Waterproof hardwood flooring is becoming increasingly popular among U.S. consumers due to its durability and resistance to water damage. Bruce Hydropel waterproof hardwood flooring is designed to combine the natural beauty of wood with the convenience of water-resistant properties. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to installing Bruce Hydropel flooring, based on the manufacturer’s official installation instructions and technical specifications.
Installation Overview and Key Considerations
Bruce Hydropel waterproof hardwood flooring is intended for floating installations, a method that allows the flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Floating installations differ from glue-down or nail-down methods in that the flooring is not directly attached to the subfloor. Instead, the flooring is supported by an underlayment and relies on the natural expansion and contraction of the materials.
One of the key requirements for a floating installation is the maintenance of an expansion zone. A 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) expansion zone must be maintained along all vertical obstructions such as walls, doorways, and transition strips. This space allows the flooring to move freely and prevents buckling or warping over time.
Failure to follow the recommended installation practices may result in damage to the flooring and potentially void the manufacturer’s warranty. For this reason, it is essential to read and follow the installation instructions provided by Bruce and to use the recommended products, including adhesives, underlayment, and cleaning solutions.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before beginning the installation, it is important to prepare the space and materials properly. The following steps should be followed to ensure a successful installation:
Acclimation of the Flooring
The flooring must be allowed to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least three to five days. This process helps prevent future warping or gaps due to rapid changes in the environment. During this time, it is recommended to open the boxes and spread the boards across the floor in the room where they will be installed. This allows the flooring to adjust to the room’s conditions and also gives the installer an opportunity to sort the boards by color and grain pattern for a more aesthetically pleasing layout.
Subfloor Preparation
The subfloor must be clean, dry, and free of debris. For concrete subfloors, it is necessary to test for moisture content using one of the following methods:
- Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter Meter: The moisture reading should not exceed 4.5 on the upper scale.
- Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM F 1869): The maximum moisture transfer must not exceed 3 lbs./1000 ft² in 24 hours.
- RH Levels in Concrete Using In-situ Probes (ASTM F 2170): Relative humidity should not exceed 75%.
If the subfloor contains excessive moisture, a moisture retardant system such as Bruce® Summit Select adhesive or an inexpensive sheet vinyl can be used to reduce vapor intrusion. These materials act as a barrier between the subfloor and the flooring, preventing water from rising and damaging the flooring.
Recommended Products and Tools
Bruce Hydropel waterproof hardwood flooring is designed to be installed using specific products and tools to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The following are the recommended items for installation:
Adhesives and Underlayment
Bruce® Hydropel™:
- Underlayment: Premium Underlayment
- Adhesives: Bruce® Summit Select™ All In One Adhesive, Bruce Equalizer™ Pro, Bruce ProConnect™ Plus
Robbins® HydroGuard™:
- Underlayment: Attached Pad, no additional underlayment needed
- Adhesives: Pressure Sensitive Adhesive
Hartco® HydroBlok™:
- Underlayment: Attached Pad, no additional underlayment needed
- Adhesives: Pressure Sensitive Adhesive
Tools
Regardless of the installation method, the following tools are recommended:
- Broom
- Tape Measure
- Hammer
- Chalk Line and Chalk
- Hand Saw or Jam Saw
- Electric Power Saw
- Eye Protection
- Wood Glue
- Moisture Meter
- Transition Wood Molding
- NIOSH-Designated Dust Mask
Additional tools for floating installations include:
- 20 Gauge Fasteners
- Compressor and Hose
- Nylon/Plastic Tapping Block
- In-Line Regulator
- Pull Bar
- Tapping Block
For floors exceeding 3-1/4 inches in width, wood glue is recommended for locking and joint gluing.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Step 1: Laying the Underlayment
For floating installations of Bruce Hydropel flooring, the underlayment should be installed in the same direction as the flooring. The underlayment should extend a few inches up the wall and be trimmed before the installation of trim or moldings. If the underlayment has double-sided tape, it can be used to secure the overlapping seams. If a non-adhesive underlayment is used, all seams must be taped with the recommended tape to ensure a secure fit.
Step 2: Installing the First Row
Begin the installation on the left side of the room and work toward the right. The first full piece should be placed with the small, tongue side facing the wall. The second and subsequent full pieces in the first row should be aligned at the short ends and locked into place. Spacers should be used along all sides that are adjacent to walls to maintain a 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) expansion zone.
