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GUIDANCE NOTES

SUBSTRATE PREPARATION

	CONSIDERATIONS
	One of the benefits of using cavity drain membrane is that in general, very little preparation to the substrates is required and although the cavity membrane is flexible and does not need a perfect surface for application, the following points need to be considered.
-	Unsound materials on the surface like renders or plasters need to be removed. (See also heading existing plasters). Any organic materials such as wallpaper, timber skirtings, fixing grounds etc need to be removed.
-	A specialist timber treatment contractor should investigate any fungal decay/infestations in timbers. Also timber that is in contact with damp masonry should be remove or physically isolate.
-	Excessively uneven wall and floor surfaces should be dubbed out/levelled especially if timber battens are to be fixed to support dry lining board. Where a wooden floor finish is required such as T&G flooring grade chipboard, it must also be borne in mind that the membrane will follow the contours of the floor. Therefore to achieve a flat surface, any depressions or undulations must be ironed out to avoid undue movement in the floor finishes.
-	Substrates must be free of sharp protruding objects and debris etc that can damage the membrane. We would also recommend that where mould, mosses, lichens and algae, has affected substrates, a surface sterilisation with PAM Trisol 23 should be used.
-	Loose, friable or defective masonry should be repaired to ensure a solid fixing.