Grading Guidelines NWFA Guidelines NWFA Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines and Methods 2016 revision NWFA Sanding and Finishing Guidelines and Methods NWFA Maintenance and Recoating of Hardwood Floors NWFA Jobsite Evaluation, Estimating and Preparation NWFA Water and Wood NWFA Grading and Packaging NWFA Ornamental Floors Design & Installation NWFA Problems, Causes, and Cures 2018 Revision NWFA Test for moisture at several locations in the room a minimum of 20 per 1,000 square feet and average the results. Roberts Silicone Moisture Barrier 200 sq. The new publication represents the most comprehensive revision of the Installation Guidelines since they were first published in 1988. Multiple readings should be taken from several cartons and areas of the subfloor. The values on the accompanying map provide examples of how average moisture contents (MC) for interior use of wood products vary from one region to another, And this is what the Guidelines say about subfloor moisture testing: Moisture Barricade provides a barrier for moisture protection over cement slabs. ft. 31.5 in. Concrete: (also refer to NWFA Installation Guidelines, Sec. December 21st 2011. responsible for determining the moisture emission rate of the sub floor/substrate as per the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) installation guidelines, SECTION V Appendix AA Moisture Testing Procedures for Concrete Slabs, (specifically the Calcium Chloride test) and Appendix AB Moisture Testing for Wood. Guidelines that pertain to all wood flooring installations can be found in the NWFA Installation Checklist available at nwfa.org. 2) OSB At least 3/4 thick, PS 2-92 rated or PS 1-95 rated. The moisture content standard is between 6% and 10% with a 5% allowance for pieces outside of that standard to a maximum of 12%. For moisture or vapor control! For any questions regarding additional application Wood is hygroscopic and will gain or lose moisture until it is in equilibrium with the humidity and temperature of the air. If the moisture meters indicate the presence of excessive moisture, as per wood flooring or meter manufacturer's recommenda tions, further testing is required using relative-humidity testing (ASTM F2170), calcium chloride testing (ASTM F1869) or calcium carbide (CM) testing (ASTM D4944 and MilSpec CRD-C154-77). 1. Wood Species Used in Wood Flooring. 9. NATIONAL WOOD FLOORING ASSOCIATION TECHNICAL PUBLICATION No. A100 Introduction: When Water and Wood Combine W hen the phone rings for the flooring II, Ch. St. LouisThe National Wood Flooring Association has published a new edition of the NWFA Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines. A full manufacturers warranty, including costs of hiring a third party NWFA inspector will be covered by PDI when using Concrete must be tested for moisture. general radiant heat installation guidelines To minimize the effect that rapid changes in temperature will have on the moisture content of the wood floor, NWFA recommends that an Paradigm is proud to offer the design, manufacture and installation of custom hardwood stairs. ecord the flooring moisture content upon delivery and at time of installation cclimate flooring to appropriate site conditions Follow NWFA Installation Guidelines for Acclimation on Jobsite (Section I, Chapter 2) ecord and retain a permanent job record If one is not present; suggest to your customer that this should be considered. NATIONAL WOOD FLOORING ASSOCIATION TECHNICAL PUBLICATION No. As a manufacturer, these standards verify you are producing quality flooring that adheres to a set of industry-specific guidelines. NWFA Chapter 8 Engineered Wood Flooring Installation 6-8 NWFA Chapter 1 Jobsite Conditions 9-10 NWFA Chapter 2 Acclimation and Conditioning of Wood Flooring 11-13 NWFA Chapter 3 Moisture Guideline Testing and Vapor Retarders 14-21 NWFA Chapter 5 Concrete Subfloor Guidelines 22 Completion of all NWFA University courses. As a member of the NWFA, you can download copies of the guidelines and publications at no cost. Unlike conventional heating systems, which switch on as When the air in the building is heated, the relative humidity levels drop. NWFA Guidelines suggest taking a minimum of 40 readings per 1,000 square feet of the flooring being installed, and then averaging the results to get a good representation of the actual MC of the entire lot of wood. Underlayment papers such as Aquabar B, HWD-15, and Silicon Vapor Shield are commonly used in the wood flooring industry. Shop here for Hand Scraped Prefinished 5" Hickory Hardwood Flooring. In my wood floor inspection experience, about 90 percent of the claims I go on are moisture-related, whether the floors are cupping or gapping or something else. If a concrete moisture meter or other