eTERRA Red & Black Series→Installation

At Gaia Flooring, our highest priority is to ensure that your eTERRA eSPC™ Red & Black Series luxury vinyl flooring products exceed expectations. The installer and owner are responsible for inspecting all planks before and throughout installation, discarding any defective materials or pieces with questionable appearance of color, finish, or sheen. The owner and installer should discuss installation and layout to maximize satisfaction. The owner or installer assumes all responsibility for the product quality of the completed installation. Use constitutes acceptance. Inspect each piece prior to installation and ensure that the click system is free of cracks, defects, and debris.

NOTE: When it comes to the appearance of your floors, film techniques are used during production to create a visually appealing look. These techniques include hand distressing, wire brushing, and color toning. As a result, there will be variations between planks. These are fixed characteristics that are not to be mistaken for a manufacturing defect. Please remember that any samples, photos, or models provided are solely for demonstrative purposes. They do not guarantee that your purchased goods will mirror these examples. Variations between these visuals and installed flooring are not considered manufacturing defects. Any samples, photos, or models provided are solely for demonstrative purposes. They do not guarantee that your purchased goods will mirror these examples. Variations between these visuals and installed flooring are not considered manufacturing defects. We recommend purchasing an additional 5% for back stock and replacement planks. It is important to carefully inspect the planks for their dimensions in appropriate light settings. If any plank appears doubtful, it should not be used for the project. Any complaints related to such issues will only be accepted if they are reported prior to installation. In this case, we stand committed towards providing a replacement within reasonable time frames after the investigation, (if) determined to be a manufacturing defect, of the complaint once concluded successfully. Any visual defects must be reported within the first 15 days following installation. Gaia Flooring does not accept responsibility for any shipping costs, installation repair, or replacement expenses resulting from the installation of a plank with visual defects.

Warranty Owner

This Limited Warranty applies exclusively to the original end-user and is not transferable. The warranty safeguards the product's initial installation site location and covers only one site installation. A second location installation will not be covered by this warranty. It is important to note that this product warranty is specific to one site installation.

Obligations of Owner

The warranties outlined below are applicable to Gaia Flooring products only if they are installed and maintained in accordance with our most current installation and maintenance guidelines. For the most up-to-date procedures, please refer to the Gaia Flooring website. The original purchaser must present proof of purchase and adherence to recommended installation and maintenance procedures when filing a claim. In the event that a defect or another matter covered by the limited warranties described below is discovered, please notify customercare@gaiafloor.com. They will carry out a thorough review and, if necessary, initiate the claim process. *It is the responsibility of the owner to engage a C-15 qualified flooring installer or one certified to install flooring in your state to ensure proper installation.

eTERRA eSPC™ Red & Black Series luxury vinyl flooring is designed for floating installation, meaning it does not require glue and can be installed directly over most existing floor coverings. It should be installed indoors in a climate-controlled environment with a clean, dry sub-floor that meets building codes and is securely anchored. The installation location may require structural modifications for a successful installation, and it is the responsibility of the owner or contractor to ensure compliance with local regulations before proceeding.

Climate Control

Suitable for use in climate-controlled indoor environments with a relative humidity (RH) of 35-55% and a temperature range of 60-80°F. Moisture Exposure: Not suitable for installation over sump pumps or drains. All "wet" work such as painting, drywall, concrete, masonry, and plumbing must be completed and dry before flooring delivery. Not for Outdoor Use: Not suitable for use in sunrooms, solariums, showers, saunas, seasonal porches, camping trailers, boats, RVs, or rooms prone to flooding. Installation in non-temperature controlled rooms is not recommended. Ensure gutters and downspouts are in place and the exterior grade allows for proper drainage away from the building perimeter. Avoid using portable heaters that may not sufficiently heat the room and sub-floor; kerosene heaters should never be used.

