Page 11 - Provenza Floors Hardwood Guidelines Consumer Flipbook 2023

Expansion Spaces
Use wood wedges at walls to maintain proper expansion space based on the material
being installed at all vertical obstructions. Unless otherwise directed by the flooring
manufacturer, the required expansion space between the flooring and vertical obstruc-
tions is generally equal to the thickness of the material being installed. (Example: ½"
thick material requires a ½" expansion space.)
End joints of adjacent boards should not be installed near each other. In general, end-
joint staggering row-to-row should be a minimum of twice the width of the flooring be-
ing installed (e.g., 6" stagger for 3" wide material). With wider-width materials it may be
more difficult to maintain these staggers due to longer product lengths.
When the first section is completed, continue by repeating the process, checking plank
alignment with the working line, section by section until installation is complete.
Be careful not to shift the installed floor on the wet adhesive. If needed, weights can be
used to hold flooring planks in place at the perimeter until the adhesive cures.
As each plank is installed, check for and remove excess adhesive or spills immediately.
Failure to remove excess adhesive or spills from the flooring surface will damage the
factory finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
When wiping up excess adhesive or spills, use a dry or damp soft cloth. Do not use
harsh chemicals, including but not limited to, acetone, paint thinner, mineral spirits,
alcohol, or other cleaning products on the hardwood flooring surface as doing so will
damage the finish and void the manufacturer warranty.
As installation proceeds, cut the last plank in each row allowing for the required expan-
sion space as determined by plank thickness. Use a crow or pull bar to install the last
plank ensuring a tight fit.
Leave expansion wedges in place until the flooring adhesive is fully dry.
Do not allow foot traffic for at least 8 hours and allow a minimum of 24 hours before
heavy furniture is moved onto the hardwood flooring.
Finishing the Job
Remove expansion spacers from the perimeter. Install or reinstall base and/or quarter
round moldings to cover the expansion space. Install transition pieces such as reducer
strips and T-moldings as needed.
Clean and remove all dirt and debris from your new floor by dry dust mopping. Follow
“Floor Care and Maintenance” instructions to ensure the longevity and lasting beauty of
®
your new Provenza Hardwood Floor.
STAPLE INSTALLATION
All required pre-installation testing and preparation must be completed before proceed-
ing. If moisture problems were detected during the pre-installation phase, a moisture
barrier should be in place.
Acceptable subfloor types:
• CDX Plywood – Minimum 5/8" thickness with floor joists of 16" on center.
• OSB – Minimum 1" thickness and structurally sound with less than 12% M.C.
Underlayment recommendation:
• Felt – 15 lbs. felt paper is recommended.
Staple installation may be successful over existing vinyl provided:
• That the subfloor is properly attached to the joists and in good condition.
• That the subfloor is not particleboard or OSB.
• That the staple penetration is not significantly lessened due to thickness of existing vinyl.
The recommended length for the 18-gauge staple is 1½" with spacing of 4" – 6" along
the length of the plank and 1" from each end.
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