We have been advised by a well known flooring company that dry back LVT cannot be laid directly onto a new, level concrete screed, as it is too gritty for the adhesive to stick. Be grateful for any advice on whether this is the case and what preparation/underlay would usually be done for a dryback LVT to be laid? (It is a new extension, with level concrete screed). Many thanks
It won’t be level enough and depending on how new won’t be dry enough to fit on without prep work, make sure any laitance has been mechanically removed, then you need a RH% test to determine the next steps before install. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
There is no technical reason why you couldn't lay LVT directly to the concrete. There are lots of potential benefits to doing so. However, as already pointed out it needs to be smooth and free from blemishes as any deformations in the surface will show through the covering and potentially lead to "bridging" which will lead to premature wear or adhesive failure. The required level of smoothness can be achieved by grinding but its quicker easier and cheaper to apply smoothing compound. It becomes a cost vs benefit and the vast majority of good floor layers and probably most of the bad ones will insist on a smoothing compound anyway.
Moisture suppressant primer and smoothing compound. No way you should install LVT direct to the new screed. You could do it but it will look awful. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk