Landscape & Urban Design Issue 38 2019 | Page 31

One Component Adhesives applicator should fill the stitch ensuring the joint is positioned Strong polymer based single ribbing of the carpet to ensure total correctly, apply firm pressure to surface contact. form the bond. component adhesives are available that are generally used on smaller 4. Apply the adhesive evenly down Provided the correct attention is given installations. The systems generally the tape strip to the non-shiny to the bonding process then strong rely on atmospheric moisture to surface, leaving approximately 5cm seam joints, with minimum visibility cure and are most often supplied uncoated at either edge. Position should result and the artificial lawn in cartridge form. No mixing is carpet joint down the centre of the would be expected to last for many required and application is simple and tape. years. clean. Provided the product is used correctly, resultant seam bonds are entirely satisfactory. The adhesives in cartridge packs allow for an easy application method and can also be used for fixing the edges of the carpet to the lawn surround. Seam Jointing Tapes 5. Consolidate the adhesive bond by More detailed information is available applying light; even pressure until in the Envirostik Good Practice Guide curing is complete. If sand is used and guidance on each product is as an infill, do not apply until the included in the Landscaping brochure. adhesive bond has fully cured thus preventing sand penetrating into the joint. 6. If using a self adhesive tape, roll Strong, durable strips are required back the carpet edges, then simply that are compatible with the one and roll out the tape and position two component liquid adhesives. Tapes the joint down the centre. After www.envirostik.com 01889 271751 should be made of strong, geotextile, normally with a coating on one side to prevent ingress of moisture during installation. Adhesive should always be applied to the open textile surface. Various widths and lengths are available. Self-Adhesive Fixing Tape These tapes are most often used in smaller landscaped areas with relatively low traffic use. The adhesive is already fixed to the textile carrier and is ready for bonding after the removal of the protective film. This system requires a good fitting technique as once the carpet is pressed into place it bonds instantly and is not easy to reposition. Best Practice Installation Advice 1. Protect adhesives from extremes of hot or cold by storing at between 5ºC and 20ºC. 2. When using a two-part adhesive, ensure the components are thoroughly mixed before use. Look for consistent colour and texture in the mix. 3. Use a notched trowel to apply sufficient adhesive according to the carpet backing type. The beading structure created by the adhesive Issue 38 2019 Landscape & Urban Design 31