For high-traffic commercial slabs and residential subfloors where rapid turnaround is critical, Mapecem is a hydraulic binder that produces shrinkage-compensated screeds ready for floor coverings in 24 hours. Formulated to control water loss and dry independently of thickness, it achieves a residual moisture level below 2% within a day, allowing the fast installation of timber, vinyl, carpet, and tiles with minimal facility downtime.
Mapecem is mixed on-site with dry, clean graded aggregates and water to create a high-strength screeding mortar. It develops rapid mechanical strength and high density, allowing tile and stone to be laid after 3 to 4 hours, and resilient or timber floors after 24 hours. The rapid hydration mechanism locks in the mix water, ensuring the screed cures to a highly compact structure that resists alkalies, oils, and solvents under continuous traffic in environments like supermarkets, airports, and hospitals.
For bonded applications, the concrete substrate must be clean, dry, free of cracks, dust, wax, oil, and traces of gypsum, with existing joints carried through the screed. Mix one 20 kg bag of Mapecem with 80 to 100 kg of graded 0-8 mm gravel and 4 to 8 kg of water depending on aggregate moisture. Incorporate saw cuts to one third of the screed thickness in large bay sizes. If work is interrupted for more than 1 hour, cut the screed perpendicularly and insert steel rods (3 to 6 mm diameter, 20 to 30 cm long) spaced 20 to 30 cm apart into the edge to prevent cracking and differential movement. For bonded screeds over 50 mm thick, or unbonded installations on compressible substrates or over 60 mm thick, incorporate galvanised mesh reinforcement in accordance with AS 3958.1.
Tiles can be installed after 3-4 hours. For moisture-sensitive flooring like timber or vinyl, the screed is ready for installation after 24 hours, assuming residual moisture is below 2%.
Yes, Mapecemp is designed for underfloor heating systems. It provides stable performance and the heating system can be commissioned after 4 days when installed correctly.
No. Do not mix Mapecemp with other binders such as cement, lime, or gypsum. This will compromise the performance and strength properties of the screed.
Installations should comply with relevant Australian standards. For reinforcement, refer to AS 3958.1. For resilient flooring, AS 1884 specifies moisture testing requirements before installation.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-track screeds for flooring installation | Ready for tiles in 3-4 hours and moisture-sensitive flooring in 24 hours, reducing project downtime. | Tilers, Builders |
| Moisture-sensitive flooring preparation | Residual moisture below 2% after 24 hours protects finishes and prevents costly callbacks. | Flooring Installers |
| High-traffic commercial repairs | Rapid strength gain allows early access and minimises disruption in commercial spaces. | Builders, Remedial Contractors |
| Underfloor heating screeds | Stable, crack-resistant performance under thermal movement for predictable long-term results. | Builders, Flooring Contractors |
Ensure substrate is clean, dry, and structurally sound. Remove contaminants and repair defects before application.
Mix MAPECEM with graded aggregates (0–8 mm) and water for 3–4 minutes until a cohesive consistency is achieved.
Spread and compact the screed immediately after mixing. Use levelling strips and tamp for a smooth finish.
Allow screed to cure naturally. Light foot traffic is possible after 2–3 hours, with full drying achieved in 24 hours.
Wear gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. This product is classified as an irritant.
Use in well-ventilated areas, particularly when mixing, to minimise dust exposure.
Correct substrate preparation ensures optimal bonding and long-term performance for Mapecemp screeds.
Surface prep: Substrate must be dry, structurally sound, and free from dust, oil, paint, wax, or loose material. Existing cracks require repair, and joints must be carried through the screed. Ensure the concrete has adequate compressive and tensile strength.
Primer: Required. Apply a fresh-on-fresh bonding slurry using Planicrete SP mixed with Mapecemp to ensure full adhesion and prevent debonding.
Surface prep: Install a polyethylene separation layer over the substrate or existing membrane. This prevents rising damp and allows for independent movement of the screed.
Primer: Not required. The system relies on separation, not adhesion. Ensure the membrane is continuous to avoid moisture ingress.
Surface prep: The insulation layer must be compressively stable. Heating pipes must be positioned at least 25 mm below the screed surface. Reinforcement mesh is required over the heating elements.
Primer: Not required. Focus on correct screed thickness and reinforcement to prevent cracking from thermal cycling.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Chemistry | Hydraulic binder |
| Colour | Grey |
| Mix Ratio | 350-450 kg Mapecemp per m³ aggregates, 80-160 kg water |
| Open Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Application Temperature | 5°C to 35°C |
| Light Foot Traffic | 2-3 hours |
| Ready For Use | 24 hours |
| Residual Moisture | <2% after 24 hours |
| Compressive Strength | 33-57 N/mm² |
| Flexural Strength | 5.4-8.0 N/mm² |
| Service Temperature | -30°C to +90°C |
| Consumption | 3.5-4.5 kg/m² per cm thickness |
| Packaging | 20 kg bags |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
Here are some common examples on where Mapei Mapecemp used by our customers.
