As the gateway to business and commercial space, flooring in entranceways needs to be able to w The experts at F. Ball explain how to sele
MAKING AN
Floorcoverings in entrances have to contend with water and dirt being brought in under-foot from the outside. Some kinds, such as barrier matting, are designed to reduce natural elements being tracked through buildings, helping to protect and prolong the life of floorcoverings throughout the building. Entrance flooring often has to withstand a considerable level of foot traffic too, and it is therefore important to select suitably heavy-duty subfloor preparation products and flooring adhesives when installing floorcoverings in these areas, to achieve the best results.
Before proceeding with any flooring installation, contractors should take the time to thoroughly assess the composition and condition of the subfloor to ensure a suitably sound, smooth and dry base for the receipt of new floorcoverings. A levelling compound should be applied and a suitable adhesive specified to achieve a professional flooring finish that has the durability to withstand the environment and traffic to which it will be exposed.
RIGHT FROM THE OFF When installing floorcoverings in interior entranceways, the application of a heavy-duty levelling compound is recommended to withstand expected levels of foot traffic and
34 | ENTRANCES & FRONT OF HOUSE
heavy loads. For example, entrances in schools, hospitals and hotels and busy retail environments may be pounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of pairs of feet a day. Airport terminals and hospitals are also likely to be subject to wheeled trolleys full of luggage or heavy medical equipment.
Heavy-duty levelling compounds are formulated to have the high compressive strength required to maintain their integrity throughout the lifetime of a flooring installation, even when subjected to heavy daily usage.
For areas that are likely to be subject to rain or frost, such as transitional areas, doorways and walkways, an exterior levelling compound, such as F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s Stopgap 850 Exterior, should be selected.
With few exceptions, it is essential to prime a subfloor before applying a levelling compound. When used over non-absorbent surfaces, such as waterproof surface membranes, priming promotes adhesion between the subfloor and the levelling compound applied over it. When applied over absorbent subfloors, such as concrete, sand/cement screeds or plywood, priming prevents the unacceptably rapid drying of a subsequently applied levelling compound to maintain its working time. It also prevents ‘pinholing’; small holes in the surface of
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