Jobsite Preparation

Exterior

Structural damage caused by water and/or high humidity must be resolved prior to installing ALSTON StoneCoreX^® flooring.

Ensure that exterior grading is complete with surface drainage offering a minimum drop of 3" in 10' to direct exterior water sources away from the structure where the flooring will be installed inside.

Crawl spaces should be a minimum of 18" high, insulated per latest building code requirements, with a minimum 6-mil ground cover vapor barrier. Crawl spaces should offer cross-ventilation air vents equivalent to at least 1.5% per 100 square feet of floor space.

Interior

Moisture issues must be detected and corrected before installation. ALSTON StoneCoreX^® floors are waterproof but are not intended for use as a moisture barrier.

The jobsite should be enclosed and climate-controlled. HVAC systems must be fully operational with a consistent room temperature of 65°- 85° F and relative humidity levels of 35%-55% before the flooring is delivered or installed, and throughout the lifetime of the flooring installation.

Do not install Waterproof StoneCoreX^® floors where they will be subject to extreme hot or cold temperatures at any time. Do not install cabinets or heavy fixtures directly onto ALSTON StoneCoreX^® floors.

To eliminate potential trade-related damage, Alston recommends that its StoneCoreX^®   flooring be one of the last jobs completed.

Subfloor Conditions

The quality and preparation of the subfloor over which your StoneCoreX^®   floors will be installed is critical to a successful installation.

Acceptable Subfloor Types

• CDX Plywood
• Concrete. Minimum compression strength of 3000 PSI
• OSB/Particleboard
• Existing resilient tile, sheet vinyl (one layer) or ceramic tile

Minimum subfloor requirements for all installations:

• Structurally sound, smooth, clean and free of debris, including but not limited to, staples, nails, wax, grease, paint, sealers and old adhesives.
• Level and flat to 3/16" per 10'.
• Dry throughout the lifetime of the installation.

Wood subfloor must be:

• Tested for moisture not to exceed 11%.
• Nailed or screwed down every 6 inches along the joists to remove subfloor squeaking.
• Leveled with high spots sanded down and low spots filled with a leveling compound. Leveling material should provide a structurally sound wood subfloor.

Concrete subfloor must be:

• Fully cured for at least 60-90 days prior to StoneCoreX^®  installation.
• Tested for relative humidity, moisture and pH. Relative humidity tests should not exceed 85% (RH); Calcium Chloride Test for moisture should be no more than 8lbs per one-thousand square feet in 24 hours MVER (Moisture Vapor Emission Rating) and pH tests for alkalinity levels should register between 7 and 9.
• Installed properly with a minimum 6-mil poly film moisture barrier between concrete and ground below.

Resilient tile, sheet vinyl or ceramic tile requirements:

• No more than one layer.
• Well secured to structural subfloor.
• Grout lines of any depth should be filled in with a cementitious leveling and patching compound to assure a smooth, flat surface.

DO NOT INSTALL STONECOREX^®  OVER CUSHION BACKED GOODS OR ANY OTHER FLOORING THAT IS NOT COMPLETELY ADHERED TO THE SUBFLOOR.

Floor coverings that must be removed prior to StoneCoreX^®  installation, include: Carpet, needle felt, cushion vinyl, floating floors of any kind; parquet, solid and engineered hardwood over concrete; sleeper substrates. Do not install over existing wood flooring glued to concrete.

Radiant Heat Guidelines

Installation General Guidelines

Our SPC flooring products are recommended as a floating floor which should never be nailed down to the substrate. It can be glued to the subfloor if desired but we do recommend to remove the foam padding to ensure proper adhesion to the substrate.  It should be laid flat and fully supported during shipping and storage.  It should be stored away from direct sunlight and installed in a climate controlled indoors locations with average temperature between 55°F (13°C) -- 85°F (29°C). It can be installed Above Grade, On Grade or Below Grade.  Post Installation indoor temperature range need to be between 32°F (0°C) -- 100°F (37.7°C). Use of drapes/blinds is recommended during peak sunlight exposure hours.

Suitable Surfaces

Lightly textured or porous surfaces. Well-bonded, solid floors. Dry, clean, well-cured concrete (cured for at least 60 days prior). Suitable surfaces include wood floors; CDX Underlayment Grade Plywood (minimum of 5/8" thickness); Underlayment Grade Particleboard; OSB (minimum 3/4"/23/32" thickness); Ceramic or porcelain tiles with grout lines filled with floor leveler. All surfaces must be clean and dust free.

Unsuitable Surfaces

Rough, uneven surfaces including carpet and underlay. Rough, heavily textured and/or uneven surfaces may telegraph through the SPC vinyl and distort the finished surface. Do not install this product in areas which are exposed to long term direct sunlight such as sun rooms or solariums.

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE OLD RESILIENT FLOORING. THESE PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN EITHER ASBESTOS FIBERS OR CRYSTALLINE SILICA, WHICH CAN BE HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH.

Radiant Heated Floors

Our SPC flooring products can be installed over hydronic radiant heated floors or electric radiant heated floors that use embedded cables under the subfloor. DO NOT INSTALL over any electric heating mat that is installed on top of the subfloor. Do not turn surface heat above 29°C (85°F). To avoid overheating, the use of an in-floor temperature sensor is required.

Jobsite Preparation

Our SPC flooring products are recommended to acclimatize to room temperature (approx. 20°C/68°F) for a minimum of 72 hours prior to installation. Carefully check planks for any defects before installation. Remove any traces of glue or residue from the previous flooring surfaces.

New concrete floors need to dry out for at least 60 days prior to installation. Wood plank floors require a plywood subfloor. All nail heads must be driven down below the surface. Securely nail all loose boards. Scrape, plane or fill uneven boards, holes or cracks using floor-leveling compound if sub-floor is uneven - over 3.2 mm (1/8”) within a span of 1.2 m (4’). If installing over existing tile, use a floor levelling compound to skim coat grout lines. Make sure the floor is smooth, clean, and free of wax, grease, oil or dust, and sealed as necessary before laying planks.

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

Utility knife, Straight edge, tapping block, rubber mallet, spacers, pencil, tape measure, pull bar, ruler, ¼” spacers, chalk line, safety goggles and hand saw for cutting door frames.

INSTALLING THE FIRST ROW

*Please check for visual defect PRIOR to installation, any plank that has been installed will be deemed acceptable to the owner.

Start in a corner by placing the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers along each wall to maintain an expansion space of 8-12 mm (3/8"-1/2^”) between the wall and the flooring. Diagram 1.

NOTE: This spacing must also be maintained between the floor and all vertical surfaces, including cabinets, posts, partitions, doorjambs and door tracks. You will also need to use transition strips in doorways and between rooms. Failure to do so may cause buckling or gapping.

Insert the end tongue of the second plank into the end groove of the first tile at an angle of approx. 15-20 degrees. When lowered the plank will click into place. The planks should be flat to the floor. Diagram 2.

WARNING: Failure to properly line up the end joint and attempting to force it in while out of alignment could result in permanent damage to the end joint.

Continue connecting the first row until you reach the last full tile. Fit the last tile by rotating the tile 180° with the pattern side upward, place beside the row. Draw a line across the new plank with a pencil, score with an utility knife and snap off. Attach as described above. Diagram 3.

It is important to ensure that the planks in the first row are straight before beginning installation of the second row. Use a rubber mallet and tapping block.

INSTALLING THE SECOND ROW

Begin the second row with the offcut piece from the first row to stagger the pattern. Pieces should be a minimum of 150 mm (6^”) long. Remember to use spacers along each wall to maintain an expansion space of 8-12 mm (3/8^”-1/2^”) between the wall and the flooring. Diagram 4.

NOTE: It is faster to assemble planks into a new row at the ends and then attach the entire row to the previous row on the long sides.

To start your second row, lay your first plank on the subfloor. Take your second plank and insert the end tongue into the end groove of the first plank at an angle of approximately 15-20 degrees. When lowered, the plank will click into place with light pressure. The planks should be flat to the floor. Make sure gaps are as small as possible. Continue assembling the planks this way until you have your second row complete.

To attach the second row to the first row, tilt and push the side tongue into the side groove of the first row at an angle of approx. 15-20 degrees. When lowered, the planks will click into place and be flat to the floor. To ensure a strong seated joint, carefully use a rubber mallet and tapping block to lightly tap into place. Line up edges carefully. Continue laying remaining rows in this manner. Diagram 5.

INSTALLING THE LAST ROW

To fit the last row, start by using the offcut piece from the previous row. Lay the plank on top of the previous row. With the tongue to the wall, use a ruler to draw a cutline. Don't forget to allow room for spacers. Cut the plank and attach into position. Diagram 6.

DOOR FRAMES AND HEATING VENTS

Door frames and heating vents also require expansion room. First cut the plank to the correct length. Then place the cut plank next to its actual position and use a ruler to measure the areas to be cut out and mark them. Cut out the marked points allowing the necessary expansion distance on each side. Diagram 7.

You can trim door frames by turning a plank upside down and using a handsaw to cut away the necessary height so that the plank slides easily under the frames. Diagram 8.

Remove the spacers once the floor is completely installed.

FLoor Care & Maintenance guidelines

ALSTON Waterproof SPC floors are durable, but like all interior floor coverings require care periodically to look their best and prevent problems before they occur.

