REFURBISHMENT
CHANGING ROOMS
Bostik helps counter moisture damage at National Star College.
Bostik, manufacturer of subfloor preparation and adhesive products, partnered with commercial flooring contractors Lake & Co. to tackle an intricate renovation at the National Star College in Ullenwood, Gloucestershire.
The National Star College is a specialised institution dedicated to empowering individuals with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and associated learning difficulties.
During the recent refurbishment of the college’s 200m² swimming pool changing rooms, what seemed like a routine update quickly unveiled a complex web of moisture-related issues in the subfloor.
The project’s complexity stemmed from the college’s unique location and the critical nature of the space for its students.
SIGNS OF MOISTURE
“When we first stepped into the changing rooms, the signs of moisture were immediately apparent,” said Adam Jones, Bostik’s technical representative. “The vinyl flooring was bubbling and delaminating extensively, hinting at a bigger problem lurking beneath the surface.”
Initial investigations revealed a subfloor structure consisting of a base smoothing compound, an epoxy surface damp proof membrane (DPM), and another layer of smoothing compound. However, the college’s location atop a natural spring complicated matters significantly.
Due to the area still being in service, intrusive testing was limited – one small area of the vinyl was removed to assess below the floorcovering, revealing alarming results. In areas where the vinyl
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was removed, the top layer of the smoothing compound came up without resistance, indicating poor bonding to the DPM.
Efflorescence on top of the DPM further confirmed moisture issues. Most concerning were the Protimeter MMS readings, which detected high moisture levels within the top smoothing compound layer.
“When we used the pin meter on the vinyl, liquid was physically expelled under pressure,” said Adam. “This suggested we might be dealing with hydrostatic pressure.”
Faced with these challenges, Bostik’s approach needed to be methodical, comprehensive, and designed to address immediate concerns while safeguarding against potential future issues.
A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM
“The work began with the complete removal of the existing floorcovering and compromised smoothing compound. This was followed by a careful abrasion of the epoxy DPM, creating an optimal bonding surface for the new system.
At the heart of the solution was the application of Bostik HYTEC E336 XTREM, a two-part, high-performance DPM specially formulated to withstand extreme moisture conditions and resist hydrostatic pressure. This provided a barrier against the persistent moisture issues plaguing the facility.
˝This project showcases what’s possible when you combine the right products with the right expertise.˝
Once the moisture barrier was in place, the team proceeded with the application of Bostik SL C955 ADVANCED, a high-performance, fast-drying smoothing compound that can be applied directly to most common substrates without priming due to its high adhesion and low shrinkage properties.
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.co.uk
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