WHILE wet-lay adhesives are suitable where vinyl sheet is being installed, pressure-sensitive adhesives are often the best choice where intricate designs or patterns are being created.

They form an instant grab upon contact so contractors don’t need to worry about tiles or planks moving about when they’re working, meaning they’re ideal for installing luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) or planks. They also offer an extended open time, reducing the risk of late placement.

Nowadays, pressure sensitive adhesives are available with a range of additional features, such as temperature tolerant and moisture resistant characteristics, as well as fast-track properties.

Moisture resistance
When installing flooring in an area that may be subject to surface water, an adhesive with water-resistant properties is essential. A non-water resistant adhesive may break down and soften when it comes into contact with water, potentially causing floorcoverings to bubble or de-bond.

Epoxy or polyurethane-based adhesives were once the only option for such installations. These adhesives are highly effective at making areas impermeable to water, so they’re also suitable for installing vinyl floorcoverings outdoors where surface water may collect.

Nowadays, solvent-free, one-part alternatives are available that are also easier to apply and faster curing, such as F Ball and Co’s Styccobond F73 PLUS says the company.

Temperature tolerant requirements
When installing floorcoverings in areas subject to extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations, for example, it’s is advisable to use a special-purpose temperature tolerant adhesive.
High temperatures or extreme temperature fluctuations can cause vinyl floorcoverings to expand and contract significantly, which may lead to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edges over time. This can be the case in conservatories and other rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that are subject to ‘solar gain’.

Temperature-tolerant adhesives avoid this issue by developing the high bond strength required to hold floorcoverings securely in place in such environments, ensuring a long-lasting flooring finish.
Advancements in adhesive technology have enabled the development of high-performance, hybrid adhesives that combine pressure sensitive characteristics with moisture resistance, temperature tolerance and more.

Fast-track solutions
Of course, moisture or extreme temperatures might not be an issue for a particular installation. Options are also available where a moisture resistant or temperature tolerant adhesive isn’t required and contractors face the increasingly common challenge of completing projects to tight time constraints.

Says F Ball: ‘The fast-drying formulation of F Ball’s Styccobond F58 PLUS enables LVT tiles and planks to be secured from just five minutes, while fibres in the adhesive provide resistance to lateral movement, preventing vinyl tiles and planks from moving around when working.

‘Developed as a ‘transitional’ adhesive, it transitions from a wet-lay adhesive when initially applied to a subfloor to become fully pressure sensitive. As well as helping reduce movement during installation, the high bond strength and strong initial tack of Styccobond F58 PLUS prevents excess adhesive oozing between joints, facilitating easier application.

‘Available in 15L and 5L units, and with coverage rates of up to 6sq m per litre, the adhesive also offers over 20% more coverage than similarly packaged products sold by the same number of kilograms.’

Compatibility check
It’s always recommended flooring contractors check the compatibility of a particular adhesive with a chosen floorcovering.

‘For this purpose, F Ball produces its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), which contains over 6,000 adhesive recommendations for floorcoverings from over 200 international manufacturers. The 2024 version of the guide is now available as a printed booklet. A continuously updated version of the RAG is available as a free app and on the F Ball website.’

Alternatively, contractors can contact F. Ball’s technical service department, from 8.30am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday, for advice on adhesive compatibility. Otherwise, they should consult manufacturer’s instructions.
www.f-ball.co.uk