CFA Guide 2007

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Guide

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CONTRACT FLOORING www.cfa.org.uk

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Guide to

CONTRACTFLOORING All enquirees to the Contract Flooring Association 4c St Mary’s Place, The LaceMarket, Nottingham NG1 1PH Tel : 0115 941 1126 Fax: 0115 941 2238 Email: info@cfa.org.uk Website: www.cfa.org.uk Executive director: Richard Wollerton

3rd Edition of the CFA Guide to Contract Flooring published by

Kick-Start Publishing Ltd The Oast, Great Danegate, Eridge, East Sussex TN3 9HU

www.cfa.org.uk

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CFA Details Contents Preface Section One – About the CFA Section Two – Site Conditions and Attendances Section Three – Health & Safety Section Four – Substrates Section Five – Moisture Testing in Cementious Floors Section Six – Damp Proof Membranes Section Seven – Subfloor Smoothing Underlayments Section Eight – Underfloor Heating Section Nine – Selection of Flooring Materials Section Ten – Resilient Floorings Section Eleven – Textile Floorings Section Twelve – Timber Floorings Section Thirteen – Laminate Floorings Section Fourteen – Insitu, Composition, Seamless Floorings Section Fifteen – Terazzo Floorings Section Sixteen – Slip Resistance Section Seventeen – Selection of Adhesives Section Eighteen – Static Control Section Nineteen – Entrance Flooring Systems Section Twenty – Temporary Protection Materials Section Twenty One – Flooring Accessories Section Twenty Two – Protection from Footwear, Chair and Wheel Traffic Contractor Focus Consultant Focus

www.cfa.org.uk

03 05 06 06 08 12 17 25 28 30 37 38 39 48 54 63 63 67 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 81 87

CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007

Contents

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CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007

Preface This guide has been fully revised and is the fifth in a series of informative publications for Architects, Specifiers, Builders and Flooring Contractors produced by the Contract Flooring Association.

The first, published in 1980 was entitled the Contract Flooring Compendium followed in 1986 by the CFA Guide to Contract Flooring, of

which this is the third revision.

This guide was produced by the Manufacturers Committee, staff of the CFA and other CFA members who also represent the flooring industry on the Building Industry Joint Contracts Tribunal, the Occupational Working Group for floorcoverings Vocational Qualifications and International, European and British Standard

Section One – The Contract Flooring Association was formed in 1973 by the amalgamation of three small flooring associations: The Floor Covering Contractors Association, whose members specialised primarily in smooth floorcoverings: the Association of Flooring Contractors (hardwood flooring) and the Carpet Planners Association. Its present membership, therefore, consists of contractors engaged in the installation of all floor finishes include in-situ floorings and sub-floor screeds, with manufacturers and distributors of flooring materials, adhesives and accessories. There is also a category of membership for flooring consultants.

One of the CFA’s major functions is to promote the flooring industry to

Committees, National Specialist Contractors Council and other relevant technical and contractual policy groups.

In an era of technical advancement many changes in product and installation techniques are evident in our industry and whilst the information in the guide is of a general nature, specific or more detailed information can be provided on request.

About the CFA

the architect and specifier and this guide is one manifestation of that function. Following the selection of material, and no less important, is the choice of flooring contractor. In this regard, the CFA can be of valuable assistance since the criteria it demands from companies seeking membership are high.

Companies applying for membership must have a trading history and comply with current legislation regarding health and safety policy insurances, be registered for the construction industry tax scheme and registered for VAT. References are also required. This procedure ensures that an architect nominating a CFA member can do so with confidence, secure in the knowledge

that the company is stable and maintains a high standard of workmanship.

The CFA along with the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF) founded the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) which runs various courses in many types of flooring from its two training centres in Lancashire and Leicestershire and provides the technical information for the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in floorcoverings.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the Contract Flooring Association is an extremely active organisation, representing on a national level the interests of member companies and very much aware of its responsibilities towards the architect and specifier.

For further details on the association please contact Contract Flooring Association 4c St Mary’s Place, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PH. Telephone: 0115 941 1126 Fax: 0115 941 2238 E-mail: info@cfa.org.uk Website: www.cfa.org.uk

CFJ is the official journal of the Contract Flooring Association

06

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THE FIRST NAME IN FLOORING INSTALLATION

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• Market leading flooring adhesives and floor preparation products • Definitive ‘Recommended Adhesives Guide’ • Comprehensive technical back-up • On-site advice from Technical Representatives

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• Nationwide availability through distributor network

www.f-ball.co.uk

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CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007

S e c t i o n Tw o – The appearance and performance of floor coverings are determined to a large extent by the quality of the prepared base or screed on which they are to be laid. Those responsible for the design and construction of the sub-floor must ensure that it meets the requirements for hardness, soundness, levels and surface regularities, dryness and other design parameters before flooring covering installation is commenced. The quality of the installation also depends on attention being given to those other buildings products, work processes and the general conditions provided during installation which may in any way be associated with, and therefore affect the finished flooring.

Any incompatibility in other trades or unsuitable conditions of work can restrict the ability of the floorlayer to provide a neat, well adhered and satisfactory, lasting, floor finish. Clear contractual arrangements at the beginning and effective communications between all parties will minimise contention and maximise customer satisfaction.

Whilst the need to provide the right conditions through specification is obviously of first importance, only by careful consideration being given to ON SITE QUALITY CONTRO of these and other works, will the expected advantages be realised.

Required Attendances • Facilities for the safe unloading and distribution of flooring and accessory materials.

• Provision of dry, clean, ventilated, waterproof, warm and secure storage area. Floorcoverings and associated materials such as chipboard to be unloaded with care and stored according to manufacturers’ instructions.

On multi-storey work storage facilities to be available on each floor as the work proceeds. Special storage to be available for flammable adhesives and any other substances are required by the requirements of current Fire, Safety at Work, COSHH or other relevant Regulations.

• Safe hoisting facilities and access to appropriate floor level.

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Site Conditions and Attendances

• Good standard of electric lighting to work areas when required. Electric power, generally at 110 volts but often at 240 volts for floor sanding machines, to be made available for using power tools.

Site Conditions • Clear and clean work area each work area to be clear of all other trades and their materials. Floors to be clear of rubbish and initially swept clean or, preferably, industrial vacuumed and with any surface contamination removed as directed by the manufacturers of the next product to be applied.

Dryness of the base Before floorings are laid it is necessary not only to ensure that the floor is constructed to prevent moisture reaching them from the ground but also to ensure that sufficient of the water used in the construction process is eliminated. Any excess water must be allowed to evaporate and the time for this must be taken into account at the planning stage.

Estimated drying times are only very approximate but research has shown that under ideal conditions concrete 150mm thick may take up to two years to dry and power floating extends the time even further. Usually time schedules do not allow for lengthy drying times and consideration needs to be given at the design stage to the use of sandwiched or surface damp proof membranes. Before the application of the floor finish a cementitious base must be sufficiently dry to show a hygrometer reading not greater than 75% Relative Humidity when tested in accordance with the British Standard Code of Practice.

Sub-floor Surfaces Floor screeds and other in-situ floor bases i.e. timber, need to have a surface regularity which complies with the requirements of BS5325, BS8203, BS8204 and BS8425 or other relevant Standards.

Directly finished concrete bases frequently do not comply with the required surface regularity or the smoothness needed to

receive a floor finish. In addition, power floated finishes may provide a surface too dense to allow the flooring adhesive to dry and make a satisfactory bond.

Those responsible for the design and construction of the sub-floor may need to consider preparatory work to the sub-floor surface before instructing the flooring contractors to commence work.

Protection of floor screeds (see section 18) Floor screeds are not wearing surfaces and should be protected as soon as possible after laying, against damage to and contamination of the surface by other trades. Foot traffic from all trades can causes considerable surface abrasion and contamination. The effects on the flooring application are numerous.

Poor adhesion of the flooring over weak patches caused by wear of the screed surface.

Weakly adhered aggregate can be pulled out when spreading the flooring adhesive resulting in small bumps appearing in the flooring after it has bedded down.

Concrete and brickwork contractors working on the screed surface and failing adequately to clean off concrete and mortar residues, resulting in surface irregularity.

Plaster and paint being dropped onto the screed contaminating the surface causing loss of adhesion and lifting of the flooring. Do not use solvent based products for removing paint, oil or other contaminants.

Any areas of the screed surface damaged due to lack of protection or any other reason MUST be repaired before the flooring contractor commences work although this cannot be accepted as an equal alternative to screed protection.

Room Temperature and Humidity BS5325, BS8203, BS8204 and BS8425 advise that for the installation of MOST floorings, a work area temperature of 18°C be maintained throughout the period of the installation of the flooring.

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CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007

S e c t i o n Tw o – They also advise that this temperature should be attained 24 hours prior to the installation, so that floorings can be kept in the room and brought to room temperature before installation. With fully flexible vinyls and linoleums flexibility is important for a good and safe installation.

At low temperatures these floorings will harden up making them difficult to apply and with rolls of floorings, difficult to unroll (without cracking) and achieve a satisfactory lay-flat condition.

It is essential with most floor coverings that they are laid in the same humidity conditions as would be expected to be prevalent in use.

Temporary heating equipment which may be used to warm buildings to achieve the required temperature can also increase the humidity to a markedly higher level than would normally be expected.

The fitting of floor coverings in new building prior to the running of heating and/or humidification systems is a major cause of eventual dimensional stability problems and must therefore be avoided.

Floor Fittings These are “fittings” placed within the floor screed which can considerably affect the quality of the flooring installation.

They include: Construction joints Service ducts and duct trays or covers Drainage outlets Matwells

Site Conditions and Attendances continued

It is important that where surface fittings are placed within the flooring base, or where construction arrangements affect the continuity of the flooring, consideration needs to be given to the selection of the right type of fitting to suit the flooring. It is also necessary to ensure that the installation of such fittings is carried out in such a manner, which will allow neat and efficient placing of the flooring, for example, by selecting duct or drainage fittings in sizes to match a tiling module.

Construction Joints It is sometimes wrongly supposed that a construction joint can be taken to the surface of the floor screed, a smoothing underlayment spread over the top to mask the joint and then the flooring laid across that. There is no doubt that if this procedure is carried out, the flooring will fail. Treatment of a construction joint must allow for a metal upstand on each side of the joint, or similar propriety system which needs to be accurately fitted to finish sufficiently above the screed surface to allow for the thickness of the flooring, so that fitting can be carried out neatly and tightly.

Service Ducts Access covers either individually or in continuous duct format used in conjunction with flexible flooring must be installed in the screed allowing sufficient upstand for the thickness of flooring.

The cut edge of the flooring is vulnerable to traffic and the effects of water seeping into the underfloor and steps should be taken to anchor it securely. Screeding can rarely be carried out with sufficient precision to allow the edge to be left uniformly proud when the underfloor has cured. It is preferable to use a cover and frame modified to accept the flooring material. This can have a clamping edge or an accurate upstand formed at the periphery of the frame giving a precise level for the screed. The flooring is fed over a clamping edge prior to being secured mechanically.

Alternatively, an upstand, incorporating a vinyl insert to which the flooring is welded may be used to form a completely flat, watertight joint.

Drainage Outlets Some floor areas, for example in commercial kitchens, hospitals, leisure facilities, production areas or laundries are subject to wetting far in excess of that produced by normal cleaning. To clear this surface water efficiently, gratings are fitted in the floor, over channels, or point-drains. Noncorroding materials should be used. To prevent water penetrating the screed at the vulnerable edge between the flooring and the outlet, the flooring should be clamped in place with a separate flange or cover strip. Alternatively, a grating with a PVC frame may be used to which the flooring can be seam welded.

FOR A FULL LIST OF MEMBERS VISIT:

www.cfa.org.uk 10

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Newcastle Flooring Co. Ltd ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL FLOORING SPECIALIST Vinyls Lino Cork Rubber Carpet Wall Cladding etc.

For Expert Advice Call Tel: 0191 265 9673 Fax: 0191 224 0091

18 Heaton Road, Newcastle

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CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007

Section Three – GENERAL: There are many pieces of legislation aimed at ensuring the health and safety of people at work but probably the main ones are: The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA), the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and the Construction Design and Management) Regulations (CDM). These regulations and their many amendments have implications for all people at work but especially for those involved in manufacturing, importing or supplying any substance for use at work.

From the Flooring Industry’s point of view they are relevant when using any products but particularly smoothing underlayments, cleaning materials, detergents, adhesives, polishes, seals etc and even tools.

It is not possible in this guide to cover all the information included in legislation but it is essential that all involved in specification, supply and installation of floorcoverings understand what is required. The following is offered as a brief introduction to the scope of the various requirements and as a warning of some of the major pitfalls awaiting those who do not make themselves aware of their responsibilities.

HASAWA is the Act that governs all health and safety aspects for activities at work, including the use of any substances/tools that may involve a risk to the health or safety not only of employees but also anyone else in an area where people are working. This Act is very far reaching and we cannot here even begin to scratch its surface. It places responsibilities on employers to ensure the safety of all employees and others in the workplace by providing safe equipment, safe working practices etc, and adequate information on any substances that may constitute a risk to health or safety. It is in this last area that the Consumer Protection Act makes a significant amendment, changing the original requirement that the ‘supplier’ of any substance should have health and safety information ‘available’, to now require that ‘the supplier’ ‘provide’ the necessary information. In effect this

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Health & Safety

means that anybody who is supplied with a substance for use at work must be provided with the necessary information by the person or company who supplied it to them. It is not enough to have the information available, the law requires that it be given to people who are supplied with the substance. This also means that if there is a significant change in the substance or the relevant information, updated information must be provided to all those who may need it, including those who have been supplied with the product in the past.

This information is provided, initially by the manufacturers, through their Material Safety Data Sheets and, to comply with the law, must be supplied to their customers directly. The responsibility for the onward transmission of this information passes to whoever is next in the supply chain, e.g. the flooring distributor. Most manufacturers are very happy for their health and safety information to be copied and used for this purpose but neither can they take on the responsibility of supplying the information further down the chain, nor would it remove the direct supplier’s own responsibility if they did so.

Other legislation ensures that all dangerous substances supplied for people to use or transport around the country are packaged and labelled in a way that protects them and warns them of their potential hazards. The regulations provide a standard means of classifying dangerous substances into a number of types e.g. Highly Flammable, Corrosive, Harmful etc, and stipulates the requirements for their packaging and the minimum information that must be provided on any labels. The familiar pictogram labels provide a very useful warning of the potential hazards presented by a substance, a brief summary of the risks and some brief safety advice.

These labels are not intended to provide full details of the safety information on a product but must be read in conjunction with the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet. One important aspect that is often overlooked is that if any dangerous goods are

transferred from the original containers for ease of use, each new container used must be labelled in accordance with the regulations.

The COSHH regulations should be used to ensure that all substances hazardous to health are not used until the risks of doing so have been adequately assessed and the necessary precautions taken.

Again these are complex regulations but basically they require that before an operation is carried out, a full assessment is made of the hazards presented by the materials to be used and the risks involved in using them to carry out the operation in question. Having identified the problems, the operation must be planned, and both equipment and facilities provided to ensure that anyone in the area is protected against the health hazards presented by the materials to be used. The Material Safety Data Sheets supplied by manufacturers provide the basic information on the substances to be used, from which the COSHH assessment is made. The assessment must take into account the location in which the work is to be done, ventilation, quantities of materials to be used etc, as well as the skill and knowledge of the operatives. The assessment must relate to each specific job and getting this right, properly recorded and the work properly controlled forms an increasingly important part of any contract. . It is clear, therefore, that a generalised assessment cannot be made.

CDM regulations impose various duties as follows: Clients: Clients (or their agents) to ensure that certain requirements are complied with.

For example, the client must take reasonable steps to ensure that personnel involved in the work are competent to do so. The client must appoint a planning supervisor and principal contractor, and ensure that there are sufficient resources e.g. funds, time etc., for health and safety, and that a health and safety plan has been prepared prior to the construction phase.

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CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007

Section Three – Other parties: The regulations list the duties of each person at the various stages of construction, including the client, the designer, the principal contractor, subcontractors and employees. The designers must give due regard to health and safety in their design work; the Planning Supervisor has overall responsibility for co-ordinating health and safety and the Principal (or Main) Contractor must develop a health and safety plan and ensure that it is complied with by everyone engaged in the project.

Other regulations affect the flooring industry but the following are particularly relevant to flooring contractors: • Construction(Health, Safety and 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 Equipment Regulations There are also various fire safety regulations covering prevention, precautions, detection, alarm, fire fighting equipment, emergency procedures, etc which place responsibilities on everyone involved in a construction project, including employees. Fire Risk Assessments should identify potential fire hazards and determine measures to ensure the safety of people in a building should a fire occur.

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Health & Safety

The control of Asbestos at Work regulations are especially relevant to anyone who has control of, or obligations under a contract or tenancy for the maintenance/ repair/refurbishment, etc of non-domestic premises. Owners, occupiers and those with responsibility for non-domestic premises which may contain asbestos have a legal duty to manage the risk from this material and/or a duty to cooperate with whoever manages that risk.

The duty holder shall ensure that a suitable risk assessment is carried out to enable him or her to manage the risk from asbestos.

It only remains to emphasise once again that these notes can only scratch the surface of all the requirements and implications of the various pieces of legislation covering this aspect of a contract. There is no substitute for personal knowledge and it is essential that anyone involved in the installation of floor coverings ensure that they are fully conversant with and comply with all the necessary legislation as it applies to them.

Further information in this area can be obtained from local offices of the Health and Safety Executive.

SITE CONDITION: Essential Requirements: Facilities for the safe unloading and distribution of flooring and accessory materials must be made available on site.

Provision of dry, clean, ventilated, waterproof, warm and secure storage area must be made available. Floor coverings and associated materials such as chipboard must be unloaded with care and stored according to manufacturers’ instructions. On multi-storey work, suitable storage facilities must be made available on each floor as the work proceeds.

Special storage facilities must be made available for flammable adhesives and any other substances covered by the requirements of current Fire, Safety at Work, 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. Electric power, generally at 110 volts but often at 240 volts for floor sanding machines, should be made available when using power tools.

Each work area must be clear of all other trades and their materials. Floors must be cleared of all rubbish and initially swept clean or, preferably, industrial vacuumed. All surface contamination must be removed in accordance with the relevant manufacturers’ instructions, ready to receive the next product to be applied.

SAFE HANDLING OF PRODUCTS: Details of hazard information relating to specific materials are supplied by the manufacturer in the form of material safety data sheets (MSDS’s) and should be passed on down the line of supply. Under existing Health and Safety legislation, it is the responsibility of the supplier to ensure that there is adequate information made available to enable the user to apply the material safely. Equally, the user also has responsibilities including asking the supplier, when necessary, for specific information. This is of particular importance when novel or out-of-theordinary applications are involved.

As a generalisation, the manufacturer’s instructions should be read thoroughly before any product is used.

Storage: Products will be labelled in accordance with the current UK or EEC legislation.

Some products will be labelled as “Highly flammable” or as “Petroleum Mixtures”.

Both types demand special storage conditions and the latter class requires a storage license under normal circumstances.

Hygiene: (a) Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where hazardous products are stored or used.

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(b) Care must be taken to avoid contact of products with skin, mouth and eyes.

Use protective gloves and protective barrier creams and, where splashing is a danger, protective goggles or glasses. Always wash hands prior to eating or drinking, using soap and water or skin cleansers as appropriate.

DO NOT USE SOLVENTS e.g. white spirit, paraffin etc. (c) Avoid inhalation of powders, dusts and solvent vapours. Use suitable respirators where necessary.

Spillage: Any accidental spillages must be contained immediately by barriers of earth or sand (not sawdust). The spillage must be soaked up and disposed of in accordance with both local and national regulations.

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properly designed apparatus, used with due regard to the possible highly flammable nature of the material, is usually the most appropriate method.

There are waste disposal contractors who will carry out such an operation.

Certain types of waste not containing flammable or highly flammable solvents can be disposed of by landfill tipping on an approved site. This category could include the dried off residue of solventcontaining adhesives, provided these have been dried with due regard to maintenance of safety conditions. The status of all waste material with respect to relevant legislative controls must be established prior to disposal.

progressively diluted with air.

Care must therefore be taken to ensure the solvent laden air is not blowing towards other workers.

In controlling the emission of solvent, it should be noted that the Health & Safety at Work Act places a duty on contractors to carry out their operations in such a way as not to cause a risk to the public.

Avoid contact with skin as this results in defatting and, eventually, dermatitis is a possibility.

Replace lids immediately after use.

The above precautions apply whether or not the solvent present is flammable.

Water-Based Products: Most water-based products have a low Vapours from Solvents: degree of hazard but in some cases small The vapours from solvent-borne products amounts of solvent will be present and the are generally harmful when inhaled, which above precautions must be taken if so labelled. Many polymer emulsion Waste Disposal: or rubber latex based products will “Solvent vapours are usually The Environmental Protection contain small amounts of alkalis, Act, the Waste Management heavier than air and the vapours such as ammonia and/or Licensing Regulations and formaldehyde, or occasionally free may gravitate to lower levels or monomer, which may present a legislation arising from these Acts, relate particularly to: travel some distance to a means potential hazard if inhaled.

Duty of Care, Controlled Waste, Ensure there is adequate of ignition and cause fire and/or ventilation during use.

Licensing Requirements and Special Wastes.

Avoid skin contact but if this explosion by ‘flash-back’ to the These require waste materials does occur, wash off whilst wet vapour source”. to be classified, separated by with soap and water. Repeated type, contained, stored, contact can result in dermatitis and handled, transported, treated, may lead to nausea, headaches, dizziness protective gloves are recommended. Any and disposed of according to strict and unconsciousness in the short term dried material should be washed off using requirements by licensed agents, carriers, and, in some cases, may lead to more a proprietary hand cleanser. and treatment operatives. Supportive serious long term effects. In order to DO NOT USE SOLVENTS confirmatory documentation relating to reduce the exposure to vapours, ensure proper disposal of waste should be kept windows and doors are open and a Splashes on the face, in particular as proof of ‘duty of care’. Additional through draught is blowing. If this contacting eyes or mouth, should be checks on procedures and methods condition cannot be achieved use either a washed off with water immediately and employed are recommended. flameproof extractor fan or an approved medical advice obtained if irritation or Care must be taken in the disposal of respirator, such as a fresh air fed mask, pain continues. empty containers and spilt material, since fed with clean air. with highly flammable liquids the fire risk is Ensure that there are no pilot lights, Hot Melt Adhesives: still present. Provided a safe and secure naked flames, sparks, heating elements, The major hazards associated with the use location can be found, it may be possible or other means of ignition in the vicinity of of hot melt products are burns either from to allow the solvent present in an emptied the work area. Particular care must be molten adhesive or the applicator tip, or if container to evaporate and the dried out taken on building sites where other a melt comes into contact with water container disposed of with other waste. tradesmen may be using electric drills, when it will spit violently.

