SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS
While general-purpose levelling compounds are ideal for many situations, there are scenarios when it is advantageous to use a levelling compound with special features. Stephen Boulton, technical service manager at F. Ball and Co. Ltd., discusses.
FAST-TRACK APPLICATIONS Many recent innovations in levelling compounds have been intended to speed up the subfloor preparation process, to help flooring contractors under ever-increasing pressure to work to shorter timescales, without compromising on finished results.
One of the fastest-drying levelling compounds on the market, F. Ball’s Stopgap Fast-Track 30 is walk-on hard from just 30 minutes and is ready to receive floorcoverings in as little as 45 minutes after application. It is suitable for use over a wide range of subfloor types, including sand/cement screed, concrete and waterproof surface membranes.
ADHESIVE RESIDUES Another development that has sped up subfloor preparation is the production of levelling compounds that can be applied directly over old adhesive residues, such as F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro. Apart from not needing to spend valuable time mechanically removing old adhesive residues, there is also no need to apply a primer beforehand, saving further time and expense. It also means contractors can use the same product in situations where newly installed subfloors and areas with old adhesive residues present are next to each other.
Stopgap 1200 Pro will be able to accept foot traffic about one hour after application and is ready to receive new floorcoverings from three hours later.
FLEXIBLE SUBFLOORS When working over flexible subfloors, including plywood or steel, the application of a flexible levelling compound, such as F. Ball’s Stopgap 700 Superflex, is recommended to accommodate movements in the subfloor.
These movements can cause other levelling compounds to crack, leading to visible fissures showing through the floorcovering, and potentially floor failure. Stopgap 700 Superflex is reinforced with tiny fibres that maintain the integrity of the levelling compound and prevent any cracks from showing through the floorcovering as a result of subfloor movement.
HEAVY-DUTY APPLICATIONS The high compressive strength of heavy-duty levelling compounds, including F. Ball’s Stopgap 300 HD, create a durable surface for where floors will be subject to heavy loads or high levels of foot traffic. As a result, they are a popular choice for preparing subfloors in retail settings, schools and hospitals.
The excellent self-levelling properties and heavy-duty applications of Stopgap 300 HD ensure a completely smooth and even base, making it optimum choice for the installation of design flooring.
OTHER LEVELLING COMPOUNDS There are a number of other particular situations when a levelling compound with additional features will be desirable.
36 | SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
When undertaking exterior flooring installations, it is important to choose a levelling compound that is suitable for outdoor use, with freeze/thaw resistant properties, for example.
Working over calcium sulphate screeds also requires special consideration. Stopgap 1100 Gypsum, F. Ball’s calcium sulphate-based levelling compound is specially formulated to provide maximum compatibility with calcium sulphate screeds. Unlike most cement-based products, Stopgap 1100 is virtually tension free and does not shrink during the drying process, limiting the amount of stress at the bond interface.
PRIOR PREPARATION Before a levelling compound is applied, contractors should begin by ensuring the subfloor is suitably sound, smooth and dry enough for the receipt of new floorcoverings. This may necessitate repairs to the subfloor or the removal of any surface contaminants and old adhesive residues (when not using a levelling compound that can be applied directly over the top).
F. Ball recommends that a moisture test is then conducted to determine subfloor moisture levels. Where a moisture test indicates that the relative humidity (RH) level within the subfloor is above 75% (65% if wood floorcoverings are to be installed), a waterproof surface membrane will be required to prevent floor failure.
The application of a primer is also required in almost all circumstances to promote adhesion of subsequently applied levelling compounds and stop the rapid drying of levelling compounds when applied over absorbent subfloors. It also prevents pinholing, caused by tiny bubbles resulting from the slow escape of air from the subfloor, which burst on reaching the surface, leaving small pinholes or craters as the levelling compound cures.
After these steps have been undertaken, the application of an appropriate levelling compound is the final stage in the subfloor preparation process before new floorcoverings can be installed.
www.f-ball.com/en
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