Suitable Substrates:

• Leveling: High areas or joints should be sanded to 3/16" in 10' radius (5 mm in 3 m) or 1/8" in 6' radius (3 mm in 2 m). Low areas should be filled with a high compressive strength (min. 3,000 psi) Portland-based compound. Vertical deflection must not exceed 3/16".
• Moisture and pH: Address job site moisture and pH issues before installation. Substrates must be free from excessive moisture or alkali. Remove all dirt, paint, varnish, wax, oils, solvents, and contaminants. Use a moisture barrier to maintain installation integrity and warranty.
• Substrate Types: Ceramic tile, terrazzo, and marble tile floors with grout lines require a cementitious patch to fill grout lines, voids, or cracks.

Do Not Install Over:

Existing resilient tile floors that are below grade  |  Existing cushion-backed vinyl flooring  |  Carpet  |  Hardwood flooring  |  Sloping floors or floor drains

Existing floating floors  |  Foam underlayment  |  Loose lay vinyl flooring  |  Rubber  | Cork  |  Laminate  |  Air vents

Concrete & Gypcrete Sub-floors

• Density and Smoothness: Concrete must have a minimum density of 3,000 psi, be smooth, and permanently dry. Follow ASTM F710 for concrete floor preparation. Some gypcrete and non-cementitious sub-floors may not meet these requirements. 
• Sub-floor Preparation: Sub-floors must be fully cured. Fill depressions, cracks, grooves, and other imperfections with appropriate patching or leveling compounds. Grind down any high spots as needed. 
• Moisture and Alkalinity Tests: Perform In-Situ Relative Humidity (RH) Test (ASTM F2170) and Calcium Chloride Moisture Test (ASTM F1869). pH levels should not exceed 9 (ASTM F710). Moisture vapor emissions should not exceed 80% RH or 3 lbs. per ASTM F1869. Correct any issues before installation.

Wood Sub-floors

• Soundness and Material: Wood sub-floors must be structurally sound, with joists spaced a maximum of 16" on center. Avoid chip board, wafer board, or floating wood floors. Use CDX-rated plywood (min. 3/4" thick), PS2-rated OSB (min. 7/16" thick), or A.P.A rated particle board (min. BB or CC). Ensure existing wood flooring is securely fastened.
• 
  Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to check wood sub-floors. Take at least 20 readings per 1,000 sq. ft. Sub-floor moisture should not exceed 12% in any location.

Radiant Heat

eTERRA Red & Black Series flooring is only recommended for use over radiant heat systems as outlined in the eTERRA Red & Black Series installation guide. It is essential to ensure stable job site conditions, sub-floor suitability, and proper acclimation when installing over a radiant heat system. The installer is responsible for ensuring that the recommended environmental conditions are met during installation. Please consult your radiant heat system manufacturer to determine its compatibility with GAIA flooring and to understand the specific requirements for installation. Damage caused by radiant heat systems is not covered under warranty.

Radiant heat systems must maintain a minimum of 1/2-inch physical separation between the heating elements or tubing and this flooring product. Electric heating mats that are not embedded into the sub-floor are not recommended for use underneath this flooring, as doing so will void the warranty. It is crucial to thoroughly evaluate both electric and hydronic radiant heat systems to ensure there are no leaks and that the system heats evenly across all areas. Any inconsistencies in heat distribution or signs of wear should be addressed before installation to prevent potential damage to the flooring.

The floating installation method is the only method recommended for use with radiant heat systems. The floor temperature should never exceed 80°F (26.67°C), and the use of an in-floor temperature sensor is recommended to prevent overheating. Relative humidity must be maintained between 35% and 55%. Additionally, new concrete or gypcrete sub-floors must be allowed to cure and dry for a minimum of 4 weeks before operating the radiant heat system.

Seasonal expansion and contraction are normal and do not indicate a defect in the flooring product. It is important to remember that rugs placed over radiant-heated flooring can increase the surface temperature in that area by 3°F to 5°F. When turning off the radiant heat system, it must be reduced slowly at a rate of 10°F per day. The system should never be turned off abruptly. For more information on radiant heating systems, refer to the Radiant Panel Association website at http://www.radiantpanelassociation.org.

WARNING: Do not sand, dry scrape, bead blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient flooring, backing, lining felt, asphaltic "cutback" adhesive, or other adhesives. These materials may contain asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica, which pose cancer and respiratory hazards. Avoid creating dust and consult local building requirements for testing existing floor materials for asbestos. The RFCI’s (Resilient Floor Coverings Institute) Recommended Work Practices should be followed for removing resilient floor coverings.

