Prop 65 Warning: Drilling, sawing, sanding, or machining wood products generates dust, a substance known to the state of California to cause cancer. Use caution during the removal or sanding of existing flooring or other building materials as these may contain hazardous fumes, and chemicals, or generate harmful dust. Check the substrate for any health hazards. Always wear safety equipment and an approved dust mask.

For the most up-to-date installation, maintenance, and warranty requirements, please visit www.my-nfp.com. All warranties are based on installation and maintenance guides published on our website at the time of installation.

The intended end user and the installer should have a clear understanding of the expectations of the color, installation, and layout of the flooring. Carefully inspect the products before installation for any milling, dimensional, or visual defects. If the flooring supplied does not satisfy the customer, do not proceed with the installation. The decision not to proceed must be made within the first 10% or 100 sq. ft. of the flooring boxes opened, whichever comes first. Open boxes exceeding this amount will not be eligible for return.

[01] GENERAL JOBSITE/HOME CONDITION

ONLY INSTALL FLOORING IN ROOMS UNDER ADEQUATE LIGHTING CONDITIONS. TAKING THIS IMPORTANT STEP ALLOWS FOR GREATER VISIBILITY AND WILL HELP AVOID COSTLY INSTALLATION MISTAKES.

Important: The requirements listed below are considered standard practices for the flooring industry and are required by most building codes. Following these simple guidelines will greatly extend the life of any fixture in the job site/home. Local building codes may vary and will prevail.

• It is the responsibility of the job site/homeowner’s designated installer flooring before installation. Inspect every plank for inconsistency with the finish, texture, milling, color, graining, tongue and groove integrity, and dimensions. Also, check the suitability of the flooring product to its environment. Flooring products installed with pre-existing defects or that are incorrectly acclimated CANNOT be claimed after installation.
• Verify there are enough materials to complete the job with a minimum of 2% extra for future plank replacements. The manufacturer is not responsible for supplying materials for plank replacements unless the defective boards exceed 5% of the total floor installed.
• FLOOR STORAGE:
• The packs containing floorboards must be handled carefully during transport and unloading to avoid any mechanical damage. Floorboards in the original packaging should be kept in a dry place, in a horizontal position, on pallets or wooden beams to provide free space of at least 75 mm (3”) between the boxes and the subfloor. Before the floor is delivered to a building provided with doors and windows, all “wet” works must be completed; e.g. plastering, construction of partition walls, screed application, skimming, painting, etc. These works must be finished, and any wet materials must be at the same humidity level as during the normal use of the area. If there are any cellars below the floor installation area in the building, they must be dry and well-ventilated.
• Multi-layer hardwood flooring should be kept in the original packaging in the room where it is to be laid for at least 48 hours to ensure the floor is acclimated.
• Additional air-conditioning systems installed in the house or dwelling should be activated at least 14 days before, during, and after the installation of the floor.
• The relative humidity in the area where the hardwood flooring is stored and installed should be kept between 45% and 60%.
• The air temperature should be between +64°F and +75°F (+18°C to +24°C).
• The moisture content of the wooden substrate (wood-based panels) should not exceed 9%.
• The moisture content of the concrete substrate should not exceed 2% and that of the anhydrite substrate should be 0.5%. The moisture content of the substrate should be measured using the carbide method. The measurement results should be recorded.

RESPONSIBILITY:

• Before fitting the multi-layer hardwood floor, the installer must ensure that the installation site meets all the applicable standards. Always comply with the recommendations of the building industry and local regulations. The manufacturer accepts no liability for improper working conditions on the installation site. Before installation, the installer should inspect the multi-layer hardwood floorboards and confirm that they comply with the purchase order. The floorboards should be inspected for the grade, quality, finish, gloss, color, mechanical damage, and class of the top layer (all the information is provided on the label and/or in the purchase order). The developer/fitter or technician is fully responsible for the final quality control of the multi-layer floorboards. Before installation, all the multi-layer hardwood floorboards should be checked. If in doubt, the developer/fitter or technician should not use any of the boards considered to be unsuitable for installation and he/she should contact the seller immediately.
• When ordering the floor, a waste factor of up to 7% should be taken into account.
• If the boards are to be laid diagonally or connected along a curved line with other floor types, a waste factor of up to 10% should be taken into account.
• The manufacturer accepts no responsibility if the floor is laid outdoors, in bathrooms, in areas exposed to relative humidity levels other than from 45% to 60%, in areas exposed to direct contact with water or other liquids, and in areas where the temperature is other than from +64°F to +75°F (+18°C to +24°C). The final inspection by the end user should be carried out while in the standing position.

