This document supersedes all printed and electronic Installation, Care and Warranty information previously distributed for Elite SPC.
ELITE FLOORING
SPC Extruded Rigid Core - Uniclic
TruGrout Stone
Installation, Care and Warranty
PLEASE READ ALL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE INSTALLATION. IMPROPER INSTALLATION WILL VOID WARRANTY.
Always check the flooring tiles and planks for defects such as chips, color or sheen differences under well-lit conditions. Also check that the click channel is clean and free of debris. Always work out of multiple boxes to mix product to achieve proper pattern repeat and color appearance. Color variations between flooring, samples, and replacement material is expected and is not a product defect.
If the appearance of a board is questionable for either dimensions or appearance, the installer should not use this piece. A replacement carton can be obtained through your dealer in a reasonable time.
The person installing the floor is responsible to inspect all the flooring before and during its installation. If the installer believes the flooring is not correct due to color, grade, gloss, or any installation issues, the installer should not install this material. The retailer where the flooring was purchased should be contacted to address the issues. Continuing to install the product means that the installer accepted the visually suspect material for installation so the claim will be denied.
NOTE: The Products can be installed above, on and below grade. The Products are installed as a floating floor only. Direct glue down applications on floors and stairs require the removal of the attached pad and the use of a full spread adhesive manufactured exclusively for LVP and LVT. Never use an adhesive that is recommended for multiple products. We recommend Stauf D737 PSA glue or equivalent. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Walls, subfloors, and installed floors in buildings and houses move. A minimum of 3/8” gap for expansion is recommended between the installed floor and any adjacent perimeter wall, vertical structure, or wood-based floor (laminate or hardwood).
INSTALLATION
JOBSITE PREPARATION BEFORE INSTALLATION
The responsibility for proper subfloor preparation before flooring installation lies with the local flooring installer. Every plank and/or tile must be inspected prior to installation for color variation, finish condition, sheen variation, and quality. This inspection should be conducted with proper lighting available. Any boards that are not acceptable should not be installed. Contact your dealer immediately to obtain replacement boards. ELITE FLOORING is not responsible for the installation of flooring with obvious visual defects.
Crawl spaces – For the protection of the home, when installing a moisture mitigator in a crawl space, minimum crawl spaces of 18” are required from the ground to the underside of the joists. A vapor barrier of 6 mil thick polyethylene film with 6” sealed lap joints should be used. Moisture resistant tape should be used as the vapor barrier sealant at the lap joints. (This same procedure can be used for installing film vapor/moisture mitigators over concrete subfloors). Venting for the crawl space should be at least 1.5% of the crawl space square footage. Vents should be located for cross-ventilation of the crawl space. Local regulations should prevail at all times.
Before floor installation, the room conditions in the installation area (temperature and moisture) should be at normal year-round conditions for at least one week prior to, during, and continuously after flooring installation. Acclimation is not required before installation unless the product has been stored at high temperatures just prior to installation. Recommended installation room conditions are temperatures between 40 to 110 degrees F for SPC. Never install below or above these temperatures. Normal room temperatures are use temperatures between 65 degrees and 85 degrees F.
Asphaltic “cut-back” adhesives can stain SPC flooring. These must be 100% removed, encapsulated or covered with plywood underlayment. Some previously manufactured cutback adhesives contained asbestos fibers, which are not readily identifiable. Do not use power removal devices, which can create dust. The use of solvent-based adhesive removers is never recommended. NOTE: If d-limonene (citrus based) cleaners/removers are used (Orange All), subfloor must be thoroughly rinsed. If complete removal of old adhesives or covering them with plywood is not possible, the use of a Portland Based Leveling or Patching Compound is acceptable. Please follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
For “Recommended Work Practices for the Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings” write to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute, 966 Hungerford Dr., Suite12-B, Rockville, MD 20850.
SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
All subfloors must be dry, structurally sound to support the floor and to protect the home from moisture, free of debris and foreign matter, and flat to 3/16” in a 10-foot radius. The substrate must be level and not slope more than 1 inch per 6 feet in any direction.
