ALWAYS ADHERE TO ADVICE
Why is it always important to check an adhesives compatibility with a floorcovering? Stephen Boulton, Technical Service Manager at F. Ball and Co Ltd., discusses.
With so many different flooring adhesives to choose from, selecting the right product for each job can be a difficult task. However, ensuring that you use the correct products for every circumstance is an integral part of subfloor preparation. This is particularly true given the recent advances in flooring technology that have led to the creation of high-performance adhesives, specifically designed to save contractors time and effort.
F. Ball has always recommended that every flooring installation should begin with proper preparation. This invariably means assessing the composition of the subfloor, conducting moisture tests, and cleaning the subfloor. However, an equally important step is considering the type of floorcovering being installed, as well as the specific needs of the floor’s end users.
RIGHT OFF THE BAT In some instances a flooring installation can be compromised from the moment a contractor selects an adhesive. Using an adhesive that is not compatible with a floorcovering can result in the eventual failure of the installation. The materials used to manufacture both flooring adhesives and floorcoverings change frequently as manufacturers adapt to changes in the market. It is therefore possible that an adhesive used with certain floorcoverings today may not be suitable for use with floorcoverings of the same name in the future. This makes it vital that contractors consult the most up-to- date information on floorcovering and adhesive compatibility, such as F. Ball’s Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), which is updated every year.
UNIQUE
REQUIREMENTS Contractors will routinely be asked to refurbish spaces that require the use
38 | ADHESIVES & SEALANTS
adhesive, will be easy to use, with a long open time, strong initial tack, and a high bond strength.
HIGH TEMPERATURE
SOLUTIONS Another area where advances in adhesive technology have helped contractors is in the development of easy-to-use, durable adhesives that can be used in areas subjected to high temperatures.
Floor to ceiling windows are becoming more commonplace, making it increasingly likely that a contractor will need to fit floorcoverings in areas that receive a great deal of natural sunlight during the day. Exposing an adhesive to extreme temperature fluctuations can eventually result in floor failure.
of very specific products. It will not be enough to simply use an
adhesive that has worked well in the past if it is not compatible with the new subfloor type or the needs of the client.
For instance, a flooring installation in an electronics manufacturing facility may require the use of conductive or antistatic PVC floorcoverings. A contractor’s best option for such a job would be to use a conductive acrylic adhesive that has been purpose designed for securing antistatic PVC floorcoverings. More advanced adhesives, such as F. Ball’s Styccobond F57 solvent-free conductive acrylic
Leading adhesives manufacturers have developed flooring adhesives that can withstand exposure to high temperatures. For example, F. Ball’s Styccobond F48 is a solvent free, high temperature grade vinyl adhesive, designed specifically for use in areas that receive a relatively large amount of sunlight, such as conservatories. Styccobond F48 is easy-to-use, has excellent grab, and is protected against bio-degradation.
Many of the problems routinely encountered by flooring contractors can be avoided if the right adhesive is chosen for each job. As always, proper preparation is key, whether it is finding an adhesive that is compatible with the floorcoverings being used, or selecting an adhesive that has the exact properties demanded by the job. However, with so many adhesives on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult. It is important to seek the most up-to-date advice from manufacturers in order to ensure the long-term performance of an adhesive.
www.f-ball.co.uk www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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