After removing ceramic tiles and residue from the concrete subfloor, a moisture test was carried out. The test indicated that relative humidity (RH) levels in the subfloor were below 75%; therefore dry enough to continue with the installation without the application of a waterproof surface membrane.
Preparing the subfloor
F.Ball’s Stopgap P131 general-purpose primer was applied to the subfloor prior to installing a levelling compound. With few exceptions, it is essential to prime a subfloor before the application of a levelling compound or adhesive. Priming absorbent surfaces, such as concrete, with Stopgap P131 helps to promote adhesion and inhibits the unacceptably rapid drying of levelling compounds or adhesives. If a levelling compound dries too quickly, tiny holes appear in the surface in the levelling compound. This is known as ‘pinholing’.
Level and Smooth
F.Ball’s Stopgap 300 HD levelling compound was applied to the prepared subfloor to create a perfectly smooth surface ready for the Amtico floorcoverings. Stopgap 300 is a heavy-duty, fast-drying levelling compound with excellent self-levelling properties, and is suitable for the use over a wide range of subfloor types. It’s suitability for heavy-duty applications make it ideal for use in the reception area of the training academy, where high levels of daily footfall are expected. Applied at a thickness of 3mm, the compound is ready to receive floorcoverings in as little as six hours.
The final touch
Slate-effect vinyl tiles with bevelled edges were installed over approximately half of the floor area using a solvent-free, temperature tolerant vinyl adhesive with pressure sensitive characteristics. The pressure sensitive qualities of the adhesive mean that the floorcoverings were held securely in place whilst the fitter arranged the complex design of different shaped vinyl tiles.
Finally, entryway matting was installed over 50 percent of the remaining area of the prepared subfloor, next to the doorway leading into the reception area. Light-grey, PVC-backed carpet tiles were installed on the other half of the prepared floor.
Commenting on the project, Andy Heath, the main instructor working on the job, said: “The job went extremely well. The end result had to be perfect because it’s the Amtico training centre, and the reception is the first thing people see as they walk in. F. Ball’s products helped us create a high-quality finish, quickly. Stopgap 300 HD is like no other heavy-duty levelling compound I’ve used before. Some heavy-duty levelling compounds are quite difficult to level out. Stopgap 300 HD flows easily.”