Floor preparation sets the base for everything that comes after. If the surface is uneven or unstable, the final result will show it. Cracks and poor adhesion often come from the substrate.
The choice of a self-leveling compound plays a key role here. Cement and gypsum technologies have shaped current practices. A hybrid self levelling compound brings both approaches together to deliver a more balanced response to performance and application constraints.
The role of self-leveling compound in floor preparation
A self-leveling compound is used to create a flat and continuous base before installing a floor covering. On site, solutions like SL H715 BEST are applied to deal with uneven areas and bring the substrate back to a level that can receive the final finish.
The substrate defines how the floor covering will behave over time. Any irregularity in the surface can transfer through the final finish. This can affect both the appearance and the durability of the installation.
Site conditions also have an impact. Renovation substrates or uneven areas require a solution that can adapt to the existing surface without creating cracks or surface defects during curing. The type of self-leveling compound selected will influence how the surface performs during installation and after completion.
Cement based self-leveling compound
Cement based self-leveling compound is widely used in floor preparation where fast curing is required. It helps move quickly to the next installation step and keep the workflow moving.
This performance comes with constraints. Cement based formulations can create internal tension during curing, which leads to shrinkage. On certain substrates, this increases the risk of cracks and requires closer control during application.
The condition of the substrate becomes critical. On stable and well prepared surfaces, results remain consistent. On more complex substrates, this behavior can affect the installation and require adjustments on site.
Gypsum based self-leveling compound
Gypsum based self-leveling compound is known for its dimensional stability. It generates low internal tension during curing, which helps limit shrinkage.
This behavior makes it suitable for substrates that require a more controlled response during installation. It helps maintain surface regularity, including on bases that are uneven or already in service.
The main limitation is curing time for thicker applications above 4–5 mm. Gypsum based solutions can take longer before the floor covering can be installed, which can slow down progress on site.
Combining speed and stability in floor preparation
Cement and gypsum technologies combined
A hybrid self-levelling compound brings together the properties of cement and gypsum in a single formulation. It combines fast curing with low internal tension.
This balance helps control shrinkage while keeping curing time compatible with site constraints. The formulation is designed with low internal tension during curing and allows early readiness for the next step.
Reduced risk on site
Low shrinkage helps limit the risk of cracks. This behavior is particularly relevant for renovation substrates where conditions may vary.
By reducing internal tension during curing, the formulation supports controlled curing behavior and helps prepare the substrate before the floor covering is installed.
Application efficiency
Hybrid solutions are designed to meet site time constraints. SL H715 BEST can receive resilient floor coverings after around 6 hours and allows foot traffic after approximately 2 hours.
With a working time of around 30 minutes and the possibility of manual or pump application, it can be used on different surface areas. This helps prepare the substrate while maintaining compatibility with project timelines.
Faster project execution
Time on site drives many decisions during floor preparation. Delays at this stage can affect the sequence of works and slow down the installation of floor coverings.
A fast curing self-levelling compound helps reduce waiting time between application and the next step. With SL H715 BEST, the surface can be walked on after around 2 hours and can receive resilient floor coverings after around 6 hours.
These drying times help maintain continuity between installation steps and support project scheduling.
Lower CO2 floor preparation solutions
Material selection has a direct impact on the environmental footprint of a project. Floor preparation is no exception, as the choice of compound influences both emissions and indoor air quality.
Hybrid formulations help reduce this impact. SL H715 BEST achieves up to 30% lower CO2 emissions 1 compared to SL C710 BEST. The use of gypsum from industrial by-products also reduces the need for virgin raw materials.
Indoor air quality is another point to consider. The product features very low TVOC emissions (less than µg/m³ after 28 days) 2 and certifications such as EC1 Plus 3 and Blauer Engel 4, supporting the use of materials with reduced impact on occupants.
| 1 CO2 emissions | 2 TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) | 3 EMICODE EC1 PLUS | 4 Blauer Engel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indicates that SL H715 BEST generates up to 30% less carbon emissions compared to SL C710 BEST, based on internal cradle-to-gate assessment (A1–A3 stages: raw materials, transport, manufacturing). | Represents the level of emissions affecting indoor air quality. SL H715 BEST shows very low emissions, ≤ 60 µg/m³ after 28 days. | A certification for construction products with very low VOC emissions, meeting one of the strictest standards for indoor air quality. | A German environmental certification awarded to products that meet high standards for environmental protection and user health. |
Versatility across applications
Floor preparation takes place in different conditions depending on the project. New builds and renovation sites present different types of substrates, each with its own constraints.
A self-levelling compound must adapt to different project conditions. Hybrid solutions such as SL H715 BEST can be applied on both cement and gypsum based screeds, which allows use across a wide range of substrates in both new build and renovation projects.
Application thickness can vary depending on the surface to correct, typically between 1 and 15 mm. This allows the product to be used in different situations while preparing the substrate for floor covering installation.
In floor preparation, the choice of technology influences both application conditions and long term behavior. Cement and gypsum each have specific characteristics. A hybrid self-levelling compound combines these properties in a single solution, with a balance between curing time and surface stability.
You can find more information about floor preparation solutions on the Bostik Academy.
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