Lynx Flooring - Manual (Page 2)

Layout
Whenever possible, plan the layout so that the joints
in the planks do not fall on top of joints or seams in
the existing substrate. The end joints of the planks
should be staggered a minimum of 6˝ apart. Do not
install over expansion joints.
Determine which direction the planks will run.
Find the center of each of the end walls (the walls
perpendicular to the long dimension of the planks)
and place a pencil mark on the floor. Connect these
points by striking a chalk line down the center of the
room. Do a dry layout of planks from the center line
to the wall running parallel to the long direction of
the planks to determine the width of the last row of
planks.
CENTER
OF ROOM
Fig. 1 – Dry layout to determine width of border plank.
Avoid having border pieces less than 2-1/4˝ (5.7cm)
wide for the 4-1/2˝ (11.4cm) wide planks and less
than 3˝ (7.6cm) wide for the 6˝ (15.2cm) wide planks.
If you find the border planks will be less than 1/2 the
width of the plank, the center starting line should be
shifted a distance equal to 1/2 the plank width. This
will “balance” the room and provide for a larger cut
piece at the wall.
Installation
Most installations will start along the longest, straight
wall in the room. The planks will be installed starting
in the corner of the room on the left side of the
starting wall (as you are facing it). The bottom
overlap film should be exposed on the side and end
of the plank facing away from the left corner of the
starting wall (Figure 2). Remove the paper release
liner exposing the adhesive on the bottom overlap
film.
note: The pressure sensitive adhesive has a long
working time after the release paper has been
removed. It must, however, be protected from dust
and debris after the release paper is removed and
until it is covered with another plank. If the job is
stopped prior to completion, leave the release paper
intact on the long edge only, of the last row of planks.
This will prevent dust or traffic from other trades
from interfering with the adhesive’s performance.
Starting Wall
Pared Inicial
Mur de départ
Bottom overlap of plank base
Sobrelapamiento de debajo de la base de la tablilla
Rebord inférieur de la base de la planche
Fig. 2 – Left corner of starting wall.
CAUTION – Do not stand or walk on release
paper liner, as it is extremely slippery. Place it in a
wastebasket immediately upon removal from the plank.
Begin laying the first row of planks. Place the top
overlap on the exposed bottom overlap film (with
adhesive) of the preceding plank. Press into place
to obtain adhesion. Use a hand roller if available, or,
rub the seam with moderate hand pressure using
a clean dry cloth. Neatly butt the plank face edges
together. Continue, left to right, with the first row of
planks until you near the end and need to cut the last
plank to fit. Try to avoid having planks shorter than
8˝ at the ends of rows. You may have to cut some
additional length off the starting plank and slide the
first row toward the left so the last plank will be at
least 8˝ in length. Remember to leave a gap of 1/8˝
from the end wall and cut the last piece in that row
to fit.
Start the second row on the left side with a piece
cut to about 2/3 the length of the starting plank in
the first row. It is important to keep the end joints
staggered a minimum of 6˝ in adjacent rows
(Figure 3). Both the long side edges and the short
ends of planks should be neatly butted against
adjoining planks and those in adjacent rows. Use one
hand to hold the plank, and the other hand to guide
the edges into place by lowering the plank as you go.
It’s important to butt the edges together neatly. Press
into place or use a hand roller to obtain adhesion.
If the joints are not tight, pull up the plank and
reposition it immediately.
note: LUXE PLANK
™ is precisely made to size
and squareness. After the first 3 rows of planks are
installed they should be checked with a string line
to insure that rows are still running straight. If they
are not, it could be that the starting wall has some
irregularities that caused bowing in the installation. If
so, the starting row of planks may have to be scribed
and retrimmed to account for any unevenness in the
wall. This can be done without having to disassemble
the beginning rows.
Minimum 8” Length
Longitud Mínima de 8”
Longueur minimale de 20,32 cm (8 po)
Minimum 6” overlap at the joints
Mínimo de 6” de solapamiento en las uniones
Chevauchement minimal de 15,24 cm (6 po) aux joints
1/8” gap
De 1/8” de espacio
Espace de 13 mm (1/8 po)
Starting Wall
Pared Inicial
Mur de départ
Fig, 3 – Stagger end joints by 6˝, cut pieces at ends of
row should be 8˝ or greater.
