Altro Grip 2mm slip-resistant technical data sheet

Sustainability

Altro’s steps to sustainability program seeks to optimise our performance with respect to the planet’s resources. Please refer to www.altro.com for further information.

Chemical resistance

Altro Grip 2mm slip-resistance affords resistance to a range of commonly used chemicals. However, premature or prolonged contact with chemicals (including water) during the curing process may give rise to discolouration, staining and variation in gloss. In all cases of chemical spillage, it is essential that the spillage be immediately removed and the surface washed down with clean water, removing water by wet vacuum after operation. Although some chemicals may cause discolouration, this may not affect the durability and integrity of the resin screed. Please refer to Altro and FeRFA Guidance Note No.3 for further information.

Typical physical properties

Packaging

Altro Grip 2 mm slip-resistant variant comprises
Altro Flow 1mm standard variant is available in a 16.6kg three-part composite pack.
Altro Grip aggregate 0.7-1.2mm is available in a 20kg bag
Altro Tect standard variant, coloured 6.3kg is available in a two-part composite pack.

Coverage

Altro Flow 1mm standard variant 10.7m²/16.6kg
Altro Grip aggregate 0.7-1.2mm 6.7m²/20kg Altro Tect standard seal coat 1st coat 12.5m²/6.3kg Altro Tect standard seal coat 2nd coat 19m²/6.3kg

Material usage is dependent upon temperature, surface profile and porosity; the stated coverage rates should be referred to for guidance only and cannot be relied upon to determine exact quantities. Priming of porous substrates will improve the coverage rates. Pale colours may require additional coats to cover a dark substrate

Although stringent quality assurance processes are employed, when colour consistency is essential a single batch should be used where possible.

Storage

Ensure that the product is received in good order and store in a dry, frost free environment, ideally between 15°C and 20°C for at least three days before laying. Excessively high and low storage temperatures will affect the laying performance of the product.

Suitable substrates

Altro Grip may be applied to a variety of substrates including, but not limited to, concrete, polymer-modified cementitious screeds, terrazzo, 25mm marine-grade plywood (consult Altro for further guidance). For all proprietary subfloor systems refer to the manufacturer for recommendations and seek further guidance from Altro.

FeRFA, The Resin Federation, does not recommend Calcium Sulphate, Anhydrite or Hemi-hydrite screeds for overlayment with synthetic resin surfaces.

Substrate requirements

Substrates should be dry, structurally sound and free from contamination, friable materials or laitance which may affect either the adhesion or penetration of the resin system. All residues of old paint coatings and dust must be removed.

The substrates should achieve 26N/mm² compressive strength (BS EN 12504-2) and surface tensile strength 1.5N/mm² (BS EN 13892-8). Substrates must include an integral effective damp-proof membrane and contain residual moisture not greater than 5% by weight (75% R.H.) to BS 8203 (see Altro Proof for installations above 75% R.H.). Because of their method of application, synthetic resin floorings such as Altro Grip will inevitably follow the profile of the underlying substrate. This will affect the appearance and wear. Variable porosity and profile of the substrate will affect both coverage rates and final appearance.

Please consult Altro or FeRFA’s Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Flooring for further guidance.

Substrate preparation

Surface preparation is the most vital aspect of resin flooring application. Inadequate preparation will lead to loss of adhesion and failure. The substrate in question will dictate the method of preparation. In the case of a concrete floor, preparation by dust enclosed diamond floor grinder may be appropriate, or if of a sufficient area for economic reasons, should be lightly shot blasted to leave a textured surface free from contamination.

If the floor has been treated with a cementitious surface improver, then the surface should be prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, or abraded with an STR machine followed by thorough vacuuming. Treatment of local repairs such as cracks and holes, improvement or modification of levels and removal of high spots, should be undertaken prior to the flooring installation.

Please consult Altro or FeRFA’s Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Flooring for further guidance.

Planning

Before proceeding with the installation, careful consideration should determine the best way of installing the Altro system. Efforts should be made to minimise day joints and optimise the open time of the product (i.e. minimise the distance between mixing and laying). It is best to also consider the effect of external influences on the final installation (i.e. direction of light from windows etc.). Time spent at this stage will be invaluable towards the success of your installation

The Altro Grip floor system is designed to be laid at a nominal 2mm thickness. Altro recommend that stainless steel mixing, laying and application tools are used in this process. Metal transfer from mild steel tools may result in discolouration of the screed which will be unacceptable to your customer. This will be particularly noticeable with pale colours, please contact Altro for further guidance.

Application

The following application guide is based on laboratory and simulated site conditions. However, when installations conditions differ appreciably from those detailed by Altro, the performance characteristics of both mixing and laying may not be as expected. To achieve the best results at all times please endeavour to establish the correct conditions which in turn will allow the materials to be laid effectively, and meet your customer’s expectations.

Installation conditions

Apply in well ventilated areas. Both the slab and air temperature should be between 10°C and 25°C. It is not advisable to mix and lay epoxy resin products outside of that range. Ambient conditions should be maintained at least 3°C above dew point or below 75% R.H. during the initial stages of cure. At site temperatures below 10°C cure times will be substantially increased unless some form of external heating is used. It must be recognised that the concrete slab temperature will generally be lower than the air temperature, often as much as 10°C, and this will govern the rate of cure. As the resin flooring cures, in condensing conditions moisture vapour may condense onto the surface and cause ‘blooming’, a permanent clouding of the surface. Cold, wet or humid conditions, and limited air-flow, can result in condensation on the part-cured floor.

The workability, open-time, cure development and return to traffic will be significantly affected by ambient conditions.

Mixing equipment

* All tool number references relate to Refina Ltd 01202 632 270

• Slow speed drill (200-500rpm), such as MM17 *
• Mixing paddle, such as MR2 60B *
• Forced action mixer (stainless blades), such as RM65 *
• Stainless mixing vessel, such as RM65 drum *

Priming the substrate

In order to achieve a uniform finish, prevent bubbles and maximise substrate adhesion a primer should be used.

An Altro primer should be selected which is suited to the installation, and appropriate for the nature and moisture content of the substrate (seek further guidance from Altro.) For substrates with greater than 75% RH BS 8203:1996 an effective damp-proof membrane should be laid such as Altro Proof.

If Altro Proof is used this may be installed instead of a primer coat. The appropriate Altro primer should be applied in accordance with the technical and installation data sheet.

Do NOT seed the primer with aggregate, experience shows that this can lead to pinholes from entrapped air. Ensure that the substrate is well sealed and that all hungry areas are addressed before proceeding to install the system. If the over-coating time period for the primer is exceeded, the surface should be lightly abraded and vacuumed before further coats are applied.

Product installation

Using a slow speed drill and paddle, thoroughly mix the base colour for 30 seconds until uniform. Pour all the hardener contents into the base bucket and mix thoroughly for a further 90 seconds. The aggregate should be added gradually into the pre-mixed binder, whilst continuing the mixing action, and mix for a further 2-3 minutes. Excessively vigorous mixing should be avoided as this can lead to undesirable air entrainment. Care should be taken to ensure that any material adhering to the sides, bottom and corners of the mixer is thoroughly blended in. Care should be taken to ensure the mixing vessel is kept free of any build-up of contaminants which could fall off and contaminate the floor. If the mixing area is not adjacent to the laying area the time required to transfer the mixed material will reduce the open installation time.
Remember to always use the correct PPE.

Decant all of the contents of the mixing vessel onto the floor and spread to the desired depth using a clean stainless steel trowel or a pin rake set at the desired depth. Spike roller the area immediately. Wearing spiked shoes immediately fully blind the wet Altro Flow with the aggregate. Care must be taken to completely obliterate the wet Altro Flow observing the aggregate guide coverage of 3kg/m2 or until the surface is fully blinded. Some of the aggregate will be absorbed into the coating therefore more aggregate maybe required with changing substrate profiles and temperature. When finished, go back and over blind areas where the aggregate has become overly absorbed into the Altro Flow. Care should be taken not to throw the aggregate too close to the surface of the resin system in order to avoid unsightly clumping of the aggregate on the surface.

