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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR
HARMONY SPC HYBRID VINYL FLOORING

Harmony Flooring Installation Instructions are to be read in conjuction with the recommendations outlined by The Australasian Timber Flooring Association | ATFA.

The Australasian Timber Flooring Association | ATFA

https://www.atfa.com.au

Step 1: PRE-INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

  • Handle, transport, and unload the flooring with extreme care.
  • NEVER drop the boxes on their ends or sides, as this could fracture or cause breakages to the locking system.
  • NEVER stand the boxes upright as this could cause the flooring to bow, as well as the end locking systems to fracture or break. The boxes need to be stored flat at all times.
  • The flooring should be stored in a cool and dry place.
  • The flooring should not be delivered to site until the building is at a lock up stage and has been closed in with windows and doors, and until cement work, plastering, painting, and all other materials are thoroughly dry.
  • Proper temperature control needs to be in place during and after installation and can be achieved by circulating the air with fans, opening windows and doors, running air conditioners etc.
  • Do not install the flooring in areas that are subject to extreme seasonal temperature changes, where you cannot control the temperature effectively, as this could cause potential expansion issues to arise and deformity of the product to occur such as cupping, crowning etc, which will not be covered by the product warranty.
  • Please note that when installing the flooring in areas that are subject to large amounts of sunlight, that the windows are tinted or window furnishing installed and drawn at the time of the day when the flooring is most exposed to sunlight. Failure to do so could result in UV fading of the flooring, potential expansion issues to arise and deformity of the product in the form of cupping, crowning etc. which will not be covered by the product warranty.

Step 2: MOISTURE TEST

  • Before installing the flooring over a concrete or a particle board subfloor, check the subfloor for moisture in several areas using an appropriate qualified commercial moisture meter. Prior to installation commencing it is critical to check the moisture content of the subfloor. For concrete slabs, the moisture reading of the subfloor should be around 2.5% or lower for an older concrete slab and no more than 3.9% for a new concrete slab. For a particle board subfloor, the moisture content should not exceed 14%. If the moisture contents fall outside of the recommended ranges, additional drying of the subfloor will be required.
  • If the moisture content of the subfloor falls outside of the recommended ranges, that the subfloor be sealed with an appropriate sealant. Please note that sealants only act as a vapor barrier and not a moisture barrier or waterproofing membrane. Furthermore, it is important to follow the manufacturer of the sealant’s application instructions, in order to ensure a successful outcome.
  • The responsibility for checking the moisture contents of the subfloor lies with the installer and this information needs to be documented via marking the readings on the subfloor which are to be photographed and dated. A number of readings are required to be taken around varying locations on the subfloor. One or two readings will not suffice. If there are any areas of particular concern, then these need to be addressed before installation commences.
  • It is to be noted that large cracks in the concrete slab will need to be address prior to installation commencing by the relevant qualified tradesman.

