Vinyl Windansea (Mute Step) Flooring Installation Guide

Pre-Installation

Before you begin installation, remember to P.A.C.E. yourself with the checklist below.

Material Preparation

Add 5% extra material for cutting waste and grading allowance. Inspect all planks in daylight for visible faults before installation. Do not install if more than 5% of material is unusable. Install from multiple cartons for best color variation.

Subfloor Requirements

• Must be clean, dry, flat to 3/16" per 10-foot radius
• Wood subfloors: Securely fastened, moisture ≤ 13%
• Concrete: Fully cured (60+ days), moisture barrier required. Max 8 lbs calcium chloride or 90% RH
• Existing hard floors: Must be well-bonded, clean, and level. Fill grout lines

Radiant Heat

Compatible with radiant heat using floating method only. Max surface temp 85°F. Turn system on 3 days before, lower to 65°F 24 hours before installation.

Expansion Gap

Leave 1/4" expansion gap around all walls and fixed objects. Never nail or screw through floated floor.

Floating Click-Lock Installation

Installation Steps

Step 1: Measure room width. Ensure last row is at least 1/3 plank width — adjust first row if needed.

Step 2: Begin along the longest, straightest wall with 1/4" spacers. Cut tongue off first row.

Step 3: Connect planks end-to-end by angling at 20° and pressing down to click-lock.

Step 4: Cut the last plank in each row. Use the remaining piece to start the next row if ≥ 8" long. Stagger joints by at least 6".

Step 5: Angle new rows into the previous row at 20° and press down to lock.

Step 6: Use rubber mallet and tapping block to ensure full engagement. Never strike planks directly.

Step 7: Rip the final row to width maintaining 1/4" gap. Use a pull bar for tight spaces.

Step 8: Remove spacers. Install transition moldings and baseboards.

Glue-Down Installation

Installation Steps

Step 1: Use Titebond 675 exclusively. Dry-fit first two rows and establish a chalk line.

Step 2: Apply adhesive with recommended trowel. Allow proper tack time.

Step 3: Press planks firmly into adhesive. Stagger joints by at least 6". Maintain 1/4" expansion gap.

Step 4: Roll with 100-lb roller. Clean adhesive from surface immediately.

Step 5: Allow 24 hours before foot traffic.

Care & Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum without a beater bar.
• Damp mop with pH-neutral vinyl cleaner. No steam mops or abrasive cleaners.
• Wipe up spills promptly. Use felt pads under furniture.
• Place doormats at entrances. Maintain temperature 60°F–80°F, humidity 35%–55%.
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight — use blinds or curtains.