Self levelling compounds for preparation and finishing - XTREMFLOOR®

Self levelling compound is composed of cement, anhydrite, fine sand and other special additives. It is precisely its additives that give it the fluidity it boasts and make the final finish smoother and more level. In short, a much more liquid mortar than the rest, which makes it unique.

A composition that gives it excellent thermal conductivity and an exquisite uniform finish, among many other benefits that we will go into in more detail later on.

As answered in previous questions, self levelling compound is used to level, adapt and improve the base of the substrate on which the mortar is subsequently poured. The aim is to achieve continuity and uniformity in the resulting surface.

Self levelling compound is a very versatile product and can be used in different fields of application depending on the individual needs and requirements of the project. In all of them, this mortar will help to level and adapt the substrate to be able to lay another covering afterwards. In other words, it will create a solid base for the subsequent application of ceramic tiles, microcement, epoxy systems, etc.

Although most self levelling compounds are for indoor use, there are some mortars that are suitable for outdoor use. In any case, it is a valuable resource in modern construction and has a wide variety of uses in residential as well as commercial and industrial projects.

• Floor preparation: self levelling compound is mainly used to level uneven or deteriorated floors for the installation of tiles, ceramics, laminates, wood, microcement, etc... This results in a flat surface where the aesthetics and durability of the finish is improved.
• Levelling of screeds: in construction projects, self levelling compound helps to level and correct imperfections in concrete screeds. A very important point, for example, to facilitate the installation of underfloor heating.
• Sports courts and other areas: self levelling compound is one of the most efficient solutions to create flooring for sports courts such as football, basketball or tennis courts.
• Repair and renovation of stairs: uneven steps? Self levelling compound is an excellent option to solve this problem and improve people's safety.
• Great compatibility of materials: ceramic tiles, stone, vinyl or laminate flooring, wood, epoxy and industrial systems, microcement, cement, concrete, anhydrite, wood...

Self levelling compound is a product that has many advantages such as excellent adhesion and levelling capacity. It is also a very hard mortar because it does not crack or fissure and takes very little time to harden. After 3 to 4 hours, as a general rule, it can be walked on without any problems (light traffic).

Another of its benefits is that it can be used both in new construction and in renovation projects of existing substrates. Not to mention the fact that it makes for more compact, bubble-free flooring. Factors that make this material so successful.

A flooring suitable for the installation of underfloor heating and with a high mechanical and abrasion resistance. Its low maintenance and its fantastic quality-price ratio make self levelling compound a very popular system.

Roughly speaking, self-levelling capacity and special properties are the two elements that differentiate a self levelling compound from a conventional mortar. While the former is more suitable in those situations where a more precise and efficient levelling is required, the latter is used in those applications where there is more leeway with regard to levelling and where more manual work is required.

1. Self-levelling: Self levelling compound is specifically formulated so that when poured onto a surface it levels itself automatically. This means that it does not require extensive manual handling or special tools to level the substrate. The opposite is the case of a conventional mortar in which a significant effort must be made in this respect to achieve good levelling
2. Special additives: the additives incorporated in self levelling compound are designed to make it more fluid and self-levelling. In contrast, conventional mortar does not usually include these additives.
3. Specific applications: only a self levelling compound is suitable for precise levelling. If this is not indispensable for the project, a conventional mortar can also be used.
4. Time and efficiency savings: self levelling compound translates into time and labour savings compared to conventional mortar, as the process is less labour intensive and fewer special tools are needed.

Each mortar has specifications from the manufacturer that must be followed for a correct installation. The quantities of product, its mixing and drying times, etc., vary depending on the brand. However, in general, these are the steps that must be carried out to prepare and apply a self levelling compound.

Clean the work surface

If the surface to be worked on is not in optimum condition, the coating cannot be applied correctly. It is therefore necessary to make sure that there is no dirt, grease, dust or excess water.

Prime the surface before applying the mortar

It is highly recommended to use a primer that favours and improves the adhesion of the self levelling compound. In our case, we recommend using our Primapox®100 Barrier damp-proof primer with aggregate saturation. For a uniform coverage, leave to set and dry for 24 hours.

Prepare and knead the mortar

In a bucket add 5 litres of clean water. Then gradually add the mortar and mix both components either with an electric mixer or a pumping machine (if available).

Apply the mortar to the surface

Once a homogeneous, lump-free mixture is obtained, pour the self levelling compound onto the work surface. We suggest starting from the deepest unevenness of the substrate.

Respect the drying time of the mortar

Self levelling compound sets very quickly. You will only have to wait a few hours, between 3 and 4, for it to dry completely. Although the final time will depend on the environmental conditions and the product.

