Robbins Company Flooring User manual

FLOOR CARE AND
PRODUCT ARRANTY GUIDE

Care and Maintenance Guidelines for Robbins®
ForEver II™and ForEver II Satin Finish Floors
Proper care and maintenance will help ensure your floor always looks its best.
Simply follow our maintenance and prevention steps outlined below.
Robbins Recommended Floor Care Products
Armstrong®or Bruce®Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner: For use on all
finished hardwood flooring products marketed by Armstrong. A unique cleaner
that lifts soil from the surface of the urethane finish without leaving a film.
Simply apply the cleaner onto a clean cloth for cleaning small areas or spray
directly onto the floor and use an Armstrong or Bruce swivel-head mop with
cloth cover for cleaning the entire area.
Armstrong or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Cleaning System: An all-in-one,
easy-to-use, quick-cleaning kit for all urethane-finished hardwood and laminate
floors. Kit includes one spray bottle of Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner;
one large, swivel-head mop that collapses for easy reach under furniture and
appliances; and one cloth mop cover that is both reversible and machine
washable.
Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Microfiber Cleaning System: An all-in-one, easy-
to-use, quick-cleaning kit for all urethane-finished hardwood and laminate floors.
Kit includes one spray bottle of Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner; one
swivel-head mop with telescoping pole that collapses for easy reach under
furniture and appliances and two microfiber mop covers.
Armstrong or Bruce Replacement Mop Covers: Each pack contains two soft,
absorbent, terry cloth covers, elastic-fitted for quick and easy replacement on
the swivel-head mop. Covers are reversible and machine washable.
Bruce Microfiber Cleaning System Replacement Mop Cover: Each pack
contains one soft, absorbent, microfiber cover.
Armstrong Restore or Bruce Fresh Finish: An easy do-it-yourself touch-up for
all pre-finished urethane hardwood floors. A great alternative to sanding and
recoating, it restores the original gloss level of your floor even after years of
traffic and wear. Available in two gloss levels – regular gloss for semi to high
gloss floors and low gloss for ultra low to low gloss floors.
Touch-Up Kit: Used for blending scratches and nicks on urethane-finished
floors.The kit contains touch-up markers and filler sticks that blend with the
factory-finished stains plus complete instructions and materials to easily repair
many problems.
Acrylic Filler: Designed to conveniently fill gaps, small openings and broken
edges. Simply apply the material on the area to be repaired and wipe away
excess with a damp towel.
Armstrong or Bruce Floor Protector Pads: For use on the feet of furniture
and appliances to guard against scratching, abrasion and indentations.
Initial Care:
Following installation, clean the floor by sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming
and use Armstrong or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner. f the floor
was glued down, remove any residual adhesive with Armstrong Adhesive
Cleaner.
Ongoing Routine Care and Maintenance:
1. NEVER CLEAN OR ET MOP ITH ATER. Water may permanently
damage the floor.
2. Area rugs are recommended in front of kitchen sinks, at all pivot points and
within high-traffic areas. Do not use rugs with solid rubber or vinyl backings.
The rugs must be made of a breathable material to prevent moisture
entrapment.
3. Use interior and exterior doormats at all entrances to collect dirt and
moisture and prevent it from being tracked onto the floor.
4. Protect your floor from direct sunlight. Use curtains and UV resistant film
on large glass doors and windows. Move area rugs occasionally as they
block sunlight and may give the appearance of discoloring under the rug.
5. Keep animal nails trimmed to minimize finish scratches.
6. Do not damage your floor with shoes having heel taps or sharp objects
protruding from the sole such as rocks, exposed nails and gravel.
7. Avoid walking on wood floors with spike- or stiletto-heeled shoes. Spike or
stiletto high-heels must be properly maintained to prevent damage from
the steel heel support.
8. Do not roll or slide heavy objects directly upon the floor.When moving
appliances or heavy furniture, consider laying a solid protective covering on
your floor and gently “walk” the item across it. Carpet or cardboard is not
adequate to prevent surface compression scratches.
9. Use protective casters/caster cups or felt pads on the legs of furniture to
prevent damage to the flooring. Make certain to keep them clean and well
maintained.