For concrete subfloors, the subfloor should be firm, flat, permanently dry, and clean. This includes both old and new concrete floors. New concrete slabs must cure in well-ventilated conditions for at least 60 days minimum before installing the floor. Concrete should have a minimum-6mil poly film vapor/moisture mitigator beneath the slab between the concrete and ground. Maximum moisture level per ASTM F1869 Calcium Chloride test method is 8lbs. per 1000 cft in 24 hours. The maximum level of relative humidity per ASTM 2170 test method is 80%. Electronic meter testing is not acceptable as a replacement for the use of these two tests. The pH of the concrete slab should be determined using ASTM F710. The pH test results should measure between 7-10.
These moisture and alkali levels must be met before installation and remain throughout the life of the installed flooring. It is the responsibility of the flooring installer or contractor to meet these requirements. We recommend that a minimum 6mil poly film be installed as a vapor/moisture mitigator between the flooring and concrete subfloor. The poly film should be overlapped 8-inches and the seams sealed with a moisture resistant tape to create a moisture membrane layer. Please use the poly film manufacturers guidelines for the installation as Elite Flooring does not approve or warrant specific moisture mitigation systems. Elite Flooring does not accept claims related to damages or failure of the floor caused by excessive moisture, alkali and/or hydrostatic pressure. Do not install the new flooring over a concrete subfloor with high moisture, alkali or hydrostatic pressure conditions if it has not been mitigated or remediated. If moisture remediation is required, the choice of technique is the sole responsibility of the flooring installer or contractor. Follow the chosen product manufacturer’s installation instructions.
The concrete subfloor must be smooth and free of roughness, excessive texture, irregularities in height, and abrupt elevation changes.
The subfloors must be free of any contaminants, harmful substances or foreign materials that could reduce adhesion, adversely impact the installed plank performance or rate of moisture dissipation from the subfloor, or cause the installed flooring to discolor.
All pre-existing tiles and other approved floor coverings must be well bonded to the base subfloor. Ceramic, quarry, terrazzo, and similar types of tiles require filling of grout joints and imperfections using floor patching materials in commercial installations. If the product is glued down, the grout joints will need to be filled. It is key that the subfloor flatness tolerance be met to accept all installations.
For plywood, OSB, and particleboard subfloors to be acceptable for flooring installation, they must be dry (maximum 12% moisture content) and properly secured to accept a top floor. The maximimum subfloor deflection allowed must not be more than L/360. The subfloor must be secured every 6” along joists with nails or screws to avoid deflection or excessive vertical movement of the subfloor. Subfloor deflection may cause squeaking or popping sounds in both the subfloor and the installed floor. Our warranties do not cover any flooring issues caused by inadequate substructures. The subfloor must be level and flat per the specification and tolerance stated. High spots must be ground down and low spots must be filled with a Portland cement leveling compound.
Please note that the Products are not approved for installation over any type of carpet.
NOTE: Never install the Products over any type of floating floor. All subfloors that are not concrete must be firmly bonded.
NOTE: Never install the Products over a below grade VCT (vinyl composition tile).
Tiles including ceramic, resilient, and sheet vinyl must be well bonded to the subfloor, must be level and flat, and must be clean. Existing vinyl floors should not be sanded as they may contain asbestos.
INSTALLATION TOOLS
Safety Glasses
Broom/Vacuum
Hammer Set- comparable to “Pittsburgh 5 in 1 Interchangeable Hammer, with 1 ½” Head Diameter”, Steel Head for Long Ends, White Head (Soft) for Short Ends. Do not use mallet or hammer with more than 2” Head Diameter as it can damage the end joints.
We recommend the white head.
REPAIRS
SPC flooring is durable; however, planks can be damaged. If the damaged plank is near the perimeter of the room, the best technique is to carefully unlock the planks until the damaged plank is removed. Replace the damaged plank and reassemble the flooring. If the damaged plank is in the center of the room, then the following procedure should be followed:
Use 3M Blue Tape around the perimeter of the damaged plank to be replaced to protect the surrounding planks from damage.
Using a utility knife, make a cut completely through the center of the damaged plank the length of the plank.
Carefully remove the cut pieces of the damaged flooring and clean and vacuum the exposed area.
Use a utility knife to remove the tongue from the long and short side of the replacement plank.
Remove 1.5 inches of the groove on the long side of the plank from the tongue end using a utility knife.
