Timber flooring installation method using PE foam underlay system is the most economical way and one of the fastest ways for prefinished timber flooring like engineered timber flooring, bamboo flooring and laminate flooring installation. This installation method is glue down system and requests no nail.
Site Pre-installation:
Subfloors must be clean and free of dirt, curing compounds, sealers, drywall mud, paint, wax, grease, urethane, or other materials that may affect the integrity of the flooring material or adhesives used to install the wood flooring.
Test moisture content for concrete slab using moisture meter. The moisture content of the concrete slab should not exceed 5½%. If it exceeds these limits, DO NOT installs the timber flooring.
Prior to installation it is necessary to ensure the subfloor conforms to level tolerance between 2mm to 3mm at 2000mm length.
Floor Board Installation:
Installation of timber flooring should not occur until other construction activities, particularly wet trades, are complete. The building/house should be roofed and enclosed with the temperature and humidity as close as possible to the expected in-service conditions.
As an added protection against moisture from the slab or minor building leaks, a 0.2mm thick polyethylene membrane (plastic sheet) over the slab is recommended. The polyethylene should be lapped by 200-500 mm, taped at the joints and brought up the walls above the top of the flooring. The polyethylene is then covered by the skirting.
A layer of 1mm thickness PE foam underlay is then laid on top of the plastic sheet in opposite direction. Timber floor board laid on top of the PE foam underlay cover with adhesive in the tongue and groove between two floors to minimize possible squeaks. No nail is requiring in this installation method. Expansion gaps of minimum 8mm to 12mm should be provided at all walls.
Flooring Protection upon Completion:
Always protect the surface of the installed timber flooring during construction by laying a quality rosin paper or other paper that will allow the floor to breathe like corrugated paper, taping it to the baseboards. Never use plastic or polyethylene sheeting to cover the floor since they will trap moisture that will damage the flooring.
