Watco Firm-Step® Standard GRP Step Covers

Preparation

Any damage or undulations to the substrate should be remedied to ensure the step covers will be on a reasonably flat and even surface. If using an adhesive, the substrate must be clean and dry and free from oils, grease, dust and any loose particles. The underside of the step cover must also be clean and dry. Where the substrate is contaminated (e.g. by oil), mechanical fixing is essential. Prior to applying any adhesive, it is advisable to carry out a dry-fit first to ensure a suitable fit.

Application

We recommend using Watco Adhesive Mastic along with mechanical fixings to prevent rocking on uneven surfaces. Watco Adhesive Mastic is also a sealant and can be used to seal around the edges and stop water lying between the step cover and the substrate. Water will not affect the step covers but can affect substrate such as wood or metal, causing rot or rust. Watco Adhesive Mastic also offers a secondary fixing in the unlikely event that a mechanical fixing fails. Alternatively, UltraBond Tape and Primer can be used to bond the tread to dry indoor steps such as wood, metal, steel, unsealed, porous concrete, brick, stone, and blockwork.

Run a bead of adhesive around the perimeter of the stair tread approximately 25mm in from the edges and then cross hatch at about 200mm apart. Apply sufficient hand pressure to bed the stair tread cover into position. With Watco Adhesive Mastic, optimum bonding will be obtained after 24 hours (at 20°C). However, stairs can be made available to traffic a few hours after bonding, but this is subject to temperature so it is worth testing first.

One 310ml tube of Watco Adhesive Mastic is sufficient for any one of the following:

• 5 x 600mm wide step covers
• 3 x 1000mm wide step covers
• 2 x 1500mm wide step covers
• 2 x 1200mm wide step covers

Watco Firm-Step® Standard GRP Step Covers can be drilled and secured with stainless steel screws. Follow the Preparation procedure prior to fixing:

• Always ensure that the screw length is slightly longer than the plug length to obtain a good fixing
• Use Watco Mastic Adhesive on the underside to prevent the GRP drumming and rocking on the substrate
• Fixing is generally recommended at approximately: 70mm from the front, 50mm from each side, 60mm from the back, at a maximum of 250mm apart
• If fitting to a metal substrate, use self-tapping screws. There is no need to counter sink the screw holes since the screw can be tightened so that it beds into the gritted surface, making it flush with the wearing surface

Technical data sheets