Apply a small bead of an Ethyl Cyanoacrylate adhesive super glue to the groove of the planks in the floor.
Insert the replacement plank into the exposed area, locking the long-grooved side into the existing floor. The tongue end of the replacement plank will overlap the existing floor until the plank is completely inserted.
Use a scrap piece of the flooring as a tapping block to lightly tap the groove end into place. Use a utility blade to adjust the opposite end as you tap the end joint together.
Weight the plank down until the super glue is completely set.
FINISHING MOLDING
Reducer molding is used to finish flooring when the adjoining surface is lower than the SPC flooring or when flooring meets carpet. Position the U track 7mm leaving expansion gap of at least ¼” from each edge of the. Screw, nail or glue down the track directly to the subfloor and then insert the reducing strip into the track.
T-molding is used to finish flooring and add expansion when two level surfaces meet in doorways. Install the same as above. Residential Installations do not require the use of T Moldings.
Commercial installations are recommended to install T-moldings in every doorway and if the maximum room run size is equal to or greater than 100 ft x 100 ft. Minimum of ½” of perimeter expansion space is recommended for large commercial rooms.
Landing molding is used to finish flooring on landings or stair edges. Moldings need to be glued and screwed down to the sub-floor for safety and stability. Color filling should be used to cover the counter sunk screws.
To finish the perimeter of the room, install quarter round molding using finishing nails. Quarter round molding is nailed directly into the baseboard.
3/8” spacers
Pull bar
Saw
Utility knife
Pencil
Tape measure
Ruler
Chalk string
Tapping block
ACCEPTABLE SUBFLOOR TYPES
CDX Underlayment Grade Plywood (minimum of 5/8” thickness)
Underlayment Grade Particleboard (only for floating installation)
OSB (minimum ¾”, 23/32” thickness)
Concrete slab
Ceramic Tile – one layer well Bonded
Resilient Tile – one layer well bonded (Not Below Grade)
Sheet Vinyl – one layer well bonded
DO NOT INSTALL OVER
• VCT installed on below grade concrete
• Existing cushion-backed vinyl flooring
• Carpet
• Rooms with sloping floors or floor drains
• Wood underlayments, parquet or hardwood flooring that has been installed directly over concrete
• Do not install over any floating floor
BASIC INSTALLATION FOR SPC WITH VALINGE LOCKING SYSTEM
All trades must finish, and the installation area must be cleared and cleaned of debris that can damage the Product before installing the flooring. While the Products are dimensionally stable, buildings, walls, and existing hardwood and laminate floors will expand and contract. Because of this, we recommend for all installations, both floating floor and glue down types, that an expansion gap of at least 3/8” be left for expansion between the Products, any vertical surface, an adjacent perimeter wall or wood-based floor (laminate or hardwood).
As stated earlier, always work out of multiple boxes to mix product to achieve proper pattern repeat and color mix for the look of natural wood. A minimum of 3 boxes of product is recommended. Inspect each plank or tile in good light for visual defects. If they show visual faults or damage, do not install them. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the appearance of the finished floor meets the consumer’s expectations. The Products are for indoor use. They will not be warranted when installed in locations or conditions not recommended for this product.
INSTALLATION OF SPC WITH VALINGE LOCKING SYSTEM
Elite Flooring Solutions designs its flooring for ease of installing and optimum plank-to-plank joint strength.
This locking system is designed to be installed utilizing the floating method. Always include the proper expansion space. Undercut all doorjambs. Never fasten moldings or transition strips to the planks. When product is stored at the installation site, it should be stored in the room where it will be installed.
The use of a tapping block on the long side of the SPC plank is recommended to obtain a tight and square fit along the side joint. Always work back toward the short end joint when using the tapping block on the long edge. This insures complete long side joint engagement of the two planks and proper alignment of the top and bottom halves of the short end joint so that it will drop down and engage.
Once the long side is engaged and the short end joint profile is positioned correctly to engage, the use of a small rubber hammer is recommended to tap together and engage the short end joint. (see Installation Tools).
The tapping block is NOT recommended for use on the short end joints. Engaging the short end joint prior to fully engaging the long side can cause short end joint damage.