Step 3: SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

  • The preparation of the subfloor is one of the most important and critical component of the installation process in order to ensure a successful outcome.
  • The subfloor must be within Australian Standards and structurally sound, free of deflection or excessive movement, permanently dry, level, smooth, clean and free of any foreign contaminants such as paint, dust, dirt, grease, oil, old adhesive residue etc. NEVER install the flooring over any type of carpet. Failure to follow this instruction will void the product warranty.
  • NEVER install an underlay, as this will cause the flooring to be spongy underfoot and could cause the floorboards to unclip or the locks to fracture or break. Installation of an underlay will void the product warranty.
  • The subfloor must be structurally sound and level to within 2mm over 3 lineal meters in any direction as SPC hybrid vinyl flooring is a much thinner product and tolerances are lower than for example engineered timber flooring.
  • When installing the flooring, it is critical that builder’s black plastic with a minimum 100um gauge is installed prior to the installation of the flooring. This is necessary in order to ensure that the flooring can move freely without the underlay backing grabbing onto the subfloor and preventing it from expanding, as well as acting as a moisture barrier in order to retard subfloor moisture. This is a critical component of the installation process and failure to follow this procedure will void the product warranty. When installing the builders’ black plastic overlap the joins by 100mm and tape them down with duct tape. Furthermore, run builder’s black plastic up the walls by approximately 20mm or even more depending on the size of the skirting or molding being used.
  • Movement and squeaks to the subfloor should be well fastened with ring nails or screws to the floor joists. With regards to floor levels, high spots must be sanded/grounded flat and low spots filled with a leveling compound with a minimum compressive strength of 3000 psi or greater. It is important to follow the leveling compounds application instructions and ensure they are suitable for the application purposes. Always ensure the leveling compound is dry prior to installation, referring to the compound manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If areas are required to be built up in order to achieve a uniform finished height throughout, ensure that plywood sheeting is used. Ensure the plywood moisture content does not exceed 14%. Install the plywood sheeting in a brick bond pattern with a 6mm expansion gap around the perimeters. Each plywood sheet must be adhered to the subfloor with construction adhesive and fixed to the subfloor with either screws when dealing with a particle board subfloor or construction anchors for concrete subfloors. The fixings will require a minimum 15mm grab into the particle board subfloor and 25mm into a concrete subfloor. Ensure that any height variance between the plywood sheeting does not exceed 0.75mm. Please refer to www.atfa.com.au for the correct amount of fixings required per sheet of plywood as well as the correct adhesives to use. Finally, ensure that the edges of the floorboards do not sit directly over the 6mm expansion gap between the plywood sheeting, in order to avoid excessive movement on the edges, which could cause the locks to fracture, break or creak.
  • When installing over existing tiles, it is first critical to check the stability of the tiles. Where there are cracked or hollow tiles, it may indicate that there underlying issues. In such circumstances it may be best to remove the tiles and return to the existing subfloor, depending on the severity of these issues if present. It is critical to note that when installing over existing tiles, the grout must not be loose. Furthermore, where the tile grout maximum depth exceeds 2mm and the tiles have a beveled edge and not a rectified edge, it important to fill the grout lines with a leveling compound, ensuring that it is dry prior to installation and that the installer follows the manufacturer’s instructions. Where there are height variances greater than 2mm between adjoining tiles, you will need to grind the tiles at these point in order to reduce the height difference. Should the tile adhesives fail at any stage and impact on the structural integrity of the flooring this will not be covered by the product warranty.
  • Only install over existing hard set adhesive fixed sheet vinyl floors and ensure they are stable prior to commencing installation. NEVER install over loose lay, cushioned vinyl or pressure sensitive adhesive fixed vinyl flooring, as this will void the product warranty.

Step 4: BEFORE INSTALLATION

  • Please note SPC hybrid vinyl flooring is water resistant from above only and it is not to be installed in wet areas such as a bathrooms, laundries or powder rooms. The presence of water below the flooring will cause issues to the structural stability of the flooring such as cupping, swelling, lock breakage etc. The flooring can only be installed indoors and cannot be installed in saunas, pool areas, and sunrooms or conservatories where the flooring will be exposed to excessive heat and light which in turn could cause UV fading of the flooring, potential expansion issues arising and deformity of the product which will not be covered by the warranty.
  • The floor can be installed over Hydronic In-Slab under-floor heating systems that cannot exceed 26 degrees Celsius. It is important to refer to the manufacturer’s installation and operation guidelines. Hydronic In-Screed heating or any other floor heating systems are not covered by the product warranty.
  • Prior to commencing installation ensure that the colour of the flooring in the boxes is as per the colour selected. Should the installer fail to do so and installs the incorrect colour, it will not be able to be exchanged.
  • Unpack 80% of the flooring that you will be installing on the day, sort out the floorboards into colours/shades and lengths where applicable. Prior to installation of the flooring, set it out by roughly placing the floorboards out in a manner that is pleasing to the eye, ensuring a random mix of colours/shades and lengths. Our quality control procedures at the factory ensure that very few, if any boards are defective when delivered to the consumer. However, it is important to remember that the installer should inspect each floorboard prior to installing them for potential defects, damage etc. which could occur through handling, human error, transport or manufacturing error. If any are found, these should be removed and returned to Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd to be exchanged or refunded if found to be defective. Alternatively these floorboards can be installed in areas such as underneath the dishwasher or fridge or in cupboards, where often these defects can be cut out. Please note if defective floorboards are installed without informing Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd of these defects, it is the installer’s responsibility to remove and replace them. Warranty claims will not be accepted for defective flooring that has been installed. It is critical to check each floorboard prior to installation commencing for any defects.
  • It is important to note that SPC hybrid vinyl flooring is a thin product. As a result great care needs to be exercised when transporting and handling the product as well as during the installation process. Lock breakage is not covered by the products warranty, as well as potential pulling away of the top wear layer where the floorboards are not either locked in properly or where the locks have been broken. Any floorboards that have broken locks should not be installed and the issue raised with Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd. Once installed the responsibility of replacing the damaged floorboards rests with the original installer.
  • Please note that not all jobs are the same and some consumers have specific requirements that they want met. If the consumer has any specific questions they wish addressed, please feel free to contact Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd prior to installation commencing. Furthermore, if the consumer wants to install their flooring outside the parameters of Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd installation instructions, they need to consult Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd prior to installation commencing and obtain clarification in order to ensure that all warranties are upheld. If the consumer fails to work within the parameters of Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd installation instructions, this could result in the product warranty being null & void in part or in full.

