Product Inspections

Inspection of all flooring material for defects must be done before installation. Materials with visible defects are not covered under warranties once they are installed our laminate floors are manufactured in accordance with accepted industry standards, which permit defect tolerance not to exceed 2%.

Sub-Floor Preparation

• Sub-Floor must be flat, dry, smooth, level and free from residues and structurally sound.
• A level slope is a foundation that is less from 5mm over 2 meters or ¼” over 6 feet.
• Documents must be kept for all test results for warranty purpose.
• You may install Republic Flooring over existing resilient floor coverings, wood flooring and ceramic tile (grout joints must be leveled).
• Appropriate laminate underlayment must be used when installing over all hard surfaces.

Acclimation / General Conditions

• The floor should be acclimated in the rooms in which it will be installed by letting the packages of flooring lie flat on the floor for at least 48 hours prior to installation.
• Acclimation of the floors can be done by leaving it inside the box.
• Acclimation of the floor must be done in the room where the flooring will be installed and where the temperature and humidity are maintained at or near normal living conditions.
• The storage area must be climate controlled with a temperature range between 65°F and 90°F (18°C and 32°C) and a relative
  humidity not exceeding 65%.

Preparing The Room

• Check that the doors can still open and close after the floor and the underlayment have been installed.
• Underlayment should be 2mm thicker, preferably one that has a moisture barrier film on one side and sound barrier on the other.
• For the concrete, let the underlayment moisture barrier run up the perimeter of each wall 4” and trim after the floors are installed.

Radiant Floor Heating

• Republic Flooring can be installed over a multiple of in-floor heating.
• It can be cast in a concrete floor or thin layer of filler on the surface of concrete sub-floor.
• It can be installed under a wood sub floor or installed on the surface of the sub floor as electrical matting.
• Follow the instructions from the supplier of the floor heating system.
• Temperature of the sub floor or the heat radiating from electric heating mats should not exceed 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degree Celsius).

Republic Flooring Installation Guidelines

• Expansion space should be left around the perimeter. Typically expansion is 5/16".
• You can install Republic Laminate Flooring on grade, below or above.
• Republic  Laminate Flooring requires 5/16” expansion for every 20 feet in length or width. A T-Molding is required for greater than 45 feet in length or width.
• A 5/16” expansion space must be for undercut jambs and casing.
• Start in a corner and lay first row with tongue sides toward walls. Proper expansion space can be achieved by pulling floor away from wall once first three rows have been installed.
• Hold next board against the first board at approximately 45 degree angle and lay flat on floor. Continue in this manner for the entire first row.
• Cut end board in first row to correct length and start second row with left over piece (if possible). End joints must by staggered by at least 8” for a natural random appearance. Butt seam must be placed in each row regardless of width.
• Hold boards approximately 45 degree angles to board in front. Press forward to engage joint and lay flat on floor.
• When three rows have been laid, pull floor away from starting wall unit there is proper amount of expansion space. Place shims between floor and wall to maintain this space.
• You can proceed until the entire floor is finished. Trim the underlayment before installing quarter round or wall base.