Before installing the floor, confirm that the room and walls are straight and square. Where possible, use an outside wall to start your installation. Measure 3/8" from each end of the starting wall and snap a chalk line to leave a straight starting line on the subfloor. The 3/8" spacing will confirm the expansion space required for the installed floor. It also shows whether the wall is straight or bowed. The chalk line is to be used as the guide for installation. If the wall is not straight, follow the chalk line for the first-row plank installation to take this into account.
If your product requires pad, please refer to picture #2. When using a product with attached pad, please skip to picture #3.
Remove the tongue from the long side of the plank that faces the wall. This will ensure that the decorative side of the plank will be well under the finished trim. Use a utility knife to score through the tongue several times until it easily snaps off of the plank.
Start in the upper left corner by placing the first plank parallel with its trimmed side facing the wall. Use spacers along each wall to maintain the proper expansion gap of 3/8”.
To attach the second plank, lower and lock the end tongue of the second plank into the end groove of the first plank. Align the edges carefully and make sure the end joint is flat to the floor.
Continue installing the first row until you reach the last plank. Fit the last plank by rotating the plank 180 degrees with the pattern side up. Place beside row mark and cut off the excess. Attach as described above. If using a handsaw, cut on the decorative surface. If you’re using a jig or circular saw, cut with the decorative side down to avoid chipping.
Continue the second row with the off-cut piece from the first row to stagger the pattern. Pieces should be a minimum of 30cm (8”) long and joint offset should be 40 cm (16”).
To start the second row, tilt and engage the side tongue of the plank into the groove of the first plank at about 30 degrees. The use of a tapping block on the long side is required. Attach the second plank of the second row starting with the long side. Tilt and push the plank closely to the long edge of the previous plank at a 30-degree angle. Make sure the end joints are tight and in place to properly drop.
Use a tapping block on the long side to engage the joint, starting furthest away from the short end and working back to securely lock the long end in place. You may hear a click to verify it locking. Use the rubber hammer (see Installation Tools) to engage the short end joint to obtain a tight fit. The joint should tap together easily if it is properly aligned. Continue installing the remaining planks.
Ensure that the plank edges are aligned and lower the plank to the floor, locking the end joint together. To fit in the last row of planks, lay a plank on top of the previous row. With the tongue facing the wall, lay another plank upside down on top of the plank to be measured and use it as a ruler. Don’t forget to leave expansion space for your spacers. Cut and install as described above.
Door jams and heating vents also need expansion. Cut the plank to the correct length including expansion. Place the cut plank next to its actual position and using a ruler measure the area to be cut out. Mark the plank. Cut out the marked areas including expansion space and install the plank.
Undercut the door casing by turning a plank upside down and cut off the bottom of the door casing using a handsaw. The plank will slide easily under the door casing. Remember to leave expansion space.
The Products can be full spread glued down. When full spreading the products that include an attached pad, the pad must first be removed from the planks before gluing the product to the subfloor. Elite Flooring recommends the use of Stauf D-737, LVP-777, or Taylor 2091 Pinnacle PSA type adhesives or equivalents for full spreading WPC. Please see the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation methods. Where the use of a caulk is needed, we recommend a 100% silicone caulk and do not approve the use of acrylic caulks. High quality silicone caulks remain flexible and will allow the installed floor to continue to float and move with temperature changes whereas acrylic caulks will harden over time and stop this from occurring.
The products include an attached underlayment pad. The click side and end joints are designed to work with this specific pad. Elite Flooring does not warrant the product with additional pad being installed under it.
RADIANT HEATED FLOORS
Floating floors can be installed over certain types of radiant heated floors. If glue down is an option, then follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions when full spreading our flooring with an approved glue.
WHEN INSTALLING OVER A RADIANT HEATED FLOOR:
A newly installed radiant heated floor must be operational for at least four (4) weeks prior to the installation with the temperature set between 55 to 85 degrees F to ensure that the subfloor has been dried.
Existing radiant heated floors should be set to a minimum temperature of 65ºF (18.3ºC) degrees F for a minimum of 4 days before, during and 48 hours after the completion of the installation. This will ensure that the flooring will acclimate properly before the installation begins. Upon completion of the installation, gradually increase temperature in increments of 5° F per hour until desired temperature is achieved. Never exceed 85 degrees.
Wood subfloors should never exceed 10% moisture content as measured by a calibrated wood moisture meter.
