STRATA FLOORING Sentry Waterproof Premium Quality SPC Flooring Owner’s Manual
- June 12, 2024
- STRATA FLOORING
Table of Contents
STRATA FLOORING Sentry Waterproof Premium Quality SPC Flooring
Product Information
- Product Name: STRATA Sentry Sentry Flooring
- Technology: Waterproof SPC (Stone Polymer Core)
- Quality: Premium
- Jointing System: Simple Uniclic
Features
- Waterproof, strong, and stable core
- Outstanding performance, durability, and longevity
- Sound mitigating underlay pre-attached
- Resists warping, expansion, and contraction, and hides subfloor imperfections
Product Usage Instructions
Please read this manual thoroughly before installation. It contains
important information regarding preinstallation conditions, installation
instructions, and care & maintenance.
Installation Instructions
- Tools needed: [List of tools needed]
Planks needed to complete your project
[Measurement instructions]
Note: Measure the length & width of your room, including alcoves or offsets separately, to determine the square meter area. Purchase a minimum of 10% extra to cover wastage, trimming, and future needs/replacement. Most installations require about 10% overage, but it may vary depending on the room size and layout.
Helpful Hint #1: For best results, purchase product (cartons) from the same batch # (dye lot) whenever possible. Install planks from 3 or 4 cartons at one time. Different batch #’s can have shade variations. Every carton of STRATA Sentry has the batch # printed on the ends of the cartons. If you have more than one batch #, install planks from 3 or 4 different cases from different batch #’s at one time and randomly mix them into the installation for a more natural-looking floor.
Installation Limitations
Note: If STRATA Sentry Flooring is subjected to extreme hot or cold
temperatures prior to installation, it may make the product more difficult to
install or cause damage to the locking system. Allow the product to reach room
temperature before installation.
Technical Details
-
Connection type: Free Floating Floor
-
Temperature range before, during, and after
-
Installation: For wider temperature ranges, the Interior Product Only
-
Max room size: [Max room size]
READ THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
It contains important information for preinstallation conditions, installation
instructions plus care & maintenance
introduction
- STRATA Sentry Sentry flooring combines simple Uniclic installation featuring innovative SPC Technology; a waterproof, strong, and stable core that offers outstanding performance, durability, and longevity. Planks have sound mitigating underlay pre-attached to help minimize sound travel.
- The SPC Layer features a stone polymer core that is 100% waterproof, rigid, and dimensionally stable. This means planks resist warping, expansion, and contraction, and help hide subfloor imperfections.
- STRATA Sentry Sentry is easy to install with simple Uniclic installation. The Uniclic side joining system means that planks can be angle joined or flat locked.
- STRATA Sentry Sentry can be installed over some existing floors such as natural wood, concrete, vinyl, linoleum, and even ceramic tiles, saving you time and money! (See subfloor preparation section on page 3.)
- STRATA Sentry is WATERPROOF, so it can be installed in areas that have been “off limits” for traditional plank flooring and laminate products, like laundries and bathrooms. STRATA Sentry is not meant to be a moisture barrier. It will not prevent damage from flooding, excessive moisture, alkalis, or conditions from hydrostatic pressure in the subfloor. (See subfloor preparation section on page 3.)
- Follow the instructions for installation in the next section and you will be enjoying your beautiful new floor in just a few hours.
installation instructions
Tools needed
- Utility knife & straight edge (Drop saw, skill saw, etc. can also be used)
- Measuring tape
- Soft-faced, rubber mallet or dead blow hammer
- Jig saw for cutting around irregularly shaped objects (pipes)
- 8mm – 15mm spacers
- Pencil
- Tapping Block
Planks needed to complete your project Measure the length & width of your room. If the room has alcoves or offsets, measure these separately. This will give you the square meter area of the room. Purchase a minimum of 10% extra to cover wastage, trimming, and for future needs and/or replacement. Most installations require about 10% overage. However, this can var depending upon the room size and layout.