If no safe location is available, the tin blow lamps etc. Smoking must be must be resealed and either stored as for prohibited when using solvent-borne • Use protective clothing, highly flammable liquids pending disposal products, including non-flammable types. goggles and gloves. or removed to a secure location for “No Smoking” signs should be displayed.

• Do not overheat, as hazardous fumes treatment as above.

Remember that a through draught will may be produced.

For the majority of waste adhesives and be carrying hazardous solvent vapour a • Take care when pouring.

• Avoid contact with water. their empty containers, incineration in a considerable distance although it will be

www.cfa.org.uk

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CFA Guide to Contract Flooring 2007 If burns do occur, immerse the affected area in clean cold water immediately. Do not attempt to remove the cold adhesive from the skin. Cover the affected area with a wet compress and obtain medical advice immediately.

Resin Based Products: Liquid products, such as epoxy resin, polyurethane, seals, polishes, lacquers, surface membranes and formaldehyde condensation products, present no particular fire or explosion hazards unless they contain highly flammable or flammable solvents, in which case containers will be so marked. Under such circumstances, the precautions outlined for solvents should be observed.

Extreme care must be taken to prevent components coming into contact with skin. Use protective gloves in conjunction with a suitable barrier cream. Care must also be taken when removing gloves to avoid contaminating the insides.

Damaged or contaminated gloves must be replaced. If, despite all precautions, skin does become contaminated, the affected area must be cleansed with a proprietary skin cleanser and dried using disposable paper towels.

DO NOT USE SOLVENTS Ensure adequate ventilation. Some components may be hazardous or give off irritant fumes and precautions will be stated on the label. Where components

are powders, it is recommended to use dust masks. Strict attention must be paid to the manufacturers instructions.

Dust: Dust from products, such as cement, and from floor preparation operations such as sanding wooden floors is a potential irritant and exposure to such risk should be controlled by care in handling, the wearing of personal protective equipment such as dust masks or respirators, eye protectors, gloves, etc and the use of barrier creams Spontaneous ignition can occur with sanding dust and collection bags should not be left unattended even for a short time and must be disposed of safely.

fita FITA, the Flooring Industry Training Association, was co-founded by the CFA (Contract Flooring Association) and NICF (National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers) in 2000.

FITA currently has two training centres in Nelson and Loughborough 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 bespoke courses.

To find out more about FITA please visit www.fita.co.uk

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Section Four – Sand/cement levelling screeds and concrete sub-floors The quality of the finished floor will only be as good as the sub-floor over which it has been laid. All flooring materials require a smooth, hard, clean and even surface for satisfactory adhesion and resistance to wear if good application and long term durability are to be achieved.

Sub-floors next to the ground should be protected against rising moisture and moisture vapour from the ground to the upper surface of the floor. Various methods and materials of damp proofing solid floors are described in BS 8204, CP102 and BRE Digest 54.

Concrete sub-floors and sand/cement levelling screeds should be applied in accordance with BS 8204 which also gives guidance on compliance and testing acceptance. Concrete and levelling screeds made with Portland cements should be cured by covering with waterproof sheeting for at least seven days, following this period protection from surface damage, wear and contamination is advisable. Suitable protection should also reduce rapid evaporation which may cause curling and subsequent hollowness or lipping at cracks and bay joints. Curing of proprietary, rapid drying and early drying levelling screeds should be as recommended by the manufacturer.

Where surface treatments have been used the surface should be mechanically abraded to ensure a clean uncontaminated surface.

Problems have been experienced in recent years with the widespread failure of levelling screeds in areas subjected to high point loads or heavy trafficking.

This can be due to excessively high loads from certain equipment, etc. and/or weak levelling screeds due to the screed mortar being made with a too fine a grade of sand, a forced action mixer not being used and the screed mortar being too dry. It is therefore important to ensure that the levelling screed is sufficiently sound to support the

Substrates

anticipated loads. The specified soundness category of bonded and unbonded levelling screeds, when tested by the BRE Screed Tester, should not exceed the appropriate maximum depth of indentation. Note that floating levelling screeds can be tested for soundness but this should be carried out initially using the 2kg weight.

Due to the quantity of water used in mixing and placing of concrete and levelling screeds, a drying out time in the region of approximately 1 day per mm (1 month per 25mm) is considered necessary for thicknesses up to 50mm under optimum drying conditions (20°C and 65% RH). Drying times will be considerably longer in cold or damp conditions. Where the dpm is placed beneath the concrete slab rather than between the slab and levelling screeds, then the combined thickness must be considered. In this case the drying period required will be at least 12 months before the sub-floor is dry enough to receive floorcoverings. Drying times of proprietary levelling screeds should be obtained from the manufacturer. Methods for testing to confirm if the sub-floors are sufficiently dry are given in British Standards Codes of Practice.

Proprietary levelling screeds may either incorporate resin or other additives with the normal Portland cement and sand levelling screed mix or are supplied as special cements or synthetic binders to be mixed with screeding sand or graded aggregates. Manufacturers claim good workability, lower shrinkage, faster setting and drying times and higher strengths than with conventional cement and sand levelling screeds.

Concrete base slabs for the direct application of floorcovering Where a concrete floor slab can be brought to an appropriate finish and surface regularity. For direct application of a floor finish the concrete floor slab should be laid following the guidance given in BS 8204-1.

Concrete base slabs which directly

receive floorings or levelling screeds should have a compressive strength class of C25/30 with a minimum cement content of 275 kg per cubic metre. Various parts of BS 8204 gives guidance on the installation of concrete bases to receive in-situ floorings such as synthetic resin floorings, in situ terrazzo, etc., some may require a concrete base slab having a characteristic concrete strength class of C28/35 and a minimum cement content of 300 kg per cubic metre.

The thickness of the base slab should be determined by the loading conditions and for slabs on the ground by the load carrying capacity of the ground.

Minimum thickness of a slab on the ground should be 100mm.

If the slab is laid direct to the ground adequate protection should be provided against rising damp.

The power trowelling use of the concrete floor slab has a large influence on the choice of adhesive used for fixing floor coverings. Care needs to be exercised in ensuring that the flooring material and the concrete surface will give adequate absorption/escape of water and solvent vapours to enable sufficient adhesion to both surfaces.

The final finish of the power floated surface will also influence adhesion.

A mirrored power trowelled finish may be good to look at but it may prove difficult to get adequate bonding of the adhesive to that surface.

The disadvantages of power floated concrete for direct application of floorcoverings are that it can be difficult to achieve a satisfactory finish and maintain it during the construction period and the drying time of the concrete slab will be considerably extended by the dense surface finish.

Bonded Levelling screeds Cement and sand levelling screeds can be bonded to a concrete base. The base should be suitably prepared using mechanised equipment to expose the aggregate in the concrete, e.g. by

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Section Four – contained shot blasting, or scabbling followed by cleaning, to obtain good adhesion. The bonding grout may be cement slurry, cement slurry incorporating a bonding agent, or a proprietary bonding agent. The thickness of a normal cement and sand levelling screed bonded to a prepared concrete base should not be less than 25mm so the design thickness should normally be 40mm to ensure the minimum of 25mm is achieved as recommended BS 8204 Part 1. Note that increasing the thickness of bonded levelling screeds above the design thickness increases the risk of loss of adhesion to the concrete base.

Modified or special proprietary levelling screed may be designed to be laid thinner than 25mm.

Unbonded Levelling screeds Cement and sand or fine concrete levelling screeds can be laid unbonded, normally over a separating layer, eg a polythene sheet, bituminous compounds or damp proof membranes and should be at least 50mm thick. Bay joints and daywork joints should be vertical butt joints and slurry bonding, incorporating a bonding agent should be used on the vertical daywork joints of the set or hardened levelling screed to achieve a bond with the fresh screed mortar being applied in an adjacent bay. This will help reduce curling that can occur at an unrestrained vertical butt joint. The likelihood of curling or lipping is increased if the unbonded levelling screed is left uncovered for any length of time. A drying period of at least 2 months can be expected under normal site conditions in the UK. Floating Levelling screeds These are laid over separating membranes on thermal or acoustic insulation boards or quilts. The normal screed mix used is a ‘fine concrete’ mix, i.e. a mix of 1 part cement with 5 parts by weight of a mixture of screeding sand and 4/10mm aggregate. The proportions of screeding sand to

18

Substrates

aggregate may be varied to provide optimum compaction and achieve the specified finish as described in BS 8204: Part 1. As with unbonded levelling screeds slurry bonding of the vertical daywork and bay joints is recommended, as curling and lipping, that can occur at an unrestrained vertical butt joint, may occur if left uncovered. The thickness of floating levelling screeds should be at least 75mm in commercial locations however lightly loaded domestic locations etc, a minimum thickness of 65mm is usually acceptable. Where floating levelling screeds incorporate heating systems mesh reinforcement may be required and the screed will require to be divided up into appropriately sized areas by movement joints. Guidance on this should be obtained at the design stage.

Anhydrite/Gypsum Sub-Floors These are alternatives to sand/cement levelling screeds both being based on calcium sulphate as the binder instead of Portland cement. They are similar to the more familiar gypsum plaster used on walls but are denser. They are usually supplied with the calcium sulphate being either based on anhydrite or on · hemihydrate. The calcium sulphate binders are usually a by product of industrial processes. They are all proprietary products.

Both anhydrite and · hemihydrate based levelling screeds are usually pump applied and are thus more likely to be met on large floor areas of new build or refurbishment.

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

Levelling screeds based on calcium sulphate can lose strength if they become damp so in most cases it is not appropriate to install a surface damp proof membrane on them. Specifiers need to be aware that manufacturers differ with regard to their recommendations and it is essential that clear directions are given to the installer.

Installation Of Floorcoverings On Anhydrite (Calcium Sulfate Based) screeds General To ensure the smooth installation of floor screeds it is advisable that all parties have a clear understanding of the screed requirements and programming required. To ensure that this is achieved it is suggested that all parties involved in the project consult at an early stage in the contract.

Curing, Drying, Testing And Finish Of The Screeds Curing The screed should not be subjected to severe draughts, direct sunlight or heating for the first 72 hours. Do not cover the screed, e.g. with polythene, as this is not necessary for curing and will only delay final drying of the screed.

Foot traffic should be restricted for at least 24 (preferably 48) hours to prevent damage to the screed surface.

Sanding to remove the surface laitance layer should be carried out by the screeding contractor as soon as possible, usually after approximately 4 days. This will provide a dense surface to receive adhesives as well as speeding drying of the screed.

Normal site traffic and erection of non-load bearing partitions off the screed is permitted 7 days after application of the screed.

Drying Screed drying time is 1mm/day up to 40mm thickness in warm and well ventilated drying conditions, typically 50/60%RH at 20ºC. This will increase for screeds thicker than 40mm and in poor drying conditions.

In common with other screeds it is very important that good drying conditions are provided as soon as the screed is laid. The screed should be exposed to good drying conditions, ie appropriate temperatures and low atmospheric humidity so that moisture

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Section Four – can evaporate from the screed.

Good ventilation or the use of dehumidifiers can assist in reducing the ambient humidity.

Forced drying of these screeds is possible if required. After 7 days heaters and dehumidifiers may be employed to improve drying conditions and any underfloor heating may be commissioned and slowly brought up to temperature.

Whilst most screed manufacturers recommend a damp-proof membrane be laid under the screed, where screeds are laid directly on to the concrete bases, without a damp-proof membrane between them, account should be taken of the time required to dry the total thickness of the construction.

The area where a screed is to be installed should be protected against ingress of rain or leaks of water. Once the area has been screeded further water on the screed should be avoided as this can damage a recently laid screed and can considerably extend the drying time of the screed.

Some manufacturers of surface applied damp-proof membranes do not recommend that their products be applied to this type of screed.

Testing It is the responsibility of the Main Contractor to ensure that bases or screeds meet the specified standards for level, smoothness, dryness and soundness (impact crushing resistance) before any subsequent or finishing trades are called to commence work.

Residual Moisture Content Before floor finishes are laid the moisture content of the screed should be checked. The British Standard for testing a base to receive a floor covering is to use a hygrometer. This provides a nondestructive test and when tested strictly to the method defined will give reliable results on calcium sulfate screeds for RH up to 75% (the required limit for floor finishes).

See BS5325, 8201, 8203 and 8425

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Substrates

Codes for Practice for Installation of Textile Floor coverings, Timber and Timber based products, Resilient Floorcoverings and Laminate Floorcoverings.

The moisture content of calcium sulfate screeds is sometimes checked using the c/m. This method is a destructive test and if used the moisture content should be less than 0.5% if impervious floorcoverings are to be applied and should be less than 1% if pervious (unbacked carpet) are applied.

Testing – Physical Bonded, partially bonded and unbonded screeds may be tested using the BRE Screed Tester, to category A or B as specified. Floating screeds (ie, on insulation) cannot be tested by this means. Strength classification will be available from the supplier in accordance with BSEN13813:2004.

Protection All traffic, including pedestrians, should be kept off the screed until it has hardened sufficiently in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Thereafter the screed should be protected from contamination and damage by other trades. Screeds should be protected until the floorcovering is applied.

Floor finishes – surface preparation/floorcovering/smoothing compounds When recommended by the manufacturer the surface of the screed will typically be sanded as soon as possible after installation, approximately after 4 days. It is always advisable to lightly abrade the surface as this will act as a key and the screed must be thoroughly vacuumed clean to ensure it is dust free.

One of the largest reasons for floorcovering installation failure on all forms of screed and concrete is excess moisture. It is essential that all those involved in the installation of floorcoverings understand that application of the surface finishes before drying out

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

In the presence of moisture, cement and calcium sulphate react to form ettringite a weak/powdery product.

Applying cement based smoothing compounds direct to anhydrite or gypsum levelling screeds will result therefore in subsequent failure of the floorcovering installation.

Whenever a cement-based or moisture sensitive coating is to be applied on an Anhydrite/Calcium Sulfate Screed the screed must be primed with an epoxy, polyurethane or acrylic primer recommended by the manufacturer of the product. Recommendations for priming these screeds are no more complicated than those for traditional sand and cement screeds or concretes.

However the importance of good practice at this stage cannot be overexaggerated.

The following points should be observed: • During surface preparation (and subsequent floorcovering installation) the area should be kept clear of all of the trades to avoid any contamination (or damage to the floorcovering).

• The residual screed moisture must not exceed 75%RH when using a flooring hygrometer.

• The surface of the screed must have been sanded/abraded to provide a good surface key.

• The surface must be primed with a recommended primer/sealer in accordance with the product manufacturer’s instructions.

• Smoothing compounds and floorcoverings may now be applied in accordance with the individual manufacturer’s instructions .

Repairs General Avoid water ingress to completed screeds, and arrange to dry out accidental ingress as soon as possible.

The screed may suffer a minor loss of

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Section Four – strength if it becomes wet, however this strength will be regained when it dries out.

It is the responsibility of the Main Contractor to ensure that surface damage/cracks, etc are repaired prior to the floorcovering installation as follows: Surface damage Use an appropriate levelling material for the thickness required. Prime the screed surface with a primer recommended by the manufacturer of the compound.

Cracks Rake out any loose spalled edges from the sides of the crack and vacuum out any dust. Fill the crack with a suitable crack filling material. The crack may require priming depending on what product is to be used to fill the crack; consult the manufacturer.

Suitable crack filling materials will include: • A mix of gypsum finishing plaster and a proprietory polymer.

• A proprietory smoothing compound usually a calcium sulfate based product.

• A low viscosity epoxy.

Mastic Asphalt Asphalt is a naturally-occurring or manmade mixture of bitumen, a waterproof non-crystalline and semi-solid or viscous mixture of hydrocarbons, and an inert mineral aggregate, eg limestone. Mastic asphalt is the term used for the material as used in the construction industry.

The British Standard for the installation of flooring grade asphalts is BS8204 part 5.

Flooring grade asphalt composed of a suitably graded mineral matter and asphaltic cement in such proportions as to form a cohesive, voidless, permeable mass, solid or semi-solid under normal temperature conditions, but sufficiently luid when brought to a suitable temperature to be spread by means of hand float without compaction.

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Substrates

Wood-based panel products Boards for contract flooring shall be moisture resistant.

Boards coated with wax, polyurethane or any other impervious seal should not be used for floors which are to be covered with a bonded floorcovering.

Where boards incorporating special treatments, eg for fire resistance, are to be used, the compatibility with both the adhesive and the floorcovering should be checked by consultation with the manufacturers prior to installation.

Structural considerations Provision shall be made for floor loadings in accordance with BS 6399 as appropriate to the occupancy of the building. Design shall be based on stress figures published by the Institute of Structural Engineers or on proof of performance provided by the manufacturer. Floors subjected to heavy loading or abnormal concentrated loads should be designed by a corporate structural engineer or be tested in accordance with the procedure for prototype testing given in BS 5268.

Board Laying Boards shall be laid with the long edges at right angles to the joists or battens.

Short edges shall lie centrally on a joist, batten or nogging and shall not cantilever. Boards shall be laid with the cross joints staggered and all joints shall be tightly butted together.

Fastening The boards shall be fastened firmly to joists or battens with No 10 gauge annular grooved (ring-shanked) nails having flat heads (punched just below the surface) and a length of not less than 2.5 x thickness of the board. Alternatively, No 8 gauge woodscrews (countersunk just below the surface) may be used. Suitable selftapping screws or rivets may be used to fix metal section supports. Spacing between fastenings shall not exceed 300mm along supports to board edges and shall not exceed 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 points closed firmly.

Provision for Expansion An allowance shall be made for the possibility of expansion of the board in the event that it may pick up moisture after laying and fixing in place. An expansion gap (minimum 10mm) must be provided between the edges of the floor and the perimeter walls and at any solid upstand such as columns, hearths, etc.

This may be omitted for timber frame walls and lightweight partitions where the floor may continue beneath the framework.

Perimeter expansion gaps shall be covered by a skirting or other approved detail which allows the chipboard free lateral movement.

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

Access Traps Traps formed for services shall be close fitting and supported on all four edges to finish flush with the adjoining floor.

They shall be fixed with brass countersunk screws in ring cups, unless otherwise detailed.

Underfloor Support Support for the flooring panels shall be provided in one of the following ways: Timber joists/metal section beams: having a flange width not less than 50mm to allow for adjacent flooring boards, forming a butt joint, to be individually fixed to the support.

Their depth shall be appropriate to the span. Their spacing shall be appropriate to the thickness of the boards, having regard to the imposed loading. (See Structural considerations).

Wood battens: having a minimum section 36mm deep and 50mm wide fixed to a level rigid base or resting on an insulating quilt, with full

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support along their length, to provide a floating floor.

Semi-rigid insulating underlay: having a minimum thickness of 19mm, fully supported on a level rigid base to provide a floating floor. Suitable materials are expanded polystyrene ISD or SD/N grades to BS 3837 or insulating board (softboard) to BS 1142.

Vapour Check In ground floors, an effective damp-proof membrane shall be incorporated in the construction. In addition, a vapour check shall be provided to the underside of the board (1000 gauge polythene sheet or other approved vapour barrier) lapped 150mm at the joints and taped, then upturned 38mm around the perimeter of the floor.

Storage and conditioning When delivered to the site, boards shall be stored in a dry condition, piled flat on a level surface, clear of the floor, to avoid distortion. If delivered in polythene wrapping, the packs should not be broken open until the boards are required for laying. Boards shall be “conditioned” on site by loose-laying them individually or loose stacking them in the area where the floor is to be laid, for three days before fixing. Conditioning is allowing the boards to reach a moisture content in equilibrium with the temperature and humidity conditions to be encountered in service.

Thus on new sites boards should be fixed in temperature and humidity conditions approximating in those likely to be encountered during service.

Boards should not be laid in new buildings until all wet trades are completed and the building dried out sufficiently. In no case should boards be laid with a moisture content above 15% or below 7%.

Failure to comply with moisture content recommendations and site conditions requirements may result in shrinkage or expansion of the boards which will in turn distort the floorcovering.

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Applying surface coverings Floorcovering should be laid in conditions approximating to those likely to be encountered in service.

The moisture content of the board, measured by an electrical resistance moisture meter, should be in accordance with the following table before floorcoverings are laid: The installer of the board should ensure that:• The surfaces are clean and free from particles • There is no movement at the joints and that jointed surfaces are flush • All tongued and grooved joints are glued • No fastenings are projecting above the surface of the boards In Service Conditions Moisture Content Full, continuous central heating (24 hours a day)

Acceptable

7-9%

Intermittent central heating (Day heat, night off)

9-10%

Traditional heating (Open hearth etc)

11-12%

Unheated

13-15%

Plywood Plywood shall be of a grade Good One Side (GIS) Specification CSA 0121 Sanded.

Boards are tongued and grooved along long edges size 2400mm x 1200mm, minimum thickness 15.55mm.

Lay boards with long edges at right angles to joists, short edges must have solid bearing on joists. Fixing is to be carried out using annular-ring shanked lost head nails, length 2.5 times the board thickness at 300mm centred along all joists. Joist centres up to 600mm use 15.55mm boards. For 500mm spacing, use 18mm board.

Since wood based products change dimension with changes in ambient humidity the boards should be placed in position and allowed to condition prior to final fixing. All joints should be butted together. With suspended timber at ground floor level, it is of vital

importance that thorough ventilation beneath the floor is secured through the existence of air bricks.

Narrow tongued and grooved boards (“floorboards”) Even in new installations using the traditional tongued and grooved floorboards, it is unlikely that the surface finish will be suitable to receive the thinner floorcovering materials, such as sheet vinyls. These surfaces should be lined with plywood or hardboard before laying the floorcovering (see below).

Where this type of boarding is to be covered with a soft floorcovering, eg carpet on an underlay, then the boards should be free of bumps and projecting nailheads etc. Any gaps or depressions should be filled with a suitable filler.

Special Treatments It should be noted that certain treatments, either those applied on-site or those applied by the board manufacturer, may interfere with subsequent adhesive bonding operations, such treatments would include moisture proofing, preservatives and fire retardants.

Existing Timber Bases (Suspended) All existing floorcoverings and underlays should be removed and the original boarded floors brought up to a continuous even and smooth surface by overlaying with 6mm plywood of exterior grade WBP. In certain situations, a 4mm exterior grade WBP plywood may be used. If this reduced thickness is considered, it is recommended that the advice of the floorcovering manufacturer be sought.

The following procedure is advised Refix all loose boards, any worn or broken should be replaced. High spots should be sanded down. Slight hollows should be filled with a suitable smoothing compound, bad boards should be replaced.

Overlay with plywood sheets, leaving a gap of 1mm at all edges for expansion. Fix using divergent staples or ring shanked nails at 100mm spacing around the edge with a fixing line 12mm from the edge and at 150mm intervals throughout the entire area of each board. In some situations, as a lower

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Section Four – quality alternative to plywood, hardboard manufactured by BS 1142 may be used, not less than 3.2mm thick.

