SMOOTHING COMPOUNDS OTHER SITUATIONS
The application of a smoothing compound that is designed to accommodate slight movements or flexing in the subfloor is recommended when working over subfloors of steel. These products are reinforced with tiny fibres that maintain the integrity of the smoothing compound when subject to minor subfloor movement as a result of normal foot traffic or temperature fluctuations.
When working over electrical wired or water-fed underfloor heating systems that are increasingly installed over subfloors as part of new build or refurbishment projects, it is advisable to allow at least 15mm of a special-purpose smoothing compound above the pipes to avoid hotspots and ensure its structural integrity.
EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS
Where contractors are working over subfloors in a good condition, perhaps in multiple areas, such as new-build developments, and they don’t require advanced features, such as suitability for use over adhesive residues or flexible substrates, general-purpose smoothing compounds are often the best choice. Apart from being a cost-effective option, the ease with which some formulations can be applied helps flooring contractors to work quickly and efficiently.
For example, F. Ball has drawn upon the latest cement formulation technology to create a ‘best-in-class’, high flow smoothing compound: Stopgap 1400.
The two-component smoothing compound has superior self- smoothing properties, is walk-on hard from just 90 minutes after application and ready to receive floorcoverings from 12 hours.
˝Where contractors are working over subfloors in a good
condition and they don’t require advanced features, general-
purpose smoothing compounds are often the best choice.˝
Stopgap 1400 can be applied between 2 – 10mm thick to a wide range of absorbent and non-absorbent primed subfloors, including sand/cement and calcium sulphate (e.g. anhydrite) screeds, concrete, granolithic, sound asphalt, terrazzo, epoxy and polyurethane resins, ceramic and quarry tiles, as well as Stopgap waterproof surface membranes. Furthermore, its low- odour, protein-free formulation allows it to be used in biologically sensitive areas.
INITIAL PREPARATIONS
Before a smoothing compound is applied, always make sure that the subfloor is suitably sound, smooth and dry enough for the receipt of subfloor preparation products and floorcoverings. This should include the removal of any surface contaminants. There are also situations where additional preparations, such as the application of a repair compound, will be required to achieve
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a perfectly smooth base – where sand/cement screeds are mechanically damaged, for example.
˝Stopgap 1400 is a two-
component smoothing compound that can be applied between 2 – 10mm thick to a wide range
of absorbent and non-absorbent primed subfloors.˝
A subfloor moisture test should be undertaken as part of any flooring installation. Where relative humidity (RH) levels within the subfloor are above 75% (65% if installing bonded wood floorcoverings), the application of a waterproof surface membrane will be required to prevent excess subfloor moisture attacking adhesives and floorcoverings, potentially leading to floor failure. The application of a primer is also recommended in almost all circumstances prior to installing a smoothing compound.
After these steps have been undertaken, the application of an appropriate smoothing compound is the final stage in the subfloor preparation process before new floorcoverings can be installed.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
F. Ball’s technical service department is on hand to answer questions about subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation, including the best smoothing compound for a particular situation. They are contactable by phone, as well as by contact form and a new live chat facility on F. Ball’s recently redesigned and relaunched website.
https://f-ball.com/en
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