FAQ

FAQ

1. What is Audacity Rigid Core?

Audacity Rigid Core is the fearless waterproof floor. We back this claim by warranting an incredible performance in tougher areas or situations where most glue-less flooring products would not be warranted (heat conditions, sunrooms, wide areas without unsightly transitions, humid rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, pet stains and much more).

2. What makes Audacity Rigid Core so effective?

Two aspects make Audacity Rigid Core very different from LVT or WPC (two of the more common hard-surface glue-less flooring categories):

  • It contains 0% plasticizers, which are chemical additives which make PVC soft and flexible
  • It is limestone based

The combination of these two features makes it rigid and much more stable to temperature variations, as well as sunlight.
The pre-attached backing offers extra noise resistance attributes versus traditional laminates or click vinyl planks.

3. What is the construction of Audacity Rigid Core

Audacity consists out of 4 layers bounded together under extreme heat.

  1. The first component is the Multi layer urethane wear layer providing protection against scuffs and stains
  2. Secondly Audacity Rigid Core has a decorative design layer for realistic wood look and feel
  3. The Third layer is the High density Rigid Limestone based core
  4. The fifth layer is the acoustic pre-attached pad, providing additional comfort and sound absorption

4. Why is Audacity Rigid Core better for sunrooms or rooms with large windows than other vinyls or engineered vinyls?

At high temperatures (above 40°C /105°F), PVC like most plastic based materials become much more flexible and start expanding (like when you put a piece of plastic over a lighter, it melts). Because of their high plasticizer and PVC content, standard vinyl or engineered vinyl planks start expanding and aren’t rigid enough to resist to the force created by the expansion. The planks cannot push each other away and can start to curl as expansion increases.

Audacity Rigid Core, thanks to its very high limestone content, is not only rigid but extremely stable. If certain areas reach such high temperatures (which they rarely do) Audacity Rigid Core can naturally expand a little, but will push each other and expand well within our recommended expansion gap of 6mm (1/4″). This is why the recommended 6mm (1/4″) around the perimeters of the room needs to be respected.

5. Does Audacity Rigid Core look realistic to real hardwood and tiles?

Audacity Rigid Core flooring features an embossed texture, which mimics the grain of real wood, as well as stone.

6. How well does Audacity Rigid Core hold up against bangs/drops, for example if a hammer was dropped?

Rarely do we see indentation issues with Audacity Rigid Core. Most indentations can be avoided by ensuring there are no heavy rolling loads over the floor, and using traditional installation methods when moving heavy items (e.g. use a smooth plywood panel when rolling in refrigerators, etc.). Also common-sense use of floor protectors under furniture legs, mats under rolling chairs, etc. are also recommended.

7. How durable is Audacity Rigid Core flooring with pets?

While no similar flooring is guaranteed against scratching or loss of gloss, Audacity Rigid Core is textured with a medium graining and a tough wear layer for durability. We warrant that Audacity Rigid Core will not stain from pet (domestic cat or dog) stains, including urine, feces and vomit, providing it is cleaned within 24 hours!

8. Is Audacity Rigid Core safe?

Audacity Rigid Core is safe for you and your loved ones. All Audacity Rigid Core floors are subjected to rigorous tests by Third Party Laboratories that are designed to ensure all Audacity Rigid Core products meet the highest standards and do not harm interior air quality. This means our products do not release harmful amounts of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into living environments. Audacity Rigid Core is also 100% free of harmful plasticizers, such as ortho-phthalates.

These rigorous control has resulted in the The FloorScore® Environmental Institute to certify all Audacity Rigid Core floors worldwide with their highest certification: FloorScore®

FloorScore®  Certification offers the strictest certification criteria, considering safety factors to account for sensitive individuals (such as children and the elderly), and ensures that a product is acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities. It is referenced by both The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Building Rating System.

9. How much will Audacity Rigid Core move with humidity changes?

Audacity Rigid Core is extremely stable. The planks are not affected by humidity or other types of moisture, to provide you with superior stability.

10. Is Audacity Rigid Core sound absorbent?

With its pre-attached backing, Audacity Rigid Core Sound Insulation Class is very good with an IIC rating of 66dB (ASTM E492-09, 4mm product without backing). Walking sound is a lot softer and quieter compared with most hard surface floor coverings such as ceramic, wood or laminate flooring.

11. Is Audacity Rigid Core recyclable?

After detaching the backing, Audacity Rigid Core can be 100% recycled by a company with adequate equipment including flooring manufacturers.

12. Can Audacity Rigid Core be installed over existing flooring?

Yes, Audacity Rigid Core can be installed over most existing hard surface flooring. The exceptions are laminate, floating floors (not glued down) of any type, loose lay, and perimeter fastened sheet vinyl. These types of flooring should be removed prior to installing Audacity Rigid Core. You can also install over tiles, as long as it is not a floating installation. The existing floors still have to meet the level requirements, which is no more than a 5mm (3/16”) difference in a 3m (10 foot) span. Please see Audacity Rigid Core installation instructions for further details.