10. Certain types of casters on furniture may damage hardwood flooring.
Barrel-type caster wheels or wide, flat glides are best for protecting your
hardwood floor. f your furniture does not have the right type of caster, we
recommend that you change them. Use Armstrong or Bruce floor
protector pads or protective caster/caster cups on the legs of furniture to
prevent damage to the flooring. Make certain to keep them clean and well
maintained.
11. Keep the relative humidity in your home between 35% and 55%.
12. Never use any of the following products (or products similar in nature) on
your floor: ammonia-based cleaners, acrylic finishes, wax-based products,
detergents, bleach, polishes, oil soap, abrasive cleaning soaps, or acidic
materials such as vinegar. Many of these products can pit or etch the finish
of your flooring or prevent the proper use of recommended maintenance
materials.
13. Vacuum, sweep or dust-mop your floor once a week, or more if needed.
The vacuum head must be brush or felt, and a wand attachment is
preferable. Do not use vacuums with beater bars or hard heads. An
Armstrong swivel-head mop with terry cloth cover is also highly
recommended to eliminate finer particles of grit and dirt that can act like
sandpaper on hardwood floors..
14. Spills and tracked-in dirt should be wiped up immediately. For spot cleaning,
apply Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner onto a clean cloth
and rub onto the spot. Never apply wax treatments to your urethane-
coated floor.
15. Regularly clean the floor with Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor
Cleaner using the recommended swivel-head mop with cloth cover. Spray
the floor cleaner directly onto the floor or on the mop cover. DO NOT
allow excess cleaner to remain on the floor’s surface. Excess liquid may
damage the fiber of the wood.
Quick Fix Tips
Spo s caused by Food/Wa er/Animals
• Apply Armstrong or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner to a clean
soft cloth.
• Rub the area to remove the stain or spot.
• More stubborn spots may require additional cleaning with odorless mineral
spirits, followed by cleaning with Armstrong or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate
Floor Cleaner.
Grease/Lips ick/Crayon/Ink Spo s/Rubber Heel Marks
• Apply Armstrong or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner to a clean
soft cloth.
• Rub the area to remove the stain or spot.
• f stain remains, rub with a cloth dampened with odorless mineral spirits,
followed by cleaning with Armstrong or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor
Cleaner.
Chewing Gum/Candle Wax
• Apply a sealed plastic bag filled with ice on top of the deposit.
• Wait until deposit becomes brittle enough to crumble off.
• After deposit has been removed, clean entire area with Armstrong or Bruce
Hardwood & Laminate.
Minor Abrasions/Scra ches
• Use an Armstrong Touch-Up Kit or Armstrong Acrylic Filler, that blends with
your factory stained floor color to make minor repairs. in smaller areas.
• Apply Armstrong Restore Hardwood Floor Finish or Armstrong Restore Low
Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish to recondition larger areas.
Chips, broken edges and gaps
• Blend area with appropriate Armstrong touch up pen or fill stick from an
Armstrong Touch-Up Kit or the appropriate Armstrong Acrylic Filler.
Deep Scra ches/Gouges
• ndividual planks, strips or parquets that are heavily gouged or damaged may
be repaired with Armstrong Acrylic Filler or Armstrong Touch-Up Kit. Major
damage will require board replacement..
• f needed, the entire floor can be refurbished by applying one or more coats
of Armstrong Restore Hardwood Floor Finish or Armstrong Restore Low
Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish.
2

Warranty
ho is Covered?
All warranties in this Limited Warranty Guide are given only to the original
retail purchaser of our product. Our warranties are not transferable.
hat is Covered and For How Long?
The limited warranties described in this guide are subject to the product
applications, limitations, disclaimers and exclusions described below and are
effective for floors purchased after February 17, 2010. All warranties run from
the date of retail purchase for the applicable period described in this guide.
hat Are You Responsible For Under Our arranties?
