ADAMIF Flooring Installation Manual

Introduction

Welcome to the installation guide for VinylPro Flooring LLC’s ADAMIF brand luxury vinyl flooring. This guide covers click-lock floating installations. Follow these steps for a smooth and long-lasting floor.

Subfloor Preparation

  • Flatness: Subfloor must be level and smooth within 3/16 inch over 10 ft (or 1/8 inch over 6 ft). Grind/sand high spots; fill low spots with floor patch.
  • Cleanliness: Remove old adhesives, paint, wax, grease, and debris. Sweep/vacuum thoroughly.
  • Moisture Control: For concrete, do not exceed 75% RH or 3 lbs/1000 sq.ft/24 hrs. Install a 6-mil poly vapor barrier if moisture is high. Wood subfloors must be below 12% moisture content.
  • Structural Soundness: Ensure subfloor is stable, with no loose boards or deflection. Finish all other trades before installing flooring.
  • Suitable Substrates: Plywood/OSB, concrete, existing tile, or one layer of sheet vinyl. Do not install over carpet, cushioned vinyl, existing floating floors, or directly on concrete hardwood.
  • Crawl Space: Must be dry. Cover exposed earth with 6-mil poly sheet and provide adequate ventilation.

Environmental Requirements

  • Temperature & Humidity: Install in interior spaces at roughly 55–85 °F (13–29 °C) and around 30–50% RH.
  • Acclimation: If there is a large temperature difference between storage and the job site, store planks in the installation area for 24–48 hours.
  • During/After Installation: Maintain 65–85 °F for at least 48 hours. Avoid major temperature swings. In extreme conditions (like sunrooms), leave a larger expansion gap (e.g., 1/2″ instead of 1/4″).
  • Avoid Direct Sun/Extreme Heat: Use blinds to limit direct sunlight. Don’t install near heating vents or stoves without proper spacing.

Tools & Materials Needed

  • Measuring & Marking: Tape measure, pencil, chalk line
  • Cutting Tools: Utility knife, fine-tooth saw, hole saw (for pipes)
  • Safety Gear: Safety glasses, work gloves
  • Installation Tools: 1/4″ spacers, rubber mallet, tapping block, pull bar
  • Cleaning Supplies: Broom/vacuum, damp cloth
  • Moisture Protection: 6-mil polyethylene sheet (if needed)
  • Optional: Jamb saw, moisture meter, silicone caulk (in wet areas)

Installation Steps

Tile patterns must be installed in a staggered (offset) brick pattern. Minimum 1/3 offset 1/2 offset is preferred.

  1. Plan the Layout & Prepare
  • Remove baseboards, thresholds, and any obstructions.
  • Undercut door casings if needed so planks can slide under.
  • Determine plank direction (usually parallel to longest wall).
  • Measure room width so you don’t end with a very narrow last row.
  • Mix planks from multiple boxes to blend color variations.
  • Maintain a 1/4″ expansion gap around all walls/objects with spacers.
  1. Installation
  • Begin installation working from left to right. Insert spacers at ends and edges where planks meet wall.
  • Lock short end of plank by inserting tongue into groove at an angle and drop in place. Continue to end of first row.
  • Use a leftover plank from the first row as the starter for the second row.. There must be at least 20cm (8in) between plank end joints on adjacent rows. FOR TILE INSTALLATIONS: The distance between end joints should be equal to 30cm (12in) for proper appearance.
  • Lock long edge of plank by inserting tongue into groove at an angle and drop in place. Slide plank toward end of previously installed plank until the tongue just touches the groove.
  • Use hammer and tapping block to tap long edge of plank to ensure a tight fit. Any gapping can compromise the locking system.
  • Attach a scrap piece of floor to bridge the gap between ends of planks.
  • Tap end of plank with hammer and tapping block to lock ends of planks together. Remove bridge and continue towards wall until installing the final plank in the row. Be sure to tap on edge of vinyl so as not to damage locking profile.
  • Use hammer and pull bar to lock final piece in row. Insert spacer at end of row. Continue installation to final row.
  • Use hammer and pull bar to lock long edges of planks on final row.

3.Installing underneath door jambs:

  • Undercut space under door jamb to allow plank to slide freely. Tap long edge with hammer and tapping block to lock long edge.
  • Use hammer and pull bar to lock short end of plank.

 

  1. Finishing Touches (Trim & Cleanup)
  • Reinstall or add baseboards/moldings, securing them to the wall, not the floor.
  • In wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens), seal edges with silicone near tubs, showers, or fixtures.
  • Avoid placing heavy built-ins (like islands) on top of a floating floor.
  • Adhering tape directly onto the resilient flooring surface could cause damage.
  • Do not use tape to secure floor protection directly to the floor during construction or renovation. Instead, adhere tape to the material used to protect the floor and secure it to the base molding along the walls.
  • Clean any debris; use a damp cloth for scuffs or adhesive residue.
  • Gradually return the HVAC or radiant heat to normal settings.

 

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping Subfloor Leveling: Leads to lock failure or gaps.
  • No Expansion Gap: Floor may buckle in high heat/humidity.
  • Installing Over Heavy Fixed Objects: Traps the floor, causing buckling.
  • Wrong Tools / Excessive Force: Can damage the locking system.
  • Improper Acclimation: Can cause gaps or buckling later.
  • Poor Stagger / Alignment: Weakens stability, affects appearance.
  • Debris in Click Joints: Prevents full lock engagement.

Maintenance & Care Tips

  • Regular Cleaning: Sweep/vacuum often; use a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or steam mops.
  • Wipe Spills Promptly: Standing liquids can seep under edges.
  • Protect from Furniture: Use felt pads on legs; don’t drag heavy items.
  • Mats & Rugs: Use colorfast, vinyl-safe mats at entryways to catch dirt.
  • No Waxing Needed: Vinyl floors don’t require waxing; gentle cleaning is enough.
  • Stable Conditions: Keep normal indoor temperatures and humidity; extreme changes can cause plank movement.