CanTrust Engineered Hardwood Floors can be installed over most sub-floors, and engineered to be dimensionally stable, making them suitable for installation over all grade levels.
INSTALLER/OWNER RESPONISIBILTY
Cantrust hardwood floors are products of nature and not perfect. Our floors are manufactured in accordance with accepted industry standards, which permit grading deficiencies not to exceed 5%. These grading deficiencies may be have a manufacturing or natural type.
Before installation, the installer must determine that the job-site environment and the sub-surface involved meet or exceed all applicable standards. Recommendations of the construction and materials industries as well as local codes must be followed. These instructions recommend that the constructions and subfloors be dry, stiff and flat. The manufacturer declines any responsibility for job failure resulting from or associated with sub-surface, sub flooring or job-site environmental deficiencies.
The installer assumes all responsibility for final inspections as to grade, manufacture and factory finish. This inspection of all flooring must be done before installation. Carefully examine flooring for color, finish and quality before installing it. The installer must use reasonable selectivity and hold out or cut off pieces with deficiencies, whatever the cause. If material is not acceptable, don’t install it and contact the seller immediately.
Use of stain, filler or putty stick for touch-up during installation should be accepted as normal procedure.
When floors are ordered, 5% must be added to the actual square footage needed for cutting and grading allowance.
Should an individual piece be doubtful as to grade, manufacture or factory finish, the installer should not use the piece.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
CanTrust Engineered woodflooring is a quality product made from veneer and lumber that has been kiln-dried. To maintain the moisture level, don't truck or unload it in the rain, snow or other excessively humid conditions. Cover it with a tarpaulin or vinyl if the atmosphere is foggy or damp.
Engineered wood flooring should be stored in an enclosed building that is well ventilated with weather proof windows and located in areas where in which it is expected to perform. Material should be allowed to acclimate for 72 hours or as long as necessary to meet minimum installation requirements for moisture content. The storage area within the building should be clean and dry. Leave adequate room for good air circulation around stacks of flooring. Continual dry heat may over-dry flooring, which may later result in buckled floors when flooring is delivered to the job and installed without a proper acclimation or spacing.
TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES NEEDED
It is very important to use the proper adapters (Note: you must use a 3/8" or 1/2" adapter as appreciate) as well as staples or cleats. Improper fasteners, machines and air pressure can cause severe damage. The manufacturer of these flooring products is not responsible for damage caused by use of improper tools or misuse.
• Broom
• Tapping Block
• Tape Measure
• Chalk line &Chalk
• Hammer
• Hand saw
• Nail Set.
• Table saw, mitre saw, or circular saw
• utility knife and pry bar.
• Moisture meter
• 2" blind fasten machine.
• Use towels and trowel if gluing or a Bostitch Floor Runner (S3297-LHFZ) with 1 " staple (SB97) or a 50C Power Nailer for nailing with a 1-1/2 " power cleat.
• Undercut or Jamb Saw
• Ear plugs and safety glasses.
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECK LIST
Basic Requirements
• Hardwood floor installation should be the very last step of any construction or renovation project.
• Prior to installation, heating system must be in operation, and room temperature must have been maintained at 65 °F ± 5 for at least two weeks.
• To avoid any moisture-related damages, subfloors must be dry and basement well ventilated.
• Relative humidity must be maintained between 45% and 65% at all times.
Subfloors Moisture Level Check
Wooden subfloor moisture reading must not exceed 14% and differential between strips and subfloors must be less than 5%. To correct any subfloor problems concerning moisture either wait until the subfloor dries to meet specifications or use any appropriate moisture barrier .
SUBFLOOR PREPARATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL INSTALLATION
Concrete Sub-floors
New concrete slabs require a minimum of 60 days drying time before covering them with a wood floor.
Light-weight Concrete
Light-weight concrete that has a dry density of 100 pounds or less per cubic foot is not suitable for CanTrust
wood floors. Many products have been developed as self-leveling toppings or floor underlayments. These include cellular concrete, resin-reinforced cementious underlayments, and gypsum based materials. Although some of these products may have the necessary qualifications of underlayments for wood flooring installations, others do not.
Concrete sub-floors must be dry, smooth (level with 3/16 " in a 10 foot radius – 1/8 " in 6 " ) and free of structural defects. Hand scrape or sand with a 20 grit #3 _ open face paper to remove loose, flaky concrete. Grind high spots in concrete and fill low spots with a Portland based leveling compound (minimum 3000 PSI). Concrete must be free of paint, oil, existing adhesives, wax, grease, dirt and curing compounds. These may be removed chemically or mechanically, but do not use solvent-based strippers under any circumstances. The use of residual solvents can prohibit the satisfactory bond of flooring adhesives. It is important to ensure a proper bond between the adhesive and the concrete, and planks or strips. CanTrust Engineered Hardwood Flooring may be installed on grade, above grade, as well as below grade where moisture conditions do not exist.
To ensure a long lasting bond, make sure that the perimeter of the foundation has adequate drainage and vapor barriers.
