Refurbishing existing floors

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Feb 23, 2005

Michael Gale of Sika-Armorex outlines a new solution to the problems of refurbishing existing floors with very difficult substrates.

New solution to the problems of refurbishing existing floors with very difficult substrates Removing difficult floor finishes such as asbestos tiles, synthetic bonded finishes, damaged floor tiles, or terrazzo before installing a new floor surface, causes untold problems.

As well as creating a great deal of work and cost, having to get rid of these substrates creates additional problems such as excessive noise, vibration and dust and the difficult removal and disposal of waste - especially if mechanical grinders etc are needed.

Removing the existing terrazzo floor in a supermarket for example, is extremely costly, time consuming and hugely inconvenient for the customer.

An innovative solution to this age-old problem has been introduced to the UK by industrial flooring system manufacturers, Sika-Armorex.

"So, don't remove the difficult substrate, says Michael Gale of Sika-Armorex, simply install Sikafloor Resiplot".

Huge savings The new Resiplot system is a patented method of treating such floors without the need to remove the existing floor finish, thus offering huge savings on cost and time.

The system comprises an epoxy resin bonded reinforced glass fibre mesh that is anchored to the sub-floor with plastic anchors.

"It is a very simple and economical solution and is proving very popular with property owners and contractors alike, says Michael Gale".

" It avoids all the noise, dust and disposal problems of mechanical preparation, and allows rapid installation of a new surface over virtually any difficult substrate".

Contractor Application Application should be carried out by trained contractors who cut the glass fibre mesh to the shape of the room, ensuring coverage around all columns and other features.

Holes are drilled through the mesh and into the sub-floor and the special Resiplot plastic anchors are hammered into the holes to secure the mesh to the floor.

An epoxy resin is poured into each anchor hole to seal the system to the floor.

Following a coating of epoxy resin primer, the surface is ready to accept the final floor finish such as tiles, vinyl, screed or any resin or cementitious system.