strongly recommend you read carefully IMPEC BAMBOO’s installation, warranty and other necessary documentations before beginning to install your floor. Please also follow the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Installation guidelines prior to installation. Things To know: All Impec Bamboo products are quality inspected and reviewed before manufacturing packaging and shipping. Always consider adding an additional 8%-‐10% square footage of your purchased floor for cutting waste and grading allowance. Impec Bamboo products are manufactured under strict guidelines and standards from both the company and the industry; as a result, manufacturing, grading irregularity and natural deficiencies should not be exceeding more than 5%. If more than 5% of your purchased flooring is unusable, do not install the floor. Immediately contact the distributor/retailer from which the flooring was purchased and seek for replacement. Installation of any Impec Bamboo product acts and serves, as an acceptance of the product; moreover, NO claims would be accepted for materials with visible defects once the floor has been installed. Bamboo is a natural product that is characterized by distinctive variations in grain, pattern and color. These natural variations that may occur between individual flooring planks are neither defects nor flaws; but speaks the natural beauty of bamboo. As a result, such occurrence should be expected. It is the installer/Owner’s responsibility to inspect both the environment as well as all flooring before installation. Do not install Impec Bamboo floorings in any types of environment that are subject to high steam, temperature, humidity or excessive moisture. Prior to installation, installer and owner must define if the jobsite meets or exceeds the National Wood Flooring Association applicable guidelines. Impec Bamboo does not warrant any types of failure or deficiencies of flooring resulting from jobsite conditions or environment, nor improper storage. Bamboo, like other wood floors, changes its shape or form naturally with the absorption or release of moisture. Therefore, balancing and controlling the moisture content level is the most significant factor for bamboo flooring. It is up to the end-‐user’s responsibility to deliver and maintain the appropriate recommended humidity levels range of 40%-‐60%. All Impec Bamboo products should be allowed to acclimate for at least 72-‐120 hours (3-‐5 days) to allow flooring to adjust the room temperature and humidity. However, if the products were to be installed in areas with higher humidity such as Florida or Arizona, acclimate your flooring for at least 7-‐8 day period. Do not place the flooring over concrete or carpet during the acclimation period without


laying down an acceptable moisture barrier. After the right acclimation period, acceptable 2-‐3% differentiation between the floor and the sub-‐floor would be the sign that your new floor is ready to be installed. Impec Bamboo Click products requires T-‐Molding transitions to be installed in areas between adjoining rooms, hallways, and at ALL doorways to allow for normal independent floor movement and environmental fluctuations. **Failure to meet this requirement may result in numerous problematic issues such as floor buckling, floor cupping, floor tenting, floor separation, floor shrinkage, which can void your warranty coverage. Installing T-‐Moldings: (Glue one side, Let other side float) Introducing T-‐Moldings between each room is extremely critical for floating installation in order to gain expansion spaces. T-‐Moldings are mandatory in doorways to join two bamboo floors in adjoining rooms. Have adhesive applied on one side of the flooring and leave the other side glue less in order to have the flooring to float freely.

Installing Quarter-‐Rounds: The quarter-‐rounds molding serves a very important purpose. It covers the gap between the baseboard on the wall, and the new flooring. When nailing the Quarter-‐Rounds, it is preferred to use 2” – 2-‐1/2” long nail right through the quarter rounds and through the bottom of the baseboard.

Jobsite Requirement: Before beginning the installation process, it is the installer/Owner’s responsibility to inspect both the environment as well as all flooring before installation. Installer and owner must define if the jobsite meets or exceeds the National Wood Flooring Association applicable guidelines. Do not install Impec Bamboo floorings in any types of environment that are subject to high steam, temperature, humidity or excessive moisture.


Moreover, make sure the room reaches a consistent temperature and be sure to eliminate the placement of the flooring on any types of area that may have lack of moisture protection. It is the Installer/Owner’s responsibility to record and document all necessary information such as jobsite conditions, installation date, and moisture level/humidity level/temperature of the site, flooring moisture content, and sub-‐floor moisture content. The installer must carefully and correctly record these information; and the property owner must keep these information as a permanent record. Please visit NWFA’s Jobsite Checklist for a complete list to address prior to installation. Subfloor Requirements: Some of the general important requirements that is mandatory are:

• It must be structurally sound • It must be clean and leveled. • Must be dry all year round. (On average, the subfloor should not exceed more than 12% moisture

