Floor Patch, Leveling Compound & Primers
Floor patch, floor leveling compound and primers to get a subfloor flat and smooth before new flooring. Trowel a floor patch or skim coat over holes, dips and rough spots, and pour a self-leveling underlayment when the whole floor needs leveling: over concrete, or over wood with a product made for wood. Prime first when the product's technical data sheet calls for it. Brands include Ardex, Mapei, Laticrete, Sika, TEC and Henry, for pros and DIY renovators, with delivery across Canada.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQsWhat is the difference between floor patch and self-leveling underlayment?
Floor patch is spread with a trowel to repair and smooth smaller areas. For example, TEC VersaPatch patches from 1/2 in. thick down to a feather edge (a very thin layer), and Ardex Feather Finish gives a smooth finish before floors like sheet vinyl or VCT. Self-leveling underlayment flows out on its own to make a whole floor flat. Ardex K 15 is made to level and smooth interior floors quickly. Browse our floor patch or levelers.
Do I need a primer before pouring a self-leveler on concrete?
It depends on the product and the concrete. Ardex makes P 51 primer for installing its underlayments and toppings over absorbent concrete. To find the right primer for your product and subfloor, check the technical data sheet on the product page, or browse our flooring primers.
Can I level a wood subfloor before installing tile?
Yes, with a product made for wood. Ardex Liquid BackerBoard is an underlayment you pour over interior wood and concrete subfloors. Ardex says it replaces traditional backer boards, does not need lath mesh, and lets you install tile or stone in as little as 6 hours. It can also go under engineered wood and laminate.
How soon can I install flooring over a floor patch?
It depends on the product. TEC says you can install flooring over VersaPatch in 30 to 45 minutes. For other patches and levelers, follow the drying time in the technical data sheet on the product page.
How do I choose a floor leveling compound for my subfloor?
Start with the subfloor and how deep you need to fill. Mapei Novoplan DPL, for interior concrete and engineer-approved floors, can be placed up to 4 in. (10 cm) in a single lift over concrete, and Laticrete NXT Level Flow goes from 1/8 in. to 2 in. (3 to 51 mm) and tapers to zero at the edges. Over interior wood subfloors, use a product made for wood, such as Ardex Liquid BackerBoard, which needs no lath mesh. Ardex K 22 F is made to repair existing above-grade floors. Check each product's technical data sheet for its primer and substrate requirements, or browse all self-leveling underlayment and levelers.
How thick can I apply a floor patch?
It depends on the patch. TEC VersaPatch patches from 1/2 in. down to a feather edge. Mapei Mapecem Quickpatch, a concrete patch, goes on neat from 1/16 in. to 1-1/2 in., and from 1-1/2 in. to 3 in. in areas no larger than 24 sq ft; larger areas need it extended. For a thin, smooth finish before sheet vinyl or VCT, Ardex Feather Finish is a self-drying, trowelable underlayment. Follow the thickness limits in each product's technical data sheet, or browse all floor patch.
Can I pour a self-leveling compound over damp concrete?
Only within the product's moisture limit, and the slab must still meet your flooring's moisture limit. Laticrete NXT Level Flow can be applied over concrete testing up to 100% RH (per ASTM F2170), but Laticrete notes that its self-levelers are not moisture mitigation systems. When a slab is above the limit of your leveler or flooring, a moisture control coating goes on first: Ardex VB 100 is rated for RH readings up to 100% and needs no primer before Ardex underlayments, which can go on as little as 60 minutes after its second coat. Test the slab with moisture testing tools and see vapor barriers and moisture control. Not sure what your slab needs? Contact us.
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