Important: Never install Audacity Rigid Core over carpet.

FAQ INSTALLATION

1. How easy is Audacity Rigid Core to install?

Audacity Rigid Core is super easy to install. We want to make your life as easy as possible, that’s why we use a quick & easy to install click system- no glue, no dust, no mess!

Meanwhile, it’s rigid core allows for the floor to be installed directly over most hard-surface subfloors, with minimum preparations and no acclimation. And by the way, you can event cut Audacity Rigid Core with a simple utility knife.

2. Can Audacity Rigid Core be installed in Kitchens and Bathrooms?

Yes, no problem! Audacity Rigid Core is waterproof and can be installed in kitchens and Bathrooms without any issues.

3. Where can I install my Audacity Rigid Core Floor?

Audacity Rigid Core can be installed on all levels of the home including wet rooms, 3 season rooms and directly over most existing hard surface subfloors.

4. Are there rooms that are inappropriate for my Audacity Rigid Core floor?

Very few: a room with a floor drain, sump pump or one that is exposed to the elements (like outdoors or in saunas). Although is it 100% waterproof, Audacity Rigid Core should also not be installed in areas prone to flooding as water might seep through the bevels.

5. Can Audacity Rigid Core be installed in 3 season homes, where the home will not be climate controlled in the winter?

Audacity Rigid Core can be installed in homes without climate control when proper installation precautions are taken and under the following conditions:

  1. Audacity Rigid Core installation requirements must be met.
  2. The crawl spaces must be enclosed and vented and meet all requirements and the job site conditions must be correct.
  3. Insulation of the floor in the crawl space is recommended.

6. Can I install my Audacity Rigid Core floor over floor heating?

Yes, Audacity Rigid Core is compatible with embedded radiant floor heating systems. You should ensure the radiant heat surface temperature doesn’t exceed 30°C (85°F). For more details, please refer to the installation manual.

7. What are the elements of an ideal installation?

  • Ensure that the subfloor is flat and level (3/16” / 5mm within a 10ft / 3m span).
  • The subfloor moisture level must be max. 2.5% moisture content (CM method).
  • Crawl space and/or basement should be ventilated and dry. A minimum 6-mil / 0.15mm poly sheeting should be used as a moisture barrier.
  • For floor surfaces exceeding 4356ft2 / 400sqm2 and or lengths exceeding 66ft / 20m and overlaps to new rooms and floor surface which do not join symmetrically, use expansion joints to divide the floor sections.
  • For installation instructions and tips, please see our detailed Audacity Rigid Core Installation Manual.

8. How large is the area that Audacity Rigid Core can be installed over before having to use transition strips?

Audacity Rigid Core installation allows up to 20m (66ft), in either direction, or over an area of 400m² (4356 sq. ft.) with no unsightly transition moldings needed as long as the flooring can freely move. Make sure to respect the 6mm (1/4″) expansion space around the perimeters of the room.

9. Do I need to install a molding for each door opening?

As long as you are within the limit that does not require transition strips, unsightly door transitions are fortunately not required either! Audacity Rigid Core installation allows up to 20m (66ft.) in either direction, or over an area of 400m² (4356 sq.ft.) with no transition moldings needed. Make sure to respect the 6mm (1/4″) expansion space around the perimeters of the room.

10. Does the subfloor need to be leveled prior to installing Audacity Rigid Core?

Although Audacity Rigid Core, thanks to it rigidity, hides minor subfloor imperfections, the subfloor must be clean and level to 5mm (3/16”) within a 3m (10 foot) span.

11. How large is the area that Audacity can be installed over before having to use transition strips?

Audacity installation allows up to 66ft / 20m, in either direction, with no unsightly transition moldings needed as long as the flooring can freely move. Or a total of 4356sq.ft2 / 400sqm2. Make sure to respect the 1/4″ / 6mm expansion space around the perimeters of the room.

12. Do the grout lines on my existing flooring need to be leveled before installing Audacity Rigid Core?

For installation over existing tile, you would need a self-leveling compound to fill in low grouted joint areas.

13. Does Audacity Rigid Core require an underlayment?

When installing Audacity Rigid Core, underlayment is not required because of the pre-attached backing Audacity Rigid Core Sound Insulation Class is already very good with an IIC rating of 66dB (ASTM E492-09).

14. Does Audacity Rigid Core require a moisture barrier?

Moisture barrier is recommended; however, it is not required. Although this floor is waterproof, it is not aimed to be used as a moisture barrier. The subfloor must be dry (the maximum moisture content of the screed is 1.5% (CM method) or Concrete moisture vapor emissions should not exceed 8lbs ASTM F1869 or 90%RH (ASTM F2170) with a PH limit of 9. For floors outside of this range a 6 mil poly-film is required. This product is also not to be installed in areas that have a risk of flooding, such as saunas or outdoor areas.

15. What is the recommended expansion space for Audacity Rigid Core?

The recommended expansion gap is 1/4″ (6mm).

