Subfloor Preparation
A top-notch subfloor is absolutely key to successfully installing resilient flooring. If your substrate isn’t sound, dry, clean, and smooth, it will lead to problems – from the way the flooring looks to de-bonding and complete failure.
First off, check the moisture in your screed. For most types of resilient flooring around 75% RH is fine. Ideally, let new screeds cure properly until they’re dry enough. If the moisture’s too high and you can’t bring it down, try out Proflow MVS. This revolutionary two-component smoothing compound comes with a built-in moisture vapour barrier that works up to 95% RH – meaning you can skip an extra moisture barrier and reduce what might be a three-layer process to just one. It sets quickly too: you can have foot traffic in about 90 minutes and lay the flooring in roughly 4 hours, with a 30-minute wet edge time.
If your screed’s a bit uneven or the surface is not up to scratch, you’ll need a smoothing and levelling compound. Your choice here depends on just how irregular the surface is and how much time you’ve got. Proflow MVS is a great for most situations, especially if the screed hasn’t cured properly. Another option is Proflow Finish, which works brilliantly on very uneven screeds or when underfloor heating is involved. It can be used up to 60mm in depth. It’s moisture-tolerant, suitable for any substrate and type of resilient flooring, and lets you have foot traffic after 90 mins and flooring installed after about 3.5 hours – plus it carries an EC1-Plus GEV Emicode rating.
Alternatively, Proflow Smooth is another self-smoothing compound that fills in any imperfections and leaves a flawless finish with minimal fuss. Thanks to its moisture lock technology, you can carry on with your work even if the screed isn’t completely dry. With a 30-minute working time, foot traffic is okay after 90 minutes, and you’re ready for floor coverings in around 3.5 hours – offering a great balance between extended working time and quick installation.
Adhesive Specification
Once your subfloor is smooth as can be, grab a good quality adhesive. Eco-3000 HT is a universal floor adhesive, ideal for laying luxury vinyl tile and sheet vinyl. It’s been formulated to be solvent-free and has very low VOC emissions – earning it an EMICODE EC1 Plus rating. This adhesive cures to a hard set with excellent bond strength. You can start installing your flooring after about 10 minutes when the adhesive is semi-tacked off and reaches its ‘anti-slide’ stage. Full tack-off takes about 40 minutes, with light foot traffic possible after roughly 12 hours.
Want to find out more?
Contact us to arrange for a product demonstration and your local Sales Representative will be in touch to show you how on site.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01772 456 831