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Mapei Topcem | Hydraulic Binder for Screeds

Mapei Topcem

024620
MAP10004

Mapei Topcem is a special hydraulic binder for normal setting, fast drying and shrinkage controlled screeds. 

  • For professional use 
  • Formation of bonded, unbonded and floating or heated screeds on both existing and new concrete prior to the installation of wood, PVC, linoleum, ceramic tiles, natural stone, carpet or any other flooring where rapid drying is required for short installation times
  • For use in high traffic areas such as airports, shopping centres, schools, hospitals etc
  • Fast track construction where the screed needs to be trafficked or overlaid early
  • Suitable for underfloor heating systems
  • Suitable for use where BRE screed test category A or B is required
  • For indoor and outdoor use
  • EMICODE: EC1 Plus - very low emission
  • Shelf life: 12 months

Size
£24.66(incl. VAT)
£20.55(ex. VAT)
Quantity
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Available for Delivery (See Delivery Options Below)

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Description

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Features & Benefits


  • Topcem is a special hydraulic binder which, when mixed with graded aggregates and water, can produce an early drying high strength screed ready to receive floor finishes between 24hrs and 4 days
  • Formation of screeds set to light foot traffic after 12 hours
  • Formation of screeds on which ceramic tiles can be laid after 24 hours
  • Formation of screeds on which natural stone can be laid after 2 days
  • Formation of screeds on which resilient flooring, wooden flooring, waterproofing and other Mapei Systems can be laid after 4 days
  • Patching and repairing floor screeds where rapid restoration is required
  • Preparation of screeds incorporating underfloor heating systems without the need for polymer additives



Recommendations


  • Because of the particular composition and character of Topcem, ordinary electric moisture meters do not give reliable values; residual moisture can only be recorded with a carbide hygrometer
  • Do not mix Topcem with other cement, lime, gypsum or Mapecem etc
  • Do not leave Topcem dry-mixed with aggregates, immediately add the correct quantity of water to the mix
  • Do not mix Topcem just with fine sand, use aggregates graded to BS EN 13139 0/8
  • Do not mix Topcem with an excessive quantity of water
  • Do not add water and remix Topcem after it has started to set



Application


Recommended Dosage:

  • Topcem binder: 250 kg/m³
  • Recommended mix design:
    • 0/8 mm aggregate: 1750 kg/m³
    • Topcem binder: 250 kg/m³
    • Water: 100 kg/m³

Spreading the mix:

  • The Topcem mix should be spread in the same way as a normal screed
  • A polyethylene isolating sheet (or other similar material) must be laid to create a separating layer between the screed and the supporting substrate
  • This separating layer also provides the function of a vapour barrier, preventing damp rising from the substrate and also dehydration of the Topcem screed due to rapid absorption of water; the absorbed water, rising subsequently would retard the drying process
  • Topcem screeds are prepared using the same techniques as for ordinary cement screeds, preparing levelling strips, laying the mix, carefully compacting it and then tamping for the required surface finish
  • Where it is necessary to incorporate piping or sheathing in the Topcem screed the upper layer which must not be less than 25 mm thick, should be reinforced with galvanized steel mesh of not more than 30x30 mm
  • Around the perimeter of the area and around columns etc, it is advisable to form an expansion joint about one centimetre wide between the wall and the screed with a flexible material (such as polyethylene, felt board, cork, polystyrene, etc.)
  • If the installation of the screed is interrupted away from a construction joint cut the day joint in the screed straight down and insert pieces of 3-6 mm diameter, steel rods 20-30 cm long
    • They should be spaced 20-30 cm apart to ensure perfect bonding and to avoid cracks and differing levels when work is resumed

On average there is more time available for laying and working with Topcem screeds compared to traditional cement screeds. However the ambient temperature influences the setting and drying times.

