Follow this simple 5 step guide to install Korlok flooring:
Step 1
Acclimate Korlok at least 48h prior to installation.
Step 2
Prepare the subfloor. Subfloor must be dry, smooth, level, clean and dust-free.
Step 3
Korlok should be laid with an expansion gap of 0.2" (5mm) around the perimeter of the room and all fixed objects. Remove the skirting boards and undercut door frames to allow for possible expansion.
Step 4
Install Korlok, allowing for an expansion gap.
Step 5
Once installed, remove spacers, sweep the floor with a soft brush and fix skirting boards or suitable edge trim to cover the expansion gaps.
Please note that before installing Korlok, you should refer to our full installation instructions.
Specific Installation Guidelines
Acclimation of Material
For commercial installations make sure flooring materials are removed from packaging at least 48 hours prior to installation, (planks may be stacked, but must be rested flat) and allowed to condition in the room where the installation is to take place. Room temperature must be kept between 64°F - 79°F (18°C - 26°C).
For residential installations, acclimation is not essential if the product temperature is already in the range 64°F - 79°F (18°C - 26°C).
To achieve a more natural look to your floor, we recommend that the product in the box is shuffled before installation.
Subfloor Preparation
All subfloors should be solid, smooth, level i.e. less than 3/16” in any 10’ diameter range (5mm in any 3m), sound, clean, less than 95% RH, swept and free of all debris before Korlok flooring is installed.Old Adhesive residues
All adhesive residues from previous installations must be completely removed.
Damp Subfloors
Korlok must only be installed on dry floors. The floor must have a moisture reading of less than 95% RH (or according to the National Standard). If any sub floor shows moisture readings above 95% RH then an acceptable damp proof membrane/moisture suppression system must be applied.
Note: that a compliant pH level is also a requirement for concrete slabs in some countries’ Standards. (If using the calcium chloride test procedure ASTM 1869-11 the reading must not be above 5lbs per 1000sq ft. per 24hrs).
Mosaic/Terrazzo/Ceramics/Quarry Tiles
Level any grout lines with a suitable smoothing compound and make the floor sound.depth of more than 1/8” (3mm).
Wood Floors
These should be solid with minimal flexibility. All loose boards must be firmly fastened and gaps filled. Wood block floors laid direct to earth/ bitumen/pitch must be removed prior to installation.
Linoleum/Thermoplastic/Vinyl/Cork
Make sure these floors are solid; fix any loose tiles and remove any surface polish/sealer.
Metal and Painted Floors
Fully remove any loose paint or other finishes.
Textile Floor Coverings
(Including carpet) must be removed.
Misc
Any existing floors installed with cutback adhesive must first be suitably covered/encapsulated.
Other Floors
Consult your supplier.
Underfloor Heating and Services
Korlok is suitable over underfloor heating systems, as long as it is insulated from the heating system to ensure that the surface temperature does not rise above 81°F (27°C).
Electrical Underfloor Heating
Please consult manufacturers to ensure their system is compatible with our flooring. Mesh/wire systems must be bedded into a basecoat of reinforced fibre smoothing compound. Then a second coat of primer and reinforced fibre smoothing compound should be applied. The room temperature must be between 64-79°F (18-26°C) prior and during installation.
Installation
Before starting the installation remove all debris or dust and clean the floor.
Korlok should be laid with an expansion gap of 0.2” (5mm) around the perimeter of the room and all fixed objects, including pipes. This must be increased to 0.33” (8mm) for areas larger than 1000sqft (100m2 ). Consult your supplier for larger areas.**
Skirting boards should be removed and door frames undercut to allow for possible expansion. Alternatively a suitable edge trim should be used to cover the expansion gap.
Plank products should be laid with staggered joints, at a distance of at least 10” (250mm).
Tools
For a successful installation, the following tools will be necessary – pencil, utility knife, ruler/straight edge, carpenter’s square, saw, hand roller, pull bar, hammer and rubber mallet are recommended.
Exclusions
Special care must be taken when installing Korlok in rooms that are exposed to large temperature fluctuations e.g. unheated rooms, conservatories or direct sun / through south facing patio doors. In these cases, a 0.4” (10mm) expansion gap should be used. Adhesives are not recommended in the installation of this product.
* Water will not penetrate through the product from one side to the other. This does not include joints between individual tiles/plank.
**Where the flooring run exceeds 50ft (15m) in width or length, an 0.33” (8mm) expansion joint should be used and repeated thereafter.
Taking Care of Your Floor
- Regularly sweep the floor to remove loose dirt or grit as these can cause fine scratches.
- For a thorough clean, a range of cleaning products is available (Clean, Remove and Refresh). Avoid the use of regular household cleaners and bleach-based detergents. These could make the floor slippery or cause discoloration.
- Always mop up spills as soon as possible, to reduce the risk of slipping and possible staining.
- Use entrance mats to protect against grit and moisture. Ensure they are of non-staining variety (not rubber-backed) to prevent any discoloration of the floor.
- Avoid sliding or dragging furniture or other objects across the floor - use floor protector pads to prevent scratching.
- Use castor cups to protect against indentation from heavy furniture.
- Maintain room temperature between 55-81°F (13-27°C) for optimum performance.
- Do not subject Korlok to standing water as this will present a slip hazard
