EFA+™
WOOD FLOORING ADHESIVE AND MOISTURE VAPOR RETARDER
KEY FEATURES
– Easy spread
– Great ridge retention
– Low VOC
DESCRIPTION
Bostik’s EFA+™ is an easy-to-trowel urethane adhesive and
moisture-control membrane. It provides a flexible and tenacious
bond to a variety of surfaces. Bostik’s EFA+™ elastomeric
characteristics allow the adhesive to move with the wood as it
expands and contracts over the life of the floor. Bostik’s EFA+™
exhibits a long open time making installation easier and faster.
This adhesive has low VOCs and does NOT contain any water.
MOISTURE PROTECTION
Bostik’s EFA+™ has low moisture-vapor permeability and is
not adversely affected by moisture. As a result, it will reduce used to install plywood as described, as well as ceramic tile,
moderate amounts of moisture-vapor transmission through marble, and stone inlays for light commercial and/or residential
the concrete. When applied as directed as a moisture-vapor applications.
membrane, it will prevent damages caused by subfloor Bostik’s EFA+™ may be used over all properly prepared
moisture beneath dimensionally stable, engineered wood substrates common to hardwood flooring installations
flooring only. Bostik’s EFA+™ may be used for concrete slabs including: concrete, plywood, OSB, well bonded vinyl/VCT and
with elevated moisture levels up to 15 lbs. per 1,000 square ceramic tile, cement backer board, gypsum underlayments
feet per 24 hours (using an anhydrous calcium chloride test (dry, above grade), cement patch/underlayments, radiant-
kit according to ASTM F-1869 test method) and up to 87% heat flooring, properly prepared terrazzo, and recycled rubber
RH (tested in accordance with ASTM F-2170). For substrates underlayments.
that have an MVER of greater than 15 lbs or 87% RH, use
Bostik’s MVP4™ prior to the application of Bostik’s EFA+™ for LEED® CONTRIBUTION
unlimited moisture-vapor protection, or use Bostik Ultra-Set® This low VOC formulation (as measured per EPA Method 24),
SingleStep2™ or GreenForce®. may contribute toward LEED® v4 EQ Credit – Low-Emitting
Materials, Interior Adhesives & Sealants.
ANTI-FRACTURE PERFORMANCE
Bostik's EFA+ ™’s elastomeric characteristics establish an anti- DIRECTIONS FOR USE
fracture membrane that can bridge cracks up to 1/8" (3mm), Read and understand data sheet completely before
which can occur in the substrate prior to or after installation. beginning installation. Follow industry standards and
This superior elasticity allows the adhesive to move with the flooring manufacturer’s recommendations for acclimation,
wood as it expands and contracts with changes in humidity design, layout, and application of wood flooring material.
and temperature over the life of the floor. If jobsite conditions are outside of flooring manufacturer’s
recommendations, take necessary corrective actions. Whether
ULTIMATE VERSATILITY the moisture content of substrate exceeds or is within the
Bostik’s EFA+™ may be used to adhere all engineered, solid flooring manufacturer’s recommendations, to address current
(adhesive only), bamboo (adhesive only), cork, and parquet or possible future subfloor moisture, and cracks (up to 1/8"),
hardwood flooring (adhesive only). This adhesive can also be apply Bostik’s EFA+™ as directed.
This supersedes and replaces in its entirety all previously published versions of this
document. B-17273 (Last revised on 11.16.23)
SURFACE PREPARATION CLEANUP
All surfaces must be absorptive, clean, and free from loose As you work, immediately clean any adhesive from prefinished
materials, oil, grease, sealers, curing compounds, waxes, flooring with Bostik’s Ultimate™ Adhesive Remover or mineral
silicates, laitance, and all other surface contaminants that spirits (be careful not to harm finish), then dry buff with a
may inhibit proper bond. Completely remove cutback non-abrasive towel. Immediately clean all tools and equipment
adhesive residue or other surface contaminants by diamond with Bostik’s Ultimate™ Adhesive Remover or mineral spirits
grinding to open the pores of the concrete. All surfaces to before material cures.
be treated must have a concrete surface profile (CSP) of 1-3 TROWEL CLEANUP TIP: Before use, cover areas of the trowel
(similar to a broomed finish), as defined by International that are not used to spread the adhesive with blue tape. After
Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) Guideline No. 03732. use, simply tear off tape before material cures, and clean the
Maximum acceptable floor variation is 3/16" in 10 feet. Areas remainder of the trowel with adhesive remover.
requiring patching or leveling must be done using a Portland
cement-based material (e.g., Bostik Webcrete® 95, Webcrete® STORAGE/SHELF LIFE
98, SL-100™, SL-150™, SL-175™, SL-200™, SL-Rapid™ or Store at temperatures between 50°F and 100°F (10°C and 38°C).
