Walsh Flooring Services completed a essential commercial flooring refurbishment across washrooms, shower facilities, and circulation hallways at a community centre in Bristol. The project involved deep subfloor grinding, application of rapid-setting smoothing compounds, and the precision fitting of commercial slip-resistant safety vinyl complete with hot-welded seams.
Subfloor Preparation & ARDEX Feather Finish
Achieving a smooth, sound base was critical across these high-traffic and wet area subfloors before laying final safety sheet vinyl:
- Subfloor Mechanical Preparation: Old adhesives, surface contaminants, and high spots were removed across concrete subfloors to expose a stable surface for bonding.
- Rapid-Drying Smoothing Compound: ARDEX Feather Finish feathering compound was mixed and hand-troweled across all areas. This eliminated minor surface imperfections, shallow depressions, and ridges without adding unnecessary floor height.
- Perimeter Masking & Floor Drainage Prep: Expansion joints and skirting edges were masked off to keep finishes crisp, while subfloor concrete was prepared cleanly around floor drains and plumbing penetrations.
Safety Vinyl Installation & Welded Seam Detailing
- Slip-Resistant Safety Sheet Flooring: Heavy-duty, speckle-finish commercial safety vinyl was laid across corridors, wet rooms, and shower areas to prevent slips in high-moisture environments.
- Hot-Welded Jointing: All sheet seams were heat-welded using matching weld rod to create a continuous, 100% waterproof barrier that prevents water ingress beneath the vinyl.
- Wet Room Integration: Sheet material was neatly scribed around drainage outlets, exposed pipework, and wall claddings to form a fully sealed, hygienic surface.
Key Project Outcomes
- Flawless Subfloor Finish: ARDEX Feather Finish provided a smooth base, preventing telegraphing through the new safety vinyl.
- Waterproof & Hygienic Integrity: Hot-welded seams ensure full liquid containment in shower and washroom areas.
- Durable Community Facility Solution: Delivered a safe, low-maintenance flooring system built to withstand continuous public use.
