Simply click on the relevant question and you will be taken to the relevant part of this page to view the answer.

Question 1.
I have a flight of concrete stair treads and risers to make good and pre-smooth to receive aluminium tread nosing and vinyl finishes. There are other trades on site and it is not possible to close the stairs completely. What product would you advise to enable the work to be carried out?

Question 2.
I have a few isolated floor tiles in the base of a swimming pool that require replacing. I am unable to drain down the pool, is there an adhesive to re-fix new tiles under water?

Question 3.
I propose to fix brick slips to an external render. Is there a thin bed adhesive for carrying out this work for external use?

Question 4.
I am informed that a cement/sand render requires a minimum drying time of 3 weeks prior to fixing ceramic wall tiles. Is this a fact, and if so, is there an alternative material that allows the fixing of tiles within a shorter time scale?

Question 5.
I have an industrial warehouse floor that I wish to refurbish. The floor is concrete and requires making good in areas and a smooth finish applied to receive an epoxy floor paint. What do you advise?

Question 6.
I have a timber-boarded floor that I want to adhere ceramic tiles to. Is there a suitable adhesive and grout for this type of floor construction?

Question 7.
I require a rapid setting ceramic tile adhesive and grout to allow early trafficking of the floor. The tiles are 300 x 300mm and the cement/sand screed has been down for a month. What adhesive and grout would you advise and how much would I need for 50m²?

Question 8.
I need to level my concrete floor to receive ceramic tiles. The floor levels required to be made up are from 0 to 30mm. What products do you advise to level the floor and what tile adhesive/grout would you advise?

Question 9.
I have a situation where the existing cement and sand screed has broken down. I need to replace the 50mm thick screed, and have been informed this will take weeks to dry before I can lay my flooring. Is this advice correct, and if so, how long will the screed require, or is there an alternative product?

Question 10.
I have just had a new sand and cement screed installed and I want to fix large terracotta floor tiles. How long should the screed be down and what type of adhesive/grout should I use?

Question 11.
My garage floor is uneven with isolated patches of oil. I require to level the concrete floor and apply a paint coating at some stage. Do you have such a product and what preparation is required?

Question 12.
I am proposing to fix a light colour natural stone wall tile to cement/sand rendered walls in my bathroom, and have been informed staining of the tile could occur. Is this possible or should I use a certain type of adhesive?

Question 13.
My concrete basement floor appears to be damp and I want to have a new floor covering installed. What should I use to level the floor, and how can I prevent the dampness affecting the new floor?

Question 14.
I have a hospital corridor that requires a hard levelling compound to receive a linoleum floor covering. The corridor is currently overlaid with vinyl and the new floor finish needs to be flat. What product should I use?

Question 15.
I have a hard asphalt sub-floor that I want to apply a vinyl floor covering to, what preparation should I do or can I install the vinyl direct to the asphalt?

Question 16.
My bathroom walls at home, which I intend to tile, comprise of finishing plaster and studwork plasterboard. Do I need to prime the walls and what adhesive/grout should I chose from your product range?

Question 17.
I have a car showroom floor to tile that has a ceramic tile floor already. It is proposed to leave the existing ceramic tiles down and tile on top. What would you advise for the adhesive and grout?

Question 18.
I have had an adjoining wall removed and the floor levels vary in height by 15mm. The existing two floors are of cement and sand screed currently covered with carpet. What material would you recommend to raise the lower floor level to meet the level of the other floor to receive a laminate wood floor?

Question 19.
The concrete floor I have to apply vinyl to is currently painted. Preparation cannot be carried out, as this will cause complications on site. What levelling compound would you advise I use, and other issues I should be aware of?

Question 20.
Can I lay vinyl floor coverings over my wood blocks/parquet floor?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question 1.
Ensure the existing concrete treads/risers are free of all barrier materials liable to impair adhesion to the surface.

