LECA FAQ's
Q: Which product is best suited for my application?
A: The data sheet gives information on the intended use of the product, however, if you are unsure which product you need it is recommended to contact Technical Services.
Q: Where can I get the technical data sheet for the product being used?
A: The data sheets can be accessed here.
Q: Where can I get the material safety data sheet for the product being used?
A: LECA is essentially non-hazardous and made from natural raw materials. The material safety data sheets can be accessed here.
Q: What is the shelf life of the products?
A: The shelf life of LECA is indefinite.
Q: Can LECA be used for flue lining?
A: LECA does not melt until approx. 1200°C so is ideal for flue lining.
Q: What is LECA made from?
A: LECA is made from clay that is heated quickly at high temperatures in a rolling kiln to create a hard honeycomb material with excellent insulation properties.
Q: Can LECA Insulation Fill be used to replace hardcore and insulation?
A: Yes it can. LECA Insulation Fill is BRE certified and replaces hardcore and insulation on floors.
Q: How deep does LECA Insulation Fill need to be applied to meet part L of the building regulation?
A: Approx. 300mm, however, always refer to technical services who will be able to calculate the exact depth based on your situation.
Q: How big is a LECA Insulation Fill bag?
A: Each 15kg bag holds approximately 50L.
Q: Can LECA Insulation Fill be laid in the bag?
A: Yes. LECA Insulation Fill does not need to be removed from the bag saving large amounts of time on site. A video of a conservatory insulation can be found here.
FLOORING FAQ's
Q: Where can I get the technical data sheet for the product being used?
A: The data sheet can be downloaded from this web site by clicking here.
Q: Where can I get the material safety data sheet for the product being used?
A: The material safety data sheet can be downloaded from this web site by clicking here.
Q: What is the shelf life of the products?
A: The shelf life is on the data sheet and the bag. But for most self levelling floor products, the shelf life will be 6 months.
Q: Is the date printed on the bag, the ‘use by’ date?
A: No, this is the date of manufacture, and the shelf life will run from this date.
Q: How thick do I apply the material?
A: The max / min thickness is stated on the data sheet for the product being used.
Q: How do I calculate how much material I need?
A: The material consumption rate is quoted on the data sheet, take this number and multiply by the area of the floor (m²) and the thickness required (mm) = Kg of material needed.
Q: When is the earliest that I can apply floor screed to my concrete?
A: This will vary due to conditions and quality of the concrete, but as a guide, the minimum any concrete should be left is 28 days.
Q: Do I need to prime the substrate?
A: Yes, priming is always recommended. See weber.floor 4716 primer.
Q: When should I apply the floor smoothing material?
A: It is recommended that this is done as late as possible and after any heavy building is completed.
Q: When can I apply a floor covering to the levelling layer?
A: For normal drying products, follow the guidance of the manufacturer of the adhesive / floor covering. This will generally require the floor to be below 75% Relative Humidity.
Q: What is the drying time for the levelling layer?
A: This information is given on the data sheet, but for normal drying products, in good drying conditions, 10mm thickness will dry in approx 7 days.
Q: My concrete is ‘fresh’ and I cannot wait for it to dry.
A: The concrete must be treated with a liquid applied epoxy damp proof membrane.
Q: Should I use a dehumidifier to assist drying?
A: No, dehumidifiers are not recommended during the first 48 – 72 hours for bonded floors or at all with floating floors. Refer to technical services.
Q: Can I paint, or leave exposed, the levelling layer?
A: If an industrial product has been used, then it does not need to be covered.
Q: Can I clean the surface of the industrial material?
A: Once dirty, it is difficult to clean this type of material. Protect the surface with a sealer or coating before use.
Q: Can I paint the surface of a commercial product?
A: No, this must be covered with a floor covering such as vinyl, etc.
Q: What about chemical resistance?
A: Levelling materials are not recommended in areas where chemical resistance is needed. If used, apply a chemically resistant coating to the surface.
Q: What is the minimum temperature during application?
A: The minimum temperature is 10 °C.
Q: What is the maximum temperature during application?
A: The maximum temperature is 25 °C, working time will be reduced.
Q: Will this affect the drying time quoted on the data sheet?
A: Yes, the drying time will be extended.
Q: How much water do I add to the mix?
A: Refer to the data sheet and the bag.
Q: Can I add more water?
A: No, never add more water than recommended.
Q: How long do I have to use the material once mixed?
A: This varies with the conditions & product; refer to the data sheet; however you will generally have 10 – 20 minutes to apply the product.
Q: When can I walk on the floor?
A: This varies with the conditions & product; refer to the data sheet; however, as a guide this will be 2 – 4 hours after application.
Q: Can I apply levelling materials as a floating / unbonded floor?
A: Yes, but not all products are suitable for this application. Refer to the data sheet.
Q: Do I need joints in my floor?
A: For bonded applications, joints in the substrate should be reflected through the levelling layer.
For floating applications, joints will be used according to the size & geometry of the floor, please refer to Technical Services.
Q: Can I form a ramp or slope with these products?
A: Generally no, but products are available for ramps and slopes in wet rooms. Please refer to Technical Services.
Q: Can I use flowing flooring materials externally?
A: No, generally flowing screeds are not freeze / thaw stable.
