Proper adhesive volume is a critical factor in the successful installation of flooring materials, and it varies based on the type of flooring product and its backing system. Adhesive manufacturers often provide clip-on attachments for trowels with each container, ensuring the correct notch size and shape for the adhesive’s design and purpose.

Considerations for determining the proper adhesive volume include:

Type of Flooring Product:

• Tufted carpet backed with woven polypropylene mesh.
• Applied cushion back (soft or hard).
• Woven carpet with no backing.
• Carpet tile with a vinyl back.
• Engineered wood.
• Solid plank wood.
• LVT/LVP.

Backer Characteristics:

Hardback (smooth, dense) carpet requires less volume than woven (coarse) style carpet or mesh-back carpet.

Substrate Porosity:

• The porosity of the substrate affects how fast the vehicle (solvent or carrier) in the adhesive is absorbed, leaving only the solid component.
• Testing for porosity is essential.
• The need for a primer or sealer to control absorption may arise.

Adhesive Type:

Different adhesive types, such as pressure-sensitive, have different bonding characteristics.

Trowel Notch Size and Shape:

• Each adhesive container specifies an amount of spread per square foot/yard based on the trowel notch size and shape.
• The width and depth of the notch influence the adhesive volume.

Spray-On Adhesives:

Volume per square foot is defined, and guidelines often include marking out the basic square foot coverage for accurate application.

Manufacturer Guidelines:

• Guidelines and instructions on the container and within the flooring product installation directions must be followed.
• Adherence to these guidelines may lead to bond failure.

Chemical Engineering and Formulation:

• Adhesives are formulated and tested by chemical engineers for specific functions.
• The properties of the adhesive, including liquid content versus solids, are provided on each container.
• Solids contribute to the bonding strength required for different materials.

Installers are advised to respect the guidelines provided by manufacturers and chemical engineers who have formulated the adhesive. Going against these guidelines may result in installation issues and compromise the integrity of the bond. Adhering to proper adhesive volume recommendations ensures a successful and durable flooring installation.

Looking for the best adhesives? Take a look at our Adhesives Section for top-quality products.

Attribution: This content is based on information from ProInstaller Magazine.