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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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Glossary of Terms

20th April 2021

A great deal of terminology is used within the highway industry. This is a collection of those terms used the most by UltraCrete. Aggregate Abrasion Value (AAV) The standard measure of an aggregates resistance to abrasion. Backfill The material used to provide a solid structural base to receive the surface course material and to hold […]

Tiling to Calcium Sulphate Screeds

12th March 2021

What is a Calcium sulphate screed? Instead of a cement-based binder, these types of screed contain anhydrous (dry) Calcium Sulphate and aggregate(s). When water is added, the anhydrous (dry) Calcium Sulphate forms either an alpha hemi-hydrate (a stronger and harder crystalline form) or a di-hydrated Calcium Sulphate (more commonly known as Gypsum). This reaction stops […]

A Guide to External Tiling

2nd February 2021

External tiling is becoming more and more popular. This is partly due to the increase in availability and popularity of 20mm porcelain tiles. Over recent years, homeowners have become inspired by seamless indoor outdoor living spaces and by using 10mm internal and 20mm external tiles, this beautiful design trend is now very achievable. TYPES OF […]

How to use UltraFloor Smoothing Underlayments on Calcium Sulphate Screeds

12th August 2020

Flowable calcium sulphate screeds, also known as anhydrite, hemi hydrite and gypsum screeds have many advantages over traditional sand / cement screeds. Calcium sulphate screeds can be laid more thinly than sand / cement resulting in lighter weight loadings, are often formulated using industrial by-products, helping you reach environmental goals and because they can be […]

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. […]
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