Flooring Products

Application Guidelines

Subfloor Preparation:

All substrates must be clean, dry, structurally sound, properly cured and free of dirt, oil, paint, old adhesive, wax, sealers and curing agents. General scouring with 20 grit or #3 1/2 open-coat sandpaper will remove most compounds. All loose materials must be vacuumed from the surface after scouring. For installation of wood flooring products (engineered, solids, bamboo and laminate floors) and resilient floors, the subfloor must be flat to a tolerance of 3/16” in a 10’ radius. Hollow spots, popping spots and squeaks are related to unevenness in the subfloor. This product is for concrete subfloors only. Grinding of concrete floors is preferred over the use of filling compounds. If filling/flattening compounds are used, they must be Portland-based cementitious material and have a compressive strength equal to or greater than 3000 psi when cured. When using cementitious materials, they must be rated for the moisture content in the concrete slab. Always use the highest rated materials for moisture because the moisture levels will change. Consult the cementitious manufacturer’s application directions. Use of Titebond 531 over light weight concrete and all gypsum-based materials requires the use of an approved concrete primer prior to application of Titebond 531. Remove all existing base, shoe molding and door thresholds prior to continuing the installation.

For the installation of resilient flooring products (vinyl, VCT, LVT, etc.), apply Titebond 531. After it has cured, apply a ¼ inch thick layer of Portland-based cementitious material (with a compressive strength equal to or greater than 3000 psi when cured) to create a porous substrate. Follow cementitious materials manufacturer’s recommendations for application to Titebond 531.

Mixing Directions:

DO NOT THIN. DO NOT HAND MIX. Begin mixing both components in the Part A pail using a power mixer (e.g. 1/2” drill and paint or plaster paddle). Mix thoroughly for three minutes. Once Titebond 531 is completely mixed, the working time is 30 minutes. The portions are pre-measured to assure optimal performance. DO NOT MODIFY OR ESTIMATE.

Application Directions:

Apply Titebond 531 directly to a clean and dry surface. Apply with a 3/8” nap roller immediately after mixing. Pour a “wet-line” approximately 3” wide the length of the room and spread with a roller. The product may also be used from a pan. Avoid excessive pressure on the roller so that an adequate amount of material will be spread. Excessive pressure will thin the material application. For best results, when using gallon size, divide the area into 4 sections and use 1/4 of the mixed product in each section. Do not extend the coverage as this will result in a voided warranty. Working time is 30 minutes once completely mixed.

Application Conditions:

For best results, do not apply Titebond 531 when the temperature is below 65°F. Temperatures below 65°F may lead to increased curing time. Additionally, applications below 65°F are subject to a phenomenon known as “blushing”, which is an oily or waxy coating that can cover Titebond 531. If blushing occurs, it must be wiped with a solvent and allowed to dry. Follow solvent manufacturer’s directions when working with solvents and other flammable materials. Do not apply Titebond 531 if temperatures exceed 100°F. Applications exceeding 100°F will result in the product curing too quickly, which may jeopardize the quality of the bond to concrete.

Curing Time:

Flooring may be installed over Titebond 531 after the product is tack free or about 4-6 hours at 70°F. Be aware that temperatures below 65°F may increase curing time. Do not attempt to install flooring over Titebond 531 after 72 hours. If installation is delayed beyond 72 hours, the subfloor must be lightly abraded using a buffer. Clean the floor thoroughly before applying adhesive.

Cleanup:

Fresh coatings and tools can be easily cleaned with mineral spirits. Follow solvent manufacturer’s directions when working with solvents and other flammable materials.

Limitations:

Moisture Content Limitations: Gold Warranty Only: All applications are subject to moisture and should be tested for moisture prior to installation. Titebond 531 should be used on all concrete substrates where a calcium chloride reading is below 12 lbs./24 hours/per 1000 square feet. Concrete subfloors with a reading over 12 lbs. must be allowed to dry out prior to using Titebond 531. Do not install Titebond 531 on below-grade installations. There are no moisture content limitations when terms of the Platinum Warranty have been met. Refer to warranty section for complete details.

Moisture Testing: Gold Warranty Only: All applications are subject to moisture and should be tested for moisture prior to installation. Moisture testing must be completed and recorded PRIOR to using the Titebond 531 for the Gold Warranty to be obtained. Concrete subfloor that exceeds 12 lbs./1000 sq. ft./24 hours per a Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM F1869) or 85% relative humidity (RH) when tested with an in situ probe (ASTM F2170) should be allowed to dry out before applying Titebond 531 unless terms of the Platinum Warranty have been met. Do not install Titebond 531 on below-grade installations. There is no moisture content testing or limitations when terms of the Platinum Warranty have been met. Refer to warranty section for complete details.

Ventilation:Titebond 531 contains solvent. Positive cross ventilation is required at all times. Extinguish all pilot lights and flames prior to mixing or applying.