Concrete subfloors must be “dry” using the mat test, a calibrated concrete moisture meter, Calcium Chloride Test or a RH Probe.
Ground floors using the radiant heating system should have a proper moisture barrier beneath it.
The recommended range of relative humidity is 35%-55% and the room temperature should be between 55-85 degrees F for the delivery of the flooring, acclimation, and installation.
The flooring must acclimate to the stated temperature range for at least 48 hours prior to installation in the room to be installed.
Keeping the temperature of the room constant will keep a stable environment for the flooring as well as the home.
The floor surface temperature must always stay below 85 degrees F.
At no time should the relative humidity in the room with the installed flooring fall below 30% during the life of the product.
Electric Radiant Floors consist of electric cables (or) mats of electrically conductive materials mounted on the subfloor below the floor covering. We recommend that the heating elements be separated from the flooring by a distance of at least ½ inch. Maximum operating subfloor temperature should never exceed 85°F. Subfloor levelers used to install electrical radiant floors should have a minimum of 3000 psi compressive strength. Follow the electric radiant floor manufacturer’s installation instructions.
SUN ROOMS
Sunrooms or areas that may be isolated from the main living area of the home are recommended areas of use for SPC if they are limited to 500 sf maximum.
If there is no heat in the wintertime and you wish to use the area, you must bring the room to normal room temperature (65-75 degrees F) before walking on the floor.
Exposure of the floor to prolonged periods of sunlight is not recommended. Drapes and/or blinds are recommended for use during peak sunlight periods. Prolonged direct sunlight exposure can result in discoloration, and excessive temperatures may cause tile/plank expansion or delamination.
During installation, please leave the ¼” expansion at all walls and any vertical surface in this room.
CABINETS
Cabinets may be installed on top of SPC if they are wall mounted.
Center Islands may be installed on top of SPC if they are free standing.
If cabinets or center Islands are being fastened to the floor a 3/4” expansion hole must be used where the bolts enter through the SPC into the subfloor.
Cabinets and Center Islands may be installed on SPC and fastened if the SPC is full spread. Any attached pad must be removed from the SPC before full spreading adhesive.
POOL TABLES
Pool tables in a residential environment may be installed on SPC either full spread glue down or floating. In a residence, there is a limit of one pool table per room.
Pool tables in a commercial environment over SPC must be full spread. When full spreading SPC that has an attached pad, the pad must first be removed from the SPC before gluing the product to the subfloor.
Multiple pool tables in residential or commercial environments over SPC must be full spread glue down.
When full spreading SPC that has an attached pad, the pad must first be removed from the SPC before gluing the product to the subfloor.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Once the floor has been installed, vacuum or use a dust mop to clear the floor of any loose dirt or residual dust or debris. The floor can be wiped with neutral pH cleaners or water.
Furniture should have felt pads attached to the feet to avoid scratching the floor.
Heavy appliances or furniture should sit on non-staining large surface flooring protectors.
When furniture has castors or wheels on the feet, they must be suitable for resilient floors, large surface non-staining, and swivel easily. Do not use ball-type castors because they can damage the floor. Castor wheels should be equipped with wide, rubber castors.
Protective mats should be non-staining as rubber mats may discolor the floor.
All furniture pieces should have floor protectors under them.
Walk-off mats should be used in entrances to help prevent dirt from being carried onto the floor.
Exposure of the floor to prolonged periods of sunlight is not recommended. Drapes and/or blinds are recommended for use during peak sunlight periods for all floors and in sunrooms. Prolonged direct sunlight exposure can result in discoloration, and excessive temperatures may cause tile/plank expansion or delamination.
Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and dust. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar to vacuum the floor as this can cause floor scratches.
Do not use hard bottomed electric brooms without padding as they can scratch the floor. If pet urine contacts the floor, it should be cleaned as quickly as possible. If the floor is not cleaned and the urine removed, it may dull the finish.
Liquid spills and any wet areas should also be cleaned in a timely manner. The floor can be damp mopped with clean warm water and a dilute floor cleaner as needed. Do not use harsh cleaners or chemicals, abrasive scrubbing pads, abrasive tools, or abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the floor. Do not use detergents and do not use floor wax or shining products like “mop and shine” types on the floor.
