KEY INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS 

• Floorbit 5mm is intended for interior use only. DO NOT install in any outside areas, saunas, seasonal porches, camping trailers, boats, RVs, lanais and rooms that are prone to flooding.
• Floorbit 5mm is a floating floor and should be allowed to expand and contract freely. It must not be glued, nailed or fastened to the subfloor in any way. Permanent cabinets, vanities, islands and similar items should be installed first. Then, install Floorbit 5mm around them, leaving the proper expansion gap. Floorbit 5mm can be installed under vanities with legs. Floorbit 5mm can be installed under toilets; leave proper expansion space around the flange and use a premium waterproof 100% silicone caulk. Do not anchor toilet through the material. 
• Floorbit 5mm is a waterproof floating floor, but it should not be used to seal an existing floor from moisture. It cannot inhibit the growth of mould or prevent structural problems associated with, or caused by flooding, excessive moisture, alkalis in the subfloor, or conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure. Regardless of location, always remove standing water, urine and other liquids promptly. Job site moisture issues should be addressed and corrected prior to installation. Fill expansion spaces around potential wet areas only with premium waterproof 100% silicone caulk. 
• Long-term exposure to direct sunlight can potentially damage Floorbit 5mm, causing it to discolour, fade or buckle. Protect Floorbit 5mm from exposure to direct sunlight via the use of window treatments or UV-tinting on windows. 
• If the flooring is to be installed by a third party, then it is suggested that the homeowner be present during the installation for consultation/direction. If the owner and installer can't discuss installation and layout then a consultation should take place prior to installation. The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for the quality of completed installation. 

BEFORE STARTING 

Before beginning a Floorbit 5mm installation project, it is critical that you 1) fully acquaint yourself with the detailed installation instructions for your specific flooring and subfloor type and 2) conduct a complete job site evaluation. 

• For appropriate installation information, review this manual and the installation instructions provided. 
• Make a complete job site evaluation to assure that environmental conditions are acceptable for Floorbit 5mm installation. Conditions between 18°C to 35°C are required before and during installation. For more detail, please reference the “Installation Prep” section of this manual. 
• Determine the quantity of Floorbit 5mm planks, flooring transitions and skirting needed for your installation. It is recommended that you add an additional 10% to your square footage for standard installations to account for cuts. 
• Make sure you have the appropriate installation tools. A list of recommended installation tools can be found in the “Tools Required for Installation” section of this manual. 
• Cartons should be evenly stacked no more than five cartons high on a flat surface and away from any heating/cooling ducts or direct sunlight.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION 

Tape Measure 

Gloves 

Pull Bar 

Reciprocating Saw (optional) 

Utility Knife 

Tapping Block 

8mm Spacers 

Mitre or Circular Saw (optional) 

Eye Protection 

Soft Faced Hammer 

Level 

Knee Pads (optional)

SITE PREPARATION 

Prior to installation, the homeowner or installer must ensure that job site conditions (including subfloor/substrate, ambient temperature and relative humidity) will not negatively affect the floor. The manufacturer is not responsible for damages associated with improper installation or poor site conditions. 

1. The surface of the subfloor must be flat. The flatness requirement is defined as follows: the maximum difference between two high points and the intermediate low point is 6.35mm (1/4") in a 3m radius. Surface flatness must also not vary more than 1.59mm when measured with a 0.91m (3') straight edge. Additionally, the subfloor must not slope more than 25.4mm in 1.83m. 
2. High areas can be sanded, ground down or floated over with an approved self-levelling compound. Fill excessive voids or low areas using a non-gypsum, cementitious-based levelling compound. Allow the levelling compound to dry thoroughly before beginning the Floorbit 5mm installation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure it is appropriate for the application. 
3. Subfloors must be structurally sound without deflection. 
4. Concrete slab or ground must be dry. The concrete ground must be completely covered using a 6 mil polyethylene sheet. 
5. Carefully remove any existing quarter round or skirting board. 
6. Always remove carpet, carpet pad and tack strips. 
7. Remove any existing floating or un-adhered flooring. 
8. Be sure the surface of the subfloor is flat, clean, dry and sound before starting. 
9. Inspect every plank for any shipping damage when removing from the carton. 
10. Kitchen cabinets must be installed before the floor is installed. Do not install cabinets on top of Floorbit 5mm.

