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StrataMax Installation System
General Information
StrataMax flooring can be installed by two installation methods. It is designed as a lay flat
structure when installed by the modified loose lay installation method using acrylic double-face
tape under seams. It can also be installed by the traditional full spread method using S-288
adhesive over approved substrates and underlayments. The modified loose lay method requires
that the flooring be cut 1/8" to 3/16" away from all vertical surfaces such as walls, cabinets, pipes,
etc. This gap must then be filled with a good quality siliconized or acrylic caulk.
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Transport and store flooring rolled face out on a cardboard tube, do not kink or distort.
Always roll flooring face out until ready to install.
Do not use products containing petroleum solvents or citrus oils to prepare substrates.
Just prior to installation, lay flooring out flat to acclimate to conditions and allow the roll-
up stresses to relax.
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Flooring and room temperature should be a minimum of 65 degrees F (18 degrees C) for
48 hours before installation, during installation, and 48 hours after installation. Minimum
55 degrees F (13 degrees C) thereafter.
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Plan layout for minimum number of seams.
Accurately measure length and width of room. Included recessed areas/doorways.
Allow an extra 1-1/2" of flooring on each end for trimming.
If more than one piece of flooring is needed, allow for correct pattern match at seam.
Suitable Substrates
All substrates listed below must be properly prepared and meet certain requirements. There may
be exceptions and special conditions for these substrates to be suitable for StrataMax flooring
installation. (Refer to the Subfloors and Underlayment section of the Armstrong Guaranteed
Installation Systems manual, F5061, for more details. Or visit www.floorexpert.com.)
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Concrete (on all grade levels)
Approved suspended wood underlayments
Single-layer, fully adhered, existing resilient floors
Ceramic tile, terrazzo, marble
Polymeric poured (seamless) floors
StrataMax, because of its unique structure and design, can also be installed directly over
suspended single-layer wood subfloors such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) when
using the modified loose lay method. The subfloor system must be designed to meet or
exceed applicable building codes with a minimum of 18" well-ventilated air space below. The
subfloor panels should have a smooth, sanded face and show no swelling of edges or surface
due to exposure to weather conditions or construction traffic. The panels can not be contaminated
by staining agents. Otherwise, an additional 1/4" or thicker underlayment is recommended.
Single-layer wood subfloors increase the potential for staining from the panel components, coated
nails, construction adhesives, spills, overspray and show-through from texture and mechanical or
water damage when resilient flooring is installed directly over them.
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Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily
harm.
Unless positively certain that the existing in-place product is a non-asbestos containing material,
you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to
determine asbestos content and may govern removal and disposal of material.
See current edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) publication Recommended
Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings for instructions on removing all resilient
floor covering structures or contact your retailer or Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 1 800 233
3823
The floor covering or adhesive in this package does NOT contain asbestos.
Room Preparation
Remove baseboard, quarter-round moldings, wall base, appliances and furniture from room. For
best results, the decorative trim and jamb moldings at doorways should be undercut to allow
flooring to slip underneath. After preparation work, be sure to sweep and vacuum the entire work
area to remove all dust and debris. Check the substrate one last time for smoothness,
cleanliness, loose boards, or squeaks. Correct as necessary. Installation on stairs is not
recommended.
Procedure
StrataMax flooring is designed for modified loose lay installation using acrylic double-face tape
only at seams and other critical areas. In bathrooms, tape should be used to secure the flooring in
front of tubs and shower enclosures. Other critical areas could be a doorway where trim cannot
be used to cover an exposed edge or an area in the kitchen with a heavy movable appliance. Do
not use the tape around the entire perimeter of the room.
StrataMax flooring should be cut approximately 1/8" to 3/16" away from all vertical surfaces such
as walls, cabinets, pipes, etc. This will prevent any fullness around the perimeter of the room and
also provide a small gap that must be filled with a good quality siliconized or acrylic caulk, even in
areas where trim moldings or vinyl wall base will be put on top. This will prevent moisture from
getting beneath the new flooring. StrataMax flooring should not be cut full or snug. Make sure all
areas are lying flat before applying caulk in the perimeter gap.
Seams
If a seam is required in a primary part of the room, it should be made after the product has been
rough cut
and is lying flat in proper position in the room but prior to final cutting and fitting around the
perimeter. Overlap the selvage edges of both pieces of flooring so that the proper pattern match
is achieved. Then, carefully fold back the seam edges without shifting the sheets, so that a strip
of scrap material can be placed under the product where the seam will be cut. This will save your
knife blade and prevent scoring the subfloor or old flooring directly beneath the seam. Reposition
the two edges, ensuring a good pattern match.