Petroleum-based products can stain the surface of your vinyl floor. These include materials like asphalt driveway sealer and engine motor oil, among others.
STEAM CLEANERS
Elite Flooring does not recommend the use of any type of steam cleaner on our floors. These types of cleaners generate too much moisture and heat during their use. The resulting moisture and heat can be enough to break down any adhesives used in the manufacturing of this product. Also, in instances where no glue is used, both peaked and swelled plank or tile edges can occur. Therefore, all complaints that are determined to be from a consumer using a steamer will be denied by Elite Flooring.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
SPC EXCLUSIVE LIMITED WARRANTY
Elite Flooring warrants that its Product planks and tiles are free from any visual or manufacturing defects. If the products are found to be defective, Elite Flooring will supply new product of the same or similar style, size, color, grade, and gauge to repair or replace the defective area and will pay reasonable labor costs provided the flooring is professionally installed and maintained according to the installation instructions provided. All products purchased for an installation should be inspected by you and/or your installer. Pieces that are visually defective should not be installed. Elite Flooring will not be responsible for reimbursing labor charges on any claim for visually defective product installed. It is the responsibility of the installer to determine the suitability of the product for installation before it is installed.
If a problem occurs during the installation of the planks and tiles, the job should be stopped immediately. The proper action is to immediately report the problem to your dealer and distributor who, in turn, will contact Elite Flooring. Any costs caused by continued installation after the problem is identified will not be covered by Elite Flooring.
Products that are non-defective but are damaged during improper installation by not following the Elite Flooring installation guidelines do not constitute a valid claim as defined by this limited warranty. This warranty will not include loss of time, inconvenience, incidental expenses (such as telephone calls, removal and replacement of items placed over the floor after the original installation, etc.) included in the removal and reinstallation of the affected material, and any other incidental or consequential damages. Elite Flooring reserves the right to inspect any claim and/or request photographs and/or samples associated with the specific claim prior to approving any claim. All limited warranties are valid for the original purchaser of the flooring only and are not transferable.
WEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Elite Flooring SPC planks and tiles are protected with a wear layer. Elite Flooring warrants that there will be no wear-through of the wear layer for the number of years indicated for the specific product. “Wear-through” means complete loss of the wear layer so that the printed color layer is changed or affected. The terms for your specific product wear Limited Warranty will appear on the insert of the product you purchased. This Limited Warranty applies only to first quality merchandise provided the recommended installation and maintenance procedures are followed as outlined in the Installation Instructions and Owner’s manual.
PET WARRANTY
Elite Flooring SPC planks and tiles are warranted to resist stains caused by pet soiling from domestic dogs and cats during the specific warranty time frame. The pet stains include urine, feces, and vomit. Resisting stains means that your floor can minimize or hold out permanent stains under the conditions stated. Pet accidents should be cleaned up immediately, as the longer they sit, the more difficult they will be to remove. Any damage to the subfloor and/or surrounding structure caused by pet soiling is not covered by this warranty. Please follow our maintenance procedures for cleaning the affected areas. This warranty does not cover soiling and staining caused by any other pet type besides those stated above.
INTERNET WARRANTY
Various retailers on the internet sell our waterproof flooring products. While some websites are operated by retailers that maintain physical stores and provide excellent service, other websites are operated as internet-only retailers that do not provide service. If you choose to purchase your products from an internet-only retail provider, please be advised that such products will be covered by a 1-year warranty for manufacturing defects.
Warranty claims for anything other than an initial defect of the product are explicitly excluded. None of our installers, retailers, distributors, or employees has the authority to alter the obligations, limitations, disclaimers, or exclusions under any of our warranties. There are no other warranties beyond this expressed limited 1-year warranty.
WATERPROOF LIMITED WARRANTY
Elite Flooring SPC planks and tiles are warranted to be 100% waterproof. The structural integrity of the planks or tiles, when properly installed and under normal use conditions, will be resistant to damage caused by exposure to water for the life of the product. “Normal use” conditions mean normal cleaning, everyday spills, and moisture overflow from normal use conditions.
Mold and/or mildew can sometimes occur in a building if moisture issues are not addressed. This moisture warranty excludes damage resulting from the growth of both mold and/or mildew due to extended moisture exposure.