Sealing

In the case of using a self levelling compound as a final finish, as is the case with XTREMFLOOR® Level Decor, proceed to seal with a specific varnish for this purpose.

The time it takes for a self levelling compound to dry and harden depends on the quality of the product. The manufacturers are responsible for specifying this time in the corresponding technical data sheets. As a general rule, it is between 24 and 48 hours.

As far as the self levelling compounds of the XTREMFLOOR® family are concerned, we can assure you that they are very fast drying products. Systems that harden in a short time.

On the one hand, there are thin-bed self levelling compounds and, on the other hand, thick-bed self levelling compounds. The thickness depends on which type of product is finally used.

At Topciment® we have several types of layer thicknesses available: from 1 to 10 millimetres (XTREMFLOOR® Level Concrete) and from 5 to 20 millimetres (XTREMFLOOR® Level Decor). The choice of one or the other depends on the type of finish desired and the substrate to be coated.

Not all self levelling compounds are suitable for outdoor use; in fact they are generally used indoors. However, there are some special self levelling compounds that are optimal for outdoor applications. The mortars of the XTREMFLOOR® range can only be used indoors.

The strength of the self levelling compound is subject to the formulation of each individual product, as it is the additives that are added in each product that ultimately provide one compressive strength or another.

With this in mind, the compressive strength of self levelling compound ranges from 20 to 40 MPa (megapascals). These figures make these systems ideal for application in areas subject to heavy pedestrian, vehicular or industrial traffic. In addition, this mortar is also highly resistant to flexural shrinkage and chemical agents.

There are two aspects to differentiate. Firstly, the useful life of the self levelling compound from the time it is manufactured, which is usually around 9 months, as is the case with our XTREMFLOOR® system. And, secondly, the workability time that it has once the mortar has been mixed.

In this sense, the useful life of the self levelling compound once it is mixed with water depends on the ambient temperature and the substrate as well as the components and the quality of the product in question. In the specific case of XTREMFLOOR® the working time at 20°C is 20 minutes.

Both options are correct. self levelling compound sometimes requires another coating, as is the case with XTREMFLOOR® Level Concrete and XTREMFLOOR® Level Industrial. But in other circumstances it can be used as a final finish with products such as XTREMFLOOR® Level Decor.

Not only can a radiant heating system be installed after the application of a self levelling compound, but it is a quite common combination in renovation and construction projects. This is due to the versatility of this product, such as our XTREMFLOOR® line of self levelling compounds.

However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and have experienced professionals carry out this procedure for the installation of both systems to be successful. A rigorous ignition protocol must be followed.

Each mortar has intrinsic characteristics that define its performance per square metre. Generally speaking, the yield of a self levelling compound is between 1.5 and 2 kg per m²/mm.

n the particular case of our products, the consumption is:

• XTREMFLOOR® Level Concrete: 1.8kg / m²/ mm.
• XTREMFLOOR® Level Decor: 1,670kg / m²/ mm

With the above average yield, if a job of about 50m² with an approximate thickness of 5 mm were to be carried out, approximately 17 bags of 25 kg self levelling compound would be needed.

There are several classifications of the types of self levelling compounds depending on which element is analysed for diversification.

According to the role it plays in the installation of the coating, we find:

• Preparatory self levelling compounds: they are used as a primer for the coating that is then applied and that will give the final finish to the surface. Such as XTREMFLOOR® Level Concrete.
• Self-levelling finishing mortars: used as a final material that is placed on a previously existing substrate to fulfil an aesthetic function and, in addition, to protect the previous coating. This is the case of XTREMFLOOR® Level Decor.

According to the binder incorporated in its formulation, we have:

• Cement self levelling compounds.
• Calcium sulphate self levelling compounds.
• Magnesite self levelling compounds.
• Asphalt mastic self levelling compounds.
• Synthetic resin self levelling compounds.

According to the thickness of the layers, we distinguish:

• Thin-bed self levelling compounds: the final thickness ranges from 2 to 30 mm. Our XTREMFLOOR® mortars would be here.
• Thick-bed self levelling compounds: here we find mortars with a layer thickness of more than 35 mm.

At Topciment® we manufacture all the products we sell in our own factories in Valencia, Spain. We have total control of the entire process: from the selection of the highest quality raw materials and the formulation of the systems by our own laboratory team, to the production of the product, its subsequent packaging and distribution. Maximum quality standards that are recognised in the ISO 9001:2015 certificate that we have held for years.

Therefore, if you want to buy quality self levelling compounds, you are in the right place. Contact our technical service and we will advise you on the product that best suits your needs, and we will give you a personalised quote at no cost.