Is your Substrate Suitable?
Our product ranges are only as good as the substrate they are applied to. It is always good advice to stop, look and access the quality of the substrate you have been asked to tile or lay a floor covering on. The four main principles are Flat, Sound, Dry and Clean, but it is also important to consider the environmental factors and if the substrate is suitable an example is Plywood should not be used in a wet area.
In the last few years, the Construction industry has released documents which highlight issues with materials being used in the industry. The CIF and NSAI both have issued a warning in respect of quality of plywood available in the marketplace.
The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) has issued a warning to the construction industry on the non-compliance of certain types of imported Chinese plywood.
The type of glues been used in these plywood’s was not the correct grade and in some cases would breakdown when subject to moisture. A good test to see if your Plywood is of good quality takes a sample of the plywood put it in a bucket of water and leave it over night. If it is good plywood it will stay well formed if it is not it will blow apart.
Good Quality vs Poor Quality
Always check to make sure the plywood is good quality also it is best practice to sand the face of the plywood before you start to lay your floor in case there is any presence of wax which can be used to prevent sheets sticking together in transport this will be a total bond breaker.
The Construction Industry in England also released an information Document on fitting to an Anhydrite(Calcium Sulphate) based screed. This was again to highlight the best practice when dealing with this type of liquid screed. Click here to read the full document.
Our team is always available to advise and visit you on site should you require help to ascertain the suitability of a substrate, Remember Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail.