Best Latex Self Levelling Compound
02/09/2024
If you're in the market for a high-quality latex self levelling compound, you're in the right place. We pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of self-levelling latex compound options, to meet your tiling needs. From Mapei Latexplan and Mapei Latexplan trade to Ardex Arditex NA or Ultra Floor Level It, we stock the best from these trusted brands and many more in the industry, to guarantee superior performance.
With so many options available, choosing the best self levelling latex compound can be challenging. In this guide, we'll explore what these compounds are, how to use them, and some of the top products on the market today.
What is Latex Self Levelling Compound?
Latex self levelling compound (also known as 2 part self levelling compound) is a versatile and flexible floor leveller used to create a smooth and even surface. Unlike traditional self-levelling compounds, the latex component adds flexibility and adhesion, making it ideal for substrates that may experience movement or expansion, such as wooden floors.
These compounds typically consist of two parts: a powder and a liquid latex additive. The mixture is poured onto the floor, where it spreads out evenly to form a level surface. Two-part latex self levelling compounds are particularly useful for areas where a smooth finish is critical before laying down tiles or other floor coverings.
Read more: Tile Adhesive: Ready Mixed Or Powder?Read more: Tile Adhesive: Ready Mixed Or Powder?
Is Latex Self Levelling Compound Waterproof?
The answer to whether latex self-levelling compound is waterproof depends on the specific product and it’s technical specification. Some latex-based self levelling compounds are water-resistant but not entirely waterproof. They are suitable for areas with occasional moisture exposure, like bathrooms or kitchens, but they may not be ideal for areas that are frequently submerged in water. For truly waterproof applications, additional waterproofing measures should be considered.
For example, Ultra Tile Fix ProLevel Two is ‘moisture tolerant’ meaning that all subfloors should be protected from moisture from the sub-ground by the use of a base damp-proof membrane. It’s suggested that you assess moisture levels in accordance with BS 8203, to achieve a hygrometer reading of 75%RH or less. Where this is not attained a surface DPM should be used – the selection of which will be subject to the subfloor.
If you’re unsure of which latex self levelling compound to use, contact our expert team.
If you're in need of waterproofing and tanking solutions for your tiling projects, we offer an extensive range of products designed to protect your surfaces from moisture, ensuring longevity and durability. Our collection includes high-quality waterproof membranes, waterproofing tape, tanking kits, and shower sealing products, all designed to safeguard your installations against water damage and leaks.
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Can You Use Latex Self-Levelling Compound With Underfloor Heating?
Much like the above question, the answer to whether you can use latex self-levelling compounds on underfloor heating, is that yes, you can use some, but, ultimately, it’s always best to check the datasheet before purchasing. Here are five suggested latex based self levelling compound options that are suitable for underfloor heating:
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How to Lay Latex Self Levelling Compound
Laying latex self levelling compound is straightforward, but requires some preparation and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to lay latex self levelling compound:
- Prepare the Surface: Ensure the floor is clean, dry, and free from debris. If you're working on a porous surface, consider applying a primer.
- Mix the Compound: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the powder and latex liquid. Ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Shop mixing buckets and paddle mixers and whisks.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the compound onto the floor and use a trowel to distribute it evenly. The compound will self-level, filling in low spots and creating a smooth surface.
- Allow to Dry: Let the compound cure as per the product's guidelines before applying any floor covering.
- Check for Imperfections: Once dried, check for any high spots or imperfections that might need sanding down.
Best Latex Self Levelling Compounds
When it comes to choosing the Best Latex Self Levelling Compound, several products stand out for their performance and ease of use. Here are some top recommendations:
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Arditex CL Plus
Arditex CL Plus is a high-performance latex-based self levelling compound that is known for its excellent adhesion, moisture-resistant properties and flexibility. It's perfect for use over a wide range of substrates, including concrete, plywood, and metal.
