EXAMINATION OF SUBFLOOR

Prior to proceeding with any installation, subfloors must be inspected according to the standard DIN 18356, DIN 18365, DIN 18367 or corresponding national standards. 

The subfloor must be resistant to pressure and tension, free of cracks, must have sufficient surface strength, be permanently dry, level, clean and free of contaminants, laitance, sinter layers etc. 

The porosity, surface grip, moisture content of concrete slabs, absorptive capacity of cement (flow) and calcium sulphate (flow) floors must be established to ensure they meet current standards. 

Room temperature, air humidity saturation and subfloor temperature must be measured to ensure they are at levels that will permit subfloor preparation compounds, adhesives, underlays and flooring materials to perform as intended. 

Moisture readings should be taken on concrete floors to establish if a moisture suppressant or damp proof membranes needs to be applied to the subfloor before the installation of the acoustic underlay and floor covering. 

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

It must be ensured that the subfloor is ready for installation by performing proper subfloor preparation. Floors must be clean, have sufficient surface strength, must be level, permanently dry and free of cracks. A mechanical pre-treatment of concrete subfloors (sweeping, vacuuming, mechanical brushing, sanding, milling, shot blasting) must be performed depending on type and condition of the subfloor.

If required, apply a damp proof membrane or moisture suppressant treatment to concrete floors. 

Cracks and joints in concrete floors, except expansion joints and other construction joints, shall be solidly closed with a casting resin and floor brackets. Cavities and indentations can be filled with a non self-levelling compound. 

If necessary to ensure the subfloors are level, have sufficient absorptive capacity and grip, apply an appropriate levelling compound.

Timber subfloors should be lined with good quality, flooring grade plywood, in line with current flooring industry approved standards.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The foregoing representations are based on the results of our most current product and material testing and are of a non-obligatory advisory nature only since we have no control over the actual quality of workmanship, materials used and worksite conditions. As such, they do not constitute an express or implied warranty of any kind. The same applies to our commercial and technical consultation services which are provided free-of-charge and without obligation. Therefore, we strongly recommend that prior onsite testing be conducted by a trained professional to observe and study the suitability of the product for the intended purpose. With the release of this technical information, all prior technical information (technical data sheets, installation recommendations and other information regarding similar purposes) becomes invalid.

1. STORAGE/ PREPARATION

The Hush Floor acoustic underlay rolls should be stored horizontally and in dry areas at constant temperature.

Roll out, loose lay and butt join the underlay ensuring that sheets are cut slightly longer/wider than the surface to be covered.

Loose lay the underlay perpendicular to the subsequent installation direction of the floor finish.

It is advised to leave the underlay in place for a minimum of 12 hours for it to acclimatise and release any tension accumulated in the material due to temperature variations while in storage/transit. This initial process is vital, as it allows for dimensional relaxation and temperature equilibration to the room environment.

At the edges, near vertical surfaces like walls, ensure you allow at least 50mm extra material running up the walls to allow for a tight cut in after the relaxation period.

2. INSTALLATION - adhering Hush Floor acoustic underlay to substrate.

Once the relaxation period has ended and prior to adhering, cut all excess acoustic underlay to the exact dimensions of the surface to be covered with a straight-edge and sharp bladed.

Pull back the Hush Floor acoustic underlay to about halfway and, observing the adhesive manufacturers installation instructions, trowel adhesive using a V-Notch trowel.

Pick up the underlay and very carefully lay the Hush Floor acoustic underlay into the adhesive whilst still wet.

Move to the opposite side and carry out the same process. Once the first strip is complete, move onto the next, adjacent strip, ensuring and checking that each strip is tightly butt-joined to its neighbour or the wall, with no overlaps or gaps.

It is advised that you begin the bonding of the Hush Floor acoustic underlay from the furthest point of the room and work back towards the entry, hence minimising the need to step on the installation once completed.

Allow appropriate time for temperature equilibration of adhesive and floor finish materials as specified by the respective manufacturers' instructions.

3. INSTALLATION OF FLOOR COVERINGS

Your chosen floor finish is to be installed on top of the cured Hush Floor acoustic underlay in accordance with the relevant floor and adhesive manufacturers' specifications and/ or requirements.

When installing Hush Floor acoustic underlays in over with LVT or vinyl sheet flooring, you should ensure products are checked for suitability prior to installation via seeking approval for use from the vinyl manufacturer or carrying out an on-site trial installation to ensure the final floor finish is satisfactory.

The castor chair resistance of elastic floor coverings will diminish when fitted over and acoustic underlay like Hush Floor. Impressions and irreversible indentations caused by heavy items of furniture in elastic floor finishes are more likely and prevalent when an acoustic underlay like Hush Floor is used under said floor coverings.

Only use underlays approved by the floor manufacturer. Prior to any installation work, carefully read and observe the usage instructions and installation guidelines of the adhesive and floor finish manufacturers. In case of doubt, please contact the floor covering manufacturer's technical department for advice.

Once the flooring has been installed, we do not accept any liabilities or responsibility regarding the performance of the floor coverings installed over Hush Floor.  

Should an issue be identified prior to the installation of the floor covering please contact your supplier and cease the installation of the floor covering.

DISCLAIMER: The general information provided here is based on commonly accepted installation practises for acoustic underlay flooring products. The information is not intended to constitute expert advice. To suit your specific site conditions, it is recommended to seek further advise on your application with technical staff prior to use. We shall not be liable for incidental and/or consequential damages directly or indirectly sustained, nor any loss caused by not complying with relevant industry/product standards and improper use of any Hush Floor products. Due to varying construction methods, any other circumstances not stated above should be brought to our attention for review. For suitability to the prevailing site conditions, it is advised that you consult with a certified and industry accredited acoustic consultant and conduct on-site testing for verification of performance as results may vary. The final decision regarding the compatibility of any floor finish installed onto Hush Floor must remain the responsibility of the flooring contractor/installer. 

Please click here to visit the manufacturer's website for information about the product and installation instructions. 

Please click here to visit the manufacturer's website for information about the product and installation instructions.