Tilo simpleFIX Instruction sheet

INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
simpleFIX
floating installation,
suitable for dry areas
www.tilo.com

Thank you for choosing high-quality flooring products from tilo. All of our products undergo thorough quality control
checks and meet high standards of quality.
These installation guidelines provide important information and tips to ensure that the floor is installed correctly. Read
each step carefully. tilo can only honour the relevant warranties if the flooring has been installed correctly.
Differences between tilo installation guidelines
tilo installation guidelines differ depending on the installation system they describe (powerFIX, tiloFIX, simpleFIX,
tongue and groove), the type of installation (floating or full-spread gluing) and the area of application (dry locations,
4h moisture protection or damp locations). Please check whether these installation guidelines are correct for your
floor as well as the installation system, the type of installation and the area of application. More information can be
found on our website www.tilo.com.
Rooms with large windows
Please note that in rooms large windows in particular, changes in colour caused by UV light cannot be ruled out
completely and are therefore product-specific. Shading may be necessary
These guidelines describe a floating installation of the simpleFIX installation system. Products installed in this manner
are laid on top of the subfloor without being affixed to it. A gap is left along each edge of the floor to allow for
expansion and shrinkage caused by the climatic conditions. Heavy furniture and fixed installations must not impede
floor's ability to "float".
Area of application
Suitable for living spaces with a regular room climate with 40 to 60 % relative air humidity and between 16 and 24 ° C.
Not suitable for damp locations and wet locations.
Important information
We recommend that installation is carried out by an appropriately trained professional. Only a professional is able to
sufficiently assess the readiness for installation of the subsurface and, in particular, the physical structure of the
construction and its environment. Professional installers are familiar with the rules of the trade and the standards that
must be complied with for successful installation.
Prior to installation, the product should be inspected for possible defects in adequate light conditions. Any
subsequent damage caused by installing a product with errors that could have been identified beforehand will not
qualify for compensation. Small variations in colour and texture are a characteristic feature of the wood and are
unavoidable.
The Installation requires a small amount of force. The locking system may be damaged if the installation is not
performed properly.
Preface
Before you start
simpleFIX floating installation 1

Points to note before installation
We recommend that the product is stored, unopened, in the rooms in which it will be installed (at a temperature
between 18 and 24 °C) for as long as possible, until complete acclimatisation has taken place. 48 hours is usually
sufficient for temperature equalisation. Humidity equalisation can take considerably longer, however.
The product should only be installed in rooms in which floor surface temperatures are maintained at between 18 °C
and 29 °C and relative air humidity is maintained at between 40 to 60 % in order to avoid excessive swelling and
shrinkage of the materials. The ideal climate is 20 °C with 50 % relative air humidity.
Please ensure that all structural tasks have been completed before the installation. Dust and construction waste may
damage the product. In particular, ensure that all work that could introduce moisture (e.g. painting) is completed.
Humidity
The relative air humidity should be between 40 % and 60 %. During the heating period, particularly in the event of
excessive surface temperature or insufficient relative air humidity, gaps may appear between the individual elements.
Polyethylene foil
Always install at least 0.2 mm thick polyethylene foil, with vapour barrier properties, under the flooring elements. This
foil not only protects against moisture but also, most importantly, creates a smooth surface to enable unimpeded
floating of the floor. The strips must overlap by at least 20 cm. Better still, seal the edges against moisture with an
adhesive tape. Pull the foil approx. 3 cm up the walls.
No impact sound insulation
When using products with integrated impact sound insulation, additional impact sound insulation improvement
measures are almost impossible and therefore not necessary. If additional underlays are used in spite of this, please
be advised that underlays that are too soft are not suitable for the glueless installation system.
Expansion joints
We recommend discussing the need for and the positioning of the required expansion joints (large surface areas,
oddly shaped rooms, unusual construction conditions, etc.) with an appropriately trained professional. Any expansion
joints can be covered using suitable coverings.
Expansion joints determined by the on-site subsurface (e.g. where screeds from different rooms meet) must be
reflected in the flooring too.
Installation size
An expansion joint must be installed in rooms that are bigger than 10 m in the lengthways direction of the planks and
bigger than 8 m in the transverse direction of the planks.
simpleFIX floating installation 2

Underfloor heating
Prefinished floor panels are suitable for low temperature / warm water radiant heating systems. Prior to the installation
the subfloor must be heated up in accordance with the standards (for further information, especially for installation
over electric underfloor heating systems, see "TI_025_Richtlinien_Verlegung_auf_Fussbodenheizung_en.pdf"). The
maximum temperature of the surface must not exceed 29 °C, even at the edges of the room and under carpets and
furniture. The heating should be equipped with flow temperature regulation. Electric floor heating systems are only
suitable with surface temperature control (gentle heating characteristic).
Readiness for installation
Readiness for installation of the subsurface must be tested in accordance with DIN 18356 "Laying of parquet flooring
and wood block flooring" or DIN 18365 "Flooring works" and finished accordingly. ÖNORM B2236/ÖNORM B5236
must be used respectively. This means, for example, that the subsurface must be clean, free from cracks, sturdy, flat
and dry. Small areas of unevenness (drops of paint, plaster residues, etc.) and textile floor coverings (carpets, needle
felt, etc) must be removed.
Permissible screed moisture, without subsequent moisture, according to the CM method valid for unmodified
standard screeds:
For cement screed: < 2.0 % CM (with underfloor heating < 1.8 % CM)
For anhydrite screed < 0.3 % CM (with underfloor heating < 0.3 % CM)
Please ensure compliance with the relevant national standards.
Alternatively the ERH method (=Equilibrium Relative Humidity) can be applied for measuring the screed
moisture.
For cement screed according to ERH method: without underfloor heating ≤ 65 % rLF; with underfloor heating
≤ 60 % rLF
Screeds that are not standard (e.g. rapid screed, unknown equilibrium moisture content or modified in any other
way), must be measured using the ERH method. In that case or if both CM and ERH methods are used, the
measurement of the ERH method is deciding if the screed ist sufficiently dry.
The unevenness of the subsurface may not exceed the values shown in Line 4 of Table 3 of the latest version of DIN
18202 "Flatness tolerances". As a rule of thumb, at a measuring length of 1 m, the unevenness of the floor may not
exceed 3 mm.
Flatness tolerances at measuring lengths of more or less than 1 m can be found in the diagram contained in the
standard.
Usage
Please note that material-dependent changes may lead to bulging of the installed floor. Cracks, gaps or splinters can
also appear. Joint-like edge formations can pose a risk of injury to humans and animals.
simpleFIX floating installation 3

