ARDEX INDORTEX FLEXBONE MATTING – 2E Floating Uncoupling Membrane for Unprepared Backgrounds 1 x 20m Roll

The ARDEX IndorTec Flexbone Matting – 2E is perfect for the installation of large-format ceramic, porcelain tiles, slabs, and natural stone, with a minimum size of 200mm x 200mm. This 100% uncoupling loose-lay mat eliminates the need to bond to the substrate and is suitable for most internal and challenging floor substrates, as long as the surface is flat (SR1 minimum). It counteracts and reduces tension stresses between the substrate and the rigid floor finish, preventing reflective cracking caused by shrinkage, board joints, and lateral movement. This system allows for safe installations on difficult substrates, making it ideal for both renovations and new construction in medium-duty domestic and commercial environments. Suitable for light-traffic commercial spaces such as office walkways, department store concessions, and trade show stands, it can even be used in car showrooms if cars are manually moved onto the finished tiled floors. It is recommended for use on heated floors, new concrete, cement, and sand screeds, as well as rigid, deflection-free timber and other load-bearing surfaces.

Restrictions:

• Not suitable for exterior environments or substrates with vertical movement.
• Avoid use on uneven floor surfaces, curling cement/sand screeds, or bridging movement joints.
• Not recommended for heavy traffic areas, wet areas, or use with levelling clip systems.
• Unsuitable for translucent or moisture-sensitive stone on new damp concrete/screed or agglomerated stone tiles prone to curling. Always consult the tile manufacturer for further guidance.

Surface Preparation and Application for ARDEX Indortec Flexbone Matting – 2E

Before installing ARDEX Indortec Flexbone Matting – 2E, ensure that the surfaces to be tiled are flat, load-bearing, and pressure-resistant, conforming to SR1 tolerance as recommended by BS 5385-3. The substrate must be level, even, and free from deflection. This matting is designed to bridge static cracks, provided height variations are excluded. Select the appropriate ARDEX adhesives and grouts for the installation, referring to ARDEX Technical Data Sheets for further guidance. The matting is suitable for internal domestic and medium-duty commercial dry floor applications but should not be installed in temperatures below 5°C.

Tiles should meet minimum size and thickness standards, and for specific materials or areas of concern, consult ARDEX Technical Advisory and Specification Service. The matting can be used over a variety of substrates, including cement/sand screeds, concrete, calcium sulfate (anhydrite) screeds, bitumen surfaces, wooden surfaces, and heritage areas. Surface regularity is critical, especially for large format tiles, which require a substrate flatter than SR1 to avoid excessive adhesive use. ARDEX smoothing and levelling compounds can be used to correct uneven floors to SR1 standard.

When applying tiles over undertile heating systems, ensure the background is load-bearing and free from deflection. All electrical heating elements must be encapsulated in an ARDEX levelling compound, allowed to dry before installing the matting. Portland cement/sand screeds should dry for at least three weeks and be commissioned according to BS guidelines before tiling. ARDEX rapid drying screeds require reference to specific technical data sheets for drying times.

Key Application Steps:

1. Ensure the substrate is even, load-bearing, and debris-free. If needed, level the floor using ARDEX smoothing compounds such as ARDITEX NA, ARDEX K40 FLOW, or ARDEX K40 HB.
2. Use ARDEX Watec ST Seam Reinforcement Mesh Tape for all matting roll end joints.
3. Apply ARDEX flexible adhesive using a notched trowel, ensuring the adhesive thickness does not exceed 5mm over the matting.
4. Check solid bed fixing by lifting tiles carefully, and ensure the matting is properly weighted down during tile installation. Use ARDEX-FLEX FS or ARDEX-FLEX FL Grout for grouting and ARDEX ST Sealant for perimeter movement joints.

Key Points:

• Ensure surfaces are flat, load-bearing, and pressure-resistant, following SR1 standards.
• Use the correct ARDEX adhesives and grouts as specified in the ARDEX Technical Data Sheets.
• Suitable for internal dry floor areas, medium-duty commercial spaces, and various substrates like concrete and wooden surfaces.
• Avoid installation in temperatures below 5°C, and follow specific guidelines for undertile heating systems.