This month, we explain why flexible smoothing underlayments work the way that they do.
You have probably used flexible smoothing underlayments many times, but have you ever wondered what’s going on inside the material that makes it work? Well, we’ll tell you…
Where it’s needed
Subfloors such as plywood or steel will invariably move slightly, either under foot traffic, or when exposed to temperature changes. A regular smoothing underlayment used over these subfloor types will crack slightly as a result of this movement, and eventually the floor will fail. Contractors working with these subfloor types, therefore, need to use flexible smoothing underlayments to accommodate for this movement. But how do they work?
Flexible, but doesn’t flex
Although it is called a ‘flexible’ smoothing underlayment, the compound itself is a solid cement product, so it doesn’t really flex. Rather, it is reinforced with tiny fibres that allow it to cope with subfloor movement, rendering small movements in flexible subfloors harmless.
Maintaining integrity
These fibres maintain the integrity of the smoothing underlayment and prevent cracks from opening up as a result of subfloor movement, ensuring that the installation retains its strength despite the stress caused by foot traffic or temperature fluctuations.
In this sense, the fibres act much like steel rods in reinforced concrete, which is typically used for large buildings or motorway bridges.
Find out more
To find out more about flexible smoothing underlayments and, specifically F. Ball’s Stopgap 700 Superflex click here.
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.