Shaw Repel Installation Instructions

Shaw Repel Laminate Collection Installation Instructions:

Start with tongue side against starting wall working RIGHT TO LEFT when facing the starting wall.
Typical tools Preparation required: Broom Electric Saw (carbide blade) Eye and Ear Protection Glue Hammer Painter’s Tape Pencil Pull Bar Straightedge (6 ft) Tape Measure Utility Knife Wall Spacers (3/8”) Wood Chisel Shaw, Shaw Laminate Flooring, and Repel are trademarks or registered trademarks of Columbia Insurance Company.
[1] Do not store cartons near heating/ cooling ducts or direct sunlight.
[3] Roll out just enough under- layment for the next few rows of planks you are installing.
[2] Undercut doorjambs for a professional fit. Doorways less than 36" wide require T-Molding.
[4] Try to run planks parallel to main light source. T-molding is only required for rooms of more than 1,600 sq.ft.
For Successful Installation, remember: 1. Identify the tongue side and the groove side. 2. The tongue side (the smaller extension without 50/(6& -&/(3&5" 501 1"35& 461&3*03 (3007& 3"/63" a ridge on it) goes against the beginning wall. 
Install vapor barrier if subfloor
Always use an underlayment
Install parallel to the main
If possible, start to lay planks is cement (6 mil polyethylene padding above the vapor barrier light source; if no exterior light under the doorjamb and finish film). and below the laminate flooring source, install parallel to the installing planks on a wall 
Remove the tongue on the planks that abut the walls to allow room for spacers and prevent problems from spills. 
Cut the last row to size. (2- 1/2-inch min. width). Remove the plastic tongue before rip cutting planks for the first and last row. Break the tongue to size and reinsert. 
Some long edge joints cannot be installed using a 20° angle. See the Working with Limited Clearance section of this document. c
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Always allow for 5/16-inch min Install planks from right to left With lengthwise connection to 3/8-inch max expansion as you face the starting wall. made, lower the plank into around fixed objects, and 12- Lock in planks lengthwise. place. inch length as the smallest usable piece. Stagger end-joints a minimum 12-inch from row to row.

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Do not tap end-joints with To measure and cut the last Always allow for 5/16-inch- 3/8- An expansion gap T-strip is tapping block and hammer. piece in a row, rotate offcut inch expansion around fixed required when the length or Merely press the end down to section 180°, mark accordingly, objects. width of the planks measures lock into place. 
Strips must be placed in all doorways measuring 36 inches (.92m) or less. 
Preparation Water resistant Laminate can be installed directly over most existing floor coverings except for carpet. Wood flooring glued to concrete must be removed before installation. Acclimation
• No acclimation period is required when installation site conditions are climate controlled prior to and during installation of Shaw Laminate Flooring Products. This means that Shaw Laminate Flooring products can be installed faster and more efficiently than conventional alternatives.
• During the installation period, temperature should be maintained between 65° F to 85° F and relative humidity should be between 35% to 65%.
• [1] Do not store cartons near heating/cooling ducts or direct sunlight. Subfloor Preparation
• Fill any low spots in the subfloor greater than 1/8” in 6 feet with a Portland cement leveling compound. Check this by using a 6’ straight edge. Remove any high spots by sanding or grinding.
• Remove any existing floor molding (if any) except for the wall baseboards.
• [2] To undercut door frames, lay a loose plank upside down against the frame and on top of the underlayment. This will be your guide for proper height to allow installed planks to float under the door frame. Saw the bottom of the doorjamb case molding back to the wall studs so that 3/8” expansion gap is maintained when laminate is fitted under doorjamb case molding.
• Sweep the subfloor clean. Subfloor Moisture Testing
• On Concrete Subfloor–Always test a concrete subfloor for excessive moisture before installing over concrete, concrete covered with ceramic tile, marble, stone, vinyl tile, or linoleum. To test concrete, use a properly calibrated and reliable concrete moisture meter The maximum allowable moisture content percentage for concrete is 4%. If the moisture meter readings are above 4%, have a qualified floor covering contractor perform a Calcium Chloride Moisture Emissions test. The maximum allowable reading for a Calcium Chloride Test is 5 lbs./ 1,000 sq. ft./24 hours.