UltraFinish™ Pro). For cracks in concrete that are larger than 1/8", Shelf life is one year from date of manufacturing in closed,
use a quality urethane sealant, such as Bostik’s 915FS™. original packaging.
PLEASE NOTE: Concrete substrate should NOT be smooth and Re-Seal Partially Used Container: With pail upright, place a
reflective; it must have a concrete surface profile of CSP 1-3 sheet of plastic (e.g., trash bag) over the top of the pail. Secure
(similar to a broomed finish), as defined by ICRI Guideline No. lid tightly over the plastic on top of pail. Carefully turn pail upside
0372. It also must be tested in accordance with ASTM F3191 down. Plastic will help prevent the material from bonding the
and be found porous, where a ¼" drop of water must absorb lid closed.
into the concrete within 1 minute. Re-Open Partially Used Container: Carefully turn pail right
side up. Remove lid. Carefully cut and discard cured material
INSTALLATION and plastic from top of pail. Any uncured material may be used.
The installation begins with a starter row secured to the
subfloor; the starter row provides a stationary point to push LIMITATIONS
against so flooring doesn’t move during installation. Once the • Periodically check coverage of adhesive during installation;
starter row is secured, apply adhesive/membrane to substrate 100% substrate coverage and adhesive transfer is required to
using the appropriate trowel. See the chart on last page for protect against damages from subfloor moisture.
proper trowel selection. Flooring may be installed using a “Wet- • Due to limitations with solid and bamboo wood flooring (e.g.,
Lay” method of installation. For wet-lay installations, spread lack of dimensional stability), “below-grade” installations are
the adhesive and begin to install the flooring immediately. limited to engineered hardwood flooring.
Periodically lift boards immediately after installation to ensure • For substrates with any history of moisture problems, or for
proper slab coverage and transfer to the back of the flooring. solid hardwood or bamboo on concrete slabs exceeding
As you work, immediately clean any adhesive from prefinished 3 lb MVER or 75% RH, use a high performance moisture-
flooring with Bostik’s Ultimate™ Adhesive Remover or mineral vapor-reduction product such as Bostik MVP4™ prior to the
spirits (be careful not to harm finish), then dry buff with a non- application Tight line of Bostik’s EFA+™, or use Bostik Ultra-Set®,
abrasive towel. After a few rows have been installed, and as SingleStep2™, or GreenForce®.
you move across the room, tape the boards together using • On- or below-grade substrates must have appropriate vapor
removable 3M #2080 Blue tape to prevent boards from sliding barrier (6 mil poly or better) properly installed below slab.
and to secure close-fitting joints. Rolling is recommended • Do not install solid wood flooring over VCT/vinyl.
for most installations. For some sensitive factory-applied • Bamboo installations should follow solid hardwood flooring
finishes such as oil-based finishes, tape and rolling may not be installation recommendations.
recommended. Test to ensure that tape removal after rolling • Slab temperature should be between 50°F and 95°F (10°C
does not harm finish. Flooring that is not flat should be weighted and 35°C) during installation.
or rolled to ensure proper contact between the flooring • Do not use on wet, dusty, contaminated, glassy, smooth, or
and substrate. friable substrates; do not use over substrates/slabs treated
PLYWOOD OVER CONCRETE: Score 4' x 4' or 2' x 8' sheets with sealers or curing compounds.
of 3/4" exterior-grade plywood on the backside every 8" to 10" • Completely remove all adhesive residue and other surface
by using a circular saw and cutting one-half the thickness of contaminants by diamond grinding, shot blasting, or
the plywood; scoring, or "kerfing,” take the tension out of the scarifying.
plywood and help to prevent possible warping or curling. • Do not use over perimeter bonded flooring material.
Apply adhesive/membrane to substrate and then set plywood • Use over gypsum-based/underlayments is limited to dry,
into the wet adhesive/membrane. Allow the adhesive to fully “above-grade” installations where the gypsum has dried
cure before nailing or using Bostik’s EFA+™ adhesive to install hard (not dusty/powdery), with a minimum compressive
flooring. If nailing to the plywood, nails must not protrude strength > 2,000 psi for engineered hardwood installations,
through to the adhesive. or minimum compressive strength > 2,500 psi for solid
hardwood installations.
