Latex Screed

[Lee Allen]

Please help !!!

I've had a 4mm-5mm latex screed laid using mapei renovation screed as I was advised this was the best option for a final floor finish as I was only left with about 7-8mm to work with as a microcement floor I had laid had gone wrong. I was charged £2,600 and although I knew this was expensive I put my trust in the person who laid it. It was primed Saturday, laid on Sunday and has had nobody on it bar the entrance area since then. I was looking to get the floor sealed but I have 100's if not 1000's of dark grey spots that when you sand them have a white powder underneath (see pic). Also the UFH has been off but there is some small cracking already.

Does anyone know what these dark spots are and whether I was advised correctly that this type of floor can be used as a final floor finish.

 

[mikeey84]

According to Mapei, it's not a wearing surface, so should have something on top, like tiles or lvt.

I reckon it's not been mixed properly, and the powder is unhydrated mix lumps. Not sure about the cracking. Normally not a huge issue, as it's covered by a floor covering

 

[Lee Allen]

Thanks for this. I was sold it as a final floor finish and it's certainly not what I was expecting for the money I paid compared to material outlay. I guess I trusted the wrong person

 

[noseall]

I was sold it as a final floor finish

You have been conned. It is rare to find a water based wearing finish product that will spread thinly and be successful. There are usually expensive two part resins etc.

 

[Lee Allen]

He has come and looked at the floor and is on about sanding it and I apply a Leyland floor paint which will provide the final floor finish. Is this right ?

 

[mikeey84]

Where is this? Is it a garage?

It will work up to a point, ie until you drop something heavy on it, or walk over it lots, then it will start breaking up.

It could be fine for 5 years, or could start coming up within weeks, it's difficult to know.

 

[Lee Allen]

it's the main floor in the downstairs of my house. Approx 100 m2

 

[mikeey84]

Wow, ok. That's an interesting look. 100m2 of self leveling is a huge amount to be done. No wonder it cost so much

Did he mix it a bag at a time?

As I can see it, you have 2 options.

1) stay as is, sand and paint- cost is the paint and your time

2)put another floor (tiles, lvt, laminate) over the top now.

I would say 1 is best, as even if it breaks up, it can be fairly easily patched, and then option 2 can be implemented