test indicates moisture presence, perform a calcium chloride test. These guidelines and methods for the installation of wood flooring were developed by the NWFA Technical Publications Committee, together with leading industry authorities, through review of longstanding installation principles, along with research and data regarding wood flooring installation. When refinishing previously finished wood floors, there are many details that must be considered, including: The condition of the existing finish and floor. Moisture Testing for Concrete Slabs. We recommend following the NWFA's guidelines for acclimation. These papers all have permeation rates of between 0.7 and 10, which is the industry standard. ft. 10 ft. x 12 ft. x 0.006 in. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has specific installation guidelines for wood flooring and how they relate to moisture content. Plus, successful completion of Intermediate Installation and Intermediate Sand and Finish schools. Moisture content (MC) in wood is the weight of the moisture in wood, usually expressed as a percentage of its oven-dry weight. Please visit www.nwfa.org. Cause of Claim - direct discovered and documented reasons contributing to the cause of the claim. In humid environments, wood gains moisture and can swell. This course includes assessing and addressing concrete subfloors. According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) guidelines, moisture readings of the subfloor should be no more than 13% on average (more common in humid geographic regions). If manufactured to higher or lower moisture content than the standard, it must be stated on the packaging and the inspectors must know this prior to the inspection. If the environment in which your wood floors are installed changes drastically, it can cause changes in your floors and the way they perform. Included are 9 different settings for bamboo. (2% on 3 or wider flooring). More readings are better than less. Calculate what the optimal wood moisture content is (baseline) by dividing the high season and low season. Building Materials in Scan Mode: The Ligno-DuoTec BW gives moisture content in percent for drywall. Section V,Appendix AD and AE. If moisture contents are higher, then installation should not commence until the subfloor and the flooring have achieved an acceptable difference of moisture content. Moisture Testing Methods [NWFA page 38-44]: Understanding how to evaluate jobsite moisture and avoid or resolve any moisture related problems is critical to the success of every hardwood flooring installation. One-Day Seminar: Concrete Prep and Moisture Testing. An NWFA-approved moisture barrier should be used over wood subfloors. The National Wood Flooring Association assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for the application of the principles or techniques contained in these guidelines/standards. Solid flooring generally takes 10 - 14 days to acclimate and then check and see if the moisture level of the floor is between 6% - 9%. that no other building material can claim. A high reading in one area indicates a problem that Gaps, Cupping, Installation Problems, and all other issues are documented to justify proper corrective procedures. Flooring problems analyzed with detailed photo documented report. We offer hand scraped solid Hickory hardwood flooring in a variety of widths and colors. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) on Monday released new International Standards for Factory-Finished Solid Wood Flooring. Wood is one of the oldest building materials known to man and has given us the opportunity to create things by hand. nwfa installation guidelines highlights include: Content has tripled in size, providing more in-depth information on topics including job site conditions, acclimation/conditioning, moisture testing, basements/crawlspaces, substrates, underlayments, layout, installation methods, Limit Your Liability: Avoid Moisture-Related Claims on Wood Floors. Please refer to the NWFA moisture content by area map for specific requirements. The NWFA offers two industry-wide accepted standards for the manufacturing of wood floors, NOFMA Certified Flooring and Responsible Procurement Program (RPP). Conclusion - based on facts obtained and supported by the applicable industry standards. If the environment in which your wood floors are installed changes drastically, it can cause changes in your floors and the way they perform. Cause of Claim - direct discovered and documented reasons contributing to the cause of the claim. Moisture Testing the Right Species Concrete: (refer to NWFA Installation Guidelines, Sec.II, Ch. The NWFAs comprehensive guidelines and publications offer industry-accepted standards and straightforward information to help guide