• Water leakage over or around the outer edges of the flooring may damage a wood subfloor, so clean up water right away
• Sweep regularly to remove surface grit and dust. Use a damp cloth or mop to clean up any dirt and footprints.
• CAUTION: Planks are slippery when wet.
• Never use wax, polish, abrasive cleaners or scouring agents as they may dull or distort the finish.
• High heels can damage floors.
• Do not allow pets with undipped nails to scratch or damage the floor.
• Use non-staining protective pads under heavy furniture, chairs and tables.
• Use doormats at entrance ways to protect the floor.
• If other trades are in the work area, a floor protector is highly recommended to help protect the finish of the floor.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Use drapes or blinds to minimize direct sunlight during peak sunlight hours.

It’s a good idea to save a few extra boxes of the materials in case of accidental damage. Planks can be replaced or repaired by a flooring professional.

Warranties

Our SPC flooring products are recommended as a floating floor which should never be nailed down to the substrate. It can be glued to the subfloor if desired.  It should be laid flat and fully supported during shipping and storage.  It should be stored away from direct sunlight and installed in a climate controlled indoors locations with average temperature between 55°F (13°C) -- 85°F (29°C). It can be installed Above Grade, On Grade or Below Grade.  Post Installation indoor temperature range need to be between 32°F (0°C) -- 100°F (37.7°C). Use of drapes/blinds is recommended during peak sunlight exposure hours.

ALSTON INC. warrants that its SPC vinyl flooring products at the time of their original manufactured condition will be free from manufacturing defects for the lifetime you own the floor. Manufacture defects would include defects in assembly, dimension, grading, lamination, and milling.  Furthermore, ALSTON INC. warrants its vinyl flooring products, when properly installed in accordance to our installation instructions, the flooring will not warp, twist or cup, nor delaminate, for the lifetime you own the floor even when subjected to varying humidity, provided that the flooring is not subjected to excessive, extended contact with moisture or water for more than 72 hours per occurrence; and provided that all installation instructions and precautions are adhered to. It should be carefully noted however that vinyl is a natural man-made material which has its limitations. It reacts to climatic changes. In high temperature the vinyl will expand, in low temperatures the vinyl will shrink and contracts. It is the responsibility of the end-user to provide stable temperatures between 25°F – 85°F by the use of a humidifier/dehumidifier (depending on the climatic condition) to get the expected performance of the product.  Any deformation and gaps on the flooring caused by the failure to provide the proper measures and the correct ambience is not covered by this Warranty.

SPECIAL NOTE: Temperature variations - excessive heat (80 °C/176 °F) or below freezing (-5 °C/23 °F and below) - may cause expansion or contraction of the product and therefore, not covered under this warranty.

Limited 50 Years Residential Wear Warranty

ALSTON INC. will warrant under normal residential conditions and uses, and providing that our maintenance guidelines are strictly followed, that our factory finish will not wear through, peel off, or permanently stain from common household stains for 50 years on all SPC vinyl flooring products from the date of purchase. In the unlikely event that our finish wears through or peels off on the vinyl flooring, ALSTON INC. will, at our option, either: (1) replace the affected plank(s); (2) refund the purchase price prorated over the remaining years of this limited warranty, for the affected area ONLY.  NOTE: Finish wear through is defined as 100% finish removal over at least 3% of the area of the total floor installation. Gloss reduction and scratches in the finish and surfaces are not considered surface wear and are not covered under this Warranty.

Limited 15-Year Commercial Wear Warranty

ALSTON INC. warrants to the original purchaser that all “ALSTON” brand SPC vinyl flooring, when used under commercial traffic conditions, follow our maintenance procedures and care instructions, its surface finish will not wear through for FIFTEEN (15) years from the original date of installation. Finish wear through is defined as 100% finish removal over at least 5% of the area of the total floor installation, which does not include gloss reduction or surface scratches. Our vinyl flooring can be used in Heavy commercial traffic areas but this 15-year warranty will not apply. (e.g. airport terminals, train stations, department store aisles or industrial areas…)

Moisture and Bonding Warranty

ALSTON INC. warrants its "ALSTON" brand vinyl flooring products, when properly installed and maintained according to our instructions, will not delaminate, cup, buckle or warp due to normal acceptable Sub-floor moisture. We will repair or replace, at ALSTON INC.'s sole discretion, a portion or the whole floor for one time damages done due to Sub-floor moisture problems. Mold growth and related issues should be handled by professional and it’s not covered under this warranty.

