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VOGUE PARQUET GUIDELINES & DATA-SHEET
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Installation and maintenance guides may be revised periodically to apply to new products or reflect changes in industry standards. Please visit our website at www.vogueparquet.com to review our most up-to-date documents.
In addition to these guidelines, Vogue Parquet recommends that Vogue Parquet products be installed in accordance with the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Installation Guidelines. You can find the NWFA guidelines at https://www.nwfa.org.
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INSTALLER/OWNER RESPONSIBILITY
Open the boxes and check the products to ensure the material is not damaged. If the material is not acceptable, contact VOGUE Parquet immediately and arrange for a replacement.
Our warranties DO NOT cover materials that are installed with visible defects. A defect/irregular tolerance of up to 5% is allowed according to industry standards.
It is the responsibility of the installer/owner to determine if the job site conditions are environmentally acceptable for wood floor installation. VOGUE Parquet declines any responsibility for wood floor failure resulting from/connected to job site environmental/construction damage or due to subfloor deficiencies after hardwood flooring has been installed. Client is responsible for choosing a professional wood flooring installer that follows NWFA installation procedures.
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CAUTION: Wood Dust
Wood dust becomes a potential health problem when wood particles from sanding and cutting become airborne. Breathing these particles may cause allergic respiratory symptoms, mucosal and non-allergic respiratory symptoms, and cancer. The extent of these hazards and the associated wood types have not been clearly established.
Power tools should be equipped with a dust collector. If high dust levels are unavoidable, an appropriate NIOSH-approved dust mask should be used. Avoid eye and skin contact. First Aid: In case of irritation, flush eyes or skin with water for at least 15 minutes.
CAUTION: Proper Maintenance
Please ensure proper maintenance procedures and products are used. Using inappropriate cleaners could damage the finish and void the manufacturer's warranty. WARNING: Not all floor cleaning products marketed as wood floor cleaners are appropriate for your specific floor finish. Please refer to CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE for additional and further information.
PROPER SITE CONDITIONS AND HANDLING
The building must be complete and enclosed. HVAC systems must be working and in operation 7 days before installation. It is essential that all masonry, drywall, paint, and all other “wet” work have been completed, given time to dry thoroughly, as this will affect the moisture content on the job site. Overly dry or wet conditions must be corrected before installation. Room temperature and humidity of installation areas should be consistent with normal, year-round living conditions for at least ONE WEEK before the installation of wood flooring. Room temperatures of 60°F to 80°F and a humidity range of 35% to 60% should be maintained year-round. Supplemental humidification may be needed in dry environments and regions to meet the above-normal living conditions.
Acclimate for 72 hours. For acclimation, unopened cartons of flooring need to be lying horizontally in the room when acclimating. They do not need to be opened or the plastic to be removed. They need to lay (can be stacked) horizontally for 72 hours in a controlled environment. Humidity is maintained at or near normal living conditions, generally between 60°F to 80°F and at the average yearly relative humidity for the area. The exterior grading should be complete, with all gutters, downspouts, and drainage directed away from the building. The basement and crawlspace must have adequate cross ventilation. Crawl spaces must be a minimum of 18” from ground to underside of joists. Exposed earth should be fully covered by a minimum 6mm black polyethylene vapor barrier with joints overlapped and sealed with moisture-resistant tape. Refer to the National Wood Flooring Association Installation Guidelines.
Engineered wood flooring can be installed on, below, and above grade level but should not be installed in areas such as full bathrooms, pool areas, etc.
Take special care when transporting and unloading hardwood flooring at the job site. Flooring should be stored in small lots in the rooms where the installation will occur and in a job-controlled environment allowing for proper acclimation.
SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
The subfloor surface must be clean, free of any wax, dirt, paint, oil, grease, curing compounds, and other debris, and dry, flat, and structurally sound. The subfloor should be flat to within 3/16” in a 10-feet radius. Sand or grind high spots and fill low spots with an approved floor patch compound. The surface temperature of the subfloor, at the time of installation, should be at least 60°F but never exceed 80°F. VOGUE Parquet will not be responsible due to improper subfloor preparation or subfloor conditions.
