|
Installing Karndean Floors
Installing Karndean flooring necessitates some preparation to ensure that the newly installed Karndean flooring will last longer. There are several requisites depending on the existing flooring condition that need to be done prior to the actual installation of Karndean flooring. Karndean floors should only be laid on sub-floors with moisture level not greater than 75%RH. It is necessary to install a surface damp proof membrane if the reading is more than 75%RH. This applies to both old and new floors. For new concrete floors with moisture level below 75%RH, cleaning the floor will help remove the contamination like paint and plaster. Then prime the floor with Neoprene or PVA primer. Apply a minimum of 3mm of smoothing underlayment. Old floor covering and adhesive residues must be removed with readings below 75%RH. The surface is also primed with Neoprene or PVA primer and a minimum of 3mm smoothing underlay is applied. Abrasion is necessary for dense power floated floors with moisture level below 75%R before the application of a smoothing compound. The abrasion can be either scarification or light shot blasting. Abrasion is also needed for readings above 75%RH before applying a surface. Quarry tiles, mosaic, Terrazzo or ceramics must be tested for dampness, if they are dry, de-greasing, abrading and rinsing is necessary to provide key for a 3mm layer of smoothing compound. Asphalt flooring must be de-greased before laying down Karndean floors. The surface should be rinsed with clear water then primed with Epoxy primer or neat Neoprene. Allow it to dry then apply a minimum 3mm smoothing underlayment. Timber floors must be tongue and grooved. Floorboards should be well secured and worn or broken boards must be replaced. Undulations are filled with a suitable smoothing compound before overlaying with 6mm ply then primed with PVA primer or diluted Neoprene. Chipboard, floating floors and Weyrock must be also fastened at 150mm centers, overlay with 6mm ply and primed with diluted Neoprene or PVA primer. Wood mosaic panel, wood block or wood strip must be removed if any of these products is laid directly to bitumen or pitch. Impervious vinyl should not be overlaid with these types of product. Plywood floors should be primed with diluted Neoprene or PVA primer and lay directly. Painted floors should be back to its original base and apply a smoothing compound to a minimum thickness of 3mm. Cork floor and its adhesive residue must be removed. Apply a smoothing compound to a minimum thickness of 3mm afterwards. A smoothing compound can be an epoxy resin. This is a two-part mix and should be mixed together until smooth in consistency. The contents should be poured out within 5 minutes of mixing time because the resin will harden inside the container. This is recommended for areas with excessive moisture. High Temperature Adhesive can be used in areas that are exposed to excessive heat, direct sunlight and under floor heating. That is a modified acrylic adhesive with improved service temperature. The acrylic on the other hand cand be ideally use in most residential and commercial installations. It is recommended to work section by section, the Karndean flooring must be wet bonded when installed with this adhesive. Another ideal adhesive for residential and commercial installations is the Pressure Sensitive adhesive. It is important to make sure that the planks and tiles laid into adhesive are done within the prescribed open time indicated on adhesive container. A 68kg roller should be rolled after installation of all Karndean floors in large areas. Except for the products installed with pressure sensitive adhesive, which can receive traffic immediately following installation, make sure that all planks and tiles are free from general traffic or protect from direct contact for 24 hours after installation. |