When project schedules compress, and traditional screed cure times threaten to stall an entire fit-out, Mapecem offers a faster path to finish. This specialised hydraulic binder system shortens the screed drying window significantly, enabling early access for trades and rapid installation of floor coverings.
Mapecem is a purpose-built hydraulic binder formulated for fast-track screed construction. Instead of relying on conventional cement cure cycles, its advanced chemistry achieves shrinkage-compensated, high-strength screeds with dramatically reduced drying times. This product exists to prevent project delays on time-critical builds, ensuring that follow-on trades can commence tiling, timber, or resilient flooring installations quickly and confidently. It is specifically designed as a binder component to be mixed on-site with graded aggregates, providing a tailored screed solution rather than a pre-blended mortar. For projects requiring a factory pre-blended, ready-to-mix option, Mapecem Pronto is the appropriate alternative.
Mapecem is mixed on-site with dry, clean, graded aggregates (0-8 mm) and water. The mixing process is critical and requires precision; ensure thorough mixing for 3-4 minutes to achieve a cohesive, workable mass. The mix has an open time of 20-30 minutes, requiring rapid spreading and levelling similar to traditional concrete screeds. Accurate water measurement is essential to control drying time and mechanical strength. Tools and equipment clean up readily with water immediately after use.
Mapecem serves as the foundational element for fast-track screed construction. For bonded screeds, a bonding slurry of Planicrete SP and Mapecem must be applied fresh-on-fresh to the prepared substrate to ensure maximum adhesion. For unbonded or floating screeds, a polyethylene sheet isolates the screed from the substrate, managing potential rising damp. Where underfloor heating is present, Mapecem screeds effectively encase the pipes, with reinforcing mesh placed above them. For resilient or timber flooring, follow AS 1884 guidelines for humidity and pH readings; in cases of rising damp, a Mapei waterproofing membrane can be applied after 4 hours, or a moisture vapour barrier like Primer MF or Mapeproof 1K Turbo if required over the screed itself.
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.
