The installation of ADURA Max, a waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring product by Mannington, requires careful planning and adherence to specific technical specifications. Designed for both residential and commercial use, ADURA Max features a floating installation system and an integrated underlayment pad that simplifies the installation process. This article provides a detailed overview of the installation instructions, environmental considerations, subfloor requirements, layout planning, and finishing techniques based on the official installation guide provided by Mannington.
Environmental and Pre-Installation Considerations
ADURA Max is engineered to be completely waterproof, making it suitable for use in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. However, the product must be installed in an environment free from excessive moisture to avoid potential issues such as mold or mildew. According to the manufacturer, the installation area should be prepared with constant temperatures between 55°F and 90°F for at least 48 hours prior to and during installation. If the HVAC system is operational and the material is within a 15°F difference from storage to installation, acclimation is not required.
It is also important to note that ADURA Max should not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 140°F, as this may affect the integrity of the flooring. Additionally, the product should not be installed over residual asphalt-type (cut back) adhesive, as this may compromise the floor's performance. Residual adhesive must be completely removed and replaced with underlayment plywood or high-quality latex underlayment.
Subfloor Preparation
Proper subfloor preparation is a critical step in ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing ADURA Max installation. The flooring is installed as a floating floor, but the subfloor must still be flat, smooth, and dimensionally sound. The subfloor should be flat to within 3/16” in 10 feet and 1/32” in 12 inches. Any irregularities in the subfloor may cause visible imperfections in the finished floor.
For wood subfloors, the surface must be free from any deflection or movement that could impact the performance of the LVP. For ceramic tile subfloors, a cementitious overlay should be applied to ensure a smooth surface, although filling grout lines is not necessary. Existing grout lines can be laid over, provided the tile is non-cushioned, fully adhered, and not more than one layer thick. It is important to avoid installing ADURA Max over carpet or any other material that may retain moisture or impede the floating installation.
Room Size and Layout Planning
The size of the room significantly impacts the installation process. ADURA Max is recommended for open room areas that do not exceed 50 linear feet in either direction or a total of 2,500 square feet. This limitation helps ensure that the flooring can move freely without being restricted by expansion or contraction due to environmental changes.
To achieve a balanced layout, it is essential to plan the installation carefully to avoid narrow plank widths at wall junctions. The long dimension of the planks should be aligned parallel to the long dimension of the work area. The installer should measure the room to determine the center line and adjust it to accommodate a balanced layout. Once the center line is established, it should be transposed to a comfortable width away from the starting wall—approximately 2 to 3 feet.
Mixing planks from several different cartons is also recommended to maximize the visual variation in the finished floor. This practice helps create a more natural and cohesive appearance.
Installation Process
ADURA Max is installed using an angle/angle system, which provides superior joint strength and ensures a secure fit between planks. As a floating floor, ADURA Max should not be secured directly to the subfloor. Instead, it should be installed in a manner that allows for natural expansion and contraction.
Before beginning the installation, the jobsite should be thoroughly cleaned and cleared of any tools or materials that could damage the finished floor. Door jambs should be undercut to allow for proper expansion, and care should be taken when installing wall moldings and transition strips to avoid fastening them through the flooring. If a metal door jamb cannot be cut, expansion space must be maintained around the jamb.
Cabinets, kitchen islands, and other heavy furniture should not be installed directly on top of ADURA Max. These items should be placed after the flooring has been installed and allowed to settle.
Handling Damage and Repairs
ADURA Max is a durable product, but in the event of damage, it can be repaired or replaced. If a damaged plank is located along the perimeter of the room, the damaged plank can be removed by disconnecting the surrounding planks. The damaged plank should then be replaced with a new one, and the installation should be reassembled.
For more complex damage, a circular saw or multi-tool saw can be used to cut out the center of the damaged plank, leaving a 1-inch strip attached to the surrounding material. The corners should be carefully cut back to the inside edge, and the damaged area should be replaced with a new plank. Once the replacement is in place, it should be weighed down for at least 15 minutes to allow the sealer to secure the material.
Finishing and Transitions
After the installation is complete, all exposed edges of the ADURA Max flooring should be protected using wall moldings or transition strips. Care should be taken to avoid pinching the flooring during the installation of these elements. A 100% silicone caulk should be used to seal areas such as around tubs and toilet flanges.
Mannington offers a range of transition options for ADURA Max:
- T-molding – used to finish flooring where two surfaces of the same level meet.
- Reducer – used when two level surfaces meet.
- Flush/overlap Stairnose – used to finish landings or steps.
- End Cap – used to finish flooring at vertical obstructions such as sliding doors or bathtubs.
- Quarter Round – installed by nailing it directly to the baseboard.
These transitions should be considered at substrate changes, room-to-room environment transitions, complicated layouts, subfloor elevation changes, or when the room size exceeds 50 feet in length or width.
Maintenance and Post-Installation Care
After installation, the ADURA Max floor should be damp-mopped after 48 hours to remove any residual surface dirt. A regular maintenance schedule using Mannington Ultra Clean is recommended to preserve the appearance and performance of the flooring.
To protect the flooring from damage, curtains or blinds should be used in areas where direct sunlight is intense. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to discoloration, fading, or thermal expansion, which may cause buckling or delamination. If extreme direct sunlight exceeding 140°F is a concern, the manufacturer recommends considering an ADURA Max glue option.
Heavy furniture should be moved onto the floor using an appliance hand truck over hardboard runways. Suitable non-staining, wide-bearing casters or protectors should be used for heavy furniture. Non-staining felt protectors are recommended for table and chair legs to prevent scratches.
Mats labeled as "non-staining" should be used in high-traffic areas to prevent surface staining. Oil or petroleum-based products, such as asphalt driveway sealer or automobile oil drips, should be avoided as they may stain the vinyl surface.
Product Variants and Warranty
ADURA Max is produced in both the United States and Asia, and it is important to ensure that all installed planks are from the same country of origin as specified on the carton labels. Mixing materials from different production origins is not recommended, as it may affect the compatibility and appearance of the finished floor.
Mannington recommends registering the new floor at Mannington.com/Register for warranty coverage and to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win $100. This registration ensures that the product is properly documented and eligible for any applicable warranty claims.
Conclusion
ADURA Max is a high-performance waterproof LVP flooring option that offers both durability and aesthetic appeal. Its installation requires careful preparation, adherence to environmental conditions, and attention to detail in layout and finishing. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines, installers can ensure a successful and long-lasting installation. Proper maintenance and the use of recommended transition and finishing techniques will further enhance the appearance and functionality of the flooring.
For further assistance, Mannington provides an official installation guide and customer support through its website and customer care team at 800-356-6787. Users are encouraged to review the installation instructions thoroughly before beginning the process and to contact customer care with any questions or concerns.