you through situations you might encounter on the job. II, Ch. The moisture content of Wide Plank Floor Supply Hardwood Flooring is carefully controlled throughout the process and it leaves our factory within NWFA tolerances. To keep wood floors looking and performing well for generations, follow our recommended guidelines. installed. This is a normal phenomenon and is directly related to the reduction of moisture in the surrounding air. Request NWFA documents: Real Wood. NWFA Guidelines provide additional information on jobsite re-quirements, acclimation, moisture testing, subfloor guidelines & specifications, installation instructions, safety guidelines, fastening sched-ule, wood terminology and a jobsite checklist. Moisture Content Guidelines The NWFA/NOFMA Moisture Content Standard Flooring is manufactured at a 6% to 9% MC with a 5% allowance for pieces outside that range up to 12% MC. Issuu is a digital publishing platform that makes it simple to publish magazines, catalogs, newspapers, books, and more online. MOISTURE CONTENT GUIDELINES The Moisture Content Standard Flooring is manufactured with moisture content between 6% and 10.0 % mc with a moisture management. Topics include evaluating job site conditions, subfloor preparation, proper installation techniques, guidelines for moisture testing, We have a dedicated stair shop in the East Bay. Moisture Content Guidelines The Moisture Content Standard Flooring is manufactured with moisture content between 6% and 10% with a 5% allowance for pieces outside that variance. For Parquet and Herringbone, follow the most recent version of Ornamental Floors design and Installation Publication No. When purchasing flooring, per NWFA guidelines we recommend adding 5%-15% to actual square footage needed for cutting allowance and to compensate for culled material. A high reading in one area indicates a problem that must be corrected. B300 from the National Wood Flooring Association. The NWFAs comprehensive guidelines and publications offer industry-accepted standards and straightforward information to help guide you through situations you might encounter on the job. We use cookies to store information on your computer. If the result is not satisfactory, the previous steps must be repeated. Wood floors correctly maintained, will last the lifetime of the home. Wear layer thickness. Wood is an organic material that reacts to its environment. When receiving wood flooring the customer is to acclimate the floor to the environment. Through sustainable timber management, our family has owned, harvested, worked, lived and played in these hardwoods since the 1930s. In no case should any wood moisture reading exceed 12%. (refer to NWFA Installation Guidelines, Sec. The new publication represents the most comprehensive revision of the Installation Guidelines since they were first published in 1988. Scott Taylor. Whether installing on a concrete or wood substrate, always reference the NWFA Installation Guidelines for the appropriate method of installation. "Upon delivery, check wood flooring moisture content with a moisture meter to establish a baseline for acclimation. We are fourth generation manufacturers, family owned business in the heart of Northern Appalachian hardwood country in western PA. 10. A good representative sample is typically 40 boards for every 1,000 square feet of flooring." Todays wood floors offer a wide spectrum of product options The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) published a new edition of the NWFA Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines. The new publication represents the most comprehensive revision of the Installation Guidelines since they were first published in 1988. Guidelines for complete care information. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has updated its comprehensive guidelines for the proper installation of wood flooring. To minimize the effect that rapid changes in temperature will have on the moisture content of the wood floor, NWFA recommends that an outside thermostat be installed. Individual maintenance schedules will vary depending on use, wear and tear, and lifestyle. Flooring problems relating to solid wood, engineered wood, bamboo, and laminate are inspected and responsible party found and stated. The possibility of lead. Guidelines for complete care information. Thanks to a collaboration between the NWFA and NAHB staff, the guidelines are available to NAHB members at no cost. National Wood Flooring Association l Revised 04.2018 Moisture Content Guidelines The NWFA/NOFMA Moisture Content Standard Flooring is manufactured at a 6% to 9% MC with a 5% allowance for pieces outside that range up to 12% MC. Board Length Guidelines The NWFA/NOFMA Average Board Length Minimum Standard Wood corrections