IMPORTANT FOR FITTERS:

• Sawing, sanding, and processing of hardwood products and wood-based materials can produce wood dust. Airborne wood dust can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified wood dust as a human carcinogen.

PRECAUTIONS:

• If electric saws are used for cutting boards or wood-based materials, they must be provided with dust extractors. The fitter should always use an appropriate NIOSH-certified dust mask and safety goggles during cutting operations. Always protect your eyes and skin against contact with wood dust. In case of irritation from wood dust, rinse the eyes or skin with clean water for at least 15 minutes.

IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION: ALL OF OUR NORTH AMERICAN PRODUCTS MEET CURRENT TSCA TITLE VI STANDARDS AND ARE CARB 2 COMPLIANT.

THESE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS CAUSE FORMALDEHYDE EMISSIONS. EXPOSURE TO FORMALDEHYDE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO CAUSE IRRITATION OF THE EYES, NOSE, AND THROAT, HEADACHE, SICKNESS AND A VARIETY OF ASTHMA-LIKE SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING SHORTNESS OF BREATH. THE ELDERLY, OLDER AND YOUNGER CHILDREN, AND ANYONE WITH A HISTORY OF ASTHMA, ALLERGIES, OR LUNG PROBLEMS MAY BE AT HIGHER RISK. RESEARCH INTO THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO FORMALDEHYDE ARE ONGOING. INSUFFICIENT VENTILATION MAY CAUSE THE ACCUMULATION OF FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER AIRBORNE CONTAMINANTS INDOORS. FORMALDEHYDE LEVEL IN THE AIR TENDS TO INCREASE WITH HIGH TEMPERATURES INDOORS AND HIGH HUMIDITY. IF YOUR HOUSE IS EXPOSED TO EXTREME TEMPERATURES IN THE SUMMER, YOU MAY USE AN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE INDOORS. OTHER UNITS AND SYSTEMS DESIGNED FOR CONTROLLED MECHANICAL VENTILATION MAY ALSO BE USED TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER AIRBORNE CONTAMINANTS INDOORS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR A LOCAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

WARNING:

IF THERE ARE ELASTIC FLOOR COVERINGS AND ASPHALT-BASED ADHESIVES IN THE HARDWOOD FLOOR INSTALLATION AREA, AVOID GRINDING, DRY SWEEPING, DRY SCRAPING, DRILLING, SAWING, SHOT-BLASTING AND USING MECHANICAL METHODS FOR REMOVING THE EXISTING FLOOR COVERINGS, FLOOR SUBSTRATES, ASPHALT-BASED ADHESIVES OR ANY OTHER ADHESIVES!

THE EXISTING MATERIALS MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS AND/OR CRYSTALLINE SILICA. AVOID THE FORMATION OF DUST. INHALATION OF DUST CREATES THE RISK OF CANCER AND RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS. IF A PRODUCT IS NOT KNOWN TO BE FREE OF ASBESTOS, IT SHOULD BE PRESUMED TO CONTAIN ASBESTOS. SMOKING BY PEOPLE EXPOSED TO CONTACT WITH ASBESTOS FIBERS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURIES. UNDER REGULATIONS OF LAW IT MAY BE REQUIRED TO TEST MATERIALS FOR THE ASBESTOS CONTENT AS WELL AS TO FOLLOW SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR THEIR REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL.

[02] STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTRATE

The purpose of the recommendations for the quality of the substrate is to ensure the correct installation of multi-layer floorboards. They are in no way intended to replace any federal, state, or local building regulations. Multi-layer floors can be laid on substrates that meet the following standard requirements:

• Flat – The maximum unevenness of the substrate should not exceed 1/8” (3 mm) over 6.56 ft (2 m) when measured with a level. Any recesses or uneven areas should be filled with special materials designed for this purpose. The maximum horizontal offset over the entire floor area must not exceed 3/16” (5 mm).
• Dry – Concrete substrates should be cured for at least 60 days. The moisture content of the concrete substrate should be tested using the calcium carbide test (carbide method) and the result must not exceed 2% for concrete substrates and 0.5% for anhydrite substrates. The moisture content of the wooden substrate (wood-based panels) should not exceed 9%. The measurement results should be recorded.
• Clean – Free of dirt, cement, putty, plaster, paint, oil, glue, plaster, or other residues. Floors are not suitable for installation on substrates cleaned by chemical methods.

