Installation screed

Timelapse application of screed

Purchasing a By EPI seamless floor is a significant investment. We understand that you want to prepare well to make sure that conditions are ideal to realize your floor.

Watch the film to the right to get an idea of how the installation works.

Read below the principles for installation, what preparations need to be done and things that are important after completion.

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Principles of installation

Prerequisites for a perfect installation of your By EPI seamless floor

(Superbase®, Corestone Nature® or Quartz R®)

A seamless floor from By EPI is more than a floor – it is a durable design foundation for your daily life. To ensure that your floor is laid beautifully, strongly and tightly, proper preparation is essential. On this page, you can read all about the requirements and conditions for the proper installation of a seamless floor.

What are the substrate requirements for a seamless floor?

For a nice even result, it is important that the substrate:

Remaining dry (e.g., with vapor barrier film or ventilated crawl space)
Flat, clean and pressure-resistant
Free of dust, paint residue and silicone sealant (silicone causes stains!)
Has not been in contact with oil, grease or chemical residues
Does not contain damage or cracks that have not been previously repaired

Residual moisture lower limit (very important):

Sand cement or concrete floor: maximum 4% (with drop visible)
Anhydrite floor: maximum 0.5% – must be pre-sanded and pre-treated
Sand-cement subfloors must be at least 28 days old before installation.

Optimal climatic conditions for seamless floor installation

Ideally, the room in which your screed will be installed should meet the following climate requirements:

Ambient temperature: between 15 °C and 30 °C (ideal: 18 °C)
Relative humidity: between 45% and 80%
Floor temperature: at least 10 °C and at least 3 °C above the dew point

Do you have underfloor heating?
Then it must be fully fired up and cooled down according to the official heating up protocol. View the protocol here →

What should be ready for the screed installation?

A By EPI floor is applied with precision by a certified EPI Partner. In order to work efficiently, the following practical requirements apply:

The space is water and windproof, well lit and cleared
During installation, the room is accessible only to the EPI Partner
Power and water are available
The floor stays dry from one week before the start
An indoor workstation is available for mixing materials
Drains, floor pots or wells are level and at proper height
Structural expansion joints are always continued in the screed

Points of attention during and after installation

No room is 100% dust-free: dust ingress cannot always be completely prevented
If baseboards are already in place: they are primed only and can be taped or touched during finishing

Extra: Gusto® and Rocca® terrazzo seamless floors

For a Superbase® Gusto® or Rocca® seamless floor, the floor is manually grouted and then sanded. Keep in mind:

More dust formation on walls or lying parts
Risk of damage to door frames or baseboards (not covered by warranty)

Color samples: indication, no guarantee

Pre-provided color samples of Superbase®, Corestone Nature® or Quartz R® serve as guidelines. Because seamless floors are finished with natural materials, slight variations in color or texture may occur.

Frequently asked questions about screed preparation

What should I do before installing a seamless floor?
Make sure the substrate is flat, dry, clean and stable. If necessary, have a residual moisture measurement performed.

Can a seamless floor be laid on top of a tile floor?
Yes, in many cases this is possible. We then apply an additional leveling layer. Ask your EPI Partner about the options.

How do I know if my floor is dry enough?
Your EPI Partner performs a moisture measurement beforehand. Without correct moisture readings, we will not start installation.

Why not use silicone sealant?
Residual silicone can permanently damage the screed. Only use suitable sealants and consult in advance.

Ready for your By EPI floor?

Proper preparation makes all the difference. Do you have questions or doubts about your substrate? Then contact your EPI Partner or schedule an appointment at our Experience Center.

By EPI seamless floors are made for life – and that starts with a careful start.

Prior to installation

For a tight end result, a clean, stable environment is essential. We assume the following points are taken care of before the EPI Partner starts installing your Superbase®, Corestone Nature® or Quartz R® floor:

Dust-free delivery of the room

All horizontal surfaces are dust-free, such as tops of doors, window frames, window sills, kitchen blocks and baseboards.
The room is carefully vacuumed – a broom or hand broom is not enough.
Prevent dust intrusion while working: keep windows closed and limit walking traffic.

Protection against temperature differences

To avoid sunlight and rapid temperature changes, windows are covered with cover material (such as sun protection film or cloths). This prevents uneven drying of the floor.

Heating & air conditioning

The room is heated to a constant 18°C during the entire installation period, including at night. This allows all layers of the floor to dry properly.
If a heat pump is present, make sure the cooling function is temporarily disabled. This prevents condensation or unintentional cooling of the floor.
Consult with your installer on how to do this safely and temporarily.

After completion

Load and curing of your new By EPI seamless floor

After installation, your new Superbase®, Corestone Nature® or Quartz R® floor needs some time to fully cure. During these first few days, the floor is still susceptible to damage. By following the guidelines below, you will ensure a durable, strong and beautiful finish.

Load capacity per phase

After 3 x 24 hours
The floor is mechanically loadable. You may walk on it, but preferably on socks or soft soles. The floor may also be covered, but only with vapor-permeable or breathable covering material.
A longer curing time applies to Corestone Nature®: cover only after 7 x 24 hours.
Note: No moisture
The floor should not get wet for the first 7 days – so no mopping, spills or high humidity.
After 7 x 24 hours
The floor is fully loadable, even with furniture. Place felt under chair and table legs to prevent scratches.

With underfloor heating and By EPI Membrane

Was your floor finish applied over a By EPI Membrane with underfloor heating or cooling?

Do not start increasing the temperature until after 14 days – no more than 1 degree per day.
After 1 month, you may fully use the heater or cooler.

Tips for a safe first week

Avoid sharp heels, casters and sliding furniture.
As much as possible, leave the room dust-free and stable in temperature.
Do not use foil or plastic as a cover – this may cause condensation.

A floor made for life – with a careful start

Give your new By EPI floor the time it needs to come into its own. That way you’ll enjoy a strong, comfortable and stylish base in your home for years to come.

SHORT!

The first days after installation of your By EPI seamless floor

The first few days after completion are crucial to the life and appearance of your new Superbase®, Corestone Nature® or Quartz R® seamless floor. Below are practical guidelines to prevent damage and staining.

The first 48 hours: rest for your floor

Do not load the floor for at least 48 hours. So: do not walk on it, do not place furniture, and do not use covering materials.

The first 7 days: avoid moisture

Do not wet clean in the first week.
Damp footwear or wet socks can also cause stains. This acts as a chemical load on the not yet fully cured floor.

Need to protect the floor? Do it like this:

Always vacuum before covering anything.
Preferably use vapor-permeable material (such as fiber cloth or breathable cover fleece), especially for long-term covering.
Use ordinary stucco runner only temporarily (max. 1 day), and secure it with special tape that does not leave adhesive residue.
Avoid sliding furniture or heavy objects – this can scratch or damage the floor finish.

Here’s how to give your floor the best start

With a little care in the first week, you’ll give your By EPI floor the perfect foundation for years of living comfort. A floor made for life, begins with a careful start.