reclaimed Parquet Block
This is a question we get asked a lot and we will try to address this separately to any other question as there are many things to consider.
Some people buy reclaimed block to re-install, some people have to repair an old parquet floor or in extreme cases, entire floors will have to be removed and re-laid. As we know, the biggest issue is the bitumen, either on the back of the wooden block or on the subfloor, or both. So let us try to deal with the separate cases. We need to make sure people understand that old bitumen used to install floors many years ago should be treated with caution. It is possible that some bitumen contained asbestos and therefore careful handling is advised. We do cover this in our advice section on sub floors and insist that you call a professional body for advice if needed.
RE-INSTALLING Old reclaimed block in a new setting
If you have old reclaimed block and want to install them in a new setting then you first need to think about any bitumen on then the back surface. Ideally, all bitumen should be professionally removed as it is an unstable product and we cannot guarantee the adhesion etc. We know this is not always done but can only suggest that you be very careful with bitumen as it can have other issues. Then we need to think about the sub floor. It is imperative that any reclaimed material that contains bitumen residue is re-installed on a solid sub base. Whilst we do not guarantee anything with bitumen, we know that many contractors use Lecol 5500 adhesive for this purpose and it seems to work. However, if there is any movement (joisted sub floors), the bitumen residue seems to separate as the adhesive is a fixed product with very little tolerance to excessive movement.
REPARATION OF an old parquet block floor
On occasion, contractors will have to repair (lift and re-install) a small section of a parquet floor. Often times this is a block floor that was installed with old bitumen many years ago. Many contractors will simply take out the floor from the particular area, clean it as best as they can then re-install it using Lecol 5500 adhesive. This seems to work on most occasions but we do not guarantee anything and always advise care when dealing with old bitumen.
Complete re-installATION of old parquet flooring with bitumen residues
Whilst this is not as common, we have seen this done in different ways. Smaller areas have been done just as the area repair mentioned above. The old parquet has been lifted, cleaned to a standard on site and then re-installed using Lecol 5500 adhesive. Additionally we have seen bigger projects where that process was not viable and we have specified a better system.
When possible, it as advisable to have the parquet professionally cleaned so it can be treated as new flooring from an adhesive perspective. Additionally, it is always better to create the best sub floor you can before starting the job.
The best industry practice (after assessing structural condition) is to encapsulate and old bitumen residue using primers and levelling compound. This way you create a good sub floor without disturbing the bitumen itself. It can be a quick process with the correct products and we would suggest the following Wakol MS330 DPM followed by Wakol D3045 Gritted Primer and then Wakol Z715 Levelling Compound.
Once the sub floor is ready and the old parquet has been professionally cleaned, you can install the floor with our products. For best results, we would suggest Wakol MS260 or Wakol PU225. It is possible to use our other adhesives but we would ask you to contact for advice, as every job is individual.
Help and advice?
If you need help and advice on something that is not covered, please contact us and we will try our best to answer your questions
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