As adhesive-free installation for LVT gains momentum, Ian Spreadborough covers some common questions and insight from flooring contractors.
MAGNETIC and adhesive-free tabs, looselay, click and friction-based coatings are all alternatives to full-spread wet adhesives for installing luxury vinyl tile flooring.
Adhesive-free installation securely fixes LVT to the subfloor, while enabling clean, damage-free uplift. The LVT can then be much more easily reused or recycled via manufacturers’ take-back schemes, and the subfloor doesn’t need expensive cleaning and remediation before the next installation.
With sustainability targets and asset protection in mind, clients, developers, and specifiers are increasingly driving demand for adhesive-free installation. Developer Landsec prefers mechanical rather than chemically fixed methods for flooring in its material brief, while Google stipulates ‘pressure-sensitive corner tape, tiles or dots that allow for easy removal and replacement’ in its global procurement guidelines.
As adhesive-free accelerates, forward-thinking flooring contractors are embracing this method, not only to meet client expectations but to gain a competitive edge. However, switching to any new technique naturally raises queries and sometimes misconceptions. Here, we cover some common questions and share contractor insights.
Will adhesive-free installation slow my jobs down?
While there may be a learning curve when using any new technique, contractors report that time savings outweigh any initial minor adjustments. Eliminating wet adhesives avoids curing time, reduces clean-up and allows greater flexibility to work alongside other trades. Overall installation time is reduced, and floors can be used immediately, improving programme efficiency.
Daniel Hassan, operations manager at The Commercial Flooring Company, commented on using IOBAC MagTabs, saying: ‘Thanks to IOBAC’s MagTabs, it took a team of three fitters around five days to install 900sq m of flooring in a herringbone pattern, which is challenging to install and would have taken much longer to do through traditional methods. This provided a great time saving and allowed the other trades to work around us while we fitted the flooring.’
Are adhesive-free methods more expensive than traditional adhesives?
Specific material costs vary, but many adhesive-free methods are cost-equivalent to traditional adhesives. Plus, additional savings come from faster installation, reduced programme delays, and a longer shelf life compared to adhesives.
Adhesive-free methods also prevent subfloor damage and cost to the client. Tackifier adhesive costing around £0.50 to £0.80 per sq m can render a raised access floor worth £50 to 100 per sq m unusable. The subsequent removal of adhesive residue, often requiring solvent-based cleaning, can cost an additional £9 to 15 per sq m.
Are adhesive-free methods limited to specific projects?
As with any installation, proper subfloor preparation is important – a clean, dust-free surface is key. Adhesive-free methods are compatible with various subfloors, and can be used with LVT, carpet tiles and woven vinyl.
They’re widely accepted by flooring manufacturers – for example, IOBAC Tabs are used and/or approved by 13 manufacturers, including Shaw Contract and Forbo. Additionally, magnetic wood and LVT options are available for use on raised access floors and magnetically receptive underlays.
How does this benefit my business?
Beyond cost and efficiency savings, offering an adhesive-free option helps flooring contractors differentiate themselves. By demonstrating better metrics to their clients, contractors can enhance their value proposition, increasing their chances of winning projects, often with improved margins.
Adhesive-free options eliminate the VOC’s associated with traditional wet adhesives, improving indoor air quality for installers and building occupants.
While change can be challenging, businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind – just ask Kodak or Blockbuster.
A modern method of Installation
While sustainability is driving the shift towards adhesive-free, contractors might initially assume these methods are slower or more expensive before trialling them. However, real-world feedback suggests the opposite – adhesive-free solutions not only align with environmental priorities but also enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve project outcomes.
By embracing adhesive-free, contractors can future-proof their businesses, stay competitive and secure long-term business success.
info@circularbuildingsolutions.co.uk
www.circularbuildingsolutions.co.uk
Ian Spreadborough is the founder of Circular Building Solutions