Published on 3rd of June.,2025

When you’re investing in a new floor, it’s easy to get lost in the aesthetic, the wood-grain textures of LVT or the modern patterns of sheet vinyl. But as professional flooring installers, we know the most critical part of your installation is the bit you never see: the flooring adhesive.

Using a sub-standard glue can lead to "gapping" during the summer, "peaking" in the winter, or your vinyl simply lifting. At Census International, we exclusively use the F-Ball Styccobond range. Based in the UK, F-Ball is the industry leader for a reason.

Here is why we choose specific adhesives for your South Yorkshire home renovations.

1. Styccobond F44: The Sheet Vinyl Specialist

For a classic sheet vinyl installation in a bathroom, utility room, or kitchen, F44 remains a staple in our kit bag.

• The Tech: It is a solvent-free, acrylic-based adhesive with a high "initial tack."
• Why we use it: It offers a generous "open time," allowing us to manipulate and position large sheets of vinyl for a millimetre-perfect fit. It creates a robust, permanent bond that handles the daily footfall of a busy household with ease.

2. Styccobond F46: The "Pressure Sensitive" Choice for LVT

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) require absolute precision, especially with popular patterns like herringbone or chevron. For this, we rely on F46.

• The Tech: This is a pressure-sensitive (PS) adhesive. We apply it to the subfloor and let it dry to a clear, aggressive "tack" before laying the tiles.
• Why we use it: Because the glue is already tacky when the tile is laid, there is zero "slide." This is vital for keeping grout lines straight and patterns symmetrical. It also minimises "trowel serrations," ensuring a perfectly flat finish that doesn't telegraph ridges through your new floor.
• Key Feature: It is fully compatible with most underfloor heating systems, which is a must-have for modern home extensions.

3. The New F49: The "Hybrid" Game-Changer

If there is one product that has revolutionised the flooring industry recently, it’s Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS. We are massive fans of this "super-glue," and for good reason.

• The Tech: This is a temperature-tolerant hybrid adhesive. It combines the easy-to-work-with nature of a pressure-sensitive glue with the sheer strength of a heavy-duty resin.
• Why it’s essential: In the past, south-facing rooms with bi-fold doors or large windows often suffered from "sun-gain." The intense heat would soften standard glues, causing tiles to expand and buckle.
• The "Superpower": F49 can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations from -20°C up to +60°C. It’s also incredibly water-resistant, making it the only choice for "wet areas" or rooms with intense natural light.

The Verdict

We don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach to flooring. Whether we are using the tried-and-tested F44, the precision of F46, or the high-tech stability of F49, we choose the adhesive that matches your home’s environment.

Thinking of a new project in Sheffield or the surrounding villages? Give us a call, and we’ll make sure your floor is stuck for good!