Bruce Reserve Premium - Manual (Page 22)

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For questions about Armstrong Laminate Flooring please call Customer Relations and Technical Services at 1.800.233.3823.
G. LOCK&FOLD (Refer to Section E)
Install First Row
1. Inspect each piece prior to installation for damaged boards.
2. To minimize pattern repeats, always pull from at least 3 cartons while installing.
3. Lay first row of boards with tongue side facing the wall.
4. If the starting wall is crooked, trace the contour of the wall on the first row of planks and trim as
needed.
5. Use spacers along all sides that butt up against walls to maintain 1/4" (6.35 mm) to 1/2" (12.7 mm)
expansion zone.
6. Lay pieces from left to right. Lock the end joints by installing at an angle to the previous board.
7. When measuring the last piece in the row, subtract 1/4" (6.35 mm) from the end of the board to
maintain expansion zone.
8. Cut decorative side up if using a hand saw or decorative side down if using a power saw to minimize
chipping.
9. If the cut-off piece from the first row is 8" (20.32 mm) or longer, use it to start the second row. If it is
less than 8" (20.32 mm), cut a full board in half and use that.
Install Remaining Rows
1. Continue laying boards, one row at a time and staggering the
end joints.
2. Install the long end of the first board in the second row at an
angle to the board in the first row (Fig. 19). Press flat to subfloor
to lock into place.
3. Angle the long end of the next board in the second row to lock
into the first row while positioning the short end of the board
over the groove from the previous board. Lock and fold into
place. (Fig. 20).
4. Follow the order described above to continue laying the boards
in the second and additional rows.
5. Use a pull bar if necessary to tighten joints.
H. FULL BATHROOM INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR LOCKING LAMINATE
Prolonged exposure to water could damage the laminate flooring. Installation
recommendations should be closely followed to prevent water from contacting
the core material of the flooring.
1. Full bathroom installations require folding the underlayment up the wall 2"
(5 cm). Cut the underlayment even with the top of flooring after installation.
2. All joints must be properly glued. Apply a thin, continuous 3/32" (2.4 cm)
bead of glue to the top of the tongue ONLY (Fig. 21).
3. A thin, continuous bead of glue must ooze to the surface as the laminate
pieces are locked together. Proper gluing provides both strength and moisture resistance to the joint.
Wipe off excess glue with a damp cloth.
4. Joint integrity is integral to moisture resistance. Avoid excessive joint flexing during installation.
5. Allow the installation to dry overnight before using the bathroom.
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21