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Instarmac Technical Articles

These articles cover current industry related topics and installation guides to get the most from your products.

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Why should you prime?

20th September 2019

Priming of subfloors/substrates is key to ensuring the selected smoothing underlayment can perform to its optimum. It improves the flow and workability of the smoothing underlayment. There are three basic reasons why priming is important. Firstly, priming reduces the absorbency of the floor; secondly it increases adhesion and finally, correct priming acts as an interface […]

The drying characteristics of cementitious smoothing underlayments

19th September 2019

The drying characteristics of cementitious smoothing underlayments are directly influenced by ambient air and floor temperatures. Cement within the smoothing underlayment cures through a process of hydration using moisture. Extreme site conditions can affect this process i.e. below 5°C and above 30°C. Ideal ambient air and floor temperatures for application are between 10°C and 22°C. […]

An A-Z of floor coverings

16th September 2019

There is a vast array of final floor coverings available, the following describe each of the most popular kinds: Carpet A textile floor covering typically consisting of an upper layer of pile attached to a backing. Cork The bark of a cork oak tree which is ground into sheets that are used as tiles to […]

UltraFloor European Standards explained

16th September 2019

All UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, repair and finishing compounds and our damp proof membrane are fully CE classified, their ‘Declaration of Performance’ certificates can be downloaded at the click of a button from ultra-floor.co.uk or via our Product Planner App. The European Standards explained: BS EN 13318:2000 states the definition of a screed as: Layer or […]

Underfloor Heating Preparation Guidance

16th September 2019

Various underfloor heating manufacturers exist including Warmup who offer a range of systems across the different types, including Sticky Mat and Total-16. We recommend that you always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when installing underfloor heating.   It is becoming increasingly common to come across floors with underfloor heating systems incorporated. It is important to […]

How can you remove contamination and laitance?

16th September 2019

Following British Standard 8204 all subfloors/substrates must be free from contaminants that may prevent adhesion such as dust, oils, grease, surface laitance, water soluble adhesive residues and weak smoothing underlayments etc. Various methods and machines exist which are designed for the preparation, removal and finishing of subfloors/substrates prior to the application of any UltraFloor product. […]

How do you test for moisture?

16th September 2019

85% of complaints are as a result of moisture, Source: FITA If a subfloor/substrate has not reached the required level of dryness before a floor covering is laid then residual moisture held between the aggregate and cement (or other binder) will slowly be released, reaching the subfloor/substrate preparation and the floor covering causing damage from […]

Is your subfloor/substrate suitable?

16th September 2019

The suitability of a subfloor/substrate should always be fully assessed before carrying out any preparation or installing a floor covering. British Standard 8204 should be referred to for full guidance and clarification. The main criteria to be assessed is: Sound/solid – is the subfloor/substrate strong and stable? Dry – has the subfloor/substrate dried/cured completely? Free […]

Subfloor/Substrate Types

16th September 2019

The UltraFloor range of products are suitable for use on all subfloor/substrate types. These fall into two categories, porous and non-porous, the most common include: POROUS Concrete Sand:Cement Flooring Grade Plywood Anhydrite NON-POROUS Epoxy Resin Damp Proof Membrane Power Floated Concrete Flooring Grade Asphalt Porcelain, Ceramic, Quarry or Terrazzo Tiled Floors Steel Mezzanine Decks Access […]

Wall Tiling – Render

8th March 2018

For wall tiling applications it is essential that the wall itself has sufficient inherent strength to hold the proposed tile and the adhesive being used. The following chart lists the accepted maximum loadings for a variety of wall substrates. In all cases, it is advised that where wall boards, of any type, are used that […]
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