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Competencies covered

MSFFL2006: Prepare, select and apply smoothing and patching compounds

MSFFL2007: Select and apply appropriate compounds and additives

MSFFL2009: Select, prepare and apply moisture barriers and damp proof membranes to concrete sub-floors

Overview


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Audio for slide 1 (mp3 |6|KB)
One of the most important points to remember when you're preparing a subfloor surface for a coating or topping is that the strength of the bond can only ever be as good as the surface you're bonding to.

This means that anything on the surface that might reduce the bonding strength will need to be removed.

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It also means that the moisture content of the subfloor must be at an acceptable level or be controlled with the use of a moisture barrier.

In addition, concrete floors need to have reached a suitable pH level, to avoid the problem of an alkaline reaction with the adhesive and floor covering.

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Audio for slide 3 (mp3 |6|KB)
In this section, we'll discuss the preparations you'll need to carry out before installing a coating or topping.

We'll also look at the health and safety issues involved in preparing subfloors, applying coatings, mixing compounds and installing the underlayment.

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Completing this section

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The assignment for this section is designed to test your understanding of the processes involved in preparing subfloors for coatings and toppings.

Have a look at the Assignment now to see what you'll need to do to complete it. You'll find the link in the menu bar.

Also in the menu bar are links to the lessons for this section:

  • Checking moisture and pH levels

  • Preparing concrete substrates

  • Preparing timber substrates

  • Tools and equipment

  • Health and safety.

These lessons will provide you with background information that will help you with the assignment.

The Just for fun exercise asks you to match up the names and functions of the main tools used to prepare a subfloor and install a topping.

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