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Selection & Pricing
Cork is a natural product. Just like wood, cork parquet
tiles and planks will vary in shade or pattern definition. Also, while
not as prevalent as with wood, cork is subject to the normal behavior
of minor expansion during periods of high humidity and minor contraction
during periods of low humidity (usually the heating season). With cork,
expansion and contraction can be kept to unnoticeable levels by stabilizing
the building through temperature and humidity control, allowing for
proper acclimatization of the product prior to installation, using only
approved adhesives, and providing the recommended expansion space mentioned
below.
INSTALLING
ON CONCRETE SUBSTRATE: Cork Parquet can be installed over concrete
on or above grade. Concrete substrates are required to be sound, smooth,
level and flat with a maximum variation of 1/8" in 10'. Subfloor
should be free of dust, dirt and soils. Any uncorrected irregularities
will telegraph through cork parquet tiles. All cracks, holes and control
joints must be patched with a Portland cement based compound. Follow
compound manufacturer's instructions fully and make sure patches are
completely dry and well adhered. Use of gypsum base compounds is not
approved. Check concrete slab for moisture. Slab must be properly cured.
Check slab with Calcium Chloride moisture test. Moisture content cannot
be more than 3 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. per 24 hours. More information
on moisture testing can be obtained at www.nofma.org/installation1.htm
INSTALLING ON UNDERLAYMENT-GRADE PLYWOOD OVER A
BASEMENT OR RAISED FOUNDATION: Only underlayment grade substrates
are approved for installation of cork flooring. Install smooth 1/4"
or greater underlayment grade plyboard. Fill cracks and sand uneven
areas. Any uncorrected irregularities will telegraph through cork parquet
tiles. Subfloor must not exceed 14% moisture content (electrical resistance
method). To avoid damage to cork parquet caused by moisture check basements
and under floor crawl spaces to be sure they are dry and well ventilated.
For buildings with crawl spaces, install ground cover of 6 mil polyethylene
sheets, overlap seams 8", and tape the sheets together.
*Cork parquet tiles cannot be installed over any other surfaces than
the ones above mentioned.
CORK PARQUETS MUST BE ACCLIMATED: Cork parquet tiles must be
stored out of the box at job site for a minimum of 72-hours prior to
installation. During storage and installation, maintain temperature
and relative humidity to level consistent with conditions that will
prevail when building is occupied. Heating or air conditioning should
be used for an appropriate length of time prior to and during installation.
With improper acclimation, the floor could noticeably expand or contract
after installation.
IN-FLOOR RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS: With radiant heat, heat source
is directly beneath the flooring and may gain moisture or dry out faster
than in a home with conventional heating system. It is not recommended
to use Natural CORK parquet tiles over heated floors. However, floating
floors move as a unit as they respond to changes in heat and humidity.
Therefore, Natural CORK does recommend use of Natural CORK Floating
Floors in conjunction with infloor radiant heating.
APPLICATION
OF SUBFLOOR PRIMER: Only use of Natural Cork supplied water-based
Subfloor Primer is approved. Subfloor Primer must be used regardless
of type of subfloor. Pour Subfloor Primer into clean paint tray. Using
shortnap roller provided in the kit, apply thin and even coat of Subfloor
Primer. Cover subfloor completely. Coverage is 400 sq. ft. per gallon.
Under normal temperature and humidity conditions Subfloor Primer will
dry in 30 to 45 minutes. Subfloor Primer must be totally dry before
application of adhesive.
APPLICATION OF ADHESIVE: Only use of Natural CORK supplied water-based
contact cement included in Propack kit is approved. Adhesive is formulated
to bond to adhesive-backed cork parquet tile. Pour some adhesive into
clean paint roller tray. Using clean short-nap roller, apply a thin
coat of adhesive over approximately 50 square feet at a time. Coverage
is 400 sq. ft. per gallon. A uniform, glossy film indicates sufficient
amount of adhesive. Stay off adhesive while it is drying. Adhesive will
dry in 20 to 30 minutes under normal temperature and humidity conditions.
Once adhesive is dry, that section of installation must be completed
within one hour. Never lay tiles into wet adhesive. Always test for
proper adhesion prior to proceeding with the installation. If the tiles
do not seem to adhere properly over a very porous substrate, it will
be necessary to apply a second coat of adhesive.
LAYING CORK PARQUET TILE:Use any standard laying pattern. For
best installation, lay cork parquets with staggered joints. Shuffle
cork parquets for best visual mix and identify possible manufacturing
defects. Installer must accept liability for installing defective material.
Mix cork parquets from various cartons to maintain natural color and
pattern variation. Allow 1/4" expansion space between finished
floor and all walls, thresholds, water pipes and other vertical surfaces.
Failure to provide adequate expansion space will result in installation
failure. When moisture level in the environment is low, parquet tile
should not be positioned too tightly against one another. To the contrary,
when moisture level is elevated, tiles should be installed tightly.
When cork parquet tile is properly aligned in place, apply pressure
on entire parquet surface. Pressure will cause parquet to adhere firmly
and further movement will not be possible.
ROLLING FLOOR: After the floor has been laid, it is very important
to roll the surface using a three-part, 100-pound floor roller. Roll
entire floor several times from several directions. Floor should be
rolled again after sitting overnight.
AFTER INSTALLATION: Allow glue to set for at least 24 hours before
walking on the floor. After 24 hours you may install molding, trim,
transition pieces, and/or reducer strips as needed.
If dried adhesive is found on the surface of the floor, it can be removed
by rubbing gently with a damp clean cloth.
CLEANING THE FLOOR: The entire floor must then be cleaned using
a hardwood floor cleaner according to manufacturer guidelines. WET
MAINTENANCE IS ENTIRELY FORBIDDEN!
PROTECTING THE FLOOR: Applying Natural Cork’s polish, within
the first 3 months and once a year thereafter, in accordance with manufacturer's
guidelines will extend the life of the finish. This step is highly recommended
for kitchens and other at risk areas.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Following installation, the floor must
be cleaned with Natural Cork’s cleaner and 1 coat of cork lacquer
must be rolled on using Natural Cork’s recommended roller. As
signs of wear become visible, this process must be repeated in order
to prevent damaging the cork surface.
Installation Material Checklist
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Material Received from Natural Cork |
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To install Parquet tiles |
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Glue Down Kit (400 sq. ft. coverage)
to include: |
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1 gallon Natural Cork Subfloor Primer
– Red label |
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1 gallon Natural Cork Contact cement –
Blue label |
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2 short nap rollers and a frame |
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Parquet tile backed with contact
cement |
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Material to be provided by the Installer |
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Paint trays |
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100 lbs 3-part roller |
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Cutting and measuring tools. A utility
knife is sufficient to cut tiles. |
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Cleaning supplies |
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Mineral Spirits |
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Molding/Trim |
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The installer will find an envelope
enclosed with this shipment to be given to the end user. This envelope
contains: |
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Maintenance Recommendations |
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Warranty
Information |
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