SURFACE PREPARATION
ONE of the most important parts of installing a new floor is ensuring the subfloor is in a fit state to receive the covering. It should be sound, dry, clean, and smooth; otherwise, the finished flooring may develop problems which can vary from cosmetic issues to debonding and complete failure. The way to avoid this is to properly prepare the surface.
Says Kerakoll: ‘Screeds should be checked for humidity using the Kerakoll hygrometer. Traditionally, relative humidity of more than 75% R.H. would involve the application of a dampproof membrane and primer before smoothing the floor, and in some cases the floor would have to be pre-smoothed before applying the DPM.
‘However, Proflow MVS has done away with the need for the DPM. Its revolutionary formulation has a built in moisture vapour suppressant barrier that is effective up to 95% R.H., removing the need for a separate moisture barrier, and it can be used without a primer, saving time and money. It is a rapid-setting product allowing foot traffic in 90 minutes, but still offers a wet edge time of 30 minutes.’
Continues the company: ‘Proflow MVS is part of Kerakoll’s Proflow range of five smoothing compounds. Proflow Finish is a true all rounder, moisture tolerant and suitable for use in any installation, on any substrate and with any type of resilient flooring at depths of up to 60mm. It’s a single component self-smoothing compound with a free flowing formulation, a 30-minute wet edge time, and is able to accept foot traffic and floorcoverings after 3.5 hours. It has an EC1-Plus GEV Emicode rating.
‘Proflow Smooth is a self-smoothing compound with a unique free flowing formulation that fills and smooths any substrate imperfections and creates a flawless surface finish effortlessly. With working and wet edge times of 30 minutes, and its ability to accept foot traffic after only 90 minutes and floorcoverings after just 3.5 hours, it gives the best blend of extended working times and rapid installation.’
Kerakoll adds: ‘The other two products are Proflow Rapid, a double component smoothing compound that can be used below a DPM and is perfect for fast track installations where time really is at a premium, and Proflow Trade, the new version of Trade Flow. This universal self-smoothing compound can be used in thicknesses from 3-10 mm, on most substrates.
‘In most cases you will need to prime the floor before smoothing. Use Primeplus, on porous substrates, or Prime+ Grip for non-porous surfaces. Both primers are rapid-drying priming and bonding agents that can be used on floors and walls, internally and externally. Primeplus and Prime+ Grip have distinctive easy-to-see colouring making thorough application easy.’
More information on the range is available on the Kerakoll website. You can also contact your local sales representative, or the customer service team to arrange a trial or answer any questions that you may have, using the contact details below.
01772 456831
info@kerakoll.co.uk
gb.kerakoll.com
