These FAQs are specific to Amtico's flooring products that don't fit into the EasyFit category, such as Contour and Spacia. They do not apply to the EasyFit range.
Amtico SF adhesive is suitable for bonding onto sound, smooth subfloors of concrete, terrazzo, stone, timber and many other substrates that have been suitably prepared. The use of a surface damp proof membrane may be required to ensure that the subfloor is adequately dry, and must be over laid with an appropriate levelling compound.
There are certain locations where Amtico HT Adhesive must be used especially in areas subject to excessive heat or cold or if adjacent to glass windows exposed to sunlight.
In areas that are subject to excessive moisture, then Universal 2-Part Adhesive should be used.
No adhesive is required for the Easyfit range!
If the area is to be suitable, the surface of the floor must not exceed 27°C (81°F). Remember to switch off the heating for 48 hours before and after installation. Where temperatures may vary considerably, the use of Amtico HT Adhesive is strongly recommended.
Yes. In common with most other adhesives, products supplied by Amtico International will be affected by freezing temperatures. As a result, they may fail to bond adequately.
Yes, this is very important. A (45kg) 100lb 3-section roller is recommended, and this should be done before the adhesive has set. Ideally, the floor should be rolled 1-2 hours (approx) after installation.
Always clean away excess adhesive before it is allowed to dry - use a soft cloth moistened with Amtico Adhesive Remover to clean away adhesive residues from tiles and tools.
Yes, the adhesive must be kept at a constant temperature between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (81°F) for 24 hours before use. This is of course also true for the tiles.
Open time is the maximum period between spreading the adhesive and laying the floor tiles. For example, if the open time is quoted as 60 minutes, then the adhesive, once it has been spread onto the sub-floor, must have tiles laid into it within this time period. As a guideline, Amtico Universal 2-part adhesive has an open time of approx 40-60 minutes.
Adhesives supplied by Amtico International have a shelf life of 12 months in unopened containers, when stored under recommended temperatures.
What is Amtico HT adhesive? Amtico “HT” or high temperature adhesive is a single part acrylic adhesive for bonding Amtico PVC tiles in hot or high temperature environments e.g. conservatories.
SF Adhesive is a water-based adhesive that is suitable for bonding Amtico tiles in the majority of installations. The only places in which it should not be used are areas of high temperature change, moisture or strong sunlight through glass; see Amtico HT Adhesive and Universal 2-Part for these areas.
Amtico HT adhesive is now our preferred recommendation for bonding PVC in all high temperature areas. It should not be considered as suitable for bonding Amtico in wet areas such as shower rooms. In these instances, Universal 2-part adhesive must be used.
Always follow the instructions on the tub. Site conditions must conform to the general recommendations contained in the Amtico technical manual and BS8203. A good quality, dry subfloor is essential and, as with any installation in a high temperature area, product acclimatisation and maintenance of a constant temperature whilst the adhesive cures is VERY important.
HT Adhesive is available in 5 and 15 litres.
Yes – it is water based, low in VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) and classified as non-hazardous.
The price is comparable to Solvent Free (SF) adhesive and well below that of Universal 2-part adhesive.
Unlike most two part adhesives used for hot environments, Amtico HT is a single part adhesive. So no messy mixing. It is also much more user friendly. You only need spread as much as you want at any one time and can then put the lid back on the tub. So not only is it easier to control, it is also more cost effective.
It grips the tiles almost as soon as you place them, minimising the risk of them slipping whilst fitting. It also reaches a highbond strength within the first few hours, again helping to avoid movement during fitting and allowing light traffic within 8-10 hours. And most floors can now be completed in a day, again saving labour.
HT adhesive can be used for all those small areas where sunlight might cause gapping, but where mixing a full tin of Universal 2-part adhesive seems wasteful e.g. in front of full glass doors, patio doors and French windows.
Universal 2-part adhesive is suitable where there is expectation of excessive surface moisture e.g. shower rooms.
The “open time” (or period from spreading the adhesive to when the last tile must be laid) is 30 minutes. As soon as you have finished spreading the adhesive you can start laying tiles and the last tile must be fitted a maximum of 30 minutes after the adhesive was spread. Exceeding this time will impair the transfer of the adhesive to the back of the tile and ultimately the bond and performance. This is VERY important.
3 - 4 sqm per litre. So a 5 litre container will cover 15 - 20 sqm and a 15 litre container will cover 45 - 60 sqm.