In this issue, we explain why Stopgap Fast Track 30 smoothing underlayment works and what makes it different to our other underlayments.
Stopgap Fast Track 30, part of F. Ball’s Fast Track Solutions range, was launched in response to a demand for products that allow contractors to complete a job faster and more efficiently without sacrificing on quality. But how does it work? What exactly makes it so fast?
Where it’s needed:
Stopgap Fast Track 30 is a rapid set, rapid dry smoothing underlayment. It is the ideal choice for jobs where time matters, with the ability to withstand foot traffic after 30 minutes and to receive floorcoverings after just 45 minutes. It is protein-free, making it suitable for use in biologically sensitive areas, and is suitable for use over a wide range of subfloor types including sand/cement screed, concrete and waterproof surface membranes.
Why it works:
Stopgap Fast Track 30 was developed as a result of recent advances in cement technology which, by enabling water to be chemically ‘locked’ into the compound rather than having to wait for the water to evaporate, have revolutionised the nature of our products.
Traditionally, smoothing underlayments are composed of a combination of three cements: calcium aluminate, Portland and calcium sulphate. This combination worked well, but was not without its limitations.
The main drawback was the inclusion of Portland cement. Portland, the ‘original’ cement, was primarily included in the mix for its fast-setting properties. However, its limited working time and failure to chemically lock in the water in the mixture meant that contractors were faced with a wait of over 24 hours to allow the water to fully evaporate before the installation could continue.
New cement
The development of a new calcium aluminate cement, however, meant that the industry could wash its hands of this issue for good. This new cement, when combined with calcium sulphate cement, was synthesised to entirely remove the need for Portland cement, bringing with it a set time of 30 minutes while also maintaining a reasonable working time of 15-20 minutes.
The cement is also formulated to hold 100% of the water in the mixture, meaning that the installation can continue as soon as the smoothing underlayment is dry and set with no need to wait for the water to evaporate.
Find out more
To find out more about Stopgap Fast Track 30 and the other items in the Fast Track Solutions range, click here. You can also see Stopgap Fast Track 30 in action in our video.
If there’s a product in the F. Ball range that you’d like to find out ‘why it works’, please let us know by using the contact link in the menu at the top of the page.