FC&A May 2012 Supplement

Supplement

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Supplement - May 2012 www.fca-magazine.com

Designflooring for commercial interiors Van Gogh collection: • Lower maintenance • Quicker to install • Replicates natural materials • Guaranteed for 10 years

Call: 0845 605 6770 Email: commercial@karndean.co.uk Visit: www.karndean.co.uk

Van Gogh | Wood | French Oak | VGW85T

Your space. Your needs. Your style.

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Mixed Media Information Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232702, Fax: 01622 816874 www.fca-magazine.com www.mixedmediainfo.com

Editor Dawn Frosdick-Hopley dawn@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702 Publishing Director Sam Ball sam@fca-magazine.com 01622 232702 Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@fca-magazine.com Account Executive Adele Mason adele@fca-magazine.com Design & Production Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Manager Vickie Crawford creditcontrol@mixedmediainfo.com 01795 509103 Terms and Conditons:

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In association with

Welcome

...to our Floors, Walls & Ceilings special

I

n this special FC&A supplement we are addressing the important areas of floors, walls and ceilings, sectors, which despite the economic challenges, are continuing to deliver outstanding products and installations. In the flooring industry, product design and innovation continue to thrive, and we take a look at Forbo, Nicholls & Clarke and Karndean Designflooring, companies which consistently deliver wide ranges of stylish designs, offering high quality solutions to a multitude of flooring projects.

Once installed, the flooring might look fantastic, but if the subfloor hasn’t been properly prepared or the right adhesive used, there may be trouble ahead. We discover how smoothing underlayments and adhesives from F. Ball and Co. and Ultra Floor primers and compounds, can make all the difference to a successful project.

Specifying fire resisting suspended ceilings can be a minefield as far as Building Regulations are concerned. We examine the approach taken by Knauf AMF to help simplify the situation. As always, if you would like to comment on any of the articles featured, or tell me about your own projects, then please do get in touch.

Dawn Frosdick-Hopley

Dawn Frosdick-Hopley Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

Contents

5 Modular flooring systems:

How designers can use the flexibility of a modular flooring solution to achieve outstanding end results.

7 Industrial flooring: Front cover:

A massive new distribution centre gets a hardwearing flooring system to combat 24-hour a day traffic.

8 Suspended ceilings:

An understanding of testing and application requirements is crucial when specifying fire rated ceiling systems.

10 Timber-effect flooring:

How wood and stone-effect floor coverings take inspiration from nature to make the practical, stylish.

12 Underlayments & adhesives: 14 Forbo Flooring Systems is celebrating the benefits of ‘modularity’ and encouraging customers to explore the design potential and creative freedom offered by its tile-based flooring solutions. See pg.5.

Using correct floor preparation products have played a key role in the restoration of the Watford Colosseum, Hertfordshire.

Composite tiling innovation:

A versatile, stylish and incredible strong tiling range that can be set practically anywhere.

16 Floor adhesives & preparation:

How specialist compounds and acrylic emulsion primers were the right treatment for Dulwich Community Hospital in London.

18 Underfloor heating knowledge:

Increase your knowledge of underfloor heating systems with the Uponor Roadshow.

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3

New High Performance AMF Ceilings PERFORMANCE CEILINGS More s c ope for innovation

The AMF THERMATEX Acoustic Range offers a totally new concept for suspended ceiling systems. The tissue-faced tiles cover different levels of sound absorption and sound attenuation while maintaining a uniform aesthetic.

The AMF THERMATEX Acoustic Range can provide solutions for almost every application and is especially suited to schools.

