As adhesive-free installation for LVT gains momentum, Ian Spreadborough, Founder of Circular Building Solutions, covers some common questions and insight from flooring contractors.
Magnetic and adhesive-free tabs, looselay, click and friction-based coatings are all alternatives to full-spread wet adhesives for installing Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring.
Adhesive-free installation securely fixes LVT to the sub-floor, whilst enabling clean, damage-free uplift. The LVT can then be much more easily reused or recycled via manufacturers’ take-back schemes, and the sub-floor does not need expensive cleaning and remediation before the next installation.
With sustainability targets and asset protection in mind, clients, developers, and specifiers are increasingly driving demand for adhesive-free installation. Developer Landsec prefers mechanical rather than chemically fixed methods for flooring within its Material Brief, whilst Google stipulates “pressure-sensitive corner tape, tiles or dots that allow for easy removal and replacement” in its global procurement guidelines.
As adhesive-free accelerates, forward-thinking flooring contractors are embracing this method, not only to meet client expectations but to gain a competitive edge. However, switching to any new technique naturally raises queries and sometimes misconceptions. Here, we cover some common questions and share contractor insights.
Q – Will adhesive-free installation slow my jobs down?
Whilst there may be a learning curve when using any new technique, contractors report that time savings outweigh any initial minor adjustments.
Eliminating wet adhesives avoids curing time, reduces clean-up and allows greater flexibility to work alongside other trades. Overall installation time is reduced and floors can be used immediately, improving programme efficiency.
“Thanks to IOBAC’s MagTabs, it took a team of three fitters around five days to install 900m2 of flooring in a herringbone pattern, which is challenging to install and would have taken much longer to do through traditional methods.
This provided a great time saving and allowed the other trades to work around us whilst we fitted the flooring.”
Julian Normie, owner of Bramhall Flooring Company, agrees: “We have used MagTabs on a couple of installations now and can say we are very impressed. We fitters were sceptical at first but after using the product, are totally on board with the process.
MagTabs make the installation easier as there isn’t any waiting time for adhesives to cure. We don’t need full areas as we can move forward with little interference from other trades walking in adhesive.”
Q – Are adhesive-free methods more expensive than traditional adhesives?
Specific material costs vary, but many adhesive-free methods are cost-equivalent to traditional adhesives. Plus, additional savings come from faster installation, reduced programme delays and a longer shelf life compared to adhesives.
Adhesive-free methods also prevent sub-floor damage and cost to the client. Tackifier adhesive costing around £0.50 to £0.80 per sqm can render a raised access floor worth £50 to 100 per sqm unusable. The subsequent removal of adhesive residue, often requiring solvent-based cleaning, can cost an additional £9 to 15 per sqm.
Carl Harper, Managing Director at Westcotes Flooring and previous President of the Contract Flooring Association, fedback on a recent project: “The fitters liked using MagTabs, it was a quick and clean installation process with no issues at all.”
Q – Are adhesive-free methods limited to specific projects?
As with any installation, proper sub-floor preparation is important, with a clean, dust-free surface key. Adhesive-free methods are compatible with various sub-floors, and can be used with LVT, carpet tiles and woven vinyl.
They are widely accepted by flooring manufacturers – for example, IOBAC Tabs are used and/or approved by 13 leading manufacturers, including Shaw Contract and Forbo. Additionally, magnetic wood and LVT options are available for use on raised access floors and magnetically receptive underlays.
Q – How does this benefit my flooring contracting business?
Beyond cost and efficiency savings, offering an adhesive-free option helps flooring contractors differentiate themselves. By demonstrating better metrics to their clients, contractors can enhance their value proposition, increasing their chances of winning projects, often with improved margins.
Adhesive-free options eliminate the VOC’s associated with traditional wet adhesives, improving indoor air quality both for installers and building occupants.
While change can be challenging, businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind – just ask Kodak or Blockbuster.
A Modern Method of Installation
Whilst sustainability is driving the shift towards adhesive-free, contractors might initially assume these methods are slower or more expensive before trialling them. However, real-world feedback suggests the opposite – adhesive-free solutions not only align with environmental priorities but also enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve project outcomes.
By embracing adhesive-free, contractors can future-proof their businesses, stay competitive and secure long-term business success.
Circular Building Solutions run regular training sessions for flooring contractors, demonstrating best practice use of IOBAC adhesive-free installation solutions.
To book a session, please email info@circularbuildingsolutions.co.uk
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