RESILIENT FLOORING ALL IN THE PREP
Kerakoll explains how proper subfloor preparation ensures the successful installation of resilient flooring.
It is difficult to overstate the importance of a well-prepared subfloor to a successful resilient flooring installation. If the substrate is not sound, dry, clean, and smooth the finished flooring will have problems – this could range from an aesthetic issue through to debonding and complete failure.
The first thing is to make sure that the moisture content of the screed is low enough for it to accept the floorcovering: for most types of resilient flooring 75% RH is acceptable. It is best if new screeds are allowed to cure until they are sufficiently dry.
However, where moisture levels are too high and cannot be brought down, Proflow MVS can be used. This revolutionary advanced double component smoothing compound has a built-in moisture vapour suppressant barrier that is effective up to 95% RH, removing the need for an additional moisture barrier, and thus condensing a potential three-layer application into one single application. It is a rapid-setting product allowing foot traffic in 90 minutes and the installation of resilient flooring in four hours, but still offers a wet edge time of 30 minutes.
When the screed is uneven, or the surface finish is not of the required standard, a smoothing and levelling compound must be applied. The choice of smoothing compound will be dictated by the irregularity of the screed and the time available for it to set. As previously noted, Proflow MVS is an ideal choice for most situations, especially with an improperly cured screed.
Proflow Finish is a good alternative with a very irregular screed or where underfloor heating (UFH) is involved. It is a true all-rounder, moisture tolerant and suitable for use in any installation, on any substrate and with any type of resilient flooring at depths of up to 60mm. A single component self-smoothing compound with a
free flowing formulation and a 30-minute wet edge time, it is able to accept foot traffic and floorcoverings after 3.5 hours. It has an EC1-Plus GEV Emicode rating.
Alternatively, Proflow Smooth is a self-smoothing compound with a unique free flowing formulation that fills and smooths any substrate imperfections and creates a flawless surface finish effortlessly. It incorporates moisture lock technology which means that installation can proceed even if the screed is not fully dry. With working and wet edge times of 30 minutes, and its ability to accept foot traffic after only 90 minutes and floorcoverings after just 3.5 hours, it gives the best blend of extended working times and rapid installation.
ADHESIVE SPECIFICATION
Once you have a perfectly smooth subfloor, the use of a good quality adhesive is essential. Eco-3000 HT is a universal floor adhesive that is perfect for installing luxury vinyl tile and sheet vinyl. It has been formulated to be solvent-free with very low VOC emissions, having achieved the rating of EMICODE EC1 Plus, and has been specially developed to provide excellent adhesion properties curing to a hard set with a high bond strength. Flooring can be installed after as little as 10 minutes, when the adhesive is semi-tacked off and has reached its ‘anti-slide’ state. Full tacking off takes 40 minutes and the floor is ready for light foot traffic after 12 hours.
More details on the products can be obtained from the Kerakoll team, who will also be delighted to answer any questions and offer technical advice on particular projects.
www.kerakoll.com
28
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