*CONCRETE SUBFLOOR: Test for excessive moisture. A reading of over 3 lbs./1000 sq. ft. by Calcium Chloride test requires the application of a vapor retarder. ALWAYS FOLLOW LOCAL CODES AND MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCEPTABLE VAPOR RETARDERS. Ensure concrete has a minimum of 3000 PSI Compression. For installation over lightweight concrete (less than 3000 PSI), use a floating subfloor or flooring installation method. New concrete should be completely cured for at least 60 days. Installers should refer to the ASTM F2170 Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes.
*WOOD SUBFLOOR:*When using the floating application, cover wall to wall with an underlayment overlapped at seams (follow underlayment manufacturing instructions). It is recommended to tape overlapped edges with cellophane tape. Re-secure any loose areas to prevent subfloor squeaking. The moisture content (MC) of a wood subfloor should not exceed 11%. In general, the moisture content of hardwood flooring is between 6% and 9%, and the MC difference between the subfloor and flooring should not exceed 2% on a 3 1⁄4” or wider flooring.
*INSTALLATION OVER RADIANT HEATED FLOOR:* Before installation over radiant heat systems, it is important to refer to the NWFA Installation Guidelines Section IV. Appendix H. Failure to follow these guidelines can void your Vogue Parquet warranty and may produce unsatisfactory results.
GENERAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Our Engineered wood flooring products can be installed using glue-down or nail/staple methods only.
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2. Cleats are preferred for high-density wood species. Minor occasional noise (such as squeaking) within the flooring is inherent to all staple and nail-down applications and can occur as environmental conditions change. For products greater than 5” in width, it is recommended to use a combination glue-down assist when using mechanical fasteners. Mechanically fastened products are not warranted against squeaking or popping sounds.
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3. Blind nail along the length of the strip/plank and near the ends (1"-3"). Minimum of 2 nails per strip/plank.
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4. Flooring should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensure the best blend of color and shade mix. If a piece of flooring is debatable due to manufacturing, color, finishing, grade, or showing a visual defect, do not install. Cut it for the wall line or place it in a closet.
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5. End joints should never be closer than 6” from each other.
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6. Tongue and groove should be engaged by tapping block or a soft-head mallet.
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7. Allow 1⁄2” expansion space around all vertical obstructions.
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8. Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct trowel notch, open time, and spread rate. Client is responsible for choosing the professional wood flooring adhesive with polyurethane.
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9. Lift planks periodically to ensure proper adhesive transfer. Clean adhesive off the surface with adhesive manufacturer-approved cleaner and soft cloth before it dries.
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10. If the adhesive manufacturer recommends, roll the floor with the proper roller.
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11. Use approved tongue and groove flooring adhesive. The adhesive must be used on all side/end joints. Apply a 1/8” continuous bead of glue on the bottom edge of the groove and the top of the tongue. If you see glue come up between the planks, you’re using too much glue. After 4-5 rows, check the floor for square as you will still have time to adjust it before the glue sets. Ensure the floor is aligned properly and continue as necessary using flooring straps to hold the flooring temporarily in place. Remove excess glue as you go.
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12. Do not install floating floors.
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COMPLETING THE JOB
*Glue Down Installation:* Roll with 100 to 150 lb roller every 2 to 3 hours, and on completion, ensure all planks are flat and in contact with the adhesive. Please refer to the adhesive manufacturer's installation instructions.
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*For all installation methods:** Remove the spacing wedges, and install the base moldings. Always nail moldings to the adjacent wall, not the flooring.
*For glue-down and float applications:*Restrict any foot traffic for 12 hours following installation.
*Inspect the completed floor for any scratches, nicks, and minor gaps.
* Use a touch-up kit, filler, or wood putty as needed. Hint: Test filler on a spare piece
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE​
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Keep in mind, like any floor covering, hardwood floors will show signs of wear over time. By taking a few precautions and setting up a regular cleaning routine/maintenance program, you can expect years of beauty from your floor. The following are examples of the simple and necessary maintenance you should perform to help keep your floors looking great.
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Dirt, grit and sand act like sandpaper to scratch, dent and dull hardwood floors. You should place floor mats at exterior entrances to trap dirt.
