ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS
Here, the experts at Bostik outline what contractors should look for in a smoothing compound.
The nature of floor fitting means that contractors face a variety of unpredictable challenges from day to day, and are often under pressure to complete projects to tight deadlines. This creates a need for versatile smoothing compounds, and also smoothing compounds that can act rapidly.
Ask any flooring contractor what the key is to ensuring the final floor looks spot on, and they will invariably say the correct application of a smoothing compound. While there are certainly other factors at play – for example, the mitigation of moisture, or the removal of problematic materials already present – there is no doubt that the use of an appropriate smoothing compound is vital to achieving the smooth, strong and sound subfloor that makes flawless flooring possible.
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION The best practical solution for many contractors is often a versatile compound that performs well in a range of scenarios. Bostik Screedmaster Ultimate, for example, is a two-part solution that incorporates a blend of cements and aggregates combined with special additives. Together these ensure it has excellent workability and flow characteristics, is self-smoothing, and can be trowelled to a feather edge of up to 10mm – meaning ease of use and convenience for the contractor.
To add to its versatility, Screedmaster Ultimate’s unique formulation ensures it can also be used to smooth rough- textured subfloors prior to the application of one of our damp- proof membranes.
In addition, due to the fact that it’s mixed with a protein- free synthetic rubber latex that gives off minimal odour, Screedmaster Ultimate is suitable for use in occupied areas, such as buildings that are undergoing partial refurbishments and are consequently still in use.
THE NEED FOR SPEED In today’s fast-paced world, sometimes the main priority is simply to get the job done as quickly as possible. For such cases, the best smoothing compound is one that’s fast setting.
Bostik Screedmaster Speed 30 is the ideal solution in such situations. Formulated from the latest advances in cement technology, Screedmaster Speed 30 has a walk-on time of 30 minutes, a loose lay time of 45 minutes, and allows floorcoverings to be bonded in as little as three hours. Consisting of a 20kg powder bag and four litres of polymer liquid, the two-part product is suitable for use with under-floor heating systems and covers up to 5m² at 3mm thickness.
18 | LEVELLING COMPOUNDS
COOL CONDITIONS Rapid curing smoothing compounds like our Bostik Screedmaster Speed 30 are generally designed for fast turnaround projects, allowing flooring to be done in a day. This is possible because the chemistry of the product differs from more standard smoothing compounds, enabling the moisture levels to reduce much more quickly and for the strength build up to be much faster.
However, as we enter the winter months, it’s also worth emphasising the effect that cold conditions can have on the process of subfloor preparation.
When temperatures are low, choosing the right products will help to minimise the time spent on site.
For standard smoothing compounds, the delay in drying and curing times due to cold, damp conditions can be significant. This is another reason why a rapid-acting compound such as Screedmaster Speed 30 may be an attractive solution in cold conditions.
Remember as well that another factor affecting the drying rate is the thickness that the product is applied at. Drying times are often based on a 3mm thickness, but if you’re applying thicker than 3mm, there is more moisture to escape, so you may need to factor in more time.
www.bostik-profloor.co.uk
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