NEW: THERMATEX SF Acoustic with shadow joint Elegant appearance Minimal void needed for installation Simple access Quality ceiling tile

KNAUF AMF FIRE PROTECTION SOLUTIONS

NEW SOLUTIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

■ Full range of fire resisting solutions ■ Range of products providing 30 - 120 minutes fire resistance depending on application nauf AMF Ceilings Ltd. · Thames House, 6 Church Street, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 3NJ · Tel: 020 8892 3216 · Fax: 020 8892 6866 · Email: sales@amfceilings.co.uk · www.amfce ■ Suitable for mezzanine floors, timber floors and steel beam and other constructions www.amfceilings.com ■ Range of fully tested fire resistant light boxes MADE IN GERMANY ■ All fire resisting products conform to Building Regulations Class 0 and A2-s1, d0 to BS EN 13501 ■ All fire resisting ceilings are independently tested and certified

w High Performance AMF Ceilings

PERFORMANCE CEILINGS

More scope for innovation New High Performance AMF Ceilings The AMF THERMATEX Acoustic Range offersPERFORMANCE a totally new concept CEILINGS for suspended ceiling systems. The tissue-faced tiles cover different More scope for innovation levels of sound absorption and sound attenuation while maintaining a uniform aesthetic.

The AMF THERMATEX Acoustic Range offers a totally new conce

The AMF THERMATEX Acoustic Range can provide for tissue-faced tiles cover diff for suspended ceilingsolutions systems. The almost every application and is especially suited to schools. levels of sound absorption and sound attenuation while mainta a uniform aesthetic.

The AMF THERMATEX Acoustic RangeVISIT can provide THE solutions for

NEW: THERMATEX SF Acoustic with shadow joint almost every application and is especially suited to schools.

WEBSITE NOW Elegant appearance AND SUBSCRIBE Minimal void needed for installation NEW: THERMATEX SF Acoustic with shadow joint TO OUR FREE Simple access Elegant appearance NEWSLETTER Quality ceiling tile Minimal void needed for installation Simple access Quality ceiling tile

Knauf AMF Ceilings Ltd. OR EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

Thames House, 6 Church Street, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 3NJ NEW SOLUTIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS Phone 020 8892 3216, Fax 020 8892 6866

E-mail: sales@amfceilings.co.uk www.amfceilings.co.uk Knauf AMF Ceilings Ltd. · Thames House, 6 Church Street, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 3NJ · Tel: 020 8892 3216 · Fax: 020 8892 6866 · Email: sales@amfc

6 Church Street, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 3NJ · Tel: 020 8892 3216 · Fax: 020 8892 6866 · Email: sales@amfceilings.co.uk · www.am

MADE IN GERMANY

Online Enquiry 124

www.amfceilings.com www.amf

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Left: Multiple tile sizes and formats from Forbo offer even more design flexibility

eilings.co.uk

Forbo Flooring Systems is celebrating the benefits of ‘modularity’ and encouraging customers to explore the design potential and creative freedom offered by its tile-based flooring solutions.

W

ith a wider range of textile and resilient floor coverings in ept a convenient tile format than ferent any other manufacturer, Forbo aining is keen to demonstrate how the flexibility of the modular concept can be exploited to create fully integrated and beautifully

colour co-ordinated floor schemes.

A modular flooring solution is ideal where the brief calls for the installation of various flooring types with different attributes. Because Forbo’s ranges are specifically colour co-ordinated for integration, its textile and resilient floor tiles can be mixed and matched across a floor scheme, with colours and patterns selected to blend or contrast as desired.

Multiple tile sizes and formats offer even more design flexibility.

Modular floor coverings are a logical choice for the modern working environment with access flooring, which has to be lifted periodically. They also allow refurbishments to be carried out with the minimum of financial outlay and fuss.

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Modular approach to floor design

Compared with floor coverings supplied in sheet format, tiles will usually generate a lot less installation waste and can generally be fitted more rapidly. They can be rotated within an area to extend the lifespan of the installation and can be replaced in isolation allowing localised damage to be rectified with minimum financial outlay.

For areas of a building calling for the aesthetic appeal, warmth, acoustics and underfoot comfort of a textile floor covering, Forbo offers an exceptional range of design-led tufted and cut pile carpet tiles in its Tessera and Westbond ranges.

Where the smooth appearance, hygienic properties and ease of cleaning associated with resilients are needed, Forbo offers Marmoleum tiles, Flex Design loose lay vinyl tiles and Allura LVT tiles and ‘planks’.

Within these individual product ranges are aesthetic styles, colourways and technical specifications to meet all requirements.

Completing the range of modular flooring solutions offered by Forbo is the Flotex tile range – a truly unique range of flocked floor tiles combining the attributes of textile flooring with the benefits of a resilient.

