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RLA Trulevel Econoscreed Rapid: A Technical Overview
RLA Trulevel Econoscreed Rapid is a polymer-modified, rapid-setting cement screed engineered for predictable work time and dependable early strength. A measured 1.7 L of water per 20 kg bag delivers cohesive, low-void compaction and a dense finish with excellent adhesion to properly prepared substrates. Typical working time is 30–60 minutes, with initial set in ~1.5–2 hours and foot traffic from ~4 hours (site conditions dependent). High early strength supports faster sequencing to waterproofing and floor coverings, helping crews compress programs without compromising quality.
Use as a bonded screed over primed concrete, or in unbonded/floating assemblies where specified. Respect movement joint design, external exposure limits and membrane compatibility. Typical placement temperature range is +5 °C to +35 °C. Confirm minimum/maximum thickness and coverage for each installation detail in line with project requirements.
Use as a bonded screed over primed concrete, or in unbonded/floating assemblies where specified. Respect movement joint design, external exposure limits and membrane compatibility. Typical placement temperature range is +5 °C to +35 °C. Confirm minimum/maximum thickness and coverage for each installation detail in line with project requirements.
Core Features & Specifications
- Rapid program turnaround: workable 30–60 min; sets ~1.5–2 h; walk-on from ~4 h (ambient dependent).
- High mechanical performance: compressive strength typically reaching >65 MPa @ 28 days with excellent flexural values for durable service.
- Polymer-enhanced cohesion: dense, low-void matrix resists surface dusting and supports membrane/adhesive bond.
- System-ready: compatible with approved primers, vapour barriers and waterproofing membranes when applied per manufacturer guidance.
- Temperature fit for AU sites: recommended application window +5 °C to +35 °C.
- Measured mix control: add ~1.7 L water per 20 kg bag—do not over-water or re-temper.
- Coverage guidance: typical yield approx. ~1.08 m² @ 10 mm per 20 kg (technique & site conditions affect outcome).
The RLA Trulevel Econoscreed Rapid Advantage
- Compresses timelines — enables earlier waterproofing and tiling for faster handovers.
- Reduces rework risk — dense screed with strong substrate bond and reliable finish.
- Improves cost control — predictable pot life and set help coordinate crews and minimise downtime.
- Built for Australian conditions — works across common site temperatures with appropriate protection.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Over-watering to “improve” workability
Potential Outcome: Lower strength, increased porosity, dusting and cracking.
Adheseal Best Practice: Dose ~1.7 L water per 20 kg accurately; mix to a cohesive, plastic consistency; never re-temper beyond pot life.
Scenario: Inadequate substrate preparation/priming
Potential Outcome: Debonding, hollow spots, blistering.
Adheseal Best Practice: Mechanically prepare concrete (grind/shot-blast), vacuum, and prime with the specified bonding agent; place screed within primer open time.
Scenario: Poor compaction and level control
Potential Outcome: Voids and out-of-tolerance flatness/falls.
Adheseal Best Practice: Place promptly, compact thoroughly and check SR with straightedges; protect during early cure from rain and rapid drying.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Tilers (On-Site Applicator): Bathroom screed before waterproofing
The Professional's Challenge
Tight programs require fast set while achieving accurate falls to waste and a finish ready for membranes and tiles.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Prepare and prime the slab; mix ~1.7 L/20 kg; place, compact and finish to design falls. Allow rapid set; waterproof once the minimum cure/moisture criteria are met, then tile as per membrane/adhesive guidance.
Best Practice Note
Plan batch sizes to stay within the 30–60 min work window and verify SR using 1–2 m straightedges.
For Builders (Business Owner/Operator): Compressed apartment turnovers
The Professional's Challenge
Multiple wet areas across levels need consistent screed performance to coordinate waterproofers and tilers with minimal idle time.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Rapid set and early traffic enable reliable sequencing. Standardised water dosing and substrate-prep sign-offs reduce rework and call-backs.
Best Practice Note
Use the same primer and mixing regime across teams and levels to lock in repeatable results.
For Waterproofers (Specifier/Installer): Balconies & terraces to falls
The Professional's Challenge
Achieve correct falls and a dense, compatible screed within a narrow weather window.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Prepare/prime the substrate, place and finish to falls; protect from rain and rapid drying during early cure; install the nominated membrane after minimum cure and moisture testing.
Best Practice Note
Confirm external exposure limits and membrane compatibility in the system specification; respect movement joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I add per 20 kg bag?
Measure water accurately to the specified dose (approx. 1.7 L/20 kg). Aim for a cohesive, plastic consistency that compacts without bleeding. Do not over-water or re-temper once the mix starts setting, as this reduces strength and increases porosity. Keep water temperature consistent across batches for predictable set and finish quality.
When can I walk on, waterproof, and tile over the screed?
At 23 °C, typical working time is ~30–60 min, initial set occurs in ~1.5–2 h, and foot traffic is from ~4 h. Waterproofing and tiling depend on thickness, ambient conditions, and membrane/adhesive requirements—always follow the minimum cure and moisture criteria stated for the system before proceeding.
What thickness can I apply for bonded versus unbonded/floating screeds?
Respect the minimum/maximum thickness for each build type and project design. Use a bonded screed over properly primed concrete where thinner build is required. Choose unbonded/floating assemblies when decoupling is needed, following bay sizing and movement joint design. Feather-edging is not recommended—use a suitable patching compound for transitions.
Is Econoscreed Rapid suitable for external balconies and terraces?
Yes—when installed as part of a compliant external system. Prepare and prime correctly, form falls to drainage, and protect during early cure from rain and rapid drying. Confirm membrane compatibility and observe external exposure limits, movement joints and perimeter detailing to AS/NZS best practice.
Can I install over underfloor heating (UFH)?
Conditionally—check system compatibility, required cover above heating elements, and commissioning schedule. Allow the screed to reach the stated cure/moisture criteria before the heating is brought online. Increase temperature in small daily increments to avoid thermal shock and cracking.
What coverage can I expect per 20 kg bag?
As a guide, a 20 kg bag yields ~1.08 m² at 10 mm thickness. Actual coverage varies with substrate texture, compaction, and finish. To estimate: Area (m²) ≈ Bags × Yield per bag at target thickness. Always allow contingency for wastage, edge build-ups, and falls to wastes.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom & wet area screeds prior to waterproofing | Rapid return-to-trade with dense, compacted finish ready for membranes | Tilers, Waterproofers |
| Balconies & terraces screeded to falls | Reliable gradients and durable surface compatible with nominated membranes | Waterproofers, Builders |
| Level correction before tiles or floor coverings | Early strength supports tighter programs and consistent SR tolerances | Tilers, Flooring Installers, Builders |
| Remedial overlays on sound substrates | Polymer-modified cohesion for low-void compaction and bond reliability | Remedial Contractors, Builders |
| Over approved vapour barriers / membranes | System-ready screed that integrates with primers and moisture control layers | Waterproofers, Builders |
| Underfloor heating (UFH) installations* | Stable, compacted screed with commissioning-friendly cure profile | Heating Contractors, Tilers |
* Confirm minimum cover, compatibility and commissioning schedule with the UFH system supplier.
Applying RLA Trulevel Econoscreed Rapid: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
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Substrate Assessment & Mechanical Preparation
Substrate must be clean, sound, and free from laitance, dust, curing compounds, sealers, oil/grease and contaminants. Achieve a strong mechanical key and confirm moisture/vapour requirements for the intended system.
Concrete & Cementitious Toppings
Diamond grind or shot-blast to expose a fresh, sound surface; vacuum with HEPA extraction. Repair cracks/voids and make good weak areas before screeding.
Dense/Existing Tiled Surfaces
Degrease, then mechanically abrade to remove glaze and provide a uniform profile. Replace loose tiles; fill deep grout lines where required.
