Installation Guidelines
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COMMERCIAL
3. Panels intended to be used as underlayment should be specifically designed for this purpose. These panels should
have a minimum thickness of 1⁄4” (6 mm). Any panels selected as an underlayment must meet the following criteria:
• Be dimensionally stable
• Have a smooth, fully sanded face, so graining or texture will not telegraph through
• Be resistant to both static and impact indentation
• Be free of any surface components that may cause staining, such as plastic fillers, marking inks sealers, etc.
• Be of uniform density, porosity and thickness
• Have a written warranty for suitability and performance from the panel manufacturer, or have a history of
proven performance
4. Any unevenness at the joints between panels must be sanded to a level surface. Gaps between panels, hammer
indentations and all other surface irregularities must be filled and sanded.
5. Particleboard, chipboard, construction grade plywood, OSB, flake-board and wafer board are not recommended as
underlayments. All have inadequate uniformity, poor dimensional stability and variable surface porosity. Mannington
Commercial will not accept responsibility for adhered installation over these subfloors. In all cases, the underlayment
manufacturer or underlayment installer is responsible for all underlayment warranties.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Before starting the Mannington Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF – LVT or LVP) installation, ensure the following are
satisfactorily completed:
1. Acclimation: The installation area and materials to be installed shall be maintained at a minimum of 65°F (18.3°C) and
a maximum of 85°F (29.4°C) for 48 hours before, during and for 48 hours after completion of the installation. Relative
humidity level extremes should also be avoided. General recommended humidity control level is between 35-55%. If
a system other than the permanent HVAC source is utilized, it must provide proper control of both temperature and
humidity to recommended or specific levels for the appropriate time duration.
2. Flooring materials: Check that the quantity of Mannington LVF and adhesive are sufficient for area to be installed.
Check material for visual defects before installation. Installation of flooring acknowledges acceptance of materials.
Report discrepancies immediately to Mannington at 800.241.2262 ext. 2 (Claims), as installation of products installed
with visual defects, mixed production runs or incorrect style will not be honored.
3. Expansion joints, isolation joints or other moving joints are incorporated into concrete floor slabs in order to
permit movement without causing random cracks in the concrete. These joints must be honored and not filled with
underlayment products or other materials, and floor coverings must not be laid over them. Expansion joint covering
systems should be detailed by the architect or engineer based upon intended usage and aesthetic considerations.
4. Surface cracks, grooves, depressions, control joints or other non-moving joints, and other irregularities shall be filled
or smoothed with high quality Portland cement-based patching or underlayment compound for filling or smoothing,
or both. Patching or underlayment compound shall be moisture, mildew, and alkali-resistant, and shall provide a
minimum of 3000 psi compressive strength after 28 days, when tested in accordance with ASTM C109 or ASTM C472,
whichever is appropriate.
5. Subfloor preparation: Make sure all surfaces to be covered are completely clean, dry and smooth and that all
necessary subfloor preparation has been properly completed and documented.
6. Inspect substrate: Perform final acceptance inspection of substrate.
7. Adjacent surfaces protection: Protect adjacent work areas and finish surfaces from damage during product
installation.
8. Flooring protection: Mannington LVF should be the last material installed to prevent other trades from disrupting the
installation and adhesive set-up or damaging the floor.
Start of flooring installation indicates acceptance of current subfloor conditions and full responsibility for completed
work.
