WHEN it comes to refurbishments, contractors are all too familiar with the requirement to complete jobs within narrow time frames to allow the area being worked on to reopen as quickly as possible. Stopgap Fast-Track 30 is described by F Ball & Co as its rapid drying, rapid setting levelling compound, developed for occasions where time is of the essence, such as projects in schools, hospitals, care and retail environments.
Typically, levelling compounds require anything from a few hours to a day to cure sufficiently before floorcoverings can be installed.
Says the company: ‘Stopgap Fast-Track 30 cures in just 30 minutes and allows for floorcoverings to be installed from 45 minutes after application.
Unlike traditional levelling compounds, the product utilises the latest cement and polymer technology which enables water to be chemically ‘locked’ into the compound, meaning a job can swiftly progress without having to wait for water to evaporate.’
Stopgap Fast-Track 30 is reportedly suitable for preparing a wide range of sound absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors prior to the installation of new floorcoverings including Stopgap waterproof surface membranes, sand/cement screeds, concrete, granolithic, terrazzo, epoxy and polyurethane resins, ceramic and quarry tiles. It’s suitable for use in light to heavy-duty applications.
Continues F Ball & Co: ‘With a working time of 10-15 minutes, the levelling compound has an early walk on time of just 30 minutes and allows textile and resilient floorcoverings to be installed after only 45 minutes — ideal where the time available to install floorcoverings is reduced, or it’s important to keep the time that areas are off-limits to a minimum.
‘Combined with its excellent self-levelling and self-smoothing properties, the product is also protein-free, making it suitable for use in biologically sensitive areas, such as hospitals.’
When using Stopgap Fast-Track 30, it’s essential to prime all surfaces beforehand to achieve the optimum results, says the company. ‘Priming absorbent surfaces, for example, with Stopgap P131 general purpose primer, promotes adhesion between the substrate and subsequently applied floor preparation products. Further, priming will also prevent the unacceptably rapid drying of the levelling compound.
‘For non-absorbent surfaces, such as terrazzo, quarry tiles, and waterproof surface membranes, contractors should ensure that good adhesion is obtained between the levelling compound and the substrate by using Stopgap P141 primer which is formulated for use over non-absorbent subfloors. Primers should be used as directed and must be allowed to dry before applying the levelling compound.’
To apply Stopgap Fast-Track 30, contractors should pour the mixed material onto the primed subfloor and allow the product to flow and attain a smooth finish. Minimal work with a smoothing trowel is required and the use of a spiked roller will help eliminate entrapped air and smooth out flow lines to give a more uniform surface appearance.
Concludes the company: ‘The levelling compound should be applied at thicknesses between 2-10mm, but can be taken down to a feathered edge, if required. For optimum smoothing and levelling characteristics and in cases where adhesive residues are being covered, an overall thickness of at least 3mm should be maintained.’
www.f-ball.co.uk