To be covered under our warranties (except under the Pre-installation Defects
Warranty) you need to retain your sales slip and make sure that the flooring is
properly installed in accordance with our installation instructions provided with
the flooring. To be covered under our Subfloor Moisture Protection Warranty,
keep your proof of pre-installation moisture test results and sales slip
confirming use of our recommended adhesives and Armstrong S-135 VapArrest
Professional Moisture Retardant System. To be covered under our warranties
when installing over a radiant-heated subfloor, keep the flooring surface at or
below 85˚ F (29˚ C) and the relative humidity between 35% and 55%. You
must also properly care for your new floor using our easy-to-follow
maintenance instructions within this brochure. We recommend that you use
only our specially formulated floor care products to preserve your flooring. Use
of floor care or sundry products (i.e. adhesives) other than those we have
specially formulated and recommend for use with our flooring products may
damage your floor and void this warranty.
hat ill e Do If Any Of The Covered Events Occur?
f any of the covered events listed in this guide occurs within the warranty
periods specified for the respective flooring product, we will recoat, refinish, fill
or furnish comparable flooring (of our manufacture and of similar color, pattern,
and quality), for either the repair of the defective area or the replacement of
the floor, at our option. n the unlikely event that we are unable to correct the
problem after a reasonable number of attempts, we will refund the portion of
the purchase price for the section of failed flooring. f your floor was
professionally installed, we will also pay reasonable labor costs for the direct
repairs or replacement within the first five years of the warranty period, or the
length of the warranty period, whichever is less based on the following
schedule:
First two years of warranty period: labor reimbursed at 100% of reasonable
and customary charges.Three to five years of warranty period: labor
reimbursed at 50% of reasonable and customary charges.
These warranties do not include the removal or replacement of cabinets,
fixtures, retail markups, installation or labor provided by others or supplemental
costs, including but not limited to, relocation during the repair process such as
hotel, meals, or moving and storage of furniture.
For our products with the Subfloor Moisture Protection Warranty, we will
replace or repair (as specified above) such flooring no more than once, which is
your exclusive remedy under this warranty. f the replacement or repair fails in
the same manner a second time, the site conditions will be deemed
unacceptable for the installation of our hardwood floors.
These are the exclusive remedies under this warranty if a defect or other
warranted condition occurs. We reserve the right to verify any claims or defect
by inspection and have samples removed for technical analysis.
hat Is Not Covered By These arranties?
• The Limited Warranties do not cover conditions caused by improper use or
maintenance, such as: (see Care and Maintenance Guidelines)
1. Reduction in gloss, marks, scuffs, scratches, gouges, dents or cuts, including,
without limitation, those caused by pets.
2. Damage caused by negligence, accidents, misuse, or abuse (i.e., dragging
objects across the floor without proper protection).
3. Wear caused by pebbles, sand or other abrasives, construction traffic, or
failure to maintain the floor as required (see Care and Maintenance
Guidelines).
4. Damage caused by caster wheels or vacuum cleaner beater bars.
5. Failure to support furniture with floor protectors that are at least one
inch in diameter, made of non-staining felt or non-pigmented hard plastic,
rest flat on the floor and are replaced regularly.
• Splits, cracks, grain raising, checking, edge fracturing, splintering or chipping
that occurs during or after the floor has been installed and as a result of
abuse, misuse, improper maintenance or care, exposure to excessive
moisture or improper environmental conditions (i.e., low or high humidity)
are not covered by these warranties.The use of a humidifier/dehumidifier may
be necessary to maintain the proper humidity level between 35% - 55%.
• Wood flooring installed in full bathrooms with a shower or tub.
• Damage caused by fire, flooding, and other natural disasters and Acts of God.
• Changes in color due to aging, excessive moisture, exposure to sunlight or
Ultra Violet rays (which may cause oxidation of finish/stain) is not considered
a defect. Certain species including, but not limited to, American Cherry,
Walnut, Brazilian Cherry, and Merbau are especially susceptible to color
change. Area rugs should be moved occasionally, as they block sunlight and
may give the appearance of discoloration under the rug.
• Color, shade, or texture variations between samples, printed color
photography or replacement flooring and the actual material.
• Color variations between flooring and/or samples and other flooring or
wood products, which you wish to match (e.g., cabinets, stair railings, trim,
etc.).
• Deficiencies related to subfloor/floor joist assemblies, subfloor preparation
materials, and fasteners including, but not limited to, uneven subfloor surfaces,
floor deflection or voids in the subfloor.
