Ramsgate F.C.

F. Ball has continued its support of grassroots and lower league football clubs that aim to have a positive impact on local communities by donating products to be used to enhance facilities at Ramsgate F.C.

How were the products used, and why?

Club sponsor Avenue Flooring, based in Surrey, used Stopgap 1200 smoothing compound and Styccobond adhesives to install floorcoverings as part of the refurbishment of the main changing rooms at the WW Martin Community Stadium, undertaking the work for free. Fast-track products meant that this could be completed between fixtures.

The contractors began by grinding off paint from the existing concrete subfloor. They then applied Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane to prevent excess subfloor moisture potentially attacking adhesives and floorcoverings and resulting in floor failure. A single-coat application cures in as little as three hours to create a barrier against excess subfloor moisture where RH levels are up to 98%.

Stopgap 1200 was then used to create a perfectly smooth base for the receipt of new floorcoverings. Fast-setting and fast-drying, it is walk-on hard in as little as 60 minutes after application and ready to receive floorcoverings from just four hours. When applied directly over Stopgap F77 within 24 hours of the membrane curing, there is no need to prime the surface beforehand, saving further time in this situation.

Contractors then installed green Altro Suprema safety flooring using Styccobond F44 solvent-free, acrylic emulsion adhesive, which provides high bond strength, strong initial tack and a long open time. It is protected against bio-degradation and suitable for securing a wide-range of vinyl sheet and tile floorcoverings, rubber floorcoverings and some PVC or polyurethane-backed textile floorcoverings.

Stopgap F81 solvent-free, two-part epoxy adhesive was used to install safety flooring in the areas adjacent to the showers. When cured, it is resistant to water, oil and grease, making it ideal where the installation would be subjected to surface water.

Matting was also installed at the entrance to the changing rooms by using the company’s Styccobond F3 adhesive for textile floorcoverings.

With a mantra of ‘more than just football’, Ramsgate F.C. aims to have a positive impact on the local community by breaking down social barriers and improving social inclusion, including running holiday programmes for disadvantaged children and organising a number of charity initiatives promoting physical and mental wellbeing. ‘The Rams’ also have over 70 youth squads and more than 10 women’s teams.

Quote

Commenting on the project, Aaron Hams from Avenue Flooring, said: “The club does a lot for the local community, so we’re pleased to be a sponsor alongside F. Ball, whose products we use as standard. We are also grateful for F. Ball’s support with this project. We had a three-day window in which to complete the work in between matches, and their products made this possible.”