Regarding All Warranty Protections

If in the unlikely event of product non-compliance with the above stated warranties, ALSTON, at its sale discretion, will repair, or replace such portions with the same product or another product of equal value of the original purchase. ALSTON INC. shall not be responsible for any costs associated with the removal or replacement of any flooring products or with the removal or replacement of cabinets, appliances or any other fixtures or items that may need to be removed and replaced as a result of replacing any flooring products. If we are unable to correct the failure after a reasonable number of attempts, ALSTON INC. will refund the cost of replacement of materials ONLY for the portion of the floor that fails. Labor and other related cost is NOT covered under this warranty.

Warranty regarding to Labor Costs

ALSTON INC. provides the following Limited Warranties for residential uses, which extend to the original end-purchaser only (and to no other purchaser or transferee) from the date of purchase of its vinyl floorings when installed in full-compliance to the manufacturer's installation instructions, precautions and maintenance procedures, and utilized within environmental preconditions in which they are expected to perform. ALSTON INC. may reimburse actual label costs in the form of store credit as such on the removal, refinishing or replacement of the vinyl flooring products.  No cash/check payment will be issued under any circumstances.

Warranty DOES NOT cover Purchases over the Internet

ALSTON INC. sells our products through authorized retailer outlets only.  ALSTON INC. will not honor any warranty claims for any products purchased over the Internet, nor will we accept any returns for such products.

Exclusions

ALSTON INC. Disclaims liability for incidental or consequential damages, including any implied warranty of merchantability, or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to this product. This is the complete and exclusive statement of the warranty, and is in lieu of all other express and/or statutory warranties. Some states do not allow the exclusion of limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation/exclusion may not apply to you.

Temperature variations - excessive heat (80 °C/176 °F) or below freezing (-5 °C/23 °F and below) - may cause expansion or contraction of the product and therefore, not covered under this warranty. In addition, Gapping, shrinkage, squeaks, fading or structural sub floor related issues are not covered under this warranty. The warranties do not cover scratches or indentations arising from accidents, abuse, misuse, insufficient protection on furniture, improper maintenance. Dents and scratches or claw marks made by pets, spiked heels, sand, pebbles and other abrasives are considered abuse and not covered. The warranties do not cover damages caused by negligence, insects, water saturation, excessive heat and "green-house" effect. Mold growth and related issues is NOT covered under this warranty. The warranties also do not cover damages caused by natural weather conditions such as but not limited to: fading or color discoloration caused by exposure to heat or sun light, rainfall, tornadoes, floods, erosions, landslides, hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Minor color variations in vinyl flooring are also natural occurrence due to run lots and difference in raw materials at different production batches.  Exposure to sunlight spike or stiletto high-heel shoes, especially those in poor repair, may cause denting and related damage to vinyl floors due to the extremely high compressive force they generate. For these reasons, we cannot guarantee that new and/or replacement flooring will match exactly with the display samples and/or existing installed floors. The warranties do not cover damage arising from failure to follow ALSTON INC., maintenance, construction-related damages, and installation procedures and/or improper alterations, modifications of the original manufactured products. The warranties do not cover floors with alkalis in the sub-floor or conditions arising from hydrostatic pressure or exterior applications. Warranties do not apply to damages or failure of the floor to adhere to the subfloor resulted from excessive moisture, alkali and/or hydrostatic pressure. The warranties do not apply to seconds, off-quality, or “as-is” goods.

This warranty is not transferable, not assignable and it extends only to the original purchaser. ALSTON Flooring material purchased through Internet is NOT covered under this warranty.

Warranty Owner

This Limited Warranty applies only to the original purchaser and the original installation site and is not transferable and with respect to the residential warranty, applies only to a resident homeowner.

Claims under this Limited Warranty must be made in writing by the flooring retailer within 90 days of the basis of the claim being detected and fall within the warranty period to the following address:

Alston Inc. Warranty Department, 21491 Ferrero Parkway, City of Industry, Ca  91789, U.S.A.

Customer Service & Claims

Any ALSTON flooring sale that has been misrepresented by the retailer/seller, including but not limited to, returns, off-color, or manufacturer defect resale, are not covered by the manufacturer warranty.

Claims Process

All claims must be filed within the warranty coverage period and go through the flooring retailer where the flooring was purchased.

The original purchase receipt must be submitted with the warranty claim.

Alston Inc. reserves the right to have an ALSTON representative inspect the floor, remove samples for technical analysis and request proof that pre-installation, installation and floor care and maintenance are in accordance with Alston requirements.

If any portion of your floor should fail with respect to applicable warranty provisions, Alston Inc. will repair, refinish or replace the product at its sole discretion.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your flooring, please contact ALSTON Inc. at 1 (909) 287-0668.

Save Your Original Receipt!

Save your original purchase receipt to protect your flooring warranty! Document your purchase and save this information for future reference.

Make sure that you have recorded the following information:

• Date of Purchase
• Product Name & SKU
• Seller/Retailer Name
• Seller/Retailer Address
• Seller/Retailer Phone