FAQ'S
Engineered Product Composition
What is the composition of the Castro Woodfloors engineered product?
The flooring is made of plywood with 100% real wood base, coated with a sheet of noble wood with different thicknesses.
Which kind of plywood is used in Castro Woodfloors products?
The plywood used in our products is produced with 100% real wood.
The wood used is Birch, originally from the Baltic Region.
Birch is unanimously considered the best kind of wood to produce high quality floors.
Each layer constituting the core of the sheet has a little over 1mm, which guarantees the best stability rates for all environments, including underfloor heating and underfloor cooling.
The wood used is Birch, originally from the Baltic Region.
Birch is unanimously considered the best kind of wood to produce high quality floors.
Each layer constituting the core of the sheet has a little over 1mm, which guarantees the best stability rates for all environments, including underfloor heating and underfloor cooling.
Application
Can the Castro Woodfloors engineered product be installed over underfloor heating?
Yes, it can. However, before installation, special care should be taken to ensure its correct performance.
Before installation of Castro Woodfloors, there are 2 important steps in the floor preparation process.
First of all, the heating system can be only be used after at least 6-7 weeks of the cement screed application.
Then the temperature should be set for 20º C / 68ºF, and increased 5º in each of the following 6 days until reaching 45º (113ºF).
This temperature shall be maintained at this level for 3-4 days depending on the thickness of the floor. After this period, the temperature should be lowered also 5º C per day, until 20ºC.
After this period, the moisture content of the floor must be measured in order to decide if it is dried enough to receive the wooden floor.
Before installation of Castro Woodfloors, there are 2 important steps in the floor preparation process.
First of all, the heating system can be only be used after at least 6-7 weeks of the cement screed application.
Then the temperature should be set for 20º C / 68ºF, and increased 5º in each of the following 6 days until reaching 45º (113ºF).
This temperature shall be maintained at this level for 3-4 days depending on the thickness of the floor. After this period, the temperature should be lowered also 5º C per day, until 20ºC.
After this period, the moisture content of the floor must be measured in order to decide if it is dried enough to receive the wooden floor.
Can the Castro Woodfloors engineered product be glued? And what kind of glue should be used?
Yes, it is possible to glue our engineered floors.
The process of gluing can be used by laying the parquet directly to the concrete. In this case, the floor must be firm, dry and smooth (according to DIN 18 356).
Please use a ruler of two meters to check the ground and any ripples above 3 mm should be smoothed with a trowel before laying the flooring. We recommend using glues monocomponent type Bona R850 or R850T (application by gun), R580 (insulating moisture to the ground floor) or similar. Water-based glue is not allowed to be used.
The room´s width must be measured to calculate the number of row´s, and calculate how much narrower must be the last row. It should be no less than 40-50 mm. In this case the first row must be also sawn to a narrower dimension.
The expansion gap is also needed. Usually, a 5-10 mm gap should be left to be covered by the skirting board.
The first row should be aligned, with the help of a string, with chalk or ruler.
Start by spreading with a trowel or a plastic spatula, the amount of glue recommended by the glue manufacturer. Make sure it is enough for the first row of strips. Do not apply glue in an area greater than the amount likely to be covered by parquet. When open, the glue sets due to the temperature and humidity in the room. When the glue is not being used, keep the container tightly closed to prevent the glue from drying. The pieces should be immediately laid on wet glue.
Each element should be laid in place, carefully fitting the tongue into the groove by hand or with a tapping block without damaging the product. Each piece is properly aligned, so it is not necessary for the tongue and the groove to be glued!
The coverage of glue on smooth surfaces can vary from 1.2 to 1.4 kg/m2, and in very rough surfaces may range from 1.4 to 1.8 kg/m2.
The cleaning of glue on the varnished surface must be done immediately after application of each row so as not to oxidize the varnish.
If the application site is a ground floor (ground floor or basement), we recommend applying a surface moisture barrier.
The process of gluing can be used by laying the parquet directly to the concrete. In this case, the floor must be firm, dry and smooth (according to DIN 18 356).