WOODEN SUBSTRATE – REQUIREMENTS:

Multi-layer boards can be fixed to the wooden substrate such as solid wood boards, OSBs, or other boards specified below. This substrate should be permanently fixed to the subfloor (e.g. wooden beams) using staples or nails. Any “squeaky” areas should be fixed by nailing or screwing them down. The spacing between the fasteners fixing the wooden substrate to the beams should be about 6” (15 cm). Any delaminated, swollen, and damp panels should be replaced with new ones. The spacing between the beams under wood-based panels should be according to the relevant building regulations. The moisture content of the wooden substrate should not exceed 9% when measured with A needle meter. As a manufacturer of multi-layer hardwood floors, we are not able to assess every underlay on which the floor is to be installed. The responsibility for choosing the spacing, and distances, and assessing the substrate lies with the developer, engineer, architect, or consumer, who are in a better position to evaluate the expected result based on test results for the floor installation area.

• Hardwood plywood should be at least CDX class (display 1) and meet the US Voluntary Product Standard PS1 or Canadian CAN/CSA 0325-0-92 performance standards. The optimum thickness is 3/4” (19 mm) for the substrate [at least 5/8” (16 mm)] and 7/16” (11 mm) for the floor underlay
• Chipboards should have a density of at least 40 pounds/cubic feet. (641 kg/m3 ), approved underlay class, and 3/4” (19 mm) thickness (floating floors only).
• Solid wood underlay should be fitted using the glue-down or staple-down installation. Thickness min. 3/4” (19 mm) and width max. 6” (15 cm) at 45° concerning the beams. Coniferous wood from density group 1 (pine, larch, green Douglas, etc.) No. 2 common dried wood, all board ends on beams. A 7/16” (11mm) floor panel of the approved type can be added for the glue-down installation procedure.

CONCRETE SUBSTRATE – REQUIREMENTS

• The glue-down procedure is not recommended for the installation of a multi-layer floor on a lightweight concrete substrate. To check if the substrate is made of lightweight concrete, scratch the substrate surface with a steel stylus (Fig. 1). If the surface is easy to scratch and the edges of the line crumble, the concrete does not have sufficient strength for gluing multi-layer boards. In this case, you should lay a floating floor.
• The glue-down procedure should only be used with concrete grades 3,000 psi or higher. Glue-down installation on lightweight concrete (less than 3,000 psi) is not permitted. Always perform the glue bonding test before starting the glue-down installation. The moisture content of the substrate should not exceed 2% when measured using the carbide method. The measurement should be performed in areas that are most exposed to increased humidity – under stairs, in corners, or in areas with no direct exposure to sunlight.

TURN IN-FLOOR RADIANT HEAT ON OR OFF DURING INSTALLATION

• When fitting multi-layer floorboards over water underfloor heating, the screed heat-up procedure should be performed. The procedure involves heating the floorboards at regular intervals to eliminate any residual moisture from the screed and to avoid the risk of hazardous stress in the underlay.
• Following the underlay heat-up process, you can start laying the floor. Two installation procedures can be used for fitting floor-over-underfloor heating: floating and glue-down installation

GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION OVER WATER UNDERFLOOR HEATING

• When fitting a glued floor, make sure that the glue retains its properties and flexibility even when exposed to significant temperature differences. Ensure the glue used is suitable for over-water underfloor heating. There are special pictograms and information on the packaging to indicate if the specific glue can be used for floor installation over underfloor heating.

ATTENTION! WHEN CHECKING THE UNDERLAY USING A 2-M LEVEL, THE OFFSET OF THE UNDERLAY FROM THE HORIZONTAL MUST NOT EXCEED 1/8” (3 MM) OVER 6.56 FT (2 M) AT ANY POINT ON THE SURFACE.

