Selecting the correct adhesive for your installation is an often critical but overlooked element in achieving a robust flooring installation that will stand the test of time. Choosing the right adhesive for floor covering installation requires careful consideration. The selection process should account for both the specific floor covering and the application environment. Several key factors come into play when making this important decision.
Manufacturers’ guidance
First and foremost, the adhesive should be used according to the guidance of the manufacturer of the floor covering being installed. Some fitters favour certain adhesives, either for the familiarity or ease of use. It is important to realise that the subtle changes in the backings of the floor coverings can significantly impact the adhesive requirements. An adhesive you have been using on seemingly similar products/installations may not be suitable. Generally, in the case of vinyl/LVT, manufacturers will advise on the type of adhesive (acrylic, epoxy, etc.), leaving you with a range of options. However, it is always worth checking if a specific product is required. If that is the case, it might indicate that the product needs a slightly higher specification adhesive to bond it successfully.
Temperature fluctuations and solar gain
PVC floor coverings, particularly in tile form, are sensitive to temperature, and expand and contract with fluctuations in the environment. As the temperature cools, PVC contracts and shrinks, which in the case of tiles, leads to the formation of gaps. As temperatures increase, PVC expands, causing tiles to push against one another, potentially resulting in tenting. This is a common occurrence where vinyl tiles are exposed to prolonged direct sunlight e.g., south-facing bi-fold doors, conservatories etc. Selecting a high-temperature (HT) adhesive such as Bostik STIX A930 MULTI FIBRE, which offers an increased final bond strength to the subfloor and rigidity, eliminates the tiles’ ability to expand and contract.
Humidity and moisture
Different adhesive types offer different levels of moisture resistance, and selecting the right one depends on the environment where the flooring is going to be installed. Bathrooms and other areas with high humidity levels require adhesives that can withstand moisture without breaking down or losing their bond. Acrylic adhesives, when used in wet/humid environments, can degrade over time, leading to the failure of the flooring system. An adhesive designed for moisture resistance such as Bostik STIX H900 RESIST+, ensures that your flooring can handle water exposure without issues like mould growth, blistering or adhesive breakdown.
Dynamic and rolling loads
Some flooring installations will be subjected to more “use and abuse” than others. In environments where dynamic or rolling loads (e.g., heavy equipment on caster wheels, trolleys, etc.) are to be expected, this should also be accounted for with the adhesive choice. In these situations, how much weight the adhesive can withstand before it is compressed is critical to preventing the formation of ridges, tramlines and other visual imperfections as the floor is rolled over, particularly in tight corners where the load will be turning, such as hospital corridors. An adhesive that can withstand these loads, such as Bostik STIX H900 RESIST+, should be used in these environments.
Conductive and static dissipative adhesives
Conductive adhesives are often recommended for vinyl flooring, particularly in environments where static electricity needs to be controlled. These adhesives contain conductive materials (typically fibres), which allow the adhesive to dissipate static electricity through the flooring and into the ground. In industries where static control is critical, using conductive vinyl flooring adhesive, such as Bostik STIX A970 ELECTRO, is essential. For example, the electronics industry has strict guidelines for Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control to protect sensitive components during manufacturing. Similarly, healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities often need to meet safety standards related to static control to ensure the integrity of their equipment and processes.
Environmental and safety considerations
Some adhesives, such as solvent-based contact adhesives, can release harmful vapours into the air during and after installation. Modern adhesives are increasingly designed to be non-hazardous, offering strong bonding capabilities without potentially affecting the user and air quality. Selecting adhesives with low to no VOC emissions is more beneficial for the installer, the environment and the well-being of the people occupying the space, especially in homes, offices, or schools where air quality is a concern.
Removal/Recyclability
The life cycle of floor coverings and their environmental impacts are becoming increasingly critical factors in installation choices. In many environments, the stresses exerted on flooring make it crucial for coverings to be bonded. However, when the flooring gets to the end of its life and is removed, it is contaminated with adhesive residues, rendering it unable to be recycled. Our Bostik R3BOND® SYSTEM is an innovative adhesive system that allows for floor coverings to be fully adhered while maintaining the ability to release them without residues at the end of the floor’s life, maintaining the recyclability of the floor covering and the integrity of the subfloor.
Ensuring proper adhesive coverage
Selecting the correct trowel notch size for the chosen adhesive is a critical yet frequently overlooked aspect of installing floor coverings. The trowel notch serves as a crucial means of regulating the quantity of adhesive material applied to the substrate. Selecting an appropriate notch size for the trowel facilitates uniform dispersion of the adhesive, ensuring complete coverage beneath the floor covering. It significantly impacts the bonding capabilities, consumption, durability, and final appearance of the flooring. Appreciating the importance of selecting an appropriate trowel notch size can save time, cost, and labour while ensuring a long-lasting installation.
At Bostik, our technical team offers this kind of support and more. Get in touch to book our free Bostik Academy training to learn why and how to use our products, and how they can solve your flooring issues.
