COVER STORY
MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN CREATING A BASE
A smoothing compound should then be applied over the subfloor to create a perfectly smooth and level surface onto which LVTs can be installed. This ensures that the visual appearance of the floorcovering is flawless and not compromised by imperfections in the subfloor showing through.
In heavy-duty areas, where installations will be subject to heavy loads or high foot traffic, the use of a heavy-duty smoothing compound, such as F. Ball’s Stopgap 300, is recommended. The high compressive strength and excellent self-smoothing properties of these smoothing compounds will create the perfect base for the installation of LVTs.
When working over subfloors of plywood or steel, the application of F. Ball’s Stopgap 700 flexible smoothing compound is advised to accommodate movements in the subfloor.
Where an LVT installation is part of a refurbishment and old adhesive residues are present after the removal of old floorcoverings, F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 provides a time saving solution. The fast-setting, fast-drying smoothing compound can be applied straight over old adhesive residues, without the need to prime beforehand, removing the need for mechanical preparation. Normally adhesive residues need to be fully removed before applying a smoothing compound.
ADHESIVE SELECTION
Pressure sensitive adhesives, such as F. Ball’s Styccobond F46, are often the best choice for installing vinyl tiles or planks. They form an instant grab upon contact, so
contractors don’t need to worry about tiles or planks moving about when they are working, making them ideal for where intricate designs or patterns are being created.
Temperature tolerant adhesives have been developed for installing floorcoverings in areas exposed to high temperatures, which can cause vinyl floorcoverings to move significantly and lead to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edge of LVTs over time.
It will often be desirable to have the advantages of other kinds of adhesives. In addition to Styccobond F46, F. Ball’s ‘System LVT’ range features adhesives for vinyl floorcoverings that combine a variety of specialist attributes, including pressure sensitive, moisture resistant and temperature tolerant characteristics.
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 its Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG®
recommended for use with over 6,000 floorcoverings produced by over 200 manufacturers, for this purpose. A continuously updated version of the RAG®
is available as a
free app and on the F. Ball website. It is also available as an A5 printed booklet, free copies of which can be requested from F. Ball. Alternatively, contractors can contact F. Ball’s technical service department, from 8.30am–5.00pm, Monday to Friday, for advice on adhesive compatibility.
), which lists adhesives
Scan here to download our System LVT brochure or visit
f-ball.com/systemlvt
A great finish starts with F. Ball.
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