Subfloor Preparation
All substrates must be clean, dry, structurally sound, properly cured and free of dirt, oil, paint, old adhesive, wax, sealers and curing agents. General scouring with 20 grit or #3 1/2 paper will remove most compounds. After scouring, all loose materials must be vacuumed from the surface. Subfloor must be flat to a tolerance of 3/16" in 10'. Grinding concrete floors is recommended over using filling compounds.* All filler/leveling compounds must be portland based cementious materials and have a compressive strength equal to or greater that 3000 psi when cured.
Acceptable Subfloor Materials
For use with hardwood flooring over all standard subfloors including: plywood, underlayment grade OSB, most clean and un-waxed vinyl, radiant heated slabs and fully cured concrete. Wood flooring should not be installed directly over concrete slabs in high moisture or high water table areas because of the wicking properties of concrete and the potential failure due to the movement of wood flooring that is exposed to water.
Adhesive Flash Time
It is recommended to use the "wet lay" method with Titebond 231. This method does not require the adhesive to flash. Laying the wood flooring can begin immediately. While using the "wet lay" method, you cannot work on top of the flooring that was just installed. Working in small sections is helpful for this method as it will allow you to reach across the adhesive to install the wood flooring without putting any weight on it.
Wet Lay Method
To use the "wet lay" method, determine the starting point and snap a chalk line. Attach a straight edge along the line to prevent the wood flooring from moving off of the starting line. Begin laying the wood flooring immediately after troweling out a section about 30 inches or whatever distance you can comfortably reach across without putting any of your weight onto the flooring. Working in small sections will also ensure proper transfer of the adhesive to the wood flooring. Continue on in this manner until the field is complete, making sure to allow for proper expansion space around the room. Return to your starting row and finish from that point back to the wall.
Installation Guidelines
It is not necessary to roll the floor. During the installation of the flooring, walk the floor every two hours to inspect the quality of workmanship being performed. Look for any adhesive on the surface of the flooring. Try to prevent the adhesive from curing on the surface of the prefinished floor. Also, ensure the side gaps and end gaps of the flooring are fit together snugly. While these tasks are being completed, the floor is being "rolled" and proper contact is achieved. Look for areas that may lift gradually over a short time period (45 minutes), place a weight on those areas until the adhesive has built enough strength to hold the flooring in place. After completing the floor, wedge the flooring so that it remains tight during the drying process. After the adhesive has cured, remove and discard the wedges to allow the floor to have room for normal expansion and contraction.
Cleanup
Wet adhesive can be cleaned up with a cloth dampened with water. If adhesive has dried, a cloth dampened with mineral spirits will work. Follow solvent vendor's precautions. NOTE: Test solvent in an out-of-the-way area to make sure it will not mar or attack the surface. Call Franklin Technical Service at 1-800-347-4583 for specific cleaning instructions.
CAUTION: Do not sand, scour or abrade any material that is suspected of containing asbestos fibers. Asbestos is known to cause cancer. Federal law requires that asbestos be handled by a licensed and certified hazardous materials contractor.