FLOORCO TRADING LTD.

Overlay Laminate Flooring System Installation Guide

1. About Laminate Flooring-------------------------03
2. Scope & Limitations------------------------------03
3. Environment & Condition---------------------------05
4. Safety & Health------------------------------------07
5. Substrate Preparations---------------------------09
5.1 C l e a n i n g & D r y i n g - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 9
5.2 S o u n d & S m o o t h - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 9
5.3 F l a t p l a n e n e s s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 9
5.4 L e v e l i n g - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 0
5.5 U n d e r f l o o r H e a t i n g - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 1
5.6 A c o u s t i c U n d e r l a y - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 3
5.6.1 Before install---------------------------13
5.6.2 During install--------------------------13
5.7 Int ernal Wet A reas Wet Membrane Syst em- --- ---- -15
5.7.1 D i a g r a m o f i n st a l l i n g F l o o r i n g - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 6
6. Installation----------------------------------------17
6.1 R e s p o n s i b i l i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 7
6.2 N o t i c e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 7
6.3 F l o a t i n g S y s t e m - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 8
6.3.1 Preparation---------------------------18
6.3.2 Preparing the starter row------------------19
6.3.3 Subsequent row-------------------------19
6.3.4 Click-Lock install-------------------------19
6.3.5 Drop-lock install-----------------------20
6.3.6 I mp erv io us & M oist ure Bar ri e r sys te m-- --- 21
6.3.7 D 3 P VA A d h e s i v e a t t h e j o i n t s - - - - - - - - - - 2 1
6.3.8 S e a l e d - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - 2 2
7. Post-Installation Work------------------------------23

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 Copyright © 2023 FLOORCO TRADING LTD. All rights reserved. Sealed Kitchen,Laundries,toilet and bathroom

1.About Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process.

Laminate flooring simulates wood (or sometimes stone) with a photographic applique layer under a clear
protective layer. The inner core layer is usually composed of melamine resin and fiberboard materials.

Note: Laminate flooring is only suitable for floating installation and cannot be glued down. In the laminate
flooring installation system, the underlay is used to obstruct moisture, hence the laminate flooring and
underlayment must be separated. Moreover, it is essential to seal the underlay during installation.

2. Scope & Limitations on the use

----------Overlay Laminate Flooring System

This overlay Laminate Flooring system is for commercial and residential indoor use and is not to be
used outdoors. Violation of this will result in the warranty being voided.

This product is suitable for all areas except commercial kitchen and garages.

The Subfloor must be level in accordance with NZS/AS 1884:2013 (3mm variation over a 3m long straight edge)

The product must be installed onto an approved subfloor.

When used in wet areas, the provisions of this installation guide must be followed to ensure the flooring performs
properly post-installation.
The products are used with underfloor heating systems, the provisions of this installation guide must be followed to
ensure the flooring performs properly post-installation.
During maintenance and clean, the maintenance and care guide provided by FLOORCO must be adhered to.

For installations where both the length and width of the Product will be less than 8 meters. If exceeding this
measurement, please choose to use a divider transition trim.
The product needs to comply with the NZBC C AS/1, maintaining a distance from combustion appliances.

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 3. Environment & Conditions

----------Recommendations

lease store the packets 48 hours prior to installation under the same climatic conditions (temperature
and moisture) as the actual installation process.

Important pre-condition for proper fitting and long-term use of the laminated flooring is a room
temperature of 18 – 24°C and a relative humidity of around 40 – 70%.

it is essential to keep the flooring dry and free from moisture. Moreover, the flooring should never be
placed outdoors.

Maintaining a stable indoor temperature and humidity over a certain period of time is crucial. Greater
shrinkage would be caused by the lower humidity. and greater expansion would be caused by the
higher humidity. Certain issues (such as squeaking in an existing plank or sheet subfloor or the
integrity of tile fixation)

Necessary Materials and Tools: polyethylene foil or moisture barrier underlayment, aluminum jointing
tape, separation shims, fit-up aid, footfall sound insulation

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 4. Safety & Health

----------In every scenario, safety and Health takes precedence

Be it tools, the site, or materials, should they pose a threat to your safety and health, it's imperative to
exit the area immediately.

To further ensure your safety and well-being, please following protective gear:

 Safety Glasses: To shield your eyes from flying debris.

 Ear Protection: To safeguard your hearing amidst noisy environments.
 Masks: To prevent inhalation of harmful dust and particles.
 Safety Vest: To enhance your visibility on site.
 Steel Toe Shoes: To protect your feet from heavy falling objects.

