UP TO THE CHALLENGE
When contractors identified a problem in the screed
when working on the first phase of the redevelopment of a kent sheltered housing scheme, UZIN stepped in with a specialist range of products and knowledge.
THE CHALLENGE: Farrow Court is one of Ashford in Kent's older sheltered housing schemes. Planning permission was granted to redevelop the site to provide a new dementia-friendly facility comprising a much larger day centre for use by the local community as well as the residents of Farrow Court.
Oxden Floors Limited was contracted by Bouygues UK to supply and install floorcoverings to 33 flats and communal areas totalling 4000m² as part of the new-build works of Phase 1. Due to some design oversights, the main contractors were forced to use a pumpable anhydrite screed to the first and second floor levels. However, a site survey by Oxden Floors Limited identified a number of issues with the screed. There was evidence of laitance on the surface of the anhydrite substrate and areas of damaged floor screed due to ingress of rain and cracks. The flooring contractor also advised the client that moisture measuring was required to establish the moisture content within the screed.
THE SOLUTION: With UZIN’s specialist range of products for remedial work and systems for calcium sulphate screeds Oxden Floors Limited approached their UZIN Technical Sales representative, Jon Turbutt, to undertake the moisture testing and provide a recommendation. Jon submitted a written specification to enable the floorcovering installation to proceed. Together with the site team it was agreed that the laitance needed to be removed and the damaged areas of screed repaired. This was undertaken by the flooring contractor prior to any further works taking place.
Following the results of the moisture testing, which took place in each unit and different sections of the communal
18 | COVER STORY
areas, Oxden Floors Limited applied two coats of UZIN PE 404 and a coat of UZIN PE 280 topped with UZIN NC 150 for readings between 75–80% relative humidity (RH). For readings between 80–90% RH the flooring contractor applied two coats of UZIN PE 425, two coats UZIN PE 404, a coat of UZIN PE 280 and finished with UZIN NC 150 water mix smoothing compound.
This provided a solid, sound and quality base in which to commence the floorcovering installation. UZIN 57 carpet adhesive and UZIN KE 2000 S pressure sensitive were used to install the carpet and vinyl floorcoverings respectively. All products have been awarded an EC1 plus classification for being very low emission and ideal for use in sensitive environments such as sheltered housing.
THE RESULT: Although the complications with the screed added a fair amount of additional work to a challenging ten- week programme, between the site operatives and Oxden Floors Limited the overall handover date was not compromised. The final finish of the subfloor preparation was well received by all and ensured a quality finish for the carpet and vinyl installation with the use of UZIN adhesives. Due to the professional advice offered and quality of the works Oxden Floors Limited have now secured the contract for Phase 2 of the project and additional 6500m² due for commencement in early 2017.
Lee Fox, managing director of Oxden Floors Limited commented: “UZIN have the expertise and product range to overcome many issues encountered on site. This enabled us to propose a suitable solution and reduce ongoing delays to this project.”
www.uzin.co.uk www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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