Altro provide high-quality solutions across a range of flooring products and wall cladding for a variety of sectors.
Altro provide high-quality solutions across a range of flooring products and wall cladding for a variety of sectors.
Altro provide high-quality solutions across a range of flooring products and wall cladding for a variety of sectors.
Altro provide high-quality solutions across a range of flooring products and wall cladding for a variety of sectors.
Whether it’s a large hospital, care home or community healthcare centre, you can provide inspirational rooms that don’t just perform and look good but also take hygiene and the safety of your people, patients and residents seriously.
Whether it’s a commercial kitchen or a work’s cafeteria, a five-star hotel or a chain of restaurants and cafes, safety, hygiene, the ease and speed of installation and cost are all top of mind when working with our customers.
When it comes to social housing and home adaptations, the way a home looks is just as important as how it functions.
We partner with designers, companies and industry experts to provide floors, walls and doors solutions across a number of specialist sectors, each with particular challenges.
As the inventors of safety flooring, we pride ourselves on being able to create safe environments for a variety of areas, and transport is no different. We’ve been keeping bus and rail passengers safe for decades on both public and private transport.
Altro's technical services teams are here to help you, wherever you are. They have detailed knowledge of substrate technology and any possible issues that might arise. They can offer you solutions and information on different installation techniques. So, whether you are a contractor, architect, designer or end user, if you need them, please get in touch.
Altro Custom floors and walls allow you to design for areas where looks not only count, but can positively affect the views and even the wellbeing of the people who live, work or visit. Imagine classrooms with floors that look like grass or sand; Mexican restaurants with beautiful views of the Mayan Riviera on the walls, or a cutting-edge fashion shop with modern art running from floor to ceiling.
Altro's technical services teams are here to help you, wherever you are. They have detailed knowledge of substrate technology and any possible issues that might arise. They can offer you solutions and information on different installation techniques. So, whether you are a contractor, architect, designer or end user, if you need them, please get in touch.
IdeasBoard is your creative space to collect and share your inspiration and ideas.
In your IdeasBoard you can organise your content, create and share new collections and share.
Experience Altro floors and walls in real-time with Insta-space.
Effortlessly visualise shades and communicate design ideas using your own photo.
See Insta-space FAQs.
Visit our London, Manchester, and Glasgow Showrooms and also our Possibilities Studio here at Altro Letchworth. Be inspired, explore our samples, and meet with our consultants for design, technical, and specification advice.
Showcasing our services and solutions in a variety of real-world applications, our commercial flooring, walling and doorsets case studies display how Altro’s products can be used to address industry-specific issues across a range of sectors.
Altro Crete 2mm slip-resistant and Altro Crete 4mm slip-resistant (PTV≥36) variants are flow applied polyurethane systems that give a self-smoothing surface. The 2mm variant is suitable for use in medium duty areas and the thicker 4mm variant is the heavier duty option. The variants provide a seamless matt finish and demonstrate excellent chemical resistance ensuring durability in the most demanding of industrial environments.
The Altro Crete 2mm slip-resistant and Altro Crete 4mm slip-resistant (PTV≥36) are available in a range of 6 standard colours.
It must be noted, in common with other polyurethane screeds, lighter colours will be prone to cosmetic yellowing on exposure to UV light.
Altro’s steps to sustainability program seeks to optimise our performance with respect to the planet’s resources. Please refer to our sustainability pages for further information.
Altro Crete variants offer excellent resistance to a broad range of commonly used chemicals. However, premature contact with chemicals (including water) during the curing process may give rise to discolouration, staining and variation in the surface.
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.
| Slip resistance BS7976 PTV | ≥36 |
| Usable working life | 25 minutes @ 20°C |
| Speed of cure | Light foot traffic – 17-24 hours at 20°C Full cure – 7 days at 20°C |
| Service temperature | -40°C to 60°C |
| Bond strength EN 4624 | B3,5 |
| Impact strength ISO 6272 | IR2 |
| Wear resistance EN 13892-4 | AR 0.5 |
| Reaction to fire classification EN 13501-1 + A1 | Bfl – s1 |
Altro Crete 2mm slip-resistant and Altro Crete 4mm slip-resistant (PTV≥36) variants are available in a 12.6kg, four-part composite pack.
A separate premeasured pigment pack is available for ease of mixing and use.
Altro Crete primer 20 m² per 4.7 kg unit, three-part composite pack.
Altro Crete 4mm slip-resistant (PTV≥36) 1.8m² per 12.6kg unit.
Altro Crete 2mm slip-resistant 3.6m² per 12.6kg unit. Material usage is dependent upon temperature, surface profile and porosity; stated coverage rates should be referred to for guidance only and cannot be relied upon to determine exact quantities. Although stringent quality assurance processes are employed, when colour consistency is required, a single batch should be used.
Although stringent quality assurance processes are employed, when colour consistency is required, a single batch should be used. Necessary transitions between batches should be planned for non-conspicuous areas. Exposure to Ultra Violet light sources will cause a cosmetic yellow discolouration.
This effect will be most pronounced in pale colours, and blue / grey shades (refer to Altro).
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. It is important to maintain the aggregate temperature during storage; low temperatures in the aggregate will adversely affect the product application. Excessively high and low storage temperatures will affect the laying performance of the product.
Altro Crete 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.
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 substrate should achieve 30N/mm² compressive strength (BS EN 12504-2) and surface tensile strength 1.5N/mm² (BS EN 13892-8). Substrates must include an effective damp proof membrane and contain residual moisture not greater than 5% by weight (75% R.H.) to BS 8203. Thin-bed synthetic resin systems follow the surface of the substrate, so it is essential that the surface regularity of flatness conforms to or exceeds BS 8204.2 class SR2 (+/- 5mm under a 2 metre straight edge). Any deviation from this may require a cementitious screed / repair mortar which must be suitable to receive a polyurethane overlay. Variable porosity and profile of the substrate will affect both coverage rates and final appearance.
