Hair line cracks in screed

Discussion in 'Vinyl / Impervious floor coverings' started by Kevin0722, Sep 25, 2012.

  1. Kevin0722

    Kevin0722 Well-Known Member

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    Been to look at a job a mate has prepped,he has put down bonas moisture barrier,then put level flex screed,then fine flow over that.Amtico spacia tiles are going down,There are a couple of areas which have hair line cracks in the screed, he asked if it would be ok to put the Amtico down,i was unsure.any ideas?
     
  2. merit

    merit Well-Known Member

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    It depends, cracks normally start to get bigger over time don't they! Is it all still stuck?
     
  3. Kevin0722

    Kevin0722 Well-Known Member

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    I gave it a tap all around the areas which have the cracks,and it sounded ok
     
  4. Matt

    Matt Well-Known Member Staff Member

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    many compounds can have hairline cracks without issues providing the compound is still bonded. Providing its not hollow sounding when tapped there should be no issues.

    When we say hairline cracks tho, well what do you class as hairline cracks? any pics.

    Large cracks on water based compounds normally means that there is moisture underneath.
     
  5. merit

    merit Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't care if it was sheet. Bit worrying when it's a tile. I had that with 300. Did 60 m2 for a shop, Amtico, all areas had bitumen on apart from the kitchen that was a really soft screed or repair compound, couldn't tell. Anyway the kitchen area was the one that had hairline cracks in it. I just fitted over it as it was all sound as you say. Been fine.
     
  6. Kevin0722

    Kevin0722 Well-Known Member

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    Did not take any pics,i did not think they would show up on camera,if i go back i will try some pics.
    Its not for me a mate just wanted me to look,but i dont do enough of this to know for sure
     
  7. coolevilangel

    coolevilangel Well-Known Member

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    had this last yr, funnily enough it was a water based (k11)
    had a couple very minor cracks, tapped them, wernt hollow so were bonded ok, so feathered it to fill the gap
    It was a really fine crack, i was just being pedantic lol
    Still fine now
    Was van gogh that went down, and no probs
     
  8. dazlight

    dazlight Super Moderator

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    Happened to me a few times with 300, green bag, mapei trade plan.
    It can be the screed drying out a bit quick.
    But as long as its solid and not loose or moving then no problems. Well I've not had any.
     
  9. tarkett85

    tarkett85 Well-Known Member

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    As cool said if no hollow points, do a hygrometer test just to be sure it's not a moisture problem then feather finish for a smooth as ass floor.
     
  10. bladerunner

    bladerunner Well-Known Member

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    Cracks can happen if the mix is incorrect ie more water is added weakening the screed.
     
  11. coolevilangel

    coolevilangel Well-Known Member

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    but not THE only reason;)
    As a lot of folks, myself included dont put any extra water in the mix
     
  12. Matt

    Matt Well-Known Member Staff Member

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    yep, caused by it drying and as the compound is now weaker it leaves stress cracks. Normally bigger than 'hairline'
     
  13. bladerunner

    bladerunner Well-Known Member

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    The other reasons have been aforementioned CEA.
     
  14. bladerunner

    bladerunner Well-Known Member

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    Some people add extra liquid to help the "FLOW" and not thinking about the consequences ie blown subfloors!.
     
  15. merit

    merit Well-Known Member

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    I often get hairline cracks in mapei latexplan trade and you cant go wrong with that mix!?
     
  16. mjfl

    mjfl Well-Known Member

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    Not had one crack on mine.. :eek:
     
  17. merit

    merit Well-Known Member

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    I think weve had this conversation before:confused:
     
  18. deckafloors blackpool

    deckafloors blackpool New Member

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    neet primer allways works
     

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