Floors
The most important criteria in ecological building are gas and steam permeability and hygroscopicity of building materials. It is to be discussed here how to consider these criteria after having chosen the adequate building materials for the floor area as well as the very important question of keeping the floor clean and home hygiene in its widest sense.Possible materials are:
wood and open-pored earthenware tiles, both at least over 22mm thick, cork 4.0 mm, linoleum and the `tretford' goatshair carpeting because of the enormous capillary effect of the tubular goathair. Many floor coverings from natural materials must be glued. The jute back of goatshair or wool carpets warp so strongly that fast gluing is imperative.
Sehestedt's Natural Resin Adhesive can be used universally. It suits perfectly all requirements of ecological building.
Sehestedt's Natural Resin Adhesive
This water based natural adhesive is suitable for gluing open pored floor coverings from cork, coconut, linoleum and jute backed carpet and 8mm thick oak-mosaic-parquet onto a surface prepared according to DIN 18365.
Ingredients: natural latex, water, dammar resin, finest Dolomite rock meal, talcum, casein, borax, boron acid and pine oil as preservative, without any terpentine.
The adhesive has been tested by the Institute For Painting Technique, Munich. An expert's report can be requested. The adhesive does not give off any poisonous gases, it has a pleasant smell of etheric oils. It is safe for children and can be used as an all-purpose adhesive for paper, boxes etc. After setting it produces a durable, elastic, water and chair caster proof bond. Adhesive stable at temperatures between 0-35°C, for a short time up to 70°C.
Storage: Store closed in a cool, dry place. Protect from freezing. Unopened containers can be kept for at least 6 months.
Application: Apply a thin but complete coat of adhesive with 2mm fine-toothed putty knife on clean, solid, even and permanently dry surface according to DIN 18365 requirements. After an airing time of 30-45 minutes during which the adhesive turns yellowish (when touching the adhesive lightly it remains dry, but under light pressure the surface will burst and fresh adhesive will come out), press floor covering into the adhesive bed. Highly absorbent surfaces and other critical surfaces should be spackled over completely with the adhesive. In case of uncertainty always observe a trial adhesion. Remove excess adhesive immediately with damp rag. Both the floor covering and the adhesive must be acclimatized to at least 18°C for 24 hours before use.