Laying and Maintenance
Wood is a natural live fibre, sensible to the variations of environmental climate.
Depending on the conditions in which it is laid it may have different reactions. In particular it may be affected by variations in humidity with a consequent possible dimensional changes in the flooring.
The achievement of a optimal laying may be obtained in environmental conditions and with a controlled screed (cement) without humidity that may be pre-emptively controlled to avoid withdrawal problems (slits) or swelling.
The measurements of the content of humidity of the screed (cement or anhydrite) must be carried out with appropriate instruments, electric or carbide hygrometer. The humidity of the under flooring, in case of cement screed must not exceed 1,5-1,7%, in anhydrite screed 1,2%.
The temperature of the environment must be comprehended between 18° and 25° C and the humidity between 40% and 60%. Keeping the values indicated is advisable for our own health.
It is essential that the environment is acclimatized, that is with the windows and external shutters installed.
The painting carried out and dried.
The subsequent conservation of a wood flooring depends also and above all to an internal healthy and balanced climate of the habitation. It is convenient to use all the solutions necessary to avoid that a critical situation for parquet is present, the use of a humidifier when the heating is on is suggested.
Different Laying Techniques:
Glued Laying
This kind of laying is adapt for a consistent and well levelled off under flooring (screed), the use of a bi-component glue or polyurethane mono-component is foreseen. The adhesive is spread on the screed to glue the elements.
Floating Laying
This kind of laying is carried out only with a 3 layer parquet because the structure guarantees a major stability.
The laying foresees the use of a soundproof foam, generally in polypropylene to be laid under the parquet. There exists different densities in connection to the insulation that one desires.
The elements are fixed with a thin layer of glue, resistant to humidity, applied in the groove of the strip of parquet.
This kind of laying is adapt to any kind of under flooring and is useful in those cases where you want to change flooring without stripping off or ruining the pre-existing flooring.
Laying on Underfloor Heating
Pre-finished parquet is adapt to this kind of flooring providing that determined criterion is respected:
- thickness of the strip not superior to 15mm;
- use only advices wood species;
- glue laying is ideal, but the glue used must be appropriate for this kind of laying;
- in case of Floating Laying, the use of specific underfloor foam is recommended as it is fundamental to reduce as much as possible the resistance to heat conduction;
- it is recommended not to exceed 28° C temperature on the surface of the parquet.
Completed the seasoning of the screed and after having verified its' humidity, proceed with the heating of the screed for at least 2/3 weeks increasing gradually the temperature up to reaching the temperature desired. The process of cooling must also be done reducing gradually the temperature. Before laying the heating must be turned off for at least 4/5 days.
After laying the heating must be turned on increasing gradually the temperature.