cfa guide 2007

G u i d e t o

www.cfa.org.uk

CONTRACTFLOORING

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Cover 12/12/06 16:23

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CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_IFC & Prelims_p02-03 2/12/06 11:28

www.cfa.org.uk

All enquirees to the Contract Flooring Association4c St Mary’s Place, The LaceMarket, Nottingham NG1 1PH

Tel : 0115 941 1126 Fax: 0115 941 2238Email: [email protected] Website: www.cfa.org.uk

Executive director: Richard Wollerton

3rd Edition of the CFA Guide to Contract Flooring published byKick-Start Publishing Ltd The Oast, Great Danegate, Eridge, East Sussex TN3 9HU

Guide toCONTRACTFLOORING

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CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_Contents_P04-05 2/12/06 11:28

www.cfa.org.uk

C o n t e n t sCFA Details 03

Contents 05

Preface 06

Section One – About the CFA 06

Section Two – Site Conditions and Attendances 08

Section Three – Health & Safety 12

Section Four – Substrates 17

Section Five – Moisture Testing in Cementious Floors 25

Section Six – Damp Proof Membranes 28

Section Seven – Subfloor Smoothing Underlayments 30

Section Eight – Underfloor Heating 37

Section Nine – Selection of Flooring Materials 38

Section Ten – Resilient Floorings 39

Section Eleven – Textile Floorings 48

Section Twelve – Timber Floorings 54

Section Thirteen – Laminate Floorings 63

Section Fourteen – Insitu, Composition, Seamless Floorings 63

Section Fifteen – Terazzo Floorings 67

Section Sixteen – Slip Resistance 68

Section Seventeen – Selection of Adhesives 70

Section Eighteen – Static Control 72

Section Nineteen – Entrance Flooring Systems 74

Section Twenty – Temporary Protection Materials 76

Section Twenty One – Flooring Accessories 78

Section Twenty Two – Protection from Footwear, Chair and Wheel Traffic 80

Contractor Focus 81

Consultant Focus 87

CFA

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CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007

P r e f a c e

S e c t i o n O n e – A b o u t t h e C F A

This guide has been fully revisedand is the fifth in a series of informativepublications for Architects, Specifiers,Builders and Flooring Contractorsproduced by the ContractFlooring Association.

The first, published in 1980 wasentitled the Contract FlooringCompendium followed in 1986 by theCFA Guide to Contract Flooring, of

which this is the third revision.This guide was produced by the

Manufacturers Committee, staff of theCFA and other CFA members who alsorepresent the flooring industry on theBuilding Industry Joint ContractsTribunal, the Occupational WorkingGroup for floorcoverings VocationalQualifications and International,European and British Standard

Committees, National SpecialistContractors Council and other relevanttechnical and contractual policy groups.

In an era of technical advancementmany changes in product andinstallation techniques are evident in ourindustry and whilst the information in theguide is of a general nature, specific ormore detailed information can beprovided on request.

The Contract Flooring Association wasformed in 1973 by the amalgamationof three small flooring associations:The Floor Covering ContractorsAssociation, whose membersspecialised primarily in smoothfloorcoverings: the Association ofFlooring Contractors (hardwoodflooring) and the Carpet PlannersAssociation. Its present membership,therefore, consists of contractorsengaged in the installation of all floorfinishes include in-situ floorings andsub-floor screeds, with manufacturersand distributors of flooring materials,adhesives and accessories. There isalso a category of membership forflooring consultants.

One of the CFA’s major functionsis to promote the flooring industry to

the architect and specifier and thisguide is one manifestation of thatfunction. Following the selection ofmaterial, and no less important, is thechoice of flooring contractor. In thisregard, the CFA can be of valuableassistance since the criteria it demandsfrom companies seeking membershipare high.

Companies applying formembership must have a tradinghistory and comply with currentlegislation regarding health and safetypolicy insurances, be registered forthe construction industry tax schemeand registered for VAT. Referencesare also required. This procedureensures that an architect nominating aCFA member can do so withconfidence, secure in the knowledge

that the company is stable andmaintains a high standard ofworkmanship.

The CFA along with the NationalInstitute of Carpet and Floorlayers(NICF) founded the Flooring IndustryTraining Association (FITA) which runsvarious courses in many types offlooring from its two training centresin Lancashire and Leicestershire andprovides the technical information forthe National Vocational Qualification(NVQ) in floorcoverings.

It will be seen from the foregoingthat the Contract Flooring Associationis an extremely active organisation,representing on a national level theinterests of member companies andvery much aware of its responsibilitiestowards the architect and specifier.

For further details on the association please contact Contract Flooring Association4c St Mary’s Place, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PH.Telephone: 0115 941 1126 Fax: 0115 941 2238 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cfa.org.uk

CFJ i s the o f f i c ia l journal o f the Contrac t F loor ing Assoc ia t ion

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_ Preface-Section one_P06-07 2/12/06 11:30

THE UK’S LEADING MANUFACTURER OFFLOORING ADHESIVES AND FLOOR PREPARATION PRODUCTS

• Market leading flooring adhesives and floor preparation products

• Definitive ‘Recommended Adhesives Guide’

• Comprehensive technical back-up

• On-site advice from Technical Representatives

• Nationwide availability through distributor network

Churnetside Business Park, Station Road,Cheddleton, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 7RS, UK.Tel: +44 (0) 1538 361633 Fax: +44 (0) 1538 361115Email: [email protected]

www.f-ball.co.uk

THE FIRST NAME INFLOORING INSTALLATION

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_ Preface-Section one_P06-07 2/12/06 11:30

08


S e c t i o n Tw o – Site Conditions and Attendances

The appearance and performance of floorcoverings are determined to a large extentby the quality of the prepared base orscreed on which they are to be laid. Thoseresponsible for the design andconstruction of the sub-floor must ensurethat it meets the requirements forhardness, soundness, levels and surfaceregularities, dryness and other designparameters before flooring coveringinstallation is commenced. The quality ofthe installation also depends on attentionbeing given to those other buildingsproducts, work processes and the generalconditions provided during installationwhich may in any way be associated with,and therefore affect the finished flooring.Any incompatibility in other trades orunsuitable conditions of work can restrictthe ability of the floorlayer to provide aneat, well adhered and satisfactory,lasting, floor finish. Clear contractualarrangements at the beginning andeffective communications between allparties will minimise contention andmaximise customer satisfaction.

Whilst the need to provide the rightconditions through specification isobviously of first importance, only bycareful consideration being given toON SITE QUALITY CONTROof these and other works, will the expectedadvantages be realised.

Required Attendances• Facilities for the safe unloading and

distribution of flooring and accessorymaterials.

• Provision of dry, clean, ventilated,waterproof, warm and secure storagearea. Floorcoverings and associatedmaterials such as chipboard to beunloaded with care and storedaccording to manufacturers’ instructions.On multi-storey work storage facilities tobe available on each floor as the workproceeds. Special storage to beavailable for flammable adhesives andany other substances are required by therequirements of current Fire,Safety at Work, COSHH or otherrelevant Regulations.

• Safe hoisting facilitiesand access to appropriate floor level.

• Good standard of electric lighting towork areas when required. Electricpower, generally at 110 volts but oftenat 240 volts for floor sanding machines,to be made available for using powertools.

Site Conditions• Clear and clean work area each work

area to be clear of all other trades andtheir materials. Floors to be clear ofrubbish and initially swept clean or,preferably, industrial vacuumed and withany surface contamination removed asdirected by the manufacturers of thenext product to be applied.

Dryness of the baseBefore floorings are laid it is necessary notonly to ensure that the floor is constructedto prevent moisture reaching them fromthe ground but also to ensure thatsufficient of the water used in theconstruction process is eliminated. Anyexcess water must be allowed toevaporate and the time for this must betaken into account at the planning stage.Estimated drying times are only veryapproximate but research has shown thatunder ideal conditions concrete 150mmthick may take up to two years to dry andpower floating extends the time evenfurther. Usually time schedules do notallow for lengthy drying times andconsideration needs to be given at thedesign stage to the use of sandwiched orsurface damp proof membranes. Beforethe application of the floor finish acementitious base must be sufficiently dryto show a hygrometer reading not greaterthan 75% Relative Humidity when tested inaccordance with the British StandardCode of Practice.

Sub-floor SurfacesFloor screeds and other in-situ floor basesi.e. timber, need to have a surfaceregularity which complies with therequirements of BS5325,BS8203, BS8204 and BS8425 orother relevant Standards.Directly finished concrete bases frequentlydo not comply with the required surfaceregularity or the smoothness needed to

receive a floor finish. In addition, powerfloated finishes may provide a surface toodense to allow the flooring adhesive to dryand make a satisfactory bond.

Those responsible for the design andconstruction of the sub-floor may need toconsider preparatory work to the sub-floorsurface before instructing the flooringcontractors to commence work.

Protection of floor screeds(see section 18)Floor screeds are not wearing surfacesand should be protected as soon aspossible after laying, against damage toand contaminationof the surface by other trades. Foot trafficfromall trades can causes considerable surfaceabrasion and contamination. The effectson the flooring application are numerous.

Poor adhesion of the flooring overweak patches caused by wear of thescreed surface.

Weakly adhered aggregate can bepulled out when spreading the flooringadhesive resulting in small bumpsappearing in the flooring after it hasbedded down.

Concrete and brickwork contractorsworking on the screed surface and failingadequately to clean off concrete andmortar residues, resulting in surfaceirregularity.

Plaster and paint being dropped ontothe screed contaminating the surfacecausing loss of adhesion and lifting of theflooring. Do not use solvent basedproducts for removing paint, oil or othercontaminants.

Any areas of the screed surfacedamaged due to lack of protection or anyother reason MUST be repaired before theflooring contractor commences workalthough this cannot be accepted as anequal alternative to screed protection.

Room Temperatureand Humidity BS5325, BS8203, BS8204 and BS8425advise that for the installation of MOSTfloorings, a work area temperature of18°C be maintained throughout theperiod of the installation of the flooring.

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S e c t i o n Tw o – Site Conditions and Attendances continued

They also advise that this temperatureshould be attained 24 hours prior to theinstallation, so that floorings can be keptin the room and brought to roomtemperature before installation. With fullyflexible vinyls and linoleums flexibility isimportant for a good and safe installation.At low temperatures these floorings willharden up making them difficult to applyand with rolls of floorings, difficult to unroll(without cracking) and achieve asatisfactory lay-flat condition.

It is essential with most floor coveringsthat they are laid in thesame humidity conditions as wouldbe expected to be prevalent in use.Temporary heating equipment which maybe used to warm buildingsto achieve the required temperature canalso increase the humidityto a markedly higher level thanwould normally be expected.The fitting of floor coverings in newbuilding prior to the running of heatingand/or humidification systems is a majorcause of eventual dimensional stabilityproblems and must therefore be avoided.

Floor FittingsThese are “fittings” placed within the floorscreed which can considerably affect thequality of the flooring installation.They include:

Construction jointsService ducts and duct trays or coversDrainage outletsMatwells

It is important that where surface fittingsare placed within the flooring base, orwhere construction arrangements affectthe continuity of the flooring, considerationneeds to be given to the selection of theright type of fitting to suit the flooring. It isalso necessary to ensure that theinstallation of such fittings is carried out insuch a manner, which will allow neat andefficient placing of the flooring,for example, by selecting duct or drainagefittings in sizes to match a tiling module.

Construction JointsIt is sometimes wrongly supposed that aconstruction joint can be taken to thesurface of the floor screed, a smoothingunderlayment spread over the top to maskthe joint and then the flooring laid acrossthat. There is no doubt that if thisprocedure is carried out, the flooring willfail. Treatment of a construction joint mustallow for a metal upstand on each side ofthe joint, or similar propriety system whichneeds to be accurately fitted to finishsufficiently above the screed surface toallow for the thickness of the flooring,so that fitting can be carried out neatlyand tightly.

Service DuctsAccess covers either individuallyor in continuous duct format usedin conjunction with flexible flooringmust be installed in the screedallowing sufficient upstand for thethickness of flooring.

The cut edge of the flooring isvulnerable to traffic and the effects ofwater seeping into the underfloor andsteps should be taken to anchor itsecurely. Screeding can rarely becarried out with sufficient precision toallow the edge to be left uniformlyproud when the underfloor has cured. Itis preferable to use a cover and framemodified to accept the flooringmaterial. This can have a clampingedge or an accurate upstand formed atthe periphery of the frame giving aprecise level for the screed. Theflooring is fed over a clamping edgeprior to being secured mechanically.Alternatively, an upstand, incorporatinga vinyl insert to which the flooring iswelded may be used to form acompletely flat, watertight joint.

Drainage OutletsSome floor areas, for example incommercial kitchens, hospitals, leisurefacilities, production areas or laundriesare subject to wetting far in excess ofthat produced by normal cleaning. Toclear this surface water efficiently,gratings are fitted in the floor, overchannels, or point-drains. Non-corroding materials should be used. Toprevent water penetrating the screed atthe vulnerable edge between the flooringand the outlet, the flooring should beclamped in place with a separate flangeor cover strip. Alternatively, a gratingwith a PVC frame may be used to whichthe flooring can be seam welded.

FOR A FULL LIST OF MEMBERS VISIT:

www.cfa.org.uk


Newcastle Flooring Co. Ltd

DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL& INDUSTRIAL FLOORING

SPECIALISTVinylsLinoCorkRubberCarpetWall Cladding etc.

For Expert Advice CallTel: 0191 265 9673Fax: 0191 224 0091

18 Heaton Road, Newcastle

✓

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12


S e c t i o n T h r e e – Health & Safety

GENERAL: There are many pieces of legislationaimed at ensuring the health and safety ofpeople at work but probably the mainones are: The Health and Safety at WorkAct (HASAWA), the Control of SubstancesHazardous to Health Regulations(COSHH) and the ConstructionDesign and Management) Regulations(CDM). These regulations and their manyamendments have implications for allpeople at work but especially for thoseinvolved in manufacturing, importing orsupplying any substance for use at work.From the Flooring Industry’s point of viewthey are relevant when using any productsbut particularly smoothing underlayments,cleaning materials, detergents, adhesives,polishes, seals etc and even tools.

It is not possible in this guide to coverall the information included in legislationbut it is essential that all involved inspecification, supply and installation offloorcoverings understand what isrequired. The following is offered as abrief introduction to the scope of thevarious requirements and as a warning ofsome of the major pitfalls awaiting thosewho do not make themselves aware oftheir responsibilities.

HASAWA is the Act that governs allhealth and safety aspects for activities atwork, including the use of anysubstances/tools that may involve a risk tothe health or safety not only of employeesbut also anyone else in an area wherepeople are working. This Act is very farreaching and we cannot here even beginto scratch its surface. It placesresponsibilities on employers to ensure thesafety of all employees and others in theworkplace by providing safe equipment,safe working practices etc, and adequateinformation on any substances that mayconstitute a risk to health or safety. It is inthis last area that the Consumer ProtectionAct makes a significant amendment,changing the original requirement that the‘supplier’ of any substance should havehealth and safety information ‘available’,to now require that ‘the supplier’ ‘provide’the necessary information. In effect this

means that anybody who is supplied witha substance for use at work must beprovided with the necessary information bythe person or company who supplied it tothem. It is not enough to have theinformation available, the law requires thatit be given to people who are suppliedwith the substance. This also means that ifthere is a significant change in thesubstance or the relevant information,updated information must be provided toall those who may need it, including thosewho have been supplied with the productin the past.

This information is provided, initially bythe manufacturers, through their MaterialSafety Data Sheets and, to comply with thelaw, must be supplied to their customersdirectly. The responsibility for the onwardtransmission of this information passes towhoever is next in the supply chain, e.g.the flooring distributor. Mostmanufacturers are very happy for theirhealth and safety information to be copiedand used for this purpose but neither canthey take on the responsibility of supplyingthe information further down the chain,nor would it remove the direct supplier’sown responsibility if they did so.

Other legislation ensures that alldangerous substances supplied for peopleto use or transport around the country arepackaged and labelled in a way thatprotects them and warns them of theirpotential hazards. The regulations providea standard means of classifyingdangerous substances into a number oftypes e.g. Highly Flammable, Corrosive,Harmful etc, and stipulates therequirements for their packaging and theminimum information that must beprovided on any labels. The familiarpictogram labels provide a very usefulwarning of the potential hazards presentedby a substance, a brief summary of therisks and some brief safety advice.

These labels are not intended toprovide full details of the safetyinformation on a product but must beread in conjunction with the relevantMaterial Safety Data Sheet. Oneimportant aspect that is often overlookedis that if any dangerous goods are

transferred from the original containers forease of use, each new container usedmust be labelled in accordance with theregulations.

The COSHH regulations should beused to ensure that all substanceshazardous to health are not useduntil the risks of doing so have beenadequately assessed and the necessaryprecautions taken.

Again these are complex regulationsbut basically they require that before anoperation is carried out, a full assessmentis made of the hazards presented by thematerials to be used and the risks involvedin using them to carry out the operation inquestion. Having identified the problems,the operation must be planned, and bothequipment and facilities provided toensure that anyone in the area isprotected against the health hazardspresented by the materials to be used. TheMaterial Safety Data Sheets supplied bymanufacturers provide the basicinformation on the substances to be used,from which the COSHH assessment ismade. The assessment must take intoaccount the location in which the work isto be done, ventilation, quantities ofmaterials to be used etc, as well as theskill and knowledge of the operatives. Theassessment must relate to each specificjob and getting this right, properlyrecorded and the work properly controlledforms an increasingly important part ofany contract. . It is clear, therefore, that ageneralised assessment cannot be made.

CDM regulations impose various dutiesas follows:

Clients:Clients (or their agents) to ensure thatcertain requirements are complied with.For example, the client must takereasonable steps to ensure that personnelinvolved in the work are competent to doso. The client must appoint a planningsupervisor and principal contractor, andensure that there are sufficient resourcese.g. funds, time etc., for health and safety,and that a health and safety planhas been prepared prior to theconstruction phase.

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CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007

S e c t i o n T h r e e – Health & Safety

Other parties:The regulations list the duties of eachperson at the various stages ofconstruction, including the client, thedesigner, the principal contractor,subcontractors and employees. Thedesigners must give due regard to healthand safety in their design work; thePlanning Supervisor has overallresponsibility for co-ordinating health andsafety and the Principal (or Main)Contractor must develop a health andsafety plan and ensure that it is compliedwith by everyone engaged in the project.

Other regulations affect the flooringindustry but the following are particularlyrelevant to flooring contractors:

• Construction(Health, Safetyand Welfare) Regulations

• Construction(Head Protection) Regulations

• Protection of Eyes Regulations• Control of Noise at Work Regulations• Manual Handling

Operations Regulations• Personal Protective

Equipment Regulations• Control of Vibration

at Work Regulations• Provision and Use

of Work Equipment• Electricity at Work Regulations • Health and Safety (Consultation with

Employees) Regulations• Report of Injuries, Diseases and

Dangerous Occurrences Regulations• Waste Management Regulations• Hazardous Waste Regulations• Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use

of Transportable Pressure EquipmentRegulations

There are also various fire safetyregulations covering prevention,precautions, detection, alarm, fire fightingequipment, emergency procedures, etcwhich place responsibilities on everyoneinvolved in a construction project,including employees. Fire Risk Assessmentsshould identify potential fire hazards anddetermine measures to ensure the safetyof people in a building should a fire occur.

The control of Asbestos at Workregulations are especially relevant toanyone who has control of,or obligations under a contractor tenancy for the maintenance/repair/refurbishment, etc ofnon-domestic premises. Owners,occupiers and those with responsibility fornon-domestic premises which may containasbestos have a legal duty to manage therisk from this material and/or a duty to co-operate with whoever managesthat risk.

The duty holder shall ensure that asuitable risk assessment is carried out toenable him or her to manage the riskfrom asbestos.

It only remains to emphasise onceagain that these notes can only scratch thesurface of all the requirements andimplications of the various pieces oflegislation covering this aspect of acontract. There is no substitute forpersonal knowledge and it is essential thatanyone involved in the installation of floorcoverings ensure that they are fullyconversant with and comply with all thenecessary legislation as it applies to them.

Further information in this area can beobtained from local offices of the Healthand Safety Executive.

SITE CONDITION:Essential Requirements:Facilities for the safe unloading anddistribution of flooring and accessorymaterials must be made availableon site.

Provision of dry, clean, ventilated,waterproof, warm and secure storage areamust be made available. Floor coveringsand associated materials such aschipboard must be unloaded with careand stored according to manufacturers’instructions. On multi-storey work, suitablestorage facilities must be made availableon each floor as the work proceeds.Special storage facilities must be madeavailable for flammable adhesives andany other substances covered by therequirements of current Fire, Safety atWork, COSHH or other relevant

Regulations.Safe lifting facilities on all floor levels

must be made available.A Good standard of electric lighting to

all work areas must be available. Electricpower, generally at 110 volts but often at240 volts for floor sanding machines,should be made available when usingpower tools.

Each work area must be clear of allother trades and their materials. Floorsmust be cleared of all rubbish and initiallyswept clean or, preferably, industrialvacuumed. All surface contamination mustbe removed in accordance with therelevant manufacturers’ instructions, readyto receive the next product to be applied.

SAFE HANDLING OF PRODUCTS:Details of hazard information relating tospecific materials are supplied by themanufacturer in the form of material safetydata sheets (MSDS’s) and should bepassed on down the line of supply. Underexisting Health and Safety legislation, it isthe responsibility of the supplier to ensurethat there is adequate information madeavailable to enable the user to apply thematerial safely. Equally, the user also hasresponsibilities including asking thesupplier, when necessary, for specificinformation. This is of particularimportance when novel or out-of-the-ordinary applicationsare involved.

As a generalisation, the manufacturer’sinstructions should be read thoroughlybefore any product is used.

Storage:Products will be labelled in accordancewith the current UK or EEC legislation.Some products will be labelled as “Highlyflammable” or as “Petroleum Mixtures”.Both types demand special storageconditions and the latter class requires astorage license under normalcircumstances.

Hygiene:(a) Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas

where hazardous products are storedor used.


15www.cfa.org.uk

(b) Care must be taken to avoid contactof products with skin, mouth and eyes.Use protective gloves and protectivebarrier creams and, where splashing isa danger, protective goggles orglasses. Always wash hands prior toeating or drinking, using soap andwater or skin cleansers as appropriate.DO NOT USE SOLVENTSe.g. white spirit, paraffin etc.

(c) Avoid inhalation of powders, dusts andsolvent vapours. Use suitablerespirators where necessary.

Spillage:Any accidental spillages must becontained immediately by barriers of earthor sand (not sawdust). The spillagemust be soaked up and disposedof in accordance with both local andnational regulations.

Waste Disposal:The Environmental ProtectionAct, the Waste ManagementLicensing Regulations andlegislation arising from theseActs, relate particularly to:Duty of Care, Controlled Waste,Licensing Requirements andSpecial Wastes.

These require waste materialsto be classified, separated bytype, contained, stored,handled, transported, treated,and disposed of according to strictrequirements by licensed agents, carriers,and treatment operatives. Supportiveconfirmatory documentation relating toproper disposal of waste should be keptas proof of ‘duty of care’. Additionalchecks on procedures and methodsemployed are recommended.

Care must be taken in the disposal ofempty containers and spilt material, sincewith highly flammable liquids the fire risk isstill present. Provided a safe and securelocation can be found, it may be possibleto allow the solvent present in an emptiedcontainer to evaporate and the dried outcontainer disposed of with other waste.If no safe location is available, the tinmust be resealed and either stored as forhighly flammable liquids pending disposalor removed to a secure location fortreatment as above.

For the majority of waste adhesives andtheir empty containers, incineration in a

properly designed apparatus, used withdue regard to the possible highlyflammable nature of the material, isusually the most appropriate method.There are waste disposal contractors whowill carry out such an operation.Certain types of waste not containingflammable or highly flammable solventscan be disposed of by landfill tipping onan approved site. This category couldinclude the dried off residue of solvent-containing adhesives, provided these havebeen dried with due regard tomaintenance of safety conditions. Thestatus of all waste material with respect torelevant legislative controls must beestablished prior to disposal.

Vapours from Solvents:The vapours from solvent-borne productsare generally harmful when inhaled, which

may lead to nausea, headaches, dizzinessand unconsciousness in the short termand, in some cases, may lead to moreserious long term effects. In order toreduce the exposure to vapours, ensurewindows and doors are open and athrough draught is blowing. If thiscondition cannot be achieved use either aflameproof extractor fan or an approvedrespirator, such as a fresh air fed mask,fed with clean air.

Ensure that there are no pilot lights,naked flames, sparks, heating elements,or other means of ignition in the vicinity ofthe work area. Particular care must betaken on building sites where othertradesmen may be using electric drills,blow lamps etc. Smoking must beprohibited when using solvent-borneproducts, including non-flammable types.“No Smoking” signs should be displayed.

Remember that a through draught willbe carrying hazardous solvent vapour aconsiderable distance although it will be

progressively diluted with air.Care must therefore be taken to ensurethe solvent laden air is not blowingtowards other workers.

In controlling the emission of solvent, itshould be noted that the Health & Safetyat Work Act places a duty on contractorsto carry out their operations in such a wayas not to cause a risk to the public.

Avoid contact with skin as this results indefatting and, eventually, dermatitisis a possibility.Replace lids immediately after use.