Equipment safety is paramount. For instance, while using a saw for cutting tasks, never remove the
saw's protective covering. This precaution is crucial to prevent accidental injuries.

Note:
Engaging in woodworking may expose individuals to fine wood dust, which has been associated with
nasal cancer in some instances. Additionally, specific types of wood such as Spotted Gum might be
treated; therefore, it's not recommended to dispose of the resulting sawdust, shavings, or offcuts by
burning. It's prudent to consult local Council By-Laws to ascertain the correct disposal procedures for
treated wood.

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 5.4 Leveling
5. Concrete & Timber Substrate Preparations

In situations where there is a substantial discrepancy in the level of the floor, utilizing Plywood can
5.1 Clean & Dry effectively resolve the unevenness. When the discrepancy is minor, using a screed or leveling
compound can smooth out the irregularities, providing a flat and stable surface for further flooring
Remove or clean all surface contaminants- any glue or sticky adhesive residue needs to be installations.
mechanically eradicated to avoid any clicking sounds that might be heard when walking across the
finished floor.

Concrete and timber while the surface of these substrates may appear dry, it is after the installation of
the flooring product that any potential moisture can be drawn to the surface causing bubbling and
swelling of the product. This can be caused by the concrete slab blocking off the crossflow ventilation.
The result creates moisture build-up beneath the building.

Both substrates should be moisture tested at the early planning stages of an installation a moisture
content reading that is more than 16% may indicate a moisture problem beneath the floor. Providing
adequate subfloor ventilation and vapor membrane is crucial.

5.2 Sound & Smooth

Alongside any loose, rotten, or springy boards, inspect for flexing and stability at the joint where timber
meets concrete. This joint represents the weakest point susceptible to movement under load, heat,
moisture, or seismic activity.

The surface should exhibit smoothness with no detectable ridges when a hand is glided over it.

5.3 Flat Planeness

When a 3000mm long straightedge is laid at rest on two points spaced 3000mm apart on the surface,
no portion of the surface should be more than 3mm beneath the straightedge. NZS AS1884:2013

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5.5 Underfloor Heating 5.5.1 Hydronic and Electric

Before the installation, please ensure that the timber flooring chosen for installation is compatible. Underfloor heating is divided into Hydronic and Electric types. Installers need to confirm with the
Install underfloor heating, preparation as per this guide is necessary. Additionally, we recommend the underfloor heating supplier and Floorco Trading Ltd that it is suitable for Laminate flooring before installing
flooring installer to liaise with the underfloor heating contractor to ensure correct installation. the flooring.

 If there's a conflict between the guidelines of the underfloor heating manufacturer and this guide,
always follow the guidelines of the underfloor heating manufacturer.
Note:
 The temperature of the underfloor heating system should not exceed 27°C. Should any of the aforementioned points be unachievable, please cease installation
immediately. Forcing installation implies subsequent unknown risks; please contact us.
 turned on prior to installation of the floor covering for a minimum of seven days to assist with the
acclimatization of the substrate.

 When the underfloor heating system is restarted after being turned off, the temperature should be
gradually increased to reach 27°C over a period of 4-5 days.

 Do not frequently adjust the temperature of the underfloor heating system, it is permissible.
to decrease or increase the temperature by a maximum of 2°C per day. NZS AS1884:2013

 The temperature should be maintained at 15°C during the flooring installation, and this
temperature should be sustained for at least 48 hours post-installation.

 the presence of underfloor heating and security systems shall be checked and all preliminary work,
such as the fixing of floor sockets for service plugs, shall be completed.

 Perform a concluding inspection to ascertain that the substrate is thoroughly dry, clean, level,
devoid of any cracks, and structurally robust prior to advancing with the installation.

 For floating installation, the thermal resistance of the laminate floor and the insulating substrate
must be observed. The total thermal resistance of all components must be ≤ 0.15m² K/W.

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5.6 Acoustic Underlay

5.6.1
Before Installation

 Prior to the installation of the acoustic underlay, please prepare according to the " Substrate
Preparations " section of this guide.

 The flooring installer can carry out the installation of this acoustic underlay and can inspect that
the subfloor has been adequately prepared.

5.6.2
During Installation

 Adhere to the moisture test requirements, no higher than 70% Relative Humidity. and humidity
within 15%.

 Also, follow the requirements for leveling evenness.

 Fully glue use a notched trowel to spread the glue evenly over the subfloor.

Note:
If the above instructions cannot be adhered to due to special circumstances, please refrain
from installing the acoustic underlay or flooring. Should any of the aforementioned points be
unachievable, please cease installation immediately. Forcing installation implies subsequent
unknown risks; please contact us.

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Wet areas comply with NZBC E3 5.7.1 Diagram of Installing SPC Flooring in Wet Areas

Our flooring product can comply with E3 through two methods: Product Alternative Solution (Impervious & Moisture Areas that do not require floor leveling
Barrier system with D4 PVA Joints/Caulk Perimeter) or E3/AS2 (Wet areas membrane system).

E3/AS1 Product
Alternative solution
impervious and Misture
barrier system
Comply with NZBC
E3
E3/AS2 Wet areas
membrane system

5.7 and 5.7,1 describes the installation method for meeting E3 requirements through the E3/AS2 wet areas
membrane system. For the E3/AS1 Product Alternative Solution, please refer to:
https://floorco.co.nz/e3-as1-flooring-alternative-solution-for-kitchen-toilet-laundry-bathroom/

5.7 Wet Areas Membrane System E3/AS2 Areas that do not require floor leveling
A BRANZ appraised wet area membrane system must be used for wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, toilets,
and laundries. D3 adhesive is also required in all joints. Installation must be in accordance with the relevant BRANZ
Appraisal.

Refer to the Code of Practice for Internal Wet-area Membrane Systems for more information.
building.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/building-code-compliance/e-moisture/e3-internal-moisture/code-of-practice-for-internal-wet-area-membrane-systems.pdf

The Code of Practice for Internal Wet-area Membrane Systems (IWAMS) provides a method to achieve an impervious
substrate, ensuring the protection of the building structure. By following the IWAMS guidelines, the installation creates
a barrier that effectively prevents water from penetrating the substrate, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of
the building. This system has specific design and installation requirements and cannot be substituted, modified, or
incomplete application. by 'waterproofing' or any similar approach. Following this code is the only correct way to meet
the NZBC E3/AS2 requirements

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6. Installation

6.1 Responsibility 6.3 Floating system

The flooring installer should conduct a thorough inspection for defects and damage on the flooring. Floating installation refers to a method of installing laminate flooring without the need for glue, nails,
If a particular board or several boards are found to be unsatisfactory, please do not install them. or staples. The flooring panels are designed to lock together along the edges, creating a floating floor
Upon completion of the installation, it implies that the installer has accepted the materials, and the over the subfloor.
flooring will not be subject to claim protection.
6.3.1
Some aesthetically displeasing boards are not unusable. They can still be placed in less Preparation
conspicuous areas like storage rooms, closets, or corners of rooms. Since the flooring products
originate from natural wood grain, appearance is not considered a defect.  Remove existing molding and clean sub-floors. Level uneven sub-floors if necessary.
Please ensure to follow the content of "Concrete & Timber Substrate Preparations."
And the installer has the responsibility to follow this guide for installation, violating this guide will in this guide.
render the flooring ineligible for claim protection. If there are any questions, feel free to contact us.
 Must be roll out poly-film (1.5 mm-5 mm) to cover the subfloor.
The builder, owner, or end-user must provide temperature control devices. If it's colder than
specified, don't install flooring until devices run for 48 hours to condition the material. these  Identify the longest, straightest wall to begin the installation.
devices shall remain on during the installation and for a minimum of 48 hours thereafter. NZS
AS1884:2013  Measure and mark the flooring width plus 10mm for expansion from the starting wall,
snapping a chalk line for guidance.
6.2 Notice

 Take into account extra expansion gaps for strong sunlight or Areas with unstable
The maximum dimensions for the flooring are 8m x 8m, and a minimum expansion gap of 10mm. temperature and humidity exposure, and when installing. on plywood or particle board sub-
floors. Please ensure to follow the content of " Substrate Preparations" in this guide.
Please ensure that the base material is level, solid, clean, and dry, as detailed in “Substrate
Preparations” of this guide. Failure to adhere to this guide will result in warranty voidance.

it is imperative to lay the underlay, and the laid underlay must be 100% sealed. The areas near the
walls must also be covered.

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6.3.2 6.3.5 Drop-lock Install [2]

Preparing the starter row

 Select the longest and straightest boards for the first rows.  Once enough of the planks have been racked out, begin installing the planks by fitting the short side
 Align and install the boards, ensuring a 10mm expansion gap from the end wall, and of the click system into the long side of the click system. Make sure that the click system is
stagger the joints with a minimum end stagger of 300mm. engaged evenly, any gapping can compromise the integrity of the installation. To ensure a tight fit,
 Measure the total width of the flooring (including the tongue), plus 6mm for expansion. use a tapping block and rubber mallet on the long seams and tap down on the top of the plank at
Measure out this distance in at least 2 places from the starting wall and 30cm from the the short seams. Continue installing planks across the room ending at the far wall.
corners. Then, snap a chalk line parallel to the starting wall.

6.3.3
Subsequent Rows

【1】 【2】
 Place the first element of the second row in the groove of the element which is already
situated on the laminate flooring.
 Take the next element, insert it at an angle, head-side first into the element which is
already flat on the floor and insert it as tightly as possible into the longitudinal edge of the
row which has already been laid. Then place both hands under the element that has
already been laid and lift it slightly (this will also lift the adjacent element slightly).

6.3.4
Click-lock Install [1]

 Then interlock the longitudinal side by pulling the elements together. As long as there is no
visible gap between the elements, the connection has been sealed correctly and the
element can be fully laid out flat on the floor. If a gap exists, repeat the previous process
but with more pressure and check the row beforehand.

 In order to install the final row, measure the distance between the wall and the installed
row and transfer to the panel. The last row to be installed should, if possible, correspond to
half a panel width.
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6.3.6 Impervious & Moisture Barrier System E3/AS1 6.3.8 Sealed Kitchen,Laundries,toilet and bathroom

Our flooring product can comply with E3 through two methods: Product Alternative Solution (Impervious & Moisture
Barrier system with D3 PVA Joints/Caulk Perimeter) or E3/AS2 (Wet areas membrane system). To further protect the perimeters and joints from water ingress, the Installer will seal gaps between planks in
the Kitchen, toilet, laundry, and bathroom.
This section explains how to meet E3 requirements through the E3/AS1 Product Alternative Solution.
In open-plan spaces, the flooring surface shall extend at least 1.5 m from all sanitary fixtures and sanitary
6.3.7 NZBC E3 Wet areas – D3 PVA adhesive at the Joints appliances.

The sealed and transparent D3 PVA adhesive should be used at the ends of planks and the long edge of
When installing in wet areas, it's essential to fully apply D3 PVA adhesive at the joints of the floor, whether it is a floating the plank, this must also include perimeter protection from water ingress. continuous and coved (minimum
installation or a glue-down method. This is a crucial step to meet the E3 Alternative Solution requirement. of 75mm) or joints sealed where they meet the wall.

In wet areas, creating an impermeable surface is essential to comply with the E3. Make sure to use a D3 PVA joint sealer
adhesive for sealing all plank joints, both along their length and at the ends.

1. Apply a thick, uniform bead of adhesive to the edge of the groove/click mechanism, then to the top of the groove/click.

2. Fit the planks tightly together and promptly remove any excess adhesive with a damp cloth or wipe.

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 7. Post-Installation Work

 Clean the floor with any high-quality, wood lacquer cleaner.

 Remove all spacing blocks

 Seal expansion joints/pipe ducts, etc. with profiles/rosettes or with a suitable filling cord and joint
sealant

 Install transition pieces -i.e. – thresholds, t-moldings, base shoe. Always secure moldings to the
wall, not the floor.

 Any unused material should be stored in a dry place in case future repairs are needed. We
recommend saving at least 2 boxes.

 To reduce the risk of fine dust particles, typically originating from plasterboard or drywall
products, infiltrating the grain of the flooring, make certain that all cutting machinery is equipped
with dust collection bags.

 In cases where fine dust has been produced in the vicinity during installation, it's essential to
vacuum the floor post-installation and promptly shield it with a breathable floor protection
product after the vacuuming process.

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References

1. Code of Practice for Wet Area Membrane Systems page45 – page52, 4th Edition published August, 2020 – By the Waterproofing Membrane Association

Incorporated (previously the Membrane Group of New Zealand)

2. Floor coverings resilient sheet and tiles installation practices. By NZS/AS1884:2013 – New Zealand Standard.

3. Resilient floor coverings planning and installation 1first Edition 2019 – By The Flooring Association for the flooring industry.

4. Laminate Flooring industry standard, By Australasian Timber Flooring Association

5. FLOORCO Laminate flooring installation Instructions 2rd Edition –By FLOORCO trading Ltd.

Copyright © 2023 FLOORCO TRADING LTD. All rights reserved.