RATION MATTERS
initial stages of subfloor preparation, which although should be standard practice, ulting in costly floor failure.
the need for priming beforehand, providing a timesaving solution to the problem.
DAMAGED SUBSTRATES Upon assessment of the condition of the subfloor other areas of damage may be discovered, in which case extra preparation will be required, for example, with F. Ball’s Stopgap 400 repair, which can be used to fill cracks and holes in the subfloor. Where larger areas require repair, deep base levelling compounds, such as Stopgap 600 Base, can be used up to 50mm in a single application.
DEALING WITH DAMP When a surface has been suitably prepared, the next stage is to check the moisture level of the subfloor by using a digital hygrometer. Whether the result of rising damp or residual construction moisture, unmanaged subfloor moisture can attack adhesives and damage floorcoverings, possibly causing complete floor failure.
Where relative humidity (RH) levels of 75% or above are detected (or 65% when working with wood floorcoverings), F. Ball recommends the installation of a waterproof surface membrane to create a barrier against excess subfloor moisture. Waterproof surface membranes, are available that are effective where subfloor relative humidity levels are up to 98%.
Contractors can refer to British Standards 5325, 8201, and 8203, for further guidelines regarding the installation textile, wood, and resilient floorcoverings respectively, as well as guidance notes from the Contract Flooring Association.
PRIME IMPORTANCE Once satisfied that the subfloor is sound, smooth and dry (or an appropriate moisture management solution is in place), the application of an appropriate floor levelling compound will create a uniform, smooth surface over which to install the final floorcovering. In most cases it will be essential to prime a surface beforehand. This promotes the performance characteristics of the levelling compound and, when used over absorbent subfloors, such as concrete, prevents moisture being drawn from the levelling compound rapidly.
READY TO GO Finally, it is important to select the correct levelling compound for the job in hand. As well as levelling compounds for use over old adhesive residues, products are available with a variety of other specialist applications. For example, fast- track levelling compounds are ideal for where contractors are working to tight time constraints. Heavy duty levelling compounds are also available for areas that will be subject to high footfall and heavy loads.
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