3M Company StrataMax - Manual

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.)
• 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.