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Avoid walking on floor with high heels or spiked shoes.
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Sweep, vacuum or dust mop at least weekly since built-up grit can damage the surface of the wood. The vacuum head should be a soft brush or felt type to avoid scratching. Be certain the wheels of the vacuum are clean and that they roll softly so that they do not damage the finish. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER BAR HEAD.
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Use area rugs in high traffic areas and pivot points (e.g., stair landings, room entries, etc.), especially if you have a large family or indoor pets.
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Rubber backed rugs are not recommended as discoloration may occur due to plastics migrating out of some rug backings. Instead, rubber liners/pads that are made especially for rugs over hardwood floors are recommended. These liners also have holes in them for the wood to breathe and can be found at your local home improvement and some hardwood flooring stores.
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Remove all spills promptly using a soft cloth and recommended cleaning products. Any spills with acidic properties like pet urine, soda, etc. should especially be cleaned as soon as possible. Long periods of time uncleansed will likely damage your floor.
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NEVER drench-mop, wet-mop, or flood your floor with water or other products. This can severely damage the flooring and will void the warranties. The use of a microfiber towel or other similar product that is lightly damped is highly recommended. Do not use hardwood floor cleaning machines. (Be sure to use a cleaning solution specific to your flooring finish e.g. laquer, oil, etc)
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Use approved maintenance and floor-care products from companies such as, but not limited to, Woca and Bona for your oil or lacquer finished floors (contact Vogue Parquet at 786-606-9301 /info@vogueparquet.com to discuss which product best suits your needs).
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Keep pets’ nails trimmed, and paws clean and free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil, and stains, etc. Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and feet to reduce scratches and dents.
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Use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, furniture or appliances.
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Make certain furniture casters are clean and operate properly (a minimum 1” width is recommended).
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Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and aging of wood and fabrics. This causes the stain and/or wood to fade and change color. We recommend closing curtains and blinds or adding sheer drapes to protect the floor from intense and direct sunlight. Rearrange rugs and furniture periodically so that the floor ages evenly.
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THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE FROM THE SUN AND ITS UV RAYS.
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Don’ts
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Use oil based soaps on lacquered finished floors.
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Drag sharp wooden legs or metal furniture legs as it can scratch/dent hardwood floors.
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Expose to direct sunlight for extended period of time as it may dry/fade natural wood.
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Use steam cleaners. They are not recommended for use on natural wood flooring.
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Place porous flower pots or vases on the floor.
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Use steel wool or scourers.
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Move heavy furniture without protecting wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile
under the legs or bottom of items.
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Ever wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull a finish, damage the integrity of the
wood and leave a discoloring residue.
IMPORTANT
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Do NOT wash or scrub the flooring for at least 3 days after the installation. This will allow the planks to become “seated” in the adhesive and prevent excess moisture and cleaning agents from interfering with the adhesive bond.
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Do not use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax products or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung oil, silicon or ammonia since the warranty will not cover damage caused by non-recommended products. Use of these and other such products will harm the long-term performance of your floor and may also affect its recoat ability.
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For Oiled Floors: Clean directly after installation using woca natural soap or relative product. Allow a 24-hour drying period. Refresh your oil finish using woca's oil refreshing soap or oil refresher directly after installation and every 3 months.
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For Lacquered Floors: Clean directly after installation using woca vinyl and lacquer soap or relative product. Allow a 1-2 hour drying period.
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SEASONAL GAPS
Seasonal gapping can be expected, especially on wider planks. This is normal and not a defect. Throughout its life, wood will naturally expand and contract in response to the wet & dry seasons and also from the environmental conditions in the home. To keep these dimensional changes to a minimum, maintain the home temperature at 60°- 85° F & relative humidity within the range of 35%-60%.
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SURFACE CHECKS
During the winter months of low humidity, minor surface cracks (checks) may appear in wood flooring, then often close up again in the summer months when the humidity is higher. This is a normal characteristic of natural wood and not a basis of a complaint against Vogue Parquet, especially if there is no structural failure.
By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your new Vogue Parquet for years to come and minimize the need for repair and refinishing.
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