The above precautions apply whetheror not the solvent present is flammable.

Water-Based Products:Most water-based products have a lowdegree of hazard but in some cases smallamounts of solvent will be present and theabove precautions must be taken if so

labelled. Many polymer emulsionor rubber latex based products willcontain small amounts of alkalis,such as ammonia and/orformaldehyde, or occasionally freemonomer, which may present apotential hazard if inhaled.

Ensure there is adequateventilation during use.

Avoid skin contact but if thisdoes occur, wash off whilst wetwith soap and water. Repeatedcontact can result in dermatitis and

protective gloves are recommended. Anydried material should be washed off usinga proprietary hand cleanser.

DO NOT USE SOLVENTS

Splashes on the face, in particularcontacting eyes or mouth, should bewashed off with water immediately andmedical advice obtained if irritation orpain continues.

Hot Melt Adhesives:The major hazards associated with the useof hot melt products are burns either frommolten adhesive or the applicator tip, or ifa melt comes into contact with waterwhen it will spit violently.

• Use protective clothing,goggles and gloves.

• Do not overheat, as hazardous fumesmay be produced.

• Take care when pouring.• Avoid contact with water.

“Solvent vapours are usuallyheavier than air and the vapoursmay gravitate to lower levels ortravel some distance to a meansof ignition and cause fire and/orexplosion by ‘flash-back’ to the

vapour source”.



16

If burns do occur, immerse the affectedarea in clean cold water immediately. Donot attempt to remove the cold adhesivefrom the skin. Cover the affected areawith a wet compress and obtain medicaladvice immediately.

Resin Based Products:Liquid products, such as epoxy resin,polyurethane, seals, polishes, lacquers,surface membranes and formaldehydecondensation products, present noparticular fire or explosion hazards unlessthey contain highly flammable orflammable solvents, in which casecontainers will be so marked. Under suchcircumstances, the precautions outlinedfor solvents should be observed.

Extreme care must be taken to preventcomponents coming into contact withskin. Use protective gloves in conjunctionwith a suitable barrier cream. Care mustalso be taken when removing gloves toavoid contaminating the insides.Damaged or contaminated gloves mustbe replaced. If, despite all precautions,skin does become contaminated, theaffected area must be cleansed with aproprietary skin cleanser and dried usingdisposable paper towels.

DO NOT USE SOLVENTS

Ensure adequate ventilation. Somecomponents may be hazardous or give offirritant fumes and precautions will bestated on the label. Where components

are powders, it is recommended to usedust masks. Strict attention must be paidto the manufacturers instructions.

Dust:Dust from products, such as cement, andfrom floor preparation operations such assanding wooden floors is a potentialirritant and exposure to such risk shouldbe controlled by care in handling, thewearing of personal protective equipmentsuch as dust masks or respirators, eyeprotectors, gloves, etc and the use ofbarrier creams Spontaneous ignition canoccur with sanding dust and collectionbags should not be left unattended evenfor a short time and must be disposedof safely.

FITA, the Flooring Industry TrainingAssociation, was co-founded by theCFA (Contract Flooring Association)and NICF (National Institute of Carpet andFloorlayers) in 2000.

FITA currently has two training centres in Nelson andLoughborough offering a wide range of flooring courses,from basic to advanced levels,for installers, sales and other personnel.

FITA can also offer one-to-one training as well as bespokecourses.

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S e c t i o n F o u r – Substrates

Sand/cement levelling screedsand concrete sub-floorsThe quality of the finished floor will onlybe as good as the sub-floor over whichit has been laid. All flooring materialsrequire a smooth, hard, clean and evensurface for satisfactory adhesionand resistance to wear if goodapplication and long term durability areto be achieved.

Sub-floors next to the ground shouldbe protected against rising moisture andmoisture vapour from the ground to theupper surface of the floor. Variousmethods and materials of dampproofing solid floors are described in BS8204, CP102 and BRE Digest 54.

Concrete sub-floors and sand/cementlevelling screeds should be applied inaccordance with BS 8204 which alsogives guidance on compliance andtesting acceptance. Concrete andlevelling screeds made with Portlandcements should be cured by coveringwith waterproof sheeting for at leastseven days, following this periodprotection from surface damage, wearand contamination is advisable. Suitableprotection should also reduce rapidevaporation which may cause curlingand subsequent hollowness or lipping atcracks and bay joints. Curing ofproprietary, rapid drying and early dryinglevelling screeds should be asrecommended by the manufacturer.

Where surface treatments have beenused the surface should be mechanicallyabraded to ensure a cleanuncontaminated surface.

Problems have been experienced inrecent years with the widespread failureof levelling screeds in areas subjected tohigh point loads or heavy trafficking.This can be due to excessively highloads from certain equipment, etc.and/or weak levelling screeds due to thescreed mortar being made with a toofine a grade of sand, a forced actionmixer not being used and the screedmortar being too dry. It is thereforeimportant to ensure that the levellingscreed is sufficiently sound to support the

anticipated loads. The specifiedsoundness category of bonded andunbonded levelling screeds, when testedby the BRE Screed Tester, should notexceed the appropriate maximum depthof indentation. Note that floatinglevelling screeds can be tested forsoundness but this should be carried outinitially using the 2kg weight.

Due to the quantity of water used inmixing and placing of concrete andlevelling screeds, a drying out time in theregion of approximately 1 day per mm (1month per 25mm) is considerednecessary for thicknesses up to 50mmunder optimum drying conditions (20°Cand 65% RH). Drying times will beconsiderably longer in cold or dampconditions. Where the dpm is placedbeneath the concrete slab rather thanbetween the slab and levelling screeds,then the combined thickness must beconsidered. In this case the drying periodrequired will be at least 12 months beforethe sub-floor is dry enough to receivefloorcoverings. Drying times of proprietarylevelling screeds should be obtained fromthe manufacturer. Methods for testing toconfirm if the sub-floors are sufficientlydry are given in British Standards Codesof Practice.

Proprietary levelling screeds may eitherincorporate resin or other additives withthe normal Portland cement and sandlevelling screed mix or are supplied asspecial cements or synthetic binders to bemixed with screeding sand or gradedaggregates. Manufacturers claim goodworkability, lower shrinkage, faster settingand drying times and higher strengthsthan with conventional cement and sandlevelling screeds.

Concrete base slabs for the directapplication of floorcoveringWhere a concrete floor slab can bebrought to an appropriate finish andsurface regularity. For direct applicationof a floor finish the concrete floor slabshould be laid following the guidancegiven in BS 8204-1.

Concrete base slabs which directly

receive floorings or levelling screedsshould have a compressive strengthclass of C25/30 with a minimumcement content of 275 kg per cubicmetre. Various parts of BS 8204 givesguidance on the installation of concretebases to receive in-situ floorings such assynthetic resin floorings, in situ terrazzo,etc., some may require a concrete baseslab having a characteristic concretestrength class of C28/35 and aminimum cement content of 300 kg percubic metre.

The thickness of the base slab shouldbe determined by the loading conditionsand for slabs on the ground by the loadcarrying capacity of the ground.Minimum thickness of a slab on theground should be 100mm.

If the slab is laid direct to the groundadequate protection should be providedagainst rising damp.

The power trowelling use of theconcrete floor slab has a large influenceon the choice of adhesive used for fixingfloor coverings. Care needs to beexercised in ensuring that the flooringmaterial and the concrete surface willgive adequate absorption/escape ofwater and solvent vapours to enablesufficient adhesion to both surfaces.

The final finish of the power floatedsurface will also influence adhesion.A mirrored power trowelled finish maybe good to look at but it may provedifficult to get adequate bonding of theadhesive to that surface.

The disadvantages of power floatedconcrete for direct application offloorcoverings are that it can be difficultto achieve a satisfactory finish andmaintain it during the constructionperiod and the drying time of theconcrete slab will be considerablyextended by the dense surface finish.

Bonded Levelling screedsCement and sand levelling screeds canbe bonded to a concrete base. The baseshould be suitably prepared usingmechanised equipment to expose theaggregate in the concrete, e.g. by

17www.cfa.org.uk

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_Section four_P17-24 2/12/06 11:32

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contained shot blasting, or scabblingfollowed by cleaning, to obtain goodadhesion. The bonding grout may becement slurry, cement slurryincorporating a bonding agent, or aproprietary bonding agent. The thicknessof a normal cement and sand levellingscreed bonded to a prepared concretebase should not be less than 25mm sothe design thickness should normally be40mm to ensure the minimum of 25mmis achieved as recommended BS 8204Part 1. Note that increasing the thicknessof bonded levelling screeds above thedesign thickness increases the risk of lossof adhesion to the concrete base.Modified or special proprietary levellingscreed may be designed to be laidthinner than 25mm.

Unbonded Levelling screedsCement and sand or fine concretelevelling screeds can be laid unbonded,normally over a separating layer, eg apolythene sheet, bituminous compoundsor damp proof membranes and shouldbe at least 50mm thick. Bay joints anddaywork joints should be vertical buttjoints and slurry bonding, incorporatinga bonding agent should be used on thevertical daywork joints of the set orhardened levelling screed to achieve abond with the fresh screed mortar beingapplied in an adjacent bay. This will helpreduce curling that can occur at anunrestrained vertical butt joint. Thelikelihood of curling or lipping isincreased if the unbonded levellingscreed is left uncovered for any length oftime. A drying period of at least 2months can be expected under normalsite conditions in the UK.

Floating Levelling screedsThese are laid over separatingmembranes on thermal or acousticinsulation boards or quilts. The normalscreed mix used is a ‘fine concrete’ mix,i.e. a mix of 1 part cement with 5 partsby weight of a mixture of screeding sandand 4/10mm aggregate. Theproportions of screeding sand to

aggregate may be varied to provideoptimum compaction and achieve thespecified finish as described in BS 8204:Part 1. As with unbonded levellingscreeds slurry bonding of the verticaldaywork and bay joints is recommended,as curling and lipping, that can occur atan unrestrained vertical butt joint, mayoccur if left uncovered. The thickness offloating levelling screeds should be atleast 75mm in commercial locationshowever lightly loaded domesticlocations etc, a minimum thickness of65mm is usually acceptable. Wherefloating levelling screeds incorporateheating systems mesh reinforcementmay be required and the screed willrequire to be divided up intoappropriately sized areas by movementjoints. Guidance on this should beobtained at the design stage.

Anhydrite/Gypsum Sub-FloorsThese are alternatives to sand/cementlevelling screeds both being based oncalcium sulphate as the binder insteadof Portland cement. They are similar tothe more familiar gypsum plaster usedon walls but are denser. They areusually supplied with the calciumsulphate being either based on anhydriteor on · hemihydrate. The calciumsulphate binders are usually a byproduct of industrial processes. They areall proprietary products.

Both anhydrite and · hemihydratebased levelling screeds are usually pumpapplied and are thus more likely to bemet on large floor areas of new build orrefurbishment.

They can be laid as bonded,unbonded or floating levelling screeds,at thickness down to 30mm.

Levelling screeds based on calciumsulphate can lose strength if theybecome damp so in most cases it is notappropriate to install a surface dampproof membrane on them. Specifiersneed to be aware that manufacturersdiffer with regard to theirrecommendations and it is essential thatclear directions are given to the installer.

Installation Of FloorcoveringsOn Anhydrite (Calcium SulfateBased) screeds

GeneralTo ensure the smooth installation of floorscreeds it is advisable that all partieshave a clear understanding of the screedrequirements and programmingrequired. To ensure that this is achievedit is suggested that all parties involved inthe project consult at an early stage inthe contract.Curing, Drying, Testing And Finish OfThe Screeds

CuringThe screed should not be subjected tosevere draughts, direct sunlight orheating for the first 72 hours. Do notcover the screed, e.g. with polythene, asthis is not necessary for curing and willonly delay final drying of the screed.Foot traffic should be restricted for atleast 24 (preferably 48) hours to preventdamage to the screed surface.

Sanding to remove the surfacelaitance layer should be carried out bythe screeding contractor as soon aspossible, usually after approximately 4days. This will provide a dense surfaceto receive adhesives as well as speedingdrying of the screed.

Normal site traffic and erection ofnon-load bearing partitions off thescreed is permitted 7 days afterapplication of the screed.

DryingScreed drying time is 1mm/day up to40mm thickness in warm and wellventilated drying conditions, typically50/60%RH at 20ºC. This will increasefor screeds thicker than 40mm and inpoor drying conditions.

In common with other screeds it isvery important that good dryingconditions are provided as soon as thescreed is laid. The screed should beexposed to good drying conditions,ie appropriate temperatures and lowatmospheric humidity so that moisture


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20



can evaporate from the screed.Good ventilation or the use ofdehumidifiers can assist in reducing theambient humidity.

Forced drying of these screeds ispossible if required. After 7 days heatersand dehumidifiers may be employed toimprove drying conditions and anyunderfloor heating may becommissioned and slowly brought up totemperature.

Whilst most screed manufacturersrecommend a damp-proof membranebe laid under the screed, where screedsare laid directly on to the concretebases, without a damp-proof membranebetween them, account should be takenof the time required to dry the totalthickness of the construction.

The area where a screed is to beinstalled should be protected againstingress of rain or leaks of water. Oncethe area has been screeded furtherwater on the screed should be avoidedas this can damage a recently laidscreed and can considerably extend thedrying time of the screed.

Some manufacturers of surfaceapplied damp-proof membranes do notrecommend that their products beapplied to this type of screed.

TestingIt is the responsibility of the MainContractor to ensure that bases orscreeds meet the specified standards forlevel, smoothness, dryness andsoundness (impact crushing resistance)before any subsequent or finishingtrades are called to commence work.

Residual Moisture ContentBefore floor finishes are laid themoisture content of the screed should bechecked. The British Standard for testinga base to receive a floor covering is touse a hygrometer. This provides a non-destructive test and when tested strictly tothe method defined will give reliableresults on calcium sulfate screeds forRH up to 75% (the required limit forfloor finishes).

See BS5325, 8201, 8203 and 8425

Codes for Practice for Installation ofTextile Floor coverings, Timber andTimber based products, ResilientFloorcoverings and LaminateFloorcoverings.

The moisture content of calciumsulfate screeds is sometimes checkedusing the c/m. This method is adestructive test and if used the moisturecontent should be less than 0.5% ifimpervious floorcoverings are to beapplied and should be less than 1% ifpervious (unbacked carpet) are applied.

Testing – PhysicalBonded, partially bonded and unbondedscreeds may be tested using the BREScreed Tester, to category A or B asspecified. Floating screeds (ie, oninsulation) cannot be tested by thismeans. Strength classification will beavailable from the supplier inaccordance with BSEN13813:2004.

ProtectionAll traffic, including pedestrians, shouldbe kept off the screed until it hashardened sufficiently in accordancewith the manufacturer’srecommendations. Thereafter the screedshould be protected from contaminationand damage by other trades. Screedsshould be protected until thefloorcovering is applied.

Floor finishes – surfacepreparation/floorcovering/smoothingcompoundsWhen recommended by the manufacturerthe surface of the screed will typically besanded as soon as possible afterinstallation, approximately after 4 days. It isalways advisable to lightly abrade thesurface as this will act as a key and thescreed must be thoroughly vacuumed cleanto ensure it is dust free.

One of the largest reasons forfloorcovering installation failure on allforms of screed and concrete is excessmoisture. It is essential that all thoseinvolved in the installation offloorcoverings understand that applicationof the surface finishes before drying out

has been completed will lead to failure ofthe bond between primer and screed,smoothing compound and floorcovering.

In the presence of moisture, cementand calcium sulphate react to formettringite a weak/powdery product.Applying cement based smoothingcompounds direct to anhydrite orgypsum levelling screeds will resulttherefore in subsequent failure of thefloorcovering installation.

Whenever a cement-based ormoisture sensitive coating is to beapplied on an Anhydrite/Calcium SulfateScreed the screed must be primed withan epoxy, polyurethane or acrylic primerrecommended by the manufacturer ofthe product. Recommendations forpriming these screeds are no morecomplicated than those for traditionalsand and cement screeds or concretes.

However the importance of goodpractice at this stage cannot be over-exaggerated.

The following points shouldbe observed:

• During surface preparation (andsubsequent floorcovering installation)the area should be kept clear of all ofthe trades to avoid any contamination(or damage to the floorcovering).

• The residual screed moisture must notexceed 75%RH when using a flooringhygrometer.

• The surface of the screed must havebeen sanded/abraded to provide agood surface key.

• The surface must be primed with arecommended primer/sealer inaccordance with the productmanufacturer’s instructions.

• Smoothing compounds andfloorcoverings may now be applied inaccordance with the individualmanufacturer’s instructions

.RepairsGeneralAvoid water ingress to completedscreeds, and arrange to dry outaccidental ingress as soon as possible.The screed may suffer a minor loss of


22



strength if it becomes wet, howeverthis strength will be regained whenit dries out.

It is the responsibility of the MainContractor to ensure that surfacedamage/cracks, etc are repairedprior to the floorcovering installationas follows:

Surface damage Use an appropriate levelling material forthe thickness required. Prime the screedsurface with a primer recommended bythe manufacturer of the compound.

CracksRake out any loose spalled edges fromthe sides of the crack and vacuum outany dust. Fill the crack with a suitablecrack filling material. The crack mayrequire priming depending on whatproduct is to be used to fill the crack;consult the manufacturer.

Suitable crack filling materialswill include:

• A mix of gypsum finishing plaster anda proprietory polymer.

• A proprietory smoothing compoundusually a calcium sulfate basedproduct.

• A low viscosity epoxy.

Mastic AsphaltAsphalt is a naturally-occurring or man-made mixture of bitumen, a waterproofnon-crystalline and semi-solid or viscousmixture of hydrocarbons, and an inertmineral aggregate, eg limestone. Masticasphalt is the term used for the materialas used in the construction industry.

The British Standard for the installationof flooring grade asphalts is BS8204part 5.

Flooring grade asphalt composed of asuitably graded mineral matter andasphaltic cement in such proportions as toform a cohesive, voidless, permeable mass,solid or semi-solid under normaltemperature conditions, but sufficiently luid when brought to a suitabletemperature to be spread by means ofhand float without compaction.

Wood-based panel productsBoards for contract flooring shall bemoisture resistant.

Boards coated with wax, polyurethaneor any other impervious seal should notbe used for floors which are to becovered with a bonded floorcovering.Where boards incorporating specialtreatments, eg for fire resistance, are tobe used, the compatibility with both theadhesive and the floorcovering shouldbe checked by consultation with themanufacturers prior to installation.

Structural considerationsProvision shall be made for floor loadingsin accordance with BS 6399 as appropriateto the occupancy of the building. Designshall be based on stress figures publishedby the Institute of Structural Engineers or onproof of performance provided by themanufacturer. Floors subjected to heavyloading or abnormal concentrated loadsshould be designed by a corporatestructural engineer or be tested inaccordance with the procedure forprototype testing given in BS 5268.

Board LayingBoards shall be laid with the long edgesat right angles to the joists or battens.Short edges shall lie centrally on a joist,batten or nogging and shall notcantilever. Boards shall be laid with thecross joints staggered and all joints shallbe tightly butted together.

FasteningThe boards shall be fastened firmly to joistsor battens with No 10 gauge annulargrooved (ring-shanked) nails having flatheads (punched just below the surface)and a length of not less than 2.5 xthickness of the board. Alternatively, No 8gauge woodscrews (countersunk just belowthe surface) may be used. Suitable self-tapping screws or rivets may be used to fixmetal section supports. Spacing betweenfastenings shall not exceed 300mm alongsupports to board edges and shall notexceed 500mm for intermediate supports.No fastening shall be closer than 9mm

from the edge of the panel.All tongue and groove joints shall be

glued with a pva adhesive and the pointsclosed firmly.

Provision for ExpansionAn allowance shall be made for thepossibility of expansion of the board inthe event that it may pick up moistureafter laying and fixing in place. Anexpansion gap (minimum 10mm) mustbe provided between the edges of thefloor and the perimeter walls and at anysolid upstand such as columns, hearths,etc.

This may be omitted for timber framewalls and lightweight partitions wherethe floor may continue beneath theframework.

Perimeter expansion gaps shall becovered by a skirting or other approveddetail which allows the chipboard freelateral movement.

In long, narrow corridors,intermediate expansion gaps shall beprovided at 10m intervals.

Access TrapsTraps formed for services shall be closefitting and supported on all four edgesto finish flush with the adjoining floor.They shall be fixed with brasscountersunk screws in ring cups, unlessotherwise detailed.

Underfloor SupportSupport for the flooring panels shall beprovided in one of the following ways:

Timber joists/metal section beams:having a flange width not less than50mm to allow for adjacent flooringboards, forming a butt joint, to beindividually fixed to the support.

Their depth shall be appropriate tothe span. Their spacing shall beappropriate to the thickness of theboards, having regard to the imposedloading. (See Structural considerations).

Wood battens: having a minimumsection 36mm deep and 50mm widefixed to a level rigid base or restingon an insulating quilt, with full


23www.cfa.org.uk

support along their length, to providea floating floor.

Semi-rigid insulating underlay: havinga minimum thickness of 19mm, fullysupported on a level rigid base toprovide a floating floor. Suitablematerials are expanded polystyrene ISDor SD/N grades to BS 3837 orinsulating board (softboard) to BS 1142.

Vapour CheckIn ground floors, an effectivedamp-proof membrane shall beincorporated in the construction. Inaddition, a vapour check shall beprovided to the underside of the board(1000 gauge polythene sheet or otherapproved vapour barrier) lapped150mm at the joints and taped, thenupturned 38mm around the perimeter ofthe floor.

Storage and conditioningWhen delivered to the site, boards shallbe stored in a dry condition, piled flaton a level surface, clear of the floor, toavoid distortion. If delivered in polythenewrapping, the packs should not bebroken open until the boards arerequired for laying. Boards shall be“conditioned” on site by loose-layingthem individually or loose stacking themin the area where the floor is to be laid,for three days before fixing. Conditioningis allowing the boards to reach amoisture content in equilibrium with thetemperature and humidity conditions tobe encountered in service.

Thus on new sites boards should befixed in temperature and humidityconditions approximating in those likelyto be encountered during service.Boards should not be laid in newbuildings until all wet trades arecompleted and the building dried outsufficiently. In no case should boards belaid with a moisture content above 15%or below 7%.

Failure to comply with moisturecontent recommendations and siteconditions requirements may result inshrinkage or expansion of the boardswhich will in turn distort thefloorcovering.

Applying surface coveringsFloorcovering should be laid inconditions approximating to those likelyto be encountered in service. The moisture content of the board,measured by an electrical resistancemoisture meter, should be in accordancewith the following table beforefloorcoverings are laid:The installer of the board shouldensure that:-

• The surfaces are clean and freefrom particles

• There is no movement at the jointsand that jointed surfaces are flush

• All tongued and groovedjoints are glued

• No fastenings are projecting abovethe surface of the boards

PlywoodPlywood shall be of a grade GoodOne Side (GIS) SpecificationCSA 0121 Sanded.

Boards are tongued and groovedalong long edges size 2400mm x1200mm, minimum thickness15.55mm.Lay boards with long edges at rightangles to joists, short edges must havesolid bearing on joists. Fixing is to becarried out using annular-ring shankedlost head nails, length 2.5 times theboard thickness at 300mm centredalong all joists. Joist centres up to600mm use 15.55mm boards. For500mm spacing, use 18mm board.Since wood based products changedimension with changes in ambienthumidity the boards should be placed inposition and allowed to condition priorto final fixing. All joints should be buttedtogether. With suspended timber atground floor level, it is of vital

importance that thorough ventilationbeneath the floor is secured through theexistence of air bricks.

Narrow tongued and grooved boards(“floorboards”)Even in new installations using thetraditional tongued and groovedfloorboards, it is unlikely that the surfacefinish will be suitable to receive thethinner floorcovering materials, such assheet vinyls. These surfaces should belined with plywood or hardboard beforelaying the floorcovering (see below).

Where this type of boarding is to becovered with a soft floorcovering, egcarpet on an underlay, then the boardsshould be free of bumps and projectingnailheads etc. Any gaps or depressionsshould be filled with a suitable filler.

Special TreatmentsIt should be noted that certaintreatments, either those applied on-siteor those applied by the boardmanufacturer, may interfere withsubsequent adhesive bondingoperations, such treatments wouldinclude moisture proofing, preservativesand fire retardants.

Existing Timber Bases (Suspended)All existing floorcoverings and underlaysshould be removed and the originalboarded floors brought up to acontinuous even and smooth surface byoverlaying with 6mm plywood of exteriorgrade WBP. In certain situations, a 4mmexterior grade WBP plywood may beused. If this reduced thickness isconsidered, it is recommended that theadvice of the floorcovering manufacturerbe sought.

The following procedure is advisedRefix all loose boards, any worn orbroken should be replaced. High spotsshould be sanded down. Slight hollowsshould be filled with a suitablesmoothing compound, bad boardsshould be replaced.

Overlay with plywood sheets, leavinga gap of 1mm at all edges forexpansion. Fix using divergent staples orring shanked nails at 100mm spacingaround the edge with a fixing line 12mmfrom the edge and at 150mm intervalsthroughout the entire area of eachboard. In some situations, as a lower

In Service Conditions AcceptableMoisture ContentFull, continuouscentral heating(24 hours a day) 7-9%

Intermittentcentral heating(Day heat, night off) 9-10%

Traditional heating(Open hearth etc) 11-12%

Unheated 13-15%


24



quality alternative to plywood,hardboard manufactured by BS 1142may be used, not less than 3.2mm thick.It should be noted that hardboard issubject to excessive expansion when incontact with moisture and needs to beconditioned before application. This isachieved by wetting with ? litre of wateron the meshed side of the board andthen stacking overnight before fixing.Once fixed boards must be allowed todry fully before coverings are installed.