Damaged areas of the concrete treads and the resurfacing of the stair risers can be carried out using ARDEX A 45 rapid repair mortar. After 1½ hours every other stair tread can be resurfaced and brought to level with a further application of ARDEX A 45 allowing access for other trades to pass. Repeat the operation to the remaining stair treads after a further 1½ hours. The aluminium stair nosings can be mechanically fixed in position after the 1½ hours has elapsed including the installation of the PCV flooring.

For further information on mixing and application techniques consult the technical product data sheet or instruction leaflet No. 6 or contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. + 44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 2.
It is possible to carry out such repairs. Remove damaged floor tiles and the adhesive bed to ensure the replacement tile fits the intended area with sufficient depth for the new tile adhesive.

Mix a small amount of ARDEX X 7 white cement-based adhesive to a slump-free consistency. Apply to the back of the replacement tile forming a slight pyramid of excess adhesive. Allow to air dry for approximately 30 minutes before taking the tile beneath the water.

Firmly press the tile into position expelling excess adhesive up via the tile joint and smooth off excess adhesive with the finger to grout the joint. In some instances the tile may require being weighted down for 24 hours.

For further information on ARDEX X 7 adhesive consult the technical product data sheet or contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 3.
Yes. ARDEX X 7 cement-based adhesive is ideal for fixing brick slips to a cement/sand render. The render must be at least 3 weeks old, longer if conditions are cold or damp prior to bedding the brick slips. The ARDEX X 7 adhesive should be mixed to a slump-free consistency to produce a pliable workable mortar.

The mortar is applied using a tooth notched trowel to give a 3 to 6mm adhesive bed. The brick slip joints can be pointed when the adhesive bed mortar is sufficiently firm, usually after 24 hours at 20°C.

For further information on this product consult the technical product data sheet or contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 4.
Yes it is true this advice is given in the appropriate BS Code of Practice. The alternative to a conventional cement and sand render is ARDEX AM 100. This rapid setting cement/sand render allows ceramic tiles to be fixed just 2 hours after application.

The mortar can be applied from 2 to 20mm in a single operation onto a clean, hard, sound background with an approximate 40 minutes working time. In as little as 2 hours later the wall tiles can be fixed in ARDEX-FLEX 5001 cement-based adhesive and grouted after 8 hours with ARDEX-FLEX FS grout, suitable for tile joints of 1 to 4mm wide.

For more information on the fore mentioned products consult the technical product data sheet or contact our Technical Services Department Tel No.+44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 5.
Mechanically prepare the concrete using contained shotblasting equipment to provide a contaminate free sound concrete surface.

Make good defective areas in the concrete base using ARDEX A 45 rapid repair mortar.

Prime the prepared concrete using ARDEX P 51 primer diluted 1:3 with water and allow to dry.

Apply a further application of ARDEX 51 primer diluted 1:1 with water and when dry apply ARDEX K 80.

The applied ARDEX K 80 should be a minimum thickness of 5mm and not more than 10mm thick. Apply paint coatings after 6 hours.

For pumping of large floor areas consult the technical literature or contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 6.
Yes. Before fixing the floor tiles, check the existing timber boarded floor is adequately screwed down at 300mm centres to achieve a rigid floor as possible free from movement and that the surface is free of any barriers to adhesion such as floor wax or dirt, if in doubt sand the surface down. Prime the boards with an undiluted solution of ARDEX P 51 primer using a paint brush and allow at least 1 hour to dry. Mix and apply a 3 to 4mm adhesive bed of ARDEX-FLEX 7001 cement-based adhesive and fix the floor tiles within the applied mortars open time to achieve a solid bed fixing. Grouting can be carried out as soon as the tile bed is set and firm using ARDEX C 2 grout incorporating ARDEDX E 101 grout admix, suitable for tile joint widths from 2 to 20mm wide.

For more information on mixing procedures, application etc, consult the technical product data sheets, or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 7.
The ceramic tile adhesive to use is ARDEX-FLEX 6001. The floor tiles should be solid bed fixed and will allow grouting of the tile joints to be carried out just 1½ hours after fixing the floor tiles.