HELPFUL HINT #1
For best results, it is important to purchase products (cartons) from the same
batch # (dye lot) whenever possible. Always install planks from 3 or 4 cartons
at one time. Different batch #’s can have shade variations. Every carton of
STRATA Sentry has the batch # printed on the ends of the cartons. If you do
have more than one batch # we recommend you install planks from 3 or different
cases from different batch #’s at one time and randomly mix them into the
installation as you go. This will ensure a more natural-looking floor.
installation limitations
Do not install STRATA Sentry flooring over the carpet. Do not install STRATA
Sentry over a separate underlayment. STRATA Sentry is not suitable for any
outside use, sunrooms/solariums, saunas, seasonal porches, camping trailers,
boats, RV’s, or rooms that have the potential for flooding. Exposure to long-
term direct sunlight can cause damage to your floor. Failure to properly shade
or UV tint windows can
discolor, fade, peak, or buckle STRATA Sentry. Use window treatments or UV
tinting on windows. Do not glue, nail, screw or fasten to the substrate.
Install cabinetry, island and peninsula counters, vanities, tubs, and showers
first. Then install STRATA Sentry around them. For more information on
installation specifications please see the chart on the right. Failure to
follow these guidelines will void the warranty.
Condition STRATA Sentry Flooring to the environment prior to installation. The
installation of STRATA Sentry flooring does require acclimatization. We
recommend installation in rooms with temperatures
between 13°C & 32°C. The product should be stored horizontally in a dry area
away from direct sunlight. Do not leave next to heat or cooling ducts. Ensure
that all trades have been completed to eliminate drywall dust, paints, etc.
NOTE: If STRATA Sentry Flooring is subjected to extreme hot or cold temperatures prior to installation, it may make the product more difficult to install or cause damage to the locking system. Allow the product to reach room temperature before installation.
STRATA Sentry FLOORING INSTALLATION TECHNICAL DETAILS
STRATA Sentry FLOORING INSTALLATION TECHNICAL DETAILS
Connection type| Uniclic
Free Floating Floor| Yes. DO NOT screw or nail mouldings, transitions,
cabinetry or vents through ANY STRATA Sentry flooring.
Temp. range before, during and after installation| 13 deg C to 32 deg C. After
installation temps should stay between 10 deg C to 35 deg C
For wider temperature ranges| Allow a min of 15mm for expansion gaps
Interior Product Only| Yes. See limitations/exclusions below.
Max room size| 10m x 10m. Greater than this an expansion break must be
installed. Expansion breaks must also be used in doorways less than
121cm wide.
Dye Lots| Yes. Install from a minimum of 3 to 4 different boxes and dye lots
at one time. See page 2 for more information
Expansion Space| Yes. For room perimeters and fixed objects, please leave 8mm
optimum space
Leave 15mm where floor will receive direct
sunlight
Floor Flatness Tolerances| 3mm over 2.00m. Use floor leveller when exceeding
tolerance
Special tools required?| Yes. Cutting tool such as Utility knife, drop saw or
skill saw and straight edge, measuring tape, soft faced or rubber mallet (to
tap and
lock plank seams), Jig saw, tapping block, pencil and 8mm spacers
Moisture Reading Guidelines OVER CONCRETE
Scale 0% to 4%
Scale 5% to 6%
Scale over 6%
| Based on Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter Plus Meter
(scale 0 to 6%)
No moisture barrier
Use 150-micron poly moisture barrier Seal concrete with waterproofing agent
Moisture Reading Guidelines OVER WOOD
Scale 0 to 13%
| Never use 6mm poly. over wooden subfloors
Ok to install. Do not install above 13% moisture levels
Primer Over Wooden Subfloors| No
Moisture Barrier (6 mm poly.)| Yes, above 5% only
Installs over Radiant Flooring| Yes. Electric or hydronic approved – best
practice recessed min 12.7mm below finished floor. Do not turn thermostat
above
30 deg C
Suspended Wood Floors| Yes. 457mm minimum well ventilated crawl space
Use moisture barrier over ground/dirt
Especially for mobile home installations
Carpet Underlay| No. Voids warranty if used in any application
Approved subfloors. See below| Must be smooth, solid, dry and no deflection
Wood| Yes. Solid, engineered, parquet, but not woods installed over concrete
Plywood| Yes. OSB & particleboard and approved construction grade plywood is
approved.
