Achieving a long-lasting, visually attractive finish with timber floors demands that the same basic principles of installation are followed as when installing other types of flooring. However, wood is even more susceptible than textile or resilient floorcoverings to damage from moisture, so deploying a moisture management solution can be vital.
‘If unmanaged, excess subfloor moisture, the result of either rising damp or residual construction moisture, will cause wood to warp and attack adhesives, potentially resulting in the flooring cupping or buckling and, ultimately, complete floor failure. Safeguarding against excess subfloor moisture is, therefore, an essential step when installing this kind of floor,’ says Tim Green, F Ball training manager.
In addition to ensuring a subfloor is suitably sound, smooth and free of any contaminants, including any old adhesive residues, it is essential to undertake a moisture test to check for subfloor moisture. The only way of measuring levels of subfloor relative humidity (RH) with accuracy, and the method advocated by British Standards, is using a calibrated digital hygrometer.
Normally, a liquid waterproof surface membrane will be required to suppress excess subfloor moisture and prevent damage to flooring when RH levels are above 75%. However, the maximum permitted figure is 65% where wood floorcoverings will be installed because of their sensitivity to moisture.
‘F Ball has two timesaving options for when a moisture management solution is required. Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane is a two-part epoxy resin system, applied in a single coat. It fully cures in as little as three hours and will isolate residual construction moisture or rising damp where relative humidity values are up to 98%. For an even quicker way to create a barrier where RH values are up to 95%, there is Stopgap F78, a one-component system that is applied in two coats, requiring 15-20 minutes curing time for the first coat and a further 30 minutes for the second,’ says Green.
After checking for subfloor moisture and deploying a moisture management solution where necessary, installers can proceed to apply a smoothing compound to ensure a perfectly smooth base for the receipt of floorcoverings, remembering to prime the subfloor beforehand. ‘F Ball usually recommends using a heavy-duty smoothing compound, such as Stopgap 300, prior to the installation of wood flooring because they are better able to withstand the added strain exerted by the natural movement of the wood. Finally, a specialist wood adhesive must be selected to install wood blocks or planks. Utilising the latest technology, flexible wood floor adhesives, such as Styccobond B95, provide an elastic but strong bond, which will accommodate natural movement of wood flooring over its lifetime, ensuring a long-lasting, visually attractive floor finish.
‘If you have any questions about installing wood floors, or any other kinds of flooring installation, F Ball’s technical service department is on hand Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm to advise.’
