Contractors from Middlesex Flooring installed a combination of wood-effect vinyl sheet and carpet tiles over a new anhydrite screed in an upstairs function room in the clubhouse. They used products donated by F. Ball, including Stopgap 1100 Gypsum, a calcium sulphate-based levelling compound, Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive and Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier.
Preparing the anhydrite screed
Firstly, contractors had to properly prepare the anhydrite screed. Using a rotary sanding machine, they removed laitance from the subfloor to make the surface ready for the application of a levelling compound. A moisture test was also carried out, and it was determined that the subfloor was dry enough to receive floorcoverings without the requirement of a waterproof surface membrane.
It is always essential to prime newly installed screeds, so contractors applied F. Ball’s Stopgap P121 primer, which is specially formulated to promote adhesion between anhydrite screeds and calcium sulphate-based levelling compounds.
F. Ball’s Stopgap 1100 Gypsum is purpose-designed for use over calcium sulphate screeds, and was applied over the subfloor to create a perfectly smooth surface ahead of the installation of the floorcoverings. Using a calcium sulphate-based levelling compound inhibits the formation of ettringite crystals, which can form when cement-based levelling compounds are used over calcium sulphate screeds. This can result in floor failure.
Stopgap 1100 is self-levelling, so when mixed, the compound was poured onto the prepared substrate and allowed to flow to achieve a thickness of 3mm. Minimal working with a trowel was required, and a spiked roller was used to dispel trapped air and smooth out flow lines to give a more uniform surface appearance. The compound was ready to receive floorcoverings 24 hours later.
Creating a boundary
Contractors then used Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier to install high-quality, bitumen-backed Desso carpet tiles to create a border around the perimeter of the function room, covering approximately half of the 200m2 floor area. The tackifier was applied using a roller and allowed to dry to a clear, tacky film before laying the carpet tiles in position. The permanently tacky film prevents loose-lay carpet tiles from moving under normal foot traffic, but allows individual tiles to be quickly removed or replaced if they become worn or damaged.
Lastly, Tarkett wood-effect, vinyl sheet floorcovering was installed over the middle section of the floor using F. Ball’s Styccobond F46 solvent-free, pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive. The contractor spread the adhesive evenly over the subfloor using a trowel and allowed it to dry to a firm tack before laying the vinyl sheet and rolling it with a floor roller. Styccobond F46 offers excellent initial grab as well as high bond strength. It is also designed to reduce the incidence of trowel serrations shadowing through thin vinyl flooring.
Craig Gargan, of Middlesex Floors, said: “We were really happy to contribute to improving CB Hounslow United F.C. The club does a lot to support the local community, including training children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We received great support from F. Ball throughout the job, including with the site survey and moisture testing. As usual, using their products meant that it was straightforward and there were no problems.”