The system must be sealed with two coats of Altro Tect standard variant, coloured coat. Ensure the surface of the resin is contamination free and all loose aggregate removed and thoroughly vacuumed as necessary. Pour the contents of the hardener into the base unit, and using a slow speed drill and paddle thoroughly mix the contents for 2 minutes. Apply the Altro Tect standard variant from a paint tray taking time to work the coating into the surface. Roll the surface with a short nap synthetic roller. Failure to remove excess may affect the slip resistance and appearance of the finished system. Leave to cure for not longer than 24 hours at 20°C. Mix and roller apply the finishing seal coat from a paint tray to leave a uniform closed film across the floor where all excess is removed.

Do not flood seal the Altro Grip variant. Failure to remove the excess may affect the slip resistance and appearance of the finished system.

Joints

The spacing of movement joints must be determined by the design of the subfloor. All live movement joints in the subfloor must be continued through the resin flooring, failure to do so will result in live cracks being reflected through the resin finish. In all instances the type and positioning of movement joints should be agreed at the design stage between all parties concerned. Please refer to Altro or FeRFA’s Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Flooring for further guidance. All joints should be filled with Altro Expand flexible jointing compound. Please see Altro Expand data sheet for further information.

Protection

Whilst of an extremely durable nature these floor systems must by thoroughly protected from the rigours and abuse that exist during the ongoing contractual works. The resin floor should reach full chemical cure in 7 days at 20°C. Untreated felt paper will suffice as protection from light Traffic. However, if protection is required from other trades then the following protection option should be considered. Where heavier access is required then a more suitable medium to take the loadings, such as shuttering ply or Correx by Cordek, should be placed on top of the untreated felt paper. The resin system should have cured for at least 48 hours prior to placing the protection. No polyethylene sheets, linseed-treated hardboard, print or dyed card should be placed in contact with the resin surface. All joints in the protection medium should be taped, and all accidental spillages should be recovered immediately by removal and reinstatement of the protection. Damage will occur if the guidance is not followed.

Cleaning (during installation)

All tools and equipment should be regularly cleaned using Altro Solve™ EP to reduce build up and maintain the quality of the installation. Avoid contamination of the resin surface with solvent as this may cause localised bloom to occur. Ensure that the correct PPE is worn at all times.

Disposal

Due diligence must be adopted if accidental spillages occur. Recover using absorbent granules, transferring into a suitably marked container. Disposal of all empty containers and accidental spillages should be in accordance with the local waste disposal authority.

Cleaning guidance

The texture of the surface will require mechanised cleaning withan Altro Unipad or the use of a long-handled scrubbing brush; mop cleaning will not be effective. Steam cleaners and / or hot pressure cleaners should not be used on the floor or walls.

A cold / ambient pressure washer may be used if required, but the pressure should not exceed 1400psi. Warm water will offer improved cleaning, but the water temperature should not exceed 60°C.

Regular cleaning regime

• Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove debris
• For normal cleaning, dilute an alkaline detergent, such as Altro Clean 44 or similar, by 1:40 in clean water
• Alternatively, dilute by 1:10 for infrequent heavy cleaning
• Liberally apply the water and detergent solution to the floor, scrubbing with a deck scrubber or slow-speed (< 400rpm) scrubbing machine and Altro UniPad or similar
• Pay particular attention to areas where residues may accumulate, such as internal corners of perimeter coves and around columns etc
• If possible, allow the detergent solution to remain on the floor for several minutes to break down deposits, but not sufficiently long to allow the solution to evaporate
• Remove the solution by wet vacuum recovery and follow this with a fresh water rinse, or rinse the solution into drains if permissible
• It is important that all detergent residue is removed from the textured surface of the floor. Detergent may become slippery which affects safety, or sticky which attracts and holds more dirt

Altro Clean 44 and Altro Unipads are available from Altro.

Please obtain the correct material safety data sheets from Altro prior to beginning your installation.

Always wear correct PPE whilst installing resin products.