Home Legend Engineered Ply Click User Manual

Products Included

Approved Grade Levels

Approved Installation Methods

Engineered Bamboo Plywood.

Click-Lock joints.

Above Grade.

On Grade.

Below Grade.

Primary Method: Floating.

Optional Method: Full Spread Glue.

WARNING: CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
This product can create wood dust and emit formaldehyde of which are known to the State of California to cause cancer.

CAUTION: ASBESTOS IN EXISTING FLOOR

Home Legend product does not contain asbestos. Existing installed resilient flooring and asphaltic adhesive may contain asbestos fillers
or crystalline silica. Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, bead-blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient
flooring, backing, lining felt, asphaltic “cutback” adhesive or other adhesive. See “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of
Resilient Floor Coverings” (rfci.com) for detailed information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures.

CAUTION: WOOD DUST
Sawing, sanding and machining this product can produce wood dust. It can cause respiratory, skin and eye irritation. Avoid prolonged
exposure to wood dust. Power tools should be equipped with a dust collector. If possible, perform wood dust generating activities
outdoors. If high dust levels are encountered, use an appropriate NIOSH-designated dust mask.

Installation Instructions

Engineered Bamboo Plywood Click Flooring

Visit homelegend.com for latest version of installation instructions.

Owner/Installer Responsibility

The owner is advised to be at home during the installation for consultation/direction. The owner and installer should discuss installation and
layout to maximize satisfaction. If this is not possible, consultation should be done prior to installation. Installers should be familiar with
installation guidelines from National Wood Flooring Association (woodfloors.org).
The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for product quality of completed installation.

PERFORM PRE-INSTALL INSPECTION. FOR CLAIMS PURPOSES, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO OPEN UP TO 4 BOXES FOR PRODUCT INSPECTION. DO NOT OPEN
ALL THE BOXES. OPENING ALL THE BOXES CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRODUCT. INSPECT ALL THE PLANKS IN THESE 4 BOXES CAREFULLY.
EXAMINE FLOORING FOR COLOR, FINISH AND QUALITY. IF YOU DISCOVER THAT PRODUCTS ARE DEFECTIVE, OR IF MATERIAL IS QUESTIONABLE, YOU
SHOULD CONTACT THE RETAILER. IF YOU ARE SATISFIED, PROCEED WITH INSTALLATION.

Prior to installation, rack up planks from several boxes to ensure uniform distribution of colors, shades and characters in the installed flooring.
Planks having similar widths should be placed together in the same row to minimize gaps between boards.
Bamboo floors are natural products containing natural variations. Variations in color, tone, grain, streaks, nodal marks and other characters
are found from plank to plank. Similar variations exist between samples, pictures and purchased flooring. They are normal and it does not
mean the product is defective.
Flooring to be installed in one large area should be purchased at the same time. Product purchased at a later time than the first purchase
may vary beyond your expectations.
Accessories, trims and moldings are manufactured to coordinate with the varied appearances of the floor planks. Any exact matches are
coincidental. Non-matching accessories are not defective products.
This product is manufactured according to strict quality standards. In the event that defects are discovered in the field, the industry
standards permit a defect tolerance not to exceed 5%. The defects may be of any type, whether manufactured or natural. Order an
additional 5% extra for cutting wastage and grading allowances (10% for diagonal installations).
During installation, inspect the planks continuously. Defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or held out.
Installing defective planks implies acceptance.
Squeaking and clicking noises are the result of interactions among flooring, joists and subfloors when they move. Limiting the movements of
the flooring system usually eliminates most of these noises. Sometimes, it is impossible to eliminate them completely and minor squeaking
or clicking noises are to be accepted as normal flooring phenomenon. Minor scratches can generally be repaired with the use of putty, stain
or filler. It is an industry standard practice of flooring installation and it should be accepted as normal by the home owner.

If You Need More Information

To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any activity that is not covered in this manual, please contact our
Technical Support Department.

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Acclimation and In-service Conditions

Note: Wood moisture content measuring devices will not give an accurate reading of bamboo moisture content. Contact the meter
manufacturer on how to convert the reading from wood moisture content to bamboo moisture content.
Acclimation is the process of adjusting (conditioning) the moisture content of bamboo flooring to the environment in which it is expected to
perform. The bamboo flooring is fully acclimated when its moisture content and dimensions (width and length) are stable. For example,
the averaged dimensions and moisture content remain constant for 3 consecutive days. Bamboo flooring must acclimate for as long as
necessary to reach fully acclimated stage. Acclimation time varies depending on geographical area, interior climate control and time of the
year. Minimum acclimation time is 72 hours. In open box, open wrap.
Elevate planks from the floor by placing them on 2”X 2” lumber or equivalence. Place spacers (3/4” to 1” sticks) between each layer or cross
stack the layers for maximum exposure to ambient conditions. Acclimation temperature range is 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of
35%-55%. Conditions in which the floor was acclimated should be maintained continuously thereafter. Document as much acclimation
information as possible below.

Date: ______________
Relative Humidity (%):______
Temperature (°F): _____
Subfloor Type:______________________
Subfloor Avg. Moisture Content(%):_______
Acclimation Period: ___________

Pre-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture
Content (%): _______
Pre-acclimation Flooring Width: __________
Pre-acclimation Flooring Length: _________

Post-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture
Content (%): _______
Post-acclimation Flooring Width: _________
Post-acclimation Flooring Length: _________

Job Site Condition
Prior to installation, the installer must ensure that at the time of installation, the job site conditions including subfloor/substrate, ambient
temperature and relative humidity, and all impacting variables will not negatively affect floor. Home Legend will decline responsibility for
damages associated with improper installation or poor site conditions.

Storage and Conditions

Do not store flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For example, garages and exterior patios are not acceptable areas to store
flooring. Handle and unload bamboo flooring with care and store within the environmentally controlled site in which it is expected to
perform. Flooring stored on concrete slab should be elevated at least four inches to allow air circulation under cartons.

Existing Home

Existing home should have a consistent room temperature of 60°F-80°F and humidity of 35%-55%. Continual deviation from these conditions
will affect the dimensions of flooring, especially bamboo. During heating season, humidity may be much lower than the acceptable range.
During the heating season, a humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage in bamboo flooring to low humidity levels. During the
non-heating season, humidity levels can be maintained by using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or by turning on your heating system
periodically.

New Construction or Remodel

All work involving water, such as pouring basement concrete floors, drywall and plasterwork, plumbing, etc. must be completed well in
advance of the floor delivery. Ensure that the building is enclosed. Where building codes allow, permanent heating and/or air conditioning
systems should be operating at least five days preceding installation to promote proper acclimation and should be maintained during and
after installation. If it is not possible for the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system to be operating before, during and after
installation, a temporary heating and/or dehumidification system that simulate normal living (occupied) conditions can enable the installation
to proceed until the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system is fully operational.
Your job site should have a consistent temperature of 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-55% which should be maintained
continuously thereafter.

Basements and Crawl Spaces

Concrete slab or ground must be dry. The ground in the crawl spaces must be completely covered using 6 mil black polyethylene. Crawl
space clearance between the earth and underside of joists should be no less than 18 inches and the perimeter vent area should be equal to

1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space or as mandated by code.

Concrete Subfloor Requirements

It must have minimum rated strength of 3000 psi.
It must be level to within 1/8” in a 6 foot span or 3/16 inch in a 10 foot span; no bumps or low spots. High spots can be removed by grinding;
depressions can be filled with patching compound formulated for use in floor installation.
It must be clean; no construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the floor; if necessary, scrape and sweep away
before the installation; no protrusions of nails, debris, metals should remain.
New concrete slab must cure for at least 60 days. It must have a minimum 10 mil polyethylene sheet between the ground and the concrete.
It must meet concrete moisture requirement below.
It must be free from moisture related conditions which can damage the installed flooring.

