Brooklyn Schools Get Science Lesson in Libraries
Two public schools in the Bronx ; P.S. 36 & P.S. 93, were undergoing renovations to their respective libraries. This project, however, was no easy task! With a wall removed in each school to increase the size of the libraries, Pyramid Floors was faced with two unlike substrates at unequal heights. In addition, both schools had an existing floor covering situation which needed to be addressed.
At P.S. 93, vinyl composition tile was ripped up leaving Pyramid with felt paper atop the 2 3⁄4 inch strip oak wood substrate. To complicate matters, electrical conduit pipe lay fastened to the substrate in several areas of the room. This project would entail much more than priming and pouring the floor. However, with Drytek self leveling cements as the underlayment, this task could be achieved.
First, the strip oak wood floor was coated with Drytek primer applied to the wooden substrate at a ratio of one part primer concentrate to one part water. Shortly thereafter, steel reinforcement mesh was mechanically fastened to the oak wood floor (the mesh was added primarily due to the felt paper remaining after the VCT was pulled up). Pyramid was now ready to begin pumping.
With polished cork tile as the floor covering of choice, coupled with an unstable substrate, Steven DeGaray chose to pump the Drytek Fiber Reinforced 7600, at a pour depth of 1 inch. "With its good flow characteristics, glass-like surface, and reinforcing fibers, I knew Drytek 7600 was the logical choice for this job".
At P.S. 36, vinyl composition tile was down throughout the entire floor and down well. Traditionally, any manufacturer of self leveling cements would immediately recommend the VCT be ripped up and substrate be dealt with accordingly. This process however, can prove to be costly, time consuming, and possibly a health risk to children, faculty, and others that occupy these rooms. However, Drytek's innovation and technology allowed Pyramid Floors to provide a swift, cost efficient solution.
Drytek primer was first applied to the VCT at a ratio of one part primer concentrate to one part water. Immediately after, Drytek powder was lightly broadcast into the wet primer. Then by brooming it around with a soft bristle broom, a slurry was created. After giving the slurry ample time to dry, it was time for the pour.
"The 7600 went down like a dream. I have used it several times in the past over wood and troubled substrates and am still amazed by the results. I think 7600 is the single most important product in the Industry today. It is fiber-reinforced, fast drying and flows beautifully" said Stephen DeGaray at Pyramid Floors.
A polished cork tile was subsequently applied, providing a functional and attractive learning environment in the libraries of the two Bronx schools.
"I'm not sure any other product in this class could have tied together all these different substrates", continues DeGaray. It really is Science in the Bag."
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