Installation Tips
Install eTERRA eSPC™ Red & Black Series flooring after all other construction or remodeling tasks, including paint and millwork, are complete. Avoid installing the flooring underneath cabinetry or fixed items. Keep spare boards in climate-controlled locations for potential future damage. Additional underlayment is not needed. Do not install in high humidity areas like steam rooms or saunas. For stability, the flooring should not be attached to other surfaces. Maintain a moderate temperature between 60-80°F and ensure the sub-floor is flat, level, and solid.

Basement and Crawl Spaces
Ensure that concrete slabs or the ground is dry. Crawl spaces should have open vents year-round to prevent moisture build-up, and the ground should be covered with a 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrier. Clearance between the earth and the underside of joists must be at least 18". The perimeter of the vent area should be 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space or as required by code.

Figure 1: Remove the carpet and padding, and carefully take up any unsuitable substrate. WARNING: Proceed with the removal only if the materials have been verified not to contain asbestos.

Figure 2-a,b: Undercut the door frame and wall base to achieve a seamless appearance. Ensure the flooring slides at least 1/4" underneath the door frame and wall base, leaving a concealed expansion space of at least 3/8".

Figure 3: Prepare the sub-floor to ensure a smooth, even finish. Eliminate bumps and fill low spots to ensure the sub-floor is level within 3/16" over a 10' radius (5 mm in 3 m) or 1/8" over a 6' radius (3 mm in 2 m). Sand down high areas or joints and fill low areas with a high compressive strength (minimum 3,000 psi) Portland-based compound. Ensure vertical deflection does not exceed 3/16".

Figure 4: Proper preparation of the flooring before installation is crucial. To avoid issues, ensure that the temperature and humidity in the storage and transport environment are controlled between 60–80 degrees Fahrenheit and that relative humidity (RH) is maintained between 35%-55%. Lay the flooring flat and keep it away from excessive sunlight. Do not store the planks standing. It is essential to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels; the stocking/transportation environment should not deviate more than 25°F and 20% relative humidity from the final installation environment.

Figure 5: Clean and remove all debris from the sub-floor before beginning installation to ensure a proper and clean surface for the new flooring.

Figure 6: For maximum floor protection, install a vapor barrier using plastic polyethylene sheeting on concrete sub-floors, ensuring the seams overlap by at least 8 inches. This is required for warranty coverage. Do not use additional underlayment.

1. To ensure your eTERRA eSPC™ Red & Black Series floors remain in premium condition when transporting and storing them, lay them flat. Avoid extreme temperature or moisture areas, never store boxes upright, and stack pallets only three high and approximately four inches off the ground for airflow. Provide adequate protection from forklift trucks or during transportation, and keep away from heating and cooling ducts and direct sunlight. Keep the environment within a moderate range—between 60°F to 80°F at relative humidity levels of 35% to 55%.

2. Quality checks are the responsibility of the homeowner and the required licensed flooring installer. When installing components in an installation project, it is critical to inspect each piece before installation and confirm that the locking system has no cracks, defects, or other impediments. Warranties do not apply to materials with visible issues after being installed; this use constitutes acceptance of any flaws present at the time of installment.

3. Start on the left corner and carefully place the plank 1/4" away from any walls. Use installation spacers for uniform expansion and to guarantee a secure fit throughout your perimeter. Remove any debris that may be on the locking mechanism.

4. Ensure that the first row is straight, as all other planks will be connected to it. The planks connect very easily by holding the tongue and groove at a slight angle to engage.

5. Proper engagement of a plank can be determined by its interlocking with the previous plank, which is achieved when the plank lies flat on the ground. Apply pressure along the short end of the plank to ensure proper engagement.

6. To ensure structural stability, it is recommended to keep the length no shorter than 12 inches.

7. To cut the last plank of a row to fit, turn it away from the previous plank and place it over the gap. Mark and cut the plank, then break off the excess. The plank will now be the correct length to complete the row with the connecting edge on the right side.

8. Ensure that the short seams are at least 20 cm apart from row to row. Stagger the planks in the first two rows as shown.