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Ardex Arditex NA
ARDITEX NA Levelling and Smoothing Compound saves you both time and money by removing the need for intensive preparation and priming. You can apply it directly to most substrates without priming, including old adhesive residues and bitumen, flooring grade plywood, ARDEX Damp Proof Membranes and even direct to ceramic tiling. It is unaffected by moisture and can be used directly over damp concrete. Lastly it’s suitable for use with underfloor heating and for marine use.
Read more: The Best Adhesives For Tiling Over Tiles
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Ultra Tile Fix ProLevel Two Flexible Two Part Floor Leveller
This 2 part latex self levelling compound offers exceptional flexibility, making it ideal for wooden and heated floors.
- Concrete subfloors.
- Tamped or pan-floated concrete.
- Sand/Cement screeds.
- Existing smoothing underlayments.
- Terrazzo/Granolithic ceramic tiles.
- Anhydrite/Calcium Sulphate/Gypsum-based screeds.
- Tile Backer boards.
- Warm water underfloor heating.
- Radiant electrical underfloor heating system.
- UltraFloor DPM IT.
- Vinyl tiles.
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Mapei Latexplan Trade
Mapei Latexplan Trade is a popular choice among professionals for its ease of use and reliable results. Latexplan Trade is a two-part smoothing compound that consists of a grey powder (part A) containing special cement, graded silica sands and additives to be mixed with a synthetic rubber latex (part B).
Features:
- Suitable for /categories/underfloor-heatingunderfloor heating.
- Suitable for use under MAPEPROOF 1K TURBO & MAPEPROOF ESM surface membranes.
- Consumption: Approx. 6m² at 3mm thickness.
- Application: Smooth-edged trowel or spiked roller.
- Very Low Odour.
- Walkable After 1 - 2 Hours.
- Depth: 3 - 10mm.
- Working Time: 30 mins.
- Floor Coverings After: 12 hours.
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Mapei Latexplan No Ammonia
As previously mentioned, Mapei Latexplan Trade is a popular choice and is also available in a no-ammonia formula for more sensitive environments.
Latexplan No Ammonia is suitable for levelling differences in thickness between 3mm to 10mm on new and existing substrates. It is suitable for use with underfloor heating and is moisture tolerant; so can be applied below surface applied damp proof membranes.
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Larsen Professional Lartex NA
The Larsen Latex Self Levelling Compound is another excellent option, offering great coverage and a smooth finish. It's particularly well-suited for use in areas with underfloor heating systems.
This No-Ammonia latex exhibits rapid drying and hardening characteristics and is capable of bonding over old adhesive residues. Lartex NA exhibits excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates and has high flexibility allowing it to be used over most old adhesive residues and over or under a DPM.
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Ultra Floor Level It
For those looking for a fast-setting option, Ultra Floor Latex offers a quick-drying formula that allows for rapid application of floor coverings.
Interestingly, it incorporates Envirobead® technology which is made with 20% recycled material for improved application and reduced environmental impact.
Features:
- Working time: up to 45 minutes.
- Foot traffic in as little as 90 minutes
- Ready to receive bonded floor coverings after 4 hours.
- Use over most common subfloors, including old adhesive residues.
- Moisture tolerant.
- UFH compatible.
- Low odour.
- Protein free.
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Ultra Floor Level It Super 30
UltraFloor Level IT Super30 is a high strength, rapid setting and drying smoothing underlayment. A two-component system consisting of a powered blend of high-specification cement, graded fillers and additives and a pre-gauged polymer liquid.
Features:
- Foot traffic in as little as 30 minutes
- Ready to receive unbonded floor coverings after 45 minutes and bonded coverings in 90 minutes
- Use over most common subfloors
- Under-floor heating compatible
- Low odour
- Protein free
Choosing the Best Latex Self Levelling Compound
Whether you're working with wood, concrete, or metal, there will be a latex self levelling compound suited to your needs. Should you need any levelling advice or support with your order, don’t hesitate to contact us via email at [email protected] or give us a call at 01604 859800.