Installing Engineered Hardwood Floors Over Existing Floor Coverings
When installing hardwood floors over an existing floor covering,
the rule of thumb is that the new hardwood floors installation
is only as good as the bond between the existing sub floor and
the existing flooring material. Installing hardwood floors over
an existing floor that is not bonded correctly to the sub floor
will result in the deficiencies transferring to the new hardwood
floor.
Engineered hardwood floors, as well as certain solid hardwood
floors can be glued directly down to concrete. Always follow manufacturers
recommended guidelines for acceptable methods of installation.
Certain steps must be followed prior to the installation, in order
to ensure an acceptable surface for adhesion, if the concrete slab
is sealed, painted or has any other surface treatment. These types
of floor finishes must be removed, with the use of a sander, prior
to installation, as failure to prepare the concrete sub floor will
result in a weak bond between the sub floor and new hardwood floor.
Engineered hardwood floors can be installed over the following
existing flooring materials: (always refer to manufacturers guidelines,
as certain manufacturers will not warrant their floors when installed
over certain existing flooring materials.)
Ceramic, Marble, Slate, Terrazzo, Vinyl
When gluing a hardwood floor to one of the above existing flooring
materials, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines.
All grout joints exceeding 3/16” must be filled with a leveling
compound that contains a latex additive and that is recommended for
such use, which is available from most hardware stores. The surface
must be abraded in order to create a suitable surface for bond adhesion.
Loose tiles must be re-attached to the sub floor and any holes must
be filled in. Remember to remove all sealers and surface treatments,
and always check for adequate adhesive bonding by testing a piece
or two.
Existing Engineered Wood Flooring
New hardwood floors can be installed over existing engineered
hardwood floors using the following methods of installation:
Staple, Nail or Glue-Down. Existing engineered wood flooring
must be well bonded to the sub floor . Re-attach any loose
boards and replace warped boards. When gluing over existing
wood flooring of any thickness, the finishing materials must
be abraded or removed to ensure an adequate adhesive bond.
Sweep and clean the floor well, but don't use water. Do not
install the new floor to the old floor in the same direction.
Install at a right angle or on a diagonal. If the preferred
direction is in the same direction as the old floor, overlay
the old floor with 3/8" to 1/2" plywood.
When flooring is to be nailed or stapled to the existing engineered
wood floor, the existing engineered wood floor must be a minimum
of 3/8? thick and must be installed over an approved wood or
wood composite underpayment that has been properly fastened.
When installing over existing engineered flooring that is glued
to concrete, the minimum thickness of the flooring must be
1/2? to allow for the length of the fastener.
Remember to always consult the manufacturers recommended guidelines, as failure
to adhere to the guidelines will result in the voidance of the manufacturer’s
warranty.
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