Technical help
Troubleshooting
Most product failures are application problems, not product problems. Here are the eight we are asked about most and what is usually behind them.
Contact adhesive is not sticking
Nine times out of ten it was applied to one surface only. Contact adhesive must go on BOTH faces, flash off for 5–10 minutes until touch-dry, then be pressed together. Also check the surfaces were clean, dry and free of oil or silicone.
The bond held at first, then failed
Usually the wrong product for the substrate, or the joint is seeing heat, chemicals or flexing it was not chosen for. Tell us the two materials and the service conditions and we will confirm the right grade.
A wood glue joint has opened up
Almost always insufficient clamping — PVA needs at least 30 minutes clamped and 24 hours before the joint takes load. Check also that you used the hardwood grade on hardwood.
PVC tiles are lifting at the edges
The floor was damp, the adhesive was spread unevenly, or it skinned over before the tile was laid. Use a notched trowel on a dry floor and lay into wet adhesive.
A rubber part is swelling and going soft
Oil or solvent contact with the wrong polymer. Switch to nitrile.
A rubber part is hardening and cracking
Ozone, UV or heat exposure. Switch to EPDM or neoprene for anything outdoors.
A mat keeps sliding on the floor
The floor is too smooth or wet for the mat's weight. Move up to a heavier mat or specify an adhesive-backed version.
A castor is wobbling or dragging
It is overloaded or the bearing has worn. Recheck the load per castor and the mounting bolts — see the castor selection guide.
Request a quote for a technical problem
Tell us the quantity and where it is going and we will come back with a firm quotation and availability. Send us a photo of the failure on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we think went wrong.