Stephen Boulton of F. Ball & Co. Ltd. discusses how recent innovations are A CHANGE OF TACK
making carpet tile tackifiers easier to use and improving their performance, as well as the reasons for choosing this type of adhesive.
After extensive research and development, F. Ball has launched a reformulated version of its popular Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier with benefits including improved coverage capabilities and greater ease of application. But why should a contractor select this type of adhesive when installing carpet tiles?
In most circumstances, flooring adhesives are designed to create a strong bond between a subfloor and a floorcovering. However, there are situations and applications where it is desirable to use an adhesive that does not create a permanent bond, such as when installing loose lay carpet tiles.
PERMANENT TACK, EASY RELEASE Carpet tile tackifiers are formulated to provide an instant and permanently tacky film to hold carpet tiles securely in place, while enabling individual tiles to be easily lifted and replaced with new ones if required. This is an advantage in areas where the tiles may become worn, damaged or stained – in offices with chairs on castors or busy walkways, for example.
Typically, a carpet tile tackifier is applied evenly across the entire subfloor, using a roller or brush, and allowed to dry to a clear, tacky film. The adhesive will then remain permanently tacky throughout its life, holding tiles firmly in place, especially when subjected to lateral forces, such as those applied when someone is walking over the floor. The carpet tiles can be easily removed by lifting tiles vertically, and new tiles can then be fitted into position.
The latest formulations of carpet tile tackifiers offer some notable improvements over previous products.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS F. Ball’s Styccobond F41, solvent-free, carpet tile tackifier has recently been reformulated to provide improved coverage
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capabilities, faster drying time and increased tack – whilst still allowing carpet tiles to be lifted easily when required. Contractors who are familiar with the product will also notice that it is now significantly easier to apply as a result of reduced viscosity.
Styccobond F41 can be used for securing a wide range of dimensionally stable ‘flat lay’ carpet tiles backed with bitumen/felt, non-woven fabric, PVC and other polymer backings. It can be applied over Stopgap levelling compounds, Stopgap waterproof surface membranes and a wide range of absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors, including structurally sound, smooth and dry concrete, sand/cement screed, plywood, raised access flooring panels and terrazzo. It is also approved for use in marine flooring installations and is suitable for use over normal under floorheating systems.
As well as being solvent-free, the adhesive is certified EMICODE EC1 Plus, testament to its ultra-low VOC emissions, which make it suitable for use in areas that need to remain in-use while the installation takes place.
COMPATIBILITY CHECK A final piece of advice about adhesive selection: it’s important to check the compatibility of particular floorcoverings and adhesives. For this purpose, F. Ball produces its industry- leading recommended adhesives guide (RAG), which lists adhesives recommended for use with over 6,000 floorcoverings produced by over 200 manufacturers. It’s available as a free app or a printed booklet, as well as on the F. Ball website. Contractors can also contact F. Ball’s technical service department, from 7.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday for adhesive on the compatible. Otherwise, they should consult manufacturer’s instructions.
www.f-ball.com
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