FLOOR PREPARATION
& SUB-FLOORING
Before the installation of any floorcoverings, it is extremely vital that the site conditions are suitable for the installation process.
The following recommendations need to be followed:
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All bases and sub-floors must be sound, firm, dry and even.
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Floors should be cleared of all debris.
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There should be a sufficient amount of time allowed for when setting and drying the floors.
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Porous and impervious bases need to be primed as per adhesive manufacturers.
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The underfloor heating is required to be switched off for 48 hours prior to laying the floorcoverings and not turned on until at least 48 hours after, with peak temperature being avoided for further 7 days.
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A room temperature of at least 18 degrees and a sub-floor temperature of at least 10 degrees should be maintained 24 hours before, during and after installation.
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The floorcovering should be allowed to acclimatise on site for 24 hours prior to installation.
Sub-floor Dampness
In some instances, concrete may never be completely dry. Prior to installations of floorcoverings, it is imperative to check that the moisture level of the concrete has been reduced to a value where it is safe to lay the floor.
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It is recommended that the concrete is dry when measured with a calibrated hygrometer after 75% or less. There are a variety of surface applied damp proof membranes which can be applied if the flooring is required to be installed before the relative humidity decreases to 75%.
Solid Floor
There is a range of floor preparation and repair products which can be used, enabling an ideal surface for the installation of decorative floorcoverings. The smoothing underlayments used fall into two broad categories, powders that are mixed with water and powders mixed with latex or acrylic emulsion.
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The type of underlayment used will depend on the type of preparation that is required, the sub-floor make up, build up capabilities, self-smoothing requirements setting time and hardness.
Floorboards/ Standard Chipboard
Plyboard is laid across the line of the boards of the sub-floors. These are fixed using divergent staples or screws, and the hollows have to be level by sanding, plaining or filled with specialist timber screeds. Floorcoverings can be installed directly to fixed flooring grade chipboard but a primer is usually required prior to application of the adhesive.
Underlayments
There are various underlayments which are used for both vinyl and textile floocoverings. These are chosen and laid with regards to the manufacturer’s recommendations.