• On a Wood-based Subfloor–Moisture content of the wood subfloor must not exceed 12% when checked using a pin- type wood moisture meter. Whenever readings are higher than 12%, full evaluations of the joist systems, crawl spaces or basement areas beneath the wood subflooring are also necessary. Call the Shaw Information Center at 1-800-441- 7429 for more assistance. Installing Underlayments When installing products with preattached acoustical underlayment:
• On Concrete Subfloor–use minimum 6-mil polyethylene (plastic) sheeting as a vapor barrier. Roll out the plastic, overlapping the seam area 6 to 8 inches, and tape the seams with a clear plastic sealing tape.
• On a Wood Subfloor–no additional plastic vapor barrier should be installed. When installing products without preattached acoustical underlayment: Please read the installation guidelines included with your chosen underlayment, and strictly follow those instructions when installing your underlayment.
• [3] Unroll one width of underlayment along the longest wall. Always work from left to right. Planks should run lengthwise against the longest wall, and if possible, [4] parallel to incoming sunlight.
• [4] Use a t-mold at all doorways 36” or less and every 40 feet in length and width. Start of Installation
• The width of the first row of planks should be approximately the same width as the last row. This may require cutting the first row plank to a shorter width. Measure across the room (inches) and divide by the width of a plank to see how many full width planks will be used and what size width will be needed for the last row. The last row should never be less than 2” in width.
• Use 3/8” spacers to maintain the proper expansion gap around the entire perimeter of the floor. Quarter Round molding will cover this expansion gap. IMPORTANT: this 3/8” gap must be maintained around cabinets, pipes, toilet flanges and any other obstacles in floor.
• INSPECT EACH BOARD CAREFULLY FOR DAMAGE PRIOR TO INSTALLING IT.
• Do not install a damaged plank. If you have any concern about the product fit or finish, call Shaw Information Services at 1-800-441-7429 for information.
• Check groove on plank to make sure it is clean and free of debris. Follow installation steps [1]–[15]: Remainder of Floor
• Now you can continue to add additional rows using the same method of assembly. Work on top of your start rows and pull the planks toward you to position them before locking them into place.
• Randomly pull planks from 3 cartons at a time to ensure random appearance. Use cut pieces from the end of each row as starting planks. Always stagger end joints a minimum of 12”; make random so as not to show a repeating pattern.
• All joints should be a tight fit with no gaps. Stop and reconnect if a joint is not tight or if all edges are not even with adjacent planks. These planks can be engaged and disengaged several times if needed to help make a correct installation.
• When cutting the last row, place a full row of planks directly on top of the previous row of installed planks (keeping the tongue in the same direction as that of the installed planks). Use the full width of a scrap piece of plank as a guide. Place a pencil next to the edge and trace a line down the planks following the contour of the wall. Cut planks on the pencil line and then connect the last row. Repel Water Resistant Laminate Care & Maintenance Repel Water Resistant Laminate is designed to stand up to the toughest household conditions. However, to keep it looking its best, follow these simple instructions for protection and care. Routine Maintenance
• Use a damp cloth to blot up spills as soon as they happen. Never allow liquids to stand on your floor.
• Use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth to clean tough spots such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, or tar. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Ensure the floor is able to
REMOVAL: Planks must “float”.

Remove top part of the groove Use good quality wood glue to Slide panel into space profile. make the connection. horizontally and slot into  
profile. Use these modified planks under doorframes, radiators, cabinet fronts, etc. Use the pull bar to slide the planks where needed. 
• As a primary cleaning method, regularly sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt and grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.
• As needed, for best results, utilize a dry-damp sponge mop or microfiber mop and a neutral pH cleaner, such as Shaw Hard Surface Cleaner, by spray misting the mop with the neutral cleaner
• When cleaning, do not saturate the floor with water as this could cause swelling, warping, delamination and joint line separation. Remember, Repel is water resistant, not water proof.
• Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong ammoniated or chlorinated type cleaners.
• Do not use any type of buffing or polishing machine.
• Do not use any type steam cleaner or cleaning device that applies steam or water directly to flooring
• For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• A more frequent dust-mopping or vacuuming schedule may be required in very sandy areas such as a beach home. Environmental Protection
• Entry mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that might otherwise be tracked onto your floor.
• To prevent slippage of area rugs, use an approved vinyl rug underlayment.
• Use floor protectors and wide, load-bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize the chance of indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector.
• To minimize the natural expansion and contraction of the wood, maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 35 and 65% throughout the year. a. Heating season (Dry): A humidifier is recommended to
prevent excess shrinkage due to low humidity levels. Wood stove and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions. b. Non-Heating Season (Wet): An air conditioner,
dehumidifier, or periodically turning on your heating will help to maintain humidity levels during summer months.
• Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of inclement weather.
• Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching your floor.
• Never try to slide heavy objects across the floor.
• A protective mat should be used under furniture or chairs with castors/wheels. Repel Laminate Board Replacement Repairs
• Shaw Repel Laminate may be assembled and disassembled several times.
• Carefully disassembled joints will retain their original locking integrity during reassembly. New replacement plank(s) should be acclimated in the replacement area for at least 72 hours. This allows them to equalize to the conditions of the flooring in the room where the replacement(s) will take place.
• To replace the damaged board(s), first remove baseboard, wall base, or Quarter Round as needed. Take the flooring apart one row at a time. Lift each row to detach, then separate the individual boards.
• Be sure to stack the individual planks in the proper order for re-installation. This usually eliminates the need to cut planks for start or end of the row lengths.
• For best visual results, replace the damaged board with a piece from the edge of the original installation.
• Insert the properly acclimated new plank(s) along the outer edge of the original flooring installation during reassembly. This practice minimizes the chance that a newer plank will stand out from the original installation.
• Reinstall the baseboard, wall base, or quarter round, and the replacement repair is complete. Warranty: To request a copy of the 30-Year Limited Warranty, please call 1-800-441-7429. Call Shaw Information Center at 1-800-441-7429 for molding and transition installation instructions. For complete product and warranty information please visit https://shawfloors.com/flooring/how- to/laminate/warranties or call 1-800-441-7429. IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE FOR MINNESOTA RESIDENTS: THESE BUILDING MATERIALS EMIT FORMALDEHYDE. EYE, NOSE, AND THROAT IRRITATION, HEADACHE, NAUSEA AND A VARIETY OF ASTHMA-LIKE SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING SHORTNESS OF BREATH, HAVE BEEN REPORTED AS A RESULT OF FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE. ELDERLY PERSONS AND YOUNG CHILDREN, AS WELL AS ANYONE WITH A HISTORY OF ASTHMA, ALLERGIES, OR LUNG PROBLEMS, MAY BE AT GREATER RISK. RESEARCH IS CONTINUING ON THE POSSIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FORMALDEHYDE. REDUCED VENTILATION MAY ALLOW FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS TO ACCUMULATE IN THE INDOOR AIR. HIGH INDOOR TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY RAISE FORMALDEHYDE LEVELS. WHEN A HOME IS TO BE LOCATED IN AREAS SUBJECT TO EXTREME SUMMER TEMPERATURES, AN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM CAN BE USED TO CONTROL INDOOR TEMPERATURE LEVELS. OTHER MEANS OF CONTROLLED MECHANICAL VENTILATION CAN BE USED TO REDUCE LEVELS OF FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER INDOOR AIR CONTAMINANTS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT. WARNING! DO NOT MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERIZE EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT, ASPHALTIC “CUT-BACK” ADHESIVES OR OTHER ADHESIVES. PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED RESILIENT FLOORING MAY CONTAIN EITHER ASBESTOS FIBERS OR CRYSTALLINE SILICA. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS BOX DO NOT CONTAIN ASBESTOS. AVOID CREATING DUST. INHALATION OF SUCH DUST IS A CANCER AND RESPIRATORY TRACT HAZARD. SMOKING BY INDIVIDUALS EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS FIBERS GREATLY INCREASES THE RISK OF SERIOUS BODILY HARM. UNLESS POSITIVELY CERTAIN THAT THE PRODUCT IS A NON- ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIAL, YOU MUST PRESUME IT CONTAINS ASBESTOS. REGULATIONS MAY REQUIRE THAT THE MATERIAL BE TESTED TO DETERMINE ASBESTOS CONTENT AND MAY GOVERN THE REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL. SEE CURRENT EDITION OF THE RESILIENT FLOOR COVERING INSTITUTE (RFCI) PUBLICATION “RECOMMENDED WORK PRACTICES FOR REMOVAL OF RESILIENT FLOOR COVERINGS” FOR DETAILED INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS ON REMOVING ALL RESILIENT COVERING STRUCTURES.
WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection.