One-component, fast setting cement-based mortar, suitable for floor levelling prior to the application of coverings such as microcement, terrazzo, ceramic tiles, natural stones, carpet, wood and resilient coverings. Ideal substrate in applications where rapid drying and resistance to heavy loads in short time is required. For levelling thickness 10 – 80 mm.
NOVACEM RAPID is suitable for:
• preparation of floors in applications with rapid drying requirements, for the installation of tiles, natural stones, parquet, elastic covering materials, carpets as well as before the application of the decorative coatings of the PLANOCOLOR system
• creation of floors with a minimum thickness of 10 mm and a maximum of 80 mm without the addition of aggregates, where the minimum thickness of anchored floors is 10 mm, floating floors 40 mm and 45 mm on thermal insulating materials
• applications where mortars with very low shrinkage are required
• forming the substrate before applying coatings in underfloor heating-cooling systems with uniform heat diffusion for optimal installation performance
• Form: powder
• Workability: 45 - 60 minutes / 20°C
• Application thickness: 10 - 80 mm
• Walkability: 2 - 3 hours
• Application temperature: from +5°C up to +35°C
Substrate preparation:
The application substrate must be structurally stable and completely clean, free of grease, oil, loose elements, and anything else that could disrupt the flow and reduce NOVACEM RAPID adhesion. The substrate's tensile strength must be at least 1.5 N/mm². Existing cracks on the substrate should be bonded with NOVAMIX EPO FLUID, a fluid epoxy resin. Scatter NOVAMIX S 500 silica sand or similar on the still-fresh NOVAMIX EPO FLUID surface to create a mineral surface. In its total thickness, the leveling mortar should be separated from the vertical elements of the construction (walls, columns, etc.) by a deformable band of 5-10 mm. The leveling mortar should not cover any existing
construction movement joints from the substrate.
Reinforcing rods should be rust-free, which can be accomplished through mechanical or sandblasting removal, or by using the NOVAMIX RUST CONVERTER. They should also be protected with two coats of corrosion inhibitor, such as NOVAFER. Please see the corresponding Product Data Sheets for more information.
Preparation of the mix:
Mix the contents of the 25kg paper bag containing NOVACEM RAPID with 2,2 liters of clean and fresh water for at least 3-5 minutes on low speed with an appropriate electrical stirrer or with a construction mixer, until a semi-dry mortar is obtained. Do not exceed the maximum amount of mixing water recommended, as this will prolong drying time and reduce final strength. The mortar must be used within the next 45 to 60 minutes (at +20°C). Higher temperatures shorten the working time of the mix, while lower temperatures lengthen it.
Application:
NOVACEM RAPID is used in the traditional method of making floor mortars, which involves preparing leveling guides and pouring the mixture immediately after stirring. Condensation occurs immediately after laying the mortar and before smoothing the surface with a metal trowel and a metal spatula. Compaction should be done in successive layers if the thickness is large.
In cases where the application is interrupted, the two screeds must be connected using metallic mesh (dimensions 20 x 20 cm, diameter 5 mm) in the total length of the connection and bonding slurry. Coverings can be applied depending on the thickness of the applied mortar as well as the ambient temperature and humidity. Typically, application can be completed in less than 12 hours.
Bonded screeds:
For bonded screeds with thicknesses ranging from 10 to 40 mm, a bonding slurry composed of 2-3 parts Portland cement, 1 part water, and 1 part enhancing latex such as NOVAMIX SBR 50 is recommended. Wet on wet, apply the NOVACEM RAPID mortar.
For creating bonded screeds of high thickness (40 - 80 mm) on absorbent substrates, prime first with PLANOPRIMER, to increase adhesion. Non-absorbent substrates like existing ceramic tiles or marble should be primed first with the silica enhanced primer PLANO CONTACT FAST.
Floating screeds:
The minimum thickness of floating screeds is determined by the traffic loads. This is determined at 40 mm for houses with loads of 2 kN/m² and at least 65 mm for heavy traffic loads (5 kN/mm²). The NOVACEM RAPID application in a minimum thickness of 40 mm, over a thermal insulation board 45 mm, should take place on a level substrate covered with polystyrene sheer or similar membrane, with each sheet overlapping the other by at least 20 cm, making sure to continue also on the vertical elements (for example, walls) in the total thickness of the screed.
Waiting times were determined under laboratory conditions of 23oC and 50% relative humidity with the material at its most compacted. The drying speed of mortars is greatly influenced by environmental conditions such as temperature and relative humidity, as well as the degree of compaction. In any case, before applying the coating, make sure that the residual humidity of NOVACEM RAPID is lower than what the coating product requires.
Recommendations:
NOVACEM RAPID shouldn’t be applied:
• In cases where the substrate and environment temperature is less than +5°C or higher than +35°C
• On substrates with tensile strength less than 1,5N/mm²
• Directly on anhydrite, metal or flexible substrates or substrates subjected to rising humidity
• On substrates not properly prepared or primed
• On friable or non-properly cured substrates
• Over existing expansion joints
• Under direct sunlight and/or strong drying wind
Also note the following:
• Never exceed the maximum recommended quantity of mixing water
• Do not add cement, gypsum, lime or other binders or substances which may affect the mortar characteristics
• Application should be performed by professional skilled workers
Cleaning:
Tools, buckets, tiles, etc. can be cleaned with fresh and clean water as long as NOVACEM RAPID mix is still fresh. After hardening occurs, cleaning can take place by mechanical means.
Legal Notice:
The technical data and recommendations included or listed are the outcome of laboratory measurements combined with our current knowledge and expertise. All information and specifications should in any case be considered as indicative. The Company makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein. Product specifications are subject to change without notice and may differ from product images. Due to printing and application procedures, the colors displayed here should be considered as indicative. In particular, variations in materials, substrates and on-site application conditions are such that no warranty can be given or implied reference to the suitability of the materials for trading or use for a particular purpose and conditions of any given project. Anyone interested in using the product must ensure beforehand that the product is suitable for the intended use and in any case, the user is solely responsible for any outcomes associated with the use of product. Among other things, the Company is not responsible for any normal wear or tear from environmental or any other unsuitable conditions. We reserve the right to revise or change the data herein without prior notice. Restrictions and disclaimers apply to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Company has a Technical Support Department, which has exclusive responsibility for providing technical advice and solutions, addressing relevant issues. Requests to the Technical Support Department are addressed and answered, only in writing. For the latest and valid version of the Technical Data Sheet, the user of the material must refer to our website www.novamix.gr.
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