• Noises including, but not limited to, squeaks, popping, etc.
• A product deformity that is not measurable or that is visible only under
certain light or from a certain angle is not considered a defect and is
therefore not covered by these warranties.Visible defects should be
evaluated by their visibility from a standing position in normal lighting.
• Natural wood characteristics such as variations in grain, color, mineral streaks,
knots, normal differences between color of samples and the color of installed
floors, and color variations from board to board.
• Natural expansion and contraction resulting in separation between boards or
damage caused by low or excessive humidity.
• Products designated as "thrift," "antique," "tavern," "bargain," "cabin grade,"
"seconds," "economy grade," "rustic," "close-out," "off-goods" or "non-
standard." Such products are sold "AS S."
• Floors that are installed in other than owner-occupied or tenant-occupied
residences.
• Commercial installations of residential products.
• Construction or installation-related damage.
• Floors damaged by subfloor moisture or water damage, including without
limitation, due to broken or leaking water pipes, flooding, wet-mopping spills
or weather conditions.
• nstallation defects, including installations made: (i) in violation of applicable
state or local housing or building codes, or (ii) contrary to written instructions
furnished with the product.
NOTE: YOU AND YOUR NSTALLER ARE RESPONS BLE TO NSPECT
FLOOR NG PR OR TO NSTALLAT ON. WE ACCEPT NO RESPONS B L TY
FOR L AB L T ES, CLA MS OR EXPENSES, NCLUD NG LABOR COSTS,
WHERE FLOOR NG W TH V S BLE DEFECTS HAS BEEN NSTALLED.
hat Is Excluded From These arranties?
None of our installers, retailers, distributors or employees has the authority to
alter the obligations, limitations, disclaimers or exclusions under any of our
warranties.
WE EXCLUDE AND W LL NOT BE L ABLE FOR OR PAY NC DENTAL,
CONSEQUENT AL OR SPEC AL DAMAGES UNDER OUR WARRANT ES.
By this we mean any loss, expense, or damage other than to the flooring itself
that may result from a defect in the flooring. Our limited warranties constitute
the only express warranties for the product purchased.
TO THE EXTENT PERM TTED BY LAW AND FOR ALL NON-CONSUMER
PRODUCT, ALL WARRANT ES OTHER THAN OUR L M TED WARRANT ES,
EXPRESS OR MPL ED, NCLUD NG ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTAB L TY OR F TNESS FOR A PART CULAR PURPOSE, ARE
D SCLA MED. F ANY MPL ED WARRANTY AR SES UNDER STATE LAW,
ANY AND ALL MPL ED WARRANT ES ( NCLUD NG ANY WARRANTY OF
3

LifetimeStructural ntegrityWarranty(1)
Residential Finish Warranty(inyears) (2)
3times Sanding Warranty(3)
1timeSanding Warranty(3)
AdhesiveBond Warranty(4)
SubfloorMoistureProtectionWarranty(5)
Pre-installationDefectsWarranty(6)
SuitableforRadiant-heated Subfloors(7)
25-YEAR
ENGINEERED
Artesian Classics™ Collection x 25 xxxx
Bretton Forest™ Maple x 25 xxxx
Fenton Crest™ Collection x 25 xxxx
Fifth Avenue™ Plank x 25 xxxxx
Halifax™ Hand-sculpted Collection x 25 xxxx
Handford™ Collection x 25 xxxx
New Traditional™ Plank x 25 xxxxx
Passeggiata™ Collection x 25 xxxxx
Urban Exotics™ Collection x 25 xxxx
SOLID
Ascot™ Plank x 25 xx
Ascot Strip x 25 xx
Gatsby™ Collection x 25 x
Urban Exotics™ Solid Collection x 25 xx
15-YEAR
ENGINEERED
Ashcroft™ Plank x 15 xxxx
Austin Plank® x 15 xxxxx
Huntington Plank® x 15 xxxxx
SOLID
Warren™ Plank x 15 xx
Warren Strip x 15 xx
MERCHANTAB L TY AND F TNESS FOR A PART CULAR PURPOSE) ARE
L M TED N DURAT ON TO THE DURAT ON OF TH S WR TTEN
WARRANTY,TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
SOME JUR SD CT ONS DO NOT ALLOW EXCLUS ON OR L M TAT ONS
OF NC DENTAL OR CONSEQUENT AL DAMAGES OR L M TAT ONS ON
HOW LONG AN MPL ED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE
L M TAT ONS OR EXCLUS ONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
THESE WARRANT ES G VE YOU SPEC F C LEGAL R GHTS, AND YOU MAY
ALSO HAVE OTHER R GHTS WH CH VARY FROM JUR SD CT ONTO
JUR SD CT ON.
