Tile-Ready Substrate with Mapei Self-Leveling in Gatineau
Tile contractors specify Mapei Ultraplan and Novoplan when the substrate must be perfect. We install the matched Mapei primer, the right product for your depth, and the cure schedule that gets the floor ready for tile. No substitutions, no shortcuts.
Tile installers ask for Mapei because the system warranty covers both the substrate and the tile work on top. Ultraplan works for thin to moderate depths; Novoplan handles thicker applications and structural specs. The Mapei primer bonds the SLU to the concrete slab, and skipping it or using a generic primer breaks the warranty.
We source Mapei products, apply the matched primer, pour to the depth your tile contractor specifies, and cure on schedule. The result is a substrate the tile trade can warranty their work on. Check our Mapei waterproofing services if moisture barriers are needed, and explore our full Mapei product range.
If your project calls for Ardex self-leveling instead, we install that system with equal care. Both are excellent; the choice depends on your tile contractor's preference and warranty path.
Recent work
Installation sequence
How Mapei Self-Leveling Gets Installed
Assess and select product
We review the substrate, measure the target depth, and confirm with your tile contractor whether Ultraplan or Novoplan is the right choice for the job.
Prep and prime the slab
The concrete is diamond-ground to profile, cleaned of dust and contaminants, and the Mapei primer is applied to ensure permanent bond.
Mix and spread SLU
Mapei SLU is mixed to spec water ratio, poured across the floor, and allowed to self-level. The working window is tight, so we move with purpose.
Cure and hand off
The slab cures per Mapei schedule, final flatness is verified against tile-install specs, and the substrate is ready for the tile contractor.
Warranty coordination
Respecting the Tile Contractor's Spec
When a tile contractor specifies Mapei, they are protecting their warranty path. We honor that spec by installing Mapei, not a cheaper alternative. The tile trade gets the substrate they expect, and their warranty stays intact.
Coordinate with Mapei repair if the substrate needs patching before the SLU pour, and review our full brand capabilities for other concrete needs.
Product selection, primer requirements, tile coordination, and cure timing.
Ultraplan for feather-to-moderate depth pours; Novoplan for thicker pours and structural-spec applications. We pick based on the substrate condition and target depth confirmed with the finish-flooring installer.
Because they trust the Mapei system warranty for their tile install on top, and they have install experience with the Mapei substrate. Honoring the spec keeps the tile-install warranty intact.
Yes. The Mapei primer is calibrated to the SLU chemistry; a generic primer or no primer voids the system warranty and risks delamination. We use the matched primer always.
Not typically; Mapei SLU is designed as substrate for finish flooring. For polished-as-finish projects, a different product family is the right call.
Per Mapei spec, typically within a day or two depending on product and depth. The tile installer's spec also matters; we coordinate the cure handoff with them.
They installed Mapei to spec, including the matched primer. My tile install warranty stayed intact, which is why I keep requesting them on projects with Mapei specced.
Z. B6
Tile Contractor, Gatineau
★★★★★
Mapei was on the spec sheet from the tile trade. They sourced and installed Mapei, not a substitute. Tile install went cleanly, no callbacks. Spec respect matters.
Y. B6
GC, Ottawa
★★★★★
Multiple buildings with Mapei substrate for high-end tile install. Consistent quality across all of them, tile trade approved each substrate without complaint.
Q. B6
Property Developer, Barrhaven
★★★★★
They explained why the tile contractor's Mapei spec mattered for warranty path. Installed accordingly. Real awareness of trade coordination.
X. B6
Custom Builder, Nepean
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