INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
for glueless, floating installation – Uniclic
Click here for an installation video
BEFORE YOU START
n Uniclic Cork Planks are only suitable for dry indoor applications. Installation and maintenance instructions must be followed strictly. Uniclic Cork Planks must be stored at normal room conditions (68-72 F) for at least 48 hours before installation. The material must get acclimatized properly.
n Install the floor at a room temperature of at least (68° F) and a relative humidity of 40 – 60%. Keep the room climate constantly close to these figures.
n Uniclic Cork Planks can be installed bye the glue-less and floating method. Uniclic Cork Planks stands out for its exceptional exact fitting. This must be considered during installation.
An unprofessional installation can result in damage to the locking ststem. A glued installation is possible - see the
instructions below.
n Check Uniclic Cork Planks for possible defects prior the installation. Complaints can only be accepted before installation.
n Cork is a natural product. Differences in color and structure are natural and typical. Prior to actual installation, dry-lay the floor, blending the planks from several cartons to determine optimum appearance. Variances in color and structure are material/nature related. Color alterations can result, as is the case with any natural product. Darker cork planks are subject to fading when exposed to direct sunlight. This is a natural occurrence and not considered a defect.
THE SUBFLOOR
n The subfloor must be constructed properly – dry, sound and flat.
n Uniclic Cork Planks can be installed on existing firm floors (Linoleum, PVC,...), but all textile floors must be removed.
n Allowed moisture content according to CM-method:
Concrete slabs: < 2,0 % CM (radiant heated < 1,8 % CM)
Anhydrite slabs: < 0,3 % CM (radiant heated < 0,3 % CM)
n Do not install in rooms, where the flooring is exposed to excessive periods a high humidity or moisture, like bathrooms or showers.
n To prepare the slab grind off any high spots, fill low spots, clean up grease, oil and other contaminants, and sweep clean. Unevenness in the subfloor may not exceed 3 mm (1/9”) at a measure-distance of 1 m (3 ¼').
n To be certain normal slab moisture does not reach the finished floor a proper vapor retarder must be used on top of all mineral sub floors like ceramic tiles, concrete, plaster-boards and floors where moisture might arise Cover the entire slab with a 0,2 mm (6 mil) polyethylene film, overlapping edges at least 20 cm (8”). The overlap joint must be taped. Extend the film approx. 3 cm (1“) up the wall.
n No other foam or underlayment is needed because of the built in cork back layer. Additional measures to improve the soundproofing are scarcely possible and should therefore not be undertaken. If additional soundproofing is used, then please note that Uniclic is not suitable for use with soft soundproofing mats.
MEASUREMENTS
n Installation parallel to the longest wall or the main light-source is recommended for best visual effects.
n Laying over an old wood floor: drive down any raised nails, re-nail loose boards and replace any warped boards that can’t be made level, then install at a right angle or on a diagonal.
n Pre-plan the floor by measuring the room first. If the width of the last row is less than 5 cm (2”) saw the first and the last plank in equal width.
n In rooms with more than 100 m² (120 sq.yd) - longer than 12 m (39 ft) – or wider than 8 m (26 ft) – expansion space
must be kept. (this space can be deleted when keeping a proper climate year round) Expansion space from the building site always must be taken on. Otherwise place expansion space in room narrows or in the doorways. Cover the expansion space with suitable coverings.
INSTALLATION
First row:
(1) Start with the first plank in the right corner of the room, tongue-side facing the wall. Work from right to left. Use spacer shims on the long side and the front side of the plank to ensure the proper space to the wall – approx. 1 (1/2”).
(2) Position the second plank as an exact extension of the first plank. Lift the plank in an angle of approx. 20° and put tongue and groove of the front side together. Lower the planks when tongue and groove are tight. Slight pressure makes it easier to lever in extension. To achieve a perfect joint, tap the front end of the already installed plank lightly with a tapping block
(3) Continue in the same manner up to the last plank. It is usually necessary to shorten the last plank.
n The expansion space for the wall always should be in parallel with the wall. If the wall is not straight, install the first 3 rows without wedges. Put the installed boards to the wall and mark the wall’s line with a spacer. Dismount the installation and saw the planks accordingly.
n If you use a hand-saw, always saw face up. If you use an electric saw, always saw face down.
Following rows:
(4) Begin the second row with the cut-off end of the first row. The front edge-offset of the planks should be approx. 12”. Place spacer with front side to the wall. Angle the cut-off to be installed against the previously laid row. For levering in, raise the plank approx. 20°, insert the lengthways groove in the lengthways tongue and lower plank where there is a tight lengthways joint on to the tapping block.
(5) Lever the next plank in place from the front side so that only a very short distance remains for it to be pushed into the lengthways connection.
(6) Push the still raised plank into the lengthways tongue. It is easier to insert when raised slightly. Do not undo the already firm front connection when pushing in. Push close to the front connection itself to ensure this is done.
(7) Remove the tapping block when lengthways and front joints are tight and lower the planks by careful tapping with the tapping block. Do not simply push the planks down! Your light tapping helps to ensure that the Uniclic fit is fully interlocking. This ensures that you get an optimal joint. Continue the installation to the last row of planks, as described.
n Gluing - at your choice:
If you just want to use the glueless Uniclic-system as an efficient installation tool, apply PVAc glue (waterproofed) in small doses but continuously to the special leaving blank in the profile. If any glue gets on the surface of the flooring, wipe off immediately with a damp cloth.
n Radiant heating pipes:
Drill a hole into the plank with a diameter that is 2 cm larger than the pipe’s diameter. Saw from the hole to the edge of the plank. Install the plank. Glue in the piece of the plank which you have sawn out. Cover with a special covering for radiant heating pipes.
n How to shorten doorframes.
Position a loose plank face down close to the doorframe and cut the doorframe along the plank.
n Installation in areas where leveraging is not possible.
Whenever the conditions for installation mean it is not possible to lever the planks (pushing under door frames, rails etc.), You can simply cut or chisel off the projecting lock pin on the groove side. The joint then corresponds with that of a tongue and groove system and it must be glued.
n You can walk on the flooring immediately after the installation. Remove the wedges. Trim off any projecting foil all around. Nail or screw mouldings to the wall, never to the floor.
INSTALLATION OVER RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOORS
Uniclic Cork Planks can also be installed on a radiant heated subfloors. Special installation instructions must be followed. The surface temperature must not exceed 78 ° F. During the heating period joints can emerge. To control this contraction and possible gap at the short side of the plank you can glue the short joint of the planks.
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