Frequently Asked Questions

At Instarmac, we believe that service does not simply begin and end with your order. We pride ourselves on the technical information available for all our product ranges. Select a brand below to explore the FAQs.

  • Why is choosing a manhole reinstatement that is BBA/HAPAS approved so important?
    When reinstating manholes choosing products with a completely independent third party approval can offer the client total confidence and peace of mind, that the system they are using is proven to provide high performance and quality. There is the added bonus of no split liability with the anticipated service life of 5 years.
  • Can a polyester resin bedding mortar be used in wet weather?
    Effectively – no – as water interferes with the curing process in polyester resin systems. The perfect alternative would be to use UltraCrete Envirobed HA104®, which has the same attributes as a resin alternative, but additionally, has consistent performance in wet conditions.
  • When can UltraCrete mortars receive traffic?
    All UltraCrete fast set bedding mortars can be trafficked within an hour, with the exception of UltraCrete M90 (which can be trafficked in just 2 hours). All UltraCrete bedding mortars will set in approx. 15-20 minutes, dependent on temperature.
  • What are the minimum and maximum application depths for UltraCrete bedding mortars?
    On average, UltraCrete bedding mortars can be used for depths between 10-50mm, with the exception of UltraCrete M60, which has a maximum depth of 75mm, and UltraCrete PY4/5 which has a maximum depth of 5mm.
  • What is the difference between UltraCrete QC10 and UltraCrete Post Fix?
    Both UltraCrete QC10 and UltraCrete Post Fix are rapid strength concretes. UltraCrete QC10 has a much higher strength gain than UltraCrete Post Fix, so is more suitable for back-filling around ironwork as part of the BBA/HAPAS Approved Ironwork Reinstatement System. It is also effective when erecting heavyweight fencing and signs, whereby the post/sign can be erected in one application instead of waiting for the more conventional concrete to gain strength.
  • Why do the UltraCrete SCJ cans sometimes become blocked?
    If an UltraCrete SCJ can has become blocked it is highly likely that the nozzle has not been cleaned after use. We recommend after each spray, that the can is held upright and sprayed for a few seconds in order to clear the nozzle. This will avoid any blockages and prevent waste.
  • Is UltraCrete Instant Road Repair suitable for temporary reinstatements?
    UltraCrete Instant Road Repair cold lay asphalt concrete can be used for temporary reinstatements but also as a first time permanent reinstatement on type 2, 3 and 4 carriageways, footways and cycle tracks.
  • Where is my nearest UltraCrete stockist?
    UltraCrete products are distributed to utilities, contractors, local authorities and specialised merchants throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, and are also available through many global distributors in Europe and the rest of the world. For details of your nearest stockist, please call +44 (0) 1827 254402.
  • What is the minimum order quantity for UltraCrete products?
    We have a minimum order of £300 for free carriage/delivery. Our UltraCrete Delivery Guarantee is set at a standard of 3-5 working days. Of course, earlier deliveries can also be arranged at an extra cost.
  • Is Tamworth your only site?
    Our site in Tamworth houses manufacturing, distribution, marketing, sales and R&D. However, we also have an office in Glasgow, for local customer service and distribution to Scotland. They can be contacted on +44 (0) 141 314 3716.
  • What is BS 7533?
    BS 7533 is the British Standard for “Pavements Constructed with Clay, Natural Stone or Concrete Pavers.” There are a number of parts to this standard all of which can be purchased from British Standards Institute.
  • What is my nearest UltraScape stockist?
    UltraScape products are distributed to contractors, local authorities and specialised merchants throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, and are also available through many global distributors in Europe and the rest of the world. For details of your nearest stockist, please call +44 (0) 1827 254402.
  • What is the minimum order quantity for UltraScape products?
    We have a minimum order of £300 for free carriage/delivery. Our UltraScape Delivery Guarantee is set at a standard of 3-5 working days. Of course, earlier deliveries can also be arranged at an extra cost.
  • How much UltraScape product do I need?
    To help ascertain how much UltraScape product you will need to order, we have placed easy online Product Calculators on each product page.
  • Will Flowpoint stain my paving?
    Flowpoint, rapid setting flowable paving grout, will not stain paving regardless of type (natural stone or precast stone) as long as our guidelines are followed.
