SUBFLOOR PREPAR
F. Ball and Co. Ltd. Technical Service Manager Stephen Boulton talks through the i are often overlooked, resu
When it comes to installing floorcoverings, preparation is vital. While the application of a levelling compound is important, the prior preparation of the subfloor is just as essential for the appearance and longevity of a flooring installation.
The first step in any flooring installation should be to assess the type of base you are working with and ensure it is suitably sound, smooth, dry and free of contaminants. The following steps are essential for creating a suitable base for the installation of floorcoverings.
INITIAL PREPARATIONS When ensuring a smooth surface for the application of subfloor preparation products, newly-installed screeds should be examined for any laitance, the crust of cement and fine aggregates that forms on the surface of the screed as it dries. If not removed, laitance can cause subsequently applied levelling compounds to de-bond from the substrate, potentially causing floor failure.
Mechanical methods such as shot blasting are the fastest and most efficient way to do this, especially over large areas. This will allow up to 1000m² of flooring to be prepared in a day and, as a dry process, work may continue in other areas while the process is taking place.
30 | SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
DEALING WITH CONTAMINATION For refurbishments, contractors assessing the condition of a subfloor will sometimes find it contaminated by oil, other chemicals, or old adhesive residues. In this case, remedial action will be required to ensure proper adhesion of the levelling compound to the substrate, avoiding the potential for de-bonding to occur.
The depth and type of contamination should be checked as although the surface may be cleaned, contaminants such as oil can penetrate many centimetres into concrete substrates and can migrate back to the surface. In these cases, mechanical preparation will be required. Contractors should refer to British Standard (BS) 8204, covering best practice for concrete bases to receive in-situ floorings, for guidance.
In some cases, contamination of the subfloor may be in the form of adhesive residues left behind when old floorcoverings were removed. Traditionally, contractors would have had to remove old adhesive residues by the same means used for dealing with other types of subfloor contamination. Now, levelling compounds are available, such as F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro, which can be applied directly over old, minimal, well-bonded, non-water-soluble adhesive residues, without
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