are built-in for a measuring depth of 1/4 and for 3/4 for 70 specific gravity settings. July 30th 2013. These guidelines/standards for the sanding and finishing of hardwood Installers would do well to understand moistures effect on wood in some detail. NATIONAL WOOD The National Wood Flooring Association assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for the application of the principles or techniques contained in these guidelines/standards. Moisture content should be within 4% of average area environ-mental conditions. Photo by Scott Taylor. Damage caused by improper handling, or installation methods, invalidate these warranties. Plywood subfloors installed over concrete must be installed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). www.nwfa.org The new standards provide detailed configuration guidelines and machining tolerances. There should be no more than a 4-5% variance in moisture content between the wood flooring and any wood sub floor. The NWFA says it recognizes the importance of moisture testing during the installation process and strongly believes that proper moisture testing can help alleviate potential flooring failures. The recently published 2007 NWFA Installation Guidelines details the recommended moisture measurement and testing requirements. CDX plywood at least 5/8" thick for joist spacing up to 16" on center, minimum 3/4" thick for joist spacing greater than 16" on center (19.2" maximum). Details. The temperature, humidity and airflow will influence the time needed to reduce moisture content of the wood. Roll of 6 mil Moisture Barricade Polyethylene Underlay Film Roberts Moisture Barricade Polyethylene Film Roberts Moisture Barricade Polyethylene Film is designed for use with laminate and engineered wood flooring underlayment's. General Radiant Heat Installation Guidelines 1. moisture content, while a humid or wet area like Florida averages between 12 percent to 13 percent moisture content. www.nwfa.org This manual is the industry standard for quality hardwood flooring installations, and will be a manual you will refer to again and again. The National Wood Flooring Association has been working with experts throughout the construction industry to create a new and better guide to successful flooring installations. Subfloor must be level to 1/8 inch per 10-foot span. Check the moisture content of multiple boards. Moisture and Wood Guidelines from the NWFA. Wood is an organic material that reacts to its environment. In dry environments, wood loses moisture and can shrink. For installations using mechanical fasteners of 1-1/2and above, the subfloor sould be flat to within 1/4in 10 or 3/16 in 6. x 76.25 ft. x 6 mil Underlayment for Solid & Engineered Wood Floors & LVP $16.96 11-1/2 x 48 in. 4) Concrete Concrete should have a minimum of 3000 psi; refer to NWFA for details and alternate installation methods. Test subflooring for moisture according to Moisture Testing Procedures in Section V, Appendix AB. For Parquet and Herringbone, follow the most recent version of Ornamental Floors design and Installation Publication No. Concrete must be tested for moisture. However, NWFA guidelines specify using relative-humidity testing (ASTM F2170), calcium chloride testing (ASTM F1869) or calcium carbide (CM) testing (ASTM D4944 and MilSpec CRD-C154-77) to identify the moisture content of the slab. Hardwood Floors Magazine From the latest industry news, to business best practices, to installation techniques, we strive to ensure the right information is available to you when and where you need it most. The installer is responsible for determining the moisture emission rate of the concrete slab and/ or the moisture content of the CDX plywood or better sub floor as per the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) installation guidelines, SECTION V Appendix AA Moisture and NWFA guidelines prior to wood flooring delivery and installation. The new publication represents the most comprehensive revision of the Installation Guidelines since they were first published in 1988. general radiant heat installation guidelines To minimize the effect that rapid changes in temperature will have on the moisture content of the wood floor, NWFA recommends that an Moisture Barrier. 