Wood Sub-Floors
Wood sub-floors need to be well nailed or secured with screws. Nails should be ring shanks and screws need to be counter sunk. The wood subfloor needs to be structurally sound and dry. They should not exceed 13% moisture prior to installation. If the sub-floor is single layer, less than 3/4 " thick, add a single cross layer for strength and stability (minimum 5/16 " thick for a total 1 " thickness). This is to reduce the possibility of squeaking. Wood sub-floors must be free of paint, oil, existing adhesives, wax, grease, dirt and urethane, varnish etc. Underlayment grade OSB (not the wax side) is also a suitable sub-floor.
Particleboard is not an acceptable sub-floor for staple or nail down installations but can be used as a subfloor in glue down installations. When installing over existing wood flooring, install at right angles to the existing floor.
Sub-Floors Other than Wood or Concrete
Caution: Perimeter glued resilient vinyl and rubber tiles are unacceptable underlayments and must be removed.
Terrazzo, tile and any other hard surfaces that are dry, structurally sound and level, as described above, are suitable as a sub-floor for CanTrust Engineered Hardwood flooring installation. As above, the surface must be sound, tight and free of paint, oil, existing adhesives, wax, grease and dirt. Terrazzo and ceramic tile must be abraded to assure adhesion.
WARNING! Do not sand existing resilient tile, sheet flooring, and backing or felt linings. These products may contain asbestos fibers that are not readily identifiable. Inhalation of asbestos dust can cause asbestosis or other serious bodily harm.
Radiant Heated Sub-floors
Before installing over a radiant heated floor, turn off heat and wait until the floor has reached room temperature. After installing the floor return the heat to the previous setting.
Caution: The slab surface must never exceed 85° F in temperature.
• Installation requires minimum 5/8" [16 mm] plywood, or 3/4" [18 mm] approved OSB chipboard subfloor, if installed over 16" [400 mm] center-to-center joist sub-structure.
• Sound: Wooden subfloor must be securely screwed down to joists to prevent any movement or squeaks. Thoroughly inspect and replace existing floor or subfloor that shows evidence of water damage or structural weakness.
• Level: Subfloor surface must be level and maximum tolerance is 3/16" [5 mm] per 10' [3 m]. If necessary, level down any irregularities, using #20 grit paper, and fill any uneven spots with leveling compound.
• Dry: Subfloor must be dry and within moisture reading specs.
• Clean: Vacuum and free subfloor from any debris or obstacles such as cleats, nail heads, dried glue or any other material.
PREPARATION
• Sketch installation to avoid surprises.
• Decide starting point or wall.
• Decide layout angle: 90° or 45° installation to joists is recommended.
• Remove any baseboard, doorsill and old floor covering if necessary.
• Trim bottom of the doorstop with handsaw to insert strips underneath.
• Pre-select and set aside strips that color-match best transition moldings, stair nosing and reducers, for future installation.
• Lay felt paper [or equivalent] on the entire floor surface.
GLUE DOWN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Caution: Whether you choose to install using the dry or wet method follow all guidelines set by the adhesive manufacturer. By not adhering to the guidelines you can void your flooring warranties.
WET LAY METHOD
Step 1,
Select a starter wall. It is recommended to start the installation along an exterior wall, it’s more likely to be straight and square with the room. Measure out from the wall the width of two planks plus 1/4” and mark each end of the room and snap your chalk line.
Step 2,
Spread Hardwood Flooring Adhesive from the chalk line to the starter wall using the recommended trowel (3/16" X 1/4" v notch). It is important to use the correct trowel at a 45° angle to get proper spread of adhesive applied to the sub-floor, which will produce a proper and permanent bond. Improper bonding can cause loose or hollow spots.
Step 3,
Install the first row of starter planks with the tongue facing the starter wall and secure into position. Alignment is critical and can be achieved by top nailing the first row with finishing nails (wood sub-floor). This prevents slippage of the planks that can cause misalignment.
Step 4,
Once the starter rows are secure, spread 2 1/2 to 3 feet of adhesive the length of the room. (Never lay more adhesive than can be covered in approximately 2.5 hrs.)
Place tongue into groove of plank or strips and press firmly into adhesive. Never slide planks or strips through adhesive. Use a tapping block to fit planks snug together at side and butt ends.
Test for proper bond by occasionally lifting a board and looking for good coverage (90%), then replace it into the adhesive.
BE SURE TO CLEAN OFF ALL EXCESS ADHESIVE AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION, OTHERWISE IT MAY NOT COME OFF ONCE CURED ONTO THE PRODUCT.
Note: Never work on top of the flooring when installing with the wet lay method.
DRY LAY INSTALLATION METHOD
Step 1,
Start by selecting your starter wall and measure out from the wall 30” when installing 3” planks. This will allow adequate working space. Snap chalk line.
Step 2,
Apply adhesive from the chalk line out 2 1/2 ' – 3 ' . Allow adhesive to flash as per the instructions affixed to the top of the adhesive container. The humidity chart will aid in allowing the appropriate flash time based on the temperature and humidity.
Secure your starter rows with a straight edge (2 ' X 4 ' s). Install planks and secure with tape as you continue throughout your installation. If you must work on top of the newly laid flooring, use a kneeling board.
