Installer & Owner Responsibility
Hardwood and laminate are products of nature. Distinctive variations in grain and color are part of the natural beauty. Per industry standards, a defect tolerance of up to 5% is permitted globally.
Claims regarding color, grain, or visible defects cannot be honored once the floor is fitted. It is the sole responsibility of the installer and owner to approve the product before it is permanently fixed.
- Final Inspection: Carefully examine all planks for color, finish, and quality in daylight before fitting.
- Selectivity: The installer must use reasonable selectivity to cut off or hold out pieces with glaring defects.
- Implicit Acceptance: Installation of the product constitutes acceptance of the site conditions and the product visual.
Jobsite Conditions & Subfloors
The jobsite environment must be controlled. Flooring should be one of the last items installed in any renovation or new build. The site must be fully enclosed with all windows and doors in place.
A damp subfloor is the #1 cause of flooring failure. Ensure mineral bases are dry, flat (within 2mm over 2m), and structurally sound.
- Moisture Limits: Concrete subfloors must be below 2.0% CM (1.8% for UFH).
- Vapor Barrier: A 200-micron PE-foil is mandatory on all mineral-based subfloors.
- Flatness: Uneven floors will lead to noise, gaps, or structural joint failure (cracking clicks).
Acclimatization & Storage
Failure to acclimatize wood flooring is the leading cause of warping, bowing, and structural delamination post-installation.
- Timeframe: 48 to 72 hours in the installation room (minimum 4 days in winter).
- Conditions: Packs must remain closed and stacked horizontally, flat on the floor, at least 50cm away from walls.
- Environment: Maintain a relative humidity (RH) of 45%–60% at a temperature of 18°C–22°C.
Underfloor Heating (UFH) Protocol
While compatible, UFH requires strict thermal management to protect the adhesive bonds and the structural integrity of the wood planks.
Abrupt temperature changes or excessive heat will cause the wood to dry out rapidly, leading to checking (surface cracks) or warping.
- Surface Temperature: The surface of the wood must NEVER exceed 27°C (80°F).
- Thermal Shock: Wait 48 hours after fitting before turning UFH on. Increase by max 2°C per day.
- Heat Traps: Do not cover the floor with heavy rugs when UFH is active, as this creates heat traps.
Maintenance & Warranty Voidance
NO STEAM CLEANERS: Using steam mops forces high-pressure moisture into the joints, causing immediate swelling and delamination. This voids all guarantees instantly.
PH-Neutral Only: Cleaning must be done with professional PH-neutral cleaners. Only use a well-wrung, slightly damp mop. Standing water must be wiped away immediately.
View BML Waterproof Fitting Guide
Access the specialized warranty and technical fitting instructions for the BML generation.