“Underlayment” refers to the layer of panels to which the floor covering will be directly affixed;  “Subfloor” specifically refers to the first layer of structural panels directly attached to the floor joist.

PLYWOOD Underlayments are designed for use under fully- adhered and perimeter-fastened resilient floor covering, carpet, hardwood, laminate & tile flooring, where applicable under this Installation guide and warranties.

PREPARATION:
Keep all Plywood underlayment panels clean and dry in an enclosed area. Panels should be installed immediately prior to the floor covering installation if possible. Protect panels from moisture during transit. Crawl spaces must have cross flow ventilation and must be equipped with a vapor barrier and have a minimum clearance of 460mm (18”).

Panels should be acclimated to the temperature and humidity of the room in which they will be installed, 48 hours prior to installation. Acclimate all Plywoodpanels by storing flat with spacers inserted between panels to allow for air flow (three spacers for 4’x4’ panels, five spacers for 4’x 8’). Acclimation could be simulated in a warehouse or storage space heated to room temperature. Ensure that the subfloor is completely dry, clean and structurally sound and that the floor joist system meets local building codes and ordinances. (The floor system must meet an L / 480 deflection for ceramic tile installation.) The subfloor must be 5/8” minimum thickness, tongue and groove, flat, level, with all joints being even and smooth.

INSTALLATION:
All Plywood panels should be installed parallel to the floor joist and perpendicular to the subfloor on new construction. Arrange panels so that four corners do not meet and panel joints are offset by at least 12”. Underlayment joints should be 10” from the subfloor joint. Lightly butt all  panels to a light contact. DO NOT FORCE the panels together.( 1/32” space o.k ) Allow ¼” gap (spacing) around the room perimeter and door frames for expansion. All cut edges must go to the outside wall. 6.0mm panels and less can be scored with a knife and snapped; other sizes should be cut with a saw.

Fastening:
When fastening all Plywood panels, ensure that the panels are in firm contact with the subfloor. Fasten panels by starting in one corner and working down the length of the panel (4’x8’) first, then fasten the width. Fasten every 4” throughout the field and 2” along the panel edge, 1/4” in from the edge. Fastener heads must remain flush with the surface of the panel! (see www.floor-ply for more fastening information)

Suggested fasteners:  Narrow crown 6mm(1/4”) resin-coated (also known as ‘coated’, ‘thermal-coated’, or ‘polymer-coated’) chisel point staples. The leg length should be equal to the total thickness of the substrate and subfloor BUT can extend beyond the subfloor to a maximum of ¼”. Staples must be 18 gauge galvanized metal.

Alternative fasteners: Ring grooved underlayment flooring nails 30mm
(1-1/4”) in length may be used if staples are not available; however, nails should be ½” to ¾” from the edge.

NOTE: Do not use divergent staples or screws of any kind with any type of Plywood underlayment panel.

CONCRETE
If there is less than a 30-day period between pouring the basement concrete floor and installing the underlayment, a vapor barrier should be stapled to the underside of the floor joists to stop moisture from entering the sub floor.

See your local distributor or retailer for complete warranty instructions, exceptions and exclusions; or visit our website at www.floor-ply.ca

Ceramic Tile installation - for all Plywood’s 
All Subfloors must meet a deflection rating of L / 480 for tile, and L / 720 for stone. All grout must be sealed. Follow the Tile Council of America Guide for recommended installation of ceramic tile in direct-coupled installations. For movement greater than L / 480, we recommend the uncoupled or slip method of installation (such as the Schluter System) whereby a corrugated polyethylene membrane is used.

Sanding and Filling:
Fill all gouges, gaps, chipped areas and all panel edges with compound. Note: A cementitious patch mixed with the recommended % of acrylic additive (also known as latex additive, milk, moose milk) and water should be used. Do not use Gypsum base patch. For installations using nails, extra care should be taken to lightly patch all hammer indentations on the underlayment panel. Please refer to patch manufacturer’s instructions for details on performance application, proper mixtures and drying time. Note: Allow extra drying time during high humidity periods.

Patch must be thoroughly dry (may take up to 24 hours or longer, depending on humidity) before installing finished floor. Use only enough patch to smooth joints; additional patch may not be necessary. Note: If patch is not thoroughly dry, adhesive may not bond to the patch and seam telegraphing may result. Sand patch to a smooth surface when thoroughly dry.
Clean the underlayment surface thoroughly using a vacuum or broom.

Floor covering installation:
Carefully follow the floor covering manufacturer’s instructions for installation, and/or the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions

Caution: Plywood Underlayment panels are not structural products and thereby will not resolve structural problems or deficiencies of a floor or subfloor system. Installation over irregular or unstable subfloor is not covered by the warranty.
Do not install over concrete or plank floors.

NOTE: We do not recommend Plywood panel installation over subfloors exceeding 12% moisture content. Subfloors with a moisture content greater than 12%, and/or having greater than 5% moisture differentials between underlayment and subfloor, could create problems with the finished floor.  A moisture test of the main subfloor panels and underlayment panels prior to installation is strongly recommended, using a moisture meter intended for wood.

RENOVATIONS:
Plywood Underlayment panels can be applied over existing vinyl floorcovering providing the existing floor is sound, without defects or irregularities (one layer only). Do not use over heavily cushioned, thick foam-backed vinyl or perimeter fastened vinyl. If the old floor does not meet these criteria, it must be removed by a professional due to the possible health risk from asbestos contained in some older floorcoverings. Ensure that the existing floorcovering is fully adhered and well bonded. Poke holes, or cut 1/4"slits in the existing vinyl flooring 12" - 16" O.C., for adhesive ventilation prior to the installation of the Plywood panels.

ATTENTION: Installing ANY underlayment panel over old vinyl could cause an unstable floor, joint telegraphing, may prevent staple penetration or cause fastener popping.
 
Technical Support Line 403-695-4021
08/06