Bruce Natural Reflections - Manual (Page 2)

Tools & Accessories Needed (All Installation Methods)
• Broom • Hand saw • Table saw, jig saw, or circular saw • Eye Protection
• NIOSH-designated dust mask • Recommended hardwood floor cleaner • Tape measure • Hammer
• Chalk line & chalk • Moisture meter (wood, concrete, or both) • Recommended hardwood flooring cleaner
(Add For Staple-Down Installations)
NOTE: It is extremely important to use the proper adapters as well as staples or cleats. Improper fasteners, machines
and air pressure can cause severe damage. The manufacturer of this flooring product is not responsible for damage
caused by use of improper tools or misuse.
• Pneumatic brad-nailer with 1 ″ brads • Drill with 1/16″ drill bit • 4-6d nails • Nail set
• 5/16 ″ “blind” stapling machine • Stanley-Bostitch S32SXBHF or • SX150 or • Senco SLS20HF or
• Other machine designed or adapted SPECIFICALLY to 5/16 ″ solid flooring • Polyethylene tape
• 1 ″ (minimum) glue-coated staples
(Add for Glue-Down Installations)
• Recommended adhesive
• Recommended adhesive cleaner
• 1/4
″ x 1/2″ x 3/16″ (6 mm x 13 mm x 5 mm)
V-Notch trowel (Figure 2)
• 3M Scotch-Blue™ 2080 Tape
III. SUBFLOOR/UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Recommended Subfloor/Underlayment Surfaces
(All Installation Methods)
• 3/4 ″ (19 mm) CDX-grade plywood (Preferred) • 3/4″ (23/32″) OSB, Waferboard, or Chipboard
• MINIMUM: 5/8 ″ CDX-grade plywood • Existing solid hardwood flooring (Staple-Down Only)
• Vinyl, resilient tile, cork flooring • 3/4 ″ particleboard (minimum 40-lb. density)
(Glue-Down Installations Only)
• Concrete slabs • Acoustic concrete • Ceramic, terrazzo, slate and marble • Metal • Cork
• Minimum 3/8 ″ approved underlayment installed over existing solid hardwood flooring
Concrete (Glue-Down Installations Only)
5/16
″ solid hardwood flooring can be glued directly to on-grade concrete with a minimum compressive strength of 3,000
PSI. Do not install over a concrete sealer or painted concrete. If present, remove by grinding or sanding. Do not install
over slick, heavily troweled or burnished concrete. Roughen the surface as necessary by sanding or grinding. Use an
appropriate NIOSH-designated dust mask.
Concrete Moisture Tests
NOTE: Test several areas, especially near exterior walls and walls containing plumbing. All concrete subfloors should be
tested, and results documented, for moisture content. Visual checks may not be reliable. Acceptable test methods for
subfloor moisture content include:
• A 3% Phenolphthalein in Anhydrous Alcohol Solution: Chip the concrete at least 1/4 ″ (6 mm) deep (do not apply
directly to the concrete surface) and apply several drops of the solution to the chipped area. If any color change occurs,
further testing is required.
• Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter Meter (Figure 3): Moisture readings
should not exceed 4.5 on the upper scale. (Figure 3 shows an unacceptable
reading of over 4.5)
• Polyfilm Test: Apply 3 ′ × 3′ (1 m x 1 m) pieces of polyethylene film to the
subfloor and leave in place for 24 hours. Assure all edges are completely
sealed with water resistant tape. Darkened concrete or condensation on film
indicates presence of moisture and requires additional measurements with
the Tramex Meter, Calcium Chloride or Rh test.
NOTE: The following tests are required in commercial applications. Either or
both tests are acceptable.
• Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM F 1869): The maximum moisture transfer must not exceed 3 lbs./1000 ft. 2 in 24 hrs. with
this test.
• Rh Levels in Concrete Using In-situ Probes (ASTM F 2170-02) should not exceed 75%.
“DRY” CONCRETE, AS DEFINED BY THESE TESTS CAN BE WET AT OTHER TIMES OF THE YEAR. THESE TESTS DO
NOT GUARANTEE A DRY SLAB. ALL CONCRETE SLABS SHOULD HAVE A MINIMUM OF 10 MIL POLYFILM MOISTURE
BARRIER BETWEEN THE GROUND AND THE CONCRETE.
Moisture Retardant Systems
If excessive moisture is present or anticipated, use Armstrong VapArrest™ S-135 Professional Moisture Retardant
System or inexpensive sheet vinyl to reduce vapor intrusion.
NOTE: When using Armstrong VapArrest S-135 Professional Moisture Retardant System or sheet vinyl as a moisture
retardant, USE ONLY Armstrong EverLAST™ Premuim Urethane Adhesive, Bruce
® Equalizer™ urethane adhesive or
Armstrong 57 urethane adhesive. Remember, to receive the guaranteed installation warranty, you must use Armstrong
EverLAST Premium Urethane Adhesive.
• Armstrong VapArrest S-135: Apply the materials after all subfloor preparation is complete. Follow the instructions on
the VapArrest S-135 label. Allow 8-24 hours curing time before application of the hardwood flooring.
