Pressure sensitive adhesives
Chris McQuade, technical service officer at F. Ball, on pressure sensitive adhesives, the benefits, and options with specialist features.
Pressure sensitive adhesives form an instant grab upon contact so that contractors don’t need to worry about floorcoverings moving about when they are working, meaning that they are ideal for installing Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) or planks. They also offer an extended open time, reducing the risk of late placement, meaning they are often the best choice where intricate designs or patterns are being created.
Nowadays, pressure sensitive adhesives are available with a range of additional features, such as temperature tolerant and moisture resistant characteristics, as well as fast-track properties.
Temperature tolerant requirements
When installing floorcoverings in areas subject to extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations, it is advisable to use a temperature tolerant adhesive.
High temperatures or extreme temperature fluctuations can cause vinyl floorcoverings to expand and contract significantly, which may lead to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edges over time. This can be the case in conservatories and other rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that are subject to ‘solar gain’. Temperature tolerant adhesives develop the high bond strength required to hold floorcoverings securely in place in such environments, ensuring a long-lasting flooring finish.
Advancements in adhesive technology have enabled the development of high-performance, hybrid adhesives that combine pressure sensitive characteristics with moisture resistance, temperature tolerance and more.
Moisture resistance
An adhesive with water-resistant properties is essential where installations will be exposed to moisture. An adhesive that is not water resistant may break down and soften when it comes into contact with water, potentially causing floorcoverings to bubble or de-bond.
F. Ball’s Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS was one of the first examples of a high-performance, hybrid adhesive, with revolutionary combinations of properties. The water-based adhesive has the familiar characteristics of a pressure sensitive adhesive and develops the extremely high bond strength required to hold vinyl floorcoverings firmly in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations (from -20°C to +60°C). The adhesive is also moisture resistant, meaning it is suitable for installing vinyl floorcoverings in damp and humid environments.
Epoxy or polyurethane-based adhesives were once the only choice for installing flooring in an area that may be subject to standing water. These adhesives are also suitable for installing vinyl floorcoverings outdoors where surface water may collect. Nowadays, solvent-free, one-part alternatives are available that are also easier to apply and faster curing, such as F. Ball’s Styccobond F73 PLUS. The adhesive is fibre-reinforced, limiting the lateral movement of floorcoverings in the way of pressure sensitive adhesives.
Fast-track solutions
Options are also available where contractors face considerable time pressures and a moisture resistant or temperature tolerant adhesive is not required.
The fast-drying formulation of Styccobond F58 PLUS enables LVT tiles and planks to be secured from just five minutes, while fibres in the adhesive prevent vinyl tiles and planks from moving around when working. Developed as a ‘transitional’ adhesive, Styccobond F58 PLUS transitions from a wet-lay adhesive when initially applied to a subfloor to become fully pressure sensitive. As well as helping to reduce movement during installation, the adhesive’s high bond strength and strong initial tack prevents excess adhesive oozing between joints, facilitating easier application.
Compatibility check
It is always recommended that flooring contractors check the compatibility of a particular adhesive with chosen floorcoverings. For this purpose, F. Ball produces its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG®), which features recommendations for over 6,000 branded floorcoverings from over 200 leading international manufacturers. A continuously updated version of the RAG® is available as a free app and on the F. Ball website. Alternatively, contractors can contact F. Ball’s technical service department, from 8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, for advice on adhesive compatibility.