[Seams should be double-cut. Straight edge and butt method of seaming is not recommended for
this product. The seams of StrataMax flooring should not be stretched or compressed to obtain
pattern match as it will create buckles in the flooring adjacent to seams.]
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Use a sharp utility knife with a straightedge as a guide to double-cut through both pieces of
material. Most patterns will have a grout line where the seam should be cut. Hold the knife blade
vertical, at a 90 degree
angle to the floor when cutting the seam, to ensure a straight, clean cut.
Fold back one side of the cut seam and remove the scrap material and selvage. Mark a pencil
line on the substrate along the seam to be used as a reference for positioning the acrylic double-
face tape. Install the acrylic double-face tape centering it under the seam. Use a hand roller or
clean cloth to press it against the substrate. Peel the release layer off of the tape and begin to
carefully reposition the two sides of the seam on top of the tape. (On long seams it may be easier
to just remove a portion of the release layer at a time until you are sure the seam is falling back
into position properly.) When both sides of the seam are properly positioned on top of the tape,
use a hand roller to ensure a complete bond.
Use only acrylic double-faced tape intended for use with vinyl flooring. Ordinary carpet tapes may
"read" through and also cause vinyl discoloration.
Seams must be coated using the S-564 Low Gloss Seam Coating Kit at the completion of the
installation. Follow directions included in the kit and protect the coating from traffic until cured.
Note: Stratamax flooring can also be installed as a traditional, fully adhered floor using S-288
Residential Flooring Adhesive. Do not use fully adhered method directly over single-layer
wood subfloor systems. S-288 is applied with the fine notching of an Armstrong trowel having
notches 1/32" deep x 1/16" wide x 5/64" apart. Over nonporous surfaces such as existing
resilient flooring and embossing levelers, allow enough open time for the adhesive to dry until
tacky with no transfer to the finger (Dry-to-Touch) before placing the flooring into it. Over porous
surfaces such as concrete and wood, allow the adhesive enough time to thicken slightly but not
to become completely dry to the touch.
Finishing the Installation
Replace moldings and install vinyl wall base as needed. Leave a slight clearance between the
flooring and the bottom of the molding. Nail molding into the wall, not into the floor.
When replacing appliances, or whenever moving heavy furniture over the flooring, place a wood
panel under the object. Without moving the panel, slide or roll the object over it. Follow with
additional panels as needed. This prevents scratches, tears or buckling of the flooring material.
Care and Maintenance Instructions
Proper care and maintenance will help ensure your floor always looks its best. Simply follow our
maintenance and prevention steps outlined below.
Immediately After Installation
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For 8 hours after seam application, protect the sealed seams on your flooring.
This will ensure proper seam bond. If your seams are disturbed before they're
dry, permanent damage may result.
Proactive Protection for Your Floor
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When moving appliances or heavy furniture, it is always wise to lay a plywood
panel on your floor and "walk" the item across it. This protects your floor from
scuffing and tears.
Use floor protectors, such as Armstrong Floor Protectors, on furniture to reduce
indentation. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor
protector needed.
Place a walk-off mat at outside entrances to reduce the amount of dirt brought
into your home. We strongly recommend mats without a latex or rubber backing
since these backings can cause permanent discoloration.
All Armstrong floor care products have been specifically developed to care for
Armstrong floors. You may purchase Armstrong floor care products at your local
flooring retailer.
Caring for Your Floor
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Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove loose dirt which can scratch your floor.
NOTE: We do not recommend vacuums that have a beater bar since it can
visibly damage your flooring surface. Additionally, we do not recommend electric
brooms with hard plastic bottoms with no padding as use may result in
discoloration and deglossing.
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Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Remove dried spills with Armstrong New
Beginning Deep Cleaning Floor Stripper on a clean white cloth and rinse. Never
use highly abrasive scrubbing tools on any resilient floor.
Wash your floor regularly with Armstrong Once 'n Done Resilient & Ceramic
Floor Cleaner.
For heavy duty cleaning, use Armstrong New Beginning Deep Cleaning Floor
Stripper.
Do NOT use detergents, abrasive cleaners, or "mop and shine" products. These
products may leave a dull film on your floor.
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Over time, if the shine on your floor begins to dull, Armstrong Satinkeeper
Resilient Low Gloss Floor Finish can be used to renew your floor's shine. Do
NOT use paste wax or solvent-based polishes.
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Vinyl flooring, like other types of smooth floors, can become slippery when wet.
Allow time for floor to dry after washing. Immediately wipe up wet areas from
spills, foreign substances, or wet feet.
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