hat Should You Do IfYou Have A Problem?
We want you to be happy with your floor purchase. f you are not, call your
retail store first.They can answer your questions and, if necessary, start to
process a claim. f you have further questions, please contact us at:
Armstrong Floor Products Claim Center
P. O. Box 3001
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604-3001
1 800 233 3823
PLEASE KEEP YOUR SALES RECE PT. NFORMAT ON REGARD NG THE
CLA MED DEFECT AND DATE AND PROOF OF PURCHASE MUST BE
PROV DED.
MPORTANT NOTE:While the majority of claims are resolved with the help of
your retailer within 30 days from the day you contact them, some claims may
require additional attention. n the unlikely event that your claim is not resolved
within 30 days, please contact the Armstrong Floor Products Claim Center
indicated above no later than 60 days from the date you first discovered the
problem with your floor. t is your responsibility to file a timely claim to protect
your rights under these warranties.
4
Footnotes
(1) We warrant that the covered products, in their original manufactured
condition, will be free from defects in grading, lamination and assembly for
as long as you (the original purchaser) own the floor.
(2) We warrant to you (the original purchaser) that for the period indicated,
the finish on the covered product will not wear through, and that the finish
will not separate from the wood flooring under normal household use
when maintained in accordance with our recommended maintenance
guidelines. Mechanical, chemical, or other modification of the finish, such as
sanding or abrading, voids this warranty.
(3) We warrant to you (the original purchaser) that the covered products may
be professionally sanded and refinished at least (3) times or (1) time as
specified by product if proper sanding and refinishing procedures are
followed as specified by the National Wood Flooring Association
(www.nwfa.org). Sanding voids (2). Mechanical, chemical, or other
modification of the finish, such as sanding or abrading, voids this warranty.
(4) We warrant to you (the original purchaser) that, each of our
recommended adhesives will maintain its bond when properly installed
with our covered flooring products and when maintained in accordance
with our recommended maintenance guidelines. For residential installations,
the adhesive bond warranty will remain in effect for as long as you own
your floor.
(5) Residential arranty for Armstrong S-135 VapArrest
We warrant that, when the Armstrong S-135 VapArrest Professional
Moisture Retardant System is used in conjunction with our recommended
urethane adhesives for each of the covered hardwood flooring products,
will not release from the subfloor for as long as you (the original
purchaser) own your floor. A pre-installation moisture test is not required,
provided that the subfloor is visually dry before installation and all other
installation instructions are followed.This is a one-time repair and
replacement warranty only.

5
© 2010 AW Licensing Company
Trademarks owned by AW Licensing Company or Armstrong Hardwood Flooring Company
WR-1035-210
Armstrong Customer Relations and Technical Services:
1 800 233 3823
www.robbins.com
PLEASE SEND CORRESPONDENCE TO:
Customer Relations and Technical Services
Armstrong World ndustries, nc.
PO Box 3001
Lancaster, PA 17604-3001
(6) We warrant that the covered products are manufactured in accordance
with accepted industry standards, which permit grading deficiencies not to
exceed 5% over the entire floor.You or your installer should carefully
inspect the products before installation for any milling, dimension or visual
defects.The installer must use reasonable selectivity and hold out or cut off
pieces with deficiencies. Since wood is a natural product, there will be
natural variations in color, tone and grain that are not covered by our
warranties. The pre-installation warranty expires upon installation.
(7) Floors installed over radiant heated subfloors, but not indicated as suitable
for radiant heat, will void all warranty coverage