NEPTUNE Frequently Asked Questions

Neptune is a rigid core flooring that is made up of four distinct layers, each working in partnership to create a floor that is not only 100% waterproof, but one that will stand up to the tough demands of your daily life!

 What makes NEPTUNE so effective?

Two aspects make NEPTUNE 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’s 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 options (such as cork or a sound absorbing pad) can offer extra noise resistance attributes compared to traditional laminates or click vinyl planks.

At high temperatures (above 40°C /105°F), PVC like most plastic based materials becomes much more flexible and starts 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.

NEPTUNE, 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) NEPTUNE can naturally expand a little but planks will push each other. The expansion remains well within our recommended expansion gap of 6 mm (1/4″). This is why the recommended 6 mm (1/4″) around the perimeters of the room needs to be respected.

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

Rarely do we see indentation issues with NEPTUNE. 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.

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

NEPTUNE is safe for you and your loved ones. All NEPTUNE floors are subjected to rigorous tests by Third Party Laboratories that are designed to ensure all NEPTUNE 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. NEPTUNE is also 100% free of harmful plasticizers, such as ortho-Phthalates.

These rigorous controls have resulted in the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute to certify all NEPTUNE floors worldwide with their highest certification: GREENGUARD Gold 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.

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

Yes, NEPTUNE Sound Insulation Class is very good with an IIC rating of 66 dB (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.

A pre-attached backing will provide a natural sound barrier and extra joint support for extra noise resistance attributes compared to traditional laminates or click vinyl planks.

Yes, the entire plank, including the backing, whether cork or padding, is 100 % waterproof.

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

Yes, NEPTUNE 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 NEPTUNE. 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 5 mm (3/16”) difference in a 3 m (10 ft) span. Please see NEPTUNE installation instructions for further details.

Important:Never install NEPTUNE over carpet.

NEPTUNE can be installed on all levels of the home including wet rooms and directly over most existing hard surface subfloors.

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, NEPTUNE should also not be installed in areas prone to flooding as water might slip through the bevels.

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

1. NEPTUNE 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. Insulation of the floor in the crawl space is recommended.
3. Temperatures must stay above -15°C (0°F) and below 60°C (140°F).

Yes, NEPTUNE is compatible with embedded water-based radiant floor heating systems. You should ensure the radiant heat surface temperature does not exceed 30°C (85°F). For more details, please refer to the installation manual.

NEPTUNE installation allows up to 25 m (80 ft), in either direction, or over an area of 620 m2 (6400 sqft) with no unsightly transition moldings needed as long as the flooring can freely move. Make sure to respect the expansion space around the perimeters of the room. For planks, the expansion gap should be 6 mm, for tiles 8 mm.

As long as you are within the limit that does not require transition strips, unsightly door transitions are fortunately not required either! NEPTUNE installation allows up to 25 m (80 ft) in either direction, or over an area of 620 m2 (6400 sqft) with no transition moldings needed. Make sure to respect the expansion space around the perimeters of the room. If planks expansion gap should be 6 mm (1/4″), if tiles expansion gap should be 8 mm (5/16”).

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

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

When installing NEPTUNE, underlayment is not required because NEPTUNE Sound Insulation Class is already very good with an IIC rating of 66 dB (ASTM E492-09). However, some NEPTUNE collections come with a hypoallergenic cork underlay or a sound absorbing pad, which provides a natural sound barrier and extra joint support.

A minimum 0.15 mm poly-film as a moisture barrier is required between the concrete subfloor and the flooring. 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 8 lbs ASTM F1869 or 90%RH (ASTM F2170) with a PH limit of 9. For floors outside of this range a 0.15 mm (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.

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.

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

NEPTUNE 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 48 hours in the room you will install before installation.

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

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

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.

It depends on the subfloor – generally speaking, standing water between the floor and the subfloor can only have negative consequence such as development of mold, release of odor, it can spread to the surrounding wall and damage the wall paint, etc. The planks themselves are waterproof, but once installed they do not provide a fully airtight surface. Water can still sip 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, within 24 hours.

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.

We recommend ensuring that your initial flooring purchase includes several extra NEPTUNE planks in case one needs to be replaced. 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 a bead 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 glue immediately with a damp cloth.

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 20 mm (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.

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.

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.

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.