Back in 1994, when Bostik introduced the first moisture cure urethane adhesive to the Hardwood Flooring Industry, we knew we had something special. Back then, few people knew about Bostik’s Best®, however, those that “gave it a try” quickly recognized the jump in technology and performance from the previously dominant chlorinated-solvent based adhesives.
If they didn’t recognize this while using it, some (unfortunately) figured out how tenacious the adhesive was if they failed to properly clean adhesive off the face of the finished floor during installation. If they didn’t follow directions, and left the adhesive on the face of the flooring, it was impossible to remove without damaging the floor - although the floors are repairable!
Back then, cleaning the adhesive off flooring & tools was a MAJOR obstacle to gaining significant market share. Bostik recognized that the cleaning the adhesive off flooring and tools was relatively easy if done at the right time - when the adhesive is fresh. However, we were definitely facing problems once the adhesive cured. At Bostik, we spent a lot of sleepless nights and endless tests to finally secure a product that could clean the adhesive effectively even after initial cure… thus, the invention of Bostik’s Ultimate Adhesive Remover!
Although this product does work, we again listened to our Customers who said “you need to help us PREVENT the problem in the first place!” As such, we took the unique step up putting the HUGE RED WARNING LABEL on the lid! We figured when opening the adhesive, you can’t help but look at the lid – which is the ideal place to put this important warning!
Once we took this important step, we estimate that we eliminated > 95% of the issues from ever occurring! We do keep our eyes open for further improvements with cleaners, so, if you are aware of any good “tricks of the trade”, don’t be afraid to give us some pointers – as we all learn new things every day!
From the Floor Up, a Blog for the Flooring Professional
Many residents in multi-family construction and high rise condominiums would like to replace carpeting with wood flooring. However such installations are concerning due to condominium requirements and building codes relating to noise which may transfer to neighbors down stairs.
Fortunately there are several ways to meet or exceed local codes and not violate your condominium association rules.
The most common material used for this purpose is cork. Typically 1⁄4” cork underlayment installed beneath wood flooring is provides sufficient acoustical dampening to meet all requirements. Bostik sells both 1⁄4” and 1⁄2” cork underlayment which may be glued to concrete subfloors using any of Bostik’s Urethane adhesives. Once the cork is installed, wood flooring is bonded directly over the cork underlayment with a Bostik Urethane adhesive.
The cork system is popular and proven. However installation of cork prior to the flooring adds considerable labor, materials cost and elevation. So, as an alternative to cork Bostik manufactures MVP4 which is a liquid applied urethane membrane with good acoustical dampening properties. MVP4 is simply applied with a notched trowel the afternoon before installation of wood flooring. It is a quick, easy process that does not add any appreciable elevation to the project.
There are various acoustical systems on the market. Most of which are compatible with with Bostik Urethane adhesives. For more information call Bostik Technical Service at 800 523 6530
Fortunately there are several ways to meet or exceed local codes and not violate your condominium association rules.
The most common material used for this purpose is cork. Typically 1⁄4” cork underlayment installed beneath wood flooring is provides sufficient acoustical dampening to meet all requirements. Bostik sells both 1⁄4” and 1⁄2” cork underlayment which may be glued to concrete subfloors using any of Bostik’s Urethane adhesives. Once the cork is installed, wood flooring is bonded directly over the cork underlayment with a Bostik Urethane adhesive.
The cork system is popular and proven. However installation of cork prior to the flooring adds considerable labor, materials cost and elevation. So, as an alternative to cork Bostik manufactures MVP4 which is a liquid applied urethane membrane with good acoustical dampening properties. MVP4 is simply applied with a notched trowel the afternoon before installation of wood flooring. It is a quick, easy process that does not add any appreciable elevation to the project.
There are various acoustical systems on the market. Most of which are compatible with with Bostik Urethane adhesives. For more information call Bostik Technical Service at 800 523 6530
LEED Silver hospital -are there any useful suggestions that will safeguard this installation from potential failure for at least 10 years?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Prior to installing 50,000 square feet of recycled rubber flooring on the concrete slab of my client’s new LEED Silver hospital, are there any useful suggestions that will safeguard this installation from potential failure for at least 10 years?
The number one thing to do prior to the installation of virtually any floor covering on a concrete slab is to test for the presence of elevated moisture vapor emission or pH levels.
It is essential to install a moisture vapor barrier coating if either of these conditions is above industry standards, but also a wise step to take as a precautionary measure to avoid potential problems in the future. Perhaps the greatest reason floor covering installations fail today is due to the breakdown of the adhesives used due to elevated levels of either condition.
The most robust moisture vapor barrier coatings for the installation of rubber flooring are made of epoxy resins and are a great preventive measure for any installation, regardless of size. Bostik is a global leader in the sale of moisture vapor emission control systems and has a choice of two-component coatings available. Bostik’s Durabond D-250 Moisture Vapor Barrier Coating and D-261 Extreme Moisture Vapor Barrier Coating are both high performance, roller-applied, epoxy coatings that meet LEED credit MR 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials – Paints & Coatings. Both coatings have VOC contents well below the 100 g/L LEED limit for this category of waterproofing sealers. These coatings have minimal odor, dry rapidly and contain Bostik’s Blockade™ antimicrobial protection. Either coating can be used in conjunction with Bostik’s complete line of Durabond installation materials that include cement repair patches, self-leveling underlayments and adhesives. In fact, when used as part of a complete Bostik system, the installation can be warranted for a period of 10 years.
The number one thing to do prior to the installation of virtually any floor covering on a concrete slab is to test for the presence of elevated moisture vapor emission or pH levels.
It is essential to install a moisture vapor barrier coating if either of these conditions is above industry standards, but also a wise step to take as a precautionary measure to avoid potential problems in the future. Perhaps the greatest reason floor covering installations fail today is due to the breakdown of the adhesives used due to elevated levels of either condition.
The most robust moisture vapor barrier coatings for the installation of rubber flooring are made of epoxy resins and are a great preventive measure for any installation, regardless of size. Bostik is a global leader in the sale of moisture vapor emission control systems and has a choice of two-component coatings available. Bostik’s Durabond D-250 Moisture Vapor Barrier Coating and D-261 Extreme Moisture Vapor Barrier Coating are both high performance, roller-applied, epoxy coatings that meet LEED credit MR 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials – Paints & Coatings. Both coatings have VOC contents well below the 100 g/L LEED limit for this category of waterproofing sealers. These coatings have minimal odor, dry rapidly and contain Bostik’s Blockade™ antimicrobial protection. Either coating can be used in conjunction with Bostik’s complete line of Durabond installation materials that include cement repair patches, self-leveling underlayments and adhesives. In fact, when used as part of a complete Bostik system, the installation can be warranted for a period of 10 years.
All concrete surfaces regardless of age or grade level will release some level of moisture vapor. Vapor retarders such as Bostik's MVP4 Moisture Vapor Protection has been extremely effective in controlling the rate of vapor transmission from the subfloor when used in conjunction with any approved Bostik Urethane Adhesive. Bostik’s MVP4, being the first one-part, polyurethane product in the market, currently is the only vapor protection product that does not require moisture testing prior to use and also does not have an upper limit! Once your concrete substrate is properly prepared, MVP4 is easily troweled on using a 3/16" x 5/32" V-Notch trowel and has virtually no odor. After a short cure time of 12 hours, you can begin installing solid or engineered wood flooring using Bostik's Best, TKO, BSTurethane or EFA+.
My Tiles are cracking because the concrete underneath them cracked. Is there something we could have done to prevent that?
The answer is clearly YES!
First, if the cracking below your tile is a serious structural crack, then there are other more serious issues you need to address. However, if the cracks in your substrate are from cracking that is typical in concrete substrates (examples include control joint movement/cracks, or controlled/uncontrolled shrinkage cracks, or other nonstructural cracks), then yes you have options.
Bostik has been a pioneer in waterproofing and anti-fracture/crack suppressent membranes since the late 1980's. For the Hydroment brand, Ultra-Set Advanced® and Gold™ can be used over the entire substrate or in strategic areas of the installation. For the Durabond® brand D-222 DuraGuard® Membrane can be used over he entire substrate or in strategic areas of the installation. Both membranes exceed ANSI 118.10 (LOAD BEARING, BONDED, WATERPROOF MEMBRANES FOR THIN-SET CERAMIC TILE AND DIMENSION STONE INSTALLATIONS).
and ANSI 118.12 (SPECIFICATION FOR CRACK ISOLATION FOR CERAMIC TILE AND STONE INSTALLATIONS)
- which can prevent cracks in your Ceramic Tile, Porcelain, Marble, or Granite Installations for cracking in substrates up to 1/8". As always, please refer to Product Literature and industry standards for complete product information and proper installation procedures.
First, if the cracking below your tile is a serious structural crack, then there are other more serious issues you need to address. However, if the cracks in your substrate are from cracking that is typical in concrete substrates (examples include control joint movement/cracks, or controlled/uncontrolled shrinkage cracks, or other nonstructural cracks), then yes you have options.
Bostik has been a pioneer in waterproofing and anti-fracture/crack suppressent membranes since the late 1980's. For the Hydroment brand, Ultra-Set Advanced® and Gold™ can be used over the entire substrate or in strategic areas of the installation. For the Durabond® brand D-222 DuraGuard® Membrane can be used over he entire substrate or in strategic areas of the installation. Both membranes exceed ANSI 118.10 (LOAD BEARING, BONDED, WATERPROOF MEMBRANES FOR THIN-SET CERAMIC TILE AND DIMENSION STONE INSTALLATIONS).
and ANSI 118.12 (SPECIFICATION FOR CRACK ISOLATION FOR CERAMIC TILE AND STONE INSTALLATIONS)
- which can prevent cracks in your Ceramic Tile, Porcelain, Marble, or Granite Installations for cracking in substrates up to 1/8". As always, please refer to Product Literature and industry standards for complete product information and proper installation procedures.
We get questions all the time about our claims that we can glue down solid wood over concrete.
Fortunately, however there are many pre-finished and unfinished solid products available which are relatively straight, flat and rack together easily. These products, regardless of species, thickness or width can be glued down successfully over concrete or gypsum-based sub floors. The only limitation is the slabs must be above or on grade. Installations of solid wood are never recommended below grade.
The other concern has always been that water in a concrete slab will be absorbed by wood flooring. With the use of Products lik Bostik MVP4 urethane membrane we can eliminate that problem. However, as with nail down floors, we still need to be concerned with housekeeping and humidity in the building. There are more ways for a floor to become saturated with water than the subfloor.
There are literally millions of square feet of solid wood flooring glued down throughout North America in residential and commercial applications.
Be warned, solid wood flooring is not as forgiving as, dimensionally stable cross grain laminated, engineered products. If you skimp on acclimation, surface prep or adhesive, call backs are likely. However if you take the time to understand the installation of solids, you will be able to offer a more diverse range of wood flooring in glue-down markets.
All of Bostik’s urethane adhesives are recommended for solid glue down jobs. But don’t try to bond solid wood to old adhesive residues, cutback or concrete sealers. These products were never designed to withstand the lateral expansion and contraction of solid wood.
“You are not saying we can glue 3⁄4” solid wood over concrete, are you?”Well the answer is yes and no. When we say 3⁄4” wood flooring we are not speaking about your average wood that is bowed and bent. Such flooring, like unfinished 2 1⁄4” strip that requires mechanical fastener to hold it down and pull it together tight can not be glued down. It requires nails or staples, period.
Fortunately, however there are many pre-finished and unfinished solid products available which are relatively straight, flat and rack together easily. These products, regardless of species, thickness or width can be glued down successfully over concrete or gypsum-based sub floors. The only limitation is the slabs must be above or on grade. Installations of solid wood are never recommended below grade.
The other concern has always been that water in a concrete slab will be absorbed by wood flooring. With the use of Products lik Bostik MVP4 urethane membrane we can eliminate that problem. However, as with nail down floors, we still need to be concerned with housekeeping and humidity in the building. There are more ways for a floor to become saturated with water than the subfloor.
There are literally millions of square feet of solid wood flooring glued down throughout North America in residential and commercial applications.
Be warned, solid wood flooring is not as forgiving as, dimensionally stable cross grain laminated, engineered products. If you skimp on acclimation, surface prep or adhesive, call backs are likely. However if you take the time to understand the installation of solids, you will be able to offer a more diverse range of wood flooring in glue-down markets.
All of Bostik’s urethane adhesives are recommended for solid glue down jobs. But don’t try to bond solid wood to old adhesive residues, cutback or concrete sealers. These products were never designed to withstand the lateral expansion and contraction of solid wood.
TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout is be available in 20 colors unique to the Hydroment® and Durabond® brand product lines of tile and stone setting materials. Additionally, when used in conjunction with a Bostik system of products, TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout will be warranted up to the length of the system used!
TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout is a patented, water-based, urethane grout offering the ultimate in color accuracy, stain protection and crack resistance for residential and commercial tile installations. This breakthrough formulation installs up to 50% faster than traditional grouts, and never needs to be sealed! Its perfect balance of flexibility and toughness enables it to exhibit unmatched performance and crack resistance. TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout exceeds the grout-relevant portion of the ANSI 118.3 epoxy standard (modified ANSI 118.3-UG).