For grouting ARDEX GK rapid setting wall and floor tile grout is recommended for tile joints from 3 to 20mm wide. The floor may then be trafficked 1½ hours after completion of grouting.

For more information on the appropriate adhesive and grout coverage, mixing and application techniques consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 8.
Ensure the concrete base is free of all barriers to adhesion. If necessary, carry out mechanical surface preparation to provide a clean, sound sub-floor. Use ARDEX S 21 rapid setting bedding mortar mixed with an equal volume of sharp sand. Apply the sand filled ARDEX S 21 mortar onto a bonding coat of unfilled ARDEX S 21 whilst fresh, and wood float the screed surface to the required thickness. Solid bed fix the floor tiles 3 hours later in a ribbed bed of ARDEX S 21.

If the floor tiles have a low porosity (fully vitrified) incorporate ARDEX E 90 mortar admix in the ARDEX S 21 tile bedding mortar. Grouting of the tiles may commence after 3 hours of fixing, using either ARDEX GK or ARDEX-FLEX FL grout.

For further advice consult the relevant technical product data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 9.
Conventional sand and cement screeds require approximately 1 day per millimetre of thickness to dry in good drying conditions, longer in damp/cold conditions. An alternative cement/sand screed is ARDEX A 35 that is walkable in 3 hours and ready to receive floor finishes 24 hours after application. Thin vinyl floor coverings usually require a smoother finish than can be achieved using screed alone. The ARDEX A 35 screed can be smoothed after 3 hours of being applied with a 1.5mm layer of ARDEX K 13 self-levelling smoothing compound.

For more information on ARDEX A 35 and ARDEX K 13 for mix requirements and application techniques consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 10.
Allow a minimum of 3 weeks, longer in damp/cold conditions for the screed to dry. Solid bed fix the terracotta floor tiles in a 3 to 6mm bed of ARDEX-FLEX S 38 flexible floor tile adhesive. The use of ARDEX-FLEX S 38 will help to ensure solid bedding will be achieved without the need to butter the backs of the tiles. Prior to grouting check, with the tile manufacturer for sealing of the tile face to avoid staining. Commence grouting when the tiles are firmly fixed using ARDEX C 2 grout in a range of colours for tile joints from 2 to 20mm wide.

For more information on mixing and application of the ARDEX-FLEX S 38 adhesive and ARDEX C 2 grout consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 11.
Yes. ARDEX K 300 rapid setting concrete resurfacer. Use ARDEX DGR to remove grease, oil, dirt etc and rinse down with clean water, repeat operation if necessary. Thoroughly pre-wet the concrete down and remove all standing water. Mix and apply ARDEX K 300 rapid setting concrete resurfacer from 4 to 15mm in thickness to achieve the level required. Note: badly oil contaminated or weak concrete surfaces will need specialist preparation techniques.

For more in depth information on preparation requirements, mixing and application, consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 12.
Yes. This can occur in cases when the natural stone is very absorbent. If the render has been recently installed, allow at least 3 weeks to elapse for the render to dry. Fix the wall tiles in a 3mm thin solid bed of ARDEX S 16 white rapid setting cement-based adhesive and grout with ARDEX-FLEX FS grout suitable for tile joints from 1 to 4mm wide.

For more information on ARDEX S 16 and ARDEX-FLEX FS consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 13.
Thoroughly clean the concrete floor to provide a clean, sound surface free of any barriers to adhesion, and existing smoothing compounds. Apply a 1 to 2mm application of ARDITEX latex smoothing compound and allow to dry. Apply ARDEX DPM surface damp proof membrane, usually 2 coats are required.

Apply a final 3mm application of ARDITEX not exceeding 6mm to provide a uniform absorbent drying layer for the flooring adhesive.

For more information on ARDITEX and ARDEX DPM consult the Surface Damp Proof Membrane System design data sheet, the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 14.
Remove existing vinyl and mechanically clean the sub-floor to provide a clean, sound base. Repair any holes or damaged areas with ARDEX A 45 or ARDEX A 35 MIX as appropriate. Prime the concrete screed with ARDEX P 51 primer and leave to dry. Mix and apply ARDEX K 15 self-levelling smoothing compound from 3 to 10mm in depth to receive the linoleum flooring 24 hours after application.