Please use a ruler of two meters to check the ground and any ripples above 3 mm should be smoothed with a trowel before laying the flooring. We recommend using glues monocomponent type Bona R850 or R850T (application by gun), R580 (insulating moisture to the ground floor) or similar. Water-based glue is not allowed to be used.
The room´s width must be measured to calculate the number of row´s, and calculate how much narrower must be the last row. It should be no less than 40-50 mm. In this case the first row must be also sawn to a narrower dimension.
The expansion gap is also needed. Usually, a 5-10 mm gap should be left to be covered by the skirting board.
The first row should be aligned, with the help of a string, with chalk or ruler.
Start by spreading with a trowel or a plastic spatula, the amount of glue recommended by the glue manufacturer. Make sure it is enough for the first row of strips. Do not apply glue in an area greater than the amount likely to be covered by parquet. When open, the glue sets due to the temperature and humidity in the room. When the glue is not being used, keep the container tightly closed to prevent the glue from drying. The pieces should be immediately laid on wet glue.
Each element should be laid in place, carefully fitting the tongue into the groove by hand or with a tapping block without damaging the product. Each piece is properly aligned, so it is not necessary for the tongue and the groove to be glued!
The coverage of glue on smooth surfaces can vary from 1.2 to 1.4 kg/m2, and in very rough surfaces may range from 1.4 to 1.8 kg/m2.
The cleaning of glue on the varnished surface must be done immediately after application of each row so as not to oxidize the varnish.
If the application site is a ground floor (ground floor or basement), we recommend applying a surface moisture barrier.
Warranty
Do the Castro Woodfloors have warranty?
Castro Woodfloors manufactures all of its flooring under the strictest of quality controls. You will find our flooring to be milled very exactingly with very few defects compared to industry standards.
Its residential warranty covers the original purchaser when the flooring is installed in a residential environment. Commercial environments, including but not limited to: Retail stores, offices, clubs, and short term residences such as hotel rooms, rental cabins, etc. are not covered under this warranty.
Pre-Installation Warranty:
It is the duty of the installer, whether professional or DIY (do it yourself), to inspect all flooring before installation. If during inspection the installer or buyer feels the flooring is the wrong colour, improperly manufactured, has finish problems, is off grade or is the wrong gloss level, do NOT install the flooring. Please immediately contact the retailer from which the flooring was purchased. No claim will be accepted for flooring which is visually defective if such flooring is installed, the installed flooring is deemed to be acceptable. Since wood is a product of nature, not plastic, standard industry practice allows for up to 5% of flooring shipped to have milling, handling, finish and/or grade defects. This warranty applies only to material that is in excess of this 5%. Floors will replace the material deemed to be defective in excess of this 5%.
Why does the industry allow up to 5% defects
When flooring is installed, naturally a certain percentage goes to cross cutting and fitting waste. Another small percentage of the flooring will go into closets and other unseen areas. It is assumed that an experienced installer will cross cut out small defects during fitting or put visibly unusual pieces in seldom seen or unobtrusive areas. By not removing 100% of the character material at the factory, we help save precious natural resources as well.
Finish Warranty:
The pre-installation warranty above covers the replacement of any flooring returned in excess of 5% of the total flooring shipped with visible defects. This includes visible finish defects, prior to installation. Castro Woodfloors also warrants to the original purchaser that the finish will not blister or peel off for 25 years under normal residential use.
See exceptions under the “Exclusions” heading.
In addition, Castro Woodfloors warrants to the original purchaser that our finish will not wear through for 25 years. If there is a problem with wear through, it must exceed 10% of the surface area for this warranty to apply .Changes in gloss level are not covered under this warranty, including shiny spots that might develop if you too aggressively rub in one spot. Because of this, any installation glue should be removed immediately and not allowed to dry. Over time it is normal for overall gloss levels to change and as such is not warranted against.
Lifetime Structural Warranty:
Castro Woodfloors offers a lifetime structural warranty to the original purchaser that our engineered flooring products will not delaminate (separation between plies). Delamination is when any of the multiple layers making up the piece of flooring separates.
Although we guarantee our product, if our flooring is exposed to extreme moisture, such as flooding or subfloor moisture or extreme dryness (less than 35%-40% of relative humidity) you may experience slight shrinkage, swelling, cupping or even cracking of the solid wood wear layer. Wood is naturally hydroscopic (similar to a sponge) and such shrinkage, swelling, cupping or cracking due to extreme variations in humidity are to be expected and are not warranted as a defect.
Normal environmental conditions mean that heating and ventilation systems should be designed to maintain an interior relative humidity level (in the air) between 40% to 60% RH all year round, to ensure the best performance of the Castro Woodfloors engineered hardwood flooring.
Radiant Heat Warranty
In-floor radiant heating systems can significantly alter product performance. Our product can be used over these heating systems. If any other product is used, all warranties are voided.
Warranty Exclusions:
Claims for flooring pieces installed even though there are visible defects. It is the installer’s responsibility not to install the pieces with visible defects and not to use them. Flooring, once installed, is deemed visibly acceptable.
Claims made on flooring pieces installed with excessive colour/grain variation. It is the installer’s responsibility to install the flooring in a random and harmonious mix.
Colour changes in the wood as it ages or is exposed to sunlight or differences in the colour and/or grain patterns of the installed floor compared to showroom samples, as the colour of the showroom samples change over time to the patina of a partially or fully aged floor.
Colour variations in wood flooring are natural and new or replacement flooring may not match sample flooring or existing flooring.
Changes in gloss level are not covered under this warranty, including shiny spots that might develop if you too aggressively rub in one spot.
Cracking on species that tend to crack (such as south American species:Jatoba/Brazilian cherry, Ipe/Brazilian Walnut, Tigerwood and sucupira ). The chart below shows how wood reacts to the change of humidity. South American and some African species tends to crack easily. Moisture content of Castro Woodfloors product is controlled at 8+/-2% when it is shipped out of our factory, this is the best condition for wood flooring, however it requires suitable environment to allow it perform well.
Cracking and checks on oak Natur/C.Our oak cid features the natural and rustic look of wood, we specifically keep all the characters of wood, therefore they are not considered defects.
Excessive swelling and/or shrinkage or other movement such as cupping or bowing in the flooring due to extreme changes in relative humidity. Relative humidity outside the recommended range of 40% - 60% may cause such problems.
Excessive swelling, cupping or other such movement due to subfloor moisture or moisture from above such as from spills, too much wet mopping, pets, or flooding. Excessive ground moisture caused by natural weather conditions including (but not limited to): excessive rainfall, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding or other natural disasters are not covered by the terms of this warranty)
Insect infestation after the product leaves the factory.
Whole pieces of flooring coming off of the sub-floor, which is a problem with the installation process or adhesive failure. This is not a manufacturing defect.
Damage caused by settling on uneven subfloors.
Damage arising from accidents, abuse, abnormal wear, pet scratches, grit, high heel indentations, dropping, dents, dragging heavy objects, excessive heat or excessive dryness. (Exposure to excess heat or dryness may cause cupping, delamination, splintering and/or face checking.)
Improper handling during shipping or storing after the date that the flooring passes out of Castro Woodfloors control.
Improper preparation or excessive moisture content of the surface on which this product is installed.
Improper installation whereby Castro Woodfloors installations instructions are not followed.
Improper maintenance and failure to protect entry & high wear areas with mats, etc. as per Castro Woodfloors maintenance instructions or inadequate care.
Natural expansion and contraction that may cause cracks or separation between boards.
Its residential warranty covers the original purchaser when the flooring is installed in a residential environment. Commercial environments, including but not limited to: Retail stores, offices, clubs, and short term residences such as hotel rooms, rental cabins, etc. are not covered under this warranty.
Pre-Installation Warranty:
It is the duty of the installer, whether professional or DIY (do it yourself), to inspect all flooring before installation. If during inspection the installer or buyer feels the flooring is the wrong colour, improperly manufactured, has finish problems, is off grade or is the wrong gloss level, do NOT install the flooring. Please immediately contact the retailer from which the flooring was purchased. No claim will be accepted for flooring which is visually defective if such flooring is installed, the installed flooring is deemed to be acceptable. Since wood is a product of nature, not plastic, standard industry practice allows for up to 5% of flooring shipped to have milling, handling, finish and/or grade defects. This warranty applies only to material that is in excess of this 5%. Floors will replace the material deemed to be defective in excess of this 5%.
Why does the industry allow up to 5% defects
When flooring is installed, naturally a certain percentage goes to cross cutting and fitting waste. Another small percentage of the flooring will go into closets and other unseen areas. It is assumed that an experienced installer will cross cut out small defects during fitting or put visibly unusual pieces in seldom seen or unobtrusive areas. By not removing 100% of the character material at the factory, we help save precious natural resources as well.
Finish Warranty:
The pre-installation warranty above covers the replacement of any flooring returned in excess of 5% of the total flooring shipped with visible defects. This includes visible finish defects, prior to installation. Castro Woodfloors also warrants to the original purchaser that the finish will not blister or peel off for 25 years under normal residential use.
See exceptions under the “Exclusions” heading.
In addition, Castro Woodfloors warrants to the original purchaser that our finish will not wear through for 25 years. If there is a problem with wear through, it must exceed 10% of the surface area for this warranty to apply .Changes in gloss level are not covered under this warranty, including shiny spots that might develop if you too aggressively rub in one spot. Because of this, any installation glue should be removed immediately and not allowed to dry. Over time it is normal for overall gloss levels to change and as such is not warranted against.
Lifetime Structural Warranty:
Castro Woodfloors offers a lifetime structural warranty to the original purchaser that our engineered flooring products will not delaminate (separation between plies). Delamination is when any of the multiple layers making up the piece of flooring separates.
Although we guarantee our product, if our flooring is exposed to extreme moisture, such as flooding or subfloor moisture or extreme dryness (less than 35%-40% of relative humidity) you may experience slight shrinkage, swelling, cupping or even cracking of the solid wood wear layer. Wood is naturally hydroscopic (similar to a sponge) and such shrinkage, swelling, cupping or cracking due to extreme variations in humidity are to be expected and are not warranted as a defect.
Normal environmental conditions mean that heating and ventilation systems should be designed to maintain an interior relative humidity level (in the air) between 40% to 60% RH all year round, to ensure the best performance of the Castro Woodfloors engineered hardwood flooring.
Radiant Heat Warranty
In-floor radiant heating systems can significantly alter product performance. Our product can be used over these heating systems. If any other product is used, all warranties are voided.
Warranty Exclusions:
Claims for flooring pieces installed even though there are visible defects. It is the installer’s responsibility not to install the pieces with visible defects and not to use them. Flooring, once installed, is deemed visibly acceptable.
Claims made on flooring pieces installed with excessive colour/grain variation. It is the installer’s responsibility to install the flooring in a random and harmonious mix.
Colour changes in the wood as it ages or is exposed to sunlight or differences in the colour and/or grain patterns of the installed floor compared to showroom samples, as the colour of the showroom samples change over time to the patina of a partially or fully aged floor.
Colour variations in wood flooring are natural and new or replacement flooring may not match sample flooring or existing flooring.
Changes in gloss level are not covered under this warranty, including shiny spots that might develop if you too aggressively rub in one spot.
Cracking on species that tend to crack (such as south American species:Jatoba/Brazilian cherry, Ipe/Brazilian Walnut, Tigerwood and sucupira ). The chart below shows how wood reacts to the change of humidity. South American and some African species tends to crack easily. Moisture content of Castro Woodfloors product is controlled at 8+/-2% when it is shipped out of our factory, this is the best condition for wood flooring, however it requires suitable environment to allow it perform well.
Cracking and checks on oak Natur/C.Our oak cid features the natural and rustic look of wood, we specifically keep all the characters of wood, therefore they are not considered defects.