APPROVED SUBFLOORS

Concrete, Plywood, OSB, Particleboard, Chipboard, Hardwood (Solid, Engineered, Parquet), Tile (Ceramic, Terrazzo, Stone, Asbestos, Peel and Stick), Non-Cushion Sheet Vinyl, Metal, VCT 

All subfloor requirements noted below must be met prior to the installation of Floorbit 5mm. 

Concrete Subfloor Prep

• Perform moisture tests at locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing plumbing, near foundation walls and in the centre of the room. 
• High spots can be removed by grinding; depressions can be filled with patching compound formulated for use in floor installation. 
• Cure for at least 90 days (applies to newly-laid concrete slabs). 
• Can be either sealed or unsealed. 
• Installation on cement subfloor requires a CM < 2.5% (75% RH). An installation on anhydrite subfloor requires a CM < 0.5% (50% RH). Always measure, record and keep your testing results. 
• Floors shall be smooth, permanently dry, clean, and free of all foreign material such as dust, wax, solvents, paint, grease, oils and old adhesive residue. The surface must be hard and dense, and free from powder or flaking.
• If the adhesive residue is asphalt‐based (cut‐back), or any other type of adhesive is present, it must be removed by industry accepted methods such as mechanical removal or wet scraping. 
• Adhesive removal through the use of solvents or citrus adhesive removers is not recommended. Solvent residue left in or on the subfloor may affect the new adhesive and floor covering.  
• Do not install over concrete with a history of high moisture or hydrostatic conditions.
• The final responsibility for determining if the concrete is dry enough for installation of the flooring lies with the floor covering installer.

Wood (Plywood, OSB, Particleboard, Chipboard, Solid Hardwood, Luan) Subfloors

• Perform moisture tests using a reliable moisture meter in multiple locations. Moisture readings should never exceed 12% for plywood, OSB, particleboard, chipboard and solid hardwood subfloors. If moisture readings exceed 12%, it should be corrected at the job site before installing Floorbit 5mm. 
• Do not install material over wood subfloors that lay directly on concrete or over dimensional lumber or plywood used over concrete.
• Do not apply sheet plastic over wood subfloors.
• DO NOT install over sleeper construction subfloors or wood subfloors applied directly over concrete.
• All other subfloors - Plywood, OSB, particleboard, chipboard, wafer board, etc. must be structurally sound and must be installed following their manufacturer’s recommendations. Local building codes may only establish minimum requirements of the flooring system and may not provide adequate rigidity and support for proper installation and performance.
• If the surface of the wood subfloor is not smooth, a 1/4" underlayment panel (eg. plywood) must be installed over the subfloor, per the underlayment manufacturer’s written instructions.
• Floorbit 5mm is not recommended to be installed directly over fire-retardant treated plywood or preservative treated plywood. 

Other Subfloor Prep 

• Adhered and sound vinyl sheet goods, linoleum and resilient (VCT) tiles: Old vinyl and linoleum tiles or sheet goods normally do not need to be removed if they are fully bonded and free of any notable damage. Some older vinyl sheet goods and tile contain asbestos. Should it contain asbestos, special precautions must be taken for your safety. Contact a professional immediately for inspection and removal. 
• Ceramic tiles and terrazzo: Old flat ceramic tiles normally don’t need to be removed. Grout joints wider than 6.35mm (1/4") must be filled. Usually, Floorbit 5mm products can be installed directly over ceramic tiles and terrazzo, providing they are fully adhered, smooth, sound and dry. These flooring materials must be smooth and flat to within 6.35mm (1/4") in a 3m radius and must not vary more than 1.59mm when measured with a 0.91m (3') straight edge. 
• Do not install over more than one layer of vinyl. 

