Flexshield is a semi-rigid, woven E-glass, fiberglass yarn, ultra-high tensile strength reinforcing fabric.
Flexshield is used to reinforce and increase tensile strength in floor screeds, smoothing screeds and wall render systems subject to movement and cracking. Flexshield increases impact resistance and will mitigate the risk of substrate stresses causing aesthetic defects in the ultimate finish.
Features
• Lightweight, so easy to transport, handle & apply
• Can be applied into primers, smoothing screeds or mortars
• Ultra-thin, requires little material to cover
• Easy and quick to install
• Ultra-high tensile strength
• Alkali resistant
Roll dimensions: 100cms x 25m
Flexshield
• On mineral and timber substrates such as concrete, cementitious screeds, plaster and water resistant cement board, well bonded ceramic tiles, OSB, P5 chipboard, plywood, MDF, floorboards and a wide range of insulation materials
• When used in conjunction with resin priming systems, Flexshield will create a reinforced laminate to stabilise substrates prone to movement.
• When embedded in decorative first finishing coats or underlays, Flexshield will reduce the risk of crack propagation caused by movement in the substrate and greatly improve the impact resistance of finishes.
• Mechanically prepare substrate to ensure the optimal performance of the adhesive material used to bond the fabric; follow the resin/mortar coating manufacturers recommendations regarding substrate moisture content & temperature, minimum & maximum ambient application temperatures, atmospheric humidity and dew point consideration.
• Ensure floors are vacuumed to remove any debris which can cause the fabric to “tent” and that walls are sufficiently flat to ensure the material will sit within the thickness of the resin or mortar coating.
• Assess the substrate porosity. Porous substrates may require the application of an initial coat of primer to seal the substrate prior to applying a second priming/encapsulating coat. This will ensure sufficient primer remains on the surface to provide adequate material to bond the fabric. This is particularly relevant when applying material more porous sand/cement screeds but may be necessary on other mineral or timber substrates.
Application methods are dependent on the products use and method of application, such as two component resins or cementitious mortars.
Fabrik 200 should be cut to length using shears. Once cut, roll up or stack and store where the membrane will not be trafficked.
Substrate Remediation: Bonding with Two Component Resins
• Having sealed/primed the substrate, the chosen resin adhesive, mixed as per the manufacturer’s instructions, should be applied to the floor at a rate of 250-400g/m2 using a caulking blade, squeegee, or roller exceeding the width of the Fabrik 200 by 100mm. Excessive surface texture or low temperatures may increase the resin quantity.
• Roll the fabric out into the wet resin and press into place with a trowel or star roller if necessary, overlapping each run by a minimum of 50mm. Continue across the room rolling out and embedding as you proceed. Thought should be given to the time required to complete each width to ensure the next length can me embedded within the open time of the adhesive material already applied.
• When applying subsequent cementitious mortars, or when resin finishes cannot be applied within the manufacturer’s maximum overcoating time, it may be necessary to create a physical key for the next layer to adhere. This may be done, having embedded the mesh, by broadcasting the wet resin with the appropriate size quartz aggregate. Remove excess sand when the adhesive is cured using a broom and vacuum.
Bonding with Cementitious Adhesive Mortars, Horizontal or Vertical Application
• Having sealed/primed the substrate, trowel apply a layer of mortar paste to just over one metre width of floor or wall using a minimum 3mm notched trowel, exceeding the width of the Fabrik 200 by approximately 100mm.
• Roll out Fabrik 200 into the mortar and press into place with a trowel, overlapping each run by at least 50mm. Continue across the area rolling out and embedding as you proceed. Thought should be given to the time required to complete each width to ensure the next length can be embedded within the open time of the adhesive material already applied.
Encapsulation in smoothing screed
When reinforcing smoothing screeds, loose lay the Fabrik 200 on the floor and pour or pump apply the smoothing screed over the top. Note: a minimum application thickness of 8mm of smoothing screed is recommended to fully encapsulate the fabric.
It may be easier on occasions to mechanically adhere fabrics on undulating timber substrates using staples around the perimeter, and periodically to some low or high points. If necessary, hammer staples down to ensure they will not protrude through the finish.
Alternatively, longer staples may be used to allow the fabric to be suspended within the body of the mortar which can be useful in thicker repairs and when applying smoothing screeds.
On mineral substrates, hot glue can be used to spot adhere fabrics to the perimeter to ease pulling taught if necessary.
Allow to cure sufficiently if applying intermediate or topcoats over the fabric layer. If the surface of the system is to be polished or burnished, it is important to provide sufficient mortar coverage to ensure the fabric patten does not show through in the finish.
Allow the priming/bonding material to cure sufficiently prior to applying subsequent applications, such as a final topping or intermediate smoothing screed.
All movement joints in the substrate should be brought through the finished surface. Re-form once fully cured using a diamond saw and seal using a suitable joint sealant.
Store on ends, on pallets, in dry conditions out of sunlight in original unopened packaging.
Gloves should be worn when using this fabric. It is of primary importance that the health and safety precautions recommended by the manufacturer of the adhesive material are observed, specifically with regard to the required PPE for skin, eye and lung protection.