testing range) Wood Subfloor: Wood subfloor must be securely nailed and screwed to joists for minimal movement. If the subfloor is not leveled, sand down high spots and fill low spots with an underlayment patch. Wood moisture reading should not exceed 11%; Test bamboo flooring to make sure moisture content to be within 3% of subfloor moisture content. Concrete Subfloor: ALL CONCRETE MUST BE FULLY CURED AT LEAST FOR 60 DAYS. Do not install on concrete unless it is free from dirt, water, oil, paint or any other elements that might prevent the area to be dry and clean year round. Acclimation and Conditioning of the Flooring: Bamboo Flooring is hygroscopic, its size and shape changes with the absorption and release of moisture. The goal of acclimation is to let your newly purchased flooring to fully adjust the moisture content within the room temperature. That is why fully acclimating your floor would bring the best ultimate results for your flooring’s performance. First, acclimate your newly purchased flooring in the areas to be installed. Allow the environment to have a consistent indoor humidity levels of 40%-‐60%. Bamboo Flooring acclimation period averagely takes about 3-‐5 days (72-‐120hours) to acclimate. However, areas with extreme high or low moisture content, or inconsistent temperature, acclimation period can take up to 7 days until the flooring can be installed. Do not place the flooring over concrete or carpet during the acclimation period without laying down an acceptable moisture barrier. After the right acclimation period, acceptable 2-‐3% differentiation between the floor and the sub-‐floor would be the SIGN that your new floor is ready to be installed. * Please do not install bamboo flooring in rooms or homes that are not climate controlled. Not following the above recommendation can result in numerous issues such as excessive board movement, squeaks, gapping, separation, floor cupping and other finishing issues that can negatively impact the flooring.


Moisture Testing: Most bamboo flooring failures are resulted from incorrect measures of jobsite moisture. As a result, the goal for reaching correct moisture content is for

1. Determining if new flooring is ready to be installed; 2. Confirming the moisture balance between new floor and the subfloor. 3. All floor planks that are wider than 3’’ should be no more than 2% variance in

moisture content between the acclimated bamboo floor and subfloor. Impec Bamboo floorings can have an acceptable moisture content range between 7% minimum and 11 % maximum. Moreover, the subfloor moisture range must not exceed 12%. As a result, the moisture range between subfloor and bamboo flooring should not exceed 3%. If higher moisture readings are found in either the subfloor or bamboo flooring, extend acclimation time and increase ventilation until acceptable numbers are reached. * Please note that test results are only applicable the day of testing and may vary and fluctuate with seasonal and climate changes. Use moisture barrier is MANDATORY for all installations. Impec Bamboo does not warrant against moisture related problems. For the best accuracy reading, Impec bamboo recommends the installer to use “Klortner” moisture meter, model “KT-‐50 Scanner” to examine all Impec Bamboo strand woven moisture level.

Moreover, moisture meters such as “Tramex”, ‘’Delmhorst’’ also have adjustable species settings including bamboo flooring. Always contact the meter testing company for proper settings in order to obtain the most accurate number measurements. Wood Subfloor: Use moisture meter to test wood subfloor prior to installation. If the result shows moisture vapor at or exceeding 9%, correct the problem to reach the acceptable percentage. Always install your floor with a vapor barrier underlayment. Underlayment: Impec Bamboo requires all jobs to have moisture barrier underlayment. Impec Bamboo provides a private-‐labeled “Impec-‐Underlay” which consist a 3mm moisture and sound barrier. Impec-‐Underlay has an IIC of “73” and STC of “72”; Its density has a 9.4 lbs./ft3.

For the best accurate moisture reading, please set Density level to “Level 5, 1.0 g/cm2”


Compression resistance: @ 25%: 17.8psi @ 30%: 29.3psi @ 50%: 168.6psi Concrete Subfloor: Moisture vapor pressure needs to be checked in numerous different places on the concrete subfloor with consistent number reading results. Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter: Moisture readings should not exceed 4.5% on the upper scale. After your newly purchased flooring have been delivered, make sure to open each and every boxes and layout every plank in a “Criss-‐Cross” pattern in order for every plank to receive the best possible air flow and to ultimately achieve the best acclimation results.

Start Out With Multiple Planks: Bamboo flooring is a natural product which you should expect some natural color variations. Therefore, it is up to the owner’s decision on the color layout of the floor. The color and pattern of the planks can be controlled and ultimately, the best way is to mix cartons/boxes of flooring to create a nature/earthy random layout effect. ** Impec Click Bamboo can be installed in both “Floating” and “Glue-‐Down” methods. It is ultimately the owners’ responsibility to decide which methods is the most suitable. However, for homeowners who have longer runs of flooring, [More than 30 Feet], the best installation method is glue-‐down. On the other hand, if the “runs” of the flooring are shorter than 30 feet, both methods are ideal. Floating Click Lock Glueless Installation Guide: Impec Bamboo specializes in Unilin® Click bamboo flooring, which is a fantastic and convenient alternative to install the flooring. There will be no sanding, dust nor chemical smell, which is beneficial for the homeowners to live in their homes during installation. It is extremely easy to install or to remove. Recommended Tools for this type of installation:

• Underlayment • Wood/Plastic Spacer (about ½”) • Jig/hand saw; undercut or table saw (for shorter board cuttings) • Hammer • Tape measure/Utility knife • Ruler • Pencil/ Scissors • Safety glasses and earplugs.