FLOATING INSTALLATION OVER WATER UNDERFLOOR HEATING

• When fitting a floating floor, the heat transfer coefficient of the underlay should be as low as possible. The manufacturer recommends using an underlay with a heat transfer coefficient of R < 0.05 m2 K/W, e.g. regular corrugated cardboard of thickness 1/8” (3 mm), or other professional underlay materials.
• After performing the screed heat-up procedure and selecting the appropriate underlay, start laying multi-layer floorboards using the procedure for installation without underfloor heating. When fitting a floating floor, the manufacturer recommends using insulation foil which should be laid with an overlap of about 7.8” (20 cm) and connected with sealing tape.

THE BAVARIAN MILL MULTI-LAYER HARDWOOD FLOORBOARDS CAN BE LAID OVER WATER OR ELECTRIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING.

INSTALLATION OF BAVARIAN MILL FLOOR OVER ELECTRIC HEATING

• Electric floor heating can be installed using different solutions: • Heating cables laid inside special panels made of foamed polystyrene or extruded polystyrene foam with ready-made grooves for laying heating cables. Such panels have a very high thermal resistance coefficient, which means that they can be used instead of thermal insulation. Boards to be installed under the hardwood subfloor do not require any subsequent screed application. If the developer, fitter, or technician decides to lay screed overheating cables, the multi-layer floor can be installed in two ways: as a floating floor or glued floor. The installation procedure is the same as for installation over water underfloor heating.
• Heating mats are laid immediately under multi-layer floorboards. These are ready-to-use units that are fitted immediately under the floorboards. Such heating mats (foil) are installed over thermal insulation of thickness from 1/8” (3 mm) to 1/4” (6 mm), e.g. XPS boards, or wood fiber boards. The heating mats (foil) are covered with 0.2 mm thick PVC foil to protect them against damage.

ATTENTION! READ THE INSTALLATION GUIDE CAREFULLY BEFORE FITTING THE ELECTRIC HEATING SYSTEM AND HAVE IT INSTALLED BY A PROFESSIONAL COMPANY.

GUIDELINES FOR FITTERS AND USERS OF HARDWOOD FLOORS OVER ELECTRIC OR WATER UNDERFLOOR HEATING

1. To ensure the optimum floor covering for installation over underfloor heating, use readymade three-layer hardwood boards connected by a glue-free click-locking system.

2. If you opt for a glued floor, make sure that the glue you have chosen to use will retain its properties and flexibility throughout many years, even when exposed to significant temperature differences.

3. Installation of floorboards over underfloor heating can only be started after the subfloor heat-up report has been prepared and signed by a properly qualified installation team. If the heating system is turned off during the screed heat-up process, the heating system should be set to 70°F (21°C) for several days before starting the installation and should lay at this temperature. The screed heat-up process should also be performed in the summer. The screed heat-up procedure should only be used when laying the floor over water underfloor heating.

4. To ensure the correct installation of the floor, make sure that the humidity level does not exceed the acceptable levels when the floor is being laid or later when it is used. The appropriate humidity level for the Bavarian Mill boards is 7% ± 2%.

5. To achieve the optimum temperature, it should be kept at 21°C (70°F) during the first 48 hours after installation and then increased by 1-2 degrees per day. The heating level should not exceed 84°F (29°C) at the surface of the floorboards. The relative humidity in the area must be maintained at 45-60% throughout the year, whether the heating system is on or off.

6. The moisture content of the screed must not exceed 1.8% for the cement screed when measured using the carbide method (CM), and 0.5% for the anhydrite screed when measured using the carbide method (CM).

7. To prevent uneven expansion/contraction of wood, the entire floor area should be provided with heating. This will also help to ensure the best possible comfort of use (without any ‘cold spots’ over the floor surface).

8. Hardwood floors installed over underfloor heating must not be covered with carpets. All furniture placed over underfloor heating, such as sofas, should have legs at least 4” (10 cm) high.

9. When fitting a floating floor, insulation foil should be laid immediately on the screed. Insulation foil should be laid with an 8” (20-cm) overlap and then connected with tape.

10. Small gaps may be observed between the boards during the heating season due to the minimum expansion/contraction of wood.

11. At the end of the heating season, the temperature should be gradually reduced by about 33.8°F (1°C) or 35.6°F (2°C) per day. CAUTION: The temperature at the floor surface must never exceed 85°F (29°C).