Thursday, October 21, 2010

Subfloor Requirements and Preparation

Our floating floor products may be installed over any subfloor, new or existing, provided those materials meet the following requirements:
  • STRUCTURALLY SOUND – Nail or screw any loose areas that squeak. Replace any water-damaged subflooring or underlayments. Subfloor must have minimal vertical movement (deflection)
  • CLEAN – Scraped, broom clean, and smooth. Free of wax, paint, oil or debris.
  • FLAT – Within 3/16" in 10' and/or 1/8" in 6'. Sand high areas or joints, fill low areas with a leveling compound or layers of 15# builders felt. DO NOT use cushioned underlayment for this purpose.
  • DRY – Check moisture of subfloor. Moisture content of wood subfloor must not exceed 14% on a wood moisture meter, or more than a 5% difference than moisture level of product being installed unless a suitable moisture retardant material is installed prior to installation of the flooring. Visual checks are not reliable.
Acceptable test methods for subfloor moisture content include:
  • Polyfilm test: Tape 3" X 3" pieces of polyethylene film to the subfloor and leave in place for 24 hours. Assure all edges are completely sealed. Darkened concrete or condensation on film indicates presence of moisture and requires testing with Tramex meter or Calcium Chloride.
  • Calcium Chloride test. The maximum moisture transfer must not exceed 5#/1000 square feet in a 24 hour period with this test. Test several areas, especially near exterior walls and walls containing plumbing.
  • Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter meter. Moisture readings should not exceed 5.5 on the upper scale.

Next Installment - Correcting Moisture Problems

Visit http://www.thefloortrader.com/ to find the Floor Trader, Stone Mountain, or GCO Carpet Outlet nearest you.

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