* Note: It is very important to maintain ½” space of expansion gap around the perimeter of the floor plan. Impec Bamboo also requires that installed spans of Bamboo over 30 feet long or wide must have


transitions installed to provide expansion space. Transitioning between rooms where the connection is a doorway or narrow in width should always be made using T-‐molding. Failure to give movement space to the floor may result in many issues after installation. Step 1: Install a vapor barrier on to the subfloor, and roll out your 2mm or 3mm underlayment. Cut out the excessive with scissors so the underlayment is laid flat perfectly sized on to the subfloor. Step 2: It is recommended to install the planks parallel to the longest walls. Step 3: Allow about 10mm to 12mm (1/2”) expansion gap around the perimeter of the room and edges of the plank to be installed. Install your first plank. Step 4: Then install your second plank by pressing the short end of the second plank onto the leading edge of the first installed plank, in one movement, press down to engage the locking mechanism.

Make sure the edges of all planks being installed are parallel and tightened

Step 5: Use Tapping block with a hammer to tighten the edge in order to remove any gapping between planks. Step 6: When installing end/corners for using shorter boards, simply mark the board with you pencil for the exact rip. (Be sure to count for the ½” gap needed against the wall for spacer) Step 7: Cut the last plank and complete your first row, then use the cut offs as the starters of your next row, this would also minimize waste. Repeat this process for the remaining rows. Step 8: Always work at a 3-‐boxes at a time to encourage in variation in color. Step 9: Planks near the door way should be installed before any transitions (Moldings) are installed. Step 10: Measure for the last row and rip planks if necessary to ensure ½” gap between the last row and the wall. Incorrect Correct

“These improper head joints installation placements may cause weak areas in the floor” “The placement of the head joints should be as random as possible with no

repeating patterns. In General, head joints should be at least 6” apart”


After Installation: Congratulations. Your brand new floor is complete can be walked on immediately. Glue-‐Down Flooring Installation Guide: Impec Bamboo click floors can also be glue-‐down. This installation is commonly used for installing over concrete subfloors on or above grade. Please be sure to review in detail for special requirements and limitation from adhesive manufactures before use. Follow closely on the adhesive instructions and labels for the best ultimate result. When in doubt about an adhesive application, please consult with the adhesive manufacture for procedures immediately. Impec Bamboo does not warrant against any types of adhesive related issues. Failure to follow the adhesive manufacture guidelines and recommendations may result in installation failure, which can void your warranty. Impec Bamboo can be glued down using a moisture resistant flooring adhesive. (See below for recommended adhesive manufacturer.) Water based adhesives should not be used for this purpose. Recommended Adhesives:

WWW.BOSTIK-‐US.COM High-‐performance adhesive ideal for bamboo flooring to common underlayment and subfloors. BOSTIKS SEAL-‐N-‐GRIP: 2 in 1 urethane adhesive and Moisture Vapor Protection Limits; Up to 15Lbs of elevated concrete moisture or 85% relative humidity. BOSTIK GREENFORCE: Percentage of Water: 0.0%; Water Vapor Permeability: <0.4; Cure time 24 hours. Bostik US Technical support: Technical Service Flooring Specialist: 1-‐800-‐726-‐7845 **Read adhesive instructions carefully for proper trowel size and adhesive set time. After applying the adhesive to the sub-‐floor with a trowel, your bamboo flooring planks should be immediately placed with groove facing the wall. Immediately clean any adhesives, during your install, which comes in contact with the surface of the planks. Step 1: Allow about 10mm to 12mm (1/2”) expansion gap around the perimeter of the room and edges of the plank to be installed. Step 2: Lay out dry a couple of rows before starting installation to confirm your layout plan. (be sure not to glue your planks before layout is set)


Step 3: It is recommended to begin install the planks parallel to the longest walls. This would assist the installer to have the straightest working line to start with. Install your first plank. Step 4: Then install your second plank by pressing the short end of the second plank onto the leading edge of the first installed plank, in one movement, press down to engage the locking mechanism. Step 5: Cut last plank to finish the first row and use the remaining to start second row. (This would eliminate waste of your boards). Step 6: After finishing installing the first row, use an approved trowel and wood flooring adhesive, spread the glue and lay the second row by connecting short edges of planks first. Repeat this process for the remaining rows. Step 7: Consistently check to make sure your installed planks are all aligned. Step 8: Use tapping block and hammer to tighten the planks. And be sure not to let installed planks move on wet adhesives. (This may cause planks to separate and disarranged)

Step 9: Measure for the last row and rip planks if necessary to ensure ½” gap between the last row and the wall. Step 10: Remove any adhesive from the surface (if any) of the flooring before it dries; Impec Bamboo recommends to use bostik’s ultimate adhesive remover towels to immediately remove any adhesives on the flooring surface when spotted. Cured adhesive is extremely hard to remove and may damage the floor. So it is important to make sure your flooring is clean and dry at all times. Step 11: Flooring planks may require some weight on the surface in order to help cures the adhesive and ultimately hold the planks down completely. After Installation: Allow your newly installed floor to have sometime to cure the adhesives, based on the adhesives company’s required time frame, before walk on or have any furniture on the floor.

IMPEC BAMBOO INSTALLTION MANUAL€¦ · 2016. 3. 30. · “Impec’Bamboo”’...

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