Natural Cork™ Underlayment
When noise transmission is an issue, Natural Cork Sound Control Underlayment provides a natural and economical solution in combination with other flooring materials. Easy to install, environmentally friendly cork underlayment does not deteriorate after years of use. Natural Cork Underlayment is recommended for sound reduction and stress crack protection.
Installation
Read and understand Installation Guidelines completely before beginning installation.
Surface Preparation
Surfaces must be clean, dry and smooth, free of voids, projections, loose materials, oil, grease, sealers, and all other surface contaminants. Maximum floor variation is 1/8” in 10’. Use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet or exceed Shaw’s maximum moisture level and pH requirements. Use of gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable.
Creating An Isolation Barrier
An isolation barrier will further reduce sound transmission. This barrier is adhered to the lower portion of walls, not to the floor. Unroll cork and cut 2” wide strips. Apply a small amount of Cork Underlayment Adhesive along one long side. With the adhesive edge closest to the floor, install isolation barrier around the entire perimeter of the room Buff edges at joints.
Installing Sound Control Underlayment
Unroll cork and cut to the desired length. Lay cork loosely over area to be installed. Both edges of the roll must curl down towards the sub floor. If the ends curl up, flip the material over. Butt cork directly against the isolation barrier already installed. Pull the loose laid material back at least half its length. Using a 3/32” x 3/32” x 3/32” v- notch trowel, apply a Cork Underlayment Adhesive to the substrate. Spread rate is up to 160 sq. ft. per gallon.
(Coverage is approximate and may vary depending on porosity of substrate and the angle at which the trowel is held).
Gently return the pulled back material and roll in both directions with a 100 lb. roller. Repeat this procedure for the other half of the sheet. Proceed to cover entire floor making sure all joints butt together tightly. Allow cork adhesive to take a firm set prior to installing surface flooring material.
A: WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION - Follow industry standards and wood floor manufacturer recommendation for subfloor moisture content, design, layout, and application of wood flooring materials. (recommends a “double-stick” method for direct gluing wood flooring over cork underlayment. Use the same wood flooring adhesive for gluing both the flooring to the cork and adhering the cork to the substrate).
- Install wood floor with recommended adhesive over the sound control underlayment.
- After wood floor is installed, trim isolation barrier ¼” below the finished floor surface.
B: CERAMIC TILE FLOORING INSTALLATION
- Install ceramic tile according to applicable ANSI standards using Hydriment Single-Flex; Hydroment PM; or Tile-Mate thin set mortar mixed with #425 Flex-a-lastic-Admixture.
- Refer to setting mortar data sheet for complete instructions.
- After the tile floor has been installed, trim isolation barrier ¼” below the finished floor surface.
- Caulk the trimmed areas with a bead of acoustical sealant flush to the finished floor.