1. When using Ultra Floor products, do you have to prime the substrate?

• When using a single-part levelling compound, it is imperative that you prime the substrate prior to the leveller's application.
• When using a Two Part levelling compound priming is an ideal requirement to ensure a strong bond is achieved.  However, it may be omitted if thorough preparation is undertaken.  Ultra Floor stongly recommend that you prime wood, non-prous and highly porous surfaces.

Examples:

Porous surfaces: Concrete, sand/cement screeds, calcium sulphate screeds (refer to Ultra Floor Tehnical Manager for more details advice), use Ultra Floor Prime IT AR Acrylic Emulsion Primer.

Non-porous surfaces: Plywood overlays, floor grade mastic asphalt, adhesive residues, terrazzo, ceramic tiles and power floated concrete, use Ultra Floor Prime IT N Polymer Emulsion Primer.

• You do not need to use a primer on any of the above surfaces when using Ultra Floor Feather IT Feather Finish Smoothing Compound.

2. Can Ultra Floor Levelling Compounds be 'bulked out'?

Ultra Floor levelling compounds can be 'bulked out' using chippings or aggragates, however we do suggest that you consult with the Ultra Floor technical team beforehand.

Introducing additional raw materials to pre-blended products can have a detrimental effect on performance, working times, setting times and final strength.

3. Can you use Ultra Floor products externally? Are they mositure tolerant?

The only product within the Ultra Floor range that can be used externally , or is moisture tolerant, is Ultra Floor Patch IT rapid45 ®.

Ultra Floor Patch IT rapid45 ® is a rapid drying slump free mortar, providing exceptional strength and hardness for both internal and external applications. An ideal material for filling holes, depressions and cracks in cementitious sub-floors and concrete stairs. Can be applied to vertical or horizontal surfaces. The product has a workability time of 5-10 minutes and sets in 20-25 minutes. 

4. Does old substrate residue need to be removed?

Prior to applying any Ultra Floor product, and indeed as is the case with all floor preparation products, at least 75% (but ideally all) old residue such as laitance, old screed and old adhesive) must be removed.  Then you must prime the area using the recommended primer prior to that specific substrate (eg, porous or non-porous).

For porous substrates, use Ultra Floor Prime IT AR Acrylic Emulsion Primer.  For non-porous substrates, use Ultra Floor Prime IT N Polymer Emulsion Primer.

5. I applied an Ultra Floor levelling compound 24 hours ago, why isn't it dry yet?

There can be a number of reasons as to why this can happen.  90% of the time it relates to site conditions, such as room and product tempereture, lack of air flow, dew point etc.  These conditions will have an effect on ALL types of levelling compounds overall.

Always inform our Technical Support Manager, who will make an appointment to come and advise you as necessary.

Call us on +44(0)1827 871871 for any further advice.

6. Can I use Ultra Floor products over an anhydrite screed?

Ultra Floor products can be used over anhydrite/calcium suplhate based screeds.

However, the scredd must be dry (with less than 75% RH), and any laitance must be removed.  The floor should then be primed using Ultra Floor Prime IT AR Acrylic Emulsion Primer.

Ultra Tile's Brand Manager Paul Luff, very recently held a question and answer session with Gyvlon manafacturer's LaFarge to ask them about tiling onto anhydrite screeds, and the areas most contrators have for concern.  This article can be viewed and downloaded under the Ultra Tile Technical Supprt section.

7. Can I use Ultra Floor products over wooden floors?

Ultra Floor Level IT two levelling compound is recommended for use over wooden floors/plywood underlays because of its flexural capacity.

Wooden floors vary from traditional  wooden floorboards, plywood, chipboard and other wood composites.  Wooden substrates exhibit an element of flexibility.  Preparation is of vital importance!  If the wooden floor is not rigidly braced, any deflection exhibited in the floor may cause stresses to build up, and any consequent stresses placed on the flooring will cause cracking.

We recommend that the plywood be fixed and sscrewed at 100-200mm centres, and primed thoroughly using Ultra Floor Prime IT N Polymer Emulsion Primer.

Ultra Floor Feather IT Feather Finish Smoothing Compound can also be used on plywood overlays without the need of a primer.

8. Can Ultra Floor levelling compounds be pumped?

We would recommend any of our single part levelling compounds for pump application.

However, we would not recommend pumping wither Ultra Floor Level It two or Ultra Floor Level IT super30 due to their bond characteristics.  For example, congealing inside the pump hoses etc. during application (all of the single part levelling compounds can be either pumped or poured.

9. Do Ultra Floor products perform differently in warm weather?

At Ultra Floor our priority is to ensure that you always have the information and support you need to help you make the best of our quality products. With the warm weather upon us, please take a few minutes to read through our suggestions on storing and handling materials through the summer. We are certain that this will help you choose the right products for each application, and will ensure an uninterrupted workflow through the summer months.

Instarmac products from all four of our brand ranges, Ultracrete, Ultrascape, Ultra Tile and Ultra Floor, are formulated and manufactured for optimised performance in all weather conditions.  For exceptionally warm temperatures we offer the following guidelines:

• Storage our of direct sunlight

The temperature of powders can rise over a period of a few hours when material is stored in the sun.  This can lead to fast-set products losing significant pot life and being difficult to place.  Storing the material in the sahde will help to keep the product cooler and therefore maintain a longer pot life.

• Use cold water

If using water from a container, observing the above advice will help to keep it cool.  If using water from a mains connection, then running the water for a few minutes will allow colder water to flow from the taps.  In exceptional circumstances the use of ice (if available) in the water can extend the pot life of the product.

• Organised project preparation

Organise your work area and team to ensure all tools and materials are at hand to minimise delays.

• Pre-soak the substrate

A thorough pre-soak of the substrate (for cementitious materials) will also reduce the loss of water from the mixed product, and thereby increase the pot life of the applied material.

• Use a low speed mixer

A mixer's mixing speed can affect the heat generated in the product due to friction, leading to a reduced pot life.  The use of a slow speed mixer will keep the mix temperature lower and help to extend the pot life of the product.

10. Where is my nearest Ultra Floor stockist?

Ultra Floor products are distributed to utilities, contractors, installers, local authorities and specialised retail merchants throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. It would be very difficult for us to list all our stockists on this site, so please feel free to call our Sales Team on +44(0)1827 871871 for further information.

11. What is the minimum order quanitity for Ultra Floor products?

For all Instarmac products, we have a minimum order of £300 for free carriage/delivery. Our award nominated Delivery Guarantee means that all orders are delivered in 48 hours as standard to England and Wales. 24 hour deliveries, timed deliveries and any other special requirements can always be catered for, please call us with your requirements.

12. Which Ultra Floor product do I need to order?

Of course there are many key factors in selecting the correct Ultra Floor product for your project. Please feel free to call our team on +44(0)1827 871871 for our advice. For a quick reference wehave an Ultra Floor product selector in our current brochure, which is available from our downloads section or by following this link.

13. Is Tamworth your only site?

Our site in Tamworth houses manufacturing, distribution, marketing, sales, and R&D. However, we also have an office in Glasgow, for local customer service and distribution to Scotland. They can be contacted on +44(0)141 314 3716

14. How much Ultra Floor product do I need?

15. How should I correctly lift Ultra Floor paper bags?

All Ultra Floor products that are sold in paper bags should be handled correctly to avoid breakages occurring. We recommend, when preparing to lift an Ultra Floor bagged product that you should use both hands, gripping one hand on each of the two smallest sides, pushing both hands towards each other slightly during the lift. When lifting always remember to follow the principles of correct Manual Handling.