1.What thickness can self-leveling cement be applied? What is the difference between underlayer and top-layer self-leveling cement?
Underlayer self-leveling cement is normally applied at 2–10 mm. It is mainly used for subfloor levelling, with flooring, PVC or carpet installed on top. Top-layer self-leveling cement can be applied at 2–5 mm. It forms a smooth finished surface and can serve as the final floor finish. For thickness exceeding the upper limit, multi-coat application is recommended to prevent cracking.
2. Tile Adhesive Coverage per Bag: 20 kg?
When applied at 10 mm thickness, the consumption of SDH YS-202 underlayer self-leveling cement is approximately 17 kg per square meter. The matching primer has a coverage rate of about 5–8 m² per liter. The actual consumption depends on the application thickness and the actual condition of the substrate.
3. What factors cause actual coverage to fall short of the spec sheet figure?
Actual coverage falls short of the published figure primarily because of four compounding factors: substrate undulation, trowel wear, adhesive skinning before tile placement, and back-buttering requirements for large-format tiles.British Standards guidance warns that real-world consumption runs 15–25% higher than theoretical TDS values.
4. What causes surface dusting and how can it be prevented?
Surface dusting in self-leveling mortar is most commonly caused by excess mixing water raising the water-to-cement ratio at the surface layer, inadequate curing that stops hydration too early, or an unprimed substrate pulling moisture from the fresh topping.
5. How do I tell whether surface dusting on my self-leveling floor is a formulation defect or a mixing and application error?
Surface dusting caused by a formulation defect typically appears consistently across batches and independent of the installer's technique, whereas application-induced dusting is usually linked to a specific pour, water addition, substrate condition, or curing environment — and the deeper material often tests sound.
6. Can applying a consolidating primer actually fix a dusty self-leveling surface, or do I need to grind and re-pour?
A penetrating silicate-based densifier or consolidating primer can permanently bind loose particles and fill surface porosity on a lightly dusting floor where sound material lies within 1–2 mm of the surface.
7. What batch consistency data and lab test results should I ask my supplier for to confirm their formula resists surface dusting?
To confirm a self-leveling mortar formula resists surface dusting, request the production batch QC certificate showing water demand, flow table spread, and 24-hour compressive strength for each run.
8. Is your self-leveling cement based on sulfoaluminate or ordinary Portland cement system?
We have both systems for your selection. Sulfoaluminate self-leveling features fast early strength gain and low shrinkage, ideal for tight construction schedules. Ordinary Portland cement type delivers better cost performance and stable performance, mostly used for general indoor floor levelling projects.
9. Can it be applied outdoors?
Standard self-leveling cement is recommended for indoor use only. The regular version cannot withstand long-term rain exposure or freeze-thaw cycles. If outdoor application is required, please select our modified outdoor dedicated self-leveling mortar.
10. Can construction be carried out on damp subfloor? What is the requirement for moisture content?
The moisture content of the substrate should be lower than 8%. A moisture-proof primer must be applied prior to installation on damp floors. Direct application on high-moisture substrate will cause blistering, delamination and air bubbles, seriously reducing bonding strength.
11. How much water should be added per bag/pail? What happens if too much or too little water is added?
Mix strictly following the product ratio (generally powder : water ≈100:22~26, varies by model). Excess water will lead to reduced strength, sanding, shrinkage and cracking. Insufficient water results in poor flowability; the compound cannot self-level and leaves an uneven surface.
12. How long after pouring can foot traffic be allowed? When can flooring / PVC be installed?
Under normal temperature & humidity (20℃): light foot traffic permitted after approx. 4–6 hours; flexible flooring can be laid after 24 hours. Full curing takes 7 days to reach final strength. Times need to be extended under low-temperature conditions.
13. How to handle cracks on the substrate? Will the self-leveling crack together with the base?
Cracks wider than 0.3mm require cutting & repair plus fiberglass mesh tape. Fine hairline cracks shall be sealed with primer. Self-leveling can cover and smooth the surface, but it cannot stop the substrate from further cracking. Ongoing cracks in the base will reflect through the self-leveling topping.
14. Can it be tinted?
Standard self-leveling is grey. The topping grade can be pigmented with special inorganic pigments. For dark colours, pre-samples are required; slight batch-to-batch colour variation exists.
Post time: Sep-29-2026