Timing: Schedule prep so priming and screeding occur within the same work window to avoid recontamination.Pro Tip: Set screed rails/levels and confirm falls to wastes before mixing begins. -
Priming & Bonding Strategy
For bonded screeds, apply the nominated bonding primer/slurry to the prepared surface and place the screed while the primer remains within its open time. For unbonded/floating assemblies, install a slip layer or insulation as per project design and movement-joint layout.
Bonded
Evenly prime; avoid puddling. Work the first pass of screed firmly into the tacky primer to ensure monolithic bond.
Unbonded/Floating
Lay slip sheet and perimeter isolation as specified. Respect minimum thickness, bay sizes and joint rules for the assembly.
Timing: Coordinate batch start so screed is placed within the primer’s open time window.Pro Tip: Mask up to protect adjacent finishes; remove masking before primer fully cures to avoid tearing. -
Mixing (Measured Water Dosing)
Use clean, potable water and a forced-action mixer or heavy-duty paddle. Maintain consistent powder and water temperatures for predictable set and finish.
Water Addition
Dose approximately 1.7 L per 20 kg bag (within the stated TDS range) to achieve a cohesive, plastic mix that compacts without bleeding. Do not over-water.
Batch Control
Record bag counts and water volume per batch. Mix to a uniform consistency; allow brief rest if specified, then remix. Never re-temper after the mix begins to set.
Timing: Typical workable time is about 30–60 minutes at ~23 °C. Plan batch size and manpower accordingly.Pro Tip: Standardise measuring jugs and dedicate a water station to keep every batch identical. -
Placement, Compaction & Finishing
Place promptly after mixing. Compact thoroughly to remove voids and level to rails/marks. Finish to specified SR tolerance and falls.
Bonded Screeds
Work the first layer into the tacky primer to ensure intimate contact; continue build to the designed thickness, striking off and floating to finish.
Unbonded/Floating Screeds
Install over the slip layer/insulation; honour bay sizing and movement joints. Maintain minimum thicknesses per design—no feather-edging.
Timing: Initial set typically occurs in ~1.5–2 hours (temperature dependent). Protect immediately after finishing.Pro Tip: Check flatness with 1–2 m straightedges every few passes; correct while the mix is still workable. -
Curing, Protection & Next Trades
Protect the screed from rain, running water, rapid drying (sun/wind) and contamination during early cure. Observe minimum access and overlay times before membranes, adhesives and floor coverings.
Early Access
Allow foot traffic from ~4 hours under typical conditions. Lower temperatures and greater thickness will extend this time.
Waterproofing & Tiling
Install the nominated membrane only after the screed meets the minimum cure and moisture criteria. Tile/cover after both screed and membrane (if used) satisfy system requirements.
Timing: Application temperature range: +5 °C to +35 °C. Cooler climates and thicker sections slow cure.Pro Tip: Verify moisture/vapour criteria before membranes or sensitive coverings—use a calibrated test method appropriate to the substrate. -
Joints, Edges & Cleanup
Reinstate or honour existing movement/control joints through the screed. Provide perimeter isolation at walls/columns as required. Clean tools and mixers with water immediately after use.
Movement & Perimeters
Carry joints through finishes according to project details. Avoid bridging structural joints with rigid toppings.
Tool Maintenance
Rinse mixers and tools before set; dispose of slurry responsibly—do not wash into drains or waterways.
Timing: Remove edge formers and tidy arrises once the screed has gained sufficient set to hold shape without tearing.Pro Tip: Log batch times, ambient temperatures and access milestones to simplify QA and client handover.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Not a feather-finish material. Respect the minimum and maximum thickness for bonded and unbonded/floating screeds. [Confirm: thickness values]
[Alternative: use a suitable patching/levelling compound for feather-edge transitions]
Do not add excess water or re-temper once the mix begins to set. Over-watering reduces strength and increases porosity.