It should be noted that hardboard is subject to excessive expansion when in contact with moisture and needs to be conditioned before application. This is achieved by wetting with ? litre of water on the meshed side of the board and then stacking overnight before fixing.

Once fixed boards must be allowed to dry fully before coverings are installed.

Fixing of hardboard should be as for plywood.

Raised Access Floors A raised access flooring system installed as a bare panel will normally be either a wood (particle board) finish or steel, but other finishes may be encountered, steel surfaces must have an anti-corrosion finish.

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

Sheet or broadloom materials should be avoided since this system is designed to give easy access to underfloor services.

Protection Where raised access metal clad panels supplied with adequate corrosion protection which requires all parts of the platform floor system to be installed free of rust, corrosion, rot or any form of deterioration and to be suitably finished so as to prevent such deterioration in normal use the problems of oxidation or rusting should not occur.

Raised access floors are often installed before other trades have completed their work and temporary protection must be installed over the panels to sufficiently protect the surface. This is essential for a satisfactory installation.

Where metal clad panels are supplied with inadequate corrosion protection, it

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Substrates

appears that they may rust whether or not floorcoverings are installed.

However, trapping moisture under floor finishes which is unable to evaporate off and allow the panel to dry, does appear to accelerate the corrosion process.

Watertightness Unfortunately many raised panel floors are installed far too early in the construction process, due to inadequacies in the programme or progress, sometimes even before the building is watertight. Those supervising the construction process should ensure that this does not occur and not leave the flooring contractor to resolve the problem.

Residual Construction Moisture Installing floor coverings onto raised panel floors does not, in itself, require hygrometer readings to be taken, but retention of moisture in the structural slab and in the plenum (the space between the raised panel floor deck and the structural slab) is often a primary source of moisture which causes problems and which must be avoided.

Wet Extraction and Spillage It is almost inevitable that during the life of a floorcovering, on raised panel floors, that wet spillage and wet extraction cleaning will occur.

Where panels are adequately corrosion protected, problems should not occur. However, it should be noted that wetting of the floorcovering may be deemed to be a contributory factor to any subsequent problems.

Adhesives There has been considerable discussion in the industry regarding the use of adhesives in relation to the rusting of raised panel

floors. The fact remains that where suitable adhesives are correctly applied to adequately protected panel floors the problem does not arise.

Tackifier Adhesives should be carefully applied from a tray using a roller and the penetration of the tackifier between the edges of the panels must be avoided to prevent adjacent panels bonding together.

The film of tackifier should then be allowed to dry before the floor finish is installed. This will ensure that excess moisture is not trapped beneath the floor finish and will also avoid the possibility of a permanent bond. Under no circumstances should the tackifier adhesive be poured directly onto the floor.

Summary Where adequate corrosion protection is afforded to metal clad panel floors corrosion is not generally a problem.

The solution therefore rests with the specifiers who, when specifying performance criteria, must insist that raised access panel floors have adequate protection.

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Section Five – All sand/cement screeds and concrete bases are mixed with water. Some of this moisture is used up in the hydration of the cement but most of the remaining moisture must be allowed to dry out before floorcoverings are laid. The base is deemed to be dry enough when the relative humidity, as measured by a hygrometer is 75% or less.

For a normal sand and cement screed the ‘rule of thumb’ method is to allow one day per mm drying out time.

The actual rate of drying out will depend on the temperature, humidity, mix design and amount of water used in the mix, as well as the thickness, and this rule is only valid for screeds up to 50mm thick.

Thick slabs may take as long as 12 to 24 months to dry. whilst power floating will greatly extend this period

Moisture Methods in Cementitious Floors

Hygrometer In the United Kingdom the only officially approved method of testing the dryness of the base prior to the installation of floorcoverings is with the hygrometer, and full details of the instrument and method of operation are given in BS5325, BS8203 and BS8425. Briefly, this instrument measures the amount of moisture in a small volume of air trapped beneath it.

A base is deemed to be dry when the figure of 75% relative humidity or less is recorded.

Care must be taken when measuring moisture in thick slabs that sufficient time is allowed for the hygrometer to stabilise. This may take up to 72 hours.

While this instrument, recommended by the Building Research Establishment, has been in use for a number of years, it is considered to be a slow method when one wishes to chart the progress of drying of a newly laid screed.

A number of electrical devices are available which can be used in a non disruptive ‘search’ mode and give a quick indication of moisture content but the final test before installing the floorcovering must be made using the hygrometer. It must be remembered that the results obtained are all relative to certain conditions, such as make-up of screed etc, and therefore final tests should always be carried out with a hygrometer.

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Section Six– It is essential with floorcoverings that the sub-floor be protected from moisture in the sub-floor.

Many problems which occur with floorcoverings adhered to the sub-floor are as a result of moisture in the sub-floor. The following reasons may apply.

1. No damp proof membrane in the structure.

2. Inefficient or faulty damp proof membrane system in the structure.

3. In fast track buildings the short construction periods usually do not allow sufficient time for the sub-floors to dry.

4. Below ground installations may lack a suitable tanking system.

The specifier must therefore ensure that adequate protection is provided, that such protection is applied strictly in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations and that the damp proof membrane is linked with the damp proof courses in the walls.

The laying or finishing of concrete floors by power floating, resulting in a dense surface, the incorporation of integral water-proofers in the concrete, the application of smoothing compounds and the use of bituminous adhesives do not provide effective protection against moisture in the sub-floor.

In building construction there are 3 methods of incorporating damp proof membranes, which are as follows: 1. Base membranes – these membranes are laid beneath the concrete base slab.

2. Sandwich membranes – laid onto the base slab and topped with a screed at least 50mm thick.

3. Surface membranes – as the name implies, these are applied to the surface of the sub-floor.

Base Membranes Base membranes are commonly used in fast track construction.

Normal methods for such construction are either (a) to apply a concrete blinding to compacted hardcore and lay a self adhesive rubber bitumen membrane on polyethylene film or (b) to apply a layer of sand over

28

Damp Proof Membranes

the hardcore followed by 1200 gauge polyethylene.

Concrete is then pumped onto the membrane to the specified depth, usually between 150mm and 200mm and the surface can frequently be power trowelled leaving a very dense surface that can considerably extend the drying time.

The problem with deep slab construction is that a considerable amount of water is retained in the concrete following completion of curing. This retained water can diffuse to the surface as water vapour and increase the relative humidity under the flooring and may result in failures. The period between installation and failure can vary considerably.

Sandwich Membranes These are installations of damp proof membranes where the base concrete slab is cast to a level below the designed finished floor level. The membrane is then applied to this surface followed by an unbonded levelling screed.

Sandwich membranes occur in three forms hot applied, cold applied and pre-formed.

Note: In all cases with damp proof membranes it is essential that the membrane is carried up the wall to the damp proof course in the wall structure, thus providing a tanked system for the levelling screed.

Surface Damp Proof Membranes General Moisture in sub-floors normally results from either rising damp due to the absence or breakdown of the damp proof membrane or from residual construction moisture.

Types of surface damp proof membrane are available to deal with both situations but some are suitable for only residual construction moisture.

These membranes are not recommended where the moisture is under hydrostatic pressure. Where surface damp proof membranes are used the manufacturer’s recommendations should be obtained and followed.

Surface damp proof membranes are polymer systems which penetrate and

seal the top surface of a sub-floor and chemically cure in situ to form a plastic film which restricts the passage of water and water vapour. Provided a sufficiently thick, continuous film is applied, avoiding pinholes, it will act as a damp proof membrane, allowing moisture sensitive floorings and adhesives to be laid on sub-floors normally considered unsuitable for such materials.

Products described as moisture vapour suppressants are designed to suppress residual construction moisture only and will not provide protection against continued rising damp.

Although bitumen and coal tar pitch emulsions and solutions are often used as surface damp proof membranes, they are not considered suitable for such application and their use has led to the failure of a number of installations. It is strongly advised that these products are not used as surface membranes.

Surface Damp Proof Membranes occur in three forms - Pitch Epoxy, Epoxy Resins and One Pack Polyurethane.

Points requiring attention When specifying the use of surface damp proof membranes the following principles should be considered: i) Whatever the product it can only be effective if the surface is properly prepared and a sufficiently thick, continuous pinhole free coating is applied. ii) Selection of a surface damp proof membrane and smoothing underlayment should be made after due consideration of individual manufacturers’ literature which details the suitability and limitations of their products. iii) A 3mm thick coat of underlayment is strongly advised to protect the membrane and provide absorbency for adhesives. iv) Methods of use vary and it is essential and the manufacturers’ recommendations are obtained and followed carefully if an effective damp proof membrane is to be obtained.

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Section Seven – A guide to their Selection and Use The purpose of this guide is to advise on the selection and use of cement smoothing underlayments in the preparation of various bases to receive floor coverings. Correct selection and use of the type of underlayment to suit all the circumstances particular to the installation is essential if the combined underlayment and floor finish is to perform in a satisfactory manner over long term.

Within the scope of this guide, a smoothing underlayment may be defined as a mixture of cement, powder aggregate and various resins with water, forming a compound of ‘wet flow’ plastic consistency which will support itself when applied at the thickness recommended by the manufacturer, using a plasterer’s steel trowel. The underlayment, when set and dry, provides a dense smooth base for application of a floor covering.

The purpose of smoothing underlayments is to repair surface damage to otherwise suitable new bases; to provide a smooth surface to new bases which have an open texture or other slight surface irregularity: and to prepare old bases to receive new floorings. Smoothing underlayments may not be used in an attempt to improve or rectify any defective workmanship or materials within the base. This particularly applies to cement screeds which are structurally weak or have a friable surface.

Each surface condition, type and construction of the base and end use of the floor can influence the selection of the underlayment best suited for the contract and the preparation procedure to be used. The importance of careful consideration and correct assessment of the circumstances concerned cannot be over-stressed if good results are to be achieved.

The guide considers the use of smoothing underlayments in thin section only: that is, up to the maximum of 5mm advised by most

30

Subfloor Smoothing Underlayments

manufacturers when applied in one application. Up to this thickness an underlayment will normally only provide a “smoothing” performance since it will normally follow the overall contours of the floor. Cement underlayments used in this way should be referred to as smoothing underlayments and never as levelling underlayments or levelling compounds. The selection and use of cement underlayments when bulked out with larger aggregate to provide thicker section levelling screeds is not included within the guide. Where this information is required, then reference can be made to the underlayment manufacturer.

It is important to appreciate that thin section cement underlayments will only provide satisfactory performance when firmly adhered to a sound base.

Correct appraisal and preparation of the base to give the best performance of the smoothing underlayment cannot be over-stressed.

When an underlayment needs to be applied over a surface damp-proof membrane coating, then reference must be made to the underlayment manufacturer for advice on selection and use, as well as any primer required, to ensure good adhesion.

Certain underlayments may be indicated by the manufacturer as having advantage where trowel lines will flow out during application.

Underlayment of this type may be referred to as self smoothing, but never as self levelling unless they can be applied at the thickness required to achieve self levelling and eliminate any undulations in the sub-floor.

General Comments on the Use of Underlayments It can be generally accepted that where the provision of a smooth surface condition may be achieved by the use of a smoothing underlayment up to 5mm in thickness, then the flooring contractor will, in most cases, have available sufficient expertise to effect

satisfactory preparation. If any condition of unsatisfactory local or general levels exist which need to be corrected, then thicker section screeding to indicated levels throughout the floor will be necessary. This work will, in most cases, require the expertise of a screeding contractor. Proprietary cementitious underlayment products, suitable for application in thick section to provide a combined levelling and smoothing performance, with the advantage of quick drying and very good structural hardness, are available from some underlayment manufacturers.

Following the use of a smoothing underlayment, and before application of flooring, it will, in some cases, be necessary to stone the surface with a carborundum block to remove trowel line ridges or other irregularities left on the surface of the underlayment. It cannot be assumed that underlayments of the self smoothing variety will not require this type of treatment. It is important to note that some underlayments provide a very hard surface and stoning down by hand may be difficult unless carried out before the underlayment has fully hardened. For this reason it is preferable that a good standard of trowelled smoothness should be achieved during application.

No damp proofing properties whatsoever are provided by any cement underlayment in restricting the passage of moisture vapour to the upper surface of the floor, either from the drying out of residual moisture within the concrete base, or rising moisture vapour from the ground. If a damp proofing requirement is necessary, then separate provision must be made.

It should be appreciated that assessment of a particular sub-floor condition, and any decision on the necessary procedure to be undertaken in providing satisfactory standard for the application of floor, may require the opinion of the flooring manufacturer and underlayment manufacturer.

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Section Seven – If any uncertainty exists on the suitability of the base over which an underlayment is to be applied, this must be resolved to the satisfaction of the flooring contractor before application is carried out.

Water Mix Smoothing Compound These mixes provide a highly satisfactory smoothing underlayment for use over new cement sand screeds with good hardness and a high degree of resistance to indentation under point loads. Walk-on hardness is normally achieved within few hours following application. The time taken for the underlayment to reach a satisfactory state of dryness for the installation of a floor covering will be influenced by the application thickness, air temperature within the room space, ventilation and the absorbent nature of the base.

Subject to the existence of good drying conditions, it can generally be accepted that an underlayment up to 5mm thickness will be sufficiently dry after 24 hours.

This type of underlayment needs an absorbent surface to achieve good bond strength. Application can be carried out over non-absorbent bases, eg granolithic or terrazzo, providing the surface is primed as recommended by the underlayment manufacturer.

Where preparation is being carried out over old adhesive, then an alternative underlayment suitable for direct application without priming should be used.

The basic ingredients of this type of product are cement and a very fine aggregate with various polymers. This dry powder mix is combined with water according to the manufacturer’s mixing instructions and gives a consistency of thick creamy smoothness which is easily spread. The mix embodies self smoothing properties which cause trowel spreading lines to flow out leaving a smooth surface. On no account may extra water be added to the mix in excess of that which is

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Subfloor Smoothing Underlayments

specified by the manufacturer, as this will adversely affect the overall performance of the underlayment.

Latex Mix Smoothing Compound A liquid latex and dry powder two part mix which provides good general performance in use over a wide range of subfloor conditions. These latex smoothing underlayments may be used over both absorbent and nonabsorbent bases as good bond strength is provided by the latex. This type of product is, therefore, frequently suitable for use over subfloors contaminated with old adhesive residues where flooring replacement is being carried out.

Latex mixes combine good general hardness with a degree of resilience, ensuring adequate resistance to indentation from the effects of point loading or wheeled traffic experienced within most contract situations. Where any condition of any heavy floor loading may be envisaged, then special consideration needs to be given to the use of an underlayment with extra hardness.

These latex smoothing underlayments comprise two separately packed components, latex liquid and dry bagged powder mix of cement with very fine aggregate. These two components are mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. On no account may any water be added to the mix or additional latex liquid in excess of that which is specified by the manufacturer as this will adversely affect the overall performance of the underlayment.

Two part mixes do not always provide self smoothing properties, and a good standard of trowelling is often required to obtain a smooth finish. In addition, stoning down with a carborundum block may be necessary.

(Certain manufacturers can provide two part latex mixes with some self smoothing properties). Adequate walkon hardness is achieved within a few

hours following the application of thin layers and under good drying conditions, floor coverings may be applied the next day.

These types are commonly known as latex smoothing underlayments or compounds although not all are based on natural rubber latex.

Acrylic Smoothing Compound Mixes incorporating an acrylic resin provide good bond strength to most bases, including those contaminated with old adhesive. The acrylic resin imparts hardness to the underlayment giving high resistance to indentation.

This type of underlayment can therefore be recommended where conditions of heavy floorloading from point loads to wheeled traffic may be likely.

Acrylic mixes do not always provide a self smoothing properties and, in addition, some difficulty can be experienced in stoning down surface irregularities the following day due to the hardness of this underlayment. It is important to achieve a high standard of trowelling to ensure the required degree of smoothness at the time of application. As soon as walk-on hardness is achieved, a second trowelling with water can have some effect in smoothing down existing trowel ridges.

Acrylic mixes comprise two separately packed components, an acrylic liquid dispersion, and a dry bagged powder mix of cement with very fine aggregate. The two parts are mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. On no account many any water be added to the mix or additional acrylic liquid in excess of that which is specified by the manufacturer, as this will adversely affect the overall performance of the underlayment.

Adequate walk-on hardness is achieved within two hours and, subject to the existence of good drying conditions, floor coverings may be applied the next day.

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SUBFLOOR

CONDITION OF BASE

Cement & Sand Screeds

Some surface damage due to abrasion by various trades and lack of protection. Otherwise satisfactory.

Concrete Power Floated or Granolithic

PREPARATION

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SELECTION OF UNDERLAYMENT

COMMENTS ON USE

Apply procedures 1-2-3

Use either Water Mix Smoothing Compound, Latex Smoothing Compound, or Acrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure and provision points 4-5-6-8 where applicable.

Dense, hard surface.

Fairly non-absorbent.

May have some surface irregularity Bay join gaps and movement joins.

Apply procedure 1. Ensure procedure 9

Use either Latex Smoothing Compound or Acrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure and provision points 2-3-7-810 where applicable.

Hot Lay Asphalt

Completely non-absorbent and underlayment is used to afford some absorption for advantage in adhesion.

Apply procedure 1.

Use either Latex Smoothing Compound or Acrylic Smoothing

Consider procedure and provision points 7-8-11 where applicable.

Metal Bases

Usually steel and may be contaminated with rust or grease or oil.

Motorised wire brush to remove rust. Degrease to remove grease or oil.

Use either Latex Smoothing Compound or Acrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure and provision point 8. Also where welded plate joins exist high spots may need grinding off.

Quarry Tiles

Dense, hard surface. May be irregular local levels.

Possible polish contamination.

Ensure that the tiles are clean from polish or dirt.

Use either Latex Smoothing Compound or Acrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure and provision points 4-7-8.

Terrazzo

Dense, hard surface.

Extensive cracking is often apparent. Surface may be contaminated with detergent or disinfectant build-up underlayment.

Ensure that the surface is washed clean Cracks should be cut out and filled with resin bonded cement and sand.

Use either Latex Smoothing Compound or Acrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure and provision points 4-7-8.

Synthetic Anhydrite Screeds

The surface of this type of screed can be adversely affected by water present within a smoothing underlayment and result in loss of bond.

The screed surface needs to be primed with a special primer as advised by themanufacturer before application ofanunderlayment

Use either Latex Smoothing Compound or Acrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure and provision points 1(c)-8.

Magnesite

Highly absorbent and can disintegrate if overlaid in conditions of rising moisture or moisture vapour from the ground.

Must be taken up on floors next to the ground and alternative screed applied.

Prime surface with special primer as recommended by manufacturer, and use either Latex Smoothing Compound or Acrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure and provision points 1(c)-6-8.

Painted Concrete

Surface is usually hard, dense and non-absorbent.

The paint will generally have poor adhesion to the base.

Surface is usually hard, dense and nonabsorbent. The paint will generally have poor adhesion to the base.

Use either Latex Smoothing Compound or Acrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure and provision points 4-7-8-910.

Suspended Timber Boards on Joists

These floors comprise 6� wide deal boards which will always move independently even though tongued and grooved.

Boards are often broken, loose and badly dished.

Repair, refix or replace boards as necessary and overlay with hardboard of 4mm or 6mm plywood as advised within CP 203.

Latex Smoothing Compound may be used to level off any dished boards to afford support of hardboard or plywood overlay.

Ensure adequate ventilation facility within walls below floor level on floors next to the ground.

Wood or Composite Flooring Blocks on Concrete

Blocks can be unbonded from the base. Movement and deterioration can occur if covered over.

Take up blocks and apply equal thickness of hot lay asphalt or proprietary screed suitable at available thickness.

NOT APPLICABLE

Consider procedure and provision point 2.

Existing Thermoplastic Tiles, Vinyl Sheet & Tiles, Linoleum, Rubber or Cork Tiles

All these floorings are likely to be unsatisfactorily bonded to the base. Also they can be incompatible in other respects as a surface for the application of a smoothing underlayment and flooring.

Take up existing flooring and where possible remove adhesive by abrasion or arrange for specialist shotblasting before applying a smoothing underlayment.

As some adhesive contamination will always remain, use either Latex Smoothing Compound, or Acrylic Smoothing Compound.

Consider procedure and provision points 4-8-1314.

Compound.

Procedures can be located on page 36

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Section Seven – Procedure and Provisions in the Use of Underlayments 1. Initial standard treatment to bases over which a cement smoothing underlayment is to be applied: a) Plaster contamination on the surface of a concrete base can result in adverse chemical reaction with any cement underlayment. Ideally, all traces of such contamination should be removed. 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 should be sought from a specialised surface preparation equipment manufacturer. e) Use of mechanised equipment, e.g. contained shot blasting, is effective in removing hard residues from concrete or screed surfaces.

2. Any oil or grease contamination on a concrete base must be removed before applying a smoothing underlayment. Contamination which is restricted to the surface only may be treated using degreasing agents as advised by the underlayment manufacturer. Where oil has penetrated into the concrete, then the affected area will need to be cut out and patched to present a clean, sound and level surface before the underlayment is applied. Failure to carry out this procedure will result in loss of adhesion to the base and eventual deterioration of the underlayment.

3. If any holes are apparent within the surface of a concrete base, sometimes due to the removal of partitions or fixed equipment, then they will need to be individually filled before application of an overall underlayment.

4. Thickness of underlayment used will, in most cases, average between 1.5mm and 3mm according to condition of the base. In some cases the surface tolerance of a badly finished concrete, cement screed or other base may require thickness up to 5mm.

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Subfloor Smoothing Underlayments

5. If self smoothing is required, then use a Water mix, but over absorbent bases only unless the manufacturer provides an effective primer for dense impervious surfaces. (Certain manufacturers can provide 2 part latex mixes with self smoothing properties).

6. Highly absorbent bases will need priming.

7. If the surface of the base is nonabsorbent, e.g terrazzo, asphalt, quarry tiles, granolithic or power floated concrete, then either use a latex/acrylic smoothing underlayment, or a suitable primer and a powder and water mix.

8. When an underlayment giving extra hardness is required, particularly within areas which will be subject to heavy point loading or wheeled loads, then the use of an acrylic smoothing underlayment or other product providing similar hardness is recommended.

9. Large areas of concrete bases can have bay joints, gaps or cracked and fractured slab/bay edges. Any cracks, joints etc should be examined by a competent person and an assessment made of possible future movement. If it is decided that such joints are static and not liable to further movement they should be repaired before any underlayment is applied.

10. Large area concrete bases can have movement joins with gaps of 12mm or more. Do not take an

underlayment over these gaps as it will eventually disintegrate and damage the flooring. Both underlayment and flooring should stop each side of the gap.

11. Asphalt sub-floors must be of suitable hardness to resist indentation from static or traffic loading, otherwise damage to both underlay and flooring can result. This generally requires Flooring Grade I, or if slight indentation under point loads is acceptable then Flooring Grade II may be used.

