Bostik helps steer hospital project through COVID-19 lockdown

Published: 18-Feb-2021

Flooring products used on new modular ward block at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Technical advice and subfloor preparation products and flooring adhesives from Bostik have enabled the progress of a new hospital building, despite restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Built to address capacity and demand issues, the new 3,600sq m, three-storey ward block at Norfolk and Norwich university Hospital will treat high-dependency patients and stroke victims across two of its floors, with the other floor acting as an acute medical unit (AMU).

Nationwide Flooring Contracts was employed by MTX Contracts to install safety vinyl and anti-static flooring throughout the building.

Bostik’s technical team visited the site at short notice, carrying out moisture testing on the subfloors of the modular building while adhering to government guidelines on social distancing.

The team then compiled a report for Nationwide that outlined a methodology and system of products for how best to tackle the job.

“Time was tight and we needed help quickly,” explains Simon Charnley, project manager at Nationwide Flooring Contracts.

“It was a difficult situation, but Bostik immediately understood our requirements and were quickly on site to carry out the preliminary tests.”

To suppress the residual moisture in the subfloor, Nationwide used Screedmaster One Coat Membrane with Screedmaster One Coat Accelerator, Bostik’s single-component additive for speeding up the cure rate of One Coat Membrane.

This ensured that the surface membrane would cure overnight, allowing the project to continue the next morning.

Most of the subfloors were primed using Bostik Universal Primer, before applying the high-flow, easy-trowelling Screedmaster Flow smoothing compound.

As Screedmaster Flow is protein and casein free, it is suitable for use in biologically-sensitive areas, while the low-odour formulation also makes it ideal for use in occupied buildings.

For areas likely to be affected by large medical equipment located nearby, Bostik supplied its Screedmaster Epoxy Primer and fibre-reinforced Screedmaster Flex smoothing compound, which is specially designed for use where vibration and minimal thermal movement can be problematic.

For the skirting in the ward block, Bostik Roll was used - the company’s solvent-free, reinforced adhesive tape.

As this is dry, there is no curing time required, making it perfect for time-sensitive projects.

The fact that it is solvent-free also means it is ideal for healthcare applications, since there is less impact on building occupants.

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