• Sheet vinyl: An inexpensive sheet vinyl or “slip-sheet” (felt-backed with vinyl wear layer) may be installed. Use a
premium grade, alkali resistant adhesive and a full spread application system to properly bond the vinyl to the subfloor.
Follow the sheet vinyl manufacturer’s instructions for installation procedures. A bond test may be required as an
adhesion test. Install several small areas (3
′ x 3′) (1 m x 1 m) and allow the vinyl to set for 72 hours. Remove the vinyl.
If the backing remains attached to the concrete, the subfloor should be acceptable for sheet vinyl installation. Install
the sheet vinyl and allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours prior to beginning your hardwood installation. Degloss as
necessary with abrasive pads to create an adequate adhesive bond. Always check for adequate adhesive bond.
Acoustic Concrete (Glue-Down Installations Only)
Acoustic concrete normally contains large quantities of gypsum that may inhibit the adhesive’s capability to properly
bond. Acoustic concrete must be primed with the concrete manufacturer’s recommended primer/surface hardener. Test
the concrete by scraping the surface with a nail or other sharp object. If the concrete powders or crumbles, it is not
sound and suitable for direct application of hardwood flooring and may require the use of a floating subfloor system.
Always check for adequate adhesive bond. The concrete must have a minimum compressive strength of 2000 PSI.
Ceramic, Terrazzo, Slate & Marble (Glue-Down Installations Only)
All grout joints and broken corners that exceed 3/16 ″ (5 mm) must be filled with a cementitous leveling compound such
as Armstrong S-194 Patch, Underlayment & Embossing Leveler with S-195 Underlayment Additive. The surface should
be cleaned and abraded to create a good bonding surface for the adhesive. Loose tiles must be re-adhered to the subfloor
or filled as above. Remove all sealers and surface treatments. Always check for adequate adhesive bond.
Acoustic Cork Underlayment (Glue-Down Installations Only)
The flooring can be glued or floated directly over full-spread, permanently bonded acoustic cork. The cork should have
a density of no less than 11.4 lb./cubic foot. The cork, in general, should be pure cork combined with a polyurethane or
resin binder. Install cork in accordance with cork manufacturer’s recommendations. Always check for adequate adhesive
bond.
Wood Subfloors and Underlayment (All Installation Methods)
General: The wood subflooring materials must not exceed 13% moisture content. Using a realiable wood moisture meter,
measure moisture content of both the subfloor and the hardwood flooring to determine proper moisture content.The
difference between the moisture content of the wood subfloor and the hardwood flooring must not exceed 4%. When
installing parallel to the floor joists it may be necessary to stiffen the subfloor system by installing an additional minimum
of 3/8
″ (9.5 mm) approved underlayment. Applicable standards and recommendations of the construction and materials
industries must be met or exceeded.
2
Figure 3
NOTE: As flooring manufacturers, we are unable to evaluate each engineered system. Spacing and spans, as well as their
engineering methods, are the responsibility of the builder, engineer, architect, or consumer who is better able to evaluate
the expected result based on site-related conditions and performance. The general information provided below describes
common, non-engineered joist/subfloor systems. Engineered flooring systems may allow for wider joist spacing and
thinner subflooring materials.
Wood Structural Panel Subfloors and Underlayment
(All Installation Methods)
Structural panels/underlayment must be installed sealed side down. When used as a subfloor allow 1/8 ″ (3 mm)
expansion space between each panel. If spacing is inadequate cut in with circular saw. Do not cut in expansion space on
tongue and groove panels.
• Plywood: Must be minimum CDX grade (exposure 1) and meet US Voluntary Product Standard PS1 performance
standard or Canadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325-0-92. The preferred thickness is 3/4 ″ (19 mm) as a
subfloor [minimum 5/8 ″ (16 mm)] or 3/8″ (9.5 mm) as underlayment.
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB): Conforming to US Voluntary Product Standard PS2 or Canadian performance standard
CAN/CSA 0325-0-92 construction sheathing. Check underside of panel for codes. When used as a subfloor, the panels
must be tongue and groove and installed sealed side down. Minimum thickness to be 23/32
″ (18 mm) thick when used
as a subfloor or 3/8 ″ (9.5 mm) as an underlayment.
• Waferboard and Chipboard: Conforming to US Voluntary Product Standard PS2 or Canadian performance standard
CAN/CSA 0325-0-92. Must be 3/4 ″ (19 mm) thick when used as a subfloor, and 3/8″ (9.5 mm) thick when used as an
underlayment.
• Particleboard: Must be a minimum 40-lb. density, stamped underlayment grade and be 3/4 ″ (19 mm) thick.
Solid Wood Subfloors (All Installation Methods)
• Minimum 3/4 ″ (19 mm) thick with a maximum width of 6″ (15 cm) installed at a 45° angle to the floor joists.
• Group 1 dense softwood (Pine, Larch, Douglas Fir, etc.); No. 2 common, kiln dried with all board ends bearing on joists.