As Marketing Manager Julie Dempster explains: “Modular flooring offers aesthetic, practical and economic benefits, and with the wide range of products we offer and the ingenious way in which our designers have integrated our colour palettes, the range of design possibilities for the creative specifier is infinite.”

Above: Allura LVT tiles and ‘planks’ have a smooth appearance and excellent hygienic properties

mfceilings.co.uk

ceilings.co.uk · www.amfceilings.co.uk

fceilings.com

info.flooring.uk@forbo.com

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5

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Simple foundations for sophisticated style

Linoleum Style The perfect foundation for a wide range of concepts and sectors Simple but sophisticated palette Linear and marbled designs Excellent lifecycle costs Sustainable

LINOLEUM xf™

Style

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Style Elle elegantly linear

Style Emme discreetly marbled

Back to basics

For more information email marketing@tarkett.com call 01622 854040 web www.tarkett.co.uk

Floors, Walls & Ceilings although it is available in other colours to provide a more decorative finish as required.

Seal of approval

Strength & durability

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Above and below: Thanks to the proven performance of the Sikafloor-2 SynTop system and SikaPlast 15RM, the floors of this new distribution centre will be prepared to withstand busy warehouse activity for many more years to come

In addition to the internal floor finish, a Sika concrete admixture was also chosen, incorporated into the concrete mixes for the external and internal floor slabs – both subject to high traffic loads.

SikaPlast 15RM, a liquid admixture that is used as a mid-range water reducer and plasticiser, was added to the mix to increase the workability of the concrete whilst at the same time increasing durability and strength. It proved to be a cost-efficient solution and meets the requirements of BS EN934-2 HRWRA/Superplasticiser.

To complete the flooring application, ABS Brymar applied the Sikafloor Proseal one-coat concrete curing membrane.

A clear acrylic resin polymer solution, Sikafloor ProSeal impregnates the concrete surface in a single application to cure, harden and seal freshly-applied or hardened concrete. Fully cured within 24 hours at 20°C, it minimises downtime and ensures the floor is fully trafficable within days.

With the floors of a massive new distribution centre subjected to footfall and forklift movements 24 hours a day, a proven, hardwearing flooring system was required.

Offering market-leading durability, the Sikafloor-2 SynTop from Sika, fitted the bill perfectly.

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new distribution centre covering 1,000,000 sq.ft., equivalent to 14 football pitches, has been built in Scotland for one of the world’s largest online retailers.

Main contractor Winvic was appointed to complete delivery of the new-build single-storey warehouse during a 42-week construction programme.To complete the comprehensive 80,000m2 flooring application, the company turned to specialists in the design and construction of industrial floors, ABS Brymar.

Appointed to install a hardwearing and attractive flooring system, ABS Brymar wanted a system proven to deliver on both fronts. The company turned to the reliability, durability and high performance of the Sikafloor-2 SynTop system from Sika.

Sikafloor-2 SynTop is a one part, preblended, coloured synthetic dry shake hardener for concrete, comprising cement, hard aggregates, compatible admixtures and pigment. It provides a hardwearing, non-metallic dry shake topping for monolithic floors.

When sprinkled and trowelled into fresh wet concrete floors, it forms a durable and smooth surface – ideal for warehouses, distribution centres, factories, manufacturing plants and aircraft hangars, as well as many more commercial and industrial facilities of all sizes. The system here was applied in its natural colouring of concrete grey,

sales@uk.sika.com

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7

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Specifying ceilings for fire safety Suspended ceilings could be identified as one of the most mis-specified elements used for fire resistance, primarily because they are used in many different applications achieving a different performance in each of them.

FC&A examines the approach taken by Knauf AMF to address this difficult situation.

T

he building regulations prescriptively require fire resistance ratings for structural building elements such as the structural frame, floor construction, walls (interior and exterior) and roof construction. The purpose of providing these fire resistance ratings is to contain a fire to the space of origin and allow safe occupant egress, to permit fire fighter entry and operations, and to provide structural stability.

