Floors need to be smooth and strong to last long. When the floor is uneven, tiles, vinyl, or wood planks may break or shift. This is why builders use a self levelling compound to fix low or uneven areas before adding any flooring. It helps create a perfect, flat surface that stays strong for years.
Many people wonder if this material can crack after some time. Cracks on the floor can spoil the look and even weaken the surface. The truth is that cracking depends on how the product is mixed, applied, and dried. Let’s look at how this works and how builders make sure the surface stays solid.
Understanding What a Self Levelling Compound Does
A smooth, liquid-like mixture used to even out rough or bumpy floors. When poured, it spreads out on its own, filling dips and small holes. It dries quickly and creates a flat surface that is ready for the final flooring layer.
Unlike old-style sand and cement, this compound doesn’t need heavy mixing or long curing time. Builders can apply it easily with basic tools, and it covers large areas faster. This saves both time and effort while giving a much neater finish.
How Cracks Can Happen in Levelled Floors
Even though this material is strong, cracks can still appear if something goes wrong during the work. These are some common reasons:
- Improper Cleaning: If dust or oil is left on the floor before pouring, the mix won’t stick well.
- Wrong Mixing Ratio: Adding too much water can weaken the strength of the surface.
- Fast Drying: If it dries too quickly due to heat or wind, small cracks may form.
- Movement Underneath: If the floor base moves or shifts, the top layer may break too.
When used the right way, these cracks can easily be avoided. Builders who follow proper steps rarely face this problem.
How to Keep the Floor Surface Crack-Free
To stop cracks before they start, proper work steps are very important. Here are simple ways to prevent them:
- Clean the Base Well: Remove all dirt, oil, or dust before applying.
- Use the Right Mixing Ratio: Follow the instructions given on the product pack.
- Let It Dry Naturally: Avoid direct heat or fans that cause fast drying.
- Apply Primer if Needed: This helps the compound stick better to the floor.
- Avoid Heavy Loads Too Soon: Wait until the surface is fully dry before walking or adding flooring.
These steps make sure that the levelled floor stays smooth for a long time without cracks or breaks.
What Makes a Floor Screed Mix Strong and Reliable
The mix combines cement, sand, and other binders that help build strength. The quality of this mix plays a big role in how long the surface lasts.
Builders today often use modern pumping systems to apply screed. These machines give even coverage and reduce air gaps that might cause weak spots. The result is a surface that’s both level and firm.
How a Concrete Floor Leveller Helps in Construction
This makes work easier for both small and big projects. It is used to fix uneven slabs, fill cracks, or smooth rough surfaces before laying tiles or vinyl.
It spreads evenly and sets into a smooth, hard surface. It is easy to use and reduces the effort needed for sanding or grinding. For large spaces like schools, malls, or factories, this method saves both time and labor.
Important Role of Subfloor Preparation Materials
Before applying any levelling product, builders use preparation materials like primers, sealers, and bonding agents. These help the compound stick to the old surface. Without proper preparation, cracks may appear soon after installation.
Good preparation also keeps moisture out and makes the surface stronger. This is an important step that many small builders skip, but professionals always include it in their work plan.
Improving Strength with Polymer Modified Levelling Compound
A polymer modified levelling compound is even stronger than regular cement-based products. The added polymer makes it flexible and helps it handle small movements without cracking.
This type of compound is perfect for places that get a lot of foot traffic or temperature changes. It stays bonded to the floor and doesn’t break easily. Builders like it because it gives both smoothness and toughness together.
Why Quality Screed Work Matters for Every Project
The quality of the screed affects everything that goes on top of it. If the base is uneven or weak, tiles or wood flooring will not last long. Quality work means taking time to prepare, mix, and pour carefully.
Good-quality screed stays strong for years, does not shrink, and supports heavy loads. Builders who use strong materials and correct methods deliver better results and fewer complaints from clients.
Self Levelling Floor Compound and Its Everyday Use
A self levelling floor compound is often used in homes, shops, and offices. It helps create flat floors before installing finishing materials. This mix can be poured easily and dries within a short time.
Many people use it for renovation work too. Old floors can be covered with a new smooth layer instead of removing them completely. This saves money and time while improving the appearance of the room.
FAQs About Screed Quality and Floor Levelling
- What makes a good screed surface?
A good screed surface is smooth, level, and strong enough to hold any type of flooring. It should not have bumps or soft areas. - How can I tell if the screed is of poor quality?
Poor-quality screed may crack, sound hollow when tapped, or have uneven patches. These signs mean it was not mixed or applied correctly. - How long should screed dry before flooring?
Most screed needs at least 24–48 hours to dry. Some fast-setting products can dry sooner, but it’s best to wait as recommended. - Do cracks always mean bad screed work?
Not always. Small surface cracks can happen due to quick drying or temperature changes. Large cracks, however, mean weak bonding or bad preparation. - How can I make sure the levelling stays good for years?
Use quality materials, follow proper mixing steps, and let the surface dry completely before walking or installing flooring.
Why Good Levelling Work Is Worth It
Strong, level floors save time and prevent costly repairs later. Builders who take care during levelling work see fewer problems in the future. Using the right mix, applying it evenly, and waiting for it to dry fully keeps the surface strong for many years.
When high-quality materials like modern screed systems and floor levelling compounds are used, the final finish looks clean and professional. The work also becomes faster and more reliable.
Get Smooth, Crack-Free Floors with Screedflow Australia
If you want smooth, level, and long-lasting floors for your project, contact Screedflow Australia. They use advanced pumping systems and the best materials to ensure top-quality results. From small homes to large buildings, they provide expert services in floor levelling and screeding.
Their team uses tested self levelling compounds and strong floor screed mixes that prevent cracks and keep floors flat for years. With Screedflow Australia, you get durable floors that look great and stay strong no matter where they’re installed.