• For glue-down applications add 3/8 ″ (9.5 mm) approved underlayment.
Existing Hardwood Flooring (All Installation Methods)
• Existing engineered flooring must be well bonded/fastened. When gluing over existing hardwood flooring of any
thickness, the finishing materials must be abraded or removed to foster an adequate adhesive bond. When flooring is
to be mechanically fastened, the existing engineered hardwood flooring must be a minimum of 3/8
″ (9.5 mm) thick
installed over approved wood/wood composite underlayment that has been properly fastened. When installing over
engineered flooring that is glued to concrete, the minimum thickness of that flooring must be 1/2
″ (13 mm) to allow
for the length of the fastener.
• Existing solid hardwoood flooring that exceeds 6 ″ (15 cm) in width must be covered with 3/8″ (9.5 mm) approved
underlayment and fastened as required. Do not install over solid flooring attached directly to the concrete.
Subfloor Systems Bonded to Concrete
Concrete must be of high compressive strength, 3,000 PSI or better. Install a suitable moisture retardant followed by a
plywood subfloor with a minimum thickness of 3/4
″ (19 mm). Allow 1/2″ (13 mm) expansion space around all vertical
objects and 1/8
″ between all flooring panels. In general, smaller panels [less than 4′ x 8′ (1.2 x 2.4 m)] oriented at 45
degrees (preferred) offer better results. The panel must be properly attached to the subfloor using a minimum of one
fastener per square foot and more if necessary. Use pneumatic or powder actuated fasteners. Do not hand nail the
subfloor with concrete nails. Install a moisture retardant barrier with joints lapped 6
″ (15 cm) and begin installation of
flooring using 1-1/2 ″ (4 cm) fasteners.
Floating Subfloor
Install a suitable moisture retardant followed by a plywood subfloor with a minimum thickness of 3/8 ″ (9.5 mm) [1/2″
(13 mm) preferred]. Allow 1/2 ″ (13 mm) expansion space around all vertical objects and 1/8″ (3 mm) between all
flooring panels. Install a second layer of plywood of the same thickness at a right angle to the previous panels, offsetting
the joints 2
′ (61 cm). Staple together with staples that will not penetrate the first layer of the subfloor. The staples should
have a crown width of 3/8 ″ (9.5 mm) or more. Install a moisture retardant barrier with joints lapped 6″ (15 cm) and
begin installation of the flooring.
Vinyl, Resilient Tile, Cork Flooring and Linoleum
(All Installation Methods, see notes below)
(Glue-Down Installations)
• Make sure the floor covering materials are well bonded to the subfloor/underlayment with full spread adhesive, and
are no more than two layers thick, not to exceed 3/16 ″ (5 mm).
• With approved wood/wood composite subfloors, if vinyl or tiles are loose, broken, or in poor condition, install a 3/8 ″
(9.5 mm) approved underlayment directly over the flooring materials.
• Clean the flooring materials as necessary to create a good adhesive bond. If a maintenance material is present on the
floor covering or a gloss is present, de-gloss with a flooring pad and a commercially available stripper, then rinse
completely. Allow ample drying time. (NOTE: Do not sand any resilient products for they may contain asbestos fibers,
which may be harmful.)
• Cork floors must have all sealers and surface treatments removed before installation begins. Always check for adequate
adhesive bond.
(Mechanically Fastened/Stapled Installations)
• Do not install over floors that exceed one layer, as the thickness of the flooring materials will prevent an adequate
mechanical bond.
• Make certain that the subflooring materials meet minimum requirements.
• Some tile products may be too brittle for staple penetration. Always test an area for breakage before proceeding.
IV. INSTALLING THE FLOOR
General Installation Tips
NOTE: When installing UNFINISHED solid hardwood flooring, allow a
minimum of 72 hours adhesive curing time before applying seals, stains and
finishes to unfinished flooring. Test the moisture content of the hardwood in
accordance with the stain/finish manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensure
good color and shade mixture.
• Be attentive to staggering the ends of the boards at least 6 ″ (15 cm), when
possible, in adjacent rows (Figure 4). This will help ensure a more favorable
overall appearance of the floor.
• Installation parallel to the longest wall is recommended for best visual effects, however, the floor should be installed
perpendicular to the flooring joists unless the subfloor has been reinforced to include subfloor stiffness. Find the
appropriate subfloor from the “Subfloor Type” section in these instructions.
• The unique milling process creates built-in expansion naturally. This special tongue and groove configuration is
designed to leave small expansion gaps in the floor during installation. Avoid using tapping blocks, machines or
systems that eliminate this built-in expansion.
• Large spans in areas of high humidity may require the addition of internal or field expansion. This can be accomplished
by using spacers, such as small washers, every 10–20 rows inserted above the tongue and removed after several
adjoining rows have been stapled or glued.
• When possible, preselect and set aside boards that blend best with all horizontally mounted moldings used to assure
a uniform final appearance. Install these boards adjoining the moldings.
4˝-6˝
(10-15 cm)
Figure 4
Preferred Alignment
Figure 2