76 INTERIORS


application, which will fully cure in as little as three hours. uicker, twocoat, waterbased systems are also available that will create an effective barrier against residual construction moisture where relative humidity values are up to . he fi rst coat cures in  minutes. A further  minutes curing time is reuired for the second coat.


According to F Ball & Co, the only method of measuring subfl oor relative humidity levels with certainty – and the method advocated by British Standards – is to use a calibrated hygrometer


to avoid the prospect of localised excess moisture not being detected.


WATERPROOF SURFACE MEMBRANES here are a number of options available to contractors for creating a barrier to protect the fl oorcovering from high levels of moisture detected within the subfl oor. he application of a liuid waterproof surface membrane is the usual solution for effectively controlling damp. he bestperforming epoxy waterproof surface membranes will isolate excess subfl oor moisture where relative humidity values are up to , with a single coat


AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION An alternative solution for dealing with damp is available for where a waterproof surface membrane cannot be applied. his may be the case where fl ooring installations are part of a refurbishment proect and screeds are contaminated with oil, other chemicals or old adhesive residues. It is also useful in heritage settings where the subfl oor must be preserved.


In these situations, a looselay isolator membrane can be laid directly onto the subfl oor, without the reuirement for an adhesive, to provide a barrier to stop excess subfl oor moisture causing fl oor failure.


hese membranes typically have nodules on the underside, creating an airspace to allow water vapour to travel to the edge of a room, into a dry wall or ventilated area, where it can safely


escape. A wide range of fl oorcoverings can be adhered to its upper surface. his enables new fl oors to be installed and easily removed at a later date, allowing buildings to be returned to their original state and offering a solution for temporary fl ooring installations.


NEXT STEPS


hen a suitable moisture management solution is in place, contractors can proceed with preparing the subfl oor for the installation of new fl oorcoverings. here an isolator membrane has not been used, this should include the application of a levelling compound to create a perfectly smooth base for the receipt of fl oorcoverings, remembering to prime beforehand if necessary.


ontractors can proceed to install


fl oorcoverings using an appropriate adhesive once the levelling compound has cured. At this stage, the compatibility of particular fl oorcoverings and adhesives should be checked to further ensure against fl oor failure. o do this, contractors can consult the adhesive manufacturers ecommended Adhesives uide or see the fl oorcovering manufacturers instructions.


Stephen Boulton is technical service manager at F Ball & Co


Counter-balanced for ease of use


Highly insulated hatch


to keep in the warmth (U value of 0.60W/m K)


High strengthwooden ladder (load rating of 180 kg/tread)


6-point latching system for an airtight seal (class 4)


Learn more about the Designo loft ladder...


www.premierloftladders.co.uk/designo 0345 9000 195 | sales@premierloftladders.co.uk


WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK


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