3535 E. Coast Highway, #205
Corona del Mar, CA 92625

CONTACT US:
(Phone) 1-877-JIMBOO7
(Fax) 949-719-7780
(E-Mail) info@jimboo.net

JIMBOO, LLC © 2003
All rights reserved.

Even though bamboo flooring is very stable dimensionally, care should be taken to prevent exposure to high moisture conditions before, during, and after installation to ensure a trouble-free long-lived floor.

If you are concerned about a high or low moisture environment for your floor, allow the flooring to acclimate to your location for at least three days by unpacking the bamboo and making small piles in the rooms where it will be installed. This precaution will allow the bamboo to expand or contract prior to installation and minimize any possible gaps or swelling. A moisture meter should show no more than a three percent difference between the moisture level of the sub floor and the bamboo flooring prior to installation. Sub floor material should be no less than 5/8 inch thick for proper fastening strength.

A high moisture crawl space may prevent achieving the desired three percent moisture range between the two materials. In such case a vapor barrier, such as a four to six millimeter polyethylene sheet can be laid over the soil to prevent migration of vapor from the soil into the sub floor material.

Before Installation: The sub floor must be solid, level, clean, and dry. Lay 15 pound building paper directly onto the sub floor as a vapor barrier. This building paper will also server to minimize squeaks caused by small movements in the flooring. Keep in mind that if your sub floor squeaks, your bamboo floor will as well. Leave ¼ inch space between flooring and wall to allow for any expansion.

Two inch long flooring nails, or two inch, 15 gauge flooring staples with a ½ inch crown should be used with a pneumatic or mechanically operated floor nailer. These nailers are struck with a rubber-faced hammer to drive each board tightly up against its neighbor while simultaneously driving the fastener through the tongue of the flooring and into the sub floor.

Care should be taken to properly space the nails eight to 10 inches apart along each floorboard and at least five inches away from each end.

Bamboo flooring can also be installed over a concrete slab with an approved adhesive. As with a wood sub floor, care should be taken that the concrete is flat, clean, and dry. Be sure to test the moisture content of the concrete slab to stay within the 3% recommended moisture range between the flooring and slab. Use any high quality wood floor adhesive available, such as Franklin, Bostik, or Bruce brands, following the manufacturer's recommendations for trowel notch size.

Care and Maintenance: Bamboo flooring should be given the same attentions as any other hardwood floor. Dirt, grit and sand are your hardwood floor's worst enemies. They act like sandpaper on the finish, causing scratches, dents and dulling.
There are a few simple suggestions that you should observe to maintain your floor's natural beauty and warmth:

· Dust mop or vacuum regularly.
· Never wet-mop a bamboo floor.
· Standing water can damage the finish and the bamboo.
· Wipe up food and other spills immediately using a slightly  dampened towel.
· Put soft plastic or felt protector under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
· Lift the furniture to move it --- avoid dragging.
· Place mats and throw rugs at doorways.

Regular wood floor cleaning products can be used. But remember do not over clean. Over cleaning will abrade the finish. When necessary, use clear vinegar and hot water (drying immediately) to give it some extra shine.

First Aid for Surface Finished Floors
If the scratches or stains are in the finish (superficial), the finish is probably a surface finish.

· Scratches: Repair with a touch-up kit made for urethane finishes which are available from any wood flooring retailer.

· Food, water or dark spots (dog spots): Use a cleaner developed specifically for urethane finishes to remove the spot or stain. More stubborn spots may require additional scrubbing with the cleaner and a wood flooring scrub pad made for urethane floors.

· Greasy spots: Rub the grease, lipstick, crayon or oil with a cleaner developed for urethane.

· Cigarette burns: Most common burns can be treated with a touch-up kit made for urethane finishes (rub with sandpaper, stain and refinish). For burns that reach deep into the wood, individual planks boards may need to be replaced.

· Chewing gum, crayon, wax: Apply a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the deposit until it is brittle enough to crumble off. Clean area with a product made for urethane finishes.

Our Friend, The Sun
The ultraviolet rays that can burn and age our skin will affect any organic material, including bamboo. That's why the Mona Lisa is kept in a room without windows. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will change the color of virtually any organic material, regardless of the stain or finish. Some surfaces lighten when exposed to sunlight. Others, like cherry and oak, tend to darken. Our AL203 finish is designed to slow color changes more effectively than oil-based urethane finishes, which tend to turn the brownish-yellow color of amber. If you're especially concerned about your floor changing color, consider installing curtains or blinds that will limit exposure to sunlight. Windows also can be tinted with thin plastic that blocks ultraviolet rays without diminishing your view. This type of tint - similar to those on used on some car windows - will protect your floor, furniture, drapes, upholstery and artwork from sunlight.