MSI’s Everlife® Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring presents a durable and aesthetically versatile flooring option suitable for various residential applications. Designed for ease of installation, it is particularly well-suited for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements due to its 100% waterproof rigid core construction. This document details the installation process, preparation requirements, maintenance guidelines, and considerations for completing the installation based on official MSI documentation.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Proper preparation of both the environment and the subfloor is critical for a successful and long-lasting installation. MSI Everlife® LVP flooring requires an indoor temperature between 65-85°F (18-25°C) throughout its lifespan. If the flooring has been stored in extreme temperatures – below 40°F (5°C) or above 95°F (35°C) – it must be acclimated in unopened cartons within the installation room for at least 12 hours before installation begins.
The subfloor itself must be flat, clean, and dry. The documentation specifies a flatness tolerance of within 1/8” per 6 feet. Any deviations exceeding this tolerance must be addressed. High spots should be sanded down, and low spots filled with a suitable floor leveler. MSI Everlife® LVP is compatible with several existing hard surfaces, including wood.
Installation Steps
The installation process involves several key steps, as outlined in the provided materials. An online installation video is available as a supplementary resource to guide users through the process. While the documentation does not detail every step, it highlights critical areas.
- Plank Assembly: The locking system employed by MSI Everlife® LVP is designed for user-friendly assembly. Specific details regarding the locking mechanism are not provided in the documentation.
- Final Row Cutting: Accurate measurement and cutting are essential for a professional finish. The final row of planks should be measured and marked to ensure a snug fit against the wall, maintaining a 1/4” expansion gap. A utility knife or saw can be used for trimming.
- Door Frame Accommodation: To allow the flooring to slide underneath door frames, the bottom of the frame should be trimmed using a handsaw.
- Obstacle Navigation: Around heating vents and other obstacles, planks must be carefully measured and cut to fit, ensuring a clean and professional appearance. T-molding is recommended for transitions between rooms.
- Molding and Trim Securing: Quarter round molding should be installed using finishing nails. It is important to nail the molding into the baseboard, rather than directly into the flooring, to accommodate natural expansion and contraction.
Flooring Types and Installation Methods
The documentation references both rigid core and glue-down installation methods for Everlife® LVP flooring. The rigid core guidelines apply to the Angle/Angle XL series, while separate guidelines exist for dryback glue-down LVP flooring. The glue-down variety is protected with CrystaLux™, a layer designed to provide durability and longevity against everyday wear. The documentation emphasizes the availability of an installation video to assist with the process.
Post-Installation Maintenance and Care
Maintaining the appearance and longevity of MSI Everlife® LVP flooring requires consistent and appropriate care. Daily cleaning should involve using a dust mop or broom to remove dirt and debris. When necessary, the floor can be cleaned with a slightly damp mop and a neutral pH floor cleaner. Excessive moisture should be avoided.
Several protective measures are recommended:
- Place felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches.
- Use walk-off mats at entrances to minimize dirt and debris tracked onto the floor.
- Avoid using rubber-backed mats, as they may cause staining.
- Keep pet nails trimmed to prevent surface damage.
The documentation explicitly warns against the use of wax, polish, or oil-based cleaners, as these can leave a cloudy residue. Additionally, it reiterates the importance of avoiding excessive direct sunlight to prevent discoloration and applying silicone caulk around the floor perimeter in bathrooms and other wet areas to prevent moisture seepage.
Addressing Specific Installation Concerns
The documentation provides guidance on addressing specific installation challenges. For bathrooms and other wet areas, the application of silicone caulk around the floor perimeter is recommended to prevent moisture seepage. Avoiding excessive direct sunlight, or utilizing blinds or curtains during peak hours, is advised to prevent potential discoloration of the flooring.
Enhancing the Installation
MSI offers a range of accessories designed to complement Everlife® LVP flooring installations. These include coordinating transition pieces, stair noses, quarter rounds, and underlayment options. Utilizing these accessories can contribute to a seamless, professional look while enhancing the durability and comfort of the floor.
Acclimation Details
While MSI Everlife® LVP does not typically require acclimation, it is necessary if the flooring has been exposed to temperatures outside the range of 40°F (5°C) to 95°F (35°C). In such cases, the planks should be allowed to adjust in unopened cartons for at least 12 hours within the installation room. Maintaining the recommended indoor temperature range of 65-85°F (18-25°C) is crucial throughout the flooring’s lifespan.
Conclusion
MSI Everlife® Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring offers a durable, waterproof, and relatively easy-to-install flooring solution for homeowners. Successful installation relies on thorough subfloor preparation, careful execution of the installation steps, and consistent adherence to the recommended maintenance guidelines. Utilizing MSI’s accessories and referring to the available online installation video can further enhance the outcome. Proper acclimation, when necessary, and attention to detail during cutting and molding installation are also vital for a professional and long-lasting result.