NON-APPROVED SUBFLOORS

• Carpeting/Carpet Pad 
• Laminate 
• Engineered Hardwood Over Concrete 
• Rubber 
• Cushioned Vinyl Flooring  
• Sleeper Substrates 
• Floating Floors 
• Cork 

Remove the floors noted above and remove old adhesive before installing Floorbit 5mm.

GENERAL FLOORBIT 5MM INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 

• Floorbit 5mm is intended for indoor use only. 
• Temperatures within the room must be maintained between 18°C to 35°C. 
• An 8mm expansion space must be provided around the perimeter of the room and any fixed objects, such as pipes or columns. 
• Use approved safety equipment to provide proper protection based on each given task.
• Door-jambs and casings must be undercut so that the plank can slide underneath. An 8mm expansion space must also be included around the undercut jambs and casings. A reciprocating saw is recommended to create the necessary undercut. Never undercut metal door casings. Cutting tip: to undercut the casing, lay a scrap piece of flooring next to the casing and lay the saw flat on top of the flooring so that the saw easily cuts to the height of the plank. 
• Important—Always inspect each plank to make sure it is not damaged prior to installation. Check the tongue and groove to ensure it is free of debris or damage. 
• When installing flooring from two or more cartons, check the pattern, colour and batch numbers on the carton to ensure they are all the same. This information is listed on the exterior label of each carton. It is recommended to blend flooring from multiple cartons during installation. 
• Cartons should be evenly stacked no more than five cartons high on a flat surface and away from any heating/cooling ducts or direct sunlight. 
• Excess flooring should be stored in a protected climate-controlled environment for future repairs if necessary. 
• Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe and improper use can cause serious injuries. Avoid inhalation and exposure to airborne particles by wearing personal protective equipment, including NIOSH or OSHA-approved dust masks, safety goggles and work gloves.

FLOORBIT 5MM CLICK LOCK INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Inspect each plank. Floor should be installed by blending planks from several cartons at the same time to ensure good colour and shade mixture throughout the installation. 
2. It is recommended that installation begin in a corner of the room with the tongue facing the wall. Between the first row of flooring and the wall, insert spacers so that an 8mm gap is created. 
3. When installing the first row, insert the short edge of one plank into the short edge of another plank at a slight angle and rotate downward. Continue to complete the starter row, maintaining a straight edge for the following row. 
4. Use a tapping block and soft-faced hammer to close any gaps between the planks.
5. Once you reach the end of the first row, measure and cut the final plank so that it completes the row while also leaving the necessary 8mm expansion gap. Last planks of rows must be at least 20cm long. Note: Use a spare plank to create a straight edge at the cut line. Use a utility knife to score the top of the pattern and snap the plank. It may be necessary to cut the foam underlayment after snapping the plank. 
6. Start the second row of flooring by trimming a plank to a length different from the first plank in the first row. First and last pieces must be at least 20cm long. End joints should be staggered a minimum of 15cm. 
7. At a slight angle, insert the long edge tongue of the first plank in row 2 into the long edge groove of the plank in row 1 until the plank edges meet, and then rotate down until the joints lock. 
8. When joining the next plank to the first plank in the row, join the short side edges first. There will be a gap on the long side joints when the plank is rotated down. 
9. Raise the outside long edge of the plank upward approximately 1". This will raise the outside long edge of planks in that row. Maintain this angle as you push the plank in until the long edge of the plank meets the long edge of the first row. Rotate downward on the plank until the joint locks.
10. After tapping the long side joint closed, close the short edge joints using a tapping block or pull bar. 
11. Repeat these steps to complete the installation. 
12. After each row is complete, ensure there will be an 8mm gap (after the joints are closed) to the wall for expansion. 
13. For the last row, align the plank to be used on top of the 2nd to last row. Using a full-width plank as a spacer, trace the wall contour. Use a full plank as a straight edge to cut the plank. Insert the long edge tongue in to the long edge groove and use a pull bar and hammer to close the gap. 
14. After tapping the long side joint closed, close the short edge joints using a tapping block or pull bar.