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. A mechanical rebate should be formed around the perimeter of the installation to avoid weakness at the most vulnerable zones, evenly distributing loads and stresses and preventing ingress of aggressive media to the subfloor and bond line. A chase should be provided at all peripheral edges, parallel to expansion joints, at thresholds, feather edges, at free edges of a cove, where dissimilar flooring materials join and at day joints. This is normally formed by casting a chase when the concrete is laid or by cutting using a wet cut concrete saw.
The preferred dimensions of the rebate are twice the thickness of the screed in depth and twice the thickness of the screed in width. Anchorage rebates should be provided as close to the perimeter as is practicable.
Please consult Altro or FeRFA’s Guide to the Specification and Application of Synthetic Resin Flooring for further guidance.
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.
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 lighter colours which will be unacceptable to your customer. Please contact Altro for further guidance.
The following application guide is based on laboratory and simulated site conditions. However, when installation 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.
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 polyurethane resin products outside 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. Avoid using heating sources that give rise to high levels of humidity, such as those burning fossil fuels. 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 substrates can give rise to pinholes through the uncured resin. In unheated areas raise the substrate temperature prior to application and maintain the temperature of the substrate during application.
* All tool number references relate to Refina Ltd 01202 632 270
* All tool number references relate to Refina Ltd 01202 632 270
When the surface quality of the finished Altro Crete variant is important for hygiene or aesthetic reasons, a primer should be used. Priming helps to achieve a uniform finish, prevent bubbles and maximises adhesion.
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 less than 75% RH (BS8203) Altro Crete primer is recommended. For substrates with greater than 75% RH (BS 8203) an effective damp proof membrane
should be laid such as Altro Proof.
If Altro Proof is used this may be installed instead of Altro Crete primer. The primer should be well sealed and inspected for pinholes prior to the application of the Altro Crete system. A further coat of Altro Proof may be necessary to prevent the pinholes from reflecting through. Any areas of under-thickness should be addressed prior to installing the system. The Altro primer should be applied in accordance with the product data sheet. If the over-coating time period for the primer is exceeded, the surface should be lightly abraded and vacuumed before further coats are applied.
Do NOT seed the primer with aggregate, experience shows that this can lead to pinholes from entrapped air.
Altro Crete primer - pour the contents of the Altro Crete primer hardener into the base unit and using a slow speed drill and paddle thoroughly mix the contents for 30 seconds. Add the Altro Crete primer aggregate while mixing and mix for a further two minutes.
Altro Crete 2-4mm - Decant all the base, hardener and colour pack into a tall mixing vessel and mix thoroughly using a slow speed drill and mix for 30 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. Ideally a timer should be used to provide mixing consistency. Incorrect mixing, either too short or too long may affect the application and cause imperfections in the floor finish such as pinholes or unevenness. Variations in the mixing time may produce variations in the colour or surface texture. Care should be taken to ensure that any material adhering to the sides, bottom and corners of the mixer is thoroughly blended in. 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. Do not leave the product in the mixing vessel; apply to the floor as soon as possible.
Remember to always use the correct PPE.
Note: Double mixes are not recommended as the heat generated will reduce the working time of the product.
If capacity is required then increase the number of mixing machines / stations on site. Ensure extraction is in place to remove airborne dust when adding aggregate. 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. Immediately spike roller the area until uniform.
Always set out the area to be laid in order that a wet edge can be maintained between each gauge. Ensure the surface and the line of each gauge is uniformly spike rollered, but DO NOT EXCEED 15 minutes. Always abut each gauge within 15 minutes of each other ideally in 5 metre wide bays. 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.
Note: Ambient and slab temperatures will dramatically affect the application and working time of this product.
Storage of the material units are also critical to the laying performance and should be equilibrated to the installation environment before use.
All coving detail where chemical resistance is required should be installed using the Altro Crete cove which is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the other Altro Crete variants. This product complements the floor but does not have the same appearance or texture as the floor system. This should be identified to the end user.
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. 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 Systems for further guidance. All joints should be filled with Altro Expand flexible jointing compound. Please see Altro Expand data sheet for further information.
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 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 to the guidance is not followed.
All tools and equipment should be regularly cleaned using Altro Solve PU to reduce build up and maintain the quality of the installation. Ensure that the correct PPE is worn at all times. Do NOT use Altro Solve EP.
Due diligence must be adopted if accidental spillages occur. Recover using inert 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.
Optimum slip resistance can only be maintained with regular cleaning. The texture of the surface will require mechanised cleaning using the blue Altro Unipad or 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.
Altro Clean 44 and Altro Unipads are available from Altro.
Please refer to the most up-to-date technical documents, including safety data sheets, for the Altro resin variant prior to beginning your installation.
NOTE: “Altro Ltd” (“Altro”) endeavours to ensure that advice and information given in Product Data Sheets, Method Statements and Material Safety Data Sheets (all known as Product Literature) is accurate and correct. However, where Altro has no control over the selection of its products for particular applications, it is important that any prospective customer, user or specifier, satisfies him / herself that the product is suitable for the intended application. In this process, due regard should be taken of the nature and composition of the background / base and the ambient conditions both at the time of laying / applying / installing / curing of the material and when the completed work is to be brought into use.
However, as site conditions and the execution of the work are beyond our control, we accept no resultant liability.
Altro’s policy is one of continuous research and development and we reserve the right to update our products and information at any time without prior notice.