  • What is the best method for cleaning flowpoint off the paving surface?
    Once Flowpoint has stiffened in the joint (15 minutes at 20°C) use either a hose or power washer set to medium and wash away any excess from the surface. You must ensure that all material is removed from the surface at this stage.
  • What is the best way to mix my bedding mortar?
    Use a forced action mixer. Water should be added until your mix is moist. A quick on-site test to check your water content – Form a ball by squeezing material in your hand, throw this ball 2 feet in the air and catch. If the ball retains its shape then the moisture content is correct. If the ball breaks apart then there is insufficient water to hydrate the high percentage of cement. Insufficient water content can dramatically affect performance.
  • What is the best way to mix my primer and flowpoint grout?
    Using a gorilla tub or suitable mixing vessel, add the required amount of water as indicated on the bag, then with a drill & paddle to mix the product slowly add the contents of the bag and keep mixing until a smooth lump free consistency is achieved.
  • Why do I need to use a primer?
    It now states within the BS 7533 standard, the bond / adhesion between the paving element and laying course must be greater than 2N/mm². This can only be achieved by priming the underside of your paving element to a thickness of between 1-2mm with UltraScape Pro-Prime slurry primer.
  • What is the difference between flowpoint and flowpoint eco?
    The only difference, simply, is that Flowpoint ECO contains 20% recycled glass. This does not affect performance in any way. Both products still comply fully with BS7533.
  • How quickly can I walk on paving once its been laid?
    perma-bed can be walked on in 12 hours. Flowpoint can be walked on in 4 hours and Cempoint can be walked on in 12 hours.
  • How quickly can I drive on my paving once its been laid?
    You can drive on perma-bed after 24 hours, Flowpoint in 4 hours and Cempoint in 24 hours.
  • What coloured paving grout do you offer?
    Premjoint is available in Natural Cashmere, Storm Grey and Cosmic Black. Flowpoint is available in Natural Grey and Charcoal and Cempoint is available in Natural. Special colours are available on request.
  • Where is my nearest UltraTile stockist?
    UltraTile products are distributed to contractors, retailers and specialised merchants throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, and are also available through many global distributors in Europe and the rest of the world. For details of your nearest stockist, please call +44 (0) 1827 254402.
  • What is the minimum order quantity for UltraTile products?
    We have a minimum order of £350 for free carriage/delivery. Our Delivery Guarantee means that all orders are delivered in 48-72 hours as standard to England and Wales. 24 hour deliveries, timed deliveries and any other special requirements can always be catered for, please call us with your requirements.
  • How much UltraTile product do I need?
    To help ascertain how much UltraTile product you will need to order, we have placed easy online Product Calculators on each product page.
  • How much tile grout will I need?
    To help ascertain how much grout you will need to order, we have placed easy online Product Calculators on each product page.
  • Which UltraTile products are suitable for use with underfloor heating?
    Throughout our site all suitable products are indicated. Generally speaking a flexible tile adhesive or grout must be used. Where UltraTile products are specified as suitable for use with underfloor heating systems, they are fully compatible with leading brands Warmup and ProWarm.
  • How should I correctly lift UltraTile paper bags?
    All UltraTile products that are sold in paper bags should be handled correctly to avoid breakages occurring. We recommend, when preparing to lift an UltraTile bagged product that you should use both hands, gripping one hand on each of the two smallest sides, pushing both hands towards each other slightly during the lift. When lifting always remember to follow the principles of correct Manual Handling.
  • When using UltraFloor levelling compounds, do you have to prime the substrate?
    UltraFloor would always recommend that you prime the substrate to the advised dilutions prior to the application of smoothing underlayments, with the exception of Level IT Bond. Level IT Bond does not always require that the floor is primed. Please consult the Technical Data Sheet for specifics.
  • Can UltraFloor smoothing underlayments be "bulked out"?
    Some UltraFloor smoothing underlayments can be “bulked out” using chippings or aggregates, however we do suggest that you consult with the UltraFloor Technical team beforehand. Introducing additional raw materials to pre-blended products can affect performance, working times, setting times and final strength.