Vinyl| Yes. Install over 1 layer only. Vinyl, linoleum, VCT, LVT, and Peel and
Stick.
Concrete| Yes. Sealed, unsealed, poured in place. On grade or below grade (see
moisture guidelines)
Plank (Stone)| Yes. Ceramic, Terrazzo, stone plank (grout lines of less than
3mm is optimum)
Subfloors Not Approved| Carpet (any type), cushioned back vinyl, rubber, cork,
laminates, free floating floors
Limitations/Exclusions| These types of installations will NOT be covered under
warranty. All exterior installations & seasonal porches,
boats/campers/RVs, sunrooms/solariums, not-temperature controlled rooms or homes
Steam Cleaner| DO NOT USE
Vertical Surfaces & Staircases| Can be done using high quality construction
adhesive. Product not intended for this 3
usage
Limited Warranties| 25 year residential. 7 year commercial.
Installing STRATA Sentry
Before installation, carefully inspect each plank for visual defects, damage, and sheen under adequate lighting (daylight is best). Do NOT install damaged or defective material.
- Lay a row of loose planks (Figure 1) without securing them to each other first to determine if you need to adjust the length of the first plank to avoid a small piece of less than 20 cm on the opposite wall from where you started. Or, measure the length of the room and divide by the length of one plank.
- Installation should start in a corner (left-hand) and proceed from the wall with the tongue facing the wall. Allow a minimum gap of 8mm for product expansion, which should be covered by molding (Figure 2). Set 8mm spacers to create the required expansion space.
- When laying the first row in a straight line, interlock the short ends by inserting the tongue into the grooves at an angle of approx. 10 to 20 degrees (Figure 3). Install each sequential plank on the short end and be sure to line up evenly. Use a soft-faced hammer to lightly tap down on top of the planks on the short seam to ensure a tight fit (Figure
- This is very important for a good installation.
- When cutting STRATA Sentry planks use a utility knife, Jig saw or skill saw, and a straight edge. Measure the plank for the desired length and mark it with a pencil. Then score with a utility knife on top of the plank first (several passes) and then snap the plank or cut clean through using a jig or skill saw.
- When installing STRATA Sentry, stagger the rows so that the short edge seams are not in a straight uniform line.
- We recommend the staggered random method (Figure 4).
- Maintain a minimum 20 cm end-joint stagger from row to row throughout the entire installation.
KEY INSTALLATION TIPS HELPFUL HINT #2
- For those who are not intimidated by power tools, or if you’re a professional installer, you can also use a circular saw with carbide tipped blade to make straight cuts and a Jig saw when cutting corners. If you use a power tool, be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask and work in a well-ventilated area outside the room of installation. Be sure all debris from cutting is removed from all locking mechanisms before installing.
KEY INSTALLATION TIPS
Interior environmental conditions| 13°C to 32°C & 40% to 60% relative
humidity
Acclimatisation for residential use| 48 hours between 13°C &
32°C.
Acclimatisation for commercial use| 48 hours between 13°C & 32°C.
Subfloor flatness tolerances| 3 mm over 2 metres or 2 mm over 1
metre
Vapour barrier| Not required
Water proofing or tanking| Not required when Woodland Lifestyle E3
alternative solution is used. Wet area installation instructions must be
followed – See www.woodlandlifestyle.com
for wet
area instructions.
Underlay| Not Required.
