Self Leveling Compound Cracking

[py rookie]

Looked that this floor this evening,the customer said the builders have used slc ,and it's cracking all over the place in the kitchen,she's bought 20sq in slate,problem is if I rip it all up and slc myself is it going to crack again,after I've tiled it

 

[Dan]

Not sure why it's cracking but as it needs to come up anyway you want to get it up and investigate.

Then assuming the substrate is okay. I can't see a reason as to why it's crack again if you did it properly.

 

[Dan]

Just noticed the picture.

Is the dark near the cracks wet at all? Or has somebody tried to use a solution to stop it getting worse?

 

[py rookie]

Just noticed the picture.

Is the dark near the cracks wet at all? Or has somebody tried to use a solution to stop it getting worse?

No wet this was done over Christmas,the floor is really bad a lot of bumps,I've said get the builder back so he can sort it out,but she said that's not happening.

 

[Dan]

Some Leveling compounds for tiling aren't meant to accept traffic on their own.

So it might be a case of it not being covered with tiles and being used and walked on.

Not all. I found that out the other week. Some are fine to have carpet on for example.

 

[The D]

looks like no primer and exceeding max bed depth if you use a good fibre re enforced slc you should be ok

 

[py rookie]

So would it be a case of taking the whole floor up or just where it's cracking?

 

[Dan]

I'd not risk doing a little area and then tiling the lot once repaired. For the sake of a couple of bags more, just do the lot.

It might be something under it cracking and causing the SLC to crack. Until you get it up, there's no sure problem to deal with.

 

[Dave]

It could have been over watered / poured to thick or even not bonded to dusty substrate .... Simply remove and see what's underneath , if all ok , prime and re-level with appropriate slc.

 

[py rookie]

How do I know if it's ok underneath old slc,I.e what do I need to look for ?

 

[Dave]

How do I know if it's ok underneath old slc,I.e what do I need to look for ?

Basicly no major cracking or loose areas...

 

[py rookie]

Ok cheers,she wants a quote by the weekend think it would take a few days taking up the floor

 

[Dave]

Ok cheers,she wants a quote by the weekend think it would take a few days taking up the floor

Price it on minimum prep , then extra depending what's underneath...

 

[Profix]

Bit late in the day but I've just came across this post, the sub floor must have an effective DPM before applying slc and if not this is a likely outcome.

 

[Tile Shop]

Can anyone clarify if levelling with Latex and over laying with Ditra would be a solution?