12. Wood and composite block floorings can suffer extensive dimensional change if covered over with impermeable flooring. Under no circumstances should any cement underlayment be applied, as it will eventually break up. The use of plywood as an underlay, while providing a smooth, even surface, can additionally result in the blocks being affected by dry rot. In most cases removal of the wood and composite block flooring is advised and the exposed sub-floor should be suitably prepared for the new flooring.

13. When existing floorings are removed, if it is found that flooring replacement had been previously carried out, and a cement underlayment had been used over the original adhesive, then ideally the old underlayment should be removed as well as the flooring. In this situation, a build up of adhesive and underlayment layers can result in bad levels, doubtful soundness of the base, and indentation from point loads.

14. On ground floor bases, when removing old floorings and replacing with a cement underlay and new flooring, consideration needs to be given to the question of dryness of the base if any change of flooring type is being made.

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Section Eight – OVERVIEW Underfloor heating (UFH) was popular in Britain back in the 1960's, and it was used extensively in local authority housing schemes. However, while it may have been cheap to install it was costly to run with the poor building insulation typically used. This led to the decline and virtual disappearance of UFH until the mid 1990’s. In 1985 the introduction of the Building Regulations Approved Documents Part L* with its requirements for more floor insulation removed at a stroke one of the principal cost objections to UFH - the vital in-floor insulation. Since then the requirements have progressively tightened and the 2006 Regulations now require substantial levels of insulation in the floor - regardless of the type of heating system. This makes UFH a very appealing and potentially cost-effective form of heating, hence its dramatic resurgence. Growth predictions indicate that usage of UFH will continue to increase.

The type of floorcovering installation needs to be taken into consideration when desigining the underfloor heating.

Insulation factors of florcoverings will obviously affect the performance of the underfloor heating whilst some flooring installations may be affected by high sub floor temperatures.

Subsequently those in charge of operating the underfloor heating should be aware that sudden large changes in sub floor temperatures must be avoided. The following information is intended to assist the specifier to select the appropriate combination of underfloor heating and flooring installation. *Broadly equivalent standards and regulations exist in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

TYPES The majority of modern UFH systems are warm water systems. Most systems integrate high tech plastic pipe within the floor - Warm water at temperatures

Underfloor Heating

of 35-65°C is circulated through this pipe and this warms the floor surface to a normal temperature of 24-29° C. Electrical systems require the installation of a flexible heating element beneath the floor. Due to the properties of the heating element wire, heat is generated as current is passed through it. These elements come in the form of cables, mats or films and are more commonly found in domestic and DIY installations. They are deemed to be particularly suitable for use with hard tiling however high surface temperatures up to 35° C with ceramic tiled floors are not uncommon in bathrooms.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Many calculations are necessary to design an efficient UFH system.

One of the important elements to be considered is the Thermal Resistance of the floorcovering and the screed which supports it. Most floorcoverings can be used over UFH however this should not be taken for granted. The important principle to bear in mind is that UFH relies on the upper surface of the floorcovering being warmed to a temperature of 25 to 29ºC. Some thicker floorcoverings may not allow this to be achieved without heating the subfloor and floorcovering to unacceptably high temperatures.

Floor Temperature Interpretation The UFH industry designs to BS EN 1264-2: Floor Heating – Systems and components – Determination of thermal output; which contains parameters for allowable floor surface temperatures.

This Standard allows for maximum floor surface temperatures of 29ºC in occupied areas and 35ºC for a strip 600-800mm wide under windows and along external walls. Historically EN 1264 was a derivative of the German DIN 4725, which focused mainly on systems with Stone, Marble and Ceramic floor finishes, which have little need to limit floor temperatures.

British Standards contain differing and conflicting information; for example; BS 8204-1 Screeds, Bases & In-Situ Flooring, states ‘ the usual operating surface temperature of a heated levelling screed is about 27ºC; however, some locations operate at higher temperatures, e.g. 35ºC.’ BS 8203 Code of Practice for the Installation of Resilient Floorcoverings states ‘ Underfloor heating systems in the United Kingdom have traditionally been run at temperatures up to 27ºC and the floorcoverings covered by this British Standard have given satisfactory service at these temperatures provided an appropriate grade of adhesive is used.’ The Standard also contains a warning that foam backed and rubber floorcoverings will reduce the response of UFH. British standard 8425 Code of Practice for installation of laminate floorcoverings and the Code of Practice issued by the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring state that the surface temperature should not exceed 28ºC. Whilst there are minor differences in actual temperature level recommendations ie. The Wood Flooring Manufacturers of America recommend a maximum of 85º Fahrenheit (29.44ºC) and the Swedish Floor Trade Association recommend 27ºC, the flooring recommendations from timber flooring manufacturers varies, generally between 27ºC and 29ºC. Specifiers however should be aware the point at which the temperature should be recorded varies as some recommendations refer to the surface of the sub-floor whilst others refer to the surface of the floor finish. It is essential therefore when installing timber floors over underfloor heating to consult the flooring manufacturer for their advice.

Textile floorcoverings by virtue of their composition, construction and method of manufacture are liable to undergo changes in dimension after

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Section Eight – installation when exposed to changes in humidity and temperature.

If temperatures of the sub-floor are raised to combat the insulation effect of carpet and underlay the sub-floor preparation, adhesive and seaming system may be adversely affected. British Standard Code of Practice BS5325 for the installation of textile floor coverings does not however give specific recommendations about sub-floor temperatures.

As a result of the confusion arising from the wording in these Standards the CFA and UK Resilient Floorcovering Manufacturers Association issued a joint guidance note in September 2003 stating that for resilient floorings ‘the temperature should never exceed the agreed maximum of 27ºC at the underside of the floorcovering (the adhesive line).’ Note: UFH designers may refer to this as the ‘interface’ temperature.

Opinions differ between the floorcovering and UFH industries as to where temperatures should be measured, the progressive improvement in Part L Regulations has alleviated the situation.

Prior to their introduction, the 27ºC ‘interface’ limit restricted the choice of floorcoverings that could be used over underfloor heating. However the resulting reduction in the amount of heating power required by the successive improvements to Part L now allows systems to work at temperatures below those of concern.

Floor Screeds Heated screeds are usually installed as floating screeds and installed at an appropriate thickness on a slip membrane over thermal insulation.

Although most types of screeds may be used with UFH it is vital that their selection and design is matched. Common known problems of Curling, Stress Cracking and Shrinkage Cracking can be exacerbated in a heated screed. Heated screeds expand and contract with temperature changes, this can cause problems at ‘day’ joints for example. Screed operating temperatures must be established, and the coefficient of thermal expansion used to calculate the necessary expansion gaps. As a general rule permanent movement joints must be provided at every doorway or opening

Section Nine – With many types of floorcoverings available it will be appreciated that selection can be made where a number of them will be suitable and others appear to suit the same conditions.

Aside from the question of cost and personal preference in colour and appearance, it is important to consider the properties and performance of the products against the primary environmental considerations to ensure that any selection is compatible with these and will remain so.

A broad view of considerations may be suggested from the following

38

Underfloor Heating and at the perimeter of the rooms where heated sub-floors abut walls and/ or upstands.

Start Up / Drying Out It is essential that before any floorcovering is installed the screed is preheated as prescribed in BS EN 1264 Part 4 and BS 8204 Part 1 Heat up must not begin for 21 days after laying cement screeds, or 7 days for Anhydrite screeds.

Initial heat up should begin with a water temperature of 25ºC for a period of 3 days. After this water flow temperature may be raised to the design temperature for another 4 days and should be maintained until the screed is dry* *<75%RH (Hygrometer)for cement screeds.

Note: Conventional surface applied DPM’s cannot be used on heated screeds. Some specialist membranes are available however they should only be considered in exceptional circumstances and used with the approval of the relevant manufacturer.

Selection of Flooring Materials

headings which may, of course, need to be 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 recovery from indentation.

• Chemical resistance.

• Maintenance: Ability to stay clean in relation to the environment.

• Impervious surface finish: hospitals and laboratories. Use of sheet vinyl, rubber or linoleum with welded seams.

• Resistance to surface-applied water: use of abundant and constant water maintenance. Use of sheet vinyl with welded seams including welding to skirting.

• Grease and oil resistance.

• Resistance to the transmission of impact sound.

• Dimensional stability: This factor can include effects on the flooring materials from changes in the temperature and humidity levels in the environment.

• Slip Resistance Performance.

• Thermal Conductivity/Performance.

Colour, pattern, and contrast to assist the visually impaired.

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S e c t i o n Te n – Thermoplastic and Vinyl Flooring Vinylised Thermoplastic Tiles Although included in the category of BS EN 649, vinylised thermoplastic tiles are manufactured to provide advantages in general use well in excess of the overall performance demanded within this British Standard.

The formulation incorporates vinyl resins giving a degree of flexibility and added resistance to wear.

Vinylised tiles represent the lowest cost in plastic flooring of contract quality and, although now installed mainly within local authority and private housing. This product has been used to considerable extent, giving excellent service over many years in schools, offices, hospitals and other non-housing situations.

Resistance to grease and oil is limited and they should not be used where excessive contamination of this type may be a factor.

Available in a tile size of 300mm x 300mm and, generally, in 2mm and 2.5mm thickness in a range of colours.

Tiles floors should be protected against indentation from point loading.

Heavy furniture and other free-standing fittings should have broad feet or glides. Castors should either be rubber tyred or placed in cups.

Application can be carried out over most types of rigid sub-floors, subject to the base being structurally sound and the surface being smooth, hard, clean, dry and level. Suspended timber floors do not provide a satisfactory base for the application of vinylised tiles. Constant flexing of the floor may cause the tiles to fracture in time.

Vinylised thermoplastic tiles can be applied over concrete bases which incorporate underfloor heating subject to the floor surface temperature not exceeding 27ºC and the selection of a suitable adhesive.

Resilient Flooring

Semi-Flexible PVC Tiles These tiles are manufactured to BS EN 654. Semi-flexible PVC tiles. Although this Standard allows the formulation of tiles with or without asbestos, it can be accepted that all UK manufactured floorings do not include this material.

Tiles are manufactured using plasticized vinyl resin, mineral fillers, stabilisers and pigments. The excellent overall performance of this product has established it as probably the most versatile of floorings in its ability to function extremely well in most types of situation and in critical conditions.

These tiles were first introduced in 1952, and since that time, their advantages continue to promote considerable use in schools, hospitals, office buildings, shops, residential and recreational areas.

Tiles are generally available in a size 300mm x 300mm and thicknesses of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5mm, with an extensive colour range. Additional surface feature presentations are also provided in the form of travertine or other embossed designs. Application is normally carried out using a bitumen solution adhesive.

Tiles floors should be protected against indentation from point loading.

Heavy furniture and other free standing fittings should have broad feet or glides. Castors should either rubber tyred or placed within cups.

The tiles have good resistance to dilute acids, alkalis, most common chemicals, grease and oil. Embossed tiles, however, should not be used where contamination from these substances is likely to occur due to the embossed cavity surface.

Application can be carried out over most types of sub-floors, provided the base is structurally sound and the surface is hard, smooth, clean, dry and level.

These tiles can be used over concrete bases which incorporate underfloor heating subject to the floor surface temperature not exceeding 27ºC and the selection of a suitable adhesive.

Backed Flexible PVC to BS EN 650 This flooring is made by spreading a low viscosity pvc paste to a specified thickness onto a backing of needled jute or inorganic fibre felt which is proof against rot in the event of surface water ingress. It combines a dense, hard wearing surface finish, with excellent resistance, affording softness of tread, warmth underfoot and a high degree of impact- transmitted sound. A technique of embossing and then infilling with a different coloured paste provides a patterned finish of good general appeal.

Due to the dense, closed nature of the wear surface, this type of floor has good resistance to dirt pick-up.

Surface protection, therefore, normally provided by the use of wax emulsion polishes and seals is not essential; a high standard of cleanliness and good appearance can be achieved solely by water and detergent cleaning. Seam joints can be welded by various techniques to provide an overall impervious finish – consult the manufacturer. It has good resistance to dilute acid, alkalis and most common chemicals. However, the flooring can suffer permanent damage from cigarette burns and is not recommended for application where this type of treatment can occur.

Various adhesives are used and these are generally of the synthetic rubber, acrylic emulsion or modified resin alcohol types.

Extensive use of felt-backed vinyl is made in residential accommodation and particularly over suspended concrete floors where sound insulation is required. Application over a concrete slab with density of 365 kg/m2 will afford a degree of insulation against both airborne and impact-transmitted sound. Considerable use is also made in buildings other than residential, including hospitals, offices and libraries, where the advantage of resilience and quietness is considered important.

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S e c t i o n Te n â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Floors next to the ground: Feltbacked vinyl floorings must not be applied over sub-floors which do not incorporate an efficient damp-proof membrane, due to their impermeability and consequent detrimental effect of rising moisture vapour, resulting in saturation of the felt. Sub-floors must be sufficiently dry to show an acceptable moisture content when tested by the methods specified in the section on moisture testing.

Foam-backed to BS EN 651 This type of product generally comprises a standard calendared-sheet vinyl flooring which is backed up by a high density pvc foam. The combination of a foam backing also affords excellent resilience and quietness and a degree of insulation against impact-transmitted sound.

Application is normally carried out using adhesives of either the synthetic rubber or acrylic emulsion types. Seam joints must be welded to provide a jointless watertight finish.

Primarily, this type of flooring was designed to provide a highly resilient and hard-wearing flooring to suit residential installation, hospitals, shops and office buildings, where the additional advantages of quietness or insulation against impact sound in accordance with the Building Regulations is a requirement. Special grades are available for sports hall installations.

Foam-backed floorings will provide a degree of insulation against air-borne and impact-transmitted sound when over a concrete slab with a density of 365 kg/m2.

Floors next to the ground: Foambacked vinyl floorings must not be applied over sub-floors which do not incorporate an efficient damp-proof membrane due to their impermeability and consequent detrimental effect of rising moisture vapour. Sub-floors must be sufficiently dry to show an acceptable level of moisture when

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tested in accordance with the methods specified in the section on moisture testing.

Unbacked Flexible PVC Products in this group fall into a number of different categories, the main ones being those conforming to BS EN 649 which are fully flexible, and those which conform to BS EN 654 are less flexible.

Products manufactured to BS EN 649 These are fully flexible and are available in roll form, or in tiles. The floorings are available in thicknesses of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0mm, although 2.0mm is the thickness used in most contract installations. Tiles sizes are normally either 300 x 300mm or 500 x 500mm with other sizes available from certain manufacturers. Sheet widths are 1.5m, 1.83m or 2m, with 2m being the normal in contract installations. Fixing to the sub-floors is by using adhesives of the SBR or acrylic emulsion type as recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

The many excellent properties and additional characteristics provided by this type of formulation allow wide scope in the selection of floorings when there is a need to suit installations in areas of varied and demanding function.

These floorings are quiet, have good resilience and ability to stand up well to heavy point loading, with excellent recovery from indentation. They have good resistance to dilute acids, alkalis and most common chemicals.

Resistance to wear is high and the closed impervious surface affords a high standard of maintenance.

Within those areas which demand frequent washing maintenance and/or high standards for hygiene, particularly in hospitals, continuous sheet can be welded at seam joints and to vinyl skirtings with flexible vinyl strip, to provide a jointless, watertight finish.

Floors next to the ground: Fully

flexible vinyl flooring must not be applied over sub-floors which do not incorporate an efficient damp-proof membrane, due to the greater impermeability and the consequent detrimental effect of rising moisture vapour. Sub-floors must be sufficiently dry to show an acceptable moisture content when tested in accordance with the methods specified in the section on moisture testing.

Products manufactured to BS EN 654 These are flexible within the demands of the specification. They are available in tile form only, generally in 300 x 300mm, and in thicknesses of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5mm.

They can be installed using bitumen adhesives on floors next to the ground where no dpm exists or is suspect, subject to their being sufficiently dry to show an acceptable moisture content when tested in accordance with the methods specified in the section on moisture testing.

Heterogeneous Floorings These floorings comprise different materials and conform to BS EN 649.

Products available from manufacturers and indicated as contract floorings, will generally comply with the standard, although the manufacturer should be asked to comment on their suitability for specific uses.

Safety Floorings These may be of either homogeneous or heterogeneous type, this classification of product group being based primarily on their claimed enhanced slip-resistance under wet or contaminated conditions.

The effect of wet conditions on such floors must be assessed and emphasis placed on the requirement for correct maintenance in order to retain slipresistance.

Static Control Floorcoverings These types of floorcovering are manufactured to control, within specified limits Electro Static Discharges

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S e c t i o n Te n â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (ESD) where it may cause electronic component or systems failure, fire or explosions.

To ensure selection of the correct product to meet the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs with regard to both electrical and physical properties, it is recommended that the manufacturer be consulted for advice and recommendations prior to specification. The terminology used by various manufacturers may be different but static control vinyls normally cover three specific ranges: 1 Static Dissipative (also called Antistatic) Used in the electronics industry (where low sensitivity devices are manufactured or assembled) and in computer installations.

Average resistance range 1 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 Conductive Used in the microelectronics industry (where highly sensitive devices are manufactured or assembled) and in hospital operating theatres.

Average resistance ranges 5 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.

Conductive Primarily used in the armaments and explosives industries. The average resistance must be less than 5 x 104 ohms. This type of installation has insufficient resistance to protect a person from an electric shock from a short circuit on a 240/250 volt main.

Special precautions are included in the electrical circuits to prevent this possibility.

It is imperative that the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maintenance recommendations be followed as the use of polishes and surface coatings

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can affect the electrical properties of static control flooring.

The electrical performance of a static control floorcovering is dependent upon its method of installation. To achieve the resistances quoted by the manufacturer, the product must be laid strictly in accordance with their preparation and laying instructions.

Floors next to the ground This type of flooring must not be applied over subfloors next to the ground which do not contain an effective damp-proof membrane, due to their impermeability and consequent detrimental effect of rising moisture vapour. All subfloors must be sufficiently dry to show an acceptable level of moisture when tested in accordance with the methods specified in the section on moisture testing.

Cushioned vinyl flooring Cushioned vinyl floorings are available in a varied range of products and qualities for both domestic and commercial situations.

In the main, cushioned vinyl floorings are associated with the domestic markets. This is due to the fact that practically all DIY and other retail orientated shops sell either 2, 3 or 4 metre wide domestic quality sheet direct to the public who can lay it.

Domestic quality cushioned vinyls are produced using an expanding plasticised vinyl with a glass fibre interlayer for stability. The pattern is printed using coloured inks some of which have an inhibiting agent which, when passed through an oven at extremely high temperatures, prevents the plasticised vinyl from expanding, thus producing a lightly embossed surface. It is then cooled and cut into manageable rolls prior to despatch.

Domestic cushioned vinyls are excellent for the home because of their resilience and ease of maintenance.

Care, however, should be taken not to lay over subfloors without an efficient

damp-proof membrane, subfloors must be smooth and clean.

Some cushion vinyls can be loose laid by perimeter fixing, but it is preferable to adhere the material to the whole of the area to give a better wear life.

Contract quality cushioned vinyl floorings are manufactured with various backings, such as closed cell foam, open cell foam, fibre, polyester and cork backing. They are also available in sheet and tile form in various thicknesses and qualities depending on the location and sound insulation so desired.

Contract quality cushioned vinyl floorings are suitable for private housing, flats, administrative buildings, meeting rooms, hotel lounges, school dormitories, hospitals and staircases but of course the correct quality will need to be specified for each individual area to achieve the desired result.

Preferable, however, is a closed cell foam structure which will not readily absorb moisture. It can be compressed without expelling air thereby giving excellent recovery from indentation. It also lasts for the life of the material itself. Open cell foam is similar to a sponge and will more readily absorb moisture. This will eventually result in a breakdown of the foam, ie it reduces to dust or it becomes hard and brittle.

This causes the floorcovering to lose its qualities and comfort and sound insulation. Cork backed vinyls offer firmer resistance to traffic but are not so sound absorbing.

Some products contain an ingredient to make them bacteria and fungi resistant, but they are all subject to being marked by cigarettes carelessly discarded, but marks will either not be noticed due to colouration of the flooring or can be buffed out if the level of damage is not great. Isolated marks can be cut out and the vinyl replaced if necessary.

Loose lay resilient vinyl tiles are available, suitable for laying in conjunction with carpet tiles. It is ideal

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S e c t i o n Te n – for areas where access may be a necessity or where adhesives cannot be used. This particular tile is 6.3mm thick x 500mm x 500mm with a pure vinyl surface and closed cell foam backing.

The manufacturer’s advice as to the suitability of a product and recommended adhesive should always be sought.

Maintenance of these products will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, so do ask for details for the sake of your client.

Other Smooth Surface Floorings Linoleum Linoleum has been in use as a contract floorcovering for more than 100 years.having first been manufactured at Staines, Middlesex in 1864. It has a reputation for durability, toughness, easy maintenance and a wide colour choice. Extensive use of linoleum has been made in hospitals, schools, office buildings, laboratories and travel termini, where provision of a decorative but highly functional floorcovering at a reasonable cost is demanded.

Linoleum must be installed in accordance with BS8203, fully bonded to an acceptable sub-floor with a recommended adhesive. In use, it has excellent dimensional stability, resistance to wear and aging, with good resistance to the effects of dilute acids, alkalis and most common chemicals.

Underfloor heating Linoleum can be applied over concrete bases which incorporate underfloor heating subject to the floor surface temperature not exceeding 27ºC and the selection of a suitable adhesive.

Floors next to the ground Linoleum must not be applied over subfloors which do not incorporate an efficient damp-proof membrane, due to the greater impermeability and the consequent detrimental effect of rising moisture vapour. Sub-floors must be

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sufficiently dry to show an acceptable moisture content when tested in accordance with the methods specified in the section on moisture testing. .

Linoleum sheet Linoleum is manufactured to meet BS EN 548. The most frequent decoration is a soil-hiding marble effect but plain and other linoleums are also available.

The backing for 2 metre wide sheet linoleum remains woven jute and a recommended adhesive must be used.

Suitable adhesives with little or no solvent are now widely available.

Linoleum has good resistance to cigarette burns.

Linoleum tiles Linoleum tiles are manufactured in a gauge of 2.5mm and, like carpet tiles, in 500mm x 500mm and sometimes in 333mm x 333mm format. Although the linoleum wear surface is similar to that for sheet, the backing of woven polyester for extra dimensional stability.

Adhesives approved for sheet linoleum may sometimes be used for tile linoleum but other adhesives may also be recommended. Check with the manufacturer.

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

Smooth rubber Rubber flooring complying with BS1711 is available in a variety of colours. With either a plain or marbled effect and a large number of modern designs in sheet or tile form.

In sheet form, rolls can vary between 193cm x 91.5cm wide to 14m x 100cm depending on the manufacturer, and at gauges ranging from 2.0mm to 6.0mm.

Tiles are usually cut from sheet, and tile sizes vary between 30cm and 1m square and 51cm x 51cm for raised access floors.

Accessories Preformed linoleum coving is available.

Although linoleum seams do not shrink, colour co-ordinated hot seam sealing cable using standard floor welding equipment is also available.

Ribbed or studded rubber In addition to the smooth surfaced rubber flooring, other types of rubber and/or synthetic rubber flooring are available with raised surfaces mainly in the form of ribs, studs or hammer blow surfaces, which are normally pressed out to profile in special moulds. A wide range of colours is manufactured.

This rubber flooring is usually in tile form, and apart from having a decorative value, can be used where a surface is required which offered a good degree of slip-resistance. For external use, some manufacturers offer a special quality.

The sizes are normally 50 x 50cm or 100 x 100cm: gauges vary according to the type of traffic conditions and are available from 2.5mm to 10mm.

Rubber Flooring Flooring made from rubber dates back more than 100 years. Once the technique of vulcanisation was fully proved, the quietness and resilience of rubber led to its wide use for floorcoverings.

Rubber floorcoverings are manufactured from natural or synthetic rubbers or a blend of these. In compounding, the manufacturer is able to combine these various polymers with curing agents, resin fillers and colour

Installation The method of fixing will vary with the type of smooth, studded or ribbed tile backing. All three finishes are available with a plain sanded backing and can be fixed to the sub-floor by means of a recommended heavy duty contact adhesive, both the back of the rubber flooring and the sub-floor being coated with an adhesive. Rubber floorings up to 4mm thickness can also be fixed using dispersion based, polyurethane and epoxy adhesives

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S e c t i o n Te n – specially manufacturers for this purpose. Some stud and rib finishes with a keyed backing are to be laid in a cement grout direct on to a concrete sub-floor or, alternatively, fixed using a two-component chemical adhesive.

Floors next to the ground Rubber floors can be applied providing there is an efficient damp-proof membrane incorporated. Sub-floors must be sufficiently dry to show an acceptable level of moisture content when tested in accordance with the methods specified in the section on moisture testing.

Timber sub-floors Rubber floors have a good degree of flexibility and can be laid over suspended timber sub-floors, providing the timber surface has been suitably prepared, otherwise damage can occur on board joins.

Development Rubber flooring has been used extensively in all types of prestige contracts, affording a durable and decorative finish. The development of rubber and synthetic rubber flooring has enabled manufacturers to offer qualities suited to specific requirements. For instance, the material’s low flame spread characteristics and low smoke emission will satisfy the requirements of BS476 where a contract calls for those to be met. This type of flooring also has qualities suited to other requirements, such as oil, grease and chemical resistance for industries and laboratories; anti-static, conductive flooring for computer rooms or hospital operating theatres; also areas subject to radioactive contamination in isotope laboratories and nuclear power stations.

In recent years increasing use has been made of the properties of rubber to provide resilient floors suitable for a wide range of sporting activities. It is colourfast to the effects of sunlight and ozone for outside or wet areas, such as

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showers or swimming pools.

Reference should be made to the individual manufacturers for recommendations on quality, thickness and the most suitable fixing system.

Synthetic and natural rubbers are resistant to the effects of burning cigarette ends.

Cork Tiles These are manufactured from granulated cork of selected quality which is compressed and baked, causing the natural resins and added binders to flow and form a firmly bonded homogeneous block from which tiles of varying size and thickness are cut.

Cork tiles are normally described according to density and thickness.

DENSITY Domestic Heavy Domestic Contract Heavy Contract

385-445kg/m3 450-495kg/m3 450-495kg/m3 +500kg/m3

THICKNESS Domestic Heavy Domestic Contract Heavy Contract

Min. Min. Min. Min.

3mm 3mm 4.80mm 8mm

Specifiers should consult manufacturers for individual requirements.

Tiles are normally available in a standard size of 300 x 300mm (or 305 x 305mm) with other sizes to special order, and in thicknesses from 3mm (1/8in) to 8mm (5/16in) although 4.8mm (3/16in) and 6.4mm (1/4in) are most generally used. Cork tiles have a warm and attractive natural finish when appropriately maintained.

They can also be supplied pre-finished with either wax, urethane, polymer or bonded vinyl coatings. They are hardwearing, quiet underfoot and resistant to damage from dilute acids and most common chemicals.

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

pale straw to a very dark brown, although some variation within each category shade is inevitable and the majority are produced in light and medium tones.

Bleaching from strong sunlight can occur after installation.

Cork is only suitable for high traffic areas if selected from: 1. Heavy duty pvc bonded cork with minimum density 450kg/m3 minimum thickness 3.20 and minimum thickness of pvc 0.5mm.

2. Minimum 8mm thickness/density 500kg/m3 finished with either brush applied polyurethane, oleo-resinous coatings or pre-finished with a minimum of 90gm/m2 of acrylated urethane.

If not pre-finished with either a vinyl bonded surface or acrylated urethane, then the cork tile joints should be lightly sanded with fine sandpaper to remove any ‘lipping’, any adhesive or dirt removed and the surface brushed clean. Final surface application of a minimum of three coats of flexible polyurethane or oleoresinous coatings should be applied.

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

Application of cork tiles is normally carried out with rubber/resin emulsion adhesive for thickness up to 4.8mm.

For 6.4mm and 8mm thickness, a gum spirit adhesive is used with, on occasions, the additional use of steel pins, or a solvent based adhesive to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Cork tiles with a pvc backing must be bonded with an adhesive approved by the manufacturer. The tiles have sufficient flexibility to allow application over suspended timber floors, subject to the substrate being correctly prepared to eliminate movement at board joints.

Floors next to the ground Cork tiles must not be applied over subfloors which do not incorporate an

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efficient damp-proof membrane. Subfloors must be sufficiently dry to show an acceptable moisture content when tested in accordance with the methods specified in the section on moisture testing.

Installation method Resilient floor coverings should be installed in accordance with the British Standard Code of Practice for installation of resilient floorcoverings BS8203. Most floor covering manufacturers and adhesive manufacturers issue installation guidelines and their recommendations should also be followed.

Floor Maintenance for Smooth Flooring The general behaviour and serviceability of a floor can depend as much on the method of cleaning as on the initial selection of the right type of flooring. It is estimated that approximately 80 per cent of the dirt entering most buildings is carried by foot. Aside from the effect on appearance, dirt will cause damage to the flooring; it is important therefore that (1) sufficient and effective entrance matting is provided which will reduce the amount of grit brought in, and (2) that the correct materials and methods for good floor maintenance be used to ensure an acceptable appearance at all times, which will also afford the right degree of protection against damage. This chapter gives some information on the maintenance materials available with their properties, characteristics and application procedures.

Detergent cleaners Detergents can be solvent or non-solvent based. Solvent cleaners will cause damage to many floorings, including thermoplastic, vinyl and rubber, so only non-solvent types should be used. Nonsolvent detergents can range from neutral to alkaline and although available in liquid or powder form, the liquid type is usually used because of its greater convenience.

High concentrations of alkaline detergents should never be used, as damage to floorcoverings in various ways will result. Detergents are added to warm or cold water according to the manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recommended dilution, and when applied to the floor they will soften and release dirt and enable its

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removal when the floor is water rinsed.

Neutral detergents are used for general routine maintenance as they are sufficiently strong for lifting dirt from treated floors without affecting the dressing itself. Alkaline detergents may be used for periodic re-treatment of the floor to strip off existing polish. Detergents containing ammonia derivative are recommended for removal of metallised dressings.

When alkaline solutions are used as polish strippers, a little vinegar can be added to the final rinsing water to neutralise any residual detergents.

Fully buffable emulsions These dressings are normally wax rich, and dry to a matt finish being buffed to a gloss. The dressing being soft, the effects of scuffing are more evident but the finish can be restored by rebuffing.

Floor Surface Treatments The use of a surface dressing which has been well cleaned and rinsed will add brightness to the flooring by bringing out the natural colour and allow easy removal of dirt contamination. Untreated floors are subject to direct abrasion causing removal of the fine particle fillers and resultant wear. With a correctly maintained floor, the surface dressing takes all initial abrasion and can be refurbished or replaced as necessary to protect and considerably extend the life of the flooring.

Various floor dressings of different formulations are available to suit different types of flooring. These will be either water or solvent based. Only water based should be used on thermoplastic, vinyl or rubber flooring. Water based dressings contain polymers and waxes and, with the advance of polymer technology, have greatly improved in recent years. The introduction of crosslinked acrylic copolymers which are based on zinc or zirconium salts, during the polymer formulation give the dressing greater resistance to alkaline detergents, dirt retention and wear, yet are readily removable with cleaning solutions containing ammonia derivatives.

These dressings are termed metallised emulsions (not suitable for rubber).

Water-based floor dressings are produced as dry-bright emulsions, semibuffable or fully buffable emulsions. The basic construction is a combination of polymer emulsions, wax emulsions and alkali soluble resin solutions, supported by adding plasticisers, levelling agents and coalescents.

Dry bright emulsions Dry bright polishes are hardwearing and more resistant to water staining and dirt pick-up. They are mainly based on metallised acrylic copolymers and dry to a high gloss.

Semi-buffable emulsions Semi-buffable dressings are harder wearing with good resistance to scuffing.

They contain more polymer and less wax compared to the softer fully buffable.

Semi-buffable dry to a medium shine but can be buffed to a higher gloss if desired.

Maintenance Procedures General maintenance New floors should be prepared in accordance with the manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instructions. Some floorings are supplied with a surface treatment already applied and only require the removal of soiling and debris before use. Others will require full cleaning and dressing treatments. A daily programme of sweeping to remove surface dust and light traffic marks by mopping with a mild detergent in cold water is required.

Spray â&#x20AC;&#x201C;cleaning Starting with a clean floor which has been dressed with two or three coats of emulsion polish, daily sweep to remove surface dust. On soiled areas, working in small sections, spray a fine mist of a solution of either buffable emulsion polish and cold water, neutral detergent and 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 gloss revived. The soil will be retained in the pad. Change the pad frequently.

Slip-resistant flooring These floors should not be polished but kept clean by washing or scrubbing, using a neutral or low alkali detergent solution.

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Section Eleven – Pile Fibres The most common fibres currently forming wear surfaces of contract grade carpets have individual characteristics which suit them to particular end uses. They are listed below and in each case the comments relate to the latest generation, ie highest state of development.

Polyamide (nylon) Extremely durable Medium to high cost Antistatic Resilient Easy to clean Easy to dye and print Polypropylene Very durable Reduced resilience Stain resistant Colourfast Low to medium cost Low specific gravity (bulky) Pure New Wool Good all round performer when blended with appropriate synthetic fibres Very resilient Antistatic Masks cigarette scarring Relatively high cost Blended fibre yarns It is common practice to blend fibres to arrive at the most acceptable mix in terms of quality and cost for an end product.

The best known example is the 80%/20% blend of wool and polyamide, where the latter enhances durability and antistatic properties without noticeably diluting the benefits of wool mentioned above. This is particularly relevant in the hospitality and leisure market where products are exposed to a wide variation of adverse conditions.

Others Whilst acrylics, polyesters and rayons (viscose) are occasionally used as pile fibres in contract carpets the quantities are

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

Comment The important consideration is not so much a direct comparison between the fibres themselves as a comparison between the properties and construction of different carpets containing those fibres.

The behaviour of a fibre in isolation is not necessarily a true guide to its behaviour within a carpet.

Principal Methods of Manufacture All methods produce grades suitable for the contract market in a variety of wear surfaces and widths. Other considerations before making final decisions on construction type would involve one or a combination of the following: Pattern suitability Appearance retention Pile density/durability Woven carpets In weaving, the backing structure is produced simultaneously with the insertion of the pile yarn to produce one integral product. The two widely used processes are: Wilton Originally a loop-pile construction (Brussels), the same loom became known as a Wilton when cut pile was introduced.

Wilton carpets produce high quality cloth in either plain colouring or patterned in a limited number of colours and present the opportunity now for both cut pile and loop pile products. It is also possible to produce structured effects combining cut/loop pile.

Axminster These were originally Spool Axminsters, with almost unlimited capacity for colours per design. The Gripper version was later introduced, using the Jacquard mechanism but generally using a maximum number of eight colours.

Gripper Axminster looms are now readily

available with electronic Jacquard facilities providing almost unlimited pattern options. Axminster products are known for flexibility of loom adjustments and provide the specifier with many construction, densities and pile heights to match appropriate budgets and wear situations.

Special production runs in bespoke designs and colourings are available.

Tufting A basic tufting machine has a row of needles mounted in a needle-bar running the width of the machine. The needles are spaced apart according to the gauge of the machine – for example 1/10” gauge has 10 needles to the inch. A primary backing fabric is fed beneath the needles and the needle bar then forces the needles through the backing, loopers catch the yarn and the needles are withdrawn. This process is for loop pile but a cut pile can also be produced by adding knives to the loopers. To bind the tufts firmly an adhesive or latex is applied to the back of the primary cloth and a secondary back is then laminated to it to provide dimensional stability.

Through engineering many different types of new tufting machinery has emerged creating more advanced surface textures in high/low and cut/loop configurations. Even Axminster style designs are available using tufting techniques. A variety of backings may be applied to the tufted surfaces to meet exacting demands of sub-floors or customer requirements..

Fibre-bonded carpets Fibre-bonded or needlepunch carpets are produced directly from individual coloured staple fibres, usually polypropylene or combinations of polypropylene with nylon or polyester. They are supplied either as flat or structured carpets, the structures typically being ribs, velour, or other surface textures. The first process stages are common to both flat and structured surfaces, with the fibres being blended, carded and laid as a thick web to be presented to a needling loom with a bank

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Section Eleven – of many barbed needles. This entangles the fibres, compressing them into a fabric of desired thickness. The flat fibrebonded carpet is impregnated with latex which, after drying, bonds the fibres permanently together. Structured fibrebonded carpets use a further needling process with forked needles before latex impregnation, to convert plain surfaces into ribs, velours and pattern textures. In addition to different surface structures printed patterns are also possible on some fibres creating an extra dimension to the aesthetics using this production technique. More varied designs and colour combinations can be achieved on two-layer fibrebonded carpets. Various backings can be applied to enhance comfort values underfoot.

Flocked carpet Flocked carpets are made by projecting electrically charged fibres into an electrostatic field where they align themselves parallel to the direction of the electric lines of force and shoot vertically into a binder film. The fibres are then permanently bonded when this film is dried. Commonly the film is coated onto a non-woven glass tissue and back-coated. The fibre lengths are from 2mm to 4mm and the pile density can be varied to suit end purposes.

Flocked carpets are generally patterned by the rotary screen printing method.

Fusion bonded carpets This process has been successfully used for many years and offers a very hard wearing traditional cut pile finish. The more usual method is that of a ‘U’ tuft product, where the fibres are pleated and the yarn is bonded to layers of vinyl incorporating a glass fibre reinforcement for stability. The same process is applied to the reverse side of the cloth to form a face-to-face construction before it is separated in the middle to form the two identical finished cloths. The ‘l’ tuft process is also available offering maximum utilisation of the yarn in the wearing surface.

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Carpet tiles All manufacturing processes outlined above can be utilised to make the wear surfaces for carpet tiles. Conversion from sheet form to tile involves the application of specially engineered backings to provide basic elements of dimensional stability and more importantly rigidity which is not possible in sheet material.

This provides the optimum flexibility in use enabling tiles to be uplifted and relaid gaining access to underfloor services.

Other benefits of using carpet tiles are reduction in cutting waste for unusual shaped areas or the ability to create special design floor layouts, sometimes by using a laser cutting process for intricate designs.

Suitable release adhesives enable tiles to be held firmly in position yet easily uplifted when required for replacement or access.

For assured levels of performance ensure Performance Test Results are recognised trade standards aligned and endorsed by independent, internationally recognised norms for the specific category of testing.

There is constant research at National and International levels to develop, improve and standardise test methods to accurately simulate carpet behaviour in use. Ensure that current up to date standards are observed.

Carpet underlays These are installed between the substrate and carpet with the purpose of absorbing the energy of trafficking and compression, thus extending the useful life of the carpet and providing enhanced comfort underfoot. They also contribute significantly to thermal and acoustic insulation. Underlays are produced from a variety of substances.

BS5808 defines specification of underlays suitable for grades of installation. The standard does not compare the different constructions, but provides a series of basic test results in relation to its intended are of use.

Many different types of underlay are available and it is vital that firm, dense, commercial grade products are used commercially rather than softer residential style products.

Fitting Methods Textile floorcoverings should be installed in accordance with the British Standard Code of Practice for installation of textile floorcoverings BS5325 and the methods used should be compatible with both the backing and structure of the textile floor coverings and the dimensions of the area to be covered.

BS5325 also gives details of the compatibility of installation methods with the type of textile floorcovering.

Technical performance considerations Manufacturers of contract carpeting provide data of their products to promote their suitability for all aspects of use and safety criteria.

Special Applications On occasion special consideration needs to be given to all types of carpet construction and form, for specific reasons of hygiene, health and safety and tailored performance criteria issued by the appropriate recognised authority. For specialist information of a sensitive or scientific nature the manufacturers technical department should be consulted.

Care and Maintenance Introduction Effective, efficient cleaning and maintenance regimes should be established on day one of use to prolong the life expectance and appearance retention of the flooring installation.

Nature of Soiling As is in the draft document Cleaning and Maintenance regimes Many different systems and varied types of equipment are available and it is often a good idea to employ the services of a

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Burmatex is one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading manufacturers of contract carpets and carpet tiles.The company offers a product range spanning fibre bonded and tufted carpet in sheet and tile, as well as specialist barrier and entrance matting products. Its focus is on the design and creation of innovative products to meet the needs of architects, specifiers and contractors for the education, leisure, commercial, healthcare and public sectors.

Tel: 01924 262525 Fax: 01924 280033 Email: projects@burmatex.co.uk Web: www.burmatex.co.uk

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Section Eleven – professional contract carpet cleaning specialist to tailor a zonal programme for specific building requirements before handover.

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

1, Daily cleaning 2, Periodic or Restorative cleaning 3, Spot and Stain removal Daily Daily maintenance essentially consists of effective vacuuming, supported by “emergency” spot or stain removal.

For best results a heavy duty upright machine with a brushing action is generally recommended, to agitate the pile and loosen any trapped dirt which will affect the appearance of the carpet.Tub vacuum cleaners are available but these rely on suction alone and their only benefit in a commercial installation is for areas that are confined or difficult to access with upright cleaners.

Machines should be regularly serviced and dust bags checked as a full dust bag will severely reduce the suction efficiency of all types of vacuum cleaner.

Daily vacuuming should be supported with “emergency” spot or stain removal described below.

Carpets for Contract Use

Periodic or Restorative Thorough vacuuming should be carried out prior to Periodic or Restorative cleaning, followed by intensive overall cleaning, employing either a wet or dry cleaning system.

There are many variations of the two main systems described below.

Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning Dry extraction compounds are sprinkled onto the surface of the carpet, brushed in, and vacuumed off after a short “drying” time, during which cleaning agents break down and absorb soiling. Dry extraction compounds are made up of synthetic polymers or organic soil absorbent substances, impregnated with an appropriate cleaning agent to remove general soil build up and staining. Many products also include deodorising and anti bacterial agents.

The main benefit of this cleaning method is a reduction in drying time enabling use of the carpet almost immediately after completion. It is also particularly appropriate for Carpet Tiles, minimising adverse effects on dimensional stability due to over wetting and moisture ingress at the joints.

Wet Extraction Carpet Cleaning Hot, or warm, water extraction cleaning machines can vary considerably and usually consist of a solution tank (for clean

water and cleaning agents), a recovery tank (for extracted dirty water) a spray system ( for application of fluid) and a pump system (for sucking out used water / cleaning fluid). The water and cleaning fluid is sprayed into the pile and then extracted by suction along with residual soiling.This cleaning system is ideal for fibre bonded (needlepunch) products but is also effective on other broadloom style products when carried out by trained, skilled operators. Disadvantages are that sufficient drying time must be allowed for the carpet to dry before use and overwetting, or over use of cleaning fluids can result in shrinkage/ dimensional stability problems or premature re-soiling.

Spot and Stain removal Spots, stains and spillages should be dealt with as soon as possible. Food and beverage spills for example, if neglected, will attract more soil and risks being transferred to adjacent areas by foot traffic. It is worth defining the difference between a spot and a stain. Spots are concentrated substances lying near to the surface, which can normally be removed simply by removing the excess material and treating with a recommended spot cleaner. Stains usually fit the description of substances, which have penetrated the carpet fibres, and are more difficult to remove, sometimes requiring the services of a professional.

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

CORAL AND THRESHOLD Checkmate 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 1HT Tel: 01787 477272 Fax: 01787 476334 checkmatecarpets@btconnect.com

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S e c t i o n Tw e l v e – Traditionally one of the oldest forms of flooring which has seen an increase in usage over the past few years. Many different species of timber are available which are often selected for their appearance alone but wearing and stability properties are particularly important in commercial and recreational buildings. Hardwood flooring is available in many forms.

Wood mosaic panels Manufactured from a variety of timbers, such as iroko, merbau, oak and teak, which are chosen for their hardness and stability. Good resistance to wear and an attractive appearance are just two of the features of mosaic panels. They are also the cheapest form of hardwood flooring.

The panels are supplied in various sizes, generally 480 x 480mm and 477 x 477mm, both 8mm thick. Sixteen opposing squares, each comprising 4, 5 or 6 fingers per square, are then set in a basket weave pattern. Mosaic flooring can be laid over any sound, dry, level sub-floor. A concrete sub-floor should be finished with a 3 to 1 mix sand and cement screed, minimum 37mm thick. This should be level and finished with a steel trowel and, prior to laying, must be dry.

Mosaic panels are used in many applications including housing, schools, churches, recreational and sports areas.

They are available in felt-backed, meshbacked, paper-backed, paper-faced and are usually pre-sanded for easy installation. The overall finished appearance of all four types is similar. All are stuck to the sub-floor using bitumen rubber adhesive and are then sanded and finished as described below.

Wood blocks These are available in a variety of species for use in most applications including housing, public buildings, offices, schools, churches, factories, where a natural hardwearing and attractive floor is required.

Blocks are manufactured to various

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sizes with a tongue and groove on either side and grooved at either end.

They are usually installed by adhering to a screeded base finished with a steel or wood float.

The most popular pattern is herringbone but double herringbone, basket weave, ladder and brick patterns can be achieved. Generally, a two block border is used at the perimeter.

Finishing is generally carried out by using an appropriate polish & seal.

Parquet battens These are almost always available in oak, finished sizes 300 or 225 x 75 x 6mm. Other sizes and timbers are available in order to produce a wider choice of patterns. Parquet battens are generally installed onto a dry and level base covered with a minimum thickness of 4-6mm resin bonded plywood over the existing sub-floor: glued with a pva adhesive and pinned through the face using 25mm panel pins. The pins are punched home, filled, sanded and polished. At the perimeter, a margin known as a two line border of oak and a darker timber is formed.

Strip flooring Manufactured in a variety of sizes, usually random length tongued, grooved and end matched i.e. ends of strips are tongued and grooved1. May be installed by mechanical fixing through the face or secret nailing to a timber sub-floor or softwood joists/battens2. Can also be installed by adhering to a solid sub-floor using a proprietary adhesive or laid as a floating floor when using a proprietary manufactured system (see manufactured engineered boards below) in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

For recreational or activity use strips may be installed on battens fitted with rubber or neoprene pads or a continuous layer of polyurethane foam on the underside to provide a ‘semisprung’ floor.

Whilst strip flooring often requires sanding and sealing etc after installation it is also available pre-finished.

Overlay strips Traditional solid overlay strips. Similar to strip flooring except the thickness is 12mm nominal and is generally used in housing installed directly onto existing softwood boarded floors, chipboard or plywood, laid at right angles to the existing floor. If the existing sub-floor is covered with plywood or similar, the overlay can be laid in any direction, fixed by secretly nailing with 30mm panel pins through the tongue and finished in a similar manner to the strip flooring.

Manufactured engineered boards Available as a multi-layer or solid hardwood board in a variety of sizes and thicknesses and many species and are normally pre-finished at the manufacturing stage.

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

Where installed as a floating floor a proprietary underlay3 is necessary.

Very often used for recreational or activity areas besides commercial and domestic locations.

Timber descriptions A wide variety of species is available in all forms of hardwood flooring, such as the following: Beech – Creamy colour, different grades available. Class 2 movement.

Suitable for areas subject to heavy traffic.

Cherry – pale pinkish brown with straighter grain and fine even texture.

Decorative for use in light traffic areas.

1. End matched The joint at the end of the strip or board usually interlocking in the form of a tongued and grooved joint.

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S e c t i o n Tw e l v e – Note! This term does not in any way refer to the colour or grain pattern of the timber, 2. Battens softwood battens preservative treated and having a moisture content not exceeding 14% to facilitate timber flooring to be mechanically fixed and raised off a solid sub-floor.

They may be used with cradles or other levelling systems.

3. Underlays a layer of compressible material laid under a floating hardwood floor.

Gurjun/keruing – Grey to reddish brown with pronounced straight grain.

Contains resin and silicate deposits.

Class 2 movement, very resistant to wear, suitable for areas subject to heavy traffic.

Iroko – Golden yellow, which matures to golden brown after exposure to light.

Good alternative to teak. Class 1 movement with good wearing properties suitable for areas subject to heavy traffic.

Maple – Creamy colour with brown and dark veins. Graded for colour for different applications. Class 2 movement, suitable for trucking and very heavy traffic areas.

Merbau – Rich red colour after exposure to light. Class 1 movement.

Especially resistant to acids and suitable for areas subject to heavy traffic.

Oak – European and American. Light straw colour with pronounced grain.

Class 2 movement. Suitable for areas subject to medium traffic.

Redwoods – Mainly mixed African mahogany varying from pale to rich dark red. Class 2 movement, suitable for areas subject to medium traffic.

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Rhodesian teak – Deep red, some colour variation. Class 1 movement.

Suitable for extremely heavy traffic, trucking etc.

Teak – Variegated golden brown with pronounced colour and variation. Class 1 movement. Especially resistant to acids and suitable for areas subject to medium traffic.

Walnut – Dark brown in colour with wavy or curly grain and coarse texture.

Suitable for areas of medium traffic.

Installation At the time of publication of this Guide the British Standard Code of Practice for flooring of timber, timber products and wood based panel products covers the installation of hardwood flooring.

As this British Standard has currently not been revised since 1987 the section on Installation herewith has been addressed in more depth than the other floor coverings covered elsewhere and Architects, Specifiers, Builders, and Installers of hardwood flooring should consider the requirements for Exchange of Information, Sub-floors, Site Conditions, etc. given in this Guide and more recently published British Standards for flooring such as BS5325 Installation of Textile floor coverings, BS8203 Installation of Resilient floor coverings, BS8204-1 Concrete bases and cement sand levelling screeds to receive floorings, and BS8425 Installation of laminate floor coverings.

Whilst the CEN Report Document CEN/TC 134 N970 Preparation, design and installation – Part 1 General is for resilienht, textile and laminated floor coverings its contents are equally relevant for hardwood floorings.

Site conditions Wood is a hygroscopic material; its moisture content, therefore, depends on its environment. The moisture content which the wood will attain depends primarily upon the humidity of the

atmosphere and, to a lesser extent, upon the temperature. At relative humidity below 30%, wood shrinks as the moisture content, decreases and swells as it increases. This movement, which varies according to the species, occurs mainly across the grain of the wood and is usually greater in a direction tangential to the growth rings than in a radial direction.

The importance of using wood at correct moisture content cannot be overemphasised; if, at the time of fixing, the moisture content is too great, shrinkage is inevitable and it results in unsightly open joints; if the moisture content is too low, swelling may occur, causing lateral pressure to floors which can produce lifting. Flooring should thus be protected at all stages of storage, laying and in use to ensure that it is retained at the recommended moisture content.

Method of heating the building To reduce the dimensional changes which take place after wood is fixed in a building, it is desirable that the temperature and humidity in the building before, during and after laying the flooring should be approximately the same as those which will prevail during occupation.

At an early stage, the flooring contractor should be informed of the form of heating to be installed and he should be consulted also as to when it would be advisable to turn on the heating for the first time. When heat is first applied, latent moisture within the structure of the building is drawn out and this tends initially to increase the atmospheric humidity. Adequate ventilation should be provided therefore and laying should not commence until the initial drying out is complete; this period will vary widely with the type of construction and weather conditions.

Underfloor heating and other services Underfloor heating beneath wood flooring presents special problems because of the wide range of

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S e c t i o n Tw e l v e – temperature to which the flooring will be subjected. Where underfloor heating is involved, particular attention should be paid to the moisture content of the timber flooring at the time of laying.

During the summer or when the heat is turned off for long periods, high atmospheric humidity will cause an increase in the moisture content of wood flooring which had been specially kiln dried for heated conditions. This will produce lifting if the floor is too tightly jointed at the time of laying.

When the heat is turned on again the moisture content will decrease, therefore a greater seasonal moisture content variation is to be expected with underfloor heating than with other forms of heating.

Some underfloor heating systems are not compatible with timber flooring and it should be noted that recommendations regarding temperature and the point at which they should be measured vary (see underfloor heating - section 8).

The manufacturer of the timber flooring should always be consulted before installing over underfloor heating systems, particularly regarding the moisture content and species of the timber.

system should run for two weeks at half to two thirds power and thereafter any sudden changes in the temperature should be avoided.

The flooring should be dried to the correct moisture content and should not be delivered to the site until shortly before laying is to commence.

Precautions where underfloor heating is to be used. Before laying floor begins, the following procedure should be followed.

Fixings Timber flooring should normally be fixed using either nails, staples, screws or adhesives or alternatively laid as a floating floor using manufacturing proprietary systems such as clips, tongued and grooved interlocking systems or adhesives.

a) Allow the screed to dry as recommended. b) When screed is dry, turn on the underfloor heating and gradually increase it until maximum loading is reached. c) Maintain maximum loading for at least seven days.

With some adhesives it will be necessary to allow the screed to cool before installing timber flooring but the ambient conditions (see 4.5.3) must always be maintained. The heating

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Testing underfloor services All services (not only heating services) running beneath the floor should be tested fully before laying starts.

Treatment of pipes Where hot water or steam pipes (other than those for floor warming purposes) pass under the flooring it is essential that they are lagged or otherwise insulated to reduce movement of the flooring in that area and they should be fixed at a sufficient depth to avoid possible damage from fixings for the new flooring. Compliant insulation materials should be used to accommodate thermal movement of pipes.

be 19 mm. Normal or improved nails may be either hand driven or machine applied. The greater holding power of improved nails much increases resistance to ‘nail-popping’ but may add to the risk of the wood splitting.

Screws Screws, where used should have a length at least twice the thickness of the flooring being fixed, except in the case of thin sheet materials when the minimum penetration into a timber base should be 19 mm.

Adhesives Where adhesives are used, the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions should be followed.

Clips The manufacturers instructions should be followed.

Staples Staples should only be used for fixing timber floors where approved by the manufacturer.

See section 2 of this guide.

Tongued and grooved interlocking systems Substrates See section 4 of this guide.

Nails Nails having a diameter in accordance with the manufacturers/suppliers recommendations and with plain shanks should have a length not less than 2.5 times the thickness of the flooring through which the nail is driven, except in the case of thin sheet materials when the minimum penetration into a timber base should

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

Battens Battens which are securely fixed to the sub-floor should not be less than 36mm wide and those for floating floors not less than 44mm wide. They may be rectangular or splayed in cross sections and should be of sufficient depth to accommodate the length of fixing and generally be not less than 36mm thick.

Spacing of battens should be determined by the design loading and thickness and length of flooring available.

Batten ends must be staggered and not in line with each other in adjacent rows.

Other specialist systems are available and must be used strictly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

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Independent Contract Flooring Distributors Main Stockist for

• Altro • Ardex • Amtico • F Ball • Blaklader • Gradus • Heckmondwicke • Tarkett-Marley • Stanley • Polyflor • Quantum Profiles

Tonbridge Warehouse, Tonbridge Road, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex RM3 8TS Tel: 01708 378801/ 378802 Fax: 01708 378803 Email: sales@pfcflooring.co.uk

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S e c t i o n Tw e l v e – Provision for movement Because of the hygroscopic nature of wood changes in ambient conditions will cause wood floors to move appreciably and this is particularly so in respect to changes in ambient humidity.

Unless suitable provision is made to accommodate expansion the stability of surrounding walls can be affected and undesirable changes in the floor surface will result.

Exchange of information In order for the correct floor covering to be installed in appropriate conditions, at the right time, etc, it is essential that all parties have a clear understanding of the requirements of the project e.g. new build or refurbishment, and of the implications for all concerned. To ensure that this is achieved, it is essential that there is wide consultation between all parties involved in the project, including sub-contractors and materials suppliers. This consultation should start early in the design stage but will be necessary throughout the contract, especially should requirements or time scale change and as newcontract work is initiated.

As each project will be unique it is impossible to give a definitive list of the information to be exchanged, but the following are typical examples.

Projects The name and location of projects and personnel involved in pre-contract negotiations should be identified.

Contract conditions A programme for commencement and completion of work should be defined, including any specific requirement for sequenced completion.

Special attendance Access, unloading, hoisting and storage facilities, heat, light and power and any additional items considered necessary to expedite the work should be provided.

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Design General The flooring layout and specifications, based on building type and occupational uses should be provided, for example: • type of use; • type and density of foot and/or wheeled traffic; • loadings specific requirements Floor details The completed drawing/specification should provide comprehensive information on: • whether upper floor, ground floor or below ground level; • whether ground-supported or suspended construction; • particulars of any under floor heating installation or security installation; • position and treatment of expansion gaps; • curing and drying times of screeds and bases likely to be required before the installation of floor coverings; • screed or base with finished floor level, permissible departure from datum and class of surface regularity required; • in refurbishment work, the type and condition of existing base or floor finish and any type of treatment required; • type of damp-proof membrane and position within the floor construction, in particular, the need for specialist surface applied membranes where likely drying times for the base exceed time available in the programme; • choice of substrate, underlayment, adhesives, intermediate products and floor coverings; • requirements direction of material and the position and type of expansion joint profiles; • k) size, position and design of barrier zones.

Acclimatisation Unless a manufacturer clearly instructs otherwise the delivery of the timber flooring should be programmed so as to ensure the shortest possible storage period on site.

All materials should be stacked carefully to retain flatness and kept in an environment that will maintain the moisture content at the recommended level, ie. Not less than 7% nor more than 10% under normal circumstances.

Setting out Expansion gaps are necessary at the perimeter and all other abutments such as radiator pipes, thresholds, floor sockets etc for all of the floors covered by this Code of Practice and some provision may, on occasions, be necessary within the body of the floor.

The size of the expansion gaps will vary from one flooring product to another and will depend on the length and width of the floor, the type and thickness of the material and the method of installation.

Blocks wedges etc can be used to form the expansion gaps between the flooring and the walls and these are left in place until the installation of the flooring has been completed.

Perimeter gaps are usually covered with a skirting board or perimeter trim but the expansion spacers must be removed first.

Mosaic It is desirable that the floor be set out so as to achieve a symmetrical layout but dimensional variations may dictate an alternative be considered.

The first two lines of panels should be laid on either side of an approximate centre line and then continued outwards until a gap for expansion is left.

Blocks It is desirable that the floor be set out so as to achieve a symmetrical layout but dimensional variations may dictate

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that an alternative be considered. The first two lines of blocks should be laid on either side of an approximate centre line and should then continue outwards until a space is left for a border of longitudinally placed blocks plus an expansion gap. A range of designs for wood block flooring is shown in fig Strip Flooring Timber floors may expand mainly across the width and it is advantageous to lay boards and strips so that the number of boards or strips is kept to a minimum. Expansion gaps at doorways are often necessary where timber is laid through rooms. It is usual to lay the boards or strips parallel to the longest wall. The position of doors and windows should also be considered and the direction of existing floor boards or joists.

Boards and strips should be laid in as random pattern as possible and header joints and stave ends must not fall in line and be at least two strip widths apart in adjacent runs.

Overlay The flooring should be set out to suit the style of the overlay being used and laid in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Overlay strips should be set out in the same manner as Boards and Strips.

Manufactured Engineered Boards Setting out should generally be as for strip flooring but also consult and follow instructions of board manufacturer.

Fixing General There are three common methods of installing timber floors namely mechanical fixing, adhering to the subfloor and floating systems.

Mechanical Fixing Timber floors can be mechanically fixed to timber joists, existing timber floors, or to battens either by face or secret nailing through the tongue. The first and last rows of boards should generally be face fixed.

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The timber flooring must be fixed to every joist or batten or when laying over existing sub-floors at centres appropriate to the type of product.

Care must be taken not to damage the timber when fixing particularly within 50mm of the end of the board or strip.

On existing timber floors mechanical fixings should correspond with the joists centres wherever possible.

Wide faced boards (i.e. boards exceeding 100mm across the face) require intermediate forms of fixing besides secret nailing.

Where provision for expansion is required within the body of the floor then spacer washers should be used to prevent the boards or strips from closing up during the installation process.

With the exception of timber new and existing sub-floors should be overlaid with a vapour check before installing the timber battens or timber flooring.

Adhesive fixing Wood blocks and wood mosaic panels should be installed by using the recommended adhesive. Boards and strips should only be fixed by adhesive where this is expressly approved by the timber flooring manufacturer.

However site conditions and the preparation of the subfloor must be strictly in accordance with the recommendations given earlier in this document.

Adhesive must be applied in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, taking care that the coverage application and open times are observed.

Floating systems Many timber floors, particularly those of multi-layered construction are designed to be installed as floating systems ie. Not fixed to the sub-floor.

They should incorporate an underlay or resilient layer and with the exception of timber sub-floors a vapour check.

Boards and strips are installed by interlocking joints, gluing along the tongue and groove or with proprietary clips in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Solid timber boards and/or strips should not be glued together unless so recommended by the manufacturer.

Finishing Timber flooring generally requires finishing to protect the timber from contamination, staining and to reduce the wear on the surface.

Whilst some of the products are prefinished in the manufacturing stage even they may require a final coat of finish after installation is completed.

The performance of the flooring therefore is very much dependant on the choice of seal, the number of coats and the site application.

The finish chosen will greatly affect the appearance of the timber flooring but it will also be necessary to take into account the resistance to wear, the drying time and particularly when working in occupied buildings the amount of odour the seal will produce during the application and drying period.

On flooring that has been prefinished at the manufacturing stage it will normally only be necessary to ensure the floor is properly clean before applying a final coat (when required).

Unfinished timber flooring however will require sanding with a drum or belt floor sanding machine and starting with a coarse grit sandpaper, followed by a medium grit paper and finishing with a fine grit paper.

This three stage operation is important to provide a smooth surface without ‘chatter’ or ‘roller’ marks that is capable of receiving a finish.

All finishes should be applied strictly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and it is the responsibility of the users to ensure that all the current Health and Safety Regulations are being strictly observed.

Note: Spontaneous ignition can occur with sanding dust particularly when re-sanding existing floors and it is important that the sanding dust be disposed of safely.

Sealing and polishing Due to the increase in types and quality of wood floor finishes the choice available to the contractor is large and it can be difficult to specify one particular type for a job. The condition

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S e c t i o n Tw e l v e – and purpose of the floor should be taken into account as well as environmental conditions and available maintenance. Floors used for sport should be coated with products conforming to a recognised standard such as BS7044 or DIN 18032 for slip resistance. Timber should be fully conditioned to its environment and care should be taken with oily hardwoods and contaminated reclaimed wood.

Solvent containing products Traditional waxes - These impart good wood colour, usually giving a deep even finish. They allow freedom of movement and offer excellent repair-ability but require high maintenance in the form of regular buffing. They are known to “travel” producing slip problems in surrounding areas. They should be avoided in sports areas. The use of waxes can lead to great difficulties when a floor is to be re-sealed with other products and should be removed as much as possible or speciality primers used.

Traditional oil - This imparts good wood colour, usually used as a matt finish. Oils allow freedom of movement but can be slow drying and require high maintenance in heavily trafficked areas although are readily repaired.

Timber Flooring

These generally have poor penetration into dense oily hardwoods and can have the same problems as wax when over-coating is attempted..

Hardwax oil - These give similar properties to traditional oils but with improved durability and chemical resistance. Normally available in satin/matt.

Oleo resinous - These give very good penetration and are easy to use with similar wear and chemical resistance to Hardwax oils but with a deep ‘build’ on the surface. These products allow good wood movement but are comparatively slow to dry and cure. Primarily available in high gloss.

Oil modified polyurethane and urethane oil – These visually and in method of use are similar to oleoresinous but with significantly improved hardness, chemical resistance and durability. They are available in all gloss levels.

Solvent based moisture curing polyurethane – These give excellent durability and chemical resistance with deep build but do not allow wood movement due to the high strength of the film. These are not recommended for use on new timber floors. Primarily available in high gloss. Generally a very low maintenance finish.

Acid catalysed lacquer – Similar properties to solvent based polyurethanes but faster in drying and curing, generally less durable and chemical resistance than moisture cured urethanes. Available in all gloss levels again generally ow maintenance.

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

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version they can be almost odourless and are fast drying and curing. Good durability and chemical resistance when cured. There are many versions of this type with their own strengths such as high speed, colour enhancement, clarity, UV stability, flexibility or hardness. The use of a primer depends on the particular product used and the type of wood. Available in all gloss levels.

Two pack water borne polyurethanes – Again the primary advantages of this class of products is improved environmental and personal safety.

Depending on the version they can be almost odourless and all known to have excellent durability and chemical resistance when cured. The use of a primer depends on the particular product used and the type of wood.

Available in a variety of gloss levels with good UV stability. The main disadvantage of this type is limited pot life of mixed product.

Maintenance The customer should be provided with details of the maintenance required to enable the floor to perform satisfactorily in use. It is also important that the heating regime in a building having timber flooring is not neglected even when the building is unoccupied. It is necessary to ensure that the timber flooring is maintained continually at or near to the moisture content at the time of installation. A measure of ventilation may help to keep internal temperatures lower during the hotter months of the year and prevent high levels of humidity building up.

Surface Maintenance Preventive maintenance to the finish on timber floors is necessary to reduce the number of scratches, etc.

Manufacturers of the floor finished should be consulted regarding regular maintenance as this will help to extend the life of the finish.

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Section Thirteen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; These pre-finished flooring products are available in a multitude of sizes, thicknesses and finishes and must be installed on a smooth, dry and level sub-floor.

They consist of a surface layer of one or more thin sheets of fibrous material (usually paper) impregnated with aminoplastic resins (usually melamine).

These sheets are either pressed together and bonded on a substrate (usually woodbased panels) or directly pressed on a

substrate and finished with a backing primarily used as a balancing material.

British Standard BS EN 13329 gives the specifications, requirements and test methods for laminate floorings.

Installation For the most part laminate floorings should be treated as any wood based product and the requirements for site conditions, sub-floors, etc given earlier in this guide apply.

Section Fourteen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The majority of industrial floors are based on cementitious mixes such as direct finished (power floated) concrete and granolithic pavings. Both these floor finishes are described in BS8204.

A compromise between concrete and granolithic floors can be achieved by the use of sprinkle finishes. These materials are normally a dry mixture of cement and graded, hard wearing aggregates up to 3mm in size.

Laminate Flooring Manufacturers recommendations should be followed and also BS 8425 Code of Practice for the Installation of Laminate floor coverings.

Whilst some existing floorcoverings in good condition may be retained and the new flooring installed over it a solid sub-floor is required and existing laminate and textile floor coverings should always be removed and the sub-floor made good before installing laminates.

In-situ, Com position, Seamless Floor ing

The finish is sprinkled as a dry mix into the wet concrete surface and power floated to a smooth durable finish.

Ordinary Portland cement is occasionally replaced by high alumina cement, particularly where heat resistance is important.

A greater resistance to acid attack is also achieved by using high alumina cement.

Granolithic mixes are also used in conjunction with metal grid, cast iron and steel tiles in heavy duty areas where abrasion is excessive. The grids in such areas are bedded in the granolithic mix and protect the surface from undue damage.

Ceramic tiles are available for industrial use and the properties vary from decorative to chemicalresistance, jointed with a variety of mortars.

Brick floors can provide an attractive and hard wearing industrial flooring using engineering bricks and paviors.

There are, nevertheless, many industrial situations where cementitious

or tiled floors are unsuitable due to a whole range of factors: ie, chemical attack: hygiene: ease of cleaning: speed of placing or repair: weight per unit area or lack of headroom to accommodate 50-100mm toppings.

EEC legislation has also highlighted the need for waterproof floors with sealed joints for use in food processing areas.

The use of polymer resin systems can often fulfil these requirements.

Polymer resin systems The majority of polymer resin systems used in flooring are applied as toppings to cement-based slabs or screeds.

There are some exceptions, such as wood strip or steel plate floors and systems are available to coat such materials.

There are many hundreds of proprietary polymer resin systems available but they can be classified into general polymer types under light, medium and heavy duty systems.

A few systems mentioned are not strictly polymer based but are included since they are available as competitive toppings.

There are also a number of patented systems available, details of which can be obtained form the manufacturers.

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Section Fourteen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Light duty systems Surface coatings normally applied by brush or roller and dry to a thickness of 0.1-0.3mm.

Sodium silicate solutions: Two to three coats on concrete only.

The solution fills the pores and partially reacts with the free lime to produce improved abrasion resistance and short term dust proofing. Mildly chemical resistant.

Silico fluoride types: Similar to sodium silicate but more penetrative with improved abrasion resistance and dust proofing.

Polymer emulsion treatments: These are water based and similar to emulsion paints without the colouring pigments. Help to prevent surface dusting. Poor chemical resistance and short term durability.

Resin solutions: These are resins dissolved in solvents which dry by solvent evaporation only.

Many are available but chlorinatedrubber 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 evaporation and oxidation of the resin produces the final finish. The most common are known as oleoresinous paints and varnishes. They usually achieve good penetration of the surface and give reasonable durability at a moderate cost. Chemical resistance only moderate.

Reactive resins: These fully reacted coatings produce the most chemically resistant surfaces in this section.

In-situ, Com position, Seamless Floor ing

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

Two pack types react chemically when the two components are mixed thoroughly in correct proportions.

Generally produces a tougher film than one-pack systems.

Epoxy two-pack systems must be thoroughly mixed producing a tough film with excellent adhesion to sound, clean and dry surfaces.

All the light duty systems tend to be short term since the surfaces wear off in use and allow penetration of the substrate. Regular maintenance applications can, however, sometimes extend the useful life. These light duty systems do not usually require application by specialist contractors.

Medium duty systems These are basically similar to some of the light duty systems but at a greater thickness, from 0.5-3.0mm. This is achieved by applying many coats or by higher viscosity solvent-free formulations.

Polyester: These are two-pack full-reactive resins consisting of a polymer solution in styrene which reacts in the presence of an oxidising agent to a hard tough film.

Can be applied up to 3mm thickness. It is often self-smoothing and pigmented for decorative floors. Good chemical resistance (not strong alkalis) but sensitive to low temperature during the laying process.

Polyurethane: The system of application with the moisture cured resins is by the use of many coats, leaving each to cure before over-coating and thus building up the required thickness. Decorative effects can be achieved by the introduction of coloured chips between coats. Sensitive to excess moisture during the laying process, when it will cause bubbling.

Two-pack fully reactive polyurethane systems are also available at a higher viscosity, requiring few coats to build up to a specified thickness. Very good chemical resistance.

Epoxy: A high build system up to 0.5mm can be achieved by applying two thick coats of epoxy reactive resin by roller or spray, thus increasing the durability of the system.

A two-pack solvent-free, self-smoothing system can be applied up to a thickness of 3mm but generally 1.5mm to reduce cost per unit area.

The epoxy is applied by trowel or squeegee to approximately the required thickness, then left to level out. Usually pigmented in a variety of colours.

Good oil and chemical resistance and easily cleaned due to its smooth surface texture.

The use of specialist contractors for the application of these finishes is recommended.

Heavy duty systems Heavy duty systems are normally laid at a thickness of 4.5mm or more, giving a variety of surface textures and range in performance, from light trucking service, to severe impact and chemical resistance.

Magnesium oxychloride finishes: Traditionally known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Magnesiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, this is basically a mixture of calcined magnesite and various fillers, gauged with a solution of magnesium chloride. It is laid from 12mm up to 50mm thickness.

Magnesite is sensitive to high humidity both from the air and the base slab. An effective damp-proof membrane must be incorporated in direct to ground sub-floors.

It is not recommended to use in wet conditions unless protected by a surface coating.

Such surface coatings may give short term protection from dilute acids.

Otherwise it is not recommended.

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Section Fourteen – Mastic asphalt: This is a hot applied finish laid at a thickness of 25mm plus. It can be put into service without delay and some chemical resistance grades are available. Susceptible to high point loadings. For further information, refer to the section on sub-floors.

Bitumen emulsion modified: This finish is based on a mix of cement and aggregates, gauged with a bitumen emulsion. It provides a dustfree surface which has the ability to self-heal if damaged. Laid at an average of 12mm thick, it can withstand medium to heavy trucking.

It is susceptible to high point loadings and is not recommended for areas subject to excessive oil or water exposure.

Polymer emulsion and rubber latex modified: Commonly called ‘polymer floors’, they are similar to the previous category, but the mix is gauged with polymer emulsions of a suitable type. The emulsions are based on synthetic polymers such as vinyl acetate, acrylates, vinylidene chloride,

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In-situ, Com position, Seamless Floor ing

styrene/butadiene, or natural rubber latex. The finishes range from medium duty to heavy duty, water and oil-resistant types. Some emulsion modified systems such as rubber latex mixes are flexible enough to make them suitable for direct application to steel substrates.

Moderate chemical resistance.

These materials require careful selection.

Resin based Polyester: These resin systems combine polyester resin with suitable aggregates and fillers laid by trowel, normally up to 6mm thick. They are cured in a similar way to medium duty polyester systems.

Polyurethane: Two-pack resin systems are available in this range, using aggregates and fillers laid by trowel, normally up to 6mm thickness.

Epoxy: Two or three pack systems solvent free, trowel applied, again filled with a range of suitable aggregates, normally up to 6mm thickness.

These resin based finishes are intended for heavy duty impact and abrasive resistant situations and can, if necessary, be laid at thicknesses of 12mm plus. They are also resistant to many chemicals and solvents but reference should always be made to the manufacturer.

Some are suitable for direct application to steel decks. All require carefully prepared substrates to comply with manufacturers’ instructions.

The use of specialist contractors for the application of these finishes is essential.

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Section Fifteen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Terrazzo Terrazzo flooring consists of an admixture of cement with suitable pigments combined with an aggregate, usually of crushed marble, laid to form a decorative floor finish.

A well laid and well maintained terrazzo floor formed either in-situ or in precast tile form provides floor surface with high abrasive resistance, ease of cleaning and good durability.

The surface is hard, smooth and generally unaffected by water. Terrazzo can also be provided to conduct static electricity in operating theatres.

In-situ terrazzo When laid in-situ, terrazzo usually consists of a two-layer operation with the wearing and decorative layer laid on to a freshly laid cement/sand screed. Thickness of the terrazzo matrix can be up to 15mm.

Thorough compaction of the matrix is carried out by tramping, rolling and trowelling.

When cured, terrazzo is machine ground with various grades of

Te r ra z z o F l o o r i n g s

carborundum blocks to produce a smooth polished finish.

The area may be divided into panels by metal or plastic clips.In-situ terrazzo can be used for wall finishes as well as flooring.

Terrazzo tiles The greater part of terrazzo flooring is devoted to the use of precast terrazzo tiles, which consist of a similar decorative matrix as in-situ terrazzo on a cement-based backing and formed into tiles by a combination of mechanical vibration and hydraulic pressure.

After being pressed the surface is treated by grinding and subsequent grouting.

Terrazzo tiles are available in various sizes with a nominal thickness of 28mm, comprising 15mm of terrazzo matrix on a 13mm cement-based backing.

The tiles can be produced in various qualities, from industrial flooring grades to the decorative floor finish. The same high standards are maintained by using only the finest marble aggregates.

Precast tiles or units are installed on site by bedding them in a cement/sand mortar (1:3) and the joints are grouted with neat cement coloured to match the colour of the tiles being installed. Usually the finish achieved during manufacture eliminates the need for the grinding or polishing process or any further treatment after fixing although it is normal practice to do so.

Terrazzo tiles have excellent impact resistance and are considered to be resistant to fire.

In addition to being produced in tile form, the material can be preformed for staircase finishes, such as treads and risers which are precision ground and polished to suit the particular specification ready for assembly on site.

Composite terrazzo With the introduction of epoxide resins and similar binders, a variety of flooring is becoming available which retains the appearance of a terrazzo or marble floor, but enables manufacturers to reduce the thickness and show considerable savings in weight.

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Section Sixteen – In any building there will be situations where increases in slip risk exist. Often, the risk can be reduced by good design practice, for example increasing the use of barrier matting where potential for increased contamination from the building exterior exists, or by good housekeeping such as increased cleaning frequencies in sensitive or high risk areas. Where expected levels of contamination cannot be controlled by such means, the slip resistance properties of the floor covering and the use of floor coverings offering enhanced slip resistance should also be considered to reduce slip risk.

Slip Resistant Floor coverings may be of either homogeneous or heterogeneous type, this classification of product group being based primarily on their claimed enhanced slipresistance under predetermined standard conditions. These floor coverings are primarily designed for use in areas where expected levels of surface contamination are such that the use of smooth floor coverings may present an unacceptable slip risk to the user. As with any floor surface, the effect and type of contamination must be assessed and emphasis placed on the requirement for correct maintenance in order to retain its slipresistant properties.

In the UK, guidance on the subject of slip risk is offered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Health and Safety Laboratory (part of the HSE) and the UK slip group. Their advice and test methods do not form part of any British or European standard requirement for resilient floor coverings, but are recognised as reliable methods for determination of slip risk. Their advice is based on the measurement of the coefficient of friction and micro surface roughness of the surface under test.

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Slip Resistance

These tests can be carried out both ex-factory and on site and are suitable for all types of floor covering. On site test methods are necessary as the slip resistance properties of the floorcovering should be sustainable throughout the life of the product.

The test carried out by the HSE both ‘in the dry’ and ‘in the wet’ to determine the coefficient of friction is The Pendulum Test.

A pendulum frame which contains a free swinging arm is placed onto the surface of the material to be tested. A slider of a defined material (usually FourS but recently known as Slider 96) and shape is attached to the free end of the pendulum arm. The pendulum arm is pulled back to, and dropped from, the horizontal position brushing the test material over a predefined length at the base of its arc and swinging through towards the horizontal position at the opposite side of the arc. As the pendulum brushes the test material its momentum is reduced such that it cannot reach the horizontal position on the through swing. The distance by which the arm falls short of the horizontal on the through swing is measured against a scale attached to the frame which is then read to give a pendulum test value (PTV). This PTV equates roughly to the coefficient of friction (CoF) x 100.

Surface Roughness – the micro surface roughness of a product is measured using a roughness meter, which contains a fine stylus, either on the underside of the meter or attached to a moving arm. As the stylus is drawn across the test material it follows the microscopic undulations in the surface of the material. The meter senses the movement in the stylus between the peaks and troughs of the undulations, measures this movement, and expresses the result in microns. Ten such measurements are taken (in different places and directions) over a set area of the test sample. The

surface roughness (Rz) is taken as an average of the ten readings. Surface roughness of floor coverings can be used to give an indication of a product’s performance in surface wet conditions.

However, surface roughness results should not be used in isolation, but evaluated with other relevant information such as pendulum test values.

UK slip group and HSE Guidelines on interpretation of results PENDULUM (UK Slip Group

SURFACE ROUGHNESS (UK Slip Group)

Result

Risk

Result

Risk

<25

High

<10

High

25 – 35 Moderate 10 – 20 Moderate 36 – 65 Low >65

20+ - 30 Low

Extreme >30 Low

Extreme Low

When considering coefficient of friction results obtained from the Pendulum test the HSE States: “Floors with a coefficient of friction of 0.36 and above are regarded as safe to walk on for the vast majority of the working population. Clean dry floors generally have a CoF greater than 0.36. Employers should have a safety management system with controls in place to ensure that floors remain clean and dry as far as reasonably practicable. The system should include procedures for dealing rapidly with occasional spillages. However, where floors are going to become foreseeably contaminated, AND it is not reasonably practical to keep them dry, a floor should be provided with a CoF of 0.36 or above in the contaminated state.”

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Where floors are expected to become contaminated in use, the installation of floor coverings which offer enhanced slip resistance can help to reduce risk.

However, it important to note that management of risk through floor covering selection alone is not an approach either advised or recommended by the HSE or the UK Slip Group. The main thrust of their advice is based on risk assessment and consideration of manufacturer’s ex-factory and in-service slip test data is a valuable part of a risk assessment. The UK slip group advice states that “Evaluation of slip resistance of floors requires not simply obtaining a particular reading from an instrument, but also an assessment of other factors, for example the type of contaminants involved, the cleaning methods, etc.”

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Further information can be obtained from the Health and Safety Laboratory and the United Kingdom Slip Resistance Group at: THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London SE1 9HS

www.hse.gov.uk and THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RESEARCH INFORMATION Association (CIRIA) Classic House, 174-180 Old Street, London EC1V 9BP

www.ciria.org.uk

SPECIALIST INSTALLERS TO THE HOTEL HEALTH CARE BUSINESS AND BANKING COMMUNITIES 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

O’Gorman & Carey Concorde House, Nesfield Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 3E Tel: 01274 393383 Fax: 01274 392394

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Section Seventeen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The correct selection of adhesive plays a crucial part in the successful installation of any floor covering and it is therefore important that full details of the sub-floor, site conditions, in-service conditions and floor covering itself etc, are made fully known to all parties at an early stage.

Since the basic purpose of the adhesive is to bond two different surfaces together and ensure that they remain together, under the expected service conditions and for the full term of the installation, it is essential that a fully compatible adhesive be chosen. Most adhesive manufacturers work extremely closely with the appropriate floor covering manufacturers and publish extensive recommendations for adhesive suitability with particular floor coverings.

Many factors affect the choice of adhesive; the following lists the most 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 in conservatory 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 ADHESIVE Most flooring adhesives are conventionally applied by steel trowel with 60 deg Vshaped notches along each edge. The depth and spacing of these notches are specified to control the quantity of the adhesive applied and to suit the floor covering being laid. With some adhesives it is possible to follow on using a roller to flatten out the ridges and minimise grin through of adhesive. The adhesive manufacturers take great care to ensure that the correct trowel notching is specified for each adhesive and situation, and it is essential to follow their recommendations.

It is important that the correct notching is maintained throughout the adhesive

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Selection of Adhesive

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

Alternative methods of application, such as spray and roller, offer the advantage of adhesive application from the standing position and, with spray in particular, fast application rates can be achieved.

Both methods of application require specially formulated adhesives and will provide adhesive coatings without the normal ridged pattern.

All adhesives must be used in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer and the British Standard Codes of Practice.

TYPES OF ADHESIVE: GUM SPIRIT (RESIN ALCOHOL) ADHESIVE: A solution of resin and polymer, normally in industrial alcohol and containing filler and other modifiers. Highly Flammable.

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

SYNTHETIC RUBBER DISPERSION ADHESIVE: An aqueous dispersion of resin, synthetic rubber, filler and other modifiers. Solvent containing, solvent free and low VOC types available. Non-Flammable.

CONTACT ADHESIVE (RUBBER SOLUTION): A solution of synthetic rubber in organic solvent. Contains resins or other modifiers and/or fillers. Can be both Flammable and Non-flammable.

CONTACT ADHESIVE (SOLVENT FREE): A dispersion of synthetic rubber in water.

May contain resins, modifiers and/or fillers. Non-Flammable.

ACRYLIC ADHESIVE: An acrylic ester co-polymer emulsion containing resin modifiers and/or fillers.

Solvent containing, solvent free and low VOC types available. Non-flammable.

PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE: An acrylic ester co-polymer emulsion that may contain resin modifiers.

Non-flammable.

BITUMEN SOLUTION ADHESIVE: A blend of bitumen in organic solvents with the addition of powdered and/or fibrous mineral fillers. Flammable.

BITUMEN EMULSION ADHESIVE: An aqueous emulsion of bitumen containing rubber and/or other modifiers, which may contain mineral fillers. Non-flammable.

EPOXY ADHESIVE: Two-component adhesive consisting of epoxy resin and hardener, which are mixed together immediately before use.

Both components may contain fillers and other modifiers. Non-flammable and Flammable types available.

POLYVINYL ACETATE (PVAC) EMULSION ADHESIVE: An aqueous emulsion of polyvinyl acetate homopolymer or co-polymers, which may contain fillers and other modifiers.

Non-flammable.

POLYURETHANE (PU) ADHESIVE: One or two-component types are available, often in solution in organic solvents. Flammable and Non-flammable types available.

CONDUCTIVE ADHESIVE: Specially formulated adhesives to allow installation of fully conductive and anti-static floor coverings.

NB Some of the above types, which are normally non-flammable, may incorporate small quantities of organic solvent. If this renders the product flammable, the container will be labelled accordingly.

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

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Contact Information Telephone 0116 2608873 / Fax 0116 269 3759 269 Long Furrow, East Goscote, Leicestershire, LE7 3ZL Email: john@jrroberts.co.uk

Web: www.jrroberts.co.uk

GLASSWELLS COPY ON ITS WAY

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Section Eighteen – Static Electricity Static control flooring usually represents only one component of a Static Control Environment and should be considered as such. Individual components of such a system can be tested in laboratories, and usually are. When these components are combined on site they will not necessarily give performance figures in line with any individual component readings. The selection of components of the complete system is therefore of prime importance to ensure the specified performance is achieved.

When choosing a flooring system designed to control static electricity one must keep in mind that the base components in the contract are of a more specialised nature than normal.

Some types of static control floorcoverings are more expensive than others, as is their installation, so careful consideration of performance requirements is essential to ensure that the flooring system is selected by performance rather than cost.

Therefore, before choosing your static control floor it is absolutely necessary to have good communication with all parties involved with end use, eg specifiers, architects, interior designers, equipment manufacturers and manufacturers of flooring materials and client, to discuss the exact needs and, if possible, ascertain future needs of the floor. A full specification must be laid down, including method of installation, on site performance requirements with method of test and maintenance. Before putting the contract to tender, it must be borne in mind that incorrect maintenance of a completed contract can give poor results on what could be a perfect floor.

Glossary of Terms used in Static Control Floors 1. Anti-Static Additive. A liquid or solid substance added to a product during manufacture to improve the conductivity of that product. The

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Static Control

increased conductivity ensures that significant electrostatic charges are conducted away to earth instead of accumulating on a body.

2. Anti-Static Floorcoverings. An often mis-interpreted term commonly used to describe all floorings with dissipative or conductive properties.

The term is better suited to floorcoverings with ‘physiologically antistatic’ properties. In other words they have been treated in such a way as to prevent them generating static electricity within themselves rather than controlling static electricity introduced into them..

3. Anti-Static Treatment. Surface treatments applied after installation that achieve temporary improvement of surface conductivity.

4. Bulk Resistance. The total electrical resistance through the floor system measured between the surface of the floor-covering and a known earth.

Also known as Leakage Resistance.

5. Conductive. The ability of a component or material to conduct electricity.

6. Conductive (ROF) Flooring. Specialist material normally connected with low resistance, commonly used in areas where explosives are handled.

7. Conductor. A component or material capable of carrying an electric current.

8. Decay Time. The time required for a charge to decay to a given percentage of the charge’s peak voltage.

9. Earthing. The deliberate electrical connecting of a conductor to the earth.

10. Electrode. A device for making a deliberate conductive connection to a surface.

11. Electrostatic Discharge. The discharge of accumulated electrostatic charge which can occur when a charged body comes into contact with a conductor, eg when a person touches metal objects such as a fling cabinet.

12. Half Life. The time taken for an electrostatic charge to decrease to 50% of its peak voltage.

13. Insulative. Property of materials incapable of conducting electricity.

14. Leakage Resistance. See Bulk Resistance.

15. Ohm. Unit of electrical resistance.

16. Relative Humidity. An amount of water vapour in the atmosphere at a given temperature.

17. Resistance. Opposition that material offers to the flow of electricity measured in ohms.

18. Resistivity. The resistance properties of a material.

19. Static Conductive. Used to indicate that a material is capable of conducting electricity to earth.

20. Static Electricity. Static electricity is an electrical charge on the surface of a body commonly caused by friction and separation of two surfaces, eg walking across an insulative floorcovering.

21. Stroll Test. A test procedure to measure build up of static electricity on an individual.

22. Surface Resistance.

The electrical resistance of the surface of a material.

23. Volume Resistance. Electrical resistance measured through the thickness of a material.

24. Static Dissipative. Used to indicate that the product can dissipate and therefore reduce static electricity. This is usually achieved by adding a hydroscopic material to the product which takes moisture from the atmosphere and thereby increases surface conductivity.

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

Prevention of spark generation where flammable gases are used, eg hospital operating theatres or areas where explosives are handled or stored.

Personal comfort (protection from electrostatic shock).

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Protection of microchips during assembly, test or repair.

Reduction of charge to prevent attraction of particles to surfaces (clean rooms).

Control of electrostatic discharge encompasses many facets of environmental design, however, in this paper we only consider the contribution of static control flooring systems.

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IEE Regulations require that metallic components of a raised modular floor will be properly earthed; this requirement should not be confused with electrostatic properties.

Understanding Static Control Specifications Before a specification is set up the performance required to meet the end use must be defined. When the prime reason for prevention of electrostatic discharge is protection of electrostatic sensitive devices or processes, specifications take the form of upper and lower resistance limits. The upper limit is necessary to give the process or equipment adequate protection and provide the levels of working in that environment against a mains 240250V electric shock. Where the prime reason for prevention of electrostatic discharge is one of personal total comfort, the specification takes the form of a maximum body voltage of

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When a resistance is shown as 100M this 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

Achieving Static Control 1. Bases. In terms of general flooring performance the standards as set in BS8203 are usually acceptable. As far as static control is concerned the resistance of each individual base must be considered in relation to the total system requirements; as special treatments may be necessary with some systems, this should be Before installing any flooring system discussed at the specification stage. designed to control static electricity the 2. Installed Systems. In preparing entire system must be examined for the level of protection required. A typical specification to a new or existing system could consist of base the flooring the following elements: system must consist of components, “Preparing the Specification Tender” Substrate (underlay, adhesive, Underlay deliberate earthings Adhesive and floor coverings etc) that have Surface Covering 2Kvs measured as the ‘Stroll Test’. been tested in combination and Maintenance Both sets of results are subject to their have been approved by the floor Electrical specification own methods of test and care must be covering manufacturer as providing which would include taken not to confuse total system the level of static control required.

“Method of Test” testing with individual component tests.

3. Floorcoverings. The majority of Frequency of Testing A system provided to protect floor-covering types are available in equipment will normally provide versions suitable for these types of The invitation to tender should state personal body protection but a installation: PVC, rubber, lino, what specification the system must meet personal body protection system will carpet, resin, seamless floors, high for electrical safety. The specification not normally provide equipment pressure laminates or other materials should also include the person protection. adhered to each panel in the case nominated to test and certify Due to the very large numbers of raised modular floors. the electrical performance of the involved in measuring resistance in 4. Raised Modular Floors. When installed system. flooring systems, for example 1 million considering a raised modular floor ohms, a shorthand form is commonly in which the metallic network is used whereas this may be expressed as Test Methods specifically connected to the building 106 ohms or M or Mega or M?.

Laboratory tests can be used to give an earth, the combined resistance of indication of the performance of some the floorcovering, the floorcovering The table and guide that follows shows individual components but the adhesive if any, the modular floor specification and on site tests refer to the shorthand representation of some panels, the pedestal support must all large numbers commonly used and the entire system and how they interact. be taken into account. If no direct Attention is drawn to conditions also prefixes used. connection of the metallic network to required as specified in the “Test each exists the resistance of the Methods” regarding points such as temperature, relative humidity, adhesive used to fix the pedestal to electrodes, meters and conditioning. the subfloor and the subfloor itself Different Test Methods can give must also be included.

www.cfa.org.uk

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Section Eighteen – different results on the same system, therefore, the specified test must be followed. Floors should be clean and dry before testing commences.