Radiant heated floors| Must be cast 12.7mm below subfloor. No electric
mats.
Perimeter expansion| Min. 8 mm gap around walls and
heavy fixed objects such as cabinetry. 15mm in areas of direct sunlight
Glue down installation| Not recommended – voids warranty.
Start the second row with the plank cut at 2/3 of the length or cut to the desired length for the desired staggered appearance (cut plank should be no less than 20 cm. Attach the first plank of Row 2 by connecting the long side to the first row. Maintain your 8 mm expansion gap. Then attach the second plank by connecting the long side to the first row and sliding it up to the short end of the first plank. Then tap the short ends together. See Figure To ensure a tight fit, use a tapping block and soft-faced hammer on the long seams (Figure 6). This installation method can also be done in reverse by angle locking the short ends first and then locking the long seems together (Figure 6).
HELPFUL HINT #3:
- If you don’t have a tapping block, you can use a small scrap piece of the SPC plank material (approximately 150 mm) as a tapping block.
- When cutting a plank to start a row, you will need to cut off the end with the groove. The remaining piece can then be used on the opposite side of the room, at the end of the row if layout permits. See Figure 8. For a close-up of the end joint locking mechanism see Figure 2.
- Fitting around irregular objects is no problem. Simply make a pattern out of heavy paper to fit around pipes or irregular objects. Place the pattern upon the plank and trace. Cut along trace lines using a Jig saw and lay the plank. Be sure to leave a minimum of 8 mm expansion space around all fixed objects, cabinetry, and metal door jambs. Undercut wooden door jambs.
- Fill any expansion spaces around potentially wet areas such as refrigerators, tubs, and appliances with premium waterproof 100% flexible silicone.
NOTE: Rooms larger than 100 m2 (10 m x 10 m) require the use of expansion gaps or T-moulding transitions. Doorways and archways less than 121cm wide also require expansion gaps or T-moulding
transitions.
HELPFUL HINT #4:
Save any leftover planks. Do not discard them as they are color-matched (dye- lot) to your floor. They can be used in the event you need to replace a plank in the future.
Care & maintenance Routine Maintenance
- Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum (with hard surface attachment) your floor on a regular basis. Never use a steam mop, steam cleaner or a vacuum with a beater bar.
- Use any ph-neutral quality vinyl cleaner or a non-rinsing, biodegradable cleaner that leaves no residue or haze and requires no rinsing after application.
- Remove any standing water, spills, wine, pet urine, and other liquids promptly. Preventive Maintenance
- Use NON-RUBBER backed mats at all entrances to avoid discoloration from asphalt driveways or prevent dirt and grit from being tracked onto your floor.
- Rubber-backed mats can discolor your floor.
- Use flat floor protectors (nylon or felt) on all furniture legs. Clean protectors periodically to remove grit that may become embedded and cause scratching.
- Do NOT drag or slide heavy furniture or objects across your floor to avoid scuffing and scratching.
- Do NOT use any dust cleaner or polish as this may cause your floor to become slick or damage the finish.
- Do NOT use a steam cleaner of any kind.
- Do NOT use any abrasive cleaner, vinegar, oil soaps, harsh detergents, “mop & shine” products, or wax (the wax will not penetrate STRATA Sentry and will discolor your floor.)
- Avoid spills of paints, dyes, or harsh chemicals.
- Clip pet nails. Pets with unclipped nails may Scratch your floor.
- Avoid long-term exposure to direct sunlight. Use window treatments or UV tinting on windows. (See installation limitations pg. 3)
- For office chairs and rolling furniture, use broad surface non-staining casters at least 50mm in diameter.
- Please note: Failure to comply with care and Maintenance instructions may void the warranty
REMINDERS!
- Retain your sales receipt.
- Keep records of the style and batch number of your floor. This appears on the end of the carton alongside the barcode.
STYLE of STRATA Sentry
___
Batch numbers: