Bostik has supplied technical advice and subfloor preparation products to facilitate the installation of the flooring at a new school in Oldham, helping to overcome some difficult conditions and ensure the project was completed on schedule.
The purpose-built, four-storey Oasis Academy Leesbrook building is now catering for 1,500 pupils aged 11-16, having opened its doors after a two-year construction period.
Sedgley Flooring Solutions was contracted to install the flooring in the building – approximately 6,500m2 of vinyl sheeting and 3,500m2 of carpet tiles – and the contractor turned to Bostik for its wide range of products and technical expertise.
A CHALLENGING SUBFLOOR
When Bostik’s technical team initially visited the site to carry out preliminary tests, it was quickly apparent that certain areas of the subfloor posed a challenge. For example, there was water damage on the upper levels and some parts of the concrete showed signs of rebar shadowing.
Based on this, the Bostik team compiled a report for Sedgley Flooring Solutions that laid out the issues present and advised on how to overcome them to ensure that the floor coverings could be installed to the highest possible standard.
“The subfloor wasn’t in the greatest condition, and this meant we weren’t immediately able to install the flooring,” explains Nick Wray at Sedgley Flooring Solutions. “On top of that, some areas of the subfloor needed building up by up to 20mm in order to create a continuous surface.
“However, the Bostik team were quick to identify the best solutions, and because they were so calm and knowledgeable, we always had full confidence that the job could keep moving forwards.”
“The Bostik team were quick to identify the best solutions, and because they were so calm and knowledgeable, we always had full confidence that the job could keep moving forwards.” Nick Wray, Sedgley Flooring Solutions
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION
Based on Bostik’s recommendations, Sedgley Flooring Solutions mechanically abraded the subfloors to address the issues with the concrete finish, and then set about applying the preparation products, taking different approaches to the dry ground floor and the wet upper floors.
On the upper floors, before the application of a damp-proof membrane (DPM), the company pre-smoothed the rough-textured and pitted areas using Bostik’s multi-purpose Universal Primer, followed by Screedmaster Ultimate, Bostik’s two-part smoothing compound which offers fantastic workability and flow characteristics. This was necessary in order to create a flat surface, as trying to DPM rough or pitted floors results in excessive product use due to the product filling in all the voids and hollows, and often leaves concern as to whether there is an even controlled thickness where the subfloor overly consumes the DPM. Insufficient film thickness on a DPM can result in significant flooring failures.
They then left these areas to dry for 24 hours before applying Screedmaster One Coat Membrane, Bostik’s epoxy surface damp-proof membrane (DPM), to control the excess moisture present throughout the upper floors.
Once the upper floors had cured overnight, both those and the ground floor were ready to be primed and smoothed ahead of receiving the floor coverings. This was again done using Universal Primer followed by Screedmaster Ultimate. In the areas that required building up by 20mm, Bostik Screedmaster Epoxy Primer was used before application of the smoothing compound.
“THE PROJECT TURNED OUT A DREAM”
Aided by Bostik’s technical advice and subfloor preparation products, Sedgley Flooring Solutions was able to install the floor coverings on schedule, ready for when teaching was due to begin in the new building.
“This was a tricky installation, but Bostik’s expertise and quality products enabled us to overcome all difficulties and install the flooring exactly how we wanted to,” concludes Nick Wray. “Thanks to Bostik, the project turned out a dream.
“Thanks to Bostik, the project turned out a dream […] They’re knowledgeable, reliable and great to deal with.” Nick Wray, Sedgley Flooring Solutions
“We actually use Bostik for 90 percent of the preparation works we undertake, and once again this showed why – they’re knowledgeable, reliable and great to deal with. We would most definitely recommend them.”
Milo Watson, Area Sales Manager at Bostik, comments: “This project had its challenges, but our technical team have seen most things before and relish providing advice on how to get the job done to the best possible standard. Above all, it’s great to hear that Nick and the team were happy with our contribution to the project.”
