Ever walked across your living room and felt a sudden dip, or noticed your new tiles aren't sitting quite right? You're not alone. In many Sydney homes and commercial spaces across NSW, the culprit is often an uneven subfloor. While 'Ardit' (a common term for floor levelling compounds) seems like a simple fix, applying it correctly is an art. Get it wrong, and you could face a host of frustrating and costly problems. So, how do you get that perfectly flat, durable surface your beautiful new floors deserve? This guide will walk you through the common pitfalls of floor levelling and explain how professional preparation is the key to a flawless finish. At Elyment Group, we've seen it all, and we're here to help you get it right the first time. What Exactly is Floor Levelling? Think of floor levelling (or subfloor preparation) as creating the perfect canvas for your final flooring—be it tiles, timber, vinyl, or carpet. It involves applying a self-levelling compound, often from brands like Ardex, to a concrete slab or other subfloor. This compound flows into low spots and creates a smooth, flat, and level surface. When done correctly, it ensures your finished floor is stable, looks fantastic, and lasts for years. But what happens when it goes wrong? Common Ardit Problems We See Across NSW (And How to Fix Them) Applying a levelling compound might look easy on YouTube, but several factors can lead to failure. Here are the issues we frequently encounter on job sites in Sydney and greater NSW. 1. Why Is My Levelling Compound Cracking or Debonding? This is the most common issue. You've got a new, smooth surface, but soon cracks appear, or entire sections lift away from the subfloor. Why does this happen? Poor Subfloor Preparation: The concrete slab wasn't properly cleaned. Dust, grease, old adhesives, or curing agents can prevent the new compound from bonding securely. Incorrect Priming: The primer is crucial. It seals the porous concrete to stop it from sucking the water out of the levelling mix too quickly. The wrong primer—or no primer at all—is a recipe for disaster. Excessive Thickness: Every product has a maximum thickness. Pouring it too thick in one go can cause it to shrink and crack as it cures. The Professional Fix: At Elyment Group, our process is meticulous. We start with diamond grinding the concrete to remove all contaminants and create a textured surface for maximum adhesion. We then apply the industry-correct primer before pouring the levelling compound to the precise, manufacturer-specified depth. 2. Why Does the Surface Feel Soft or Powdery? If you can scratch the surface with a key or it turns to dust under pressure, something went very wrong with the mix. This is usually due to: Too Much Water: Adding excess water to make the compound flow further is a critical error. It dilutes the chemical polymers, resulting in a weak, soft surface that can't support any flooring. Expired Product: Levelling compounds have a shelf life. Using an old bag of mix can lead to improper curing. The Professional Fix: We use state-of-the-art mixing stations that guarantee the perfect water-to-powder ratio every single time. We only use fresh, high-quality materials from trusted suppliers like Ardex Australia to ensure a rock-solid, durable finish. 3. Why Are There Still Bumps and High Spots? Isn't it called "self-levelling" for a reason? While the compound is designed to flatten out, it still needs expert handling to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. Improper Application: The compound was not spread correctly or smoothed with a gauging rake and trowel during the short window before it starts to set. Ignoring High Spots: Self-levelling compound fills low spots; it doesn't grind down high spots. These must be mechanically ground down before any compound is applied. The Professional Fix: Our technicians are trained to identify and rectify all subfloor imperfections. We use laser levels to map the floor, grind down any high points, and then expertly apply the compound to achieve a surface that meets the strictest industry standards for flatness. The Elyment Group Difference ✅ Preparation is everything. We don't cut corners. Diamond grinding and correct priming are non-negotiable for a lasting result. ✅ Precision mixing is crucial. We use professional equipment to ensure the perfect compound consistency for maximum strength. ✅ Experience matters. Our team has the expertise to diagnose your specific subfloor issues and apply the right solution for your NSW property. Don't let a poor subfloor ruin your renovation. If you're in Sydney or anywhere in NSW and want a flawless foundation for your new floors, it's time to call in the experts. Follow us on X @ElymentGroup for more tips! Get Your Flawless Floor Quote /* CTA Container */ .cta-container { text-align: center; margin: 30px 0; } /* Base Button */ .btn { background-color: #022b5f; /* Brand Blue */ color: #fff; border: none; padding: 15px 30px; border-radius: 5px; cursor: pointer; text-align: center; display: inline-block; margin-top: 20px; font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; transition: background-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease, transform 0.2s ease; box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(2, 43, 95, 0.5); position: relative; overflow: hidden; } /* Hover + Focus */ .btn:hover, .btn:focus-visible { background-color: #16443e; /* Darker shade */ box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(22, 70, 138, 0.7); transform: translateY(-2px); /* Subtle lift */ outline: none; } /* Active state */ .btn:active { transform: translateY(0); box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(2, 43, 95, 0.6); } /* Reduced motion support */ @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .btn { transition: none; transform: none; } }