Light Weight Concrete

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It is concrete which rated strength is less than 3000 psi.
Perform a quick check by drawing a nail across the top; if it leaves indentation, it is probably light concrete.
For glue-down application, the concrete must possess shear strength greater than the glue. If concrete rated psi is unknown, contact the
adhesive manufacturer for guidance.

Concrete Moisture

All concrete subfloors should be tested for moisture content and the results documented. Visual checks are not reliable. Perform tests at
locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing plumbing, near foundation walls and in the center of the room. Minimum sample
size is 3 samples per 1000 square feet of area and one test for every additional 1000 square feet thereafter.
Its moisture content should meet one of the following criteria below:

• 4.5% when tested using Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter

•Less than 3 pounds per 1000 square feet per 24 hours when using Calcium Chloride test (ASTM F 1869)

•75% when using Relative Humidity Testing (ASTM F-2170).

Please note: Concrete moisture content may be acceptable the time of the test. But, these tests do not guarantee a perpetual “dry” concrete
slab. The concrete slab moisture content can vary at other times of the year. We are not responsible for moisture related damage to the
installed flooring.
Wood Subfloor Requirements
It must be clean; no presence of construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the floor; no protrusions of nails,
debris, metals should remain. If necessary, scrape and sweep the subfloor before the installation.
It must be structurally sound and stable; no movements or squeaks; no loose panels or loose nails; no signs of ply de-lamination or other
damages. Repair all shortcomings before installation.
It must be flat; no visible bumps or low spots; the subfloor should be flat to within 1/8” in 6 feet span or 3/16” in 10 feet.
Test for moisture using reliable moisture meter. Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near foundation walls, near walls
containing plumbing lines and in the center of the room. Measure 20 locations per 1000 square feet.
Moisture content of subfloor should be less than 12%.
Moisture content difference between subfloor and acclimated flooring should be 4% or less.

Plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Specifications

On truss/joist spacing of 16” (406mm) O/C or less, the industry standard for single-panel subflooring is minimum 5/8” (19/32”, 15.1 mm) CD
Exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels (CD Exposure 1) or 23/32” OSB Exposure 1 subfloor panels, 4’ x 8' sheets. Expansion gap between panels
should be 1/8” (3 mm). If panels are not tongued and grooved and there is not sufficient spacing or is inadequate, cut in the required spacing
with a circular saw. Do not cut in expansion space on tongue and groove panels.

Particle Board or Fiber Board

Only for floating installation.

Existing Floors

Installation over existing floor requires the installer to consider potential issues related to moisture damage, adhesive failure and fastener
failure. Contact the adhesive and fastener manufacturers respectively for their specific instructions, recommendations and requirements.
Acceptable floor coverings include: solid hardwood, linoleum, terrazzo, ceramic tile and other “moisture sealing floors.”
Unacceptable floor coverings include: carpet, needle punch felt, edge glued linoleum and other “moisture absorbing flooring.”

Radiant Heated Subfloor

This product can be installed over radiant heated subfloor. Operating surface temperature must be less than 84°F. Decrease temperature
before installation. Increase temperature gradually after installation. Glue down installation may require additional installation requirement.
Contact glue manufacturer for specific recommendation. Contact heater manufacturer for specific installation instruction.

Moisture Barrier and Moisture Retarder

Concrete Subfloor: For floating installation, use 6 mil polyethylene film or other means with equivalent permeability. Overlap the edge
seams and tape it together. Extend moisture barrier up to the wall about 1 inch high. When installed on above grade concrete and the
moisture content meets standards for concrete moisture, a moisture barrier is not required. For direct glue installation, use moisture barrier
if moisture level exceeds requirement (see Concrete Moisture section above).
Wood Subfloor: Use asphalt-saturated kraft paper or #15 or #30 felt that meets ASTM Standard D4869 or UU-B-790, Grade D.
Overlap along the edge seams 2”- 4” wide. This retards moisture movement from below. Extend the moisture retarder to about 1” from the
walls. Secure to the subfloor as necessary.