Fixing of hardboard should be asfor plywood.

Raised Access FloorsA raised access flooring system installed asa bare panel will normally be either awood (particle board) finish or steel, butother finishes may be encountered, steelsurfaces must have an anti-corrosion finish.

Alternatively the floor panels may havea factory bonded finish such as PVC(vinyl), needle punch, carpet, laminates,rubber, etc, or may be engineered toaccept a textile finish that incorporates alocation system.

Sheet or broadloom materials should beavoided since this system is designed togive easy access to underfloor services.

ProtectionWhere raised access metal clad panelssupplied with adequate corrosionprotection which requires all parts ofthe platform floor system to be installedfree of rust, corrosion, rot or any formof deterioration and to be suitablyfinished so as to prevent suchdeterioration in normal use theproblems of oxidation or rusting shouldnot occur.

Raised access floors are ofteninstalled before other trades havecompleted their work and temporaryprotection must be installed over thepanels to sufficiently protect thesurface. This is essential for asatisfactory installation.

Where metal clad panels are suppliedwith inadequate corrosion protection, it

appears that they may rust whether ornot floorcoverings are installed.

However, trapping moisture underfloor finishes which is unable toevaporate off and allow the panel to dry,does appear to accelerate the corrosionprocess.

WatertightnessUnfortunately many raised panel floorsare installed far too early in theconstruction process, due toinadequacies in the programme orprogress, sometimes even beforethe building is watertight. Thosesupervising the construction processshould ensure that this does not occurand not leave the flooring contractor toresolve the problem.

Residual Construction MoistureInstalling floor coverings onto raisedpanel floors does not, in itself, requirehygrometer readings to be taken, butretention of moisture in the structuralslab and in the plenum (the spacebetween the raised panel floor deck andthe structural slab) is often a primarysource of moisture which causesproblems and which must be avoided.

Wet Extraction and SpillageIt is almost inevitable that duringthe life of a floorcovering, onraised panel floors, that wetspillage and wet extractioncleaning will occur.Where panels areadequately corrosionprotected, problems shouldnot occur. However,it should be noted thatwetting of the floorcoveringmay be deemed to be acontributory factor to anysubsequent problems.

AdhesivesThere has been considerable discussion inthe industry regarding the use of adhesivesin relation to the rusting of raised panel

floors. The fact remains that wheresuitable adhesives are correctly applied toadequately protected panel floors theproblem does not arise.

Tackifier Adhesives should be carefullyapplied from a tray using a roller and thepenetration of thetackifier between the edges of the panelsmust be avoided to prevent adjacentpanels bonding together.The film of tackifier should then beallowed to dry before the floor finishis installed. This will ensure that excessmoisture is not trapped beneath the floorfinish and will also avoid the possibilityof a permanent bond. Under nocircumstances should the tackifieradhesive be poured directly onto the floor.

SummaryWhere adequate corrosion protection isafforded to metal clad panel floorscorrosion is not generally a problem.

The solution therefore rests with thespecifiers who, when specifyingperformance criteria, must insist thatraised access panel floors haveadequate protection.


CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_Section five_P25-27 2/12/06 11:32


S e c t i o n F i v e – Moisture Methods in Cementitious Floors

All sand/cement screeds and concretebases are mixed with water. Some of thismoisture is used up in the hydration ofthe cement but most of the remainingmoisture must be allowed to dry outbefore floorcoverings are laid. The baseis deemed to be dry enough when therelative humidity, as measured by ahygrometer is 75% or less.

For a normal sand and cementscreed the ‘rule of thumb’ method is toallow one day per mm drying out time.The actual rate of drying out will dependon the temperature, humidity, mix designand amount of water used in the mix, aswell as the thickness, and this rule is onlyvalid for screeds up to 50mm thick.Thick slabs may take as long as 12 to24 months to dry. whilst power floatingwill greatly extend this period

HygrometerIn the United Kingdom the onlyofficially approved method of testingthe dryness of the base prior to theinstallation of floorcoverings is with thehygrometer, and full details of theinstrument and method of operationare given in BS5325, BS8203 andBS8425. Briefly, this instrumentmeasures the amount of moisturein a small volume of air trappedbeneath it.

A base is deemed to be dry whenthe figure of 75% relative humidity orless is recorded.

Care must be taken whenmeasuring moisture in thick slabs thatsufficient time is allowed for thehygrometer to stabilise. This may takeup to 72 hours.

While this instrument,recommended by the BuildingResearch Establishment, has beenin use for a number of years,it is considered to be a slowmethod when one wishes to chartthe progress of drying of a newlylaid screed.

A number of electrical devices areavailable which can be used in a nondisruptive ‘search’ mode and give aquick indication of moisture contentbut the final test before installing thefloorcovering must be made using thehygrometer. It must be rememberedthat the results obtained are allrelative to certain conditions, such asmake-up of screed etc, and thereforefinal tests should always be carriedout with a hygrometer.


28


S e c t i o n S i x – Damp Proof Membranes

It is essential with floorcoverings thatthe sub-floor be protected frommoisture in the sub-floor.Many problems which occur withfloorcoverings adhered to the sub-floorare as a result of moisture in thesub-floor. The following reasonsmay apply.

1. No damp proof membrane inthe structure.

2. Inefficient or faulty damp proofmembrane system in the structure.

3. In fast track buildings the shortconstruction periods usually do notallow sufficient time for thesub-floors to dry.

4. Below ground installations may lacka suitable tanking system.

The specifier must therefore ensure thatadequate protection is provided, thatsuch protection is applied strictly inaccordance with the manufacturers’recommendations and that the dampproof membrane is linked with thedamp proof courses in the walls.

The laying or finishing of concretefloors by power floating, resulting in adense surface, the incorporation ofintegral water-proofers in the concrete,the application of smoothingcompounds and the use of bituminousadhesives do not provide effectiveprotection against moisture in thesub-floor.

In building construction there are3 methods of incorporating damp proofmembranes, which are as follows:

1. Base membranes – thesemembranes are laid beneath theconcrete base slab.

2. Sandwich membranes – laid ontothe base slab and topped with ascreed at least 50mm thick.

3. Surface membranes – as the nameimplies, these are applied to thesurface of the sub-floor.

Base MembranesBase membranes are commonly usedin fast track construction.

Normal methods for suchconstruction are either (a) to apply aconcrete blinding to compactedhardcore and lay a self adhesive rubberbitumen membrane on polyethylenefilm or (b) to apply a layer of sand over

the hardcore followed by 1200 gaugepolyethylene.

Concrete is then pumped onto themembrane to the specified depth,usually between 150mm and 200mmand the surface can frequently bepower trowelled leaving a very densesurface that can considerably extendthe drying time.

The problem with deep slabconstruction is that a considerableamount of water is retained in theconcrete following completion ofcuring. This retained water can diffuseto the surface as water vapour andincrease the relative humidity under theflooring and may result in failures. Theperiod between installation and failurecan vary considerably.

Sandwich MembranesThese are installations of damp proofmembranes where the base concreteslab is cast to a level below thedesigned finished floor level. Themembrane is then applied to thissurface followed by an unbondedlevelling screed.

Sandwich membranes occur in threeforms hot applied, cold applied andpre-formed.

Surface Damp Proof MembranesGeneralMoisture in sub-floors normally resultsfrom either rising damp due to theabsence or breakdown of the dampproof membrane or from residualconstruction moisture.

Types of surface damp proofmembrane are available to deal withboth situations but some are suitablefor only residual construction moisture.These membranes are notrecommended where the moisture isunder hydrostatic pressure. Wheresurface damp proof membranes areused the manufacturer’srecommendations should be obtainedand followed.

Surface damp proof membranes arepolymer systems which penetrate and

seal the top surface of a sub-floor andchemically cure in situ to form aplastic film which restricts the passageof water and water vapour. Provided asufficiently thick, continuous film isapplied, avoiding pinholes, it will actas a damp proof membrane, allowingmoisture sensitive floorings andadhesives to be laid on sub-floorsnormally considered unsuitable forsuch materials.

Products described as moisturevapour suppressants are designed tosuppress residual constructionmoisture only and will not provideprotection against continued risingdamp.

Although bitumen and coal tar pitchemulsions and solutions are oftenused as surface damp proofmembranes, they are not consideredsuitable for such application and theiruse has led to the failure of a numberof installations. It is strongly advisedthat these products are not used assurface membranes.

Surface Damp Proof Membranesoccur in three forms - Pitch Epoxy,Epoxy Resins and One PackPolyurethane.

Points requiring attentionWhen specifying the use of surfacedamp proof membranes the followingprinciples should be considered:

i) Whatever the product it can only beeffective if the surface is properlyprepared and a sufficiently thick,continuous pinhole free coating isapplied.

ii) Selection of a surface damp proofmembrane and smoothingunderlayment should be made afterdue consideration of individualmanufacturers’ literature whichdetails the suitability and limitationsof their products.

iii) A 3mm thick coat of underlayment isstrongly advised to protect themembrane and provide absorbencyfor adhesives.

iv) Methods of use vary and it isessential and the manufacturers’recommendations are obtainedand followed carefully if aneffective damp proof membrane isto be obtained.

Note: In all cases with damp proofmembranes it is essential that themembrane is carried up the wall tothe damp proof course in the wallstructure, thus providing a tankedsystem for the levelling screed.

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S e c t i o n S e v e n – S u b f l o o r S m o o t h i n g U n d e r l a y m e n t s

A guide to their Selection and UseThe purpose of this guide is to adviseon the selection and use of cementsmoothing underlayments in thepreparation of various bases to receivefloor coverings. Correct selection anduse of the type of underlayment to suitall the circumstances particular to theinstallation is essential if the combinedunderlayment and floor finish is toperform in a satisfactory manner overlong term.

Within the scope of this guide, asmoothing underlayment may bedefined as a mixture of cement, powderaggregate and various resins withwater, forming a compound of ‘wetflow’ plastic consistency which willsupport itself when applied at thethickness recommended by themanufacturer, using a plasterer’s steeltrowel. The underlayment, when setand dry, provides a dense smoothbase for application of a floor covering.

The purpose of smoothingunderlayments is to repair surfacedamage to otherwise suitable newbases; to provide a smooth surface tonew bases which have an open textureor other slight surface irregularity: andto prepare old bases to receive newfloorings. Smoothing underlaymentsmay not be used in an attempt toimprove or rectify any defectiveworkmanship or materials within thebase. This particularly applies tocement screeds which are structurallyweak or have a friable surface.

Each surface condition, type andconstruction of the base and end use ofthe floor can influence the selection ofthe underlayment best suited for thecontract and the preparation procedureto be used. The importance of carefulconsideration and correct assessmentof the circumstances concerned cannotbe over-stressed if good results are tobe achieved.

The guide considers the use ofsmoothing underlayments in thinsection only: that is, up to themaximum of 5mm advised by most

manufacturers when applied in oneapplication. Up to this thickness anunderlayment will normally only providea “smoothing” performance since it willnormally follow the overall contours ofthe floor. Cement underlayments usedin this way should be referred to assmoothing underlayments and never aslevelling underlayments or levellingcompounds. The selection and use ofcement underlayments when bulked outwith larger aggregate to provide thickersection levelling screeds is not includedwithin the guide. Where thisinformation is required, then referencecan be made to the underlaymentmanufacturer.

It is important to appreciate that thinsection cement underlayments will onlyprovide satisfactory performance whenfirmly adhered to a sound base.Correct appraisal and preparation ofthe base to give the best performanceof the smoothing underlayment cannotbe over-stressed.

When an underlayment needs to beapplied over a surface damp-proofmembrane coating, then reference mustbe made to the underlaymentmanufacturer for advice on selectionand use, as well as any primerrequired, to ensure good adhesion.

Certain underlayments may beindicated by the manufacturer ashaving advantage where trowel lineswill flow out during application.Underlayment of this type may bereferred to as self smoothing, but neveras self levelling unless they can beapplied at the thickness required toachieve self levelling and eliminate anyundulations in the sub-floor.

General Comments on the Useof UnderlaymentsIt can be generally accepted that wherethe provision of a smooth surfacecondition may be achieved by the useof a smoothing underlayment up to5mm in thickness, then the flooringcontractor will, in most cases, haveavailable sufficient expertise to effect

satisfactory preparation. If anycondition of unsatisfactory local orgeneral levels exist which need to becorrected, then thicker sectionscreeding to indicated levels throughoutthe floor will be necessary. This workwill, in most cases, require the expertiseof a screeding contractor. Proprietarycementitious underlayment products,suitable for application in thick sectionto provide a combined levelling andsmoothing performance, with theadvantage of quick drying and verygood structural hardness, are availablefrom some underlaymentmanufacturers.

Following the use of a smoothingunderlayment, and before applicationof flooring, it will, in some cases, benecessary to stone the surface with acarborundum block to remove trowelline ridges or other irregularities left onthe surface of the underlayment. Itcannot be assumed that underlaymentsof the self smoothing variety will notrequire this type of treatment. It isimportant to note that someunderlayments provide a very hardsurface and stoning down by hand maybe difficult unless carried out before theunderlayment has fully hardened. Forthis reason it is preferable that a goodstandard of trowelled smoothnessshould be achieved during application.

No damp proofing propertieswhatsoever are provided by any cementunderlayment in restricting the passageof moisture vapour to the upper surfaceof the floor, either from the drying outof residual moisture within the concretebase, or rising moisture vapour fromthe ground. If a damp proofingrequirement is necessary, then separateprovision must be made.

It should be appreciated thatassessment of a particular sub-floorcondition, and any decision on thenecessary procedure to be undertakenin providing satisfactory standard forthe application of floor, may require theopinion of the flooring manufacturerand underlayment manufacturer.

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If any uncertainty exists on the suitabilityof the base over which anunderlayment is to be applied, this mustbe resolved to the satisfaction of theflooring contractor before application iscarried out.

Water Mix Smoothing CompoundThese mixes provide a highlysatisfactory smoothing underlayment foruse over new cement sand screeds withgood hardness and a high degree ofresistance to indentation under pointloads. Walk-on hardness is normallyachieved within few hours followingapplication. The time taken for theunderlayment to reach a satisfactorystate of dryness for the installation of afloor covering will be influenced by theapplication thickness, air temperaturewithin the room space, ventilation andthe absorbent nature of the base.Subject to the existence of good dryingconditions, it can generally be acceptedthat an underlayment up to 5mmthickness will be sufficiently dry after 24hours.

This type of underlayment needs anabsorbent surface to achieve goodbond strength. Application can becarried out over non-absorbent bases,eg granolithic or terrazzo, providing thesurface is primed as recommended bythe underlayment manufacturer.

Where preparation is being carriedout over old adhesive, then analternative underlayment suitable fordirect application without primingshould be used.

The basic ingredients of this type ofproduct are cement and a very fineaggregate with various polymers. Thisdry powder mix is combined with wateraccording to the manufacturer’s mixinginstructions and gives a consistency ofthick creamy smoothness which is easilyspread. The mix embodies selfsmoothing properties which causetrowel spreading lines to flow outleaving a smooth surface. On noaccount may extra water be added tothe mix in excess of that which is

specified by the manufacturer, as thiswill adversely affect the overallperformance of the underlayment.

Latex Mix Smoothing CompoundA liquid latex and dry powder two partmix which provides good generalperformance in use over a wide rangeof subfloor conditions. These latexsmoothing underlayments may be usedover both absorbent and non-absorbent bases as good bond strengthis provided by the latex. This type ofproduct is, therefore, frequently suitablefor use over subfloors contaminatedwith old adhesive residues whereflooring replacement is being carriedout.

Latex mixes combine good generalhardness with a degree of resilience,ensuring adequate resistance toindentation from the effects of pointloading or wheeled traffic experiencedwithin most contract situations. Whereany condition of any heavy floorloading may be envisaged, then specialconsideration needs to be given to theuse of an underlayment with extrahardness.

These latex smoothingunderlayments comprise two separatelypacked components, latex liquid anddry bagged powder mix of cement withvery fine aggregate. These twocomponents are mixed according to themanufacturer’s instructions. On noaccount may any water be added tothe mix or additional latex liquid inexcess of that which is specified by themanufacturer as this will adverselyaffect the overall performance of theunderlayment.

Two part mixes do not alwaysprovide self smoothing properties, anda good standard of trowelling is oftenrequired to obtain a smooth finish. Inaddition, stoning down with acarborundum block may be necessary.(Certain manufacturers can provide twopart latex mixes with some selfsmoothing properties). Adequate walk-on hardness is achieved within a few

hours following the application of thinlayers and under good dryingconditions, floor coverings may beapplied the next day.

These types are commonly known aslatex smoothing underlayments orcompounds although not all are basedon natural rubber latex.

Acrylic Smoothing CompoundMixes incorporating an acrylic resinprovide good bond strength to mostbases, including those contaminatedwith old adhesive. The acrylic resinimparts hardness to the underlaymentgiving high resistance to indentation.This type of underlayment can thereforebe recommended where conditions ofheavy floorloading from point loads towheeled traffic may be likely.

Acrylic mixes do not always providea self smoothing properties and, inaddition, some difficulty can beexperienced in stoning down surfaceirregularities the following day due tothe hardness of this underlayment. It isimportant to achieve a high standard oftrowelling to ensure the requireddegree of smoothness at the time ofapplication. As soon as walk-onhardness is achieved, a secondtrowelling with water can have someeffect in smoothing down existing trowelridges.

Acrylic mixes comprise twoseparately packed components, anacrylic liquid dispersion, and a drybagged powder mix of cement with veryfine aggregate. The two parts aremixed according to the manufacturer’sinstructions. On no account many anywater be added to the mix or additionalacrylic liquid in excess of that which isspecified by the manufacturer, as thiswill adversely affect the overallperformance of the underlayment.

Adequate walk-on hardness isachieved within two hours and, subjectto the existence of good dryingconditions, floor coverings may beapplied the next day.


SUBFLOOR CONDITION OF BASE PREPARATION SELECTION OF UNDERLAYMENT COMMENTS ON USE

Cement &Sand Screeds

ConcretePower Floatedor Granolithic

Hot LayAsphalt

Metal Bases

Quarry Tiles

Terrazzo

SyntheticAnhydriteScreeds

Magnesite

PaintedConcrete

SuspendedTimber Boardson Joists

Wood orCompositeFlooringBlocks onConcrete

ExistingThermoplasticTiles, VinylSheet & Tiles,Linoleum,Rubber orCork Tiles

Some surface damage dueto abrasion by varioustrades and lack ofprotection. Otherwisesatisfactory.

Dense, hard surface.Fairly non-absorbent.May have some surfaceirregularity Bay join gapsand movement joins.

Completelynon-absorbent andunderlayment is used toafford some absorption foradvantage in adhesion.

Usually steeland may be contaminatedwith rust or grease or oil.

Dense, hard surface. Maybe irregular local levels.Possible polishcontamination.

Dense, hard surface.Extensive cracking is oftenapparent. Surface may becontaminated withdetergent or disinfectantbuild-up underlayment.

The surface of this type ofscreed can be adverselyaffected by water presentwithin a smoothingunderlayment and result inloss of bond.

Highly absorbent and candisintegrate if overlaid inconditions of risingmoisture or moisturevapour from the ground.

Surface is usually hard,dense and non-absorbent.The paint will generallyhave poor adhesion to thebase.

These floors comprise 6”wide deal boards whichwill always moveindependently even thoughtongued and grooved.Boards are often broken,loose and badly dished.

Blocks can be unbondedfrom the base. Movementand deterioration canoccur if covered over.

All these floorings arelikely to be unsatisfactorilybonded to the base. Alsothey can be incompatiblein other respects as asurface for the applicationof a smoothingunderlayment andflooring.

Apply procedures 1-2-3

Apply procedure1. Ensure procedure 9

Apply procedure 1.

Motorisedwire brush to removerust. Degrease toremove grease or oil.

Ensure that the tilesare clean from polishor dirt.

Ensure that thesurface is washedclean Cracks shouldbe cut out and filledwith resin bondedcement and sand.

The screed surfaceneeds to be primed witha special primer asadvised bythemanufacturer beforeapplicationofanunderlayment

Must be taken up onfloors next to theground andalternative screedapplied.

Surface is usuallyhard, dense and non-absorbent. The paintwill generally havepoor adhesion to thebase.

Repair, refix or replaceboards as necessaryand overlay withhardboard of 4mm or6mm plywood asadvised within CP 203.

Take up blocks andapply equal thicknessof hot lay asphalt orproprietary screedsuitable at availablethickness.

Take up existingflooring and wherepossible removeadhesive by abrasionor arrange forspecialist shotblastingbefore applying asmoothingunderlayment.

Use either Water Mix SmoothingCompound, Latex SmoothingCompound, or Acrylic SmoothingCompound.

Use either Latex SmoothingCompound or Acrylic SmoothingCompound.






Prime surface with special primeras recommended by manufacturer,and use either Latex SmoothingCompound or Acrylic SmoothingCompound.


Latex Smoothing Compound maybe used to level off any dishedboards to afford support ofhardboard or plywood overlay.

NOT APPLICABLE

As some adhesive contaminationwill always remain, use eitherLatex Smoothing Compound, orAcrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure andprovision points 4-5-6-8where applicable.

Consider procedure andprovision points 2-3-7-8-10 where applicable.

Consider procedure andprovision points 7-8-11where applicable.

Consider procedure andprovision point 8. Alsowhere welded plate joinsexist high spots may needgrinding off.

Consider procedure andprovision points 4-7-8.

Consider procedure andprovision points 4-7-8.

Consider procedure andprovision points 1(c)-8.

Consider procedure andprovision points 1(c)-6-8.

Consider procedure andprovision points 4-7-8-9-10.

Ensure adequateventilation facility withinwalls below floor level onfloors next to the ground.

Consider procedure andprovision point 2.

Consider procedure andprovision points 4-8-13-14.

Procedures can be located on page 36


36



Procedure and Provisions in theUse of Underlayments1. Initial standard treatment to basesover which a cement smoothingunderlayment is to be applied:

a) Plaster contamination on thesurface of a concrete base can result inadverse chemical reaction with anycement underlayment. Ideally, alltraces of such contamination should beremoved.

b) Chisel off any irregular residues.c) Sweep the floor clean of dirt or

loose aggregate.d) Soft tacky residues may be

difficult to remove and advice shouldbe sought from a specialised surfacepreparation equipment manufacturer.

e) Use of mechanised equipment,e.g. contained shot blasting, is effectivein removing hard residues fromconcrete or screed surfaces.2. Any oil or grease contamination ona concrete base must be removedbefore applying a smoothingunderlayment. Contamination which isrestricted to the surface only may betreated using degreasing agents asadvised by the underlaymentmanufacturer. Where oil haspenetrated into the concrete, then theaffected area will need to be cut outand patched to present a clean, soundand level surface before theunderlayment is applied. Failure tocarry out this procedure will result inloss of adhesion to the base andeventual deterioration of theunderlayment.3. If any holes are apparent within thesurface of a concrete base, sometimesdue to the removal of partitions or fixedequipment, then they will need to beindividually filled before application ofan overall underlayment.4. Thickness of underlayment used will,in most cases, average between 1.5mmand 3mm according to condition of thebase. In some cases the surfacetolerance of a badly finished concrete,cement screed or other base mayrequire thickness up to 5mm.

5. If self smoothing is required, thenuse a Water mix, but over absorbentbases only unless the manufacturerprovides an effective primer for denseimpervious surfaces. (Certainmanufacturers can provide 2 part latexmixes with self smoothing properties).6. Highly absorbent bases will needpriming.7. If the surface of the base is non-absorbent, e.g terrazzo, asphalt, quarrytiles, granolithic or power floatedconcrete, then either use a latex/acrylicsmoothing underlayment, or a suitableprimer and a powder and water mix.

8. When an underlayment giving extrahardness is required, particularly withinareas which will be subject to heavypoint loading or wheeled loads, thenthe use of an acrylic smoothingunderlayment or other productproviding similar hardness isrecommended.9. Large areas of concrete bases canhave bay joints, gaps or cracked andfractured slab/bay edges. Any cracks,joints etc should be examined by acompetent person and an assessmentmade of possible future movement. If itis decided that such joints are staticand not liable to further movement theyshould be repaired before anyunderlayment is applied.10. Large area concrete bases canhave movement joins with gaps of12mm or more. Do not take an

underlayment over these gaps as it willeventually disintegrate and damage theflooring. Both underlayment andflooring should stop each side of thegap.11. Asphalt sub-floors must be ofsuitable hardness to resist indentationfrom static or traffic loading, otherwisedamage to both underlay and flooringcan result. This generally requiresFlooring Grade I, or if slightindentation under point loads isacceptable then Flooring Grade II maybe used.12. Wood and composite blockfloorings can suffer extensivedimensional change if covered overwith impermeable flooring. Under nocircumstances should any cementunderlayment be applied, as it willeventually break up. The use ofplywood as an underlay, whileproviding a smooth, even surface, canadditionally result in the blocks beingaffected by dry rot. In most casesremoval of the wood and compositeblock flooring is advised and theexposed sub-floor should be suitablyprepared for the new flooring.13. When existing floorings areremoved, if it is found that flooringreplacement had been previouslycarried out, and a cementunderlayment had been used over theoriginal adhesive, then ideally the oldunderlayment should be removed aswell as the flooring. In this situation, abuild up of adhesive and underlaymentlayers can result in bad levels, doubtfulsoundness of the base, and indentationfrom point loads.14. On ground floor bases, whenremoving old floorings and replacingwith a cement underlay and newflooring, consideration needs to begiven to the question of dryness of thebase if any change of flooring type isbeing made.



S e c t i o n E i g h t – Underfloor Heating

OVERVIEWUnderfloor heating (UFH) was popularin Britain back in the 1960's, and it wasused extensively in local authorityhousing schemes. However, while itmay have been cheap to install it wascostly to run with the poor buildinginsulation typically used. This led to thedecline and virtual disappearance ofUFH until the mid 1990’s. In 1985 theintroduction of the Building RegulationsApproved Documents Part L* with itsrequirements for more floor insulationremoved at a stroke one of theprincipal cost objections to UFH - thevital in-floor insulation. Since then therequirements have progressivelytightened and the 2006 Regulationsnow require substantial levels ofinsulation in the floor - regardless ofthe type of heating system. This makesUFH a very appealing and potentiallycost-effective form of heating, hence itsdramatic resurgence. Growthpredictions indicate that usage of UFHwill continue to increase.

The type of floorcovering installationneeds to be taken into considerationwhen desigining the underfloor heating.Insulation factors of florcoverings willobviously affect the performance of theunderfloor heating whilst some flooringinstallations may be affected by highsub floor temperatures.

Subsequently those in charge ofoperating the underfloor heating shouldbe aware that sudden large changes insub floor temperatures must beavoided. The following information isintended to assist the specifier to selectthe appropriate combination ofunderfloor heating and flooringinstallation.

*Broadly equivalent standards andregulations exist in Scotland, NorthernIreland and the Republic of Ireland.

TYPESThe majority of modern UFH systemsare warm water systems. Most systemsintegrate high tech plastic pipe withinthe floor - Warm water at temperatures

of 35-65°C is circulated through thispipe and this warms the floor surface toa normal temperature of 24-29° C.

Electrical systems require theinstallation of a flexible heating elementbeneath the floor. Due to the propertiesof the heating element wire, heat isgenerated as current is passed throughit. These elements come in the form ofcables, mats or films and are morecommonly found in domestic and DIYinstallations. They are deemed to beparticularly suitable for use withhard tiling however high surfacetemperatures up to 35° C with ceramictiled floors are not uncommonin bathrooms.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONSMany calculations are necessary todesign an efficient UFH system.One of the important elements to beconsidered is the Thermal Resistance ofthe floorcovering and the screed whichsupports it. Most floorcoverings can beused over UFH however this should notbe taken for granted. The importantprinciple to bear in mind is that UFHrelies on the upper surface of thefloorcovering being warmed to atemperature of 25 to 29ºC. Somethicker floorcoverings may not allowthis to be achieved without heating thesubfloor and floorcovering tounacceptably high temperatures.

Floor Temperature InterpretationThe UFH industry designs to BS EN1264-2: Floor Heating – Systems andcomponents – Determination of thermaloutput; which contains parameters forallowable floor surface temperatures.This Standard allows for maximum floorsurface temperatures of 29ºC inoccupied areas and 35ºC for a strip600-800mm wide under windows andalong external walls. Historically EN1264 was a derivative of the GermanDIN 4725, which focused mainly onsystems with Stone, Marble andCeramic floor finishes, which have littleneed to limit floor temperatures.

British Standards contain differingand conflicting information; forexample; BS 8204-1 Screeds, Bases &In-Situ Flooring, states ‘ the usualoperating surface temperature of aheated levelling screed is about 27ºC;however, some locations operate athigher temperatures, e.g. 35ºC.’

BS 8203 Code of Practice for theInstallation of Resilient Floorcoveringsstates ‘ Underfloor heating systems inthe United Kingdom have traditionallybeen run at temperatures up to 27ºCand the floorcoverings covered by thisBritish Standard have given satisfactoryservice at these temperatures providedan appropriate grade of adhesive isused.’ The Standard also contains awarning that foam backed and rubberfloorcoverings will reduce the responseof UFH.

British standard 8425 Code ofPractice for installation of laminatefloorcoverings and the Code of Practiceissued by the Association of EuropeanProducers of Laminate Flooring statethat the surface temperature should notexceed 28ºC.

Whilst there are minor differences inactual temperature levelrecommendations ie. The WoodFlooring Manufacturers of Americarecommend a maximum of 85ºFahrenheit (29.44ºC) and the SwedishFloor Trade Association recommend27ºC, the flooring recommendationsfrom timber flooring manufacturersvaries, generally between 27ºC and29ºC. Specifiers however should beaware the point at which thetemperature should be recorded variesas some recommendations refer to thesurface of the sub-floor whilst othersrefer to the surface of the floor finish. Itis essential therefore when installingtimber floors over underfloor heating toconsult the flooring manufacturer fortheir advice.

Textile floorcoverings by virtue oftheir composition, construction andmethod of manufacture are liable toundergo changes in dimension after

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installation when exposed to changes inhumidity and temperature.If temperatures of the sub-floor are raisedto combat the insulation effectof carpet and underlay the sub-floorpreparation, adhesive and seaming systemmay be adversely affected. BritishStandard Code of Practice BS5325 for theinstallation of textile floor coverings doesnot however give specificrecommendations aboutsub-floor temperatures.

As a result of the confusion arising fromthe wording in these Standards the CFAand UK Resilient FloorcoveringManufacturers Association issued a jointguidance note in September 2003 statingthat for resilient floorings‘the temperature should never exceed theagreed maximum of 27ºC at theunderside of the floorcovering (theadhesive line).’ Note: UFH designers mayrefer to this as the ‘interface’ temperature.

Opinions differ between thefloorcovering and UFH industries as towhere temperatures should be measured,the progressive improvement in Part LRegulations has alleviated the situation.

Prior to their introduction, the 27ºC‘interface’ limit restricted the choice offloorcoverings that could be used overunderfloor heating. However the resultingreduction in the amount of heating powerrequired by the successive improvementsto Part L now allows systems to work attemperatures below those of concern.

Floor ScreedsHeated screeds are usually installed asfloating screeds and installed at anappropriate thickness on a slip membraneover thermal insulation.

Although most types of screeds may beused with UFH it is vital that their selectionand design is matched. Common knownproblems of Curling, Stress Cracking andShrinkage Cracking can be exacerbated ina heated screed. Heated screeds expandand contract with temperature changes,this can cause problems at ‘day’ joints forexample. Screed operating temperaturesmust be established, and the coefficient ofthermal expansion used to calculate thenecessary expansion gaps. As a generalrule permanent movement joints must beprovided at every doorway or opening

and at the perimeter of the roomswhere heated sub-floors abut walls and/or upstands.

Start Up / Drying OutIt is essential that before anyfloorcovering is installed the screed ispreheated as prescribed in BS EN 1264Part 4 and BS 8204 Part 1

Heat up must not begin for 21 daysafter laying cement screeds, or 7 daysfor Anhydrite screeds.

Initial heat up should begin with awater temperature of 25ºC for a periodof 3 days. After this water flowtemperature may be raised to thedesign temperature for another 4 daysand should be maintained until thescreed is dry**<75%RH (Hygrometer)for cement screeds.

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S e c t i o n E i g h t – Underfloor Heating

Note: Conventional surface appliedDPM’s cannot be used on heatedscreeds. Some specialist membranesare available however they should onlybe considered in exceptionalcircumstances and used with theapproval of the relevant manufacturer.

S e c t i o n N i n e – Selection of Flooring Materials

With many types of floorcoveringsavailable it will be appreciated thatselection can be made where a numberof them will be suitable and othersappear to suit the same conditions.Aside from the question of cost andpersonal preference in colour andappearance, it is important to considerthe properties and performance of theproducts against the primaryenvironmental considerations to ensurethat any selection is compatible withthese and will remain so.

A broad view of considerations maybe suggested from the following

headings which may, of course, need tobe applied in combination.• Sub-floor type and suitability to

receive various floorings.• Resistance to wear-depending on

incidence of traffic.• Resistance to point loads,

dynamic loading and recoveryfrom indentation.

• Chemical resistance.• Maintenance: Ability to stay clean in

relation to the environment.• Impervious surface finish: hospitals

and laboratories. Use of sheetvinyl, rubber or linoleum withwelded seams.

• Resistance to surface-applied water:use of abundant and constant watermaintenance. Use of sheet vinylwith welded seams including weldingto skirting.

• Grease and oil resistance.• Resistance to the transmission of

impact sound.• Dimensional stability: This factor can

include effects on the flooringmaterials from changes in thetemperature and humidity levels in theenvironment.

• Slip Resistance Performance.• Thermal Conductivity/Performance.Colour, pattern, and contrast to assistthe visually impaired.

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S e c t i o n Te n – Resilient Flooring

Thermoplasticand Vinyl Flooring

Vinylised Thermoplastic TilesAlthough included in the category of

BS EN 649, vinylised thermoplastictiles are manufactured to provideadvantages in general use well inexcess of the overall performancedemanded within this British Standard.The formulation incorporates vinylresins giving a degree of flexibility andadded resistance to wear.

Vinylised tiles represent the lowestcost in plastic flooring of contractquality and, although now installedmainly within local authority andprivate housing. This product hasbeen used to considerable extent,giving excellent service over manyyears in schools, offices, hospitals andother non-housing situations.Resistance to grease and oil is limitedand they should not be used whereexcessive contamination of this typemay be a factor.

Available in a tile size of 300mm x300mm and, generally, in 2mm and2.5mm thickness in a range of colours.

Tiles floors should be protectedagainst indentation from point loading.Heavy furniture and other free-standingfittings should have broad feet orglides. Castors should either berubber tyred or placed in cups.

Application can be carried out overmost types of rigid sub-floors, subjectto the base being structurally soundand the surface being smooth, hard,clean, dry and level. Suspendedtimber floors do not provide asatisfactory base for the application ofvinylised tiles. Constant flexing of thefloor may cause the tiles to fracture intime.

Vinylised thermoplastic tiles can beapplied over concrete bases whichincorporate underfloor heating subjectto the floor surface temperature notexceeding 27ºC and the selection of asuitable adhesive.

Semi-Flexible PVC TilesThese tiles are manufactured to BS EN654. Semi-flexible PVC tiles. Althoughthis Standard allows the formulation oftiles with or without asbestos, it can beaccepted that all UK manufacturedfloorings do not include this material.Tiles are manufactured using plasticizedvinyl resin, mineral fillers, stabilisers andpigments. The excellent overallperformance of this product hasestablished it as probably the mostversatile of floorings in its ability tofunction extremely well in most types ofsituation and in critical conditions.

These tiles were first introduced in1952, and since that time, theiradvantages continue to promoteconsiderable use in schools, hospitals,office buildings, shops, residential andrecreational areas.

Tiles are generally available in a size300mm x 300mm and thicknesses of1.5, 2.0 and 2.5mm, with an extensivecolour range. Additional surfacefeature presentations are also providedin the form of travertine or otherembossed designs. Application isnormally carried out using a bitumensolution adhesive.

Tiles floors should be protectedagainst indentation from point loading.Heavy furniture and other free standingfittings should have broad feet orglides. Castors should either rubbertyred or placed within cups.

The tiles have good resistance todilute acids, alkalis, most commonchemicals, grease and oil. Embossedtiles, however, should not be usedwhere contamination from thesesubstances is likely to occur due to theembossed cavity surface.

Application can be carried out overmost types of sub-floors, provided thebase is structurally sound and the surfaceis hard, smooth, clean, dry and level.

These tiles can be used over concretebases which incorporate underfloorheating subject to the floor surfacetemperature not exceeding 27ºC andthe selection of a suitable adhesive.

Backed Flexible PVCto BS EN 650This flooring is made by spreading alow viscosity pvc paste to a specifiedthickness onto a backing of needledjute or inorganic fibre felt which isproof against rot in the event of surfacewater ingress. It combines a dense,hard wearing surface finish, withexcellent resistance, affording softnessof tread, warmth underfoot and a highdegree of impact- transmitted sound. Atechnique of embossing and theninfilling with a different coloured pasteprovides a patterned finish of goodgeneral appeal.

Due to the dense, closed nature ofthe wear surface, this type of floor hasgood resistance to dirt pick-up.Surface protection, therefore, normallyprovided by the use of wax emulsionpolishes and seals is not essential; ahigh standard of cleanliness and goodappearance can be achieved solely bywater and detergent cleaning. Seamjoints can be welded by varioustechniques to provide an overallimpervious finish – consult themanufacturer. It has good resistance todilute acid, alkalis and most commonchemicals. However, the flooring cansuffer permanent damage fromcigarette burns and is notrecommended for application wherethis type of treatment can occur.

Various adhesives are used andthese are generally of the syntheticrubber, acrylic emulsion or modifiedresin alcohol types.

Extensive use of felt-backed vinyl ismade in residential accommodationand particularly over suspendedconcrete floors where sound insulationis required. Application over a concreteslab with density of 365 kg/m2 willafford a degree of insulation againstboth airborne and impact-transmittedsound. Considerable use is also madein buildings other than residential,including hospitals, offices and libraries,where the advantage of resilience andquietness is considered important.

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Floors next to the ground: Felt-backed vinyl floorings must not beapplied over sub-floors which do notincorporate an efficient damp-proofmembrane, due to their impermeabilityand consequent detrimental effect ofrising moisture vapour, resulting insaturation of the felt. Sub-floors mustbe sufficiently dry to show anacceptable moisture content whentested by the methods specified in thesection on moisture testing.

Foam-backed to BS EN 651This type of product generallycomprises a standard calendared-sheetvinyl flooring which is backed up by ahigh density pvc foam. Thecombination of a foam backing alsoaffords excellent resilience andquietness and a degree of insulationagainst impact-transmitted sound.

Application is normally carried outusing adhesives of either the syntheticrubber or acrylic emulsion types. Seamjoints must be welded to provide ajointless watertight finish.

Primarily, this type of flooring wasdesigned to provide a highly resilientand hard-wearing flooring to suitresidential installation, hospitals, shopsand office buildings, where theadditional advantages of quietness orinsulation against impact sound inaccordance with the BuildingRegulations is a requirement. Specialgrades are available for sports hallinstallations.

Foam-backed floorings will provide adegree of insulation against air-borneand impact-transmitted sound whenover a concrete slab with a density of365 kg/m2.

Floors next to the ground: Foam-backed vinyl floorings must not beapplied over sub-floors which do notincorporate an efficient damp-proofmembrane due to their impermeabilityand consequent detrimental effect ofrising moisture vapour. Sub-floors mustbe sufficiently dry to show anacceptable level of moisture when

tested in accordance with the methodsspecified in the section on moisturetesting.

Unbacked Flexible PVCProducts in this group fall into anumber of different categories, themain ones being those conforming toBS EN 649 which are fully flexible, andthose which conform to BS EN 654 areless flexible.

Products manufacturedto BS EN 649These are fully flexible and areavailable in roll form, or in tiles. Thefloorings are available in thicknesses of1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0mm, although2.0mm is the thickness used in mostcontract installations. Tiles sizes arenormally either 300 x 300mm or 500 x500mm with other sizes available fromcertain manufacturers. Sheet widthsare 1.5m, 1.83m or 2m, with 2mbeing the normal in contractinstallations. Fixing to the sub-floors isby using adhesives of the SBR or acrylicemulsion type as recommended by theflooring manufacturer.

The many excellent properties andadditional characteristics provided bythis type of formulation allow wide scopein the selection of floorings when there isa need to suit installations in areas ofvaried and demanding function.

These floorings are quiet, have goodresilience and ability to stand up well toheavy point loading, with excellentrecovery from indentation. They havegood resistance to dilute acids, alkalisand most common chemicals.Resistance to wear is high and theclosed impervious surface affords ahigh standard of maintenance.

Within those areas which demandfrequent washing maintenance and/orhigh standards for hygiene, particularlyin hospitals, continuous sheet can bewelded at seam joints and to vinylskirtings with flexible vinyl strip, toprovide a jointless, watertight finish.

Floors next to the ground: Fully

flexible vinyl flooring must not beapplied over sub-floors which do notincorporate an efficient damp-proofmembrane, due to the greaterimpermeability and the consequentdetrimental effect of rising moisturevapour. Sub-floors must be sufficientlydry to show an acceptable moisturecontent when tested in accordance withthe methods specified in the section onmoisture testing.

Products manufacturedto BS EN 654These are flexible within the demands ofthe specification. They are available in tileform only, generally in 300 x 300mm, andin thicknesses of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5mm.

They can be installed using bitumenadhesives on floors next to the groundwhere no dpm exists or is suspect, subjectto their being sufficiently dry to show anacceptable moisture content when testedin accordance with the methods specifiedin the section on moisture testing.

Heterogeneous FlooringsThese floorings comprise differentmaterials and conform to BS EN 649.Products available from manufacturersand indicated as contract floorings, willgenerally comply with the standard,although the manufacturer should beasked to comment on their suitabilityfor specific uses.

Safety FlooringsThese may be of either homogeneous orheterogeneous type, this classification ofproduct group being based primarily ontheir claimed enhanced slip-resistanceunder wet or contaminated conditions.The effect of wet conditions on such floorsmust be assessed and emphasis placedon the requirement for correctmaintenance in order to retain slip-resistance.

Static Control FloorcoveringsThese types of floorcovering aremanufactured to control, withinspecified limits Electro Static Discharges


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(ESD) where it may cause electroniccomponent or systems failure, fire orexplosions.

To ensure selection of the correctproduct to meet the client’s needs withregard to both electrical and physicalproperties, it is recommended that themanufacturer be consulted for adviceand recommendations prior tospecification. The terminology used byvarious manufacturers may be differentbut static control vinyls normally coverthree specific ranges:

1 Static Dissipative(also called Antistatic)

Used in the electronics industry(where low sensitivity devices aremanufactured or assembled) and incomputer installations.Average resistance range1 x 106 to 1 x 109 ohms.The most common specifications are:I.B.M./I C.L. 5 x 55 to 2 x 1010 ohms.BS2050 5 x 104 to 1 x 108 ohms.

2. Static ConductiveUsed in the microelectronics industry(where highly sensitive devices aremanufactured or assembled) and inhospital operating theatres.Average resistance ranges5 x 104 x 2 x 106 ohms.The most common specifications are:DoH HTM1 5 x 104 to 2 x 106 ohms.NFPA99 2.5 x 104 to 1 x 106 ohms.

ConductivePrimarily used in the armaments andexplosives industries. The averageresistance must be less than 5 x 104ohms. This type of installation hasinsufficient resistance to protect aperson from an electric shock from ashort circuit on a 240/250 volt main.Special precautions are included in theelectrical circuits to prevent thispossibility.

It is imperative that themanufacturer’s maintenancerecommendations be followed as theuse of polishes and surface coatings

can affect the electrical properties ofstatic control flooring.

The electrical performance of a staticcontrol floorcovering is dependentupon its method of installation. Toachieve the resistances quoted by themanufacturer, the product must be laidstrictly in accordance with theirpreparation and laying instructions.

Floors next to the groundThis type of flooring must not beapplied over subfloors next to theground which do not contain aneffective damp-proof membrane, dueto their impermeability and consequentdetrimental effect of rising moisturevapour. All subfloors must besufficiently dry to show an acceptablelevel of moisture when tested inaccordance with the methods specifiedin the section on moisture testing.

Cushioned vinyl flooringCushioned vinyl floorings are

available in a varied range of productsand qualities for both domestic andcommercial situations.

In the main, cushioned vinylfloorings are associated with thedomestic markets. This is due to thefact that practically all DIY and otherretail orientated shops sell either 2, 3or 4 metre wide domestic quality sheetdirect to the public who can lay it.Domestic quality cushioned vinyls areproduced using an expandingplasticised vinyl with a glass fibreinterlayer for stability. The pattern isprinted using coloured inks some ofwhich have an inhibiting agent which,when passed through an oven atextremely high temperatures, preventsthe plasticised vinyl from expanding,thus producing a lightly embossedsurface. It is then cooled and cut intomanageable rolls prior to despatch.

Domestic cushioned vinyls areexcellent for the home because of theirresilience and ease of maintenance.Care, however, should be taken not tolay over subfloors without an efficient

damp-proof membrane, subfloors mustbe smooth and clean.

Some cushion vinyls can be loose laidby perimeter fixing, but it is preferable toadhere the material to the whole of thearea to give a better wear life.

Contract quality cushioned vinylfloorings are manufactured with variousbackings, such as closed cell foam,open cell foam, fibre, polyester andcork backing. They are also availablein sheet and tile form in variousthicknesses and qualities depending onthe location and sound insulation sodesired.

Contract quality cushioned vinylfloorings are suitable for privatehousing, flats, administrative buildings,meeting rooms, hotel lounges, schooldormitories, hospitals and staircasesbut of course the correct quality willneed to be specified for each individualarea to achieve the desired result.Preferable, however, is a closed cellfoam structure which will not readilyabsorb moisture. It can be compressedwithout expelling air thereby givingexcellent recovery from indentation. Italso lasts for the life of the materialitself. Open cell foam is similar to asponge and will more readily absorbmoisture. This will eventually result in abreakdown of the foam, ie it reduces todust or it becomes hard and brittle.This causes the floorcovering to lose itsqualities and comfort and soundinsulation. Cork backed vinyls offerfirmer resistance to traffic but are notso sound absorbing.

Some products contain an ingredientto make them bacteria and fungiresistant, but they are all subject tobeing marked by cigarettes carelesslydiscarded, but marks will either not benoticed due to colouration of theflooring or can be buffed out if thelevel of damage is not great. Isolatedmarks can be cut out and the vinylreplaced if necessary.

Loose lay resilient vinyl tiles areavailable, suitable for laying inconjunction with carpet tiles. It is ideal


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for areas where access may be anecessity or where adhesives cannot beused. This particular tile is 6.3mm thickx 500mm x 500mm with a pure vinylsurface and closed cell foam backing.

The manufacturer’s advice as to thesuitability of a product andrecommended adhesive should alwaysbe sought.

Maintenance of these products willvary slightly from manufacturer tomanufacturer, so do ask for details forthe sake of your client.

Other Smooth Surface FlooringsLinoleumLinoleum has been in use as a contractfloorcovering for more than 100years.having first been manufactured atStaines, Middlesex in 1864. It has areputation for durability, toughness,easy maintenance and a wide colourchoice. Extensive use of linoleum hasbeen made in hospitals, schools, officebuildings, laboratories and traveltermini, where provision of a decorativebut highly functional floorcovering at areasonable cost is demanded.

Linoleum must be installed inaccordance with BS8203, fully bondedto an acceptable sub-floor with arecommended adhesive. In use, it hasexcellent dimensional stability,resistance to wear and aging, withgood resistance to the effects of diluteacids, alkalis and most commonchemicals.

Underfloor heatingLinoleum can be applied over concretebases which incorporate underfloorheating subject to the floor surfacetemperature not exceeding 27ºC andthe selection of a suitable adhesive.

Floors next to the groundLinoleum must not be applied over sub-floors which do not incorporate anefficient damp-proof membrane, due tothe greater impermeability and theconsequent detrimental effect of risingmoisture vapour. Sub-floors must be

sufficiently dry to show an acceptablemoisture content when tested inaccordance with the methods specifiedin the section on moisture testing.

.Linoleum sheet

Linoleum is manufactured to meet BSEN 548. The most frequent decorationis a soil-hiding marble effect but plainand other linoleums are also available.

The backing for 2 metre wide sheetlinoleum remains woven jute and arecommended adhesive must be used.Suitable adhesives with little or nosolvent are now widely available.

Linoleum has good resistance tocigarette burns.Linoleum tiles

Linoleum tiles are manufactured in agauge of 2.5mm and, like carpet tiles,in 500mm x 500mm and sometimes in333mm x 333mm format. Althoughthe linoleum wear surface is similar tothat for sheet, the backing of wovenpolyester for extra dimensional stability.

Adhesives approved for sheetlinoleum may sometimes be used fortile linoleum but other adhesives mayalso be recommended. Check with themanufacturer.

AccessoriesPreformed linoleum coving is available.Although linoleum seams do not shrink,colour co-ordinated hot seam sealingcable using standard floor weldingequipment is also available.

Rubber FlooringFlooring made from rubber dates

back more than 100 years. Once thetechnique of vulcanisation was fullyproved, the quietness and resilience ofrubber led to its wide use forfloorcoverings.

Rubber floorcoverings aremanufactured from natural or syntheticrubbers or a blend of these. Incompounding, the manufacturer is ableto combine these various polymers withcuring agents, resin fillers and colour

pigments. The components are mixed,calendared and finally vulcanised.

Smooth rubberRubber flooring complying with

BS1711 is available in a variety ofcolours. With either a plain or marbledeffect and a large number of moderndesigns in sheet or tile form.

In sheet form, rolls can vary between193cm x 91.5cm wide to 14m x 100cmdepending on the manufacturer, and atgauges ranging from 2.0mm to 6.0mm.

Tiles are usually cut from sheet, andtile sizes vary between 30cm and 1msquare and 51cm x 51cm for raisedaccess floors.

Ribbed or studded rubberIn addition to the smooth surfacedrubber flooring, other types of rubberand/or synthetic rubber flooring areavailable with raised surfaces mainly inthe form of ribs, studs or hammer blowsurfaces, which are normally pressedout to profile in special moulds. Awide range of colours is manufactured.This rubber flooring is usually in tileform, and apart from having adecorative value, can be used where asurface is required which offered agood degree of slip-resistance. Forexternal use, some manufacturers offera special quality.

The sizes are normally 50 x 50cm or100 x 100cm: gauges vary accordingto the type of traffic conditions and areavailable from 2.5mm to 10mm.

InstallationThe method of fixing will vary with thetype of smooth, studded or ribbed tilebacking. All three finishes areavailable with a plain sanded backingand can be fixed to the sub-floor bymeans of a recommended heavy dutycontact adhesive, both the back of therubber flooring and the sub-floor beingcoated with an adhesive. Rubberfloorings up to 4mm thickness can alsobe fixed using dispersion based,polyurethane and epoxy adhesives


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specially manufacturers for thispurpose. Some stud and rib finisheswith a keyed backing are to be laid in acement grout direct on to a concretesub-floor or, alternatively, fixed using atwo-component chemical adhesive.

Floors next to the groundRubber floors can be applied providingthere is an efficient damp-proofmembrane incorporated. Sub-floorsmust be sufficiently dry to show anacceptable level of moisture contentwhen tested in accordance with themethods specified in the section onmoisture testing.

Timber sub-floorsRubber floors have a good degree offlexibility and can be laid oversuspended timber sub-floors, providingthe timber surface has been suitablyprepared, otherwise damage can occuron board joins.

DevelopmentRubber flooring has been usedextensively in all types of prestigecontracts, affording a durable anddecorative finish. The development ofrubber and synthetic rubber flooring hasenabled manufacturers to offer qualitiessuited to specific requirements. Forinstance, the material’s low flamespread characteristics and low smokeemission will satisfy the requirements ofBS476 where a contract calls for thoseto be met. This type of flooring also hasqualities suited to other requirements,such as oil, grease and chemicalresistance for industries andlaboratories; anti-static, conductiveflooring for computer rooms or hospitaloperating theatres; also areas subject toradioactive contamination in isotopelaboratories and nuclear power stations.In recent years increasing use has beenmade of the properties of rubber toprovide resilient floors suitable for awide range of sporting activities. It iscolourfast to the effects of sunlight andozone for outside or wet areas, such as

showers or swimming pools.Reference should be made to the

individual manufacturers forrecommendations on quality, thicknessand the most suitable fixing system.

Synthetic and natural rubbers areresistant to the effects of burningcigarette ends.

Cork TilesThese are manufactured from granulatedcork of selected quality which iscompressed and baked, causing thenatural resins and added binders to flowand form a firmly bonded homogeneousblock from which tiles of varying size andthickness are cut.

Specifiers should consult manufacturers forindividual requirements.

Tiles are normally available in astandard size of 300 x 300mm (or 305x 305mm) with other sizes to specialorder, and in thicknesses from 3mm(1/8in) to 8mm (5/16in) although4.8mm (3/16in) and 6.4mm (1/4in)are most generally used. Cork tileshave a warm and attractive naturalfinish when appropriately maintained.They can also be supplied pre-finishedwith either wax, urethane, polymer orbonded vinyl coatings. They are hard-wearing, quiet underfoot and resistantto damage from dilute acids and mostcommon chemicals.

Tiles vary in colour and are describedas light, medium or dark, ranging from

pale straw to a very dark brown, althoughsome variation within each categoryshade is inevitable and the majority areproduced in light and medium tones.Bleaching from strong sunlight can occurafter installation.

Cork is only suitable for high trafficareas if selected from:

1. Heavy duty pvc bonded cork withminimum density 450kg/m3minimum thickness 3.20 andminimum thickness of pvc 0.5mm.

2. Minimum 8mm thickness/density500kg/m3 finished with either brushapplied polyurethane, oleo-resinouscoatings or pre-finished with aminimum of 90gm/m2 of acrylatedurethane.

If not pre-finished with either a vinylbonded surface or acrylated urethane,then the cork tile joints should be lightlysanded with fine sandpaper to remove any‘lipping’, any adhesive or dirt removedand the surface brushed clean. Finalsurface application of a minimum of threecoats of flexible polyurethane or oleo-resinous coatings should be applied.

(Due to the varying porosity of cork,more than three coats may be required toachieve the required surface finish).

Application of cork tiles is normallycarried out with rubber/resin emulsionadhesive for thickness up to 4.8mm.For 6.4mm and 8mm thickness, a gumspirit adhesive is used with, onoccasions, the additional use of steelpins, or a solvent based adhesive tomanufacturer’s recommendations.Cork tiles with a pvc backing must bebonded with an adhesive approved bythe manufacturer. The tiles havesufficient flexibility to allow applicationover suspended timber floors, subject tothe substrate being correctly preparedto eliminate movement at board joints.

Floors next to the groundCork tiles must not be applied over sub-floors which do not incorporate an

Cork tiles are normallydescribed according to densityand thickness.DENSITYDomestic 385-445kg/m3Heavy Domestic 450-495kg/m3Contract 450-495kg/m3Heavy Contract +500kg/m3

THICKNESSDomestic Min. 3mmHeavy Domestic Min. 3mmContract Min. 4.80mmHeavy Contract Min. 8mm


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efficient damp-proof membrane. Sub-floors must be sufficiently dry to show anacceptable moisture content when testedin accordance with the methods specifiedin the section on moisture testing.

Installation methodResilient floor coverings should beinstalled in accordance with the BritishStandard Code of Practice for installationof resilient floorcoverings BS8203. Mostfloor covering manufacturers andadhesive manufacturers issue installationguidelines and their recommendationsshould also be followed.

Floor Maintenance for Smooth FlooringThe general behaviour and serviceabilityof a floor can depend as much on themethod of cleaning as on the initialselection of the right type of flooring. It isestimated that approximately 80 per centof the dirt entering most buildings iscarried by foot. Aside from the effect onappearance, dirt will cause damage to theflooring; it is important therefore that (1)sufficient and effective entrance matting isprovided which will reduce the amount ofgrit brought in, and (2) that the correctmaterials and methods for good floormaintenance be used to ensure anacceptable appearance at all times, whichwill also afford the right degree ofprotection against damage. This chaptergives some information on themaintenance materials available with theirproperties, characteristics and applicationprocedures.

Detergent cleanersDetergents can be solvent or non-solventbased. Solvent cleaners will causedamage to many floorings, includingthermoplastic, vinyl and rubber, so onlynon-solvent types should be used. Non-solvent detergents can range from neutralto alkaline and although available inliquid or powder form, the liquid type isusually used because of its greaterconvenience.

High concentrations of alkalinedetergents should never be used, asdamage to floorcoverings in various wayswill result. Detergents are added to warmor cold water according to themanufacturers’ recommended dilution,and when applied to the floor they willsoften and release dirt and enable its

removal when the floor is water rinsed.Neutral detergents are used for general

routine maintenance as they aresufficiently strong for lifting dirt fromtreated floors without affecting thedressing itself. Alkaline detergents may beused for periodic re-treatment of the floorto strip off existing polish. Detergentscontaining ammonia derivative arerecommended for removal of metalliseddressings.

When alkaline solutions are used aspolish strippers, a little vinegar can beadded to the final rinsing water toneutralise any residual detergents.

Floor Surface TreatmentsThe use of a surface dressing which

has been well cleaned and rinsed will addbrightness to the flooring by bringing outthe natural colour and allow easy removalof dirt contamination. Untreated floorsare subject to direct abrasion causingremoval of the fine particle fillers andresultant wear. With a correctlymaintained floor, the surface dressingtakes all initial abrasion and can berefurbished or replaced as necessary toprotect and considerably extend the life ofthe flooring.

Various floor dressings of differentformulations are available to suit differenttypes of flooring. These will be eitherwater or solvent based. Only water basedshould be used on thermoplastic, vinyl orrubber flooring. Water based dressingscontain polymers and waxes and, with theadvance of polymer technology, havegreatly improved in recent years. Theintroduction of crosslinked acrylic co-polymers which are based on zinc orzirconium salts, during the polymerformulation give the dressing greaterresistance to alkaline detergents, dirtretention and wear, yet are readilyremovable with cleaning solutionscontaining ammonia derivatives.

These dressings are termed metallisedemulsions (not suitable for rubber).

Water-based floor dressings areproduced as dry-bright emulsions, semi-buffable or fully buffable emulsions. Thebasic construction is a combination ofpolymer emulsions, wax emulsions andalkali soluble resin solutions, supported byadding plasticisers, levelling agents andcoalescents.

Fully buffable emulsionsThese dressings are normally wax rich,and dry to a matt finish being buffed to agloss. The dressing being soft, the effectsof scuffing are more evident but the finishcan be restored by rebuffing.

Semi-buffable emulsionsSemi-buffable dressings are harderwearing with good resistance to scuffing.They contain more polymer and less waxcompared to the softer fully buffable.Semi-buffable dry to a medium shine butcan be buffed to a higher gloss ifdesired.

Dry bright emulsionsDry bright polishes are hardwearingand more resistant to water stainingand dirt pick-up. They are mainlybased on metallised acrylic co-polymers and dry to a high gloss.

Maintenance ProceduresGeneral maintenanceNew floors should be prepared inaccordance with the manufacturers’instructions. Some floorings are suppliedwith a surface treatment already appliedand only require the removal of soilingand debris before use. Others will requirefull cleaning and dressing treatments. Adaily programme of sweeping to removesurface dust and light traffic marks bymopping with a mild detergent in coldwater is required.

Spray –cleaningStarting with a clean floor which hasbeen dressed with two or three coats ofemulsion polish, daily sweep to removesurface dust. On soiled areas, workingin small sections, spray a fine mist of asolution of either buffable emulsionpolish and cold water, neutral detergentand cold water, or a blend of both.Buff over by machine, while still damp,using a fine grade abrasive pad.Continue until floor is dry and glossrevived. The soil will be retained in thepad. Change the pad frequently.

Slip-resistant flooringThese floors should not be polished butkept clean by washing or scrubbing, usinga neutral or low alkali detergent solution.


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S e c t i o n E l e v e n – Carpets for Contract Use

Pile FibresThe most common fibres currently formingwear surfaces of contract grade carpetshave individual characteristics which suitthem to particular end uses. They arelisted below and in each case thecomments relate to the latest generation,ie highest state of development.

Polyamide (nylon)Extremely durableMedium to high costAntistaticResilientEasy to cleanEasy to dye and printPolypropyleneVery durableReduced resilienceStain resistantColourfastLow to medium costLow specific gravity (bulky)

Pure New WoolGood all round performerwhen blended with appropriatesynthetic fibres

Very resilientAntistaticMasks cigarette scarringRelatively high cost

Blended fibre yarnsIt is common practice to blend fibres toarrive at the most acceptable mix in termsof quality and cost for an end product.The best known example is the 80%/20%blend of wool and polyamide, where thelatter enhances durability and antistaticproperties without noticeably diluting thebenefits of wool mentioned above. This isparticularly relevant in the hospitality andleisure market where products areexposed to a wide variation of adverseconditions.

OthersWhilst acrylics, polyesters and rayons(viscose) are occasionally used as pilefibres in contract carpets the quantities are

small by comparison and these wouldgenerally be considered ‘fillers’ in blends.

CommentThe important consideration is not somuch a direct comparison between thefibres themselves as a comparisonbetween the properties and construction ofdifferent carpets containing those fibres.The behaviour of a fibre in isolation is notnecessarily a true guide to its behaviourwithin a carpet.

Principal Methodsof ManufactureAll methods produce grades suitable forthe contract market in a variety of wearsurfaces and widths. Other considerationsbefore making final decisions onconstruction type would involve one or acombination of the following:

Pattern suitabilityAppearance retentionPile density/durability

Woven carpetsIn weaving, the backing structure isproduced simultaneously with theinsertion of the pile yarn to produce oneintegral product. The two widely usedprocesses are:

WiltonOriginally a loop-pile construction(Brussels), the same loom became knownas a Wilton when cut pile was introduced.Wilton carpets produce high quality clothin either plain colouring or patterned in alimited number of colours and present theopportunity now for both cut pile and looppile products. It is also possible to producestructured effects combining cut/loop pile.

AxminsterThese were originally Spool Axminsters,with almost unlimited capacity for coloursper design. The Gripper version was laterintroduced, using the Jacquardmechanism but generally using amaximum number of eight colours.Gripper Axminster looms are now readily

available with electronic Jacquard facilitiesproviding almost unlimited patternoptions. Axminster products are known forflexibility of loom adjustments and providethe specifier with many construction,densities and pile heights to matchappropriate budgets and wear situations.Special production runs in bespokedesigns and colourings are available.

TuftingA basic tufting machine has a row ofneedles mounted in a needle-bar runningthe width of the machine. The needles arespaced apart according to the gauge ofthe machine – for example 1/10” gaugehas 10 needles to the inch. A primarybacking fabric is fed beneath the needlesand the needle bar then forces theneedles through the backing, looperscatch the yarn and the needles arewithdrawn. This process is for loop pile buta cut pile can also be produced byadding knives to the loopers. To bind thetufts firmly an adhesive or latex is appliedto the back of the primary cloth and asecondary back is then laminated to it toprovide dimensional stability.

Through engineering many differenttypes of new tufting machinery hasemerged creating more advanced surfacetextures in high/low and cut/loopconfigurations. Even Axminster styledesigns are available using tuftingtechniques. A variety of backings may beapplied to the tufted surfaces to meetexacting demands of sub-floors orcustomer requirements..

Fibre-bonded carpetsFibre-bonded or needlepunch carpets areproduced directly from individual colouredstaple fibres, usually polypropylene orcombinations of polypropylene with nylonor polyester. They are supplied either asflat or structured carpets, the structurestypically being ribs, velour, or other surfacetextures. The first process stages arecommon to both flat and structuredsurfaces, with the fibres being blended,carded and laid as a thick web to bepresented to a needling loom with a bank

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of many barbed needles. This entanglesthe fibres, compressing them into a fabricof desired thickness. The flat fibrebondedcarpet is impregnated with latex which,after drying, bonds the fibres permanentlytogether. Structured fibrebonded carpetsuse a further needling process with forkedneedles before latex impregnation, toconvert plain surfaces into ribs, veloursand pattern textures. In addition todifferent surface structures printed patternsare also possible on some fibres creatingan extra dimension to the aesthetics usingthis production technique. More varieddesigns and colour combinations can beachieved on two-layer fibrebondedcarpets. Various backings can be appliedto enhance comfort values underfoot.

Flocked carpetFlocked carpets are made by projectingelectrically charged fibres into anelectrostatic field where they alignthemselves parallel to the direction of theelectric lines of force and shoot verticallyinto a binder film. The fibres are thenpermanently bonded whenthis film is dried. Commonly thefilm is coated onto a non-woven glasstissue and back-coated. The fibre lengthsare from 2mm to 4mm andthe pile density can be varied to suitend purposes.

Flocked carpets are generally patternedby the rotary screen printing method.

Fusion bonded carpetsThis process has been successfully usedfor many years and offers a very hardwearing traditional cut pile finish. Themore usual method is that of a ‘U’ tuftproduct, where the fibres are pleatedand the yarn is bonded to layers of vinylincorporating a glass fibre reinforcementfor stability. The same process is appliedto the reverse side of the cloth to form aface-to-face construction before it isseparated in the middle to form the twoidentical finished cloths. The ‘l’ tuftprocess is also available offeringmaximum utilisation of the yarn inthe wearing surface.

Carpet tilesAll manufacturing processes outlinedabove can be utilised to make the wearsurfaces for carpet tiles. Conversion fromsheet form to tile involves the applicationof specially engineered backings toprovide basic elements of dimensionalstability and more importantly rigiditywhich is not possible in sheet material.This provides the optimum flexibility in useenabling tiles to be uplifted and relaidgaining access to underfloor services.Other benefitsof using carpet tiles are reduction incutting waste for unusual shapedareas or the ability to create special designfloor layouts, sometimes byusing a laser cutting process forintricate designs.

Suitable release adhesives enabletiles to be held firmly in position yet easilyuplifted when required for replacementor access.

Carpet underlaysThese are installed between the substrateand carpet with the purpose of absorbingthe energy of trafficking and compression,thus extending the useful life of the carpetand providing enhanced comfortunderfoot. They also contributesignificantly to thermal and acousticinsulation. Underlays are produced from avariety of substances.

BS5808 defines specification ofunderlays suitable for grades ofinstallation. The standard does notcompare the different constructions, butprovides a series of basic test results inrelation to its intended are of use.

Many different types of underlay areavailable and it is vital that firm, dense,commercial grade products are usedcommercially rather than softer residentialstyle products.

Technical performanceconsiderationsManufacturers of contract carpetingprovide data of their products to promotetheir suitability for all aspects of use andsafety criteria.

For assured levels of performanceensure Performance Test Results arerecognised trade standards aligned andendorsed by independent, internationallyrecognised norms for the specific categoryof testing.

There is constant research at Nationaland International levels to develop,improve and standardise test methods toaccurately simulate carpet behaviour inuse. Ensure that current up to datestandards are observed.

Special ApplicationsOn occasion special consideration needsto be given to all types of carpetconstruction and form, for specific reasonsof hygiene, health and safety and tailoredperformance criteria issued by theappropriate recognised authority. Forspecialist information of a sensitive orscientific nature the manufacturerstechnical department should be consulted.

Fitting MethodsTextile floorcoverings should be installed inaccordance with the British StandardCode of Practice for installation of textilefloorcoverings BS5325 and the methodsused should be compatible with both thebacking and structure of the textile floorcoverings and the dimensions of the areato be covered.

BS5325 also gives details of thecompatibility of installation methods withthe type of textile floorcovering.

Care and MaintenanceIntroductionEffective, efficient cleaning andmaintenance regimes should beestablished on day one of use to prolongthe life expectance and appearanceretention of the flooring installation.

Nature of SoilingAs is in the draft document

Cleaning and Maintenance regimesMany different systems and varied types ofequipment are available and it is often agood idea to employ the services of a


Burmatex is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers ofcontract carpets and carpet tiles.The company offers aproduct range spanning fibre bonded and tufted carpet insheet and tile, as well as specialist barrier and entrancematting products. Its focus is on the design and creationof innovative products to meet the needs of architects,specifiers and contractors for the education, leisure,commercial, healthcare and public sectors.

Tel: 01924 262525Fax: 01924 280033Email: [email protected]: www.burmatex.co.uk


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professional contract carpet cleaningspecialist to tailor a zonal programme forspecific building requirements beforehandover.

Essentially however, the followingshould form the basis of a basic,efficient programme.

1, Daily cleaning2, Periodic or Restorative cleaning3, Spot and Stain removal

DailyDaily maintenance essentially consists ofeffective vacuuming, supported by“emergency” spot or stain removal.

For best results a heavy duty uprightmachine with a brushing action isgenerally recommended, to agitate thepile and loosen any trapped dirt whichwill affect the appearance of thecarpet.Tub vacuum cleaners areavailable but these rely on suction aloneand their only benefit in a commercialinstallation is for areas that are confinedor difficult to access with uprightcleaners.

Machines should be regularlyserviced and dust bags checkedas a full dust bag will severely reducethe suction efficiency of all types ofvacuum cleaner.

Daily vacuuming should besupported with “emergency” spot orstain removal described below.

Periodic or RestorativeThorough vacuuming should be carriedout prior to Periodic or Restorativecleaning, followed by intensive overallcleaning, employing either a wet or drycleaning system.

There are many variations of the twomain systems described below.

Dry Extraction Carpet CleaningDry extraction compounds are sprinkledonto the surface of the carpet, brushed in,and vacuumed off after a short “drying”time, during which cleaning agents breakdown and absorb soiling. Dry extractioncompounds are made up of syntheticpolymers or organic soil absorbentsubstances, impregnated with anappropriate cleaning agent to removegeneral soil build up and staining. Manyproducts also include deodorising andanti bacterial agents.

The main benefit of this cleaningmethod is a reduction in drying timeenabling use of the carpet almostimmediately after completion. It is alsoparticularly appropriate for Carpet Tiles,minimising adverse effects on dimensionalstability due to over wetting and moistureingress at the joints.

Wet Extraction Carpet CleaningHot, or warm, water extraction cleaningmachines can vary considerably andusually consist of a solution tank (for clean

water and cleaning agents), a recoverytank (for extracted dirty water) a spraysystem ( for application of fluid) and apump system (for sucking out used water /cleaning fluid). The water and cleaningfluid is sprayed into the pile and thenextracted by suction along with residualsoiling.This cleaning system is ideal forfibre bonded (needlepunch) products butis also effective on other broadloom styleproducts when carried out by trained,skilled operators. Disadvantages are thatsufficient drying time must be allowed forthe carpet to dry before use andoverwetting, or over use of cleaning fluidscan result in shrinkage/ dimensionalstability problems or premature re-soiling.

Spot and Stain removalSpots, stains and spillages should be dealtwith as soon as possible. Food andbeverage spills for example, if neglected,will attract more soil and risks beingtransferred to adjacent areas by foottraffic. It is worth defining the differencebetween a spot and a stain. Spots areconcentrated substances lying near to thesurface, which can normally be removedsimply by removing the excess materialand treating with a recommended spotcleaner. Stains usually fit the descriptionof substances, which have penetrated thecarpet fibres, and are more difficult toremove, sometimes requiring the servicesof a professional.

Manufacturers and distributors of an extensive range of heavy contract carpet tiles, broadloomsand entrance clean off zones to the flooring trade to meet the requirements of almost every type

of commercial location.

CORAL AND THRESHOLDCheckmate are the major stockists of the Coral & Threshold entrance carpets.

WE HAVE THE STOCK - WE CAN DELIVER

Checkmate Industries Ltd, David Whybrow, Bridge House, Bridge St, Halstead ESSEX CO9 1HTTel: 01787 477272 Fax: 01787 476334 [email protected]


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S e c t i o n Tw e l v e – Timber Flooring

Traditionally one of the oldest forms offlooring which has seen an increase inusage over the past few years. Manydifferent species of timber are availablewhich are often selected for theirappearance alone but wearing andstability properties are particularlyimportant in commercial andrecreational buildings. Hardwoodflooring is available in many forms.

Wood mosaic panelsManufactured from a variety of timbers,such as iroko, merbau, oak and teak,which are chosen for their hardness andstability. Good resistance to wear and anattractive appearance are just two of thefeatures of mosaic panels. They are alsothe cheapest form of hardwood flooring.

The panels are supplied in varioussizes, generally 480 x 480mm and 477 x477mm, both 8mm thick. Sixteenopposing squares, each comprising 4, 5or 6 fingers per square, are then set in abasket weave pattern. Mosaic flooringcan be laid over any sound, dry, levelsub-floor. A concrete sub-floor shouldbe finished with a 3 to 1 mix sandand cement screed, minimum 37mmthick. This should be level and finishedwith a steel trowel and, prior to laying,must be dry.

Mosaic panels are used in manyapplications including housing, schools,churches, recreational and sports areas.They are available in felt-backed, mesh-backed, paper-backed, paper-faced andare usually pre-sanded for easyinstallation. The overall finishedappearance of all four types is similar. Allare stuck to the sub-floor using bitumenrubber adhesive and are then sandedand finished as described below.

Wood blocksThese are available in a variety ofspecies for use in most applicationsincluding housing, public buildings,offices, schools, churches, factories,where a natural hardwearing andattractive floor is required.

Blocks are manufactured to various

sizes with a tongue and groove oneither side and grooved at either end.They are usually installed by adheringto a screeded base finished with a steelor wood float.

The most popular pattern isherringbone but double herringbone,basket weave, ladder and brick patternscan be achieved. Generally, a twoblock border is used at the perimeter.Finishing is generally carried out byusing an appropriate polish & seal.

Parquet battensThese are almost always available inoak, finished sizes 300 or 225 x 75 x6mm. Other sizes and timbers areavailable in order to produce a widerchoice of patterns. Parquet battens aregenerally installed onto a dry and levelbase covered with a minimum thicknessof 4-6mm resin bonded plywood overthe existing sub-floor: glued with a pvaadhesive and pinned through the faceusing 25mm panel pins. The pins arepunched home, filled, sanded andpolished. At the perimeter, a marginknown as a two line border of oak anda darker timber is formed.

Strip flooringManufactured in a variety of sizes,usually random length tongued,grooved and end matched i.e. ends ofstrips are tongued and grooved1. Maybe installed by mechanical fixingthrough the face or secret nailing to atimber sub-floor or softwoodjoists/battens2. Can also be installedby adhering to a solid sub-floor using aproprietary adhesive or laid as afloating floor when using a proprietarymanufactured system (seemanufactured engineered boardsbelow) in accordance with themanufacturers recommendations.

For recreational or activity use stripsmay be installed on battens fitted withrubber or neoprene pads or acontinuous layer of polyurethane foamon the underside to provide a ‘semi-sprung’ floor.

Whilst strip flooring often requiressanding and sealing etc afterinstallation it is also availablepre-finished.

Overlay stripsTraditional solid overlay strips. Similar tostrip flooring except the thickness is12mm nominal and is generally used inhousing installed directly onto existingsoftwood boarded floors, chipboard orplywood, laid at right angles to theexisting floor. If the existing sub-floor iscovered with plywood or similar, theoverlay can be laid in any direction, fixedby secretly nailing with 30mm panel pinsthrough the tongue and finished in asimilar manner to the strip flooring.

Manufactured engineered boardsAvailable as a multi-layer or solid

hardwood board in a variety of sizes andthicknesses and many species and arenormally pre-finished at themanufacturing stage.

May be installed by mechanical fixing,adhesive or as a floating floor where theyare fitted together using clips, self lockingjointing systems or gluing the joints.

Where installed as a floating floor aproprietary underlay3 is necessary.

Very often used for recreational oractivity areas besides commercial anddomestic locations.

Timber descriptionsA wide variety of species is available inall forms of hardwood flooring, such asthe following:

Beech – Creamy colour, differentgrades available. Class 2 movement.Suitable for areas subject to heavytraffic.

Cherry – pale pinkish brown withstraighter grain and fine even texture.Decorative for use in light traffic areas.

1. End matched The joint at the end of the strip orboard usually interlocking in the formof a tongued and grooved joint.

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_Section twelve_P54-62 2/12/06 11:49

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2. Battenssoftwood battens preservative treatedand having a moisture content notexceeding 14% to facilitate timberflooring to be mechanically fixedand raised off a solid sub-floor.They may be used with cradles orother levelling systems.

3. Underlaysa layer of compressible material laidunder a floating hardwood floor.

Gurjun/keruing – Grey to reddishbrown with pronounced straight grain.Contains resin and silicate deposits.Class 2 movement, very resistant towear, suitable for areas subject toheavy traffic.

Iroko – Golden yellow, which maturesto golden brown after exposure to light.Good alternative to teak. Class 1movement with good wearingproperties suitable for areas subject toheavy traffic.

Maple – Creamy colour with brownand dark veins. Graded for colour fordifferent applications. Class 2movement, suitable for trucking andvery heavy traffic areas.

Merbau – Rich red colour afterexposure to light. Class 1 movement.Especially resistant to acids and suitablefor areas subject to heavy traffic.

Oak – European and American. Lightstraw colour with pronounced grain.Class 2 movement. Suitable for areassubject to medium traffic.

Redwoods – Mainly mixed Africanmahogany varying from pale to richdark red. Class 2 movement, suitablefor areas subject to medium traffic.

Rhodesian teak – Deep red, somecolour variation. Class 1 movement.Suitable for extremely heavy traffic,trucking etc.

Teak – Variegated golden brown withpronounced colour and variation. Class1 movement. Especially resistant toacids and suitable for areas subject tomedium traffic.

Walnut – Dark brown in colour withwavy or curly grain and coarse texture.Suitable for areas of medium traffic.

InstallationAt the time of publication of this Guidethe British Standard Code of Practicefor flooring of timber, timber productsand wood based panel products coversthe installation of hardwood flooring.As this British Standard has currentlynot been revised since 1987 the sectionon Installation herewith has beenaddressed in more depth than the otherfloor coverings covered elsewhere andArchitects, Specifiers, Builders, andInstallers of hardwood flooring shouldconsider the requirements for Exchangeof Information, Sub-floors, SiteConditions, etc. given in this Guideand more recently published BritishStandards for flooring such as BS5325Installation of Textile floor coverings,BS8203 Installation of Resilient floorcoverings, BS8204-1 Concrete basesand cement sand levelling screeds toreceive floorings, and BS8425Installation of laminate floor coverings.

Whilst the CEN Report DocumentCEN/TC 134 N970 Preparation,design and installation – Part 1 Generalis for resilienht, textile and laminatedfloor coverings its contents are equallyrelevant for hardwood floorings.

Site conditionsWood is a hygroscopic material; itsmoisture content, therefore, depends onits environment. The moisture contentwhich the wood will attain dependsprimarily upon the humidity of the

atmosphere and, to a lesser extent, uponthe temperature. At relative humiditybelow 30%, wood shrinks as themoisture content, decreases and swellsas it increases. This movement, whichvaries according to the species, occursmainly across the grain of the wood andis usually greater in a directiontangential to the growth rings than in aradial direction.

The importance of using wood atcorrect moisture content cannot be over-emphasised; if, at the time of fixing, themoisture content is too great, shrinkageis inevitable and it results in unsightlyopen joints; if the moisture content is toolow, swelling may occur, causing lateralpressure to floors which can producelifting. Flooring should thus be protectedat all stages of storage, laying and inuse to ensure that it is retained at therecommended moisture content.

Method of heating the buildingTo reduce the dimensional changes whichtake place after wood is fixed in abuilding, it is desirable that thetemperature and humidity in the buildingbefore, during and after laying the flooringshould be approximately the same asthose which will prevail during occupation.At an early stage, the flooring contractorshould be informed of the form of heatingto be installed and he should be consultedalso as to when it would be advisable toturn on the heating for the first time. Whenheat is first applied, latent moisture withinthe structure of the building is drawn outand this tends initially to increase theatmospheric humidity. Adequateventilation should be provided thereforeand laying should not commence until theinitial drying out is complete; this periodwill vary widely with the type ofconstruction and weather conditions.

Underfloor heatingand other services

Underfloor heating beneath woodflooring presents special problemsbecause of the wide range of

Note! This term does not in anyway refer to the colour or grainpattern of the timber,


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temperature to which the flooring willbe subjected. Where underfloor heatingis involved, particular attention shouldbe paid to the moisture content of thetimber flooring at the time of laying.

During the summer or when the heatis turned off for long periods, highatmospheric humidity will cause anincrease in the moisture content ofwood flooring which had been speciallykiln dried for heated conditions. Thiswill produce lifting if the floor is tootightly jointed at the time of laying.When the heat is turned on again themoisture content will decrease,therefore a greater seasonal moisturecontent variation is to be expected withunderfloor heating than with otherforms of heating.

Some underfloor heating systems arenot compatible with timber flooring andit should be noted thatrecommendations regardingtemperature and the point at which theyshould be measured vary (seeunderfloor heating - section 8).

The manufacturer of the timberflooring should always be consultedbefore installing over underfloorheating systems, particularlyregarding the moisture content andspecies of the timber.

Precautions where underfloor heatingis to be used. Before laying floorbegins, the following procedure shouldbe followed.

a) Allow the screed to dry asrecommended.

b) When screed is dry, turn on theunderfloor heating and graduallyincrease it until maximum loadingis reached.

c) Maintain maximum loading for atleast seven days.

With some adhesives it will benecessary to allow the screed to coolbefore installing timber flooring but theambient conditions (see 4.5.3) mustalways be maintained. The heating

system should run for two weeks at halfto two thirds power and thereafter anysudden changes in the temperatureshould be avoided.

The flooring should be dried to thecorrect moisture content and should notbe delivered to the site until shortlybefore laying is to commence.

Testing underfloor servicesAll services (not only heating services)running beneath the floor should betested fully before laying starts.

Treatment of pipesWhere hot water or steam pipes (otherthan those for floor warming purposes)pass under the flooring it is essentialthat they are lagged or otherwiseinsulated to reduce movement of theflooring in that area and they should befixed at a sufficient depth to avoidpossible damage from fixings for thenew flooring. Compliant insulationmaterials should be used toaccommodate thermal movementof pipes.

See section 2 of this guide.

SubstratesSee section 4 of this guide.

FixingsTimber flooring should normally befixed using either nails, staples, screwsor adhesives or alternatively laid as afloating floor using manufacturingproprietary systems such as clips,tongued and grooved interlockingsystems or adhesives.

NailsNails having a diameter in accordancewith the manufacturers/suppliersrecommendations and with plainshanks should have a length not lessthan 2.5 times the thickness of theflooring through which the nail isdriven, except in the case of thin sheetmaterials when the minimumpenetration into a timber base should

be 19 mm. Normal or improved nailsmay be either hand driven or machineapplied. The greater holding power ofimproved nails much increasesresistance to ‘nail-popping’ but mayadd to the risk of the wood splitting.

ScrewsScrews, where used should have alength at least twice the thickness of theflooring being fixed, except in the caseof thin sheet materials when theminimum penetration into a timberbase should be 19 mm.

AdhesivesWhere adhesives are used, theadhesive manufacturer’s instructionsshould be followed.

ClipsThe manufacturers instructions shouldbe followed.

StaplesStaples should only be used for fixingtimber floors where approved by themanufacturer.

Tongued and grooved interlocking systems

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

BattensBattens which are securely fixed to thesub-floor should not be less than 36mmwide and those for floating floors notless than 44mm wide. They may berectangular or splayed in cross sectionsand should be of sufficient depthto accommodate the length of fixingand generally be not less than36mm thick.

Spacing of battens should bedetermined by the design loading andthickness and length of flooring available.

Batten ends must be staggered and notin line with each other in adjacent rows.

Other specialist systems are availableand must be used strictly in accordancewith the manufacturers instructions.


Independent Contract Flooring DistributorsMain Stockist for

Tonbridge Warehouse, Tonbridge Road, Harold Hill,Romford, Essex RM3 8TS

Tel: 01708 378801/ 378802Fax: 01708 378803

Email: [email protected]

• Altro

• Ardex

• Amtico• F Ball

• Blaklader• Gradus

• Heckmondwicke • Tarkett-Marley

• Stanley • Polyflor

• Quantum Profiles


60



Provision for movement Because of the hygroscopic nature ofwood changes in ambient conditionswill cause wood floors to moveappreciably and this is particularly so inrespect to changes in ambient humidity.Unless suitable provision is made toaccommodate expansion the stability ofsurrounding walls can be affected andundesirable changes in the floorsurface will result.

Exchange of informationIn order for the correct floor covering tobe installed in appropriate conditions,at the right time, etc, it is essential thatall parties have a clear understandingof the requirements of the project e.g.new build or refurbishment, and of theimplications for all concerned. Toensure that this is achieved, it isessential that there is wide consultationbetween all parties involved in theproject, including sub-contractors andmaterials suppliers. This consultationshould start early in the design stagebut will be necessary throughout thecontract, especially should requirementsor time scale change and as new-contract work is initiated.

As each project will be unique it isimpossible to give a definitive list of theinformation to be exchanged, but thefollowing are typical examples.

ProjectsThe name and location of projects andpersonnel involved in pre-contractnegotiations should be identified.

Contract conditionsA programme for commencement andcompletion of work should be defined,including any specific requirement forsequenced completion.

Special attendanceAccess, unloading, hoisting and storagefacilities, heat, light and power and anyadditional items considered necessaryto expedite the work should beprovided.

Design

GeneralThe flooring layout and specifications,based on building type andoccupational uses should be provided,for example:

• type of use;• type and density of foot and/or

wheeled traffic;• loadings

specific requirements

Floor detailsThe completed drawing/specification shouldprovide comprehensive information on:

• whether upper floor, ground floor orbelow ground level;

• whether ground-supported or suspendedconstruction;

• particulars of any under floor heatinginstallation or security installation;

• position and treatment ofexpansion gaps;

• curing and drying times ofscreeds and bases likely to be requiredbefore the installation of floor coverings;

• screed or base with finished floor level,permissible departurefrom datum and class of surface regularityrequired;

• in refurbishment work, the typeand condition of existing baseor floor finish and any type of treatmentrequired;

• type of damp-proof membrane andposition within the floor construction, inparticular, the need for specialist surfaceapplied membranes where likely dryingtimes for thebase exceed time available inthe programme;

• choice of substrate, underlayment,adhesives, intermediate products and floorcoverings;

• requirements direction of material and theposition and type of expansion jointprofiles;

• k) size, position and designof barrier zones.

AcclimatisationUnless a manufacturer clearly instructsotherwise the delivery of the timberflooring should be programmed so asto ensure the shortest possible storageperiod on site.

All materials should be stackedcarefully to retain flatness and kept inan environment that will maintain themoisture content at the recommendedlevel, ie. Not less than 7% nor morethan 10% under normal circumstances.

Setting outExpansion gaps are necessary at theperimeter and all other abutments suchas radiator pipes, thresholds, floorsockets etc for all of the floors coveredby this Code of Practice and someprovision may, on occasions, benecessary within the body of the floor.

The size of the expansion gaps willvary from one flooring product toanother and will depend on the lengthand width of the floor, the type andthickness of the material and themethod of installation.

Blocks wedges etc can be used toform the expansion gaps between theflooring and the walls and these are leftin place until the installation of theflooring has been completed.

Perimeter gaps are usually coveredwith a skirting board or perimeter trimbut the expansion spacers must beremoved first.

MosaicIt is desirable that the floor be set outso as to achieve a symmetrical layoutbut dimensional variations may dictatean alternative be considered.

The first two lines of panels shouldbe laid on either side of anapproximate centre line and thencontinued outwards until a gap forexpansion is left.

BlocksIt is desirable that the floor be set outso as to achieve a symmetrical layoutbut dimensional variations may dictate


61www.cfa.org.uk

that an alternative be considered. Thefirst two lines of blocks should be laidon either side of an approximate centreline and should then continue outwardsuntil a space is left for a border oflongitudinally placed blocks plus anexpansion gap. A range of designs forwood block flooring is shown in fig

Strip FlooringTimber floors may expand mainlyacross the width and it is advantageousto lay boards and strips so that thenumber of boards or strips is kept to aminimum. Expansion gaps at doorwaysare often necessary where timber is laidthrough rooms. It is usual to lay theboards or strips parallel to the longestwall. The position of doors andwindows should also be considered andthe direction of existing floor boards orjoists.

Boards and strips should be laid inas random pattern as possible andheader joints and stave ends must notfall in line and be at least two stripwidths apart in adjacent runs.

OverlayThe flooring should be set out to suitthe style of the overlay being used andlaid in accordance with themanufacturers instructions. Overlaystrips should be set out in the samemanner as Boards and Strips.

ManufacturedEngineered BoardsSetting out should generally be as forstrip flooring but also consult andfollow instructions of boardmanufacturer.

Fixing

GeneralThere are three common methods ofinstalling timber floors namelymechanical fixing, adhering to the sub-floor and floating systems.

Mechanical FixingTimber floors can be mechanically fixedto timber joists, existing timber floors, orto battens either by face or secretnailing through the tongue. The firstand last rows of boards shouldgenerally be face fixed.

The timber flooring must be fixed toevery joist or batten or when layingover existing sub-floors at centresappropriate to the type of product.Care must be taken not to damage thetimber when fixing particularly within50mm of the end of the board or strip.

On existing timber floors mechanicalfixings should correspond with the joistscentres wherever possible.

Wide faced boards (i.e. boardsexceeding 100mm across the face)require intermediate forms of fixingbesides secret nailing.

Where provision for expansion isrequired within the body of the floorthen spacer washers should beused to prevent the boards orstrips from closing up during theinstallation process.

With the exception of timber newand existing sub-floors should beoverlaid with a vapour checkbefore installing the timber battens ortimber flooring.

Adhesive fixingWood blocks and wood mosaic panelsshould be installed by using therecommended adhesive. Boards andstrips should only be fixed by adhesivewhere this is expressly approved by thetimber flooring manufacturer.

However site conditions andthe preparation of the subfloor must bestrictly in accordance with therecommendations given earlier inthis document.

Adhesive must be applied inaccordance with the manufacturersinstructions, taking care that the coverageapplication and open times are observed.

Floating systemsMany timber floors, particularly those ofmulti-layered construction are designed tobe installed as floating systems ie. Notfixed to the sub-floor.

They should incorporate an underlayor resilient layer and with the exception oftimber sub-floors a vapour check.

Boards and strips are installed byinterlocking joints, gluing along thetongue and groove or with proprietaryclips in accordance with manufacturersinstructions. Solid timber boards and/orstrips should not be glued together unlessso recommended by the manufacturer.

FinishingTimber flooring generally requiresfinishing to protect the timber fromcontamination, staining and to reducethe wear on the surface.

Whilst some of the products are pre-finished in the manufacturing stageeven they may require a final coat offinish after installation is completed.

The performance of the flooringtherefore is very much dependant onthe choice of seal, the number of coatsand the site application.

The finish chosen will greatly affectthe appearance of the timber flooringbut it will also be necessary to take intoaccount the resistance to wear, thedrying time and particularly whenworking in occupied buildings theamount of odour the seal willproduce during the application anddrying period.

On flooring that has been pre-finished at the manufacturing stage itwill normally only be necessary toensure the floor is properly clean beforeapplying a final coat (when required).

Unfinished timber flooring howeverwill require sanding with a drum or beltfloor sanding machine and starting witha coarse grit sandpaper, followed by amedium grit paper and finishing with afine grit paper.

This three stage operation isimportant to provide a smooth surfacewithout ‘chatter’ or ‘roller’ marks that iscapable of receiving a finish.All finishes should be applied strictly inaccordance with the manufacturersinstructions and it is the responsibility ofthe users to ensure that all the currentHealth and Safety Regulations arebeing strictly observed.

Sealing and polishingDue to the increase in types and qualityof wood floor finishes the choiceavailable to the contractor is large andit can be difficult to specify oneparticular type for a job. The condition

Note: Spontaneous ignition canoccur with sanding dustparticularly when re-sandingexisting floors and it isimportant that the sandingdust be disposed of safely.


and purpose of the floor should betaken into account as well asenvironmental conditions and availablemaintenance. Floors used for sportshould be coated with productsconforming to a recognised standardsuch as BS7044 or DIN 18032 for slipresistance. Timber should be fullyconditioned to its environment and careshould be taken with oily hardwoodsand contaminated reclaimed wood.

Solvent containing productsTraditional waxes - These impart goodwood colour, usually giving a deep evenfinish. They allow freedom of movementand offer excellent repair-ability butrequire high maintenance in the form ofregular buffing. They are known to “travel”producing slip problems in surroundingareas. They should be avoided in sportsareas. The use of waxes can lead to greatdifficulties when a floor is to be re-sealedwith other products and should beremoved as much as possible or specialityprimers used.

Traditional oil - This imparts goodwood colour, usually used as a mattfinish. Oils allow freedom of movementbut can be slow drying and requirehigh maintenance in heavily traffickedareas although are readily repaired.

These generally have poor penetrationinto dense oily hardwoods and canhave the same problems as wax whenover-coating is attempted.. Hardwax oil - These give similarproperties to traditional oils but withimproved durability and chemicalresistance. Normally available insatin/matt.

Oleo resinous - These give very goodpenetration and are easy to use withsimilar wear and chemical resistance toHardwax oils but with a deep ‘build’ onthe surface. These products allow goodwood movement but are comparativelyslow to dry and cure. Primarily available inhigh gloss.

Oil modified polyurethane andurethane oil – These visually and inmethod of use are similar to oleo-resinous but with significantly improvedhardness, chemical resistance anddurability. They are available in allgloss levels.

Solvent based moisture curingpolyurethane – These give excellentdurability and chemical resistance withdeep build but do not allow woodmovement due to the high strength ofthe film. These are not recommendedfor use on new timber floors. Primarilyavailable in high gloss. Generally avery low maintenance finish.

Acid catalysed lacquer – Similarproperties to solvent basedpolyurethanes but faster in dryingand curing, generally less durableand chemical resistance thanmoisture cured urethanes. Availablein all gloss levels again generallyow maintenance.

Water based productsSingle pack water borne polyurethane& PU/Acrylic blends and copolymers –The primary advantages of this class ofproducts is improved environmentaland personal safety. Depending on the

version they can be almost odourlessand are fast drying and curing. Gooddurability and chemical resistance whencured. There are many versions of thistype with their own strengths such ashigh speed, colour enhancement,clarity, UV stability, flexibility orhardness. The use of a primer dependson the particular product usedand the type of wood. Available in allgloss levels.

Two pack water borne polyurethanes– Again the primary advantages of thisclass of products is improvedenvironmental and personal safety.Depending on the version they can bealmost odourless and all known tohave excellent durability and chemicalresistance when cured. The use of aprimer depends on the particularproduct used and the type of wood.Available in a variety of gloss levelswith good UV stability. The maindisadvantage of this type is limited potlife of mixed product.

MaintenanceThe customer should be provided withdetails of the maintenance required toenable the floor to perform satisfactorilyin use. It is also important that theheating regime in a building havingtimber flooring is not neglected evenwhen the building is unoccupied. It isnecessary to ensure that the timberflooring is maintained continually at ornear to the moisture content at the timeof installation. A measure of ventilationmay help to keep internal temperatureslower during the hotter months of theyear and prevent high levels of humiditybuilding up.

Surface MaintenancePreventive maintenance to the finish ontimber floors is necessary to reduce thenumber of scratches, etc.Manufacturers of the floor finishedshould be consulted regarding regularmaintenance as this will help to extendthe life of the finish.



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S e c t i o n T h i r t e e n – L a m i n a t e F l o o r i n g

These pre-finished flooring productsare available in a multitude of sizes,thicknesses and finishes and mustbe installed on a smooth, dry andlevel sub-floor.

They consist of a surface layer of oneor more thin sheets of fibrous material(usually paper) impregnated withaminoplastic resins (usually melamine).These sheets are either pressed togetherand bonded on a substrate (usually wood-based panels) or directly pressed on a

substrate and finished with a backingprimarily used as a balancing material.

British Standard BS EN 13329 gives thespecifications, requirements and testmethods for laminate floorings.

InstallationFor the most part laminate flooringsshould be treated as any wood basedproduct and the requirements for siteconditions, sub-floors, etc given earlier inthis guide apply.

Manufacturers recommendationsshould be followed and also BS 8425Code of Practice for the Installation ofLaminate floor coverings.

Whilst some existing floorcoveringsin good condition may be retained andthe new flooring installed over it asolid sub-floor is required andexisting laminate and textile floorcoverings should always be removedand the sub-floor made good beforeinstalling laminates.

63www.cfa.org.uk

S e c t i o n F o u r t e e n – I n - s i t u , Com pos i t ion, Seamless F loor ing

The majority of industrial floors arebased on cementitious mixes such asdirect finished (power floated) concreteand granolithic pavings. Both thesefloor finishes are described in BS8204.

A compromise between concrete andgranolithic floors can be achieved bythe use of sprinkle finishes. Thesematerials are normally a dry mixture ofcement and graded, hard wearingaggregates up to 3mm in size.

The finish is sprinkled as a drymix into the wet concrete surfaceand power floated to a smoothdurable finish.

Ordinary Portland cement isoccasionally replaced by highalumina cement, particularly whereheat resistance is important.A greater resistance to acid attackis also achieved by using highalumina cement.

Granolithic mixes are also used inconjunction with metal grid, cast ironand steel tiles in heavy duty areas

where abrasion is excessive. Thegrids in such areas are bedded in

the granolithic mix and protectthe surface from unduedamage.

Ceramic tiles areavailable for industrial useand the properties vary fromdecorative to chemical-resistance, jointed with avariety of mortars.

Brick floors can provide anattractive and hard wearing

industrial flooring usingengineering bricks and paviors.There are, nevertheless, many

industrial situations where cementitious

or tiled floors are unsuitable due to awhole range of factors: ie, chemicalattack: hygiene: ease of cleaning:speed of placing or repair: weight perunit area or lack of headroom toaccommodate 50-100mm toppings.EEC legislation has also highlighted theneed for waterproof floors with sealedjoints for use in food processing areas.The use of polymer resin systems canoften fulfil these requirements.

Polymer resin systemsThe majority of polymer resin systemsused in flooring are applied as toppingsto cement-based slabs or screeds.There are some exceptions,such as wood strip or steel platefloors and systems are available to coatsuch materials.

There are many hundreds ofproprietary polymer resin systems availablebut they can be classified into generalpolymer types under light, medium andheavy duty systems.

A few systems mentioned are not strictlypolymer based but are included since theyare available as competitive toppings.There are also a number of patentedsystems available, details of which can beobtained form the manufacturers.

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Light duty systemsSurface coatings normally appliedby brush or roller and dry to a thicknessof 0.1-0.3mm.

Sodium silicate solutions:Two to three coats on concrete only.The solution fills the pores andpartially reacts with the free lime toproduce improved abrasion resistanceand short term dust proofing. Mildlychemical resistant.

Silico fluoride types:Similar to sodium silicate but morepenetrative with improved abrasionresistance and dust proofing.

Polymer emulsion treatments:These are water based and similar toemulsion paints without the colouringpigments. Help to prevent surfacedusting. Poor chemical resistance andshort term durability.

Resin solutions:These are resins dissolved in solventswhich dry by solvent evaporation only.Many are available but chlorinated-rubber floor paints are best known.Again prevent surface dusting.Available in a range of colours:maintained by further applications.Good acid and alkali resistance.Semi-reactive resins:

A combination of solvent evaporationand oxidation of the resin produces thefinal finish. The most common areknown as oleoresinous paints andvarnishes. They usually achievegood penetration of the surface andgive reasonable durability at amoderate cost. Chemical resistanceonly moderate.

Reactive resins:These fully reacted coatings producethe most chemically resistant surfaces inthis section.

Polyurethane is available in two types:One pack systems react chemically withmoisture in the atmosphere.

Two pack types react chemicallywhen the two components are mixedthoroughly in correct proportions.Generally produces a tougher film thanone-pack systems.

Epoxy two-pack systems must bethoroughly mixed producing a toughfilm with excellent adhesion to sound,clean and dry surfaces.

All the light duty systems tend to beshort term since the surfaces wear off inuse and allow penetration of thesubstrate. Regular maintenanceapplications can, however, sometimesextend the useful life. These light dutysystems do not usually requireapplication by specialist contractors.

Medium duty systemsThese are basically similar to some ofthe light duty systems but at a greaterthickness, from 0.5-3.0mm. This isachieved by applying many coats or byhigher viscosity solvent-freeformulations.

Polyester:These are two-pack full-reactive resinsconsisting of a polymer solution instyrene which reacts in the presence ofan oxidising agent to a hard tough film.Can be applied up to 3mm thickness. Itis often self-smoothing and pigmentedfor decorative floors. Good chemicalresistance (not strong alkalis) butsensitive to low temperature during thelaying process.

Polyurethane:The system of application with themoisture cured resins is by the use ofmany coats, leaving each to cure beforeover-coating and thus building up therequired thickness. Decorative effects canbe achieved by the introduction ofcoloured chips between coats. Sensitive toexcess moisture during the laying process,when it will cause bubbling.

Two-pack fully reactive polyurethanesystems are also available at a higherviscosity, requiring few coats to build upto a specified thickness. Very goodchemical resistance.

Epoxy: A high build system up to0.5mm can be achieved by applyingtwo thick coats of epoxy reactive resinby roller or spray, thus increasing thedurability of the system.

A two-pack solvent-free,self-smoothing system can be appliedup to a thickness of 3mm but generally1.5mm to reduce cost per unit area.

The epoxy is applied by trowel orsqueegee to approximately the requiredthickness, then left to level out. Usuallypigmented in a variety of colours.Good oil and chemical resistanceand easily cleaned due to its smoothsurface texture.

The use of specialist contractors forthe application of these finishes isrecommended.

Heavy duty systemsHeavy duty systems are normally laid ata thickness of 4.5mm or more, giving avariety of surface textures and rangein performance, from light truckingservice, to severe impact and chemicalresistance.Magnesium oxychloride finishes:Traditionally known as ‘Magnesite’, thisis basically a mixture of calcinedmagnesite and various fillers,gauged with a solution of magnesiumchloride. It is laid from 12mm up to50mm thickness.

Magnesite is sensitive to highhumidity both from the air and the baseslab. An effective damp-proofmembrane must be incorporated indirect to ground sub-floors.

It is not recommended to use inwet conditions unless protected by asurface coating.

Such surface coatings may give shortterm protection from dilute acids.Otherwise it is not recommended.

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Mastic asphalt:This is a hot applied finish laid at athickness of 25mm plus. It can be putinto service without delay and somechemical resistance grades areavailable. Susceptible to high pointloadings. For further information, referto the section on sub-floors.

Bitumen emulsion modified:This finish is based on a mix of cementand aggregates, gauged with abitumen emulsion. It provides a dust-free surface which has the ability toself-heal if damaged. Laid at anaverage of 12mm thick, it canwithstand medium to heavy trucking.It is susceptible to high pointloadings and is not recommended forareas subject to excessive oil orwater exposure.

Polymer emulsion and rubberlatex modified:Commonly called ‘polymer floors’, theyare similar to the previous category, butthe mix is gauged with polymeremulsions of a suitable type. Theemulsions are based on syntheticpolymers such as vinyl acetate,acrylates, vinylidene chloride,

styrene/butadiene, or natural rubberlatex. The finishes range from mediumduty to heavy duty, water andoil-resistant types. Some emulsionmodified systems such as rubberlatex mixes are flexible enoughto make them suitable for directapplication to steel substrates.Moderate chemical resistance.

These materials require carefulselection.

Resin basedPolyester: These resin systems combinepolyester resin with suitable aggregatesand fillers laid by trowel, normally up to6mm thick. They are cured in a similarway to medium duty polyester systems.

Polyurethane:Two-pack resin systems are availablein this range, using aggregates andfillers laid by trowel, normally up to6mm thickness.

Epoxy:Two or three pack systems solvent free,trowel applied, again filled with a rangeof suitable aggregates, normally up to6mm thickness.

These resin based finishes are intendedfor heavy duty impact and abrasiveresistant situations and can, if necessary,be laid at thicknesses of 12mm plus. Theyare also resistant to many chemicals andsolvents but reference should always bemade to the manufacturer.

Some are suitable for direct applicationto steel decks. All require carefullyprepared substrates to comply withmanufacturers’ instructions.

The use of specialist contractorsfor the application of these finishesis essential.

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S e c t i o n F i f t e e n – Te r r a z z o F l o o r i n g sTerrazzoTerrazzo flooring consists of an admixtureof cement with suitable pigmentscombined with an aggregate, usually ofcrushed marble, laid to form a decorativefloor finish.

A well laid and well maintainedterrazzo floor formed either in-situ or inprecast tile form provides floor surfacewith high abrasive resistance, ease ofcleaning and good durability.The surface is hard, smooth and generallyunaffected by water. Terrazzo can also beprovided to conduct static electricity inoperating theatres.

In-situ terrazzoWhen laid in-situ, terrazzo usually consistsof a two-layer operation with the wearingand decorative layer laid on to a freshlylaid cement/sand screed. Thicknessof the terrazzo matrix can be up to 15mm.

Thorough compaction of the matrixis carried out by tramping, rolling andtrowelling.

When cured, terrazzo is machineground with various grades of

carborundum blocks to produce a smoothpolished finish.

The area may be divided into panelsby metal or plastic clips.In-situ terrazzocan be used for wall finishes as wellas flooring.

Terrazzo tilesThe greater part of terrazzo flooring isdevoted to the use of precast terrazzo tiles,which consist of a similar decorative matrixas in-situ terrazzo on a cement-basedbacking and formed into tiles by acombination of mechanical vibration andhydraulic pressure.

After being pressed the surface istreated by grinding and subsequentgrouting.

Terrazzo tiles are available in varioussizes with a nominal thickness of 28mm,comprising 15mm of terrazzo matrix on a13mm cement-based backing.

The tiles can be produced in variousqualities, from industrial flooring grades tothe decorative floor finish. The same highstandards are maintained by using onlythe finest marble aggregates.

Precast tiles or units are installed on siteby bedding them in a cement/sand mortar(1:3) and the joints are grouted with neatcement coloured to match the colour ofthe tiles being installed. Usually the finishachieved during manufacture eliminatesthe need for the grinding or polishingprocess or any further treatment after fixingalthough it is normal practice to do so.

Terrazzo tiles have excellent impactresistance and are considered to beresistant to fire.

In addition to being produced in tileform, the material can be preformed forstaircase finishes, such as treads and riserswhich are precision ground and polishedto suit the particular specification ready forassembly on site.

Composite terrazzoWith the introduction of epoxide resinsand similar binders, a variety of flooring isbecoming available which retains theappearance of a terrazzo or marble floor,but enables manufacturers to reduce thethickness and show considerable savingsin weight.

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68


S e c t i o n S i x t e e n – Slip Resistance

In any building there will be situationswhere increases in slip risk exist. Often,the risk can be reduced by good designpractice, for example increasing the useof barrier matting where potential forincreased contamination from thebuilding exterior exists, or by goodhousekeeping such as increasedcleaning frequencies in sensitive or highrisk areas. Where expected levels ofcontamination cannot be controlled bysuch means, the slip resistanceproperties of the floor covering and theuse of floor coverings offeringenhanced slip resistance should also beconsidered to reduce slip risk.

Slip Resistant Floor coverings may beof either homogeneous orheterogeneous type, this classificationof product group being based primarilyon their claimed enhanced slip-resistance under predeterminedstandard conditions. These floorcoverings are primarily designed foruse in areas where expected levels ofsurface contamination are such that theuse of smooth floor coverings maypresent an unacceptable slip risk to theuser. As with any floor surface, theeffect and type of contamination mustbe assessed and emphasis placed onthe requirement for correctmaintenance in order to retain its slip-resistant properties.

In the UK, guidance on the subjectof slip risk is offered by the Health andSafety Executive (HSE), the Health andSafety Laboratory (part of the HSE) andthe UK slip group. Their advice and testmethods do not form part of any Britishor European standard requirement forresilient floor coverings, but arerecognised as reliable methods fordetermination of slip risk. Their adviceis based on the measurement of thecoefficient of friction and micro surfaceroughness of the surface under test.

These tests can be carried out bothex-factory and on site and are suitable forall types of floor covering. On site testmethods are necessary as the slipresistance properties of the floorcoveringshould be sustainable throughout the lifeof the product.

The test carried out by the HSE both ‘inthe dry’ and ‘in the wet’ to determine thecoefficient of friction is The Pendulum Test.A pendulum frame which contains a freeswinging arm is placed onto the surface ofthe material to be tested. A slider of adefined material (usually FourS butrecently known as Slider 96) and shape isattached to the free end of the pendulumarm. The pendulum arm is pulled back to,and dropped from, the horizontal positionbrushing the test material over apredefined length at the base of its arcand swinging through towards thehorizontal position at the opposite side ofthe arc. As the pendulum brushes the testmaterial its momentum is reduced suchthat it cannot reach the horizontal positionon the through swing. The distance bywhich the arm falls short of the horizontalon the through swing is measured againsta scale attached to the frame which isthen read to give a pendulum test value(PTV). This PTV equates roughly to thecoefficient of friction (CoF) x 100.

Surface Roughness – the micro surfaceroughness of a product is measured usinga roughness meter, which contains a finestylus, either on the underside of the meteror attached to a moving arm. As the stylusis drawn across the test material it followsthe microscopic undulations in the surfaceof the material. The meter senses themovement in the stylus between the peaksand troughs of the undulations, measuresthis movement, and expresses the result inmicrons. Ten such measurements aretaken (in different places and directions)over a set area of the test sample. The

surface roughness (Rz) is taken as anaverage of the ten readings. Surfaceroughness of floor coverings can be usedto give an indication of a product’sperformance in surface wet conditions.However, surface roughness results shouldnot be used in isolation, but evaluatedwith other relevant information such aspendulum test values.

When considering coefficient of frictionresults obtained from the Pendulum testthe HSE States:

“Floors with a coefficient of friction of0.36 and above are regarded as safe towalk on for the vast majority of the workingpopulation. Clean dry floors generallyhave a CoF greater than 0.36. Employersshould have a safety management systemwith controls in place to ensure that floorsremain clean and dry as far as reasonablypracticable. The system should includeprocedures for dealing rapidly withoccasional spillages. However, wherefloors are going to become foreseeablycontaminated, AND it is not reasonablypractical to keep them dry, a floor shouldbe provided with a CoF of 0.36 or abovein the contaminated state.”

UK slip group and HSEGuidelines on interpretationof results

PENDULUM SURFACE ROUGHNESS(UK Slip Group (UK Slip Group)

Result Risk Result Risk

<25 High <10 High

25 – 35 Moderate 10 – 20 Moderate

36 – 65 Low 20+ - 30 Low

>65 Extreme >30 ExtremeLow Low

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Where floors are expected to becomecontaminated in use, the installation offloor coverings which offer enhanced slipresistance can help to reduce risk.However, it important to note thatmanagement of risk through floorcovering selection alone is not anapproach either advised or recommendedby the HSE or the UK Slip Group. Themain thrust of their advice is based on riskassessment and consideration ofmanufacturer’s ex-factory and in-serviceslip test data is a valuable part of a riskassessment. The UK slip group advicestates that “Evaluation of slip resistance offloors requires not simply obtaining aparticular reading from an instrument, butalso an assessment of other factors, forexample the type of contaminantsinvolved, the cleaning methods, etc.”

Further information can be obtained from theHealth and Safety Laboratory and the UnitedKingdom Slip Resistance Group at:

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London SE1 9HSwww.hse.gov.ukand

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RESEARCHINFORMATION Association (CIRIA)Classic House, 174-180 Old Street,London EC1V 9BPwww.ciria.org.uk

O’Gorman&

Carey

O’Gorman&

Carey

Supplying ranges from the UK & Europe’s leading manufacturers including:Brintons, Cavalier, Gaskell-Makey, The Wilton Carpet Company, Milliken,

J.H.S, Dan Floor, Polyflor, Altro, Karndean & Amtico

SPECIALIST INSTALLERS TO THE HOTEL HEALTH CAREBUSINESS AND BANKING COMMUNITIES

Concorde House, Nesfield Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 3ETel: 01274 393383 Fax: 01274 392394

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S e c t i o n S e v e n t e e n – Selection of Adhesive

The correct selection of adhesive plays acrucial part in the successful installation ofany floor covering and it is thereforeimportant that full details of the sub-floor,site conditions, in-service conditions andfloor covering itself etc, are made fullyknown to all parties at an early stage.

Since the basic purpose of the adhesiveis to bond two different surfaces togetherand ensure that they remain together,under the expected service conditions andfor the full term of the installation, it isessential that a fully compatible adhesivebe chosen. Most adhesive manufacturerswork extremely closely with theappropriate floor covering manufacturersand publish extensive recommendationsfor adhesive suitability with particularfloor coverings.

Many factors affect the choiceof adhesive; the following lists themost important:

1. Type of floor covering.2. M Backing of floor covering.3. Type of sub-floor.4. Temperature requirements (e.g.

presence of underfloor heating, use inconservatory etc).

5. Horizontal or vertical bond.6. Permanent or release bond.7. Internal or external installation.8. Special in-service requirements (e.g.

electrical conductivity, wet areas etc).9. Health and safety considerations.

APPLICATION OF ADHESIVEMost flooring adhesives are conventionallyapplied by steel trowel with 60 deg V-shaped notches along each edge. Thedepth and spacing of these notches arespecified to control the quantity of theadhesive applied and to suit the floorcovering being laid. With some adhesivesit is possible to follow on using a roller toflatten out the ridges and minimise grinthrough of adhesive. The adhesivemanufacturers take great care to ensurethat the correct trowel notching is specifiedfor each adhesive and situation, and it isessential to follow their recommendations.It is important that the correct notching ismaintained throughout the adhesive

application by changing to a new trowelor re-notching as required.

Alternative methods of application,such as spray and roller, offer theadvantage of adhesive applicationfrom the standing position and, with sprayin particular, fast application rates canbe achieved.

Both methods of application requirespecially formulated adhesives and willprovide adhesive coatings without thenormal ridged pattern.

All adhesives must be used inaccordance with the instructions providedby the manufacturer and the BritishStandard Codes of Practice.

TYPES OF ADHESIVE:

GUM SPIRIT(RESIN ALCOHOL) ADHESIVE:A solution of resin and polymer, normallyin industrial alcohol and containing fillerand other modifiers. Highly Flammable.

LIGNIN PASTE ADHESIVE:An aqueous dispersion of sulphite lyeand filler. Non-flammable.

SYNTHETIC RUBBERDISPERSION ADHESIVE:An aqueous dispersion of resin, syntheticrubber, filler and other modifiers. Solventcontaining, solvent free and low VOCtypes available. Non-Flammable.

CONTACT ADHESIVE(RUBBER SOLUTION):A solution of synthetic rubber in organicsolvent. Contains resins or other modifiersand/or fillers. Can be both Flammableand Non-flammable.

CONTACT ADHESIVE(SOLVENT FREE):A dispersion of synthetic rubber in water.May contain resins, modifiers and/orfillers. Non-Flammable.

ACRYLIC ADHESIVE:An acrylic ester co-polymer emulsioncontaining resin modifiers and/or fillers.Solvent containing, solvent free and lowVOC types available. Non-flammable.

PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE:An acrylic ester co-polymer emulsion thatmay contain resin modifiers.Non-flammable.

BITUMEN SOLUTION ADHESIVE:A blend of bitumen in organic solventswith the addition of powdered and/orfibrous mineral fillers. Flammable.

BITUMEN EMULSION ADHESIVE:An aqueous emulsion of bitumencontaining rubber and/or othermodifiers, which may contain mineralfillers. Non-flammable.

EPOXY ADHESIVE:Two-component adhesive consisting ofepoxy resin and hardener, which aremixed together immediately before use.Both components may contain fillers andother modifiers. Non-flammable andFlammable types available.

POLYVINYL ACETATE (PVAC) EMULSIONADHESIVE:An aqueous emulsion of polyvinyl acetatehomopolymer or co-polymers, whichmay contain fillers and other modifiers.Non-flammable.

POLYURETHANE (PU) ADHESIVE:One or two-component types areavailable, often in solution in organicsolvents. Flammable and Non-flammabletypes available.

CONDUCTIVE ADHESIVE:Specially formulated adhesives to allowinstallation of fully conductive andanti-static floor coverings.

NBSome of the above types, which arenormally non-flammable, mayincorporate small quantities of organicsolvent. If this renders the productflammable, the container will belabelled accordingly.

All adhesives must be applied toclean, structurally sound and dry substrates. Please refer to section on subfloor preparation.

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GLASSWELLSCOPY

ON ITS WAY

Contact InformationTelephone 0116 2608873 / Fax 0116 269 3759269 Long Furrow, East Goscote,Leicestershire, LE7 3ZLEmail: [email protected]

Web: www.jrroberts.co.uk

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S e c t i o n E i g h t e e n – Static Control

Static ElectricityStatic control flooring usually representsonly one component of a Static ControlEnvironment and should be consideredas such. Individual components of sucha system can be tested in laboratories,and usually are. When thesecomponents are combined on site theywill not necessarily give performancefigures in line with any individualcomponent readings. The selection ofcomponents of the complete system istherefore of prime importance to ensurethe specified performance is achieved.

When choosing a flooring systemdesigned to control static electricity onemust keep in mind that the basecomponents in the contract are of amore specialised nature than normal.Some types of static controlfloorcoverings are more expensive thanothers, as is their installation, so carefulconsideration of performancerequirements is essential to ensure thatthe flooring system is selected byperformance rather than cost.

Therefore, before choosing yourstatic control floor it is absolutelynecessary to have good communicationwith all parties involved with end use,eg specifiers, architects, interiordesigners, equipment manufacturersand manufacturers of flooring materialsand client, to discuss the exact needsand, if possible, ascertain future needsof the floor. A full specification must belaid down, including method ofinstallation, on site performancerequirements with method of test andmaintenance. Before putting thecontract to tender, it must be borne inmind that incorrect maintenance of acompleted contract can give poorresults on what could be a perfect floor.

Glossary of Terms used in StaticControl Floors

1. Anti-Static Additive. A liquid or solidsubstance added to a product duringmanufacture to improve theconductivity of that product. The

increased conductivity ensures thatsignificant electrostatic charges areconducted away to earth instead ofaccumulating on a body.

2. Anti-Static Floorcoverings. An oftenmis-interpreted term commonly usedto describe all floorings withdissipative or conductive properties.The term is better suited tofloorcoverings with ‘physiologicallyantistatic’ properties. In other wordsthey have been treated in such a wayas to prevent them generating staticelectricity within themselves ratherthan controlling static electricityintroduced into them..

3. Anti-Static Treatment. Surfacetreatments applied after installationthat achieve temporary improvementof surface conductivity.

4. Bulk Resistance. The total electricalresistance through the floor systemmeasured between the surface of thefloor-covering and a known earth.Also known as Leakage Resistance.

5. Conductive. The ability of acomponent or material to conductelectricity.

6. Conductive (ROF) Flooring. Specialistmaterial normally connected with lowresistance, commonly used in areaswhere explosives are handled.

7. Conductor. A component or materialcapable of carrying an electriccurrent.

8. Decay Time. The time required for acharge to decay to a givenpercentage of the charge’s peakvoltage.

9. Earthing. The deliberate electricalconnecting of a conductor tothe earth.

10. Electrode. A device for making adeliberate conductive connection toa surface.

11. Electrostatic Discharge. Thedischarge of accumulatedelectrostatic charge which canoccur when a charged body comesinto contact with a conductor, egwhen a person touches metalobjects such as a fling cabinet.

12. Half Life. The time taken for anelectrostatic charge to decrease to50% of its peak voltage.

13. Insulative. Property of materialsincapable of conducting electricity.

14. Leakage Resistance. See BulkResistance.

15. Ohm. Unit of electrical resistance.16. Relative Humidity. An amount of water

vapour in the atmosphere at a giventemperature.

17. Resistance. Opposition that materialoffers to the flow of electricitymeasured in ohms.

18. Resistivity. The resistance properties ofa material.

19. Static Conductive. Used to indicatethat a material is capable ofconducting electricity to earth.

20. Static Electricity. Static electricity is anelectrical charge on the surface of abody commonly caused by frictionand separation of two surfaces, egwalking across an insulativefloorcovering.

21. Stroll Test. A test procedure tomeasure build up of static electricityon an individual.

22. Surface Resistance.The electrical resistance of the surfaceof a material.

23. Volume Resistance. Electricalresistance measured through thethickness of a material.

24. Static Dissipative. Used to indicate thatthe product can dissipate andtherefore reduce static electricity. Thisis usually achieved by adding ahydroscopic material to the productwhich takes moisture from theatmosphere and thereby increasessurface conductivity.

The Need for Static ControlControl of undesirable static electricity(electrostatic charge) will be specified forseveral reasons.

Prevention of spark generation whereflammable gases are used, eg hospitaloperating theatres or areas whereexplosives are handled or stored.

Personal comfort (protection fromelectrostatic shock).

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Protection of microchips duringassembly, test or repair.

Reduction of charge to preventattraction of particles to surfaces(clean rooms).

Control of electrostatic dischargeencompasses many facets ofenvironmental design, however, in thispaper we only consider the contributionof static control flooring systems.

Achieving Static Control1. Bases. In terms of general flooring

performance the standards as set inBS8203 are usually acceptable. Asfar as static control is concerned theresistance of each individual basemust be considered in relation to thetotal system requirements; as specialtreatments may be necessary withsome systems, this should bediscussed at the specification stage.

2. Installed Systems. In preparingspecification to a new or existingbase the flooringsystem must consist ofcomponents,(underlay, adhesive,deliberate earthingsand floor coverings etc) that havebeen tested in combination andhave been approved by the floorcovering manufacturer as providingthe level of static control required.

3. Floorcoverings. The majority offloor-covering types are available inversions suitable for these types ofinstallation: PVC, rubber, lino,carpet, resin, seamless floors, highpressure laminates or other materialsadhered to each panel in the caseof raised modular floors.

4. Raised Modular Floors. Whenconsidering a raised modular floorin which the metallic network isspecifically connected to the buildingearth, the combined resistance ofthe floorcovering, the floorcoveringadhesive if any, the modular floorpanels, the pedestal support must allbe taken into account. If no directconnection of the metallic network toeach exists the resistance of theadhesive used to fix the pedestal tothe subfloor and the subfloor itselfmust also be included.

IEE Regulations require that metalliccomponents of a raised modular floorwill be properly earthed; thisrequirement should not be confusedwith electrostatic properties.

Understanding StaticControl SpecificationsBefore a specification is set up theperformance required to meet the enduse must be defined. When the primereason for prevention of electrostaticdischarge is protection of electrostaticsensitive devices or processes,specifications take the form of upperand lower resistance limits. The upperlimit is necessary to give the process orequipment adequate protection andprovide the levels of working in thatenvironment against a mains 240-250V electric shock. Where the primereason for prevention of electrostaticdischarge is one of personal totalcomfort, the specification takes theform of a maximum body voltage of

2Kvs measured as the ‘Stroll Test’.Both sets of results are subject to theirown methods of test and care must betaken not to confuse total systemtesting with individual component tests.

A system provided to protectequipment will normally providepersonal body protection but apersonal body protection system willnot normally provide equipmentprotection.

Due to the very large numbersinvolved in measuring resistance inflooring systems, for example 1 millionohms, a shorthand form is commonlyused whereas this may be expressed as106 ohms or M or Mega or M?.

The table and guide that follows showsthe shorthand representation of somelarge numbers commonly used andalso prefixes used.

Before installing any flooring systemdesigned to control static electricity theentire system must be examined for thelevel of protection required. A typical

system could consist ofthe following elements:

SubstrateUnderlayAdhesiveSurface CoveringMaintenanceElectrical specificationwhich would include“Method of Test”Frequency of Testing

The invitation to tender should statewhat specification the system must meetfor electrical safety. The specificationshould also include the personnominated to test and certifythe electrical performance of theinstalled system.

Test MethodsLaboratory tests can be used to give anindication of the performance of someindividual components but thespecification and on site tests refer tothe entire system and how they interact.Attention is drawn to conditionsrequired as specified in the “TestMethods” regarding points such astemperature, relative humidity,electrodes, meters and conditioning.

Different Test Methods can give

When a resistance is shown as 100Mthis can be calculated out as:

100 x 1000000?

= 100000000?

= 1 x 108?

When spoken this is referred to as ten to the

eight ohms or 10 to the power of 8 ohms.

Multiplication Factor

Prefix Symbol

1 000 000 000 000 = 1012

TERA T

1 000 000 000 = 109

GIGA G

1 000 000 = 106

MEGA M

1 000 = 103

KILO k

100 = 102

HECTO h

“Preparing the Specification Tender”


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S e c t i o n E i g h t e e n – Selection of Adhesive

different results on the same system,therefore, the specified test must befollowed. Floors should be clean anddry before testing commences.

There are a great many test methodsfor static control systems. Some of thetest methods are summarised below. Toensure that the floor is tested to thelatest specification the specifier mustobtain a copy from the local office ofthat country’s Standard Authority and acopy should then be attached to thespecification.

BS EN 61340-5-1 (IEC 61340-5-1)Harmonised system of qualityassessment for electrical components.Basic specifications: protection ofelectrostatic sensitive devices.