847 885-0120 NWFA Certified Inspector for wood, bamboo, and laminate floors. Real Life. The Homeowners Handbook to Real Wood Floors. Make sure that the concrete has been installed for at least 60-90 days before moisture testing it. We are members of the NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) and often follow their guidelines and recommendations. (2% on 3 or wider flooring). In my training, 8 percent MC was considered good and dry. Note: All tests give a result at the time the test is done and moisture management. moisture content of wood at various temperature and relative humidity readings Relative Humidity (percent) NATIONAL WOOD FLOORING ASSOCIATION 800.422.4556 NWFA.ORG NATIONAL WOOD FLOORING ASSOCIATION 800.422.4556 NWFA.ORG To check, stretch a 10-foot string or lay a 10-foot straightedge over the subfloor. Wood in Scan Mode: Ligno-DuoTec BW gives wood moisture readings in percent. Moisture should be checked at the time of installation using a reputable wood flooring moisture meter. As a result, gaps begin to appear between boards. Industry Standards - reference to specific floor manufacturer and NWFA standard guidelines. The NWFA Guidelines state a good representative sample is typically 40 boards for every 1000 square feet of flooring. by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Over time, when your wood floors start to look a little dull, they can be renewed through recoating. Moisture Control/Radiant Heat Statement. The moisture content standard is between 6% and 10% with a 5% allowance for pieces outside of that standard to a maximum of 12%. NWFA Installation Guidelines. The following are general guidelines from NWFA's Installation Guidelines. 5) Concrete should have a minimum of 3000 psi; refer to NWFA for details and alternate installation methods. A100: Water and Wood. If it comes up easily and feels like sand, produces a grain or flakes off, youll need to follow the NWFA Installation guidelines to prepare the concrete to receive adhesive. 6. The installer is responsible for determining the moisture content/emission rate of the sub floor/sub-strate as per the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) installation guidelines, SECTION V Appendix AA Moisture Testing Procedures for Concrete Slabs, (specifically the Calcium Chloride test) and Appendix AB Moisture Testing for Wood. The NWFAs Certified Professional program validates your industry knowledge and expertise and recognizes you as an expert in your field. manufacturer instructions are unavailable, lack information, or they reference NWFA Guidelines, use the following information. When this happens, the wood loses moisture as it equilibrates to the drier conditions and boards begin to shrink. Record, date, photograph, and document all of your results. If a concrete moisture meter or other test indicates moisture presence, perform a calcium chloride test. Both Calcium Chloride testing and Concrete Moisture Testing is required to verify this. For a complete list of points to address prior to installation, refer to the NWFA Jobsite checklist. The equilibrium humidity level in the environment must be ensured that it is within acceptable limits (8% to 10%). The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) offers some incredible resources for the hardwood flooring industry. All wood floors should have 6-9% moisture content at installation. Guidelines for moisture testing, fastener schedules, radiant heat installations and a variety of other topics are included as well. In humid environments, wood gains moisture and can swell. If a concrete moisture meter or other test indicates moisture presence, perform a The new publication represents the most comprehensive revision of the Installation Guidelines since they were first published in 1988. NWFA guidelines on maintenance. Plywood subfloors installed over concrete must be installed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) www.nwfa.org). Sub Floor Preparation A moisture barrier must be used if the subfloor moisture emissions are greater than 3 lbs per 1000 sq/sf or warranty is voided. The NWFA recommends an impermeable" vapor retarder with a perm rating of less than or equal to .15, thereby limiting the passage of moisture to near zero. 10. The goal is generally to reach 18-30% moisture content. Example: If your region has an expected EMC from a low of 6% to a high of 9%, the baseline MC of the wood would be 7.5%. Discoveries from Ancient Egypt have unearthed wooden ships dating as early as 3000 B.C. Glue-down Installation Guidelines Recommended method of installation for both concrete and plywood sub floor. This involves applying a new coat of wood floor finish. NATIONAL WOOD FLOORING ASSOCIATION TECHNICAL PULICATION 2019 NATIONAL WOOD FLOORING ASSOCIATION WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION GUIDELINES 87 SUBSTRATES: Radiant Heat 102 SUBSTRATES: Existing Flooring 106 UNDERLAYMENTS: Moisture Control 110 UNDERLAYMENTS: Sound Control/Acoustical 116 YOUTLA Working Lines Trammel Points Transferring Lines 45 Angles More than 40 manufacturers recommend using NWFA Certified Professionals. These regional variances along with the normal seasonal installation date, site relative humidity, temperature, and subfloor moisture content. Hardwood flooring should be