ADHESIVES
STICKING WITH IT
Selecting high quality adhesives which have been developed with specific flooring demands in mind is key to the success of a flooring installation. As adhesive technology continues to advance, and the number of products on the market increases, selecting the most appropriate adhesive can sometimes seem like a confusing task. Stephen Boulton, Technical Service Manager at F. Ball and Co. Ltd., examines the types of flooring adhesive that are available and offers advice on what to consider when selecting a product.
Choosing the most suitable flooring adhesive is essential to ensure the long- term performance of a floorcovering; maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the floor and helping to avoid remedial work in the future. To meet these requirements there is now a growing number of flooring adhesives that have been specifically developed for particular applications, floorcoverings or environmental conditions. Their specialist performance characteristics are designed to increase longevity and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the installation over time.
A number of factors should be taken into account prior to the selection of an
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adhesive, including the compatibility of the product with both the subfloor and the floorcovering, as well as the properties required for ease of installation and service conditions. In addition, flooring contractors will benefit from keeping up-to-date with the ongoing developments by the leading manufacturers to stay abreast of the best solutions on the market.
Making an informed choice In areas where a resilient floorcovering is to be installed, the specific demands of each type of floorcovering should be considered before selecting and installing an adhesive. The popularity of underfloor heating systems, as well as
conservatories or large window areas for the provision of natural light, means that high temperatures need to be considered when selecting flooring adhesives for resilient floorcoverings. As such, products should be chosen that offer a high resistance to heat, reducing the potential for movement when the floorcovering is subjected to significant variations in temperature.
The correct selection of adhesives is also critical for the installation of wood and timber floorcoverings, with the most appropriate adhesive system dependent on the type of wood and size of product to be installed. As wood floorcoverings expand and contract due to the
absorption and release of moisture, a key property for wood adhesives is a flexibility to accommodate the inherent movement within the floor over time. Adhesive products offering fast drying times, high bond strength, non-flammable and solvent-free properties, as well as low water content are also ideal for wood floors.
Further considerations Where textile floorcoverings may need to be removed or replaced in the future, dual bond systems offer the option of a release bond. Combining high shear strength with low peel adhesion, high tack systems reduce lateral movement of the floorcovering when subjected to footfall,
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