Feeling the heat: major fluctuations in temperature mean the correct adhesive is vital

Temperature-tolerant adhesives have been developed for installing resilient floorcoverings, such as LVT, in areas where temperatures have the potential to fluctuate. This is frequently the case in heavily glazed areas that are subject to solar gain during the day, such as conservatories, which then rapidly cool at night. Over time, this can lead to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edges of floorcoverings, particularly between adjacent LVT tiles or planks. The solution is temperature-tolerant adhesives that hold floorcoverings firmly in place and ensure installations maintain their aesthetic appearance for years.

‘There is sometimes confusion about why a temperature-tolerant adhesive is required to install LVT in conservatories but not always over underfloor heating,’ says Andy Mees, F Ball technical service officer. ‘This is because temperature fluctuations as a result of underfloor heating systems are much more gradual and less extreme than changes in temperature resulting from solar gain, which can result in swings of 60degC. To meet British Standard guidelines of resilient and textile floorcoverings, underfloor heating systems should not exceed 27degC at the bond line. Temperature-tolerant adhesives are therefore only always necessary where there are heavily glazed areas, including conservatories and areas with floor-to-ceiling windows, such as extensions fitted with bi-fold doors.’

F Ball’s full range of adhesives can be used over all kinds of underfloor heating.

Wet-lay temperature-tolerant adhesives are available where LVT is being installed in areas that will be exposed to high temperatures and are available with a range of additional properties. ‘Styccobond F48 PLUS, for example, is a fibre-reinforced, high-temperature grade adhesive for installing a range of LVT. Fibres in the adhesive allow it to offer high initial grab to hold the flooring securely in place while fitters are working. It is also fast drying, and as a one-part solution there’s no mixing required before application,’ says Mees.

‘When installing LVT tiles and planks, it is useful to have the benefits of pressure-sensitive adhesives, which form an instant grab upon contact, ideal for installing flooring featuring intricate patterns and bespoke designs that need precise alignment. They also offer a long open time, reducing the risk of late placement.

‘Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS is a water-based adhesive with the familiar characteristics of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which develops the extremely high bond strength and dimensional stability required to hold LVT firmly in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations from minus 20degC to 60degC. Whilst it provides high initial tack, the adhesive also allows contractors to lift and reposition floorcoverings in the initial stages of drying.

‘Styccobond F49 has also been approved for installing vertical flooring accessories, such as PVC skirting, capping and coving, meaning it offers an alternative to traditional contact adhesives. However, unlike contact adhesives, the hybrid adhesive only needs to be applied to one surface. It is also water resistant, allowing it to be used to install floorcoverings in damp and humid environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms.’

The suitability of any adhesive for a particular flooring product should always be checked. F Ball produces its Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), listing adhesives recommended for use with more than 6,000 products produced by over 200 manufacturers. A continually updated version can be found on the company’s website and as a free app. It is also available as an A5 printed booklet. F Ball’s technical service department is also on hand from 8.30am-5pm on Monday to Friday.

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