For further information on mixing and application of ARDEX P 51 primer and ARDEX K 15 consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 15.
Do not apply direct, use either diluted washing soda or neutral detergent (not washing up liquid) to clean the asphalt and wash down with clean water. When dry, apply a 3mm layer of ARDITEX latex-based smoothing compound, not exceeding 6mm in thickness to provide a uniform absorbent drying layer for the flooring adhesive.

For more in depth information on ARDITEX, consult the technical data sheet or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No.+44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 16.
No primer required, but ensure that the finished plaster is thoroughly brushed to remove any loose dust or water flashed areas. There is no need to skim the plasterboard. Fix ceramic wall tiles using ARDEX D 20 ready mixed wall tile adhesive and grout with ARDEX-FLEX FS water repellent grout for tile joints from 1 to 4mm wide. To protect moisture sensitive backgrounds in wet locations e.g shower compartments, apply 2 coats of ARDEX WPC and fix the ceramic wall tiles after 3 hours using ARDEX-FLEX 5001 cement-based adhesive and grout as above.

For more in-depth information consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 17.
Check the existing tiles are in good condition and sound, refixing any loose or damaged tiles. Use ARDEX DGR to clean the existing floor tiles and rinse of with clean water. When dry, apply a thin application of ARDEX P 82 primer, allow to dry for 5 hours or overnight. Solid bed fix the new floor tiles in a ribbed adhesive bed of ARDEX-FLEX S 38 flexible tile adhesive. For grouting the tile joints ARDEX WA epoxide adhesive and grout is advised to provide an impervious and chemically resistant tile joint.

For more information consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 18.
Remove the existing carpet and make good the cement/sand screed using ARDEX A 35 MIX where the dividing wall has been removed. Assuming the existing screed is in a good, clean condition prime the lower screed level using ARDEX P 51 primer diluted 1:2 with water. When dry, mix and apply ARDEX K 15-B to the primed surface to meet the adjacent screed level. When dry, 24 hours later at 20°C apply a further application of ARDEX P 51 primer to the whole area including the level raised and allow to dry. Mix ARDEX K 15 with the required amount of water and apply an overall 3mm smoothing application. The laminate flooring can be installed after 24 hours at 20°C.

For further information on the appropriate materials consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 19.
Ideally the paint should be mechanically removed. If this is not possible, you should be aware paint coatings do have limited adhesion to the base and although adhesion to the surface can be achieved, the paint can deteriorate once covered causing subsequent delamination of the floor covering. A trial application should be carried out to check the adhesion of the paint with the sub-floor. Assuming the trial is satisfactory, thoroughly clean the paint surface to remove all contamination liable to impair adhesion to the paint surface. Apply a 3mm application of ARDITEX latex sub-floor smoothing compound to the dry, prepared surface to provide a uniform absorbent drying layer for the flooring adhesive. Movement joints in the base must not be overlaid, but must be brought through to the finished floor and treated accordingly.

For information on ARDITEX consult the technical data sheet or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.

Back to top of page

Question 20.
The adhesion of the floor covering to the base and its long term stability are suspect. Wood blocks may deteriorate if overlaid.

Remove wood blocks where possible and the pitch adhesive by mechanical equipment to expose the base. Remaining adhesive residues may impair adhesion of smoothing compounds. In doubtful cases, lay a trial area before levelling the sub-floor.

Do not apply over soft, loosely adhered or water soluble adhesive residues. Prime the prepared concrete screed with ARDEX P 51 primer (1:2 with water) and allow to dry. Apply ARDEX K 15 self-levelling compound from 3 to 10mm thick.

For thicker applications of 7 to 35mm use ARDEX K 15-B. For more information consult the technical data sheets or alternatively contact our Technical Services Department Tel No. +44 (0)1440 714939.