Houston TX | Engineered Hardwood | Flooring Installation

5200 Bellaire Blvd. Bellaire, Tx 77401 (713) 663-7847

3814 S.Shepherd Houston, Tx 77098 (713) 528-7847

Houston Wood Flooring Installation For Engineered Hardwood Flooring (Concrete Slabs)
For Engineered Hardwood Flooring (Concrete Slabs) For Engineered Hardwood Flooring (Concrete Slabs)About

Hardwood flooring is an investment and making sure your investment is sound, the installation process is the most important factor to insure it. Proper installation is the key to enjoying your new hardwood floors for years to come. Competition Flooring adheres to these professional techniques that you are about to read below.

Houston Wood Flooring Installation

As the title says “Houston” wood flooring installation. There are several techniques that go into installing hardwood floors in hot and humid Houston, Texas. The outline down below goes into important techniques of how this installation must be done.

1.Types of Pre-Finished Engineered Wood Flooring:

Moisture occurs naturally in most wood species, some more than others. If the product is not between 6-8% moisture content read by a moisture reading device the product is not suitable for Houston, Tx Climatic conditions. Manufacturers of quality, go through steps to prepare the wood to the desired moisture level. The lower the moisture level the harder the wood. Before any finish is applied to the flooring, a process called kiln drying or dehumidifying the wood flooring for a period of 45 days or more. This process takes effort and time, which effects the cost of the product.

There are lots of products pouring into the USA with very high levels of moisture. These inferior products can be an expensive mistake. ( see below installation problems, the same applies to inferior products.)

Strip 2 ¼” width x Random Lengths 12” to 96” x Thickness: 5/16”, 3/8”, 7/16” ,½” Tongue and Groove

Planks 3” to 7” x Random Lengths 12” to 96” x Thickness 5/16”, 3/8”, 7/16”, ½” Tongue and Groove

2. Acclimating Product

Before commencing any installation the product must be acclimated or adjusted to room temperature. Hardwood flooring is usually stored in a hot warehouse, therefore wood is like a sponge and can take on slight moisture from these conditions. The steps down below goes through the process of acclimation or preparing the wood for room temperature conditions.

Product is delivered to home or business

Air Condition set to no higher than 78 degrees

Product stays in cartons for a period of 48 to 72 hours before installation

3. Preparing Concrete Substrate

While the product is acclimating. First, the slab should be checked for moisture content, there is always moisture that emits from concrete, however it needs to be 3 Lbs. or less. This is found out by a calcium chloride test or an electronic devise. Moisture would need to be dealt with, before the product is installed.

Second, the slab needs to be inspected for a level surface. The slab can never be perfect, however it needs to be within an 1/8” tolerance or serious problems can occur (see down below installation problems). This is found out by a long straight edge, or long level. Here is a list of problems commonly seen with Houston slabs.

Belly or Pool- Technician needs to know how to deal with this. This is a special technique

Sloping-or Ramping

Valleys or cracks

Foundation Stress

Un Even Areas

To correct these problems is a process called “Floating” or skimming a modified concrete over the affected areas to bring the areas to a more level tolerance. This all should be done while the product is acclimating. Float prep usually cures 24- 48 hours. The float needs to be completely dry before installing.

4.Moisture in Slab

When a slab has more than 3 lbs., and no more than 6 lbs. There are sealer products available to block the emitting moisture. These sealers need to be compatible with the adhesive that is being used for the job. If there is excessive moisture in the slab, there could be problems that are not aware of. Usually a plumber or foundation expert can detect moisture issues coming from pipes or sewer pipes. The bottom line is, the moisture needs to be corrected.

**All tests are done by Competition Flooring .We correct moisture issues that occur now or in the future.

5.Adhesive

There are many adhesives out on the market some better than others. This is a very important component to any hardwood flooring installation. Depending on the thickness of the wood, a recommended trowel ( tool for spreading adhesive) by the adhesive manufacturer to spread the correct amount of adhesive. There are many different trowel sizes to accomplish this spread ratio. The correct one must be used. (see down below installation problems).

**Competition Flooring never compromises or cuts corners with adhesive. The adhesive we use saves time, labor, and insures our customer piece of mind.

Low in VOC’s Considered a green product emits low odor

Sound Suppresser (excellent for high rise jobs) Quiets the sound when walking on the floor

Moisture Barrier-Holds Up to 12 Lbs of Moisture We do not have to separately apply moisture sealer, which can delay the installation another day, costing the customer additional money. All the Concrete is covered so unexpected moisture that may happen in the future will not harm the wood floor.

Strong Adherence

Low in VOC’s Considered a green product emits low odor Sound Suppresser (excellent for high rise jobs) Quiets the sound when walking on the floor Moisture Barrier-Holds Up to 12 Lbs of Moisture We do not have to separately apply moisture sealer, which can delay the installation another day, costing the customer additional money. All the Concrete is covered so unexpected moisture that may happen in the future will not harm the wood floor. Strong AdherenceLow in VOC’s Considered a green product emits low odor Sound Suppresser (excellent for high rise jobs) Quiets the sound when walking on the floor Moisture Barrier-Holds Up to 12 Lbs of Moisture We do not have to separately apply moisture sealer, which can delay the installation another day, costing the customer additional money. All the Concrete is covered so unexpected moisture that may happen in the future will not harm the wood floor. Strong Adherence

6. Installation

Hardwood Flooring is suppose to have a random running look or “staggered”. Running the wood the right direction for that specific room, this is also a matter of opinion. There are several components to where to start the line of the beginning portion of the floor. All wood expands and Contracts. An expansion gap is very important to avoid crowding.

Down below are a few major points to following a professional procedure, providing all the methods up above are met. The hardwood floor is ready for installation.

Tongue and Grooves are tapped together snug

Stair Stepped or Staggered Joints

Correct Expansion Gaps along baseboards or cabinets ( thickness of wood determines the expansion gap)

Cutting Door Jambs installing the floor underneath door Jambs

Cleaning Excessive adhesive off the floor immediately

Use Proper Transition Molding

Covering expansion gaps with quarter round stained to blend into floor or paint white

Installation Problems:
::

Buckling - Incorrect trowel for adhesive ratio, Moisture, Incorrect expansion gap, un level slab

Cupping -Incorrect Adhesive trowel or inferior adhesive, Moisture, incorrect expansion gap

Peaking- Moisture

Hollow Spot -Un level slab, Moisture

Warping - Moisture

Hardwood Floors is a lifetime investment. Always make sure all the points mentioned above are met.