Home Legend Cork - Manual (Page 3)

Doc. ID: 136 Rev: 3 Effective: 1/25/2014 Page | 3
Please note: Concrete moisture content may be acceptable the time of the test. These tests do not guarantee a perpetual “dry” concrete
slab. The concrete slab moisture content can vary at other times of the year. We are not responsible for moisture related damage to
installed flooring.
Wood Subfloor Requirements
It must be clean; no presence of construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the floor; no protrusions of nails,
debris, metals should remain. If necessary, scrape and sweep the subfloor before the installation.
It must be structurally sound and stable; no movements or squeaks; no loose panels or loose nails; no signs of ply de-lamination or other
damages. Repair all shortcomings before installation.
It must be flat; no visible bumps or low spots; the subfloor should be flat to within 1/8” in 6 feet span or 3/16” in 10 feet.
Test for moisture using reliable moisture meter. Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near foundation walls, near walls
containing plumbing lines and in the center of the room. Measure 20 locations per 1000 square feet.
Moisture content of subfloor should be less than 14%.
Plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Specifications
On truss/joist spacing of 16” (406mm) O/C or less, the industry standard for single-panel subflooring is minimum 5/8” (19/32”, 15.1 mm) CD
Exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels (CD Exposure 1) or 23/32” OSB Exposure 1 subfloor panels, 4’ x 8' sheets. Expansion gap between panels
should be 1/8” (3 mm). When subfloor panels spacing is inadequate, cut in the required spacing with a circular saw if the panels are not
tongued and grooved. Do not cut in expansion space on joined tongue and groove of panels.
Particle Board or Fiber Board
Only for floating installation.
Existing Floors
Installation over existing floor requires the installer to consider potential issues related to moisture damage, adhesive failure and fastener
failure. Contact the adhesive and fastener manufacturers respectively for their specific instructions, recommendations and requirements.
Acceptable floor coverings include: solid hardwood, linoleum, terrazzo, ceramic tile and other “moisture sealing floors.”
Unacceptable floor coverings include: carpet, needle punch felt, edge glued linoleum and other “moisture absorbing flooring.”
Radiant Heated Subfloor
This product can be installed over radiant heated subfloor. Operating surface temperature must be less than 84°F. Decrease temperature
before installation. Increase temperature gradually after installation. Contact heater manufacturer for specific installation instruction.
Moisture Barrier and Moisture Retarder
Concrete Subfloor: For floating installation, use 6 mil polyethylene film or other means with equivalent permeability. Overlap the edge
seams and tape it together. If installed on above grade concrete and concrete moisture content meets concrete moisture standards, it does
not require a moisture barrier. Extend moisture barrier up to the wall about 1 inch high. For direct glue installation, use moisture barrier if
moisture level exceeds requirement (see Concrete Moisture section).
Wood Subfloor: Moisture retarder is optional.
Sound Control Underlayment
It is optional. Check with sound control manufacturer for application guidelines. Generally, the less compressive underlayment is preferred.
Expansion Gap
Required gap width range is 5/16” to 3/8”. It is required around the perimeter of the floor and between floor and all vertical obstructions.
Do not place permanently mounted structures such as kitchen counter/cabinet on the installed floor.
Transition Molding
Floating installation, transition T-molding is required in the following cases: floor spanning greater than 40 feet in length or width; wall
openings-with or without door.
Note: Floor areas interrupted by wall sections extending out of the wall; floor areas which are not rectangular may experience buckling or
gapping if there is excessive floor expansion or shrinkage.
Wet Areas
This product can be installed in kitchens, mud rooms, powder rooms, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Do not install in saunas, swimming pool areas and other similar extreme wet areas.
Fill all expansion gaps with water repellant caulk. Do not allow water or liquids to remain on the floor and seep into the joints. To minimize
moisture damage, we recommend applying a thin film of water repellant to joints between planks.
Adhesive
Use premium flooring adhesive which is non-water based.