9. For the following rows, insert the long end of the plank and angle down.

10. Use a pull bar and rubber mallet to snap the short end of the connecting plank.

11. Use a scribe to cut the row when dealing with irregular walls. Drill a hole in a scrap piece of wood and insert a pencil to create a scribe. The scribe can be used to match the wall variations, minimizing the appearance of an out-of-square room.

eTERRA eSPC™ Red & Black Series Glueless Floating Flooring is designed to withstand reasonable wear and tear in any home. To ensure its longevity, follow these simple guidelines for protection and care.

Routine Maintenance

Quickly tackle spills and splatters with a damp cloth as they occur to ensure the longevity of your hard surface flooring. When deep cleaning, use Luxury Vinyl pH-neutral Cleaner or plain pH-balanced water on white clothes for tough spots such as oil, paint, lipstick, and ink stains; then wipe away any remaining residue. Remember routine maintenance - regularly sweep with a dust mop and use a vacuum with an appropriate attachment. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar to prevent dirt build-up that can damage finishes over time. Opt for specialized products designed explicitly to maintain hard surfaces for lasting results between professional cleanings.

Hard Surface Cleaner

Avoid washing or mopping the floor with any liquid cleaning products (containing bleach, ammonia, chlorine, mop & shine products, or anything other than pH balanced) to keep it in optimal condition. Do not use steel wool pads to address tough-to-remove spots/spills. Excessive moisture and detergents can cause warping, decontamination, swelling, and joint-line separation, which may void your warranty. Clean up spills immediately. Do not use steam mops or excessive water/pH-balanced liquids, and allow to pool on the surface of the flooring. Not only does this create a slippery, unsafe environment, but it can also affect your warranty. To ensure your luxury vinyl flooring lasts for years, take special care when dealing with difficult spots. Quickly eliminate candle wax or gum by hardening the area using ice and gently scraping it off using a plastic scraper—like a credit card. Keep in mind that sandier areas may require more frequent sweeping and vacuuming. Wipe up any residue with a damp cloth after each use.

Site Protection

Keep your luxury vinyl flooring looking its best with entry mats and hard surface rug protectors designed to prevent dirt, sand, and other contaminants like oil or driveway sealer from being tracked onto surfaces. These accessories can help maintain a clean environment. Ensure the mats you choose do not have a rubber back, as this can trap moisture, heat, and humidity between the floor and the rug. Over time, rubber-backed mats can also discolor the flooring.

To preserve the integrity of area rugs over time, avoid slippage through an approved Rug Pad for added protection.

For further defense against scratches or indentations caused by heavy objects, invest in floor protectors with wider leg/roller bases. You’ll experience less damage as heavier items require larger diameter components to disperse weight correctly. Finally, it’s important to keep relative humidity levels between 35-55% throughout the year so that natural expansion and contraction of luxury vinyl flooring is minimized at all times.

Heating Season (Dry)

During the heating season, dry conditions created by wood stoves and electric heat can cause materials to shrink. To prevent this issue, it is recommended that a humidifier be used to maintain comfortable humidity levels in your home.

Non-Heating Season (Wet)

During warm weather, the humidity levels in your home can become uncomfortable. To maintain a pleasant atmosphere, try using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or periodically turning on the heating, as this will help maintain humidity levels during summer.

Extra Material

Extra material must be stored horizontally in an indoor, climate-controlled environment (35-55% RH and 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit), unopened, and in its original packaging. Avoid direct sunlight, store on a flat surface, and ensure the area is dry and well-ventilated. Products that do not meet these storage conditions cannot be used as test samples for product quality complaints and claims, nor can they be used as proof for product quality determination in complaints and lawsuits.

GAIA Flooring offers a 1-year Residential Limited Warranty and a 90-day Commercial Warranty for its hard surface accessories when used in proper indoor residential applications. This warranty guarantees that the product will be free from manufacturing defects and is provided to the original end-use purchaser. The warranty takes effect from the date of purchase and lasts for the designated warranty period mentioned above. Coverage is valid only while the product remains owned and maintained by the original end-use purchaser. For any warranty-related claims, the original invoice from GAIA Flooring or an authorized dealer is required as proof of purchase.