BS6654Standard: method for determination ofthe electrical resistivity of textile

floorcoverings. Designed to testinstalled and individual components.

BS2050Standard: Specification for ElectricalResistance of conducting and antistaticproducts made from flexible polymericmaterial. Designed to test individualcomponents of system.

BS3187Standard: Specification for elect resinand of conducting rubber.Designed to test individual components.

BE EN 1815Standard: Method for determination ofstatic electrical propensity of textilefloorcoverings: “Walk Test”. Designed tomeasure body voltage generation.

BS7078 Standard: Determination of the electricalresistance to earth of an installed textilefloorcovering. Designed to test the

resistance between electrode placed on atextile floorcovering and the mainelectrical earth.

BS EN 1081Standard:resilient floorcoverings – Determinationof electrical resistance.

It must be noted that lack of correctmaintenance procedures can have adisastrous effect on the materials aswell as the readings. Carefulconsultation with the surface materialmanufacturer is therefore essential. Antistatic polishes for use on insulativesurfaces are readily available, reducingpersonal body voltage or personalshock caused by people walking acrossinsulative floors. They are designed foruse on insulative floors to givetemporary protection against thegeneration of body voltage and hencereduce personal shock.

S e c t i o n N i n e t e e n – Entrance Flooring Systems

It is of paramount importance to protectall internal floorcoverings from excesssoiling and moisture transferred fromoutside sources by the use of effectiveentrance flooring systems.This is particularly important to reduceany slip hazards and also to maintainsatisfactory wear and long termappearance of internal floor coverings.Various systems are available for bothinternal and external use, often acombination of both providing optimumresults. BS 7953 provides guidance forthe selection, installation andmaintenance of entrance flooringsystems. An appropriate size ofentrance product should be installed tomaximise protective properties for anyparticular building..

Entrance flooring systems serve as themain element of preventative measures,minimising transfer of soil from outsidesources or between different areas/zoneswithin a building.

Generally, soil transfer can be definedin two categories (Wet and Dry) and moreoften than not it is wise to assess thechoice of system considering protectionfor both, separately, in the form of aPrimary and Secondary matting system.

Primary matting is usually installed asthe main line of defence from outsidesources and is constructed usually with arigid retaining frame, incorporating acoarse or ribbed surface profile foreffective removal of dry soil and debris.

Secondary matting is generallyinstalled adjacent to the floorcovering it is

protecting, and is constructed usingabsorbent surface materials for removalof wet soiling.

Secondary “ carpet type” systems arealso ideal inside buildings between soilsensitive zones such as break out, kitchen,washroom or vending machine areas.

For buildings where there is insufficientspace to include both systems, integralproducts combining the benefits of aribbed surface with absorbent textile stripinserts are available.

Always ensure barrier matting productsare regularly cleaned, as dirty mats willdo more harm than good, transferring dirtfrom the mat itself to adjacent areas.

Other preventative measures can beimplemented by good housekeeping andmanagement of regular maintenance.


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S e c t i o n Tw e n t y – Temporary Protection Materials

Temporary Protection MaterialsProtection of interior floorfinishes is often required on bothnew build and refurbishmentprojects. Fast track programsoften include floor coveringsinstalled prior to the completionof work by other trades and toreduce the risk of damageproper protection materialsshould be considered.

Flame Retardant ProtectionLoss Prevention StandardLPS1207 issued by the LossPrevention Certification Boardpart of BRE Certification, a sistercompany to the BuildingResearch Establishment, relatesto the requirements for protectivecovering materials onconstruction sites. Any temporaryprotection which purports tocomply with LPS1207 must besuitably marked and displaythe name and identification ofthe supplier.

Choosing thecorrect productThere are many forms of temporaryprotection, a product fit forpurpose should be selected afterconsidering the following points.

The surfacerequiring protectionThe site conditions and sitetraffic The length of time asurface requires protection priorto handover

Advice on selection of theappropriate material is availablefrom suppliers.

Smooth FloorsFor smooth floors (vinyl, screeds,marble, timber, laminates, etc) aproduct providing impactprotection is needed. The productthat best suits this application istwin wall / twin flutedpolypropylene board. A materialsupplied in sheet form, normally1.2m x 2.5m, the boards twin wallcomposition offers impactprotection to hard floors. Availablein various grades, twin wall boardis ideally suited to hard floors. Theproduct is also a more userfriendly alternative to hardboard,as it is light weight, easy to cut andinstall and is highly durable.

Soft FloorsFor soft floors (carpets, etc)impact protection is not an issue.For cut pile carpets an adhesivebacked ‘tacky back’ polythene

can be used. This product issimply rolled out and bondsdirectly to the carpet. The tackyback will hold the product inplace during the program ofworks. After use the materialsimply peels clean, leavingno residue.

For loop and cut pile carpets aloose fitting membrane can beused. Either a polypropylene orpolyethylene sheeting. This canthen be fixed in place usingeither tapes, or for a loop pilecarpet using a male Velcro dryfix method.

Fixing methodsFixing methods for protectionmust be considered. For smoothand finished floors a peel cleanadhesive tape must be used.Standard tapes may leave aresidue or shadow on the floor.For cut pile carpets a higher tackcarpet tape should be used.For loop or twist pile carpetsa Velcro dry fix method shouldbe used.

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_Section twenty_P76-77 2/12/06 11:57

®

A world class programme of floorcovering installation solutions

Specialist products for all end uses

Acoustic solutions for wood/laminate floors

IMO(FR) underlay for marine installations

Award winning flooring systems

A comprehensive range of flooring accessories

Carpet Underlay & Accessories

Interfloor Limited, Broadway, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 4LS United KingdomTelephone: 01706 238831 Fax: 01706 238832

www.interfloor.com

®

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_Section twenty_P76-77 2/12/06 11:57

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S e c t i o n Tw e n t y O n e – Flooring Accessories

StairnosingsStairnosings should be fitted to allstaircases in contract flooring situations.Produced in a variety of step profiles theycan be fabricated to suit shaped stepssuch as curves.

To assist people with visual impairmentstairnosings should contrast in colour andluminance with the remainder of therespective tread.

Stairnosings provide protection at theedge of the floorcovering and thematerials used fall into two categories:metals and non-metals.

Metals:aluminium (mill finished, polishedor anodised), brass, cast iron and stainlesssteel.

Non-metals:PVCu, PVC, rubber, timberand ceramic.

Single or double in-fills –PVC, carborundum/silicon mixes, etc.

As a further safety and design featurestairnosings can be provided with‘let in’ strip lighting.

In most cases stairnosings shouldbe installed by bonding with adhesiveand screwing.

Skirtings

Coved skirtingsFormed on site by the use of a coveformer which provides support at thefloor/wall junction. The floorcovering isdressed over the cove former and up thesurface of the wall where it is finished witha capping strip.

Pre-formed skirtings Sit on – a profile with a small radius toeso that the toe covers the join between thefloorcovering and the wall.

Set in – a profile for use with resilientfloorcoverings having an extended footwhich is set flush with the floorcovering.The seam between them can then bewelded to provide a sealed joint.

Textile skirtingMostly formed by the use of a separatepiece of material bonded to the surfaceof the wall, but can be formed as acove by using a small radius cove former.A capping is usually fixed along thetop edge.

Timber skirtingsWhere textile or resilient floorcoveringsare specified timber skirtings are usuallyinstalled as part of the carpentry andjoinery package. Where timber flooringis installed however the timber skirtingsmay be fitted as part of thefloorcovering package.

Whenever possible the timberskirtings should be installed after thetimber flooring has been completed asthe skirting can be use to conceal theexpansion gap at the floor perimeter.Timber skirtings should only be fixed tothe wall and must not restrict themovement of the flooring whenexpansion occurs.

Timber skirtings are available in avariety of profiles and different timbersfor painting or clear finish.

Other materials used for skirtings,such as stainless steel, are availablefrom manufacturers.

Perimeter trimsAvailable in a variety of profiles andmaterials and are installed to conceal anexpansion gap where skirtings have beeninstalled prior to the flooring.

As with skirtings they must not restrictthe movement of the flooring whenexpansion occurs.

Edgings, transition profiles andthresholds

Safety profiles designed to protectfloorcovering seams or edges from wearand tear and in the case of textiles tosecure the material and maintain thetension (where stretch fitted) at doorways.

Line markingResilient, textile and timber floorcoveringscan be line marked to indicate pedestriantraffic lanes/restrictions, etc and formarking games courts in sports areas.

The lines can be delineated by‘letting in’ the floorcovering material

in alternative colours, painting orplastic tapes.

In order to ensure that the method ofmarking is appropriate for the materialused the floorcovering manufacturershould be consulted.Other flooring accessories are availablesuch as:

• Anti-slip strips (for use on ramps, etc)• Cork infill (for use where expansion

gaps can not be concealed)• Dividing strips Radiator pipe ferrules• Floor lighting• Protection mats for use under castor• chairs• Stair rods • Ventilation grills

Flooring manufacturers and contractorsare able to provide informationwhere necessary.

FIND OUT WHAT MEMBERSHIP COULD DO FOR YOU VISIT:

www.cfa.org.uk

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_Section twenty one_P78-79 2/12/06 11:58

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S e c t i o n Tw e n t y Tw o – Footwear, Furniture and wheeled traffic

FootwearSome forms of footwear may damagethe floorcovering by indenting,scratching or puncturing. Poorlymaintained footwear which may haveexposed steel pins and stiletto heels areprobably the worst offenders as thesharpness and small area in contactwith the floor results in enormous pointpressure.

FurnitureGenerally the heavier the furniture thewider the legs need to be in order tospread the loading on the floor.

Floorcoverings are particularlysusceptible to damage from heavy furniture(such as pianos) fitted with small wheeledcastors and this will be exacerbated wherethe castors are poorly maintained and thewheels do not turn freely.

Legs of tables and chairs whichshould not have sharp or hollowtubular edges in direct contact with thefloor require protection caps that areinspected regularly and replaced asnecessary.

Dragging furniture across the surfaceof the floor should also be avoided.

Wheeled traffic

Most floors are likely to be subjected towheeled traffic and the following pointsshould be considered when preparing aspecification:

1. Maximum weight of wheelchair,trolley or truck.

2. Number, size and width of wheels tospread the load.

3. Composition of the wheel e.g.

pneumatic, rubber, polyamide,metal, etc.

4. Method of subfloor construction, thesmoothing compound and adhesiveand the floorcovering itselfs ability towithstand rolling and turningloading.

5. Design of buildings and theirapproaches to meet the needs ofdisabled people – Code of PracticeBS8300 gives advice aboutfloorcoverings where wheelchairs arein use.

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_Section twenty two_P80 2/12/06 11:58

81


C o n t r a c t o r F o c u s

MICHAEL BOLTON FLOORING LTDUnit 4a Barton Hill Trading Estate, Herapath Street, Bristol, BS5 9RD

Tel: 0117 954 1990 Fax: 0117 954 1991 Email: [email protected]

B e r k s h i r e B r i s t o l

B u c k i n g h a m s h i r e C a m b r i d g e s h i r e

C o r n w a l lC h e s h i r e

D e v o n D e v o n

MICHAEL BOLTON FLOORING LTDThe demand for competitive tendering and professional

advice makes us the ideal choice to be yourflooring contractor.

We offer a complete package from preparation to protection.

A.J. GOLLOP CONTRACT FLOORING LTD279 Two Mile Hill Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1AX

Bristol Tel: 0117 9477888 Fax: 0117 9475255Exeter Tel: 01392 462777 Fax: 01392 427211Website: www.gollopflooring.com Email: [email protected]

FFoorr bbootthh ccoommmmeerrcciiaall aanndd ddoommeessttiicc qquueerriieesspplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

Contracted to Universities, Hospitals, Schools, Housing Associations etcKarndean flooring, Carpet,Vinyl, Linoleum, Rubber, screed, plywood, damp proofing etc.

Tel 01625 540582Fax 01625 549415

Mobiles 07768 911453 / 07903 419716www.flooring.gbr.st

Here at Floorcraft we pride ourselves on the variety of service we are ableto provide our customers. Not only are we able to supply and install a vast rangeof flooring types including carpet, vinyl sheet, wood mosaics, and tiles.We also provide a number of high quality services including sanding and sealingand refurbishment of wooden floors.

We can supply and fit most types of floors including...

Carpets • Tiles • Vinyl Sheet • Wood Mosaics and Overlays Leveling Compounds • Adhesives Sanding and Sealing • Refurbishment of Wood Floors

Office and ShowroomsUnit 9 Chiltern Enterprise Centre, Station Road, Theale, Berkshire RG7 4AAt: 0118 930 4770 f: 0118 930 4550 m: 07974 951594 e: [email protected]

Links House, 156 Grace Road Central, Marsh Barton Industrial Estate, Exeter EX2 8QA

Tel: 01392 201567 Fax: 01392 201568 Email: [email protected]

Contract & Domestic Flooring Specialists

S. SMITH & SONS CARPETS LIMITED

• Contract and Domestic Installations • Sub Floor Testing & Preparation• Carpets • Natural Flooring Specialists • Vinyl/PVC • Edge Finishes • Rubber Flooring

• Sports Flooring Systems • Wood & Laminate Flooring • Entrance Systems

• Accessories, Trims, Edging, Nosings and Profiles

Specialists in all types of flooringContact Tom SheppardTel 01733 577877Fax 01733 325911www.abledell.co.uk

Specialists in Hardwood Flooring • Altro • Amtico • Rubber • Linoleum • carpetsEstablished 1967

[email protected]

CFA_Guide to Flooring 07_Inside pgs_Contractor focus_P81-86 2/12/06 13:54

82www.cfa.org.uk

E a s t Yo r k s h i r e H a m p s h i r e

H e r t f o r d s h i r eE s s e x

GATEWAYAWAITING COPY

CRC FLOORINGCRC Contracts (Flooring) Ltd provides end-to-end solutions for a wide range ofprojects. Our teams provide a design and installation solution and are experienced inworking in partnership with architects and interior designers. We have developed aprofessional reputation for reliability and excellent workmanship and as a result havesecured a number of high profile contracts. Contact us for all your enquiries andrequirements.

Unit 7 Langley Wharf, Railway Terrace Kings Langley, Herts WD4 8JETel: 01923 266400 Fax: 01923 267500 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.crcflooring.com

J & M Contract Flooring Specialists

Unit 6, Fountain Drive, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7UBTel: 01992 552447 Fax: 01992 558760

[email protected] www.jmcontractflooring.co.uk

Tel: 020 3225 5050 Fax: 020 3225 5055Email: [email protected] Web: www.lancashireflooring.co.uk

Unit 23, Oakwood Hill Ind Est, Oakwood Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TZ

We supply and fit Carpet, Carpet Tiles, Vinyl, Safety Vinyl, Linoleum,Rubber and Wood throughout London and the home counties

Approved contractor to leading manufacturers.T 01482 217025 F 01482 621960

E [email protected] W www.hullflooring.co.uk

CFI Ltd is an independent flooring and refurbishment contractor based in EastYorkshire our team of highly skilled fitters are all CSCS registered and trained

in Health and Safety. Previous and current clients include schools, offices,hospitals, nursing homes, government buildings, colleges and universities.

Contract Flooring and Interiors (CFI) Ltd93 Gillett Street, Witty Street, Hull, East Yorks HU3 4JF

tel 01482 308 550/01482 308 551 fax 01482 216 018 email: [email protected]

www.cfiuk.co.uk


83


C o n t r a c t o r F o c u sK e n t

L a n c a s h i r e

L o n d o n M e r s e y s i d e

Lower Carr Farm, Rawtenstall Rossendale,LANCASHIRE BB4 6BS

Tel: 01706 216853 Fax: 01706 227002Mobile: 078 3673 8712 [email protected]

Rowlandson House

289 - 293 Ballards Lane

London N12 8NP

Tel: 020 8372 7039

Fax: 020 8372 7040

Mobile: 07802 737324

Email:[email protected]

Tel: 01622 880596 Fax: 01622 880973 Mobile: 07740662300

[email protected] www.mpflooring.com

Reliable

Knowledgable

Competitive

Quality Service

✔

✔

✔

✔

We Tick All The Boxes

C o v e r i n g L o n d o n a n d T h e S o u t h E a s tA c c o u n t s w i t h a l l m a j o r m a n u f a c t u r e r s

Unit 3, Brierley Court, Brierley St, Ashton,Preston LANCASHIRE PR2 2AU

Tel: 01772 257425 Fax: 01772 887457

TAILORED FLOORING SOLUTIONSWe provide quality bespoke solutions covering all aspects of flooring requirements.

Functionality, Design, Co-ordination

Aspect Commercial Flooring Ltd16 Townmead Business Centre, William Morris Way, London SW6 2SZ

tel +44 (0)20 7731 3634 fax +44 (0)20 7731 3632email [email protected]

A & J Flooring (Merseyside) Ltd40 Oxford Road, Waterloo, Merseyside L22 8QF

Tel: 0151 949 0600 Fax: 0151 928 0771

The Wooden Floor Specialists Ltd are dedicated to developing skilledcraftmanship & insurpassable customer care.

Offering diversity and quality all woods are derived from substainable sources.

302 - 304 Cavendish Road, London, SW12 0PLTel: 020 8675 2431 Fax: 020 8675 5100

Email:[email protected] Web: www.woodenfloors.co.uk

Ideal Floors PrestonFLOORING CONTRACTORS

Established 1958

301 Hall Lane, Chingford, London E4 8NUTel: 0208 524 9993 Fax: 0208 524 9990 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mannflooring.co.uk

Complete consultancy and installation service provided to ensure the right product is used in theright place to the manufactuer’s recommendations. With 15 years in the field, to be celebrated in

2006, we cater for private and public markets especially the Health Sectors,Loval Authorities and Housing Associations.

We have national coverage for both new and refurbishment contract works with a wide rangeof products including carpets, vinyls and linoleum.

Members of the Contract Flooring Association.


84www.cfa.org.uk

M i d d l e s e x

N o r t h a m p t o n s h i r e

S t a f f o r d s h i r e

SHIRTCLIFFEAWAITING COPY

Multifloor (Walsall) LtdUnit 8, Prospect Business Park,

Longford Road, Cannock,Staffordshire WS11 3LG

Tel: 01543 500151 Fax: 01543 579643Email: [email protected]

Unit 13, Rumer Hill Business Estate,Rumer Hill Road,Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0ETTel: 01543 469774 Fax: 01543 469775Web: www.castleflooring.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

Castle Flooring (Midlands) LimitedCOURTIS CONTRACT (NOTTM) LIMITED

ESTABLISHED 1961

15 LudlowHill Road, West Bridgford. Nottingham NG2 6HF

Tel: 0115 923 1126 Fax: 0115 923 0276

Floor Coverings & Suspended Ceilings

Specialists in vinyl & safety flooring, contract carpets & carpet tiles

CARPET AND HARDWOOD SPECIALISTS • THERMOPLASTICS• RUBBER • VINYL • CERAMIC TILES • LINOLEUM • CORK

WELDON ROAD • CORBY • NORTHANTS • NN17 1UZTel:- Corby (01536) 265195Fax:-Corby (01536) 261323

521 – 525 Pinner Road, North Harrow,Middlesex HA2 6EH

Tel: 020 8863 1173 Fax: 020 8863 2904

Email: [email protected]

J D Flooring Ltd

Unit 1, Woodburn Business CentreJessell Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 3HY

Tel: 0114 261 9333 Fax: 0114 261 9444Mobile: 079 7426 5178

[email protected]

S o u t h Yo r k s h i r e


85


C o n t r a c t o r F o c u sS u f f o l k

S u r r e y

Wa l e s

Ty n e & We a r

GLASSWELLSAWAITING COPY

We supply and fit all types ofcommercial floor coverings

Unit 3, Eagle Trading Estate, 29 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4UY

Tel: 020-8646-4232 Fax: 020-8646-467

DAPPA FLOORINGThe region’s premier flooring specialistsA total flooring service from enquiry to completion combining full design,

planning and fitting service. As contracts to some of the largest companies in the countywe pride ourselves on offering unparalleled levels of quality, service and value.

• Industrial • Commercial • DomesticFULL REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SERVICE

Aiken Flooring Contracts LtdUnit 9, N.E.P Business Park,

Stratford Road, Pattison South Industrial Estate,Washington,Tyne & Wear NE38 8QP

tel: 0191 419 2939 fax: 0191 416 6952

[email protected]

Tel: 01633 243003 Fax: 01633 [email protected] www.newportflooring.co.uk

One of Wales leading and progressive flooring contractors whose currentclient list includes Local Authorities, Health Trusts,

Hotel Chains and a number of High Tech Establishments.Partners R L Kendall & M W Sears

44 Woodbridge Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9ABTel: (01483) 506616/576504 & Fax: (01483) 306693

& Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Newcastle Flooring Co. LtdDOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL&NDUSTRIAL FLOORING SPECIALIST

For Expert Advice CallTel: 0191 265 9673 Fax: 0191 224 0091

18 Heaton Road, Newcastle

✓ Vinyls Lino Cork Rubber Carpet Wall Cladding✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

LUXURY TREATMENT

FROM PETER EVANS FLOORING

For cost effective solutions to all your floorcovering

requirements, please contact:

Peter Evans Flooring, Unit 1A PalmersvaleBusiness Centre,

Palmerston Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2XA

T: 01446 700600 Email: [email protected]

www.peflooring.com

Bensham Trading Estate, Lobley Hill Road, Gateshead NE8 2XTel: 0191 478 1887 Fax: 0191 477 6684


86www.cfa.org.uk

We s t M i d l a n d s Wo r c e s t e r s h i r e

We s t Yo r k s h i r e

We pride ourselves on offering the best in floor coverings allowing youthe widest flexibility for commercial or domestic use.

Our experienced fitters can install your choice of coveringand ensure it matches exactly with your plans.

the flooring specialits…

SANSOME FLOORING LTD

WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE,WE COVER ALL ASPECTS OF FLOORING ACROSS THE U.K.

Mr A J BardenUnit 1 Bulay Commercial Park, off St Thomas’ Road, Longroyd Road,

Huddersfield, WEST YORKSHIRE HD1 3LGTel: 01484 537255 Fax: 01484 549328 [email protected] www.ajbflooring.co.uk

Unit E, Tyburn Trading Estate, Ashold Farm Road, Erdington, Birmingham B24 9QG

Tel: 0121 683 1720 Fax: 0121 683 1722Email: [email protected]

STANMOR FLOORS LTD

Commercial and Industrial Flooring Contractors and SuppliersFor all your floorcovering requirements

• CARPET •CARPETTILES • VINYL•LINOLEUM • RUBBER • WOOD

Tel: 0121 384 8868 Fax: 0121 384 6424Email: [email protected]

UNIT 6, HOLLY PARK, SPITFIRE ROADERDINGTON, BIRMINGHAM B24 9PB

USE A CFACONTRACTOR

www.cfa.org.uk

USE A CFACONTRACTOR

www.cfa.org.uk

O’Gorman&

Carey

O’Gorman&

Carey

Supplying ranges from the UK & Europe’s leading manufacturers including: Brintons, Cavalier, Gaskell-Makey,The Wilton Carpet Company, Milliken, J.H.S, Dan Floor, Polyflor, Altro, Karndean & Amtico

SPECIALIST INSTALLERS TO THE HOTEL HEALTH CARE BUSINESSAND BANKING COMMUNITIES

Concorde House, Nesfield Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 3ETel: 01274 393383 Fax: 01274 392394

Unit L2A, Blackpole Trading Estate East, Worcester WR3 8SGTEL: 01905 45 45 45 FAX: 01905 453 200 [email protected]


87


C o n s u l t a n t s

JAD FLOORING SERVICESAND CONSULTANCYConsultancy work includes:Independent technical site investigations,specifications, arbitration, trainingof fitting personnel, dampness testingand appraisal.

Registered Office:93 Marland Fold, Rochdale,Lancs. OL11 4RFTel/Fax: 01706 632559City & Guilds Assessor and VerifierW: www.jadflooring.co.ukE: [email protected]

Coltech Associateswww.coltech.net

- Technical auditing of projects on behalf of Insurers providing Latent Defects

Insurance and Insurance-backed Guarantees.

- Site testing, including subfloor moisture testing and slip resistance testing

of flooring.

- Project monitoring in support of manufacturers’ and contractors’ own staff.

Contact Pete Collins on 07870 113186, email [email protected]

Coltech Associates, 5 Oxendale Drive, Middleton, Manchester M24 4FN

Tel/Fax: 0161 643 0295

Flooring LogisticsDavid Cheshire, 7 Mandeville Close, Hertford SG13 8JX.

Tel/Fax: 01992 553680 Mobile: 07768 055188www.flooringlogistics.co.uk

M Terry WolfeBA FCIArb FAE MEWI MIWSc

We can offer you a London based country-wide service designedto advise and assist in all aspects of flooring. Full Arbitration and

Expert Witness service. Troubleshooting advice on problems,Expert reports on flooring disputes of all kinds.

26 Grosvenor Road BOREHAMWOOD Hertfordshire WD6 1BTTel: 020 8386 6326 Fax: 020 8386 6318

e: [email protected] www.flooringforensics.net

Contact InformationTelephone 0116 2608873 / Fax 0116 269 3759269 Long Furrow, East Goscote,Leicestershire, LE7 3ZLEmail: [email protected]

Web: www.jrroberts.co.uk

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cfa guide 2007

Documents

cfa guide

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