Project of the month: Fosse Shopping Park

J & S Flooring of Leicester used F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound and Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS vinyl adhesive to install luxury vinyl tiles in the Fosse Shopping Park food court in Leicester.

F. Ball’s Styccobond F49, a revolutionary development in temperature tolerant adhesives, was used to install luxury vinyl tiles in the Fosse Shopping Park food court that is subject to temperature change and heavy footfall. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause floorcoverings to expand and contract over time, leading to tenting and gapping. It was crucial, therefore, that the optimum products were used.

The process

Firstly, the existing vinyl floor tiles were removed and Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound was applied to create a smooth subfloor. Stopgap 1200 is a low odour, two-component levelling compound with fast setting and drying times, making it the perfect choice for preparing internal subfloors before installing new floorcoverings. It is particularly suitable for use over old adhesive residues (including bitumen and carpet tile tackifiers) and does not normally require the application of a primer.

To install the luxury vinyl tiles, J & S Flooring used Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS vinyl adhesive, whose innovative formulation limits any movement and holds the floorcovering firmly in place. Importantly, the adhesive also delivers the instant grab associated with pressure sensitive adhesives, which previously wasn’t available for temperature tolerant adhesives. This makes the installation process quicker and easier.

The water-based adhesive has been specifically developed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations as low as -20°c and up to +60°c, and it is suitable for use over normal underfloor heating systems. The pressure sensitive nature of the adhesive allows it to continue to build up strength following initial application. In addition, it provides an extremely strong water resistant bond, allowing it to be used in areas subject to water and high humidity.

John Wells, of J & S Flooring, said: “I have been using F.Ball products my whole career; they are reliable and always do what they say on the tin. Styccobond F49 was a perfect adhesive to use in this refurbishment as it enabled us to successfully install flooring in an area of heavy footfall and temperature change. Using this product alongside Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound enabled us to complete this refurbishment in just two days, despite only being able to work on the floor when the shopping centre was closed.”