REMEMBER
To enable the correct installation of a hardwood floor it is important to ensure that:
1.The concrete/screeded subfloor is smooth, flat and laid to BS8204: Part 1:1987 table.
2. Generally a wood float finish + or – 3mm over a three metre radius. Any tolerances over and above
these may call for packing or making good with latex and these can be detrimental to the performance of a hardwood floor. MAKE SURE THE BUILDER GETS IT RIGHT!
3. Wooden subfloors must be sound, securely fixed, level and strong enough to support a hardwood floor.
4. A DPM must be incorporated below the concrete or screeded surface and adequate time allowed for ‘green’ concrete above a DPM to cure and dry out thoroughly.
5. A liquid surface applied RIW type damp proof membrane must be a recognised product and applied correctly to ensure total water proofing.
6. All wet finishes such as plaster, terrazzo and floor tiling should be completed and dry before wood floors are installed.
7. See that windows are glazed and outside doors are hung before wood floor finishes are fixed.
8. A new building should be adequately ventilated and heated for at least 10 working days prior to laying commencing and these conditions maintained during and after floor finishes are installed.
9. All radiators and water pipes should be subjected to a water test before arranging for the floor finishes to be laid.
Stabilised temperature not less than 13°C
Running temperature between 18°C – 23°C
Moisture content of walls not more than 8%
Moisture content of subfloor (for blocks or mosaics) not more than 5%
Moisture content of subfloors (others) not more than 8%
Relative humidity range 40-60%
Make arrangements for the lagging of all hot pipes before the floor is fixed
10. Provision should be made for dry, safe storage of kiln dried hardwood and other floorings which might suffer damage while building operations are proceeding.
11. Pre-plan the design and layout of all ducts and access traps to be incorporated in the floor.
12. Ensure that there are adequate expansion margins for all hardwood floors.
13. Consider how different types of flooring abutt each other and make the necessary detail arrangements.
14. Sufficient notice should be given to the flooring contractor if there is the likelihood of incompatibility of adhesives with any building material.
15. Ample provision should be given to the installation of barrier matting, preferably making it impossible for anyone to enter a public building without putting both feet on the mat.
16. A hardwood floor finish should be one of the last things installed in a building, as it is easily damaged by traffic during building operations.
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