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 | | CONSULT THE FOUNT! | | | Instarmac Group plc | | 01/11/2006 | | |
Tile adhesives, grouts, levelling compounds, primers and sealants manufactured by the Instarmac Group plc are employed on all manner of commercial projects including restaurants, kitchens, hospitals, airports, vehicle showrooms, health spas, hotels, leisure complexes, factories and warehousing, making the company a fount of knowledge in this specialised field.
Visitors to the forthcoming 'Surface Design Show', scheduled to take place March 1 and 2, at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London, will be able to tap into this extensive know-how by dropping in on Stand No: 420A.
Typical of the detailed information available is that involving the installation of increasingly popular porcelain and natural stone tiles. To produce porcelain tiles, a glaze is mixed with the clay and the tile is fired at very high temperatures. The process creates a low porosity tile, in either a highly polished or matt finish. Once fired, porcelain tiles are incredibly robust and resilient, affording a level of durability far greater than their ceramic equivalent. It is this toughness that enables the tiles to be produced at sizes of up to one metre square. As a consequence, however, specially formulated cementitious adhesives, one for non-flexible and another for substrates likely to experience movement, are required to accommodate the tile's particular characteristics.
For applications to non-flexible substrates, Instarmac's UltraProRapid RS should be employed. This rapid setting adhesive is perfect for projects where speed of application is important. For situations needing to accommodate flexibility, or those demanding the highest levels of performance Instarmac's UItraProFlex SP should be used. This material, suitable for both internal and external situations, is formulated to combine rapid setting and excellent adhesion, making it ideal if laying both porcelain and natural stone at the same time.
Selection of the grout to be used with porcelain tiles is just as important, with similar consideration being given to the substrate in order to eliminate any possibility of cracking. Instarmac's Ultra range of grouts (all of which contain a fungicide additive to prevent the build up of bacteria and mould on the surface) includes a flexible version for wide joints and floors.
Specially developed adhesives are also required to ensure the perfect installation of natural stone products, such as limestone, sandstone, slate and granite. Natural Stone tiles are quarried from formations in the earth. The excavated materials are cut down to size and typically have one side highly polished, or honed, to achieve a subtle sheen. Because of the manufacturing process, natural stone tiles are prone to undulations on their underside, and specialist products are needed to accommodate the variations. When applying natural stone tiles to substrates where flexural capacity is a prerequisite, UItraProFlex SP or UItraFlex 2P are best employed. UItraProFlex SP should be used to fix natural stone products over boarded floors and UItraFlex 2P for tongue and groove wooden floors, as it provides a stable base to alleviate movement and vibration.
Similar consideration must be given to choosing the final grout. Ultra Flexible Floor Grout, which comes in five colours, combines thick joint capabilities and flexural capacity. It also contains added polymer, which facilitates a virtually impermeable finish.
Instarmac's Ultra product range is backed by top quality customer service, technical advice and site support. In addition, 'Product Awareness' events can be arranged at no charge, to ensure customers are fully aware of new developments.
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Industrial , Domestic , Housebuilding , Flats & Apartments , Other , Offices , Retail , Other , Hotels , Restaurants , Other , Sheds , Laboratories , Other , Churches & Places of Worship , Other , Hospitals & Healthcare , Leisure Facilities
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