Please review with each wood flooring customer prior to installation. These elements are required for both the Pierce Installation Warranty and the wood manufacturer's warranty.
Builders Responsibility: (new construction) Homeowner Responsibility: (remodel)
All wet work must be completed prior to wood flooring installation. (concrete, drywall & taping, tile and grouting, painting and finishers (concrete cured 30 days minimum)
All exterior windows and doors in place, including door to garage.
HVAC systems need to be operational (1) week prior to hardwood floor installation so that temperature (68-72 F) and humidity (35% - 55%) can be maintained before, during and after installation of hardwood.
Sub-floor moisture content (MC), taking measurements both on top and bottom of the sub-floor, must be no greater than 12%. The difference between the hardwood and the sub-floor must be no greater than 4%, with the hardwood being at or below 12%. (installer’s responsibility to verify)
Crawl space (if applicable) must have 6 mil vapor barrier correctly installed over dirt with a minimum 6” overlap, insulation in joist spaces must be complete and adequate cross ventilation (15 sq. ft. / 1000 sq. ft of floor space) is necessary. There should be no standing water in the crawl space.
Adequate power and lighting should be available for a satisfactory installation.
After the installation:
HVAC must be left on in the home, conditions should remain as close as possible to actual occupied living conditions. (including seasonally used 2nd homes)
Floors must be protected from foot traffic during construction. Cardboard tapped at all seams is the bare minimum. Masonite hardboard over cardboard will provide maximum protection for the floor during the completion of construction.
If the house is to be unoccupied for an extended period of time, the windows should be opened occasionally to prevent a “green house” effect, or elevated humidity, that could cause cupping or splitting of the hardwood.
A “walk-off” mat should be placed at every entry to avoid debris, sand and gravel from tracking into the house and damaging the surface of the hardwood. Assuring that those entering remove their shoes is also effective in protecting the flooring.
There may be some shade difference between your finished floor and the sample from which you chose your product. This can be due to the natural variation in wood products, as well as the amount of time the sample has been exposed to sunlight.
Note: these guidelines are taken from the National Wood Flooring Association documents.