• Please refer to flooring manufacturer’s recommendations
and NWFA’s specifications for proper acclimation, verification
of moisture content of flooring with a moisture meter, and
expansion relief around perimeter throughout installation.
• Do not use with vinyl-backed cork flooring or foam- CHEMICAL & PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
backed parquet.
Residential Yes
• Do not use in areas subject to hydrostatic head.
Offices/Light Commercial Yes
• Do not use Bostik’s EFA+™ as a moisture-vapor Heavy Commercial Yes
Use
membrane beneath solid or bamboo flooring. Environments Hospital No
• This membrane is designed to reduce moisture vapor emissions Exterior No
that originate/emanate from below the membrane only. Wet Areas No
• This membrane does NOT reduce/affect issues originating Concrete Yes
from the sides, ends, or top of flooring (ie., puddles, water, Plywood Yes
leaks, hydrostatic head, etc.). OSB Yes
• This membrane does NOT eliminate all possible moisture- Recycled Rubber Underlayment Yes
related or install-related issues (i.e., improper acclimation of Well-Bonded Vinyl Yes
Substrates
flooring, jobsite temperature/relative humidity, etc.). Terrazzo Yes
• This membrane is designed to prevent excessive variance of Ceramic Tile Yes
moisture between the top, middle, and bottom of flooring Cement Backer Board Yes
that originates from the substrate. Gypsum Underlayments1 Yes
Cement Patch/Underlayment Yes
PACKAGING Solid Hardwood Yes
Available in a 4 gallon pail (36 pails/pallet) Engineered Hardwood Yes
Bamboo Yes
WARNING Flooring
Cork Yes
Types
COMBUSTIBLE. IRRITANT. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN OR LUNG Parquet Yes
REACTION. MAY IRRITATE EYES, SKIN AND LUNGS. Contains a Plywood Yes
potential skin and lung sensitizer. May cause allergic respiratory Ceramic Tile, Marble, Stone Inlays2 Yes
tract or skin reaction. Avoid breathing mists or vapors. Avoid Cure Time3
contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated area or wear Light foot traffic 6 to 8 hours
a mask. Keep away from flames or sparks. Wash thoroughly Normal foot traffic 8 to 12 hours
after handling. Store in a cool, dry area away from heat, ignition Water Vapor Permeability4 < 0.9
Concrete Moisture Vapor Limits
sources and direct sunlight. Do not reuse container.
for subfloor moisture vapor protection:
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN For engineered hardwood
Cured ASTM 1869 ≤ 15 lbs/
FIRST AID TREATMENT Physical Calcium Chloride Method 1000 sq ft /24 hrs
Contains Petroleum Distillates, Phthalates and Methylene Properties ASTM 2170 Relative Humidity Test ≤ 87% RH
Diphenyl Isocyanate (MDI). If in eyes or on skin, rinse with water For solid hardwood or bamboo
for at least 15 minutes. If on clothes, remove clothes. If breathed ASTM 1869 ≤ 3 lbs/
Calcium Chloride Method 1000 sq ft /24 hrs
in, move person to fresh air. If swallowed, call a Poison Control
ASTM 2170 Relative Humidity Test ≤ 75% RH
Center or doctor immediately. Do not induce vomiting.
Elongation >180%
SEE SAFETY DATA SHEET -40°F to 150°F
Service Temperature
CHEMICAL EMERGENCY: 800-424-9300 (USA), (-40°C to 66°C)
703-527-3887 (International) Ease of Troweling Easy
MEDICAL EMERGENCY: 866-767-5089 Odor Mild
Open/Working Time5 180 minutes
Color White
Density (lbs/gallon) 13.7
OPEN/WORKING TIME CHART Application Percentage of Water6 0%
Humidity Properties
Percentage of Adhesive For Moisture For
Temperature
40% 60% 80% Coverage Required: Protection Bond
Tack 2 Hours 1.6 Hours 1.3 Hours Engineered 95% >80%
60˚F (16˚C) Solid 95% >95%
Open 3.8 Hours 3.5 Hours 3.2 Hours
50°F to 100°F
Tack 1.6 Hours 1.3 Hours 1 Hour Application Temperature
70˚F (21˚C) (10°C to 38°C)
Open 2.8 Hours 2.5 Hours 2.2 Hours Chemistry Type 1-Part Urethane
Tack 1.3 Hours 1 Hour 0.6 Hour Adhesive Type Moisture Cure
80˚F (27˚C) Chemical
Open 2.3 Hours 2 Hours 1.7 Hours Properties VOC Compliant
Yes (20 g/L)
(measured per EPA Method 24)
NOTE: This chart is for reference only; actual jobsite times may vary.
