Achieving a perfect and long-lasting floor finish starts many months before the last layer is applied. With self-levelling compounds, success’s real secret is thorough preparation and proper primer application. In all our years at UK Screed Ltd., we’ve witnessed numerous projects where focusing on these steps proves to be the difference between a smooth, long-lasting surface and one with potential problems.
The Foundation of Success: Why Preparation Matters
Self-levelling compounds are intended to produce an absolutely flat and even subfloor, the perfect foundation for nearly any final floor covering, from sensitive LVT to hardy tiles. Yet, their “self-levelling” title does not imply “self-preparing.” Without careful groundwork, even the best quality levelling compound in Rutland may not stick correctly, resulting in expensive issues further down the line.
This is why careful preparation is not an option:
- Best Adhesion: Grime, dust, grease, dried old adhesive residue, or loose debris on the subfloor will be bond breakers, stopping the compound from creating a strong, durable bond.
- Preventing Bubbles and Pinholes: A porous or unprepared subfloor may release air as the compound hardens, resulting in unattractive pinholes or bubbles on the finished surface.
- Ensuring Even Flow: A stable, clean, and properly primed surface provides the self-levelling compound with the ability to flow and spread evenly to its desired flat finish.
- Longevity: A well-prepared base avoids cracking, delamination, and early wear, keeping your floor in condition for years to come.
Our procedure consistently begins with a complete inspection of the subfloor, followed by strict cleaning, removal of contaminants, and necessary repairs to cracks or holes.
The Adhesion Enhancer: The Work of Primers
After the subfloor is clean and secure, the following important step is to use the proper primer. Primer is like the all-important handshake between your subfloor and the self-levelling compound. It not only enhances adhesion, but it does a few other very important things:
- Sealing Porous Surfaces: Where absorbent subfloors such as concrete or sand/cement screeds exist, pores are sealed by the primers to stop the quick absorption of moisture from the self-levelling compound. This helps the compound to cure properly and gain maximum strength.
- Bonding Agent: Primers provide a tacky, open surface that considerably increases the bond strength between the subfloor and the compound, stopping delamination.
- Dust Encapsulation: It is possible that microscopic dust is still present even after extensive cleaning. Dust is encapsulated by primers so it does not weaken adhesion.
- Control of Suction: Primes manage the absorbency of the subfloor so the self-levelling compound is workable for longer, which enables more flow and a smoother finish.
At UK Screed Ltd., we know that all subfloors or self-levelling compounds are not the same. For this reason, we carefully choose the right primer for every job.
In short, although levelling compound in Rutland are wonderful for perfectly flat floors, the key to their success is tied in with careful preparation and intentional use of primers. Spending time and effort on these initial phases guarantees a strong, beautiful floor that will last a lifetime.