Excessive swelling and/or shrinkage or other movement such as cupping or bowing in the flooring due to extreme changes in relative humidity. Relative humidity outside the recommended range of 40% - 60% may cause such problems.
Excessive swelling, cupping or other such movement due to subfloor moisture or moisture from above such as from spills, too much wet mopping, pets, or flooding. Excessive ground moisture caused by natural weather conditions including (but not limited to): excessive rainfall, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding or other natural disasters are not covered by the terms of this warranty)
Insect infestation after the product leaves the factory.
Whole pieces of flooring coming off of the sub-floor, which is a problem with the installation process or adhesive failure. This is not a manufacturing defect.
Damage caused by settling on uneven subfloors.
Damage arising from accidents, abuse, abnormal wear, pet scratches, grit, high heel indentations, dropping, dents, dragging heavy objects, excessive heat or excessive dryness. (Exposure to excess heat or dryness may cause cupping, delamination, splintering and/or face checking.)
Improper handling during shipping or storing after the date that the flooring passes out of Castro Woodfloors control.
Improper preparation or excessive moisture content of the surface on which this product is installed.
Improper installation whereby Castro Woodfloors installations instructions are not followed.
Improper maintenance and failure to protect entry & high wear areas with mats, etc. as per Castro Woodfloors maintenance instructions or inadequate care.
Natural expansion and contraction that may cause cracks or separation between boards.
What will we do If any of the covered events occur?
Castro Woodfloors obligation under this warranty shall be limited to, at its options, providing replacement of shortages, exchange of defective products, or refund of purchase price for flooring with visible defects returned to Castro Woodfloors prior to installation. For flooring with delamination and finish problems which occur after installation and not visible prior to installation, Castro Woodfloors, at its option, will either repair or replace the defective flooring and/or refinish the defective finish. In 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. The sole purpose of the remedy provided herein is the replacement/repair of defective products or refund of purchase price. This remedy shall be the buyer’s exclusive remedy, and shall not be deemed to have failed of its essential purpose so long as Castro Woodfloors is willing to replace/repair such defective goods or refund the purchase price. We also reserve the right to verify any claims or defect by inspection and have samples removed for technical analysis.
Additional Terms of the Warranties
Castro Woodfloors neither assumes nor authorizes any other person or entity to assume for it any other obligation in connection with the sale of this product. This warranty is the complete and exclusive expression of our warranty and is in lieu of all other express and/or statutory warranties. Any implied warranties, including but not limited to the implied warranties, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the duration of this express warranty. Castro Woodfloors assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages occurring from , or as a consequence of, the defective flooring, or any cost or expense that the purchaser may incur to obtain warranty service, such as postage, telephone expense, time lost from work or inconvenience .
This warranty is subject to the limitations and exclusions set forth herein and is the exclusive warranty as to the Castro Woodfloors products purchased and contains the exclusive remedies that will be provided for breach of any warranties whether expressed or implied.
This warranty specifically replaces and excludes any other warranty in relation to Castro Woodfloors including the legal warranty in jurisdiction where exclusion of such warranties may be provided by law. Under no circumstances may the product buyer exercise any type of recourse what so ever against Castro Woodfloors except for conditions specifically for in this warranty.
This warranty does not apply to any product or products designated as seconds, tavern grade, special or non standard items.
Any product or products so designated are sold “as is”. In order to get performance under this warranty, the person seeking performance should first contact the dealer from whom they purchased the flooring.
You may also contact Castro Woodfloors directly by fax, e-mail or telephone at:
Fax: +351253575550
E-mail: info@castrowoodfloors.pt
Warranty Claim Procedure
If you wish to claim under warranty, first contact the authorized dealer of Castro Woodfloors where the flooring was purchased. Claim form must be filled in writing and submitted to Castro Woodfloors within six (6) month of appearance of defect. Castro Woodfloors reserves the right to inspect the product. The original, dated purchase invoice, completed with the distributors’ or retailer’s stamp, will need to be submitted. No alteration, replacement or repair may be carried out before the product is inspected by Castro Woodfloors or any inspector authorized by Castro Woodfloors. Any replacement will be provided only after Castro Woodfloors inspection of the product and its agreement to the defective condition. Failure to comply with this stipulation will make the warranty null and void.