Flash Point, closed cup 145°F (63°C)
LEED® v4 IEQ - Low-Emitting Materials for
Up to 3 Points7
Contribution Interior Adhesives & Sealants
1
Dry, above grade
2
Residential or light commercial only
3
Humidity affects cure to a greater degree than temperature; the higher the
humidity, the faster the cure. Under normal conditions, light foot traffic is
acceptable after 6 to 8 hours; normal traffic after 12-16 hours.
4
Per ASTM E-96 Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
materials. Ratings are g/m2-24 hour-mmHG.
5
Please refer to the Open/Working Time Chart.
6
Per ASTM E203-01 Standard Test Method for water using Volumetric Karl Fischer
Titration Method. Results rounded to the nearest tenth. Test Method has error range
of +/- 0.2%.
7
Per LEED® v4 BD+C rating system, taking into account all other interior
adhesives & sealants applied on site.
TROWEL SELECTION
In order to form a membrane that functions properly for moisture-vapor protection, the right trowel needs to be selected to achieve
both 100% coverage of the substrate and 100% transfer to the back of the flooring. Jobsite conditions, profile of the substrate, depth of
back channeling in the flooring, and other factors affect the amount of adhesive that must be applied to achieve proper coverage and
transfer. Always pull a board at the beginning of and during the installation process to confirm adequate coverage and transfer. Trowel
size may need to be changed to achieve the required coverage and transfer. See trowel suggestions below.
ADHESIVE & MOISTURE MEMBRANE INSTALLATION METHOD
Suggested Trowel (For use as an adhesive only, refer to adhesive only installation method.)
Engineered wood flooring up to 5/8" thick. Engineered wood flooring >5/8" thick, or plywood.
Coverage: 30-35 [Link]. per gallon Coverage: 20 [Link]. per gallon
1/4" x 1/4" V-Notch 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" Square Notch 1/2" x 15/32" V-Notch 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" Square Notch
Trowel size is suggested to maximize coverage of adhesive. Periodically lift a board to ensure the following conditions are being met:
100% coverage of concrete substrate and 100% transfer to the back of the flooring product. Uneven subflooring may require the use
of either a leveling/patching material or a larger V-notched trowel for proper coverage of adhesive.
ADHESIVE ONLY INSTALLATION METHOD
Suggested Notched Trowel (For use as an adhesive & moisture control membrane, refer to chart above.)
Engineered hardwood ≤1/2" Parquet or cork Engineered hardwood flooring Solid wood or bamboo flooring
flooring ≤1/2" thick. underlayment. >1/2" thick, Solid wood or >1/2" thick, or plywood.
Coverage: 50 [Link]./gallon Coverage: 80 [Link]./Gallon bamboo flooring ≤1/2" thick, Coverage: 35 [Link]./gallon
and parquet ≤3/4" thick.
Coverage: 40 [Link]./gallon
3/16" x 5/32" V-Notch 1/8" x 1/8" x 1/8" Square Notch 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/8" Square Notch 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" Square Notch
Trowel size is suggested to maximize coverage of adhesive. Periodically check coverage of adhesive during installation: >80% cover-
age and transfer to the back of the flooring is required for all engineered wood flooring; >95% coverage and transfer is required for
all solid wood flooring or bamboo flooring products.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Limited Warranty found at [Link]/us or call
800.726.7845. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY
LAW, BOSTIK DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED IN THE LIMITED
WARRANTY, THE SOLE REMEDY FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY IS
REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT OR REFUND OF THE BUYER’S
PURCHASE PRICE. BOSTIK DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR
DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. DISCLAIMERS
OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO
CERTAIN CLASSES OF BUYERS AND SOME STATES DO NOT
ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR
BOSTIK HOTLINE
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. It is the buyer’s obligation to test the
suitability of the product for an intended use prior to using it.
Smart help
The Limited Warranty extends only to the original purchaser 1-800-726-7845
and is not transferable or assignable. Any claim for a defective
Bostik, Inc.
product must be filed within 30 days of discovery of a problem, 11320 W. Watertown Plank Road
and must be submitted with written proof of purchase. Wauwatosa, WI 53226
[Link]/us