16. What should be the pH of the concrete slab prior to installation?

If you wish to glue down the flooring to a concrete subfloor, it is recommended to measure the pH level of the concrete prior to installation. A too high alkalinity may cause damage to the adhesives and primers. The ideal condition for most flooring adhesives is an alkalinity-pH level of 9.0pH or less than 9.0pH, at the surface of the concrete BEFORE you install the floor. The exact pH level required is to be determined by the adhesive manufacturer.

17. For bathroom installations, how should Audacity Rigid Core be installed around the toilet? Are there any caulking specifications for areas you can't cover with a trim piece, like around showers and tubs?

Depending on the project, you can allow the toilet to be placed directly on top of Audacity Rigid Core. Otherwise, you could trim/cut it tight to the toilet as well. For caulking, please use a silicone caulk.

18. Do I need to acclimate my Audacity Rigid Core floor before installation?

Audacity Rigid Core is extremely stable to temperature variations and it is in general not necessary to acclimate, unlike standard laminate or LVT which usually requires leaving your floor in open boxes 24 to 48h in the room you will install before installation.

19. Can I install kitchen cabinets directly over my Audacity Rigid Core floor?

Do not install your kitchen cabinets directly over your Audacity Rigid Core floor. Audacity Rigid Core quality can be guaranteed as long as the floor can move freely.

20. Can I install Audacity Rigid Core on a wall or ceiling?

Yes, you can. For wall and ceiling installation the planks need to be fully glued down on the substrate. Many designers use Audacity Rigid Core for partial wall installation because of the unique and highly realistic color available in the Audacity Rigid Core selection. Note: the Audacity Rigid Core warranty does not cover wall installation.

FAQ MAINTENANCE

1. Can I use rugs or mats on my Audacity Rigid Core floor?

Yes. We recommend non-staining vinyl-backed mats or woven rugs. We do not recommend the use of rubber- or latex-backed mats because the chemical (antioxidant) used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can permanently stain your floor.

2. If water seeps through the bevels, can it damage the subfloor?

The planks themselves are waterproof, but once installed they do not provide a fully airtight surface. Water can still seep through the bevels if left over 24 hours. Water spillage as is the case in bathrooms and kitchens won’t damage the floor but standing water must be avoided at all times. We recommend cleaning up water spillage as soon as possible, before 24 hours pass.

3. Do I need to wax my Audacity Rigid Core floor?

No, it resists staining, is easy to clean and requires no waxing. Waxing is not compatible with this product and using wax will void warranty.

4. How do I replace a damaged flooring panel?

We recommend ensuring that your initial flooring purchase includes several extra Audacity Rigid Core planks in case you have one that needs replacement. Follow these steps to remove and replace a damaged plank:

  • Use a circular saw to make several cuts in the board to be removed. Make sure to use the correct depth of the saw blade and protect the surrounding planks.
  • Use a chisel to carefully break and remove the part of the plank to be removed. Clean all the debris and dust
  • Cut off the groove on the long side and short side of the new plank to be installed.
  • Apply one beam of adhesive on the long side and short side tongue of the existing planks that will receive the new planks.
  • Carefully place the new planks in position and remove the excess of glue immediately with a damp cloth.

5. What type of chair protectors can I use on an Audacity Rigid Core floor?

Support furniture with wide-bearing, non-staining floor protectors. Ideally, the protectors should be at least one inch in diameter, made of non-pigmented, hard plastic and rest flat on the floor. Non-staining felt protectors are also acceptable. Casters with a minimum 20mm (3/4″) flat surface width or floor protectors are recommended for all moveable furniture. Make sure any metal protectors are rustproof. Replace your narrow-dome furniture rests with wide-bearing ones.

6. How do I remove challenging stains?

For chocolate, grease, juice and wine stains, use lukewarm water and a non-abrasive cleaner. Nail polish, tar, markers, crayon, lipstick, ink and cigarette burns can be removed using nail polish remover or denatured alcohol.

7. Can I use a steam mop on my Audacity Rigid Core floor?

The use of residential steam mops on this product is allowed. Use at lowest power with a suitable soft pad, and do not hold a steam mop on one spot for an extended period of time (longer than 5 minutes). Refer to the steam mop’s manufacturer instructions for proper usage.

8. In the event of a flood, will Audacity Rigid Core dry?

Yes, we recommend that Audacity Rigid Core is promptly uninstalled, sorted separately, and placed in a dry environment. Please allow 48-72 hours to dry. Once both your subfloor and Audacity Rigid Core panels have dried completely you may re-install.

9. I'm not happy with my floor. How do I make a claim?

If you feel that you have a warranty related problem, you should take your original purchase receipt, back to the retailer where you purchased the floor and file a warranty claim with that store. The store will then contact us to begin the warranty process. An inspector may come to your home to evaluate the conditions and determine what caused the problem. Once an evaluation is complete you will be contacted with the results. The whole process could take up to 30 business days, depending on the circumstances, although most issues are resolved much faster.