Continue installing the remaining rows in similar
fashion. Maintain the 6˝ minimum staggered end joints
between rows and maintain the gap at perimeter
and vertical surfaces. After you have enough rows
in place, you may find it easier to turn around and
work on top of the newly installed planks for the
remainder of the room.
LUXE PLANK transition strips, included in each
carton, can be used when changing direction of the
installation to return into a closet or alcove area of
the room. LUXE PLANK transition strips are also
recommended in the repair procedures for damaged
planks (see below).
After the installation is completed, roll the entire
floor, in both directions with a 100-pound roller. Use
a hand roller in confined areas where the large roller
will not reach, such as under toe kicks.
Finishing the Installation
Replace molding or wall base, allowing slight
clearance between the molding and the planks. Nail
the molding to the wall surface, not through the
flooring. At doorways and at other areas where
LUXE PLANK may meet other flooring surfaces, it is
preferable to use a “T” molding or similar to cover
the exposed edge but not pinch the planks. Leave
a small gap between the planks and the adjoining
surface.
When replacing appliances, or whenever moving
heavy furniture over the flooring, place a wood panel
under the object. Without moving the panel, slide or
roll the object over it. Follow with additional panels
as needed. This prevents scratches, tears or buckling
of the flooring material.
Care and Maintenance
IMPORTanT: Do not wash or scrub the new
LUXE PLANK flooring for at least 5 days after the
installation. This will allow the planks to become
“seated” in the adhesive and prevent excess moisture
and cleaning agents from interfering with the
adhesive bond.
Proactive Protection for Your Floor
• When moving appliances or heavy furniture it
is always wise to lay a plywood panel on your
floor and “walk” the item across it. This protects
your floor from scuffing and tears.
• Use floor protectors, such as Armstrong
Floor Protectors, under furniture to reduce
indentation. As a general rule of thumb, the
heavier the item, the wider the floor protector
needed.
• Place a walk-off mat at outside entrances to
reduce the amount of dirt brought into your
home. We strongly recommend mats without a
latex or rubber backing since these backings can
cause permanent discoloration.
• All Armstrong floor care products have been
specifically developed to care for Armstrong
floors.
Caring for Your Floor
• Sweep or vacuum regularly, to remove loose
dirt which can scratch your floor.
note: We do not recommend vacuums that
have a beater bar since it can visibly damage
your flooring surface. Additionally, we do not
recommend electric brooms with hard plastic
bottoms with no padding as use may result in
discoloration and deglossing.
• Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Never use
highly abrasive scrubbing tools on any resilient
floor.
• Wash your floor regularly with a vinyl floor
cleaner such as Armstrong Once ’n Done ®
Resilient & Ceramic Floor Cleaner.
• Do NOT use detergents, abrasive cleaners, or
“mop and shine” products. These products may
leave a dull film on your floor.
• Over time, if the shine on your floor begins to
dull, apply Armstrong SatinKeeper ® Resilient
Low Gloss Floor Finish to restore the
appearance of LUXE PLANK. Do NOT use
paste wax or solvent based polishes.
• Vinyl flooring, like other types of smooth floors,
can become slippery when wet. Allow time for
floor to dry after washing. Immediately wipe up
wet areas from spills, foreign substance, or wet
feet.
Repair Procedure
For damaged bottom overlap film on plank
prior to installation.
If the exposed film with adhesive is severely wrinkled
or damaged prior to installation the damaged
portion can be removed and replaced with a piece
of the LUXE PLANK transition strips supplied in
every carton. Sometimes, just bending it in the other
direction will allow the film to lay flat enough for
normal installation. If this doesn’t work:
1. Turn the plank over so the back is exposed
2. Use a utility knife to score through the back
film with a straight cut 2 inches from and
parallel to the edge of the damaged film
3. Make additional cuts to isolate the damaged
portion of film from the undamaged areas
4. Carefully peel the damaged area from the back
of the plank, leaving the undamaged areas intact
5. Cut a piece of the LUXE PLANK transition
strip to the proper length to replace the
damaged film
6. Strip release paper from the LUXE PLANK
transition strip and adhere it to the back of
the plank in the void where the damage was
removed (do not overlap the LUXE PLANK