• Titebond 531 can be used in conjunction with all of our wood flooring adhesives to achieve wood flooring moisture mitigation, except Titebond 231.
• Do not install on below-grade installations
• Do not apply below if temperatures exceed 100°F
• Do not install flooring over Titebond 531 after 72 hours
• Not to be partially mixed - follow the recommended directions

WARRANTY INFORMATION — GOLD WARRANTY
Coverage Rate Gold Warranty: 4 mils wet film thickness (400 sq. ft. per mixed gallon unit; 100 sq. ft. per mixed quart unit)
Statement of Gold Warranty: Franklin International (Franklin) warrants to its immediate commercial purchaser for resale (Purchaser) that, for a period of 10 Years for residential applications, or for 5 Years from the date of installation for commercial applications, engineered wood flooring products covered by a valid subfloor moisture warranty that are installed with Titebond Urethane Wood Flooring Adhesives on a concrete subfloor that has been treated with the Titebond 531 Moisture Control System (the Product), will be free of the following moisture related problems due to moisture from the concrete subfloor: cupping, buckling, surface discoloration and release from the subfloor. In addition, Franklin warrants that mold and mildew will not grow on the Product itself for a period of five years after installation.
Obtaining Warranty Performance If Purchaser believes that the above warranty has been breached, Purchaser must promptly notify Franklin International at 2020 Bruck Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207 Attn: Construction Products Technical Service Department. Telephone: 1-800-347-4583. Purchaser must provide its name, address, telephone number, address of the installed Product, identification of the specific Product used, evidence of date of purchase of Product, name and address of installer of Product, results of calcium chloride moisture test performed at time of installation of Product and a statement of its complaint regarding the Product. At Franklin’s request Purchaser shall obtain access to the premises where the Product was installed to enable Franklin or its agents to inspect the installation or shall make reasonable amounts of the affected flooring and/or Product available for Franklin’s inspection. Verification of existing subfloor moisture conditions at the affected site by way of a calcium chloride moisture test may also be required by Franklin. In the event Franklin determines that the above warranty regarding moisture related problems has been breached, upon Franklin’s request, Purchaser will obtain and furnish to Franklin two written estimates from reputable flooring installers regarding the cost of repairs. Franklin will approve one estimate and authorize Purchaser to proceed with repairs by the approved installer. Franklin reserves the right to refuse any estimate and to identify acceptable installers. It is a condition of obtaining warranty performance that repairs be approved in writing by Franklin prior to the time they are made. Franklin will reimburse Purchaser for costs Purchaser actually incurs for labor and materials necessary to repair or replace one time the affected area(s) of the installed wood flooring by the approved installer. In the event Franklin determines that the above warranty regarding mold and mildew resistance of the Product itself has been breached, Franklin will, at its option, replace the affected Product or refund the price paid by Purchaser for the affected Product.
Exclusions from Coverage The above warranty does not apply if: (1) all instructions regarding preparation for, installation and use of the engineered wood flooring products, Titebond Urethane Wood Flooring Adhesives, and Product are not strictly followed; (2) the Product is used for below grade installations; (3) proper job site pre-inspection, installation and maintenance procedures are not followed; (4) the concrete subfloor is not clean, flat, free of debris and structurally sound; (5) the concrete subfloor is not free of visible moisture including darkening of concrete, standing water and condensation, and/or moisture content of concrete subfloor is or becomes greater than 12 lbs. per a Calcium Chloride Test or 85% RH when tested with an in situ probe; (6) the property of the installation does not have proper drainage; (7) moisture related problems are related to flooding, leakage, topical moisture, improper ventilation, improper maintenance or cracks in the subfloor or foundation; or (8) problems arise due to defects in the wood flooring, or misuse or abuse. Further, the Product is not intended for mold or mildew abatement.
Limitations To the extent permitted by law, the obligations set forth above are Franklin’s sole obligations and Purchaser’s exclusive remedies and, except as set forth above, Franklin makes no other warranties concerning the Product whatsoever. FRANKLIN DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE CONCERNING THE PRODUCT. Franklin’s obligations shall be Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy against Franklin for any liability with respect to the Product whether any claim for recovery is based upon or arises out of theories of contract, negligence, tort (including strict liability) or otherwise and that IN NO EVENT SHALL FRANKLIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, including, without limitation, loss of income, loss of time, loss of sales, claims asserted by Purchaser’s customers, injury to personal property or injury to any person. This warranty is made only to Purchaser and is not transferable.

WARRANTY INFORMATION — PLATINUM WARRANTY
Coverage Rate Platinum Warranty: 6.5 mils wet film thickness (250 sq. ft. per mixed gallon unit; 62 sq. ft. per mixed quart unit)
Statement of Platinum Warranty: Franklin International (Franklin) warrants to its immediate commercial purchaser for resale (Purchaser) that, for a period of 10 Years for residential applications, or for 5 Years from the date of installation for commercial applications, engineered wood flooring products covered by a valid subfloor moisture warranty and solids up to 5/8” thick, 5” wide and 4 ft. in length and bamboo products that are installed with recommended Titebond Wood Flooring Adhesives on a concrete subfloor that has been treated with the Titebond 531 Moisture Control System (the Product), will be free of the following moisture related problems due to moisture from the concrete subfloor: cupping, buckling, surface discoloration and release from the subfloor. In addition, Franklin warrants that mold and mildew will not grow on the Product itself for a period of five years after installation.
When terms of the Platinum Warranty have been met (application of the product at the above specified coat weight) there are no moisture content limitations and no moisture testing is required. For installations of solid and bamboo products, Titebond 821 Premium or Titebond 771-Step are the required adhesives.
All other terms, requirements, exclusions and limitations of the Gold Warranty apply to the Platinum Warranty.