Moisture
Moisture in flooring will adversely affect flooring materials and the adhesion of floor coverings. New Zealand and Australian building standard [ANZS3661.2] require the moisture content of a subfloor to not exceed 75% to be considered sufficiently dry for the installation of floor coverings. Similarly concrete subfloors shall be considered suitable for the installation of resilient floor coverings when the measured pH level does not exceed 10. (or as specified by the particular Forbo or Interface adhesive utilised).
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New adhesives on the market allow higher moisture content and PH levels in the subfloor, but always talk to an Inzide flooring consultant prior to installing outside of the New Zealand standard.
Sarlibase T.E
A specialist solution for perpetually wet substrates
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Inzide's recommendation for a quick vinyl covering appropriate for concrete floors that suffer ongoing moisture issues is Sarlibase TE. Sarlibase TE is a loose lay sheet product that is laid over the concrete substrate in 2m widths. No Adhesive used. The tiny channels in the back of the Sarlibase allow the moisture to find its way to the edge of the sheets where it evaporates away – Any heterogeneous vinyl is adhered over the Sarlibase TE and allows the room to be in action straight away.
Inzide recommends that when installing flooring in high moisture areas that Intertac Plus Adhesive is used for its high moisture resistance. It will retain its adhesive capabilities in areas with substrate moisture content up to 90% RH.
InterTac Plus is a water based pressure sensitive adhesive especially manufactured for the installation of Interface products. It has excellent coverage, adhesion and release capabilities and is suited to application by roller.
InterTac Plus is also formulated with Intersept® bicocide which works as a mould inhibitor. The Interface product warranty can be void if an adhesive system other than InterTac™ Pressure Sensitive Adhesive or TacTiles™ are used. This is especially relevant if the requirements specific to your region and the Interface Installation Manual recommendation in regard to substrate moisture and pH content are not closely followed.
E3 - Internal Moisture
In 2021 Amendment 7 to the Acceptable Solution E3/AS1, for Clause E3 Internal Moisture of the New Zealand Building Code came in.
This change provided the reclassification of dishwashers and washing machines as Sanitary Appliances and basins and sinks as Sanitary Fixtures.
Flooring solutions must now have a finish that is both impervious and easily cleaned extending at least 1.5 metres from all sanitary fixtures and appliances. It is important to note that resilient sheet flooring is accepted automatically as it is considered impervious.
'Alternative Solutions’ can be accepted for flooring products such as Carpet Tile, LVT and Marmoleum, provided that they are installed using an E impervious system.
Below is guidance for Interface and Forbo flooring products which fall under the ‘Alternative Solution’ requirements.
These flooring products have been Independently tested in New Zealand by SGS Industrial Certification Services to meet the impervious requirements of E3.​
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