STORAGE AND INSTALLATION CONDITIONS AT JOB SITE

The wood will be stored flat (under the conditions defined below), in their original packaging, for at least 1 week prior to the start of installation (and more in case of installation in extreme conditions). Installation of the flooring should be the last work to be done on a construction site. The surface must be perfectly dry, all structural work and finishing (plaster, tiles, paints, wallpapers, etc) must be completed and dry. The site should be closed, with all doors and windows in place. The temperature and relative humidity within the structure shall be at “normal living conditions”. Temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and between 30 and 50% relative humidity. All of our floors are designed for glue-down installation and/or glue and nail. The installation must be done by professional and licensed installers in the rules of art and in compliance with industry standards. KHLA Hardwood cannot be held responsible for site conditions. Flooring formats, such as plywood based solid wood flooring, are particularly susceptible to showing movement such as edge/end shrinking and face checking from relative humidity below the stated minimums on site and/or tip raising and subsequent cupping if installed over a wet sub-floor.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLATION

The sub-floor must be completely dry. A new concrete slab will usually take 90 to 150 days to dry thoroughly depending on size of slab and weather condition. The moisture content difference should be no more than 4% between engineered wood floor and concrete sub-floor. If plywood is used for sub-floor, the moisture content difference should be no more than 4% between engineered wood floor and plywood sub-floor. Plywood size for sub-floor is suggested to be 3⁄4” x 48” x 48” and leave 1⁄4” between sheets for expansion. The sub-floor must be free from any type of paint, oil, greases, dust and all other types of residues. The sub- floor should be leveled. The level drop must be no more than 1⁄4” over a 10 feet distance.

Test slab before every installation. (Please follow Sub-Floor Preparation instruction listed above). Apply a moisture barrier to slab. Bostik’s MVP is recommended. A Urethane based adhesive should be used exclusively. Bostik’s BEST® glue is recommended. Use DriTac 4141 or Garrison Xtreme Green to protect against moisture and install in one application. Read the glue manufacture’s instructions, which are always printed in details on the glue container to choose the correct size trowel.

Create a working line parallel to the starting wall, in multiples of our flooring plank width, to set up the baseline of installation. Following the spread rate and curing time, spread the glue evenly on the sub-floor to cover the area the installer can lay the planks in time for best result of the glue. Lay one row of plank along the entire length of work line. Add each additional row of flooring, watching the pattern repeat and offsetting or staggering the joints at least 10"

inches. An expansion space equal to the plank thickness should be left around the perimeter. Roll whole floor with a 100 lb. Finished areas should be covered with a protective paper immediately after installation to prevent possible damage.

For plywood subfloor, A 15 lb. felt paper moisture barrier should be applied to the plywood sub-floor with 6” overlaps before installing the new wood floor. Create a working line parallel to the starting wall, in multiples of our solid plank width. Install the first row of wood with the groove side towards the wall using top nails as necessary to hold the first row firm and in place. Adjust as necessary. Use adjustable pneumatic power hammer or nailing machine with 1 1⁄2” – 2” nails as required and make sure nailing foot is appropriate to the nails / staples used. To avoid damage to the tongue be sure to adjust for proper pressure on the compressor. Add and adjust each additional row of wood planks, offset or stagger the end joints at least 10” to prevent repeating pattern. An expansion space equal to plank thickness should be left around the perimeter. Finished areas should be covered with a protective paper immediately after installation to prevent possible damage (When installing over plywood subfloor it is recommended to nail & glue).

A radiant floor requires installation guidelines by a professional installer with experience in installing engineered hardwood over the system onsite. Each system varies as to recommendations and often comes with instructions for surface type overlays (wood, stone, tile etc).

In general, due to the natural characteristics of wood absorbing and holding ambient moisture, along with the ability of the wood floor boards to expand and contract with different moisture levels within its environment, the dry heat directly under the wood flooring can cause flooring to dry out quickly and contract in size, causing shrinkage and/or large open gaps between the boards. The surface temperature of the subfloor should not exceed 80 degrees.

Any type of wood flooring used must be brought into the area in which it will be installed and allowed to acclimate for at least two weeks prior to the flooring being installed. We recommend the radiant heat be run at a temperature of 65-70 degrees two weeks prior to the wood flooring being brought in and until the wood flooring has been installed. Most newer radiant heat systems have exterior thermostats which will gradually bring up the temperature within the floor during the start of the colder season so that the heat will not shock the wood flooring causing the flooring to distort.

KHLA Hardwood cannot be held responsible for site conditions, actual temperature and on/off duration of the radiant system, and any other compatibilities of the select radiant system and installed wood chosen by the client.

KHLA Hardwood guidelines are intended to offer general guidance as it relates to P KHLA Hardwood and are NOT a replacement for a professional, certified installer. KHLA Hardwood Floors MUST be installed according to the National Wood Flooring Association’s (NWFA) installation guidelines in order for our product warranty to be valid. The most current publication of the NWFA guidelines are available to all NWFA members, and can be found at www.nwfa.org.

SELECTION FOR INSTALLATION

Wood is not a uniform materials; every plank is unique. In order to harmoniously spread variations of colors, the differences in structure and knots, we recommend to opening at the time of installation at least 5 to 8 packages and to mix the planks in order to obtain the best

desirable result. Defects that are not desired must be cut. All installed product is deemed accepted and may not give lead to any further claims.

POST INSTALLATION

Do not apply any tape on the floor, which could damage the surface of the wood and finish. The floor must be protected without adhesive fixation applied directly to the floor. Use only recommended cleaning products after installation and throughout the life of the floor. Avoid using vinegar and/or all purpose cleaner. Do not wash the floor with water for at least the first 15 days after installation. Maintain normal conditions of temperature and humidity in the house throughout the year. Temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and between 30 and 50% relative humidity. If necessary, place humidifier or dehumidifier.

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING THE FLOOR

1. Use little water when cleaning your hardwood floors. Excess of water can make the floor swell and expand.

2. Make sure the tool used to wash the floors is thoroughly wrung.

3. Avoid using vinegar and/or all purpose cleaner.

4. Avoid accumulation of dirt, sand, or gravel. Vacuum or sweep your floor at least once a

   week.

5. Place a mat or rug at doors and in high traffic areas to catch sand and gravel. Do not use

   mats with rubber or unventilated bottom.

6. Use protective pads for furniture and seats to prevent scratches when moving.

7. Place coasters under flower pots and aquariums to avoid water stains.

8. Use only recommended maintenance products.