Ardex K 55 Fast – Pallet Deals and Bulk Buy – Ultra Rapid Drying Levelling and Smoothing Compound

Ardex K 55 Fast extended informati0n

Coverage: Approximately 6.2m² at 2mm thick per 20kg bag

ARDEX K 55 FAST is an advanced subfloor smoothing compound with rapid hardening properties, specifically designed for areas where the installation time of floor finishes must be kept to a minimum.

When mixed with water, an exceptionally fluid, self-levelling mortar is produced which can be applied from a feather edge up to the required thickness in a single operation (maximum 10 mm).

Dependent on substrate and application thickness, ARDEX K 55 FAST can normally be walked on after approximately 30 minutes at 20°C. Once the ARDEX K 55 FAST layer has hardened and dried sufficiently and the adhesive trowel does not damage the mortar surface, the floorcovering may be installed in as little as 60 minutes for applications less than 3mm thick. Please choose the correct type of adhesive for reduced thicknesses below 3 mm.

For ultra rapid flooring applications the use of ARDEX AF 2575 PLUS will allow the application of the floorcovering even if the ARDEX K 55 FAST appears damp, providing that the ARDEX K 55 FAST surface is sufficiently hard so as not to be damaged by the adhesive trowel.

NOTE: Following installation the floor must not be subjected to heavy or moving loads for at least 48 hours.

USE

ARDEX K 55 FAST will level and smooth in a single application within the 10 minute working time.

Applications include smoothing uneven, damaged in-situ concrete subfloors, adjusting tolerances or camber problems between floors, slabs or pre-cast concrete, as well as smoothing old subfloors and screeds in renovation projects prior to receiving resilient floor coverings such as vinyl and carpet.

ARDEX K 55 FAST is not designed to be a wearing surface.

SUBSTRATE PREPARATION

NOTE: Not suitable for asphalt subfloors.

Internal use only. Direct to ground subfloors must be dry and protected by a DPM.

The surface to be smoothed must be hard, sound and free of dust, dirt and other barrier materials, such as paint, lime coatings, plaster and adhesive residues etc.

Use a suitable degreasing product to remove polish, wax, grease, oil and similar contaminating substances.

Use appropriate mechanical preparation techniques for other barriers to adhesion, including surface laitance which should be removed from concrete surfaces. Direct to earth subfloors must have an effective damp proof membrane, such as ARDEX DPM 1 C. For the preparation and priming of anhydrite/ gypsum screeds prior to the installation of ARDEX K 55 FAST please refer to the screed manufacturers recommendations for priming.

Contact our Technical Services Department for further information.

High performance, high strength smoothing compounds such as ARDEX K 55 FAST require a hard, sound, correctly prepared subfloor. Adhesive residues vary considerably in their ability to support and restrain applied smoothing compounds therefore do not apply ARDEX K 55 FAST over any old adhesive residues. All surfaces must be primed (see below).

ARDEX P 82 Primer is recommended for use on smooth, non absorbent subfloors e.g. ceramic tiles, ARDEX Damp Proof Membranes and dense and non-absorbent surfaces. ARDEX P 51 Primer is recommended for very porous surfaces to prevent air bubbles rising from the base and reducing the flow properties of the compound. See the relevant technical datasheet for appropriate dilution ratios and application method.

ARDEX P 51 can be used for correctly prepared Anhydrite/Gypsum Screeds. (Dependent of the information from the gypsum screed manufacturer, a suitably sand blinded coat of an epoxy primer such as ARDEX R 3 E Moisture Tolerant Epoxy Primer, may be required).

ARDEX P 4 is a ready mixed, rapid drying primer, recommended for glazed ceramic tiles and terrazzo.

ARDEX P 4 is ready to use and solvent free, and is dry in as little as 30 minutes.

MIXING

To the required amount of clean, cold water in a clean mixing container add the powder whilst stirring vigorously until a lump-free mortar is produced. The mixing proportions are approximately: –

4 – 4.2 litres per 20kg bag.

Use the minimum amount of water for thick applications or in cold conditions.

NOTE: DO NOT EXCEED 4.2 litres/20kg bag.

The use of an ARDEX mixing paddle with a 10mm chuck, slow speed electric drill (600 – 1000 rpm) makes light work of mixing. ARDEX K 55 FAST should be applied within 10 minutes after mixing at 200C. This time is extended at lower and reduced at higher temperatures.

NOTE: Due to the fast setting properties of ARDEX K 55

FAST, the material must be applied immediately after mixing to avoid loss of the wet edge when joining mixes.

For lone working we recommend premeasuring the mixing water ready for the units to be used to keep mixing times as short as possible. If using a spiked roller

during the application, this operation should be undertaken while the material is still fluid, well within the 10 minute working time.

APPLICATION

Pour the mixed ARDEX K 55 FAST onto the prepared subfloor. The mixed mortar will flow out to provide a flat surface within the 10 minute working time. A steel finishing float is recommended to produce the required finish, or alternatively long-handled smoothing trowel. A spiked roller may also be used for immediate finishing off following application. Apply at temperatures above 5°C.

APPLICATIONS OVER UNDERFLOOR HEATING Heated screeds must be laid in accordance with BS 8204 Part 1 and BS EN 1264. The underfloor heating system should have been commissioned in accordance with the manufacturers instruction manual and BS 8204 Part 1 and BS EN 1264-4.

Once commissioned and thermally cycled, the underfloor heating system should be turned down to room temperature, but not below 15°C, before the installation of ARDEX K 55 FAST and the floorcovering. The underfloor heating system should then be gradually brought up to normal operating temperature to avoid rapid thermal shock and wide temperature variations.

THICKNESS

ARDEX K 55 FAST can be applied from a feather edge up to 10mm neat; its optimum flow properties are found in applications of 2mm or above. NOTE: Non-absorbent subfloors must be levelled with at least 2mm of ARDEX K 55 FAST. NOTE: Select the appropriate adhesive for the installation at reduced thicknesses i.e. Pressure Sensitive

COVERAGE

Approximately 1.62kg of powder per square metre per millimetre of thickness, i.e. one bag will cover approximately 6.2m at 2mm thick.

PACKAGING

ARDEX K 55 FAST is packed in paper sacks incorporating a polyethylene liner – net weight 20kg.

STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

ARDEX K 55 FAST must be stored in unopened packaging, clear of the ground in cool dry conditions and be protected from excessive draught. If stored correctly, as detailed above, the shelf life of this product is 6 months from the date shown on the packaging.

ARDEX K 55 Technical Data

Working time (20°C)
Approx. 10 minutes

Walkability (20°C)
Approx. 30 minutes

Ready to receive floorcoverings (20°C)
Approx. 60 minutes*

*dependant on substrate, application thickness and temperature.

Compressive Strength
After 1 day: approx. 20 N/mm²
After 7 days: approx. 30 N/mm²
After 28 days: approx. 35 N/mm²

Tensile Bending Strength
After 1 day: approx. 6 N/mm²
After 7 days: approx. 8 N/mm²
After 28 days: approx. 10 N/mm²

Suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes

Weight of fresh mortar: approx. 1.96kg/litre

Working time (20^oC): approx.10minutes

Walkability (20^oC): approx. 30 minutes

Ready to receive floor coverings (20oC): approx. *60 minutes

*dependant on substrate, application thickness, adhesive used and temperature.

Ardex K 55 – Video Presentation – How To Level A Floor Fast

Ardex K 55 Fast – Tips