There are a great many test methods for static control systems. Some of the test methods are summarised below. To ensure that the floor is tested to the latest specification the specifier must obtain a copy from the local office of that country’s Standard Authority and a copy should then be attached to the specification.

BS EN 61340-5-1 (IEC 61340-5-1) Harmonised system of quality assessment for electrical components.

Basic specifications: protection of electrostatic sensitive devices.

BS6654 Standard: method for determination of the electrical resistivity of textile

floorcoverings. Designed to test installed and individual components.

BS2050 Standard: Specification for Electrical Resistance of conducting and antistatic products made from flexible polymeric material. Designed to test individual components of system.

BS3187 Standard: Specification for elect resin and of conducting rubber.

Designed to test individual components.

BE EN 1815 Standard: Method for determination of static electrical propensity of textile floorcoverings: “Walk Test”. Designed to measure body voltage generation.

BS7078 Standard: Determination of the electrical resistance to earth of an installed textile floorcovering. Designed to test the

Section Nineteen – It is of paramount importance to protect all internal floorcoverings from excess soiling and moisture transferred from outside sources by the use of effective entrance flooring systems.

This is particularly important to reduce any slip hazards and also to maintain satisfactory wear and long term appearance of internal floor coverings.

Various systems are available for both internal and external use, often a combination of both providing optimum results. BS 7953 provides guidance for the selection, installation and maintenance of entrance flooring systems. An appropriate size of entrance product should be installed to maximise protective properties for any particular building..

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Selection of Adhesive resistance between electrode placed on a textile floorcovering and the main electrical earth.

BS EN 1081 Standard: resilient floorcoverings – Determination of electrical resistance.

It must be noted that lack of correct maintenance procedures can have a disastrous effect on the materials as well as the readings. Careful consultation with the surface material manufacturer is therefore essential. Anti static polishes for use on insulative surfaces are readily available, reducing personal body voltage or personal shock caused by people walking across insulative floors. They are designed for use on insulative floors to give temporary protection against the generation of body voltage and hence reduce personal shock.

Entrance Flooring Systems

Entrance flooring systems serve as the main element of preventative measures, minimising transfer of soil from outside sources or between different areas/zones within a building.

Generally, soil transfer can be defined in two categories (Wet and Dry) and more often than not it is wise to assess the choice of system considering protection for both, separately, in the form of a Primary and Secondary matting system.

Primary matting is usually installed as the main line of defence from outside sources and is constructed usually with a rigid retaining frame, incorporating a coarse or ribbed surface profile for effective removal of dry soil and debris.

Secondary matting is generally installed adjacent to the floorcovering it is

protecting, and is constructed using absorbent surface materials for removal of wet soiling.

Secondary “ carpet type” systems are also ideal inside buildings between soil sensitive zones such as break out, kitchen, washroom or vending machine areas.

For buildings where there is insufficient space to include both systems, integral products combining the benefits of a ribbed surface with absorbent textile strip inserts are available.

Always ensure barrier matting products are regularly cleaned, as dirty mats will do more harm than good, transferring dirt from the mat itself to adjacent areas.

Other preventative measures can be implemented by good housekeeping and management of regular maintenance.

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S e c t i o n Tw e n t y – Temporary Protection Materials Protection of interior floor finishes is often required on both new build and refurbishment projects. Fast track programs often include floor coverings installed prior to the completion of work by other trades and to reduce the risk of damage proper protection materials should be considered.

Flame Retardant Protection Loss Prevention Standard LPS1207 issued by the Loss Prevention Certification Board part of BRE Certification, a sister company to the Building Research Establishment, relates to the requirements for protective covering materials on construction sites. Any temporary protection which purports to comply with LPS1207 must be suitably marked and display the name and identification of the supplier.

Choosing the correct product There are many forms of temporary protection, a product fit for purpose should be selected after considering the following points.

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Temporary Protection Materials

The surface requiring protection The site conditions and site traffic The length of time a surface requires protection prior to handover Advice on selection of the appropriate material is available from suppliers.

Smooth Floors For smooth floors (vinyl, screeds, marble, timber, laminates, etc) a product providing impact protection is needed. The product that best suits this application is twin wall / twin fluted polypropylene board. A material supplied in sheet form, normally 1.2m x 2.5m, the boards twin wall composition offers impact protection to hard floors. Available in various grades, twin wall board is ideally suited to hard floors. The product is also a more user friendly alternative to hardboard, as it is light weight, easy to cut and install and is highly durable.

Soft Floors For soft floors (carpets, etc) impact protection is not an issue.

For cut pile carpets an adhesive backed ‘tacky back’ polythene

can be used. This product is simply rolled out and bonds directly to the carpet. The tacky back will hold the product in place during the program of works. After use the material simply peels clean, leaving no residue.

For loop and cut pile carpets a loose fitting membrane can be used. Either a polypropylene or polyethylene sheeting. This can then be fixed in place using either tapes, or for a loop pile carpet using a male Velcro dry fix method.

Fixing methods Fixing methods for protection must be considered. For smooth and finished floors a peel clean adhesive tape must be used.

Standard tapes may leave a residue or shadow on the floor.

For cut pile carpets a higher tack carpet tape should be used.

For loop or twist pile carpets a Velcro dry fix method should be used.

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Carpet Underlay & Accessories 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

Interfloor Limited, Broadway, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 4LS United Kingdom Telephone: 01706 238831 Fax: 01706 238832 www.interfloor.com

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S e c t i o n Tw e n t y O n e – Stairnosings Stairnosings should be fitted to all staircases in contract flooring situations.

Produced in a variety of step profiles they can be fabricated to suit shaped steps such as curves.

To assist people with visual impairment stairnosings should contrast in colour and luminance with the remainder of the respective tread.

Stairnosings provide protection at the edge of the floorcovering and the materials used fall into two categories: metals and non-metals.

Metals: aluminium (mill finished, polished or anodised), brass, cast iron and stainless steel.

Non-metals: PVCu, PVC, rubber, timber and ceramic.

Single or double in-fills – PVC, carborundum/silicon mixes, etc.

As a further safety and design feature stairnosings can be provided with ‘let in’ strip lighting.

In most cases stairnosings should be installed by bonding with adhesive and screwing.

Skirtings Coved skirtings Formed on site by the use of a cove former which provides support at the floor/wall junction. The floorcovering is dressed over the cove former and up the surface of the wall where it is finished with a capping strip.

Pre-formed skirtings Sit on – a profile with a small radius toe so that the toe covers the join between the floorcovering and the wall.

Set in – a profile for use with resilient floorcoverings having an extended foot which is set flush with the floorcovering.

The seam between them can then be welded to provide a sealed joint.

Textile skirting Mostly formed by the use of a separate piece of material bonded to the surface of the wall, but can be formed as a cove by using a small radius cove former.

A capping is usually fixed along the top edge.

Timber skirtings Where textile or resilient floorcoverings are specified timber skirtings are usually installed as part of the carpentry and joinery package. Where timber flooring is installed however the timber skirtings may be fitted as part of the floorcovering package.

Whenever possible the timber skirtings should be installed after the timber flooring has been completed as the skirting can be use to conceal the expansion gap at the floor perimeter.

Timber skirtings should only be fixed to the wall and must not restrict the movement of the flooring when expansion occurs.

Timber skirtings are available in a variety of profiles and different timbers for painting or clear finish.

Other materials used for skirtings, such as stainless steel, are available from manufacturers.

Flooring Accessories Perimeter trims Available in a variety of profiles and materials and are installed to conceal an expansion gap where skirtings have been installed prior to the flooring.

As with skirtings they must not restrict the movement of the flooring when expansion occurs.

Edgings, transition profiles and thresholds Safety profiles designed to protect floorcovering seams or edges from wear and tear and in the case of textiles to secure the material and maintain the tension (where stretch fitted) at doorways.

Line marking Resilient, textile and timber floorcoverings can be line marked to indicate pedestrian traffic lanes/restrictions, etc and for marking games courts in sports areas.

The lines can be delineated by ‘letting in’ the floorcovering material in alternative colours, painting or plastic tapes.

In order to ensure that the method of marking is appropriate for the material used the floorcovering manufacturer should be consulted.

Other flooring accessories are available such 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 contractors are able to provide information where necessary.

FIND OUT WHAT MEMBERSHIP COULD DO FOR YOU VISIT:

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S e c t i o n Tw e n t y Tw o â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

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Footwear, Furniture and wheeled traffic

Footwear Some forms of footwear may damage the floorcovering by indenting, scratching or puncturing. Poorly maintained footwear which may have exposed steel pins and stiletto heels are probably the worst offenders as the sharpness and small area in contact with the floor results in enormous point pressure.

Legs of tables and chairs which should not have sharp or hollow tubular edges in direct contact with the floor require protection caps that are inspected regularly and replaced as necessary.

Dragging furniture across the surface of the floor should also be avoided.

Furniture Generally the heavier the furniture the wider the legs need to be in order to spread the loading on the floor.

Floorcoverings are particularly susceptible to damage from heavy furniture (such as pianos) fitted with small wheeled castors and this will be exacerbated where the castors are poorly maintained and the wheels do not turn freely.

Most floors are likely to be subjected to wheeled traffic and the following points should be considered when preparing a specification:

Wheeled traffic

1. Maximum weight of wheelchair, trolley or truck.

2. Number, size and width of wheels to spread the load.

3. Composition of the wheel e.g.

pneumatic, rubber, polyamide, metal, etc.

4. Method of subfloor construction, the smoothing compound and adhesive and the floorcovering itselfs ability to withstand rolling and turning loading.

5. Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Code of Practice BS8300 gives advice about floorcoverings where wheelchairs are in use.

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Contractor Focus Berkshire

Bristol

Here at Floorcraft we pride ourselves on the variety of service we are able to provide our customers. Not only are we able to supply and install a vast range of flooring types including carpet, vinyl sheet, wood mosaics, and tiles.

We also provide a number of high quality services including sanding and sealing and refurbishment of wooden floors.

A.J. GOLLOP CONTRACT FLOORING LTD 279 Two Mile Hill Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1AX

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 Showrooms Unit 9 Chiltern Enterprise Centre, Station Road, Theale, Berkshire RG7 4AA t: 0118 930 4770 f: 0118 930 4550 m: 07974 951594 e: sales@floorcraft-reading.co.uk

Buckinghamshire

Bristol Tel: 0117 9477888 Fax: 0117 9475255 Exeter Tel: 01392 462777 Fax: 01392 427211 Website: www.gollopflooring.com Email: info@gollopflooring.com

Cambridgeshire

MICHAEL BOLTON FLOORING LTD The demand for competitive tendering and professional advice makes us the ideal choice to be your flooring contractor.

We offer a complete package from preparation to protection.

MICHAEL BOLTON FLOORING LTD Unit 4a Barton Hill Trading Estate, Herapath Street, Bristol, BS5 9RD Tel: 0117 954 1990 Fax: 0117 954 1991 Email: enquiries@mbfloors.com

www.mbfloors.com

Cheshire

Cornwall For both commercial and domestic queries please contact us

Specialists in all types of flooring Contact Tom Sheppard Tel 01733 577877 Fax 01733 325911

Contracted to Universities, Hospitals, Schools, Housing Associations etc Karndean flooring, Carpet,Vinyl, Linoleum, Rubber, screed, plywood, damp proofing etc.

Tel 01625 540582 Fax 01625 549415 Mobiles 07768 911453 / 07903 419716

www.abledell.co.uk

www.flooring.gbr.st

Devon

Devon S. SMITH & SONS CARPETS LIMITED Contract & Domestic Flooring Specialists

• Contract and Domestic Installations • Sub Floor Testing & Preparation dawesflooring@aol.com

• 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 Hardwood Flooring • Altro • Amtico • Rubber • Linoleum • carpets Established 1967

Links House, 156 Grace Road Central, Marsh Barton Industrial Estate, Exeter EX2 8QA Tel: 01392 201567 Fax: 01392 201568 Email: sales@smithandsonscarpets.com

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Hampshire

CFI Ltd is an independent flooring and refurbishment contractor based in East Yorkshire 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.

GATEWAY

Contract Flooring and Interiors (CFI) Ltd

AWAITING COPY

93 Gillett Street, Witty Street, Hull, East Yorks HU3 4JF tel 01482 308 550/01482 308 551 fax 01482 216 018 email: enquiry@cfiuk.co.uk

www.cfiuk.co.uk

Approved contractor to leading manufacturers.

T 01482 217025 F 01482 621960 E info@hullflooring.co.uk W www.hullflooring.co.uk

Essex

Hertfordshire CRC FLOORING CRC Contracts (Flooring) Ltd provides end-to-end solutions for a wide range of projects. Our teams provide a design and installation solution and are experienced in working in partnership with architects and interior designers. We have developed a professional reputation for reliability and excellent workmanship and as a result have secured a number of high profile contracts. Contact us for all your enquiries and requirements.

Unit 7 Langley Wharf, Railway Terrace Kings Langley, Herts WD4 8JE Tel: 01923 266400 Fax: 01923 267500 Email: enquiries@crcflooring.com Website: www.crcflooring.com

We supply and fit Carpet, Carpet Tiles, Vinyl, Safety Vinyl, Linoleum, Rubber and Wood throughout London and the home counties Tel: 020 3225 5050 Fax: 020 3225 5055 Email:

enquiries@lancashireflooring.co.uk Web: www.lancashireflooring.co.uk Unit 23, Oakwood Hill Ind Est, Oakwood Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TZ

J & M Contract Flooring Specialists

Unit 6, Fountain Drive, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7UB Tel: 01992 552447 Fax: 01992 558760 malcolm@jmcontractflooring.co.uk www.jmcontractflooring.co.uk

www.cfa.org.uk

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Contractor Focus Kent Covering London and The South East Accounts with all major manufacturers We Tick All The Boxes Reliable Knowledgable Competitive Quality Service

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Tel: 01622 880596 Fax: 01622 880973 Mobile: 07740662300 mpflooringltd@btconnect.com www.mpflooring.com

Complete consultancy and installation service provided to ensure the right product is used in the right 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 range of products including carpets, vinyls and linoleum.

Members of the Contract Flooring Association.

301 Hall Lane, Chingford, London E4 8NU Tel: 0208 524 9993 Fax: 0208 524 9990 Email: sales@mannflooring.co.uk Website: www.mannflooring.co.uk

Lancashire

Rowlandson House 289 - 293 Ballards Lane London N12 8NP Tel: 020 8372 7039 Fax: 020 8372 7040 Mobile: 07802 737324 Email:pauljonas@blueyonder.co.uk

Lower Carr Farm, Rawtenstall Rossendale, LANCASHIRE BB4 6BS Tel: 01706 216853 Fax: 01706 227002 Mobile: 078 3673 8712 c.f.s@talk21.com

Established 1958

Ideal Floors Preston FLOORING CONTRACTORS

Unit 3, Brierley Court, Brierley St, Ashton, Preston LANCASHIRE PR2 2AU Tel: 01772 257425 Fax: 01772 887457

London

302 - 304 Cavendish Road, London, SW12 0PL Tel: 020 8675 2431 Fax: 020 8675 5100 Email:wood.floors@btinternet.com Web: www.woodenfloors.co.uk

Merseyside

TAILORED FLOORING SOLUTIONS

A & J Flooring (Merseyside) Ltd

We provide quality bespoke solutions covering all aspects of flooring requirements.

40 Oxford Road, Waterloo, Merseyside L22 8QF

Functionality, Design, Co-ordination Aspect Commercial Flooring Ltd 16 Townmead Business Centre, William Morris Way, London SW6 2SZ tel +44 (0)20 7731 3634 fax +44 (0)20 7731 3632 email laura@aspectflooring.com

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The Wooden Floor Specialists Ltd are dedicated to developing skilled craftmanship & insurpassable customer care.

Offering diversity and quality all woods are derived from substainable sources.

Tel: 0151 949 0600 Fax: 0151 928 0771

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Middlesex

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S o u t h Yo r k s h i r e J D Flooring Ltd

521 – 525 Pinner Road, North Harrow, Middlesex HA2 6EH

Tel: 020 8863 1173 Fax: 020 8863 2904 Email: hooperscarpets@btinternet.com

Unit 1, Woodburn Business Centre Jessell Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 3HY Tel: 0114 261 9333 Fax: 0114 261 9444 Mobile: 079 7426 5178 jdflooring@btconnect.com

Northamptonshire

CARPET AND HARDWOOD SPECIALISTS • THERMOPLASTICS • RUBBER • VINYL • CERAMIC TILES • LINOLEUM • CORK WELDON ROAD • CORBY • NORTHANTS • NN17 1UZ Tel:- Corby (01536) 265195 Fax:-Corby (01536) 261323

SHIRTCLIFFE AWAITING COPY

Staffordshire COURTIS CONTRACT (NOTTM) LIMITED ESTABLISHED 1961

Castle Flooring (Midlands) Limited

Floor Coverings & Suspended Ceilings

Specialists in vinyl & safety flooring, contract carpets & carpet tiles

15 LudlowHill Road, West Bridgford. Nottingham NG2 6HF Tel: 0115 923 1126 Fax: 0115 923 0276

Unit 13, Rumer Hill Business Estate, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0ET Tel: 01543 469774 Fax: 01543 469775 Web: www.castleflooring.co.uk Email: enquiries@castleflooring.co.uk

Multifloor (Walsall) Ltd Unit 8, Prospect Business Park, Longford Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 3LG Tel: 01543 500151 Fax: 01543 579643 Email: info@multifloor.co.uk

www.cfa.org.uk

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Contractor Focus Suffolk

Newcastle Flooring Co. Ltd D OMESTIC - C OMMERCIAL & NDUSTRIAL F LOORING S PECIALIST

GLASSWELLS

✓ ✓ Vinyls ✓ Lino ✓ Cork ✓ Rubber ✓ Carpet ✓ Wall Cladding

AWAITING COPY

For Expert Advice Call Tel: 0191 265 9673 Fax: 0191 224 0091

18 Heaton Road, Newcastle

Surrey

DAPPA FLOORING We supply and fit all types of commercial floor coverings

The region’s premier flooring specialists A total flooring service from enquiry to completion combining full design, planning and fitting service. As contracts to some of the largest companies in the county we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled levels of quality, service and value.

• Industrial • Commercial • Domestic FULL REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SERVICE

Unit 3, Eagle Trading Estate, 29 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4UY

Tel: 020-8646-4232 Fax: 020-8646-467

Bensham Trading Estate, Lobley Hill Road, Gateshead NE8 2X Tel: 0191 478 1887 Fax: 0191 477 6684

Wa l e s

44 Woodbridge Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9AB Tel: (01483) 506616/576504 & Fax: (01483) 306693 & Email: sales@ladymeadcarpets.co.uk or accounts@ladymeadcarpets.co.uk Partners R L Kendall & M W Sears

Tel: 01633 243003 Fax: 01633 243828 simon.cabotfloors@virgin.net www.newportflooring.co.uk One of Wales leading and progressive flooring contractors whose current client list includes Local Authorities, Health Trusts, Hotel Chains and a number of High Tech Establishments.

Ty n e & We a r Aiken Flooring Contracts Ltd

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Unit 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

For cost effective solutions to all your floorcovering requirements, please contact:

info@afcdesign.co.uk

Peter Evans Flooring, Unit 1A PalmersvaleBusiness Centre, Palmerston Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2XA T: 01446 700600 Email: info@peflooring.com www.peflooring.com

LUXURY TREATMENT FROM PETER EVANS FLOORING

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We s t M i d l a n d s

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Wo r c e s t e r s h i r e SANSOME FLOORING LTD We pride ourselves on offering the best in floor coverings allowing you the widest flexibility for commercial or domestic use.

Our experienced fitters can install your choice of covering and ensure it matches exactly with your plans.

Unit E, Tyburn Trading Estate, Ashold Farm Road, Erdington, Birmingham B24 9QG

Tel: 0121 683 1720 Fax: 0121 683 1722 Email: nichollramsayltd@aol.com

STANMOR FLOORS LTD Commercial and Industrial Flooring Contractors and Suppliers For all your floorcovering requirements • CARPET •CARPETTILES • VINYL•LINOLEUM • RUBBER • WOOD

UNIT 6, HOLLY PARK, SPITFIRE ROAD ERDINGTON, BIRMINGHAM B24 9PB Tel: 0121 384 8868 Fax: 0121 384 6424 Email: info@stanmorfloors.co.uk

the flooring specialits…

Unit L2A, Blackpole Trading Estate East, Worcester WR3 8SG TEL: 01905 45 45 45 FAX: 01905 453 200 sales@sansomeflooring.co.uk

USE A CFA CONTRACTOR

www.cfa.org.uk

We s t Yo r k s h i r e

WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE, WE COVER ALL ASPECTS OF FLOORING ACROSS THE U.K. Mr A J Barden Unit 1 Bulay Commercial Park, off St Thomas’ Road, Longroyd Road, Huddersfield, WEST YORKSHIRE HD1 3LG Tel: 01484 537255 Fax: 01484 549328 info@ajbflooring.co.uk www.ajbflooring.co.uk

SPECIALIST INSTALLERS TO THE HOTEL HEALTH CARE BUSINESS AND BANKING COMMUNITIES 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

O’Gorman & Carey

USE A CFA CONTRACTOR

www.cfa.org.uk

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

www.cfa.org.uk

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Consultants Coltech Associates www.coltech.net

M Terry Wolfe -

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 manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and contractorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own staff.

Contact Pete Collins on 07870 113186, email info@coltech.net

Coltech Associates, 5 Oxendale Drive, Middleton, Manchester M24 4FN

BA FCIArb FAE MEWI MIWSc We can offer you a London based country-wide service designed to 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 1BT Tel: 020 8386 6326 Fax: 020 8386 6318 e: terrywolfe@flooringforensics.net www.flooringforensics.net

Tel/Fax: 0161 643 0295

JAD FLOORING SERVICES AND CONSULTANCY Consultancy work includes: Independent technical site investigations, specifications, arbitration, training of fitting personnel, dampness testing and appraisal.

Flooring Logistics David Cheshire, 7 Mandeville Close, Hertford SG13 8JX. Tel/Fax: 01992 553680 Mobile: 07768 055188 www.flooringlogistics.co.uk

Contact Information Telephone 0116 2608873 / Fax 0116 269 3759 269 Long Furrow, East Goscote, Leicestershire, LE7 3ZL Email: john@jrroberts.co.uk

Web: www.jrroberts.co.uk

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Registered Office: 93 Marland Fold, Rochdale, Lancs. OL11 4RF Tel/Fax: 01706 632559 City & Guilds Assessor and Verifier W: www.jadflooring.co.uk E: tonydugdale@supanet.com

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