Tools required
installation wedges, tapping block, pull bar (we recommend the tilo installation set, order number Z1043), hammer,
bracket, hand or electric saw (jigsaw, circular saw or chop saw).
Polyethylene foil and impact sound insulation
Lay the 0.2 mm polyethylene foil (see above) and check whether impact sound insulation is required.
Determining the direction of installation
Determine the direction of installation and measure the room. If the last row will be less than 5 cm wide, cut the first
row narrower. Make sure to take into account any unevenness in the wall.
Step 1: First plank
Work from left to right. Lay the first plank in the left corner of the room with the tongue side facing the wall. Use the
installation wedges to make sure there is an expansion joint of approx. 10 mm between the planks and the wall.
Step 2: second plank
Line up the second plank precisely with the first plank, laying it flush against the short end of the first plank. To lock
the simpleFIX locking system, press down onto the short end of the locking system using the heel of your hand.
Ensure that the lengthwise edges are flush. If correction is required, either lift up the planks or lightly tap them with
the tilo tapping block until they are flush.
Step 3: Completing the first row
Continue in this manner until the last plank of the first row. Cut this plank to the appropriate size. Make sure to leave
an expansion joint between the plank and the wall.
Step 4: Second row
The second row can be started off using the offcut from the first row, if the short end offset is at least 30 cm. If not, cut
the first plank of the second row as appropriate. Make sure to maintain a short end offset of at least 30 cm.
Step 5: First plank of the second row
Lever the offcut into the longitudinal groove of the first row. To lever the plank in, tilt it to approx. 20° and insert the
longitudinal tongue into the longitudinal groove. Lower the plank completely by tapping gently with the tilo tapping
block on the longitudinal side. The lightly tapping supports the positive locking of the glueless locking system. This
helps the joint to seal as tightly as possible. The locking system along the long side can be damaged if the plank is
not lowered carefully enough.
Step 6: Second plank of the second row
Lever the second plank of the second row into the longitudinal groove of the first row. At the same time, press the
short end of the second plank tightly up against the short end of the first plank. Lower the plank by gently tapping it
with the tilo tapping block.
Installation guidelines
simpleFIX floating installation 4

Step 7: Locking the simpleFIX locking system
To lock the short end of the simple FIX locking system, press down onto it using the heel of your hand. In order to seal
the short end of the locking system as tightly as possible tap again on the exposed short end using the tilo tapping
block, after the locking system is in place.
Step 8: Continuing the installation
Continue to install the rest of the rows of planks as described.
Step 9: Last row of planks
When cutting the last row of planks, make sure to take into consideration the necessary distance from the wall and
install them as described. Use a pull bar to ensure that the longitudinal locking system seals as tightly as possible.
Close the short end of the locking system as described above.
Step 10: Finishing touches
The floor can be walked on immediately after installation. Remove the installation wedges and the excess
polyethylene sheeting. Fix the skirting boards to the wall using tilo Clipstar or screws; never secure them to the
flooring.
simpleFIX floating installation 5

Sawing direction for wood material
In order to achieve a clean cut, saw from the top side to the underside using a handsaw, or if using an electric jigsaw
or circular hand saw, cut from the underside to the top side.
Cut-outs for heating pipes or similar
Drill a hole with a diameter approx. 2 cm larger than the diameter of the pipe. Working from the hole outwards, cut
out a V-shape towards the edge of the plank. Install the plank and glue the V-shaped plank piece back in. Attach a
pipe sleeve.
Installation of floorboards under door frames
Lay a loose plank face-down against the door frame and saw the door frame off along the length of the plank using a
backsaw.
Removing the locking mechanism
If the planks cannot be levered in due to on-site conditions (sliding under door frames or runners etc.), remove the
protruding "bulge" of the lower locking element. The locking system is now equivalent to a tongue and groove
system and must be glued. Thus, the planks can simply be pushed into the connecting groove without the need to
lever them in.
simpleFIX floating installation 6
This information is provided with the intention of offering you advice based on the best of our knowledge, on the basis of our
trials, experiences, tests carried out, applicable standards and the rules of the trade. Should you require any additional
information, our technical and commercial advisors will be happy to assist you. Always consult our advisors for advice before
starting any large-scale projects. We assume no liability for any errors and reserve the right to carry out technical modifications.
Please visit www.tilo.com for further information and updates.
Version: 04.00.022022
tilo GmbH | Magetsham 19 | AT-4923 Lohnsburg
[phone] | [e-mail] | www.tilo.com
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