Step 5: INSTALLATION

  • Tools required include the following: Pencil, Tape Measure, Multi-Tool for undercutting the door jambs or alternatively a Handsaw, Utility Knife, Pull Bar, Hammer, Rubber Mallet, Rubber Tapping Block, Spacers/Wedges, Jigsaw, Drop Saw or Guillotine, Table Saw or Circular Saw, Broom, Dust Pan, Vacuum and relevant Safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • A waste factor of 10% needs to be allowed for, whilst a 15% waste factor needs to be allowed for when a large amount of angles and curves are involved. It is strongly advised that the consumer also purchase at least a spare box of the flooring that they have purchase, in case any future repairs are required. Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd regularly change their profiling, dimensions and colours of their flooring etc. to meet the needs of the market. Hence we cannot be expected to have stock of old flooring on hand for long periods of time. If a warranty repair is required and the original materials are not available, then the repairs will be carried out using similar flooring.
  • It is important to note that SPC hybrid vinyl flooring can only be installed via the Floating Method of Installation. For stairs only, the underlay backing needs to be removed, along with the old adhesive from the floorboard. Then, using a flexible adhesive, adhere the flooring to the stairs. Before applying any adhesives ensure the substrate is clean and free of chemicals, solvents, paint, old adhesives etc. in order to ensure proper adhesion.
  • Please note that SPC hybrid vinyl flooring cannot be installed over battens.
  • NEVER install an underlay, as this will cause the flooring to be spongy underfoot and could cause the floorboards to unclip or the locks to fracture or break. Installation of an underlay will void all warranties for the product.

 

Stage 1

  • Follow steps outlined in Step 1: Pre-Installation Procedures and check the moisture contents of the subfloor as discussed in Step 2: Moisture Test.
  • Proper temperature control needs to be in place during and after installation and can be achieved by circulating the air with fans, opening windows and doors, running air conditioners etc. The optimal temperature at the time of installation is 24 degrees Celsius and this is also the ideal temperature range to be maintained where possible once installation has been completed. Furthermore, the Relative Humidity should be controlled at between 30% and 70% at all times, in order to ensure the flooring performs optimally.

 

Stage 2

  • Seal the subfloor if required.
  • Install builder’s black plastic as discussed in Step 3: Subfloor Preparation as well as rectify levels if required.

 

Stage 3

  • Unpack the boxes as described in Step 4: Before Installation. Remove any skirting if applicable and undercut the door jambs with either a Multi-Tool or Handsaw, using an off cut of the flooring as a guide to achieve the correct heights.

 

Stage 4

  • Usually you will want to orientate the floorboards in the direction of the major source of incoming light, so that light is shining down the length of the floorboards, or install the floorboards with the length of the room. Sometimes these to situations do not work in unison, in which case the consumer will need to take into account things like expansion or the overall look they want to achieve.
  • Commence installation working from left to right placing the spacers/wedges at the ends and edges where the flooring meets the walls. It is critical to leave expansion of a minimum of 9mm around the perimeters of the flooring, depending on the size of the area. If possible, cut and remove the base of the Gyprock approximately 10mm up from the subfloor in order to gain an extra 10mm expansion. Where possible use 18mm skirting to gain extra expansion.
  • For areas large than 6 meters in width and length, the floor may need to be compartmentalized. Failure to consider the installation of expansion joints over runs longer than 6 meters could compromise expansion and any resultant damage to the flooring will not be covered by the product warranty. Please contact Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd for clarification in this regard prior to commencing installation.