Once the remainder of the floor has been installed, go back to the beginning and remove straight edges and spread adhesive on the remainder of the open sub-floor, allow to flash for the appropriate time and lay flooring as instructed. Remember that the planks closest to the wall may need cutting to fit due to irregularities along the wall.
STAPLES OR NAIL DOWN INSTALLATIONS
CanTrust Engineered hardwood floors may be installed over wood subfloors using staples or nailing cleats.
You must staple or nail 1 " – 2 " from the ends and every 4 " – 6 " along the edges. This will help insure a satisfactory installation. It is best to set the compressor PSI at 80 – 85 lbs. to keep the staples from going through or breaking the tongues. Improper stapling techniques can cause squeaks in the floor.
Adjustments may be necessary to provide adequate penetration of the nail or staple into the nail pocket. You want to flush in the nail pocket. Use a scrap piece of flooring material to set tools properly before installation.
Before installation of the engineered flooring begins, install a 6 mil polyethylene layer over the subfloor. This will retard moisture from below and may help prevent squeaks. Keep in mind there is no complete moisture barrier system for staple or nail down installations.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Proper care and cleaning of all hardwood floors is essential for maintaining its natural beauty. Use mats on both sides of your front door, so as little as possible grit and other loose dirt is carried onto the floor. Remove particles
with a vacuum cleaner or a brush. When you want clean the floor thoroughly, dry wipe it with a barely-most cloth. A drop of any neutral washing liquid can be added to the washing water if required and your cloth dipped in it and well squeezed out before wiping the floor. If liquid is split on the floor, wipe it off immediately.
In order to protect the floor from scratches and knocks, use felt pads on the base of all furniture. Remove any girt and other abrasive substance immediately. Avoid wearing stiletto heels on the floor. Keep animal nails trimmed. Protect your floor when using a dolly for moving furniture or appliances. Never slide or roll heavy furniture or ppliances across the floor.
Rearrange area rugs and furniture periodically so that the floor ages evenly. For an even surface, correct installation of any hardwood floors is essential.
Nailed Down WARRANTY
Cantrust Manufacturing International Inc. is pleased to offer you the following Residential Warranty Program on all Cantrust prefinished flooring products installed following recommended installation guidelines, and complying with floor maintenance procedures and specific relative humidity conditions within your home.
Structural Lifetime Warranty
Cantrust Manufacturing International Inc. warrants to the original purchaser its Cantrust prefinished hardwood floors against any manufacturing defects caused by improper milling, grading and staining. Structural Lifetime Warranty means the hardwood floor product will remain free from defects in milling, dimension and grading for as long as the original purchaser owns the residence.
Cantrust Manufacturing International Inc. warrants to the original purchaser its Cantrust prefinished hardwood floors in normal environmental conditions, as suggested in the present guide.
Normal environmental conditions mean that heating and ventilation systems should be designed to maintain interior relative humidity level between 45% to 65% RH all year round, to ensure the best performance of the Cantrust hardwood flooring and other wood furniture or wood cabinets.
Whenever this warranty is applicable, Cantrust Manufacturing International Inc.’s liability is limited to replacing, or repairing, at the option of Cantrust Manufacturing International Inc. the defective boards due to manufacturing defects in excess of five percent [5%], industry standard, material only. Damage due to improper transportation, storage, installation, extreme indoor conditions (heat, dryness or moisture), extreme sunlight, or any other cause are not covered. Exposure to excessive heat, dryness or moisture may cause damage to the flooring. It is natural, due to the inherent properties of wood that some minor contraction and expansion might occur. These occurrences and/or visual changes on the hardwood floor will self-correct with seasonal climate changes and/or when maintaining suggested normal environmental conditions.
Finish Warranty
Cantrust Manufacturing International Inc. warrants, to the original purchaser, that the surface finish, UV cured Aluminum Oxide, factory applied on its prefinished hardwood floor will not wear through or separate from the wood for a period of: Twenty (20) years from the date of purchase, when used under normal residential traffic conditions.
These Warranties apply on the condition that regular and preventative maintenance have been carried out as recommended in this guide and in the Cantrust Maintenance & Warranty Guide.
Finish Warranty excludes any indentations, scratches or surface damage caused by lack of proper maintenance, misuse, negligence, accidents, spiked-heeled shoes, water, wet mopping, erosion, pebbles, sand, other abrasives, insufficient prevention and/or protection. The surface wear must be readily visible and cover at least ten percent [10%] of the surface area.
Gloss reduction is not considered surface wear.
Your Obligation to Cantrust Manufacturing International Inc. - As the purchaser of our product, you agree to follow all installation, care and maintenance directions as related to wood floors. You also agree to allow Cantrust Manufacturing International Inc. an opportunity to correct any claimed defects.
If you need to file a claim under the Warranty Program, you must first contact your Cantrust Authorized Dealer where the original purchase was made. If your Authorized Dealer is unable to answer your claim, then contact us by letter at the following address: Cantrust Manufacturing International Inc. 206-8449 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5X 3M3.
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