23. 2. 2022
Water and chemicals on a Fortelock floor
Here is another short video in which we regularly tell you about the features and benefits of the Fortelock floor. Through these videos we answer the questions you ask us most often. This time the interesting topic is:
Resistance to chemicals and other types of liquids
Fortelock tiles are not waterproof. If a smaller or larger amount of liquid is spilled on the floor, we recommend wiping it up as soon as possible so that it does not penetrate into the lower layers. Should this happen, our tiles feature a unique AirFlow channel system on their underside, designed to drain away smaller amounts of moisture. However, if a larger amount of liquid gets underneath the tiles, we recommend dismantling that part of the floor, drying the area and reassembling the floor. This will have no effect whatsoever on its function or quality.
With floors from the Invisible, Home and Business ranges, you can glue the tile joints together during installation using a special cold-welding PVC adhesive. This makes the tiles much more resistant to liquids.
You will achieve maximum water resistance by fully gluing down all the tiles.
The Fortelock floor is also resistant to chemicals. Short-term exposure to oils will not damage the floor, as tends to happen for example with concrete floors. Nevertheless, we recommend wiping up oils and other greasy substances as soon as possible, so that chemical reactions do not cause colour differences between the PVC and the oils.
You can find more detailed information in the technical data sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Are Fortelock PVC tiles waterproof?
No, a loose-laid floor is not watertight. It is therefore a good idea to wipe up spilled liquid as soon as possible. Small amounts of moisture are drained away by the Air-Flow channel system on the underside of the tiles; after a larger spill, the floor is taken apart in that spot, dried and reassembled. The highest water resistance is achieved by gluing down the entire surface.
Which adhesive should be used under the tiles in a damp area?
PU adhesive. According to the technical data sheet, water-based fixing is not recommended where there is excessive moisture in the substrate, where water may penetrate or where the floor is cleaned with larger amounts of water. For a permanent bond, a solvent-free two-component PU adhesive applied with an A1 notched trowel is used.
Which Fortelock floor best prevents water from getting through the joints?
The Business range. It has the patented ZeroGap system, which minimises water permeability at the joints, so it can be mopped as usual without worrying about water seeping under the floor. It is therefore suitable for shops, restaurants or offices with frequent wet cleaning.
Will oil or chemicals damage a Fortelock PVC floor?
Not in the short term; the surface is highly resistant to oils, petrol and common chemicals. However, petroleum-based substances need to be wiped up as soon as possible, otherwise discolouration and deformation may occur. The Fortemix sales department can tell you about resistance to a specific chemical.
How humid an environment can Fortelock tiles be laid in?
In spaces where the relative air humidity does not exceed 75% over the long term. In addition, glued tiles must not be laid in rooms that are not sufficiently insulated against rising damp. How to proceed with a damp substrate is described in the article How to deal with moisture under the floor in a garage or warehouse.
