Robina Cork Installation Instructions

Floating Installation: ROBINA INTERLOCKING CORK can be installed over most sub-floors, and are engineered to be very dimensionally stable, making them suitable for installation over all grade levels. (See information and installation guidelines below.)
ATTENTION – INSTALLER/OWNER RESPONSIBILITY
Inspect “all” materials carefully before installation. All floors are manufactured in accordance with accepted industry standards. Even though our product goes through many inspections before it leaves the plant, it is the responsibility of the customer and installer to perform a final inspection prior to installation. Cork warranties do not cover materials with visible defects once they are installed.

TOOLS
Basic tools and accessories: broom or vacuum, chalk line, tapping block, Cork cleaner, hand or electric, jamb saw, jig saw, safety glasses, straight edge, tape measure, square, utility knife, pry bar and approved underlayment.
Optional tools: Miter saw, table saw, wood glue

JOB SITE CONDITIONS
It is the responsibility of the installer/owner to determine if the job site sub floor and job site conditions are environmentally and structurally acceptable for Cork floor installation. Robina declines any responsibility for Cork failure resulting from or connected with sub-floor, subsurface, job site damage or deficiencies after the Cork flooring has been installed.

SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL INSTALLATIONS
Concrete Sub-Floors
New concrete slabs require a minimum of 90 days drying time before covering them with a Cork floor.
All Concrete sub-floors must be dry, smooth (level with 3/16” in a 10 foot Radius – 1/8” in 6’) and free of structural defects. Hand scrape or sand with a 20 grit #3-1/2 open face paper to remove loose, flaky concrete. Grind high spots in concrete and fill low spots with a Portland based leveling compound (min. 3,000 psi).
Cork flooring may be installed on grade, above grade, as well as below grade where moisture conditions do not exist. Make sure that the perimeter of the foundation has adequate drainage and use a vapor barrier when installing below grade.
Wood Sub-Floors
Wood sub-floors need to be well nailed or secured with screws. Nails should be shanks and screws need to be counter sunk. The wood sub-floor needs to be structurally sound and dry, smooth (level with 3/16” in a 10 foot Radius – 1/8” in 6’). It should not exceed 12% moisture prior to installation. If the sub-floor is single layer, less than 3/4” thick, add a single cross layer for strength and stability (minimum 5/16” thick for a total 1” thickness). This is to reduce the possibility of squeaking.
Sub-floor Moisture Check
On and below grade applications are susceptible to moisture and should be tested for moisture prior to installation in several locations within the installation area. Acceptable conditions for above, on and below grade applications are:
• Less than 3 lbs. /1000 sq. ft. /24 hrs. on calcium chloride test
• Less than a reading of 5.0 on a Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter (moisture meter)
To correct any sub-floor problems concerning moisture, either wait until the sub-floor dries to meet specifications or use appropriate moisture barrier.
Sub-floors Other Than Wood or Concrete
Note: Carpet and rubber tiles are unacceptable underlayments and must be removed. Terrazzo, tile and any other hard surfaces that are dry, structurally sound and level, as described above, are suitable as a sub-floor for Cork.
Radiant Heated Sub-floors
Before installing over a radiant-heated floor turn off heat and wait until the floor has reached room temperature.
After installing the floor return the heat to the previous setting, slowly 2º at a time. Caution: The slab surface must never exceed 78º F. in temperature.

INTERLOCKING CORK FLOORING INSTALLATION
Preparation
Keep the flooring in unopened cartons at room temperature for at least 48 hours before starting the installation. The temperature must be at least 65F, humidity levels of the environment should be between 45%-65%. Remove all moldings and wall-base and undercut all door casings with a hand or power jamb saw using a scrap piece of flooring and underlayment as a guide to ensure that you undercut the door jamb to the proper height.
Aesthetically, Cork floors should be laid parallel to the direction of the incoming light. This helps to diminish the appearance of long seams between panels. In long narrow rooms, you should lay the Cork floor parallel to the long wall. In doing this you will have a nicer installation, and you will improve the structural stability of the floor along with reducing the amount of cutting required during installation.
When you are laying Cork flooring in several rooms, it will be necessary to trim the doorjambs, and entryways in all of the affected areas. There should be an expansion gap of at least 1/2” to all fixed objects and walls in the room. Rooms with a maximum of 800 square feet are possible to install without any transitional concerns. For rooms larger than 800 square feet you will need to increase the edge spacing accordingly. The rule to follow is to allow an additional 1/16” for every 3 feet of wall length. This additional expansion gap cannot be occupied by anything. Please understand that this is not an infinite formula, there will be a point where the flooring itself weighs too much to efficiently move as required and it will buckle. Remember when you are planning you installation to allow for t-molding transitions at all pass-through doorways that are less than 48” inches in width.
Unevenness in the wall/loosening of the joints
•In cases of a starter wall not being straight, it will be necessary to scribe the first row of panels to the contour of the start wall.
•Then remove the panels by holding the long side, raising it and at the same time taking it out from the adjacent panel seam.
•The loosened panels then can be easily separated on the end (short) side. You should never bend the panels, which have been joined together backwards as they will be damaged.
•Cut the panels using a saw suitable for your application such as a jigsaw or a circular saw.
•Reinstall the first row of cut panels again from left to right. Press the first panel of the second row using the groove-jointing ledge into the first row panel.
“Racking the Floor”
As you install the floor, blend the Cork planks from several cartons to provide a random look throughout the installation. As you continue working across the floor be sure to maintain the 8” minimum stagger between end joints on all adjacent rows. Never waste material; use the left over pieces from the cuts to start the next row or to complete a row. All flooring installations must use an approved underlayment. In a floating installation, a 1/2” expansion gap must be maintained around the perimeter of the room. After allowing the floor to acclimate and ensuring that proper subfloor requirements are met, you can begin the installation by laying the underlayment. As you lay the first plank, use spacers to maintain the minimum 1/2” expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Install the first panel. You should begin in the left hand corner of the room and lay the panel so that the tongue faces the wall. Install the end seams together at a 45° angle. Lower the panel to the floor. The cut piece from the first row (which is at least 8” long) will be used to start the second row. Be sure to always stagger the end seams a minimum of eight inches. To begin the second row, place the tongue of the cut piece into the groove and lock down into place. Joining multiple panels together is quite simple. Insert the short seam into the fist panel of the second row. Slide the tongue as close to the existing row as possible. Lower the panel completely to the subfloor. In this position the long tongue will be laying on the existing panel groove. Take care not to damage the groove joint. Put your fingers under the second panel of the second row (near to the joint with the first panel) and lift the up slightly on the panel. The first panel on the second row will also lift up slightly. Now slide the panel towards the first row by pulling toward you (if you are kneeling on the flooring) or pushing the plank into the first row if you are kneeling on the underlayment. Once the panel is fully seated in the first row lay the panel flat, the joint should be closed by now. If not do not force the locking mechanism, stop and repeat the process listed above until you have successfully engaged the locking mechanisms. Now that you have joined the first few panels together, the rest of the flooring should be a simple repeating of the process you have just completed. Remember to check the wall for unevenness and refer to the instructions in Interlocking Cork flooring installation. Here is a tip; if necessary you can assemble the first three (3) rows of flooring at a distance from the wall. Once you have sufficient flooring installed to sit on top of it during installation, you can reposition the flooring the proper 1/2” from the wall. This method is easier that trying to assemble the planks while kneeling on the underlayment.
Last Row Installation
The last row will be cut to fit and should be wider than two inches. Existing doorframes should be undercut, in order for the Cork to be installed under them. You need to maintain an expansion space of 1/2”inch, around the fixed objects under the doorframe. Remember to use a T-Molding when installing flooring through doorways less than 48” in width. While installing at doorframes, if the panel cannot be installed at the proper angle it will be necessary to sand the joint sides in order to achieve this requirement. Please use a bead of wood glue when you do this to ensure that the flooring stays together. It will be necessary to use a tapping block and a mallet, in order to push the panels into one another. If the doors have not been undercut, then a 1/2” inch expansion gap must be maintained in front, between the Cork flooring and the doorframe.
Final Touches:
Install the proper trim molding at the doorways to achieve the transition and along the walls to cover the edges of any gaps along the wall due to irregularity. (Do not attach transitions or trim pieces to the floor.)
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of these instructions at the time of printing, however, this document is subject to change. Please consult our website for the most up to date information. For installation help please contact Robina Floors, 825 Great Southwest Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA 30336. Call Toll Free: 888.862.9898 or visit www.robinafloors.com.

Robina Floors Cork Warranty

WELCOME!

Robina manufactures the Botanicals Cork floors to the highest quality standards. Robina Botanicals Cork stands behind every product we manufacture with our exclusive Structural Warranty.

Pre Installation Warranty:

We carefully inspect every plank before it leaves our factory. However, we require you and your installation professional to carefully inspect each board for any visible defects prior to installation of the floor. Any boards with cracks, splits, irregular finish or damaged boards should not be installed. Simply return these materials to the store where purchased for replacement.