  • Can you use UltraFloor products externally? Are the moisture tolerant?
    Level IT Renovate is recommended for external use. Prime IT Multi-surface Primer, Level IT Bond, Level IT Two, Level IT Top and Level IT Base are all moisture tolerant.
  • What does it mean when a product is moisture tolerant?
    Moisture tolerant products can be used beneath, as well as above, a liquid damp proof membrane. These products will not be affected by the presence of moisture and will keep their integrity (with the exception of hydrostatic pressure).
  • Does adhesive residue need to be removed from the substrate?
    In most cases we recommend that all adhesive residue is mechanically removed from the substrate. The exception to this is Level IT Bond, where it is only required that loose residue and water soluble residues be removed.
  • Can I use UltraFloor products over an ahydrite screed?
    All UltraFloor products can be used over anhydrite/calcium sulphate based screeds. However, the screed must be dry (with less than 75% RH), and any surface laitance must be removed. The floor must then be primed using UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer with two coats at the advised dilutions.
  • Can I use UltraFloor products over wooden floors?
    UltraFloor Level IT Flex is recommended for use over plywood as thin as 6mm due to its flexural capacity. Wooden floors vary from traditional wooden floorboards, plywood, chipboard and other wood composites. Wooden substrates exhibit an element of flexibility. Preparation is of vital importance! If the wooden floor is not rigidly braced, any deflection exhibited in the floor may cause stresses to build up, and any consequent stresses placed on the flooring may cause cracking. We recommend that the plywood be fixed and screwed at 300mm centres, and primed thoroughly using UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer.
  • Can UltraFloor smoothing underlayments be pumped?
    All of the single part, water based smoothing underlayments can either be pumped or poured. The two part products are advised for hand application only
  • Where is my nearest UltraFloor stockist?
    UltraFloor products are distributed to utilities, contractors, local authorities and specialised merchants throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, and are also available through many global distributors in Europe and the rest of the world. For details of your nearest stockist, please call +44 (0) 1827 254402.
  • What is the minimum order quantity for UltraFloor products?
    We have a minimum order of £350 for free carriage/delivery. Our Delivery Guarantee means that all orders are delivered in 48-72 hours as standard to England and Wales. 24 hour deliveries, timed deliveries and any other special requirements can always be catered for, please call us with your requirements.
  • How much UltraFloor product do I need?
    To help ascertain how much UltraFloor product you will need to order, we have placed easy online Product Calculators on each product page.
  • How should I correctly life UltraFloor paper bags?
    All UltraFloor products that are sold in paper bags should be handled correctly to avoid breakages occurring. We recommend, when preparing to lift an UltraFloor bagged product that you should use both hands, gripping one hand on each of the two smallest sides, pushing both hands towards each other slightly during the lift. When lifting always remember to follow the principles of correct Manual Handling.
  • Where is my nearest Wondertex stockist?
    Wondertex products are distributed to contractors and specialised merchants throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, and are also available through many global distributors in Europe and the rest of the world. For details of your nearest stockist, please call +44 (0) 1827 254402.
  • What is the minimum order quantity for Wondertex products?
    We have a minimum order of £300 for free carriage/delivery. Our Delivery Guarantee means that all orders are delivered in 3 working days as standard to England and Wales. 24 hour deliveries, timed deliveries and any other special requirements can always be catered for, please call us with your requirements.
  • How much Wondertex product do I need?
    To help ascertain how much Wondertex product you will need to order, we have placed easy online Product Calculators on each product page.
  • How much Geo-Fix product do I need?
    To help ascertain how much Geo-Fix product you will need to order, we have placed easy online Product Calculators on each product page.

Head Office

Danny Morson Way
Birch Coppice Business Park
Dordon, Tamworth B78 1SE

UK Tel: +44 (0) 1827 254 400

Scotland & Ireland Office

Suite 1 E/F Liberty House
15 Cromarty Campus
Rosyth, Fife KY11 2YB

Scottish Tel: +44 (0) 141 260 9051
Irish Tel: +44 (0) 141 260 9053