between 6 and 9% moisture content, and the subfloor should be within 4% of flooring m.c. Conclusion - based on facts obtained and supported by the applicable industry standards. Wood. Chapter(3((Moisture(Testing(7((CHAPTER 3 MOISTURE TESTING Part I 4 Moisture Testing for Wood Subfloors A. If the floor was previously factory-finished. Wood is a hygroscopic material, which means it adds and loses moisture in direct relationship to its surrounding environment. Moisture Testing Methods [NWFA page 38-44]: Understanding how to evaluate jobsite moisture and avoid or resolve any moisture related problems is critical to the success of every hardwood flooring installation. Solid wide plank wood flooring installation methods can vary from one manufacturer to the next, but how it reacts to a gain or loss in moisture is universal. The NWFAs comprehensive guidelines and publications offer industry-accepted standards and straightforward information to help guide you through situations you might encounter on the job. Concrete moisture meters and other tests can be useful in identifying moisture problem areas. 120 sq. In dry environments, wood loses moisture and can shrink. The NWFA can be Concrete: (Refer to NWFA Installation Guidelines, Section II, Chapter 4) As a member of the NWFA, you can download copies of the guidelines and publications at no cost. 4) Concrete Concrete should have a minimum of 3000 psi; refer to NWFA for details and alternate installation methods. C200 NWFA Installation Guidelines.) 9. Previous finish color. NWFA has found moisture-related flooring problems to be a long-standing issue for home builders. B300 from the National Wood Flooring Association. The moisture content of Wide Plank Floor Supply Hardwood Flooring is carefully controlled throughout the process and it leaves our factory within NWFA tolerances. This information must be retained by the installer and left with the property owner as a permanent record. When determining the acceptable moisture levels in wood flooring before installation, the NWFA states that the flooring professional should establish a baseline for acclimation. ST. LOUIS (January 24, 2019) The National Wood Flooring Association has published a new edition of the NWFA Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines. Concrete: (refer to NWFA Installation Guidelines, Sec.II, Ch. C200 oncrete moisture tests C > RH tests aCl tests> C > Meters fra-red thermometer In Please refer to the NWFA moisture content by area map for specific requirements. (refer to NWFA Installation Guidelines, Sec. Published in August/September 2013 Issue. The floor must be installed according to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) installation guidelines. These guidelines/standards for the installation of hardwood flooring were developed by the NWFA Installation Test for moisture at several locations in the room a minimum of 20 per 1,000 square feet and average the results. The National Wood Flooring Association has published a new edition of the NWFA Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines. In addition, prior to installation, the installer should make certain that sub- floors are properly inspected for moisture conditions according to the NWFA guidelines (visit www.nwfa.org for more information). Hardwood flooring should be between 6 and 9% moisture content, and the subfloor should be within 4% of flooring m.c. Some of these cookies are essential to make our site work and others help us improve by giving us insight into how the site is being used. Testing Requirements 1. When purchasing flooring, per NWFA guidelines we recommend adding 5%-15% to actual square footage needed for cutting allowance and to compensate for culled material. Prerequisite: Three years of installation and sand and finish experience. E. on center (19.2 maximum). Moisture is a large part of the reason for how wood behaves, both dur-ing the machining process and after instal-lation. Glue-down Installation Guidelines Recommended method of installation for both concrete and plywood sub floor. The new NWFA guidelines omit the need for tarpaperor any other materialbetween your subfloor and flooring materials. The National Wood Flooring Association has published a new edition of the NWFA Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines. Per NWFA Guidelines, a large sampling of readings (40 in 1,000 square feet of flooring) should be taken before installation. Radiant Heat Floating Installation per NWFA Installation Guidelines a. If the moisture meters indicate the presence of excessive moisture, as per wood flooring or meter manufacturers recommendations, further testing is required using relative- humidity testing (ASTM F-2170), calcium chloride testing (ASTM F-1869) or calcium carbide (CM)