FAQ’s – ENVIROSTIX PRE-APPLIED POLY-ACRYLIC ADHESIVE SYSTEM
Question: Is EnviroSTIX a new kind of adhesive?
Answer: No, EnviroSTIX is an innovative and exciting application of an old adhesive technology – double-face tape.
Question: Does this mean that EnviroSTIX is just another “peel & stick” product?
Answer: At Base King, we are not fond of the “peel & stick” tag because it connotes a “do-it-yourself” product. EnviroSTIX is a product that, in most instances, requires the expertise of highly qualified installers.
Question: What makes EnviroSTIX such an innovative product?
Answer: For the 1st time in many years, the flooring industry has an adhesive that effectively bonds flooring to substrate in what are considered extreme conditions – moisture, alkalinity and temperature.
Question: What are the limits of EnviroSTIX’ effectiveness?
Answer: Currently the written limits are 18 lbs of moisture for the CaCl test, 99% on the relative humidity scale and up to an 11 on the alkalinity scale. The only conditions known to cause problems with adhesion are acidic in nature. Natural and synthetic chemicals such as vinegar, chemical mastic abatement products, muriatic acid, etc. have been found weaken the bond strength of EnviroSTIX.
Question: Base King states that a latex primer should be used prior to the installation of EnviroSTIX. Why is this necessary?
Answer: The purpose of the primer is to provide a fresh, clean and dust-free bonding surface for the EnviroSTIX adhesive to bond with. On older concrete that has had other adhesives, the primer also serves to create a barrier between the latent concrete moisture and old adhesive residue, thereby allowing EnviroSTIX to bond effectively.
Question: Does Base King, LLC sell a latex primer to go with EnviroSTIX?What are the limits of EnviroSTIX’ effectiveness?
Answer: No, Base King does not provide a latex primer. We recommend using a premium latex primer such as Ardex P-51, XL Encore Prelude or a comparable premium latex primer.
Question: Since EnviroSTIX is essentially a double-face tape with a scrim webbing, does EnviroSTIX improve the dimensional stability of the product to which it is applied?
Answer: There is no evidence to indicate that EnviroSTIX will improve the dimensional stability of a product. Acclimation of all products should be carried out in compliance with the flooring product manufacturer’s written instructions.
Question: Does EnviroSTIX affect telegraphing of substrate imperfections?
Answer: No, EnviroSTIX will neither prevent nor cause telegraphing of substrate imperfections. The only telegraphing EnviroSTIX prevents are trowel marks. Since the installer is no longer troweling down a wet adhesive, there a no trowel marks to telegraph. To date, there is no evidence the scrim in the tape telegraphs through to the face.
Question: How much “working time” does an installer have when installing EnviroSTIX?
Answer: Since EnviroSTIX is a pre-cured adhesive, there is no realistic working time because the bonding begins to occur immediately. By spraying the adhesive with a fine mist of plain water, the installer will be given 20-30 seconds additional working time. Because EnviroSTIX bonds so quickly, it is important for the installer to pre-lay the flooring before he begins to remove the protective paper from the back of flooring product.
Question: Where old VCT is present, is it necessary to remove it before installing EnviroSTIX? What about old finishes on the VCT?
Answer: Unlike most adhesives, EnviroSTIX works very effectively at bonding to existing VCT. It also bonds well to existing finishes. With EnviroSTIX, there is no need to remove either the old floor tile or the finish on the old floor tile. It is the flooring contractor’s responsibility to determine that the surface on which the new flooring is to be installed is securely bonded. Base King warrants that EnviroSTIX will adhere to the surface to which it is attached. If the bond fails on the surface to which it is attached and the surface below it, the responsibility for the failure becomes the liability of the flooring contractor.