Installing Under Doorway Frames

1. When the new flooring meets a threshold or a doorway, we recommend undercutting the door jamb. However, never undercut metal door casings. To secure the right cut, turn a plank upside down and place it on the floor up to the door frame. Then place a reciprocating saw flat against the plank and simply cut through the frame. Remove the cut-out piece and vacuum away debris. Slide plank under pre-cut door frame. Door frame should be cut so that an 8mm gap is located from the edge of the plank under the casing to the wall.
2. Tap the long side joint closed first, then tap the end joint closed.

Installing Around Fixed Objects 

1. Allow 8mm expansion space around pipes or other fixed objects. 
2. In rows where there is a pipe, make sure the pipe falls exactly in line with the short side of two planks. Select a drill bit with the same diameter as the pipe plus 13 mm. Click the planks together on the short side and drill a hole centered on the joint between the two planks. Then install the planks. 
3. For a double pipe, drill a hole equivalent to the diameter of the pipe plus 13 mm at each of the marked points. If located on the long side of the plank, make a 45º cut from each hole to the edge of the plank. Then, using an appropriate glue along the cut edges of the piece you cut out, glue the piece in place. Be sure no glue comes between the cut-out piece and the subfloor. 

Finishing the Installation 

1. Remove all spacers. 
2. Fill any expansion spaces around potentially wet areas (such as refrigerators, tubs, etc.) with premium, waterproof 100% silicone caulk. 
3. Remember, the use of coordinating transition profiles is required when installing Floorbit 5mm in a room or area that is larger than 30.5 meters in any direction, so that the floor is separated into sections that are no larger than 30.5m x 30.5m per section. 
4. Install skirting to cover the expansion gap. When installing skirting, never allow nails or screws to enter the Floorbit Vinyl Plank or the expansion zone around the flooring perimeter. All skirting and transition profiles need to provide an 8mm expansion space as well. (Note: Follow flooring accessories installation instructions for proper installation.)

CARE AND CLEANING

Preventative Maintenance

• Prevent indentations and scratches by using non-staining floor protectors on the legs of chairs, appliances and all heavy furniture. Floor protectors should be at least 1" in diameter. Periodically clean protectors to remove grit that may become embedded and cause scratching. 
• Chair casters should be rubber – not plastic or metal – and should be kept clean. 
• Place walk-off mats at entrances. Mats should have a non-rubberized backing and be marked as non-staining. 
• We recommend the use of a hard surface (non-studded), non-rubber chair mat to protect your floor from office chairs with casters. Light, rolling furniture should be outfitted with broad-surface, non-staining casters that have been engineered for hard surface floors. Such casters should be a minimum of 1" wide and at least 2" in diameter. 
• Keep pets’ nails trimmed. 
• Remove shoes with cleats, spikes or exceptionally pointy heels before walking on the floor. 

Cleaning & Maintenance

• Sweep the floor regularly with a soft bristle broom to remove loose dirt. 
• Wash the floor with non-abrasive, neutral PH floor cleaner approved for vinyl floors. 
• For everyday cleaning, a mop moistened with warm water will suffice. 

For full maintenance instructions and recommended products we refer you to www.floorbit.com/pages/care-and-maintenance-guide. 

Do Not Use the Following on Floorbit 5mm 

• Steam mop
• Detergent-based cleaners 
• Abrasive or mop and shine products 
• Ammonia or bleaches 
• Vacuum cleaner with a rotating beater bar engaged 

NOTE: Always read the cautionary information on all cleaners prior to use. 

IMPORTANT: Never push, pull or drag furniture, appliances or other items across the floor. When moving furniture or heavy items, always lift and carry the items.