Continue laying boards in the first row until the last piece needs to be cut. The distance between the wall and the face surface of the last board should be measured, and 1/2 inch (6.35 mm) should be subtracted to allow for the expansion zone. If the remaining distance is less than 8 inches (20.32 cm), the first full plank should be cut to leave a longer piece at the end of the row.
Step 3: Installing the Remaining Rows
After the first row is installed, the remaining rows should be installed by locking each board into place. The boards should be staggered to create a random pattern, which enhances the aesthetic appeal of the flooring. It is important to avoid placing the end joints of adjacent rows too close to each other. A minimum of 6 inches (15.24 cm) between end joints is recommended.
As the installation progresses, continue using spacers to maintain the expansion zone along the walls. The last row may require cutting the boards to fit the space between the wall and the existing flooring. Care should be taken to ensure that the cut pieces are not too small, as this can lead to instability and potential damage to the flooring.
Post-Installation Steps
Once the flooring has been installed, the following steps should be completed to ensure a finished and functional installation:
Cleaning the Floor
After the installation is complete, all wedges and tape should be removed. The floor should be cleaned using the recommended hardwood flooring cleaner. If drywall dust is present, it should be thoroughly vacuumed before using the cleaner. This step is important to ensure that the floor is free of debris and ready for use.
Re-Installing Moldings and Trim
All base and/or quarter round moldings should be trimmed and re-installed. Moldings should be nailed into the wall, not the floor, to avoid restricting the movement of the flooring. After the moldings are installed, all minor gaps should be filled with an appropriate blended filler.
Covering the Floor
If the floor is to be covered temporarily, a breathable material such as cardboard should be used. Plastic should be avoided, as it can trap moisture and potentially damage the flooring.
Providing Warranty and Care Information
It is important to leave warranty and floor care information with the owner. The owner should be advised of the product name and code number of the flooring they purchased. This information is necessary in the event that the owner needs to contact the manufacturer for support or to make a warranty claim.
Additional Tips for Longevity
To prevent surface damage, avoid rolling heavy furniture and appliances on the floor. If necessary, use plywood, hardboard, or appliance lifts. Protective casters or felt pads on furniture legs are also recommended to prevent damage to the flooring.
Transition and Wall Moldings
Proper transition and wall moldings are essential for a finished look and to protect the edges of the flooring. The following moldings are recommended:
Reducer Strip: A teardrop-shaped molding used around fireplaces, doorways, as a room divider, or as a transition between hardwood flooring and adjacent thinner floor coverings. Reducer strips can be fastened down using adhesive, small nails, or double-faced tape.
Threshold or Transition Strip: These strips are used at doorways and between different types of flooring to create a smooth transition and to protect the edges of the flooring. Thresholds should be installed after the flooring is complete and should be cut to fit the space between the flooring and the adjacent surface.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
During the installation process, several common issues may arise. The following are some troubleshooting tips to address these problems:
Warping or Buckling
If the flooring begins to warp or buckle after installation, it is likely due to an insufficient expansion zone or improper acclimation. To resolve this issue, the affected area should be removed, and the expansion zone should be re-established. The flooring should then be reinstalled, ensuring that the expansion zone is maintained and that the flooring is properly acclimated.
Gaps Between Boards
If gaps appear between the boards after installation, it may be due to rapid changes in temperature or humidity. The flooring should be allowed to adjust naturally over time. If the gaps persist, the flooring may need to be reinstalled with a different layout or with a different acclimation period.
Difficulty in Locking the Boards
If the boards are difficult to lock into place, it may be due to misalignment or improper use of the tapping block. The boards should be aligned properly, and the tapping block should be used to gently tap the boards into place. If the boards continue to be difficult to lock, it may be necessary to check the subfloor for any irregularities or to use the recommended adhesives to secure the joints.
Conclusion
Bruce Hydropel waterproof hardwood flooring is a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for U.S. consumers seeking the benefits of real wood with enhanced water resistance. Proper installation is critical to ensuring the longevity and performance of the flooring. By following the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions, using the appropriate tools and materials, and maintaining the necessary expansion zones, the flooring can be installed successfully and safely.
For additional support or to request a Safety Data Sheet, users should contact Bruce at 1-866-243-2726 or visit their technical website at www.floorexpert.com. For general questions or comments, users can visit www.ahfproducts.com or call the same number.