8

Fire resisting suspended ceilings are used in many different applications and will achieve a different performance in each of them. For example, a ceiling providing fire resistance to steel beams will perform differently than the same system in combination with a timber floor. An understanding and appreciation of what the product has been tested to and how this relates to a specific application is therefore crucial when specifying fire rated ceiling systems.

Above: The quality of building materials used often plays a decisive role in determining whether fire is able to spread unhindered or is contained

Fire Protection

Fire protection means preventing the outbreak and spread of fire and smoke.

The protection of health and life is of utmost importance to people located within the building. The quality of building materials used often plays a decisive role in determining whether fire is able to spread unhindered or is contained at the seat of the fire, and whether it is able to be extinguished quickly and successfully.

The fire protection of buildings can be ‘active’ with the use of detectors, automatic alarms (to occupants and emergency services), water sprinklers or gaseous systems, or it can be ‘passive’ through the provision of suitably tested lining materials and building constructions that restrict the growth and spread of fire.

Fire Resistance

By comparison, fire resistance is concerned with preventing a developed fire from spreading through the building, attacking and destroying elements of the structure. Testing can be carried out with fire from below, or from above, or where the fire is contained in a closed cavity. Any fixtures or fittings, such as recessed luminaires, which form an integral part of the ceiling, must be included in the test specimen.

Fire resisting testing measures the performance against the criteria of

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings integrity (E), insulation (I) and loadbearing capacity (R).

Fire Reaction

â–

as A1, A2, B, D, E or F. Depending on national market legislation, additional information regarding smoke production and flaming droplets or particles may also be required, for example A2 – s1,d0.

Knauf AMF mineral ceiling products have been successfully tested to BS476: Parts 6 and 7 and conform to Class 0 as defined by Building Regulations.

They are also classified as A2-s1,d0 in accordance with BS EN13501. This is considerably better than the toughest requirement for ceiling products as stipulated by the Building Regulations Approved Document B.

Above: Fire resisting suspended ceilings are used in many different applications and will achieve a different performance in each of them

sales@amfceilings.co.uk

In relation to suspended ceilings, fire resistance is tested with a combined tile and grid system, hence there is no such thing as a fire resistant tile or a fire resistant grid.

Depending on the type of structure to be protected (i.e. wood, steel, mezzanine floor construction), Knauf AMF ceiling systems can provide between 30 to 120 minutes of fire resistance.

The full details of ceiling type and construction, protected structure, imposed loadings and tested time, are given in each fire report, copies of which are available on request.

â–

Fire reaction refers to the surface burning of materials and the rate at which they contribute to the growth of a developing fire within a particular area. Reaction to fire involves tests on materials that measure the extent to which internal surfaces contribute to the spread of flames. The objective of these tests is to control the development and spread of a fire, thus helping to extend the escape period. Materials that exceed the building regulation requirements will assist in minimising the contribution to the growth of a fire in a given space There is a harmonised European classification for the fire performance of building materials which may be given, in descending order of significance,

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9

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Karndean Designflooring is one of the world’s leading suppliers of commercial design flooring. It’s wide range of stylish designs offer a high quality solution to a multitude of flooring projects.

T

aking inspiration from nature to make the practical, stylish, Karndean’s six ranges of wood and stone-effect floor coverings offer specifiers, architects and designers a stunning range of practical, quicker-tofit and simple to maintain floors for all manner of projects.

Karndean’s partnership with magnetised flooring technology specialists IOBAC means that all of its contemporary ranges are also available with magnetised vinyl tiles for those looking for the ultimate in installation flexibility. The ideal solution for retail environments in particular, the revolutionary IOBAC system is a fast, efficient and sustainable way to install a new floor or replace an existing one.

Art Select

Karndean Designflooring’s premium Art Select range of hand-worked timbereffect design flooring, is the ideal solution

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for any commercial environment in need of added ‘wow’ factor.

Incorporating Karndean’s finest collections – Oak Premier, Oak Royale, Hand Crafted Woods and Parquet – the Art Select range features both hand-scraped and handcrafted finishes.This added texture gives depth and definition to any environment where designer style is paramount.

