Welcome to our new Technical Information page!
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Wicanders Cork Oak Floors. We’ll be happy to answer your queries as
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SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION FOR WICANDERS CORKCOMFORT WRT AND HPS GLUE DOWN FLOORS AND WICANDERS WOODCOMFORT GLUEDOWN HPS FLOORS
The key to success when installing Engineered Oak Flooring is to achieve a
good bond between the subfloor and the Wicanders flooring. Proper
preparation of the surface is the most important factor in achieving
this bond.
Whatever leveling compound is used to level, smooth or repair a
subfloor surface, it will only be as strong as the surface to which it
is bonded. The surface, therefore, must be sound, clean and free of oil,
grease, wax, dirt, asphalt, curing compounds, latex and gypsum
compounds, dust, paint, or any contaminant, which might act as a bond
breaker.
The methods required to properly prepare the subfloor vary with the
type of subfloor, its surface and condition. Many times, several methods
of preparing a subfloor are available. Some methods are used because
they are cheaper, easier or faster, depending upon the size of the job.
However, taking short cuts in proper subfloor preparation can be an
invitation to installation problems and failures.
This technical information is intended to give recommendations for many engineered oak flooring suppliers.
Subfloor requirements:
WICANDERS CORKCOMFORT WRT AND HPS GLUE DOWN FLOORS AND WICANDERS
WOODCOMFORT GLUEDOWN HPS FLOORS can be installed in interior
installation sites to on or above grade concrete or wooden subfloors.
Moisture protection:
Despite it’s age there is always a risk of moisture in subfloors, for
that reason it is necessary to ensure that an efficient moisture barrier
is installed.
Conduct calcium chloride moisture tests to ensure that moisture
emission levels are less than 3 lbs/1000ft2/24 hours (USA and Canada).
The moisture content of concrete subfloors should be as indicated
below (when using a CM moisture-gas pressure gauge measuring
instrument):
Subfloors to be covered with WICANDERS CORKCOMFORT WRT AND HPS GLUE
DOWN FLOORS AND WICANDERS WOODCOMFORT GLUEDOWN HPS FLOORS (almost
vapor-proof) require sealing (insulation) against rising damp if there
is no basement underneath). Water-repellent concrete, crawl spaces or
similar are not sufficient to prevent the migration of damp into the
subfloor.
Alkali testing – pH:
In addition to moisture testing, you may also test the concrete for
alkalinity. It is quite possible during curing especially on newly
poured slabs, that alkali salts were carried to the surface by moisture.
These alkali salt deposits will adversely affect the adhesive bond.
You can test for alkalinity of the concrete with a special pH testing
paper. If you have a pH Reading of 10 or higher, you must neutralise
the alkalinity before beginning the installation.