Structural Warranty:

Robina Botanicals Cork is manufactured from only the highest quality components. In the unlikely event that a structural failure occurs, Robina will repair boards, authorize finish restoration/ coating or replacement of your floor (our option) for the duration of the structural warranty with a limitation of one occurrence, (see chart below).

Finish Warranty:

Your Robina Botanicals Cork floor finish is warranted not to wear through in residential applications when properly maintained using Robina Floor Care Guidelines, (see chart below).

Warranty Registration:

We recommend that immediately upon purchasing your new floor you register it with us. It’s quick and simple and you can register online at robinafloors.com or pick up the phone and call our Customer Service Department at 888.862.9898. Make sure you save your original receipt for your purchase as dated proof of purchase will be required in the event warranty work is ever needed.

CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR ROBINA FLOOR

Cork floors are a natural product with inherent variations in grain and color. These variations, which may be slight or significant depending on the cork type, add to the beauty of real cork and are not indications of a defect.

Expansion and Contraction:

All cork products will expand when exposed to moisture or elevated humidity levels. Conversely they will contract or shrink when humidity levels drop. Occasionally, drastic changes in temperature and humidity can cause separation at the seams. Extremely dry conditions over time can cause fissures to appear in the surface of the floor. However, these issues can be easily avoided by maintaining proper humidity levels (35% to 50%) and temperatures between 68° to 78° Fahrenheit. The addition of a de -
humidifier/humidifier to maintain the recommended humidity levels is recommended.

Color Changes:

All natural cork products are subject to change due to ultra-violet light, the most prominent source is sunlight but also from interior lighting sources. Ultra-violet light will over-time, fade, bleach and discolor cork flooring. Cork will develop darker patinas as they age. To protect your cork flooring and other interior furnishings we recommend the use of Ultra-Violet inhibiting tints as well as adequate window coverings to minimize the effects of Ultra Violet light. Please Note: Boards or sections of the floor that are replaced at some date in the future, will not initially match the rest of the floor.

Floating Floor:

In the event that you’re Robina Botanicals Floor is installed using this method, it is normal to experience some minimal flexing in the surface of the floor. The Robina underlayment system allows for this movement and it is considered normal. Subfloor must meet manufacturing tolerance listed in installation instructions.

WARRANTY SERVICE

Warranty Service: In the unlikely event that your floor does not perform within the listed parameters established by this warranty the following steps are required. At Robina Botanicals Cork we wish to provide excellent customer service and the following procedures are needed to ensure that commitment of timely service is met. It is important that you have the original invoice for your Robina Botanicals Cork floor purchase to initiate the warranty process.
1. Contact the Authorized Robina Botanicals Dealer from whom you originally purchased your Robina Botanical Cork floor from within 30 days from the date of noticing your concern. They will inspect the floor and note any and all of your concerns. If further action is required they will contact their authorized Robina Botanical Distributor.
2. In the event that the initial inspection by the original selling dealer is inconclusive or you the homeowner have additional questions, the original Authorized Robina Botanicals Dealer will contact the Robina Botanicals Distributor to conduct a follow-up inspection. The Distributor representative will file a report with Robina Botanicals.
3. After Distributor inspection, Robina Botanicals will issue its findings and will determine if any additional action is required.
Should any questions remain after the simple two step process is completed the Distributor Representative can arrange for a factory review of the process. If at any time during the process you have any questions you can contact us directly at robinafloors.com or call us at 888. 862.9898 and ask for Technical Services. This warranty applies to the original purchaser and is not transferable. No agent, dealer/retailer, distributor, installer, fabricator or employee of Robina Floors, Inc., has the authority to alter the obligations or limitations of any Robina Botanicals Cork Warranty. Robina Floors strongly recommends that our consumers select a Robina Botanicals Authorized Dealer within a reasonable proximity to their residence. It is vital to us that you as our consumer experience the highest level of satisfaction and service in respect to your Robina Floors product. This warranty requires that an employee, owner, or officer of the Robina Botanicals Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased the floor responds to any concerns you have regarding your Robina Floor. We require the dealer to perform the first inspection which will initiate the warranty review process. This warranty requirement excludes the use of independent inspectors when responding to your initial concerns. We feel personal attention from your dealer is vital to resolve any warranty) concerns in a concise and timely manner

WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS

1. Installation Error: Any product which is damaged as a result of installation mishandling or installed in a manner which is inconsistent with our written installation instructions will not be eligible for warranty consideration.
2. Pre-Installation Warranty: Boards are eligible for replacement if they contain manufacturing defects. Boards that are subjectively viewed as a problem but fall within industry accepted norms of 5% defect ratio will not be eligible for replacement. Sunlight and Ultraviolet Light Reaction: Normal exposure to sunlight will cause subtle to extreme reaction depending on species and degree of exposure. Ultraviolet light can also be produced by in home lighting. Window coverings and UV inhibiting films can be used on windows to minimize the effect.
3. Environmental Reactions: All wood products will expand when exposed to moisture or elevated humidity levels. Conversely they will contract or shrink when humidity levels drop. Occasionally, drastic changes in temperature and humidity can cause separation at the seams. Extremely dry conditions over time can cause fissures to appear in the surface of the floor (see expansion and contraction).
4. Misuse: Damage caused by moisture, spiked or high heeled shoes, sharp objects, gravel, sand, or other abrasive materials or corresponding scratches, indentations, unprotected chair and furniture legs, loss or gloss level related to any of the above, or damage from pets and pet claws is excluded from this warranty.
5. Maintenance: Maintenance of Robina Botanicals must follow the instructions listed in this brochure. Wet mopping or use of unauthorized cleaning products will invalidate this warranty.
Robina guarantees merchantability of our products unless otherwise stated. This warranty does not apply to any product which is abused, improperly installed, improperly maintained, or damage caused by insects, floods, pet urine, plumbing leaks, moisture intrusion, improper drainage, building defects, or circumstances beyond our control. Robina Botanicals assumes no responsibility for incidental or consequential damages. However, some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state. Any controversy arising out of or relating to this warranty, or breach thereof, shall be settled by the binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in Atlanta, Georgia under the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules, and the Law of the State of Georgia shall govern this warranty. The only remedies provided herein are the repair, finish restoration/coating or replacement of defective products.

Robina Floors Floor Care Guidelines
Robina Floors is among the easiest to keep clean and with proper care their beauty will endure for decades. The tips below are intended to help you care for and prevent damage to your Robina Floors floor.

Don’t Damp Mop–Water and our floors don’t mix! Use only the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products, such as Bona Kemi hardsurface cleaner on your Robina Floors. Our floors require a relative humidity similar to your personal comfort levels to limit cracking and swelling over time. Limiting excessive heat and moisture will ensure that your floors perform as they should.

Dust Mop–Use a good dust mop–one with a 12 to 18 inch cotton head–and a special dust mop treatment. Spray the treatment onto the mop head, not the floor.

Sweep–Brooms with fine, exploded ends trap dust and grit effectively.

Vacuum Regularly–Small stones, mud and gritty dirt tracked in from outside can damage our floor’s finish. To help combat this, use long bristle welcome mats placed at all outside entrances for people to wipe their feet before stepping on the floor. Also, when vacuuming use a bristle brush attachment. Don’t use vacuums with beater bars. Canister vacuums with special bare floor attachments are the best way to get rid of dirt and dust.

Use the Proper Chair Glides–Narrow wheels, sharp furniture legs and metal furniture legs can scratch and dent Robina Floors. Any furniture that rests directly on top of a Robina Floors floor should have felt protectors under all its feet.

Don’t Use Oil Soaps–There are many over the counter oil-based soaps and wax-based cleaning products that may damage or dull the finish of your floor. The best suggestion is to only use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products on your Robina Floors flooring.

Wipe Spills Immediately–When accidents happen and liquid is spilled on your Robina Floors floor, you should use a paper towel to immediately clean up and dry the affected area.

Furniture–Lift the furniture to move it, avoid dragging. The legs of furniture should have felt on the bases to prevent scratching as the furniture moves with use. Take caution when moving heavy objects across Robina Floors; it is preferable not to drag things on the floor, but if one must then lay down a blanket or other item that will slide easily for the item to rest on.

Shoe Marks–The biggest cause of floor damage is what is on one’s feet; make sure your shoes are not exceedingly dirty, be cautious of walking in high heels or cleats across Robina Floors, and black rubber soles can leave marks which will require friction to remove.

Pets–The previous statement also applies to your household pets! Keep your pets’ nails trimmed so they do not scratch up the Robina Floors, and your pets’ dishes should sit on a nonslip rubber mat to keep the food and water off the floor.

Sunlight–Robina Floors are natural products that are affected by light. Both artificial and natural light can change the color of your Robina Floors over time. Window coverings can help prevent or retard this color change

Further Information – Please visit the NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) website at www.nwfa.org.