Additional Terms of the Warranties
Castro Woodfloors neither assumes nor authorizes any other person or entity to assume for it any other obligation in connection with the sale of this product. This warranty is the complete and exclusive expression of our warranty and is in lieu of all other express and/or statutory warranties. Any implied warranties, including but not limited to the implied warranties, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the duration of this express warranty. Castro Woodfloors assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages occurring from , or as a consequence of, the defective flooring, or any cost or expense that the purchaser may incur to obtain warranty service, such as postage, telephone expense, time lost from work or inconvenience .
This warranty is subject to the limitations and exclusions set forth herein and is the exclusive warranty as to the Castro Woodfloors products purchased and contains the exclusive remedies that will be provided for breach of any warranties whether expressed or implied.
This warranty specifically replaces and excludes any other warranty in relation to Castro Woodfloors including the legal warranty in jurisdiction where exclusion of such warranties may be provided by law. Under no circumstances may the product buyer exercise any type of recourse what so ever against Castro Woodfloors except for conditions specifically for in this warranty.
This warranty does not apply to any product or products designated as seconds, tavern grade, special or non standard items.
Any product or products so designated are sold “as is”. In order to get performance under this warranty, the person seeking performance should first contact the dealer from whom they purchased the flooring.
You may also contact Castro Woodfloors directly by fax, e-mail or telephone at:
Fax: +351253575550
E-mail: info@castrowoodfloors.pt
Warranty Claim Procedure
If you wish to claim under warranty, first contact the authorized dealer of Castro Woodfloors where the flooring was purchased. Claim form must be filled in writing and submitted to Castro Woodfloors within six (6) month of appearance of defect. Castro Woodfloors reserves the right to inspect the product. The original, dated purchase invoice, completed with the distributors’ or retailer’s stamp, will need to be submitted. No alteration, replacement or repair may be carried out before the product is inspected by Castro Woodfloors or any inspector authorized by Castro Woodfloors. Any replacement will be provided only after Castro Woodfloors inspection of the product and its agreement to the defective condition. Failure to comply with this stipulation will make the warranty null and void.
Finishing
What kind of lacquer or oil is used in Castro Woodfloors products? And which quantity of lacquer and oil is applied?
The lacquer used is an acrylic lacquer with an UV cure.
It is applied on 7 layers, with fillings and lacquers which are abrasion resistant. The amount applied is circa 120gr/m2.
The oils are oxidative oils, with 2 coats of natural oil, dried by natural air procedures.
The amount applied is circa 25gr/m2.
It is applied on 7 layers, with fillings and lacquers which are abrasion resistant. The amount applied is circa 120gr/m2.
The oils are oxidative oils, with 2 coats of natural oil, dried by natural air procedures.
The amount applied is circa 25gr/m2.
What is the difference between lacquer and oil finishing?
Lacquer is a much more resistant product than oil. In natural conditions, it does not require any maintenance.
The lacquer can have different gloss levels, from 5% up to 80%.
The oil used in Castro Woodfloors products is 100% natural and environmental friendly.
Oil finishing products need the application of caring products once a year.
The gloss levels vary between 0% and 40%.
The lacquer can have different gloss levels, from 5% up to 80%.
The oil used in Castro Woodfloors products is 100% natural and environmental friendly.
Oil finishing products need the application of caring products once a year.
The gloss levels vary between 0% and 40%.
Are the Castro Woodfloors products traffic resistant?
The Castro Woodfloors products have an excellent traffic resistant capacity.
They can be used in housing and commercial environments, as well as airports, hotels, concert hall, museums, etc…
They can be used in housing and commercial environments, as well as airports, hotels, concert hall, museums, etc…
