COVER STORY
underlay installed with this kind of adhesive will require mechanical removal when they need replacing.
For this reason, dual-bond systems have been developed, utilising adhesives that dry to form a transparent, permanently tacky coating to prevent underlay moving laterally when subject to normal foot traffic but allow them to be easily lifted without damaging the subfloor. Carpet can then be adhered to the underlay using a specialist adhesive for textile floorcoverings that will develop the high bond strength required to enable the installation to withstand expected levels of wear.
CARPET TILE TACKIFIERS
Loose-lay carpet tiles are often specified in schools, offices and other commercial premises because they can be individually lifted and replaced if they become damaged, worn or stained, an advantage in offices with chairs on castors or busy walkways, for example.
For this to be possible, flooring contractors will need to install the carpet tiles with a carpet tile tackifier that does not create a permanent bond. Carpet tile tackifiers ensure that carpet tiles are held firmly in place when subject to lateral movements, including everyday foot traffic and equipment being wheeled around, while allowing them to be easily lifted vertically if they need to be replaced at a later date.
RUBBER AND LINOLEUM
The strong initial tack and high bond strength of specialist rubber floorcovering adhesives make them ideal for securing a wide range of rubber sheet and tile floorcoverings. Such adhesives have a high film strength to provide good dimensional stability and prevent the rubber floorcovering from moving when subject to heavy traffic.
To be able to adhere hessian-backed linoleum floorcoverings, an adhesive must be able to ‘wet out’ the backing (i.e. transfer enough adhesive to create a good bond and deliver the instant grab that reduces the sliding of the linoleum when being installed).
WOOD
Utilising the latest technology, flexible wood floor adhesives provide an elastic but strong bond, which will accommodate natural movement of wood blocks or planks over the lifetime of an installation, ensuring a long lasting, visually attractive floor finish.
COMPATIBILITY CHECK
Finally, it is highly recommended that contractors always check the compatibility of particular floorcoverings and adhesives. To do this, you can consult the floorcovering manufacturer’s guidelines. Alternatively, F. Ball produces a Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG®
recommended for use with over 6,000 floorcoverings produced by over 200 manufacturers.
Recommendations are only included in the guide after the completion of a rigorous 56-day testing programme at F. Ball’s state-of-the-art testing facilities and subject to endorsement by the relevant floorcovering manufacturer. Furthermore, every recommendation listed guarantees the resulting bond performance for the entire lifetime of the flooring installation – as long as the advised subfloor preparation and installation procedures are followed – giving flooring professionals peace of mind.
A constantly updated version of the RAG® is available on the
F. Ball website and as a mobile app, which is free to download from the Apple App store or Google Play, allowing contractors to consult the trusted guide for advice on floorcovering- adhesive compatibility via the smartphone in their pocket at any time.
The 2025 printed edition of the guide is also now available, and free copies can be requested by e-mailing
mail@f-ball.co.uk or calling 01538 361633.
www.f-ball.com/RAG
), which lists adhesives
x.com/TContractFloors
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