 

Stage 5

  • Start the first row of floorboards with the bottom locking system facing towards the installer and away from the wall. Once the first floorboard has been installed and the Spacers/Wedges placed at the ends where the flooring meets the walls, lock the butt joints (short end of the floorboards) together by inserting the top lock into the bottom lock at a slight angle and drop in place.
  • If required tap the butt joint gently with an off cut piece of the SPC hybrid vinyl flooring (underlay side facing down), using a rubber mallet. This is to ensure that the butt joints are securely locked together. Run your fingers over the butt joints in order to ensure they are sitting flush, which will indicate that they are securely locked together. NEVER hit any of the locks directly, without using an off cut piece of the SPC hybrid vinyl flooring (underlay side facing down) with a rubber mallet, as it could cause the locks to break. Also NEVER hit the locks to hard as it could cause the locks to break. Failure to close the gaps will compromise the locking system.
  • Continue this procedure until you get to the end of the row. Cut the last floorboard with a Utility Knife and Steel Ruler, Drop Saw or Guillotine. A Utility Knife and Steel Ruler or a Guillotine will be a cleaner option. Once the first row has been installed, use the leftover piece of the cut floorboard and start your next row with it, ensuring that the spaces between the butt joints are at least 30 cm apart. The spacing between butt joints of at least 30cm creates a more stable floor and also looks more aesthetically pleasing. Also ensure that the piece starting the row is no smaller than 30cm. If starting a row with a new floorboard, ensure you cut the lock facing the wall off first. Lock the long edge of the starter floorboard by inserting the top lock into the bottom lock at a slight angle and drop in place. Ensure a Spacer/Wedge is placed at the end where the floorboard meets the wall. Tap if required using the off cut piece of the SPC hybrid vinyl flooring (underlay side facing down) and the rubber mallet.
  • To avoid creating a joint pattern in the flooring, it is necessary to begin installation using starter boards. To create a starter floorboard, cut the floorboard at 2/3 the length. Start with the 2/3 length, and then install the full lengths and continue across the room. Use the 1/3 length to start the next row and continue as above keeping at least a 30cm distance between the end joints. Cuts made at the opposite wall should be used for starter floorboards. A starter floorboard should be a minimum 30cm long. If you wish to introduce a pattern then the strongest and most stable pattern is a running brick bond pattern.

 

At this stage there are two options that can be utilized in order to install the floorboards:

Option 1

Firstly, lock the butt joint of the second floorboard into the butt joint of the first floorboard installed in row two, lining up the long edge of the second floorboard as close as possible to the adjoining floorboard. Ensure the butt joints are securely locked in. Then go to the end of the second floorboard in row two, slightly angle it and with your hands lock the long edge of the floorboard into the adjoining floorboard, working your way back towards the butt joints of the first and second floorboards in row two. If necessary you can lock the remaining section of the floorboard in by pushing/knocking gently at a slight angle with your hand against the exposed/facing lock. If required tap the locks gently with an off cut piece of the flooring (underlay side facing down), using a rubber mallet in order to ensure the floorboards are locked in properly. These procedures are then replicated throughout the installation process. When cutting around built-in cabinetry or fitting the floorboards underneath the door jambs, use either a Utility Knife of Jigsaw to make the cuts, ensuring the relevant expansion has been left at all times.

Option 2

Firstly, lock the butt joints of the second floorboard into the first floorboard installed in row two, lining up the long edge of the second floorboard as close as possible to the adjoining floorboard. Ensure the butt joints are securely locked in. Then at an approximate angle of 30 degrees lift the first and second floorboards and lock in the long edge working your way down from the butt joint towards the end of the second floorboard in row two. If necessary you can lock the remaining section of the floorboard in by pushing/knocking gently at a slight angle with your hand against the exposed/facing lock. If required tap the locks gently with an off cut piece of the SPC hybrid vinyl flooring (underlay side facing down), using a rubber mallet in order to ensure the floorboards are locked in properly. These procedures are then replicated throughout the installation process. When cutting around built-in cabinetry or fitting the floorboards underneath the door jambs, use either a Utility Knife of Jigsaw to make the cuts, ensuring the relevant expansion has been left.

Stage 6

  • A far more professional outcome is achieved when the skirting is removed prior to installation commencing and reinstalled on completion of the installation process. It is also highly recommended to undercut the architraves unless they are steel architraves that are structural. Where a client does not wish to remove the skirting, a molding or scotia can be fixed to the skirting. Never nail the timber beading or scotia to the flooring as this could cause expansion issues. When fixing the skirting or kickers etc. it is extremely important not to push hard down on the skirting. Gently sit the skirting or kickers on top of the flooring and fix to the walls. Failure to do this could cause expansion issues and the flooring will not be covered by the product warranty. Furthermore, by using an 18mm skirting as opposed to an 11mm skirting, will gain extra expansion and possibly reduce the need for expansion joints. It is also advisable to undercut the Gyprock where possible in order to gain an extra 10mm expansion.
  • Against any built-in cabinetry, fit a molding to cover the expansion unless the built-in cabinetry has been set up and any kickboards left off. NEVER fit built-in cabinetry, balustrades or sliding door track on top of the flooring, as this will cause expansion issues and will void the product warranty. The same is applicable when placing extremely heavy items directly on top of the flooring such as a baby grand piano, heavy bookcases, a billiard table etc. All of the above could cause expansion issues and this could result in the product warranty being null & void in part or in full.
  • Install transition strips against the tiles, carpet, windows and sliding doors etc. using a flexible adhesive or a clear silicone to fix the transition strips. Please discuss the different transition strips with your supplier so they are able to advise you of the best choices in this regard.
  • Please note that the placement of silicone to the base of the skirting and around built-in cabinetry could potentially cause expansion issues and as a result is not permissible. Failure to adhere to this will void the product warranty. Silicone work is permissible only around steel architraves, which cannot be undercut and around stone waterfalls only.

 

 Stage 7

  • On completion of the installation process, sweep up large pieces of debris and dispose of in a responsible manner. Vacuum the remaining debris up, ensuring that the brushes our out on the vacuum head. You can then mop the flooring using a neutral floor cleaner, referring to the manufacturer’s instructions and a lightly damp micro fibre mop. Refer to Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd Care and Maintenance Instructions on how to clean the flooring.

 

STAIR NOSING NOTES:

  • It is CRITICAL that when installing the stair nosing on a staircase, that the following steps be taken:
  1. Firstly, it is critical that the underlay backing on the SPC Hybrid Vinyl flooring is removed prior to installation on the staircase and that the back surface scratched up with 40 grit sandpaper, in order to create a key for the timber flooring adhesive. Failure to do this will void all warranties for the stair nosing.
  2. The staircase to be clad is to be squared off. If necessary, the riser needs to be packed out so as to sit flush with the edge of the tread and if a bullnose is present, cut off. If the bullnose cannot be cut off, then the gap between the rounded edge of the bullnose and the back of the stair nosing needs to be packed with a non-flexible construction adhesive which will set hard, so as to fill the void present.
  3. It is important that timber flooring adhesive is trowelled on the tread and that glue fitted to the return face of the stair nosing, ensuring that it sits securely.
  4. It is imperative that the return face of the stair nosing sits flush to the riser and is securely adhered to the riser. There cannot be any gap present between the return face of the stair nosing and the riser.
  5. Failure to implement all of the above steps, will result in the stair nosing rocking and potentially breaking on the rounded edge. If all the above steps are not taken and the stair nosing starts to break on the rounded edge, this will not be deemed a warranty issue and as such will not be covered by our warranty.
  6. If for some reason a stair nosing fails due to a manufacturing error, they will be replaced under warranty, but unless Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd did the installation, the labour component will not be covered.
  7. Please note that due to the nature of stair nosing and the fact that they are more susceptible to wear and tear, their construction is only warranted for a period of 2 years. Furthermore, our warranty does not cover dents and scratches to the stair nosing, which can happen as part of the normal wear and tear of the stair nosing.

SAFETY AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

  • When installing any products supplied by Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd, the installer is to wear the relevant PPE, which includes Ear Muffs, Eye Protection, Gloves and a Respirator Mask with a filtration system that is conform to Australian Standards. It is recommended to get any Respirator Masks properly fit tested. This is of particular relevance when cutting the flooring. This is the responsibility of the installer to ensure this is followed at all times.
  • When installing any products supplied by Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd on constructions sites, the installer is to wear the above recommended PPE and any other PPE required in accordance with the construction site rules and regulations, such as Steel Caps, Visibility Vests, Long Sleeve Shirts, Long Pants, Hard Hats etc. This is the responsibility of the installer to ensure this is followed at all times.
  • When cutting any products supplied by Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd, the installer is required to attach a vacuum to the equipment in order to reduce the spread of dust. This is the responsibility of the installer to ensure this is followed at all times.
  • When working with any adhesives, solvents, chemicals etc. it is essential that the installer refer to the Safety Work Method Statements (SWMS) and Data Sheets provided by the companies’ manufacturing these products before using them, in order to ensure that the correct guidelines are followed when in use. This is the responsibility of the installer to ensure this is followed at all times.
  • When using power tools, it is essential that the installer consults the manufacturers’ instructions before using the power tools in order to ensure they are using them correctly and for their intended purposes, thus avoid risk of injury. This is the responsibility of the installer to ensure this is followed at all times.

 

HANDY INSTALLATION TIPS

  • Read the instruction first – Before commencing the installation process, read the manufacturers’ instructions and for all products to be used first and consult your supplier if you are uncertain of anything. Our Installation Instructions can be found on our website at www.harmonytimberfloors.com.
  • Direction of the flooring – Usually you will want to orientate the floorboards in the direction of the major source of incoming light, so that light is shining down the length of the floorboards, or install the floorboards with the length of the room. Sometimes these to situations do not work in unison, in which case the consumer will need to take into account things like expansion or the overall look they want to achieve.
  • Skirting and Kickboards – A far more professional outcome is achieved when the skirting is removed prior to installation commencing and reinstalled on completion of the installation process. It is also highly recommended to undercut the architraves unless they are steel architraves that are structural. Where a client does not wish to remove the skirting, a molding or scotia can be fixed to the skirting. Never nail the timber beading or scotia to the flooring as this could cause expansion issues. When fixing the skirting or kickboards etc. it is extremely important not to push hard down on the skirting or kickboards. Gently sit the skirting or kickboards on top of the flooring and fix accordingly. Failure to do this could cause expansion issues and the flooring may not be covered by the manufacture warranty. Furthermore, by using an 18mm skirting as opposed to an 11mm skirting will gain extra expansion and possibly reduce the need for expansion joints. It is also advisable to undercut the Gyprock where possible in order to gain an extra 10mm expansion.
  • Moisture – Take the environment in which you will be installing the flooring into account prior to installation. If you are aware of any moisture issues, get these rectified prior to installation commencing. Furthermore, check the moisture contents of the subfloor prior to installation commencing.
  • Silicone or Acrylic Gap Filler – Do not apply a silicone or acrylic gap filler bead to the base of the skirting or around any built-in cabinetry, as there is a strong probability that when the flooring expands and contracts, the silicone or acrylic gap filler bead will pull away. In fact, a silicone or acrylic gap filler bead could actually cause an expansion issue by holding up the timber flooring; hence a silicone or acrylic gap filler bead is not permitted for the Floating Method of Installation. If carried out this will affect all warranties for the flooring. A silicone or acrylic gap filler bead is only permissible around steel architraves, which cannot be undercut and around stone waterfalls. Please note that the silicone or acrylic gap filler must not be placed in the expansion gap, which needs to be filled with foam backing rod.
  • Expansion – If something goes wrong with the flooring, it is usually related to expansion. Leaving sufficient expansion is critical at ensuring that you do not have any issues with the flooring.
  • Creating a random look as opposed to a pattern – To avoid creating a joint pattern in the flooring, it is necessary to begin installation using starter boards. To create a starter floorboard, cut the floorboard at 2/3 the length. Start with the 2/3 length, and then install the full lengths and continue across the room. Use the 1/3 length to start the next row and continue as above keeping at least a 25-30cm distance between the end joints. Cuts made at the opposite wall should be used for starter floorboards. A starter floorboard should be a minimum 30cm long. If you wish to introduce a pattern then the strongest and most stable pattern is a running brick bond pattern.
  • Fixing of transition strips – These need to be fixed with a flexible adhesive or clear silicone and where possible fixed to the actual sliding doors, windows etc. and not the flooring itself. Ensure surfaces are clean prior to applying the flexible adhesive or clear silicone in order to ensure proper adhesion.
  • Installing the flooring over existing floor finishes – Check that the subfloor is stable and level. Flooring cannot be installed over existing carpet, which will need to be removed first. Please note when installing the flooring over tiles, it is important to note that the tiles need to be securely adhered to the subfloor, but this is not a guarantee that this bond will not break further down the track. As a result caution needs to be taken when installing flooring over existing tiles. The same is applicable for linoleum or existing vinyl flooring. Also when installing flooring over existing tiles, the size of the grout lines needs to be considered. If the grout lines are too big, then this could cause excessive movement underfoot and the locks could unclip or break. It would also be advisable to install relief cuts to the existing timber flooring. Never fit a floor over another engineered timber floor that has been installed via the Floating Method of Installation. It is important to remove the existing engineered timber flooring first. Also always make sure there is no asbestos present in any of the existing floor finishes before removing them. If uncertain send a piece of the existing floor finish away for testing.
  • Waste Factor – A waste factor of 10% needs to be allowed for, whilst a 15% waste factor needs to be allowed for when a large amount of angles and curves are involved. Recommended areas of installation – The flooring can be installed in all areas, excluding wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries, wet rooms, outdoors and areas exposed to excessive amounts of direct sunlight (refer to our Care and Maintenance Instructions). Residential kitchens are not classified as wet areas. If installed in the above mentioned areas, it may void the manufacturer warranty. Please feel free to contact Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd prior to installation commencing if you have any questions in this regard.
  • Fixing items directly to the flooring – Fixing items directly to the flooring will cause expansion issues and is not recommended. This includes the fixing of track, built-in cabinetry etc. by screwing them or adhering them with non-flexible adhesives directly on top of the flooring. This is particularly relevant to the Floating Method of Installation. The same is applicable when placing extremely heavy items directly on top of the flooring such as built-in cabinetry, a piano, heavy bookcases, a billiard table etc. Once again this is of particular relevance to the Floating Method of Installation. If carried out this could affect all warranties for the flooring.
  • Install the flooring after the other tradesmen have completed their scope of works, to prevent potentially damage the flooring.
  • Purchasing of spare flooring – It is strongly advised that the consumer purchase at least a spare box of the flooring that they have purchase, in case any future repairs are required. Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd regularly change their profiling, dimensions and colours of their flooring etc. to meet the needs of the market. Hence we cannot be expected to have stock of old flooring on hand for long periods of time. If a warranty repair is required and the original materials are not available, then the repairs will be carried out using similar flooring.

                                                                                                                                                                                       

These installation instructions are part of the Harmony Timber Floors Installation Instructions and failure to comply fully with them will result in the product warranty being null & void in part or in full.

For those SPC hybrid vinyl floors installed by Harmony Timber Floors Pty Ltd, the warranty for the installation is for a period of 1 year from the date of completion of the works.

Please refer to the Harmony Timber Floors Care and Maintenance Instructions and the Australasian Timber Flooring Association website at www.atfa.com.au, on how to care and maintain your Harmony SPC hybrid vinyl flooring and how to maintain the correct climatic conditions within your home/interior space during the various seasons of the year and extreme weather events in order to avoid any potential expansion issues, cupping, crowning, peaking of joints etc. Proper temperature control needs to be in place during and after installation and can be achieved by circulating the air with fans, opening windows and doors, running air conditioners etc.

 Please also visit the Australasian Timber Flooring Association website at www.atfa.com.au for further information on installation instructions for your flooring, to be read in conjunction with our Installation Instructions.