Sound Control Underlayment

Check with sound control manufacturer for application guidelines. Generally, the less compressive underlayment is preferred.

Expansion Gap

Required gap width is 1/2”. It is required around the perimeter of the floor and between floor and all vertical obstructions. Do not place
permanently mounted structures such as kitchen counter/cabinet on the installed floor.

Transition Molding

Floating installation, transition T-molding is required in the following cases: floor spanning greater than 35 feet in length or width; wall
openings-with or without door.
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Safety and Health Precautions
Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance to manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe
and improper use can cause serious injuries.
Avoid inhalation and exposures to wood dust by mechanical means and by wearing personal protective equipment.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which include NIOSH or OSHA approve dust masks, safety goggle and work gloves.

Note: Floor areas interrupted by wall sections extending out of the wall; floor areas which are not rectangular may experience buckling or
gapping if there is excessive floor expansion or shrinkage.

Adhesive

Use premium flooring adhesive which is non-water based, formulated for engineered bamboo flooring installation.
Preferred type: moisture cure urethane floor glue.

Tools and Materials

Basics:

Tape measure • Moisture meter (wood, concrete or both) • Chalk line & chalk • Hammer • Electric power saw • Carbide tipped saw blade for
fine cut • NIOSH-designated dust mask • Hand saw or jamb saw • Eye protection • Straight edge or Spacers • Pry Bar • Mallet • Broom •
Color matched wood putty • Tapping block • Pull bar

Additional Supplies for Glue-Down Method:
Flooring adhesive • Trowels • Adhesive remover for selected adhesive • Clean rags • Weight roller • 3M Blue tape

Bond Failure

Bond failure is NOT flooring product defect. Most installation failures, including bond failure, result from jobsite moisture. Do not unpack or
deliver flooring to the jobsite until moisture problems are corrected. Read adhesive manufacturer’s instruction carefully. Certain wood
flooring adhesives may have special requirements and limitations of use. Some existing floor may not be acceptable. Not following the
adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations can lead to installation failure or product damage and will void your warranty.

Glue Spots on Face of Finished Floor

Adhesive can damage the floor’s finish, especially when it has dried. It is extremely important to take precautionary steps NOT to leave finger
prints or footprints marks on the face of the board. Any glue that comes in contact with the face of the board should be removed
immediately using adhesive remover formulated for the glue being used. Follow adhesive manufacturer’s instruction on adhesive removal.
Use clean towels, changing frequently to prevent haze and adhesive residue. If the spot removal damages the appearance of the boards,
replace the board.

Helpful Pointers

General Tips

• Make sure your work area is well lit. Good visibility ensures that color is consistent and that visually defective planks are detected and
removed

• The minimum length of the first and last plank is 12”.

• Leave 1/2” expansion gap around perimeters, under doors and around vertical objects, including permanent or fixed cabinetry.

• Using a shorter piece at undercut door jams will help when fitting flooring in place.

Glue-Down Installation Tips

• ALWAYS REFER TO THE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FLOORING ADHESIVE LABEL. The information given here is for typical installation.
Adjust it according to adhesive manufacturer’s instruction.

• Dry-lay means the glue has to set before placing floor planks in it. Wet-lay means the glue does not need to set before placing floor on it.

• Use trowel design as specified by adhesive manufacturer.

• Continuously check the transfer of adhesive THROUGHOUT the installation process. If the adhesive no longer transfers to the back of the

flooring material, it must be removed and new adhesive applied.

• Work your way out of the room.

• After the installation is completed, keep the floor free from daily foot traffic for a minimum of 24 hours to allow adhesive to properly cure.

Cutting the Last Row to Width

• Most often the entire length of the last row will need to be cut so that it is narrow enough to fit the remaining space.

• Measure the distance between the floor face edge (exclude the tongue) to the wall. Subtract 1/2” from this measurement for expansion

gap. Draw a line. Cut through the line. Discard the excess piece. Proceed with installation.

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