F_BALL_SUBFLOOR_PREP_BROCHURE-Jan-26 - Flipbook - Page 12
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Subfloor Preparation Guide | All aspects of subfloor preparation and floor covering installation
NON-ABSORBENT
SURFACES
Surfaces that will not allow water to pass through them can be
regarded as non-absorbent. Surfaces such as asphalt, ceramic and
quarry tiles, granolithic, terrazzo, paints and to some extent power
floated concrete can all come under this heading.
Coated Surfaces
Traditional floor paints such as those based on oil or
acrylic emulsions should be totally removed. Epoxy
or polyurethane paints can be overcoated providing
they are in good condition and well adhered to the
substrate. Coatings vary considerably in this respect
and we would suggest you check adhesion by prior
testing to ensure a satisfactory bond is achieved.
The coating should be cleaned using
Styccoclean C140 then either primed with neat
Stopgap P141 followed by the recommended
smoothing compound or the adhesive applied
direct to the paint (please contact our Technical
Service Department for further information on
product selection).
However, in the majority of cases identifying the
type of paint or coating will be difficult and it is most
likely it will be brittle, worn, peeling or flaking off
the substrate and is therefore not good enough to
receive either a smoothing compound or adhesive.
The easiest method of removing old paint is usually
dust-free shot blasting.
Note: certain paints and coatings may allow moisture to pass
through them and checks should be made for moisture before
progressing further work.
Chemical Hardening and Waterproofing
Admixtures and Curing Agents
All these products are designed to generally repel
water from entering into the concrete or screed
or to form a barrier to prevent moisture escaping
and adhesion will be impaired if a water based
smoothing compound, adhesive or waterproof
surface membrane is applied.
The substrate should be prepared by mechanical
means such as contained shot blasting. If a
waterproofing admixture is known to have been
used, further testing should be carried out with the
proposed system to ensure complete compatibility
and adhesion to the host substrate.
Some acrylic based curing agents may be
overcoated with certain Styccobond adhesives
and advice should be sought from F. Ball Technical
Services before proceeding. If in doubt always
mechanically prepare the surface.