While SPC planks and tiles are waterproof, the floor is not a waterproof barrier for moisture from the subfloor and surrounding structure. The moisture warranty does not cover damage caused by hydrostatic pressure, alkali, and excessive moisture intrusion from the subfloor, flooding, household leaks (such as pipes), or mechanical failures like appliance and heating equipment leaks. (See Subfloor Requirements).
If the SPC planks and tiles are structurally damaged and the cause is determined to be by exposure to water from normal use conditions, Elite Flooring will arrange a credit subject to the terms as described below in the “Terms of Lifetime Limited Warranty” section. The term for your specific residential product Limited Warranty will appear in the carton insert of the product you purchased. For commercial installations, Product planks and tiles damaged caused by exposure to normal use water will be subject to a pro-rated credit as described below in the “Terms of Lifetime Limited Warranty” section.
WATERPROOF LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:
Any damage to structures that are not part of the installed SPC flooring such as damage to surrounding walls, subfloor, structures, fixtures, furniture, underlayment, moldings, trims, and subfloor heating systems, or anything that is not the tile or plank.
Any damage from mold and/or mildew growth due to extended water exposure.
Flooring that is installed outdoors.
TERMS OF LIMITED COMMERCIAL WARRANTY
Claims reported on material defects of this SPC flooring will be prorated over the life of the product. Reasonable labor costs will be paid with the following exceptions:
Claims reported after 1 year of use will pay labor charges at the rate of 50% reasonable labor charges.
Claims reported after 5 years of use will not pay labor charges.
This warranty shall not include loss of time, inconvenience, incidental expenses (such as telephone calls and removal and replacement of items placed over the floor after the original installation) included in the removal or reinstallation of the affected flooring materials, and any other incidental or consequential damages.
This warranty is in lieu of any other warranties expressed or implied.
This warranty service is available only by notice to your distributor through the dealer from whom the purchase was made. Notification must be accompanied by a copy of the original invoice and can only be authorized by your distributor.
LIMITED WARRANTY EXCLUSIVE AND CONDITIONS
Commercial use means daily activities commonly associated with a commercial environment. Hill Rom Beds are not recommended.
Warranty coverage for any replacement flooring planks will be limited to the remaining time of the original warranty.
Warranty coverage does not apply to seconds, off-quality, or “as-is” goods.
Warranty coverage applies only to the original purchaser of the flooring and the original installation site is non-transferrable and prorated by time of use.
Warranty coverage does not apply to conditions or defects caused by improper installation, the use of improper materials during installation, or inadequate sub-flooring preparation as described in the Owner’s Manual.
Warranty does not apply to damage or failure of the floor due to excessive moisture, alkali and/or vapor/moisture hydrostatic pressure.
Warranty coverage does not apply to construction-related damage.
Warranty coverage does not apply to color variations between samples or printed illustrations and the actual production runs.
Warranty coverage does not apply to reduction of gloss from use or improper maintenance.
Warranty does not cover changes in color or sheen from exposure to sunlight or due to rubber-backed mats.
Warranty coverage does not apply to products sold through unauthorized dealers.
Warranty coverage does not apply to conditions caused by using steam cleaners.
Warranty does not apply to damage that results from not following floor maintenance instructions.
Warranty does not apply to damages resulting in scuffs, scratches, cuts, staining from rubber-backed mats, or damage or discoloration from carpet dyes, fertilizer, asphalt from driveways or chemicals.
Warranty does not apply to damage caused by burns, flooding, fires and other accidents.
Warranty does not apply to damage caused by abuse (such as dragging heavy or sharp objects across the floor without proper protection for the floor or with heavy wheeled vehicle traffic that can permanently indent or damage the flooring).
Warranty does not apply to damage caused by wheelchairs.
Warranty does not apply to damage caused by caster wheels or vacuum cleaner beater bars.
Warranty does not apply to failure to support furniture with floor protectors made of non-staining felt.
or non-pigmented hard plastic.
Warranty does not apply to discoloration from heat or sunlight.
“Wear-Through” means complete loss of the wear layer so that the printed pattern or design of the floor is altered.
“Residential use” means daily activities commonly associated with residential use.
If you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact your local flooring dealer or distributor.
REV: 7 June 2023