[Alternative: mix a fresh batch within the stated pot life]
Substrates must be sound, clean and properly prepared. Do not apply over weak, dusty or contaminated surfaces without remediation and priming as specified.
[Alternative: mechanically prepare and prime per system specification]
Not designed to bridge structural movement. Honour all movement/control joints through the screed and finishes.
[Alternative: consult project engineer for joint detailing]
External applications require weather protection during early cure (rain/wind/sun). Confirm membrane compatibility where waterproofing is specified.
[Alternative: follow the nominated balcony/terrace system with approved membrane]
Do not use where negative hydrostatic pressure or standing water is present unless designed with an approved vapour barrier system. [Confirm: vapour barrier specification]
[Alternative: install an approved vapour barrier prior to screeding]
Apply only within the recommended temperature range [Confirm: e.g., +5 °C to +35 °C]. Low temperatures and greater thickness will extend set and cure.
[Alternative: adjust program/curing protection to suit ambient conditions]
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Wet and dry cement are alkaline/irritant. Wear safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), long sleeves and trousers. During mixing or grinding, wear a P2 respirator to avoid inhaling dust.
Ventilation Requirements
Ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces, particularly during mixing and when using primers or membranes from the system specification.
Fire & Handling Precautions
Cementitious powder is non-flammable, however associated primers/solvents may be flammable—keep away from ignition sources. Store bags dry, off the floor, and protect from moisture ingress. Stack safely to prevent collapse.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if easy; continue rinsing and seek medical attention immediately.
Skin:
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists or burns develop.
Inhaled:
Move to fresh air and rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Swallowed:
Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention and show product label/SDS.
Always read the latest TDS/SDS before use and follow site-specific safety procedures.
RLA Trulevel Econoscreed Rapid Application Guide
Concrete (Cured)
Surface Preparation
Mechanically prepare (diamond grind or shot-blast) to remove laitance, weak toppings, curing compounds, paint, sealers, oil/grease and contaminants. Crack repair as specified. Vacuum thoroughly to a dust-free surface. Verify slab is sound and within moisture/vapour limits for the intended system.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for optimal adhesion
For bonded screeds, use the nominated bonding primer and place the screed into the primer within its open time for a monolithic bond.
[Specify: RLA bonding primer / slurry bond coat]Existing Ceramic/Stone (Sound & Abraded)
Surface Preparation
Degrease, then mechanically abrade the glaze to achieve a uniform mechanical key; remove all dust with HEPA vacuum. Replace loose/unsound tiles; fill deep grout lines if needed to prevent shadowing.
Primer Requirements
Primer required for critical applications
Prime with the nominated high-bond primer suitable for dense, low-absorption surfaces; screed within the primer’s open time.
[Specify: RLA high-bond/epoxy primer]Vapour Barriers & Waterproofing Membranes
Surface Preparation
Ensure the approved vapour barrier/membrane is fully cured, clean, dry and compatible with a screed overlay. Follow system manufacturer’s recoat/overlay windows and moisture criteria.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for optimal adhesion
Use the system-specified primer or bond coat if required to promote adhesion between membrane and screed.
[Specify: Compatible primer with nominated membrane]External Concrete (Balconies & Terraces)
Surface Preparation
Prepare as per internal concrete. Verify correct falls to drainage. Schedule works to a suitable weather window; protect from rain and rapid drying during early cure (wind/sun).
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for optimal adhesion
Prime for bonded installations; for unbonded/floating screeds, install slip layer as specified. Confirm membrane compatibility prior to waterproofing.
[Specify: Exterior system primer + nominated membrane]Underfloor Heating (UFH) Systems
Surface Preparation
Install and test the UFH per manufacturer’s instructions before screeding. Ensure required cover over heating elements is achievable and layout allows for compaction without displacing components.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for optimal adhesion
Prime the substrate as specified. After curing, commission heat gradually in small daily increments to avoid thermal shock.
[Specify: Primer for UFH substrate type]
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