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Making the practical stylish

sizes for quicker installation.The French Oak (VGW85T) and Classic Oak (VGW86T) colourways are particularly popular as they offer mid timber tones that have broad appeal for many commercial environments, whilst White Washed Oak (VGW80T) and Ebony (VGW89T) offer a striking contrast of pale white wood and dark black wood respectively for a more dramatic look.

A recent installation undertaken by Karndean was at Bedford Girls School.

The dining hall and reception area at the school has to endure footfall from over a thousand students every day, so when a new refurbishment was announced, it was important to source flooring which was cost-effective and able to withstand an active school environment.

Before the refurbishment, the areas in question were served by carpet tiles, but with an experienced architect on-hand to recommend a variety of more durable and stylish materials, it was clear that Karndean Designflooring would meet the refined design of the refurbishment whilst offering the durability that Bedford Girls School required.

The school chose to install 480m2 of ‘Auckland Oak’ from Karndean’s Van Gogh range as well as a compass-style centrepiece at the bottom of the stairwell.

Sonia Natus, Estates Manager of Bedford Girls School said: “The first thing that attracted us to Karndean Designflooring was the combined appearance and practicality of the products. Having wood-effect flooring really lifts the space and compliments the style of the building far more than the old fashioned carpet tiles did.”

Van Gogh

The Van Gogh collection offers a wide tonal range and beautiful classic design, making it the ideal choice for commercial projects that require the look of natural timber but with none of the installation and maintenance drawbacks.

Van Gogh encompasses a total of 22 timber-effect finishes in a variety of natural wood colours and is available in large plank

Above and top: 480m2 of Auckland Oak wood-effect flooring was specified during a recent refurbishment at Bedford Girls School

Commercial@karndean.co.uk

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As a product information magazine PSBJ showcases the latest innovative building products as well as showcasing them in use within public sector building.

If you are an Architect, Building Contractor, Specifier, Developer, Local Authority, or work within building for Healthcare, Education, Housing or Leisure and have the power to purchase building products, subscribe now for free.

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

High performance smoothing underlayments and adhesives from F. Ball and Co. Ltd., have played a key role in the restoration of 1,700m2 of flooring at the Watford Colosseum in Hertfordshire.

T

he use of F. Ball products at the Watford Colosseum, helped create a durable and aesthetically pleasing floor finish in several areas including the bar, dressing rooms, and auditorium. The live music and entertainment venue underwent an extensive £5.5m restoration, and recently re-opened in all its former glory, boasting a new restaurant, café and several bars.

To begin the renovations, cork flooring was removed from the theatre’s corridors, and the subfloor was suitably prepared. To protect the new floorcoverings, Stopgap high performance waterproof surface membrane was then applied to areas throughout the building where relative humidity measurements showed there was excess moisture.

In the bar area, where subfloor conditions were particularly poor, slump resistant Stopgap 400 Repair was used to

12

‘patch repair’ holes in the concrete and sand/cement screed subfloor to make the surface good.

Fast setting, Stopgap Green Bag 128 smoothing underlayment was then applied to all areas to create a smooth surface on which to apply new floorcoverings.

Importantly, Stopgap Green Bag 128 is suitable for heavy-duty applications and will accommodate the regular, high volume of theatre-going patrons.

Two F. Ball adhesives were then used to install 1,300m2 of bespoke carpet in the bar, corridor and auditorium areas.

High tack Styccobond F40 was used to secure the underlay to the floor and the UK’s most recognised flooring adhesive, Styccobond F3, was used to adhere the carpet to the underlay. In the backstage

and dressing room areas, linoleum flooring was installed with Styccobond F54, a synthetic rubber emulsion with a high level of initial grab.

Su Lawrence, Watford Colosseum Project Manager for Hillingdon Flooring comments: “We regularly use F. Ball products because of their reassuring quality guarantee. We also find their on-site support and technical service team very helpful.”

Founded in 1886, F. Ball and Co. Ltd. is a leading UK manufacturer of flooring adhesives and floor preparation products for the contract flooring industry. With a broad product portfolio including floor smoothing underlayments, repair compounds, waterproof surfaces membranes, flooring adhesives and primers, F. Ball delivers excellent customer service through its network of over 120 wholesalers throughout the UK and Ireland.

In addition, the company’s ‘Recommended Adhesives Guide’ (RAG) matches adhesives to more than 5,500 brand name floorcoverings from over 200 leading international manufacturers. Extensive in-house testing facilities and research and development laboratories at the company headquarters in Cheddleton, Staffordshire, enable F. Ball to continuously enhance the technology and quality of its product range.

mail@f-ball.co.uk

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Quality performance

Above: A range of products from F. Ball were used during the recent £5.5m restoration programme at the Watford Colosseum, Hertfordshire

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Greenhouse The first ever UK combined Passivhaus and CSH Level 6 property

Sustainability in Development Kevin McCloud lives the sustainable dream with The Triangle

Design & Desire From car plant to contemporary campus – the regeneration of Longbridge

Greenhouse Going Dutch – a villa built from 70 per cent recycled materials

Sustainability in Development The Radisson Blu East Midlands – one of the greenest hotels in the UK

Design & Desire From Art Deco technical college to iconic Coventry landmark

Greenhouse North London luxury apartments meet ecological and environmental benchmarks

Sustainability in Development How AIMC4 is meeting the challenge of volume sustainable housebuilding

Design & Desire Rockliffe Hall - from derelict mansion to world class hotel

Greenhouse Bicton EaRTH - an inspiring skills centre with an ecological heart

Sustainability in Development A sustainable community sets new standards for environmental living

Design & Desire Flagship warehouse scheme becomes coolest place to live in Manchester

Keep up-to-date with the latest news, legislation, projects & building information with FC&A. If you’re an architect, building contractor, specifier or developer, and have the power to purchase building products, subscribe FREE at

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

As easy to fit as carpet tiles, stronger than porcelain tiles, as beautiful as natural stone – N&C Nicobond introduces the outstanding Nicobond Steelker.

C

reated to be a floating floor, Nicobond Steelker can be fixed in virtually any area. Due to the laminated construction, fusing porcelain tiles, steel and resin fibre, it can be placed on non-rigid subfloors or over existing hard floor coverings such as ceramic or natural stone. The unique lamination process creates floors that have incredible impact resistance and the

Above left: Nicobond Steelker is a new generation of porcelain tile, revolutionary in design and functionality

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disconnected installation system means floors can be installed or replaced quickly and efficiently.

Nicobond Steelker looks like a tile but it is much more. It does not out of necessity need to be glued to the subfloor, nor does it need to be supported by a cementbased screed, because the tile is already reinforced. The result is that Nicobond Steelker can be set practically anywhere.

Installation is completely dry-fit using the Nicobond Steelker self-adhesive ‘repositionable’ underlay mat. Easy to lay, it has the ability to compensate for small gradients and undulations in the subfloor making it ideal for DIY or for use by professional installers. For those who prefer a more traditional installation method, this can still be accomplished using Nicobond Rapidflex Adhesive with Nicobond Starlike Epoxy Adhesive/Grout.

The underlay is repositionable because it is possible to detach and re-attach any out of position pieces with minimal effort,

• • •

info@nichollsandclarke.co.uk

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You’ve never seen a floor tile like this before…

making the laying more easy and forgiving.

The adhesive strength, once the tiling has been completed, is more than sufficient to ensure optimal bonding and being pressure sensitive, increases with time.

After an hour it is close to impossible to remove a tile from the underlay, unless you cut through the underlay with a blade cutter. The Nicobond self-adhesive underlay mat gives three important features to the new floor: Reduces the sound transmission through the structure; Reduces the step noise inside the room; Allows the use of under floor heating, due to good heat transmission.

Although Nicobond Steelker is produced from a highly resistant composite material, it can be installed using a traditional scoring wheel tile cutter (i.e. Rubi). The Nicobond Porcelain tiles are rectified, so by placing a very narrow joint, grouting is not always essential, allowing the tiles to be easily removed and reused.

Nicobond Steelker is an optimal solution for radiant floors because its patented laminated structure improves the radiant heating performance of the floor. Nicobond Steelker has a very low thermal resistance when fixed using self-adhesive underlay, as the materials it is made of are able to withstand temperatures exceeding 100°C. Nicobond Steelker can be set over flexible subfloors, like plywood or fibreboard (MDF, HDF) and even chipboard or OSB. The tiles need to be fixed to the Nicobond Steelker dry-fit self-adhesive underlay, creating a floating floor that is disconnected from the timber subfloor. As it does not need a concrete slab, Nicobond Steelker is also an ideal solution to renovate a raised access floor. This solution allows access to the subfloor space as it will always be possible to remove the tiles.

One of the most amazing characteristics of this new floor tile concept is the ability to survive impact that would crack and destroy normal porcelain three times it’s thickness or granite 30mm thick. Nicobond Steelker has been submitted to shock resistance tests, according to International (ISO-EN), American (ASTM) and more strict French (CSTB) regulations.

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The first colour co-ordinating ceramic wall & vinyl floor Tiles The UK’s longest established plain colour wall tile range has been further developed to incorporate a new, complimentary vinyl floor tile range. Sample boards, wallets and cards are available on request Nicobond Plain Colour Tiles conforms to BS EN14411 (2003). 150 x 150 x 5.8mm.

Nicobond Vinyl Floor Tiles Conforms to EN 649 (33-42).

300 x 300 x 2mm.

0 8 4 5 6 0 5 1 3 4 5 I i n f o @ n i c h o l l s a n d c l a r k e . c o m I w w w. n c d i r e c t . c o . u k Online Enquiry 134

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Ultra Floor provides first class treatment Ultra Floor’s Prime IT AR, acrylic emulsion primer, Level IT super30, rapid set levelling compound and Feather IT smoothing compound, have been used to transform part of Dulwich Community Hospital in London.

S

pecialist flooring contractor Blackheath Flooring Ltd., based in Dartford, has recently finished subfloor preparation and flooring installation of 440m2 of vinyl throughout the ground floor corridors, reception and SELDOC waiting area of Dulwich hospital.

The work was completed over four weeks within tight time frames, using Ultra Floor Prime IT AR, Level IT super30 and Feather IT, to lay the vinyl covering.

Ultra Floor Prime IT AR is an acrylic emulsion primer suitable for use on porous substrates. It helps reduce the absorbency of the floor and improves the adhesion of cementitious underlayments.

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Above and below right: The work at Dulwich Community Hospital was completed over four weeks within tight time frames, using Ultra Floor Prime IT AR, Level IT super30 and Feather IT, to lay the vinyl covering

open areas, proving particularly suitable for schools, hospitals and leisure centres.

In addition, the product is designed to compensate for shrinkage and is polymer modified, both adding to its high performance and compatibility.

Feather IT feather finish smoothing compound was used to touch up and skim the corridors. It makes light work of patching many different surface imperfections such as ridges, uneven trowel marks and cracks. A perfectly smooth finish is guaranteed due to the inclusion of finer fillers, whilst increased polymer provides greater flexibility. In fact Ultra Floor Feather IT is so smooth it can be rolled by hand into a scroll without cracking, debonding or deforming!

It was important that downtime was kept to a minimum as the work had to be completed during weekend evenings when the hospital was quieter. The leveller was applied on a Friday night with flooring installation taking place the following day.

Level IT super30’s fast set time meant these parameters were easily achieved.

Neil Rose of Blackheath Flooring Ltd., commented that Ultra Floor products were ‘great to work with’. He went on to say that once work was completed, an accident occurred on site where a large safe perforated an area of newly refurbished flooring, causing irreparable damage to the vinyl covering, but with absolutely no impairment to the latex underneath. The vinyl was easily peeled back and new covering re-laid without the need to re-apply the leveller. This is a sound testament to Level IT super30’s strength, durability and exceptional performance.

It was used in this project to prepare the surfaces prior to levelling with Ultra Floor Level IT super30.

Level IT super30 is Ultra Floor’s fasttrack niche product for speedy levelling.

The product sets in 30 minutes and can be overlaid in just three hours! Being a twocomponent product it allows for fast and efficient mixing preparation as there is no requirement to add water.The product’s formulation is free from ammonia and protein, creating a very low odour material suitable for confined spaces as well as

ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk

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September Supplement: Doors, Windows & Balustrades In the third of its quarterly supplements, FC&A will be taking an in-depth look at the latest projects, products and technologies pushing boundaries in the field of doors, windows & balustrades. Ideal for even the most demanding specifiers!

To subscribe free of charge, go to www.fca-magazine.com/subscribe To submit material, contact Mixed Media Information Ltd. on 01622 232 702, or email steve@mixedmediainfo.com.

Images - top left: James Latham; top middle: ID Systems; top right: CR Laurence; bottom left:Vicaima; bottom middle: Delta Balustrades; bottom right: Urban Front.

Online Enquiry 136

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Industry knowledge goes on tour Installers from across the UK will be given the opportunity of free industry advice, special offers, plus the chance to walk away with a whole host of prizes following the announcement that Uponor is taking its industry knowledge on tour.

Wolseley Head Office in Leamington Spa. Staff will be on hand to talk to plumbers about Uponor’s extensive plumbing range including underfloor heating systems, such as its newly launched Self Attaching System (SAS), MLCP and PreInsulated Pipe, training opportunities at the company’s training academy in Lutterworth and the firm’s Design and Estimation capabilities.

Mark Tudor, sales director for Uponor said: “This is the first time we have taken our knowledge and expertise out onto the road and we’re really looking forward to having the opportunity to

Above and left: Uponor’s extensive plumbing range including underfloor heating systems, such as its newly launched Self Attaching System (SAS) will be just one of the products and services available for discussion as part of the Team Up With Uponor Roadshow

talk directly to our customers.

“We are enjoying phenomenal success at the moment – we have recently launched our new Self Attaching System to rave reviews and our training academy is going from strength to strength – and we are excited at the prospect of being able to communicate the benefits of working with Uponor and our unique, innovative systems.

“The Team Up With Uponor Roadshow is a must visit event for any plumber, installer, architect, M&E contractor, developer or engineer who has an interest in learning about how we can help add value to their plumbing and installation projects.

“What’s more, not only is the Roadshow free to attend, but with the offer of daily giveaways such as football shirts, earned prizes, discount off Uponor product and the chance to win two corporate tickets to Barcelona’s Nou Camp including flights and accommodation, this is one event plumbers can’t afford to miss!”

For further information on the Team Up With Uponor Roadshow, including dates and locations of the tour, or for details about Uponor’s Quick and Easy plumbing solutions as well as other heating and plumbing installation options, click on www.uponor.co.uk

enquiries.uk@uponor.com 18

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U

ponor, which offers solutions for both underfloor and radiator heating systems, including intelligent controls, has revealed that it is to embark on an inaugural regional tour, which will take in more than 40 UK towns and cities travelling as far north as Edinburgh, as far south as Plymouth, as easterly as Sevenoaks and as westerly as Bangor.

The Team Up With Uponor Roadshow kicks off at the Pipe Center in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, on June 12th and will conclude on September 13th at the

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1 1

Architect? Builder? Homeowner?

Everyone’s a winner

3 3 Profloor

Stepped, uneven and cambered sub-floors have never been easier to level.

Whether timber or a concrete deck – creating a perfectly even floor can be achieved in record breaking time – without breaking the bank.

It’s easy to use, extremely cost effective and offers many great benefits; > Services can be placed in created cavity > Quick to install - no glueing of packing pieces > Floors can be used immediately after installation > Ideal for new build and refurb projects > Designed to last the lifetime of the floor > Significantly reduces impact and airborne noise pollution > Floor depth as low as 51mm or as high as 203mm (inc. 18mm board) See the full range of products, accessories and technical data online.

www.proctorgroup.com | +44 (0)1250 872261 Online Enquiry 138

Floor

work

James Latham’s specialist Flooring Division offers an extensive range of solid and engineered wood flooring as well as adhesives, screeds, underlays and liquid DPMs, all displayed under one roof and available directly from stock.

Our in-depth knowledge and unrivalled reputation for service has been gained from trading in timber for over 250 years. All our flooring products are purchased in accordance with the UK Timber Trade Federation’s Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP).

To find out more information about our full range of products please contact: flooring@lathams.co.uk telephone 01708 681700 or visit the website at www.bausen.co.uk

Online Enquiry 139