Construction Method:

  • Bonded Screeds (min 10mm thick):
    • Thin screeds must be laid directly in contact with the substrate, which may be cementitious material
    • Once the substrate has been prepared sufficiently, and immediately before spreading on the Topcem mix,
      prepare bonding slurry with Planicrete according to the ratios below:
      • 0/8mm aggregate: 1750kg/m³
      • Topcem binder: 250kg/m³
      • Water: 100kg/m³
    • Apply a continuous, even 2-3mm layer using a large flat brush, a scrubbing brush or a trowel
    • To get perfect adhesion, spread Topcem on the slurry while it is still fresh (fresh on fresh technique)
    • If the floor is subjected to high mechanical stresses, the construction joint must be made by replacing the Planicrete cementitious bonding slurry with Eporip
    • Spread on Topcem using the same method described above

UNBONDED SCREED (Min 35mm thick):

  • The Topcem mix must be laid on an isolating layer, made up of a 1200 gauge polyethylene sheet barrier, orsimilar, to allow for movement between the screed and the existing substrate
  • In case of rising damp use a waterproof membrane to form a vapour barrier underneath the screed
  • Mapefibre NS12 may be added to the screed at 120g/Bag of Topcem as an additional measure
  • Areas of Topcem screeds containing pipes must be reinforced with light steel reinforcement (such as a hexagonal mesh)
  • Spread the Topcem mix just like any other cement-based screed mix: use screed guides, then spread the mix and tamp thoroughly before floating to obtain a better surface finish
  • Place isolating material (such as polystyrene foam, cork, etc.) approx. 1cm thick around the sides of the area and around columns before casting
  • If work is interrupted, place steel rods 20 to 30cm long and 3 to 6mm in diameter, spaced 20 to 30cm apart, into the screed (which has been cut perpendicular to the substrate) to ensure a perfect connection between the new and the old pours and to prevent uneven joins and cracks
  • The Topcem mix is usually workable for a greater length of time than a conventional screed mix. Ambient temperatures may influence the setting and drying times

FLOATING SCREED (Min 55mm thick):

  • The Topcem mix is prepared and applied in the same way as an unbonded screed
  • Mapefibre NS12 may be added to the screed at 120g/bag of Topcem as an additional measure
  • The insulation should have a high resistance to compression and not depress more than 3mm under the anticipated final load
  • Where underfloor heating pipes are incorporated, they should be located a minimum of 25 mm below the surface of the screed
  • Additionally reinforcing mesh if used, should be placed over the pipes
  • The underfloor heating may be commissioned after 4 days
  • Note: For under floor heating systems the screed must contain either additional reinforcing mesh or Mapefibre NS12 fibres

Dosage of unbonded slurry:

  • Planicrete: 1 part by weight
  • Water: 1 part by weight
  • Topcem: 4 parts by weight
    • To ensure adhesion, spread the slurry onto the surface to be covered immediately before the Topcem screed (fresh screed on fresh slurry)
    • Note: For structural bonding use Eporip Epoxy Bonding Agent



Storage and Safety Instructions


  • Topcem can be stored for 12 months in a dry place in the original packaging
  • Instructions for the safe use of our products can be found on the latest version of the Safety Data Sheet (see 'Data Sheets' section above)



Product Details
10004-971928

Data sheet

Manufacturer
Mapei
For Use By
Professional Use
Interior / Exterior Use
Interior & Exterior
For Use On
Screed
Single, Two or Three Pack
Single
Pack Size
20kg, 1000kg
Mixing Ratio
200-250 kg of Topcem with 1 m³ of aggregate (diameter from 0-8 mm) and 110-130 kg of water for dry aggregate
Coverage
Consumption varies in relation to the thickness of the screed and the dosage of Topcem. For doses of 200-250 kg of Topcem per m³ of aggregate consumption is 2-2.5 kg/m²/cm of thickness.
Max. Application Temperature
+35°C
Min. Application Temperature
+5°C
Density
2100kg/m³ (mix)
Heat Resistance (up-to)
-30°C to +90°C
Shelf Life (from date of manufacture)
12 months
Pot Life
60 minutes
Base Type
Water-Based
Manufacturer
Mapei
Product Usage Type
Mortar
Product Range
Topcem
Foot Traffic
12 hours
Attachments
Download


Customer agrees that before placing an Order, Customer has read and understood the most up to date Product Data Sheet for the Product. Where we have access to the Product Data Sheet from the manufacturer, we will either provide a copy on request, or include a link to the Product Data Sheet available on the manufacturer’s website. Customer further agrees that we have no liability for any errors or omissions contained within the Product Data Sheets. For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions of Sale.

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IMPORTANT SHIPPING & DELIVERY INFORMATION

Mapei Topcem is only available with the shipping and delivery timescales listed below - please do not contact our Customer Support Team with enquiries about alternative or earlier shipping and delivery times.

Saturdays and Sundays, as well as Bank Holidays, are not classed as working days.

Orders placed after the cut-off for this product will not be processed for earliest dispatch until 9am the next working day.

All delivery costs below are excluding VAT