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GeoWood
®
Flooring Installation Guide
Subfloor Requirements
General
• Floating floors can be laid on top of most hard surfaces (e.g. concrete, ceramics, wood)
• Soft subfloors (e.g. carpets) must be removed
• The subfloor must be level – Flat to 3/16” per 10-foot radius
• The subfloor must be clean = Thoroughly swept and free of all debris
• The subfloor must be dry
• The subfloor must be structurally sound
Even though Cali Bamboo GeoWood Plank Flooring is water resistant it is NOT considered a moisture barrier. Hence, we
always require the use of a moisture barrier (like 6mil plastic) on concrete.
Acceptable Subfloor Types
• CD Exposure 1 plywood (grade stamped US PS1-95)
• OSB Exposure 1subfloor panels
• Underlayment grade particleboard
• Concrete slab
• Existing wood flooring (exception - not warrantied if glued over concrete)
• Ceramic tile (must fill in grout lines with a compatible patch compound)
• Resilient tile and sheet vinyl
Wood subfloors
must be securely fastened. A best practice is to nail or screw every 6” along joists to avoid squeaking. If
leveling is needed, sand down high spots and fill in low spots with a Portland based leveling compound.
Tip:
If your plywood, OSB or particle board subfloor is reading higher than 12% MC it is advised to find and correct the
source of moisture intrusion before continuing installation. Cali Bamboo is not responsible for any damage caused by
moisture intrusion.
Concrete subfloors
must be fully cured and at least 60 days old, preferably 90 days old. If leveling is needed, grind down
high spots and level low spots with a Portland based leveling compound.
Tip:
When laying 6 mil plastic it is always advised to overlap the seams at least 6” and cover all seams with duct tape.
Slabs
on or below grade must be free of hydrostatic pressure.
Important:
Cali Bamboo GeoWood Plank flooring is water resistant, however moisture intrusions from concrete hydrostatic
pressure, flooding, or plumbing leaks, along with high levels of alkalinity, can affect the floor over time. Moisture can also
be trapped below the flooring and create mold or mildew. The installer, not Cali Bamboo is responsible for making sure the
concrete moisture and alkalinity are suitable prior to installing this floor.
Ceramic Tile, resilient tile and sheet vinyl
must be well-bonded to subfloor, in good condition, clean and level. We do
not recommend sanding existing vinyl floors, as they may contain asbestos. We do recommend filling any grout lines or
embossing with a compatible patch compound. Any damaged caused by skipping this step will not be covered by Cali
Bamboo.
Crawlspaces
must have a minimum of a 6-mil polyethylene sheeting covering any exposed earth. Crawl spaces must have
adequate ventilation and a minimum of 18” of air space between the ground and the floor joist.
Radiant Heat Systems
Cali Bamboo GeoWood flooring is only recommended for use over radiant heat systems if the special requirements specified
by the National Wood Flooring Association are met (please refer to the NWFA’s Radiant Heat Guidelines). Ensuring stable
job site conditions, subfloor suitability and proper acclimation are especially important when installing over a radiant
heat system. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the recommended environmental conditions are met for
installation. Refer to your radiant heat system manufacturer to determine its compatibility with wood flooring, and to learn the
specific requirements for installation.
• Because of the wide variety of systems on the market (Hydronic, embedded in concrete, electrical wire/coil, heating
film/mat) each with its own features and applications it is recommended that the user consult with the radiant heating
provider for best practices, installation methods and proper subfloors.
• With GeoWood flooring the floating installation method is the only method recommended for use with radiant heat
systems.
• Radiant heat system must be turned on and in operation for at least 3 days before installation. The flooring must be
acclimated per GeoWood’s flooring acclimation instruction (https://www.calibamboo.com/flooring-installation/) over the
radiant heat with the system turned on throughout the acclimation timeframe.
• The system must be turned down to 65°F and maintained 24 hours prior to installation.
Pre-Installation
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