Product Installation

Using a slow speed drill and paddle thoroughly mix the base colour for 30 seconds. Pour all of the hardener into the premixed base and mix for a further 2 minutes. Excessively vigorous mixing should be avoided as this can lead to undesirable air entrainment. If the mixing area is not adjacent to the laying area the time required to transfer the mixed material will reduce the open installation time.

Remember to always use the correct PPE. Pour all the mixed material into either a large roller tray, or lay a river of the material onto the prepared substrate. Using either a low-loss medium pile synthetic roller, or dense foam rubber squeegee, distribute the material evenly and uniformly to fully treat the surface. Finish using a roller to ensure that a uniform and even coverage is achieved. Allow the system to cure for a minimum of 18 hours at 20°C, but no longer than 24 hours at 20°C before over-coating with the second coat.  If the over coating time period is exceeded, the surface should be lightly abraded and vacuumed before further coats are applied.  Ensure good air-flow and ventilation to assist with cure.

Substrate Preparation

Surface preparation is the most vital aspect of resin flooring application. Inadequate preparation will lead to loss of adhesion and failure. The substrate in question will dictate the method of preparation. In the case of a concrete floor, preparation by dust enclosed diamond floor grinder may be appropriate, or if of a sufficient area for economic reasons, should be lightly shot blasted to leave a textured surface free from contamination.  If the floor has been treated with a cementitious surface improver, then the surface should be prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, or abraded with an STR machine followed by thorough vacuuming.  Treatment of local repairs such as cracks and holes, improvement or modification of levels and removal of high spots, should be undertaken prior to the looring installation.  Thin coatings will reflect the surface texture. High spots may lead to local premature wear. Excessive profiles as a result of inappropriate surface preparation may significantly affect application, coverage and performance.  Please consult Altro or FeRFA’s Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Flooring for further guidance.

Planning

Before proceeding with the installation, careful consideration should determine the best way of installing the Altro system. Efforts should be made to minimise day joints and optimise the open time of the product (i.e. minimise the distance between mixing and laying). It is best to also consider the effect of external influences on the final installation (i.e. direction of light from windows etc.). Time spent at this stage will be invaluable towards the success of your installation.  The AltroTect system is designed to be laid at a nominal 400-500 micron thickness.

Joints

The spacing of movement joints must be determined by the design of the subfloor. All live movement joints in the subfloor must be continued through the resin flooring. In all instances the type and positioning of movement joints should be agreed at the design stage between all parties concerned. Please refer to Altro or FeRFA’s Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Systems for further guidance. All joints should be filled with AltroExpand flexible jointing compound. Please see AltroExpand Datasheet for further information.

Protection

Whilst of an extremely durable nature these floor systems must be thoroughly protected from the rigours and abuse that exist during the ongoing contractual works.  The resin floor should reach full chemical cure in 7 days at 20°C. Untreated felt paper will suffice as protection from light traffic; however, if protection is required from other trades then the following protection option should be considered. Where heavier access is required then a more suitable medium to take the loadings, such as shuttering ply or Correx by Cordek, should be placed on top of the untreated felt paper. No polyethylene sheets, linseed-treated hardboard, print or dyed card should be placed in contact with the resin surface. All joints in the protection medium should be taped, and all accidental spillages should be recovered immediately by removal and reinstatement of the protection. Damage will occur to the system if ignored.

Cleaning Guidance

Steam cleaners and/or hot pressure cleaners should not be used on the floor or walls. A cold/ambient pressure washer may be used if required, but the pressure should not exceed 1400psi. Warm water will offer improved cleaning, but the water temperature should not exceed 60°C.  A textured surface will require mechanised cleaning or the use of a long-handled scrubbing brush (deck scrubber), mop cleaning will not be effective.

Regular Cleaning Regime;

Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove debris

For normal cleaning, dilute an alkaline detergent such, as AltroClean 44 or similar, by 1:40 in clean water

Alternatively, dilute by 1:20 for infrequent heavy cleaning

Liberally apply the water and detergent solution to the floor, scrubbing with a soft-bristle brush or slow-speed (< 400rpm) cleaning machine with a white soft-medium pad for smooth, gloss floors, or using a deck scrubber or scrubbing machine for textured floors

Pay particular attention to areas where residues may accumulate, such as internal corners of perimeter coves and around columns etc.

If possible, allow the detergent solution to remain on the floor for several minutes to break down deposits, but not sufficiently long to allow the solution to evaporate, it should be agitated by brushing/scrubbing during this time

Remove the solution by wet vacuum recovery and follow this with a fresh water rinse, or rinse the solution into drains if permissible

It is important that all detergent residue is removed from the textured surface of the floor. Detergent may become slippery which affects safety, or sticky which attracts and holds more dirt

In some circumstances the customer may decide to use a high solids acrylic-emulsion surface dressing as a barrier layer to ease cleaning and/or maintain gloss. It should be noted that this will also reduce the surface texture and therefore the slip-resistance of the floor finish. This control of slip-resistance, in such cases, rests with those who determine cleaning regime and the application of surface dressings.

We completed our work within programme and on budget, the Client was extremely happy with the finish.

IRL Group established in 1976, based in Loughborough and operating nationally have a strong client base with upwards of 75% of turnover as repeat business.  Our partnership approach has proved a winning formula for all of our clients, from large organisations to private individuals. IRL Group work with clients to identify their objectives and meet their expectations.  By adopting this partnership approach we aim to make a long term relationship with a client that will return to us time and again.