That sinking feeling is all too familiar for Sydney builders and renovators. You’ve poured the perfect self-levelling compound, envisioned a flawless finish, and yet, weeks later, you see it: lifting, cracking, or delaminating. The floor, which should be the seamless foundation of your project, has become its biggest problem. What went wrong? It’s a costly and frustrating setback, but you’re not alone. At Elyment Group, we've seen this scenario play out across countless sites in NSW. The issue is rarely the product itself; it’s almost always a failure in preparation. Let's peel back the layers on why your self-leveller might be failing and how to ensure it never happens again. The Unseen Culprits: Why Self-Levellers Fail in NSW A self-levelling compound requires a pristine, perfectly prepared substrate to bond to. Think of it as a high-stakes handshake; if one hand is dirty, the connection will fail. Here are the most common reasons for delamination in Sydney projects. 1. Substrate Contamination The concrete slab beneath your leveller is a sponge for contaminants. Even after a build, it can hold oils, curing compounds, dust, or old adhesives. Oils and Grease: From machinery or previous spills. Curing Agents: Often applied to new concrete, these must be mechanically removed. Fine Dust: Poor vacuuming or cleaning leaves a layer that prevents bonding. Are you sure your slab was truly clean before application? A simple sweep isn't enough. Professional diamond grinding is the only way to guarantee a pure, receptive surface. 2. The Moisture Menace (Hydrostatic Pressure) Sydney's humid climate and proximity to the coast make moisture a formidable enemy. Concrete slabs can transmit vapour from the ground up. If this moisture is trapped under a non-breathable leveller or subsequent flooring system like epoxy, it builds pressure, eventually pushing the leveller up and causing it to delaminate. Relative Humidity (RH) Testing: Was the slab's moisture level professionally tested before any product was applied? Moisture Barriers: For high-moisture slabs, a high-quality moisture barrier isn't a recommendation; it's a necessity. 3. Incorrect or Absent Priming Primer is the crucial intermediary between the substrate and the self-leveller. It seals the porous concrete to prevent air bubbles and enhances the bond. Using the wrong primer, or skipping it altogether, is a direct path to failure. System Compatibility: Was the primer designed to work with your specific self-levelling compound? Porous vs. Non-Porous Surfaces: Different surfaces require different primers. Applying the wrong one is as bad as using none at all. 4. Application and Environmental Errors The conditions on the day of application matter immensely. The Sydney weather can be unpredictable, and factors like temperature and airflow can compromise the result. Ambient Temperature: Was it too hot or too cold? This affects curing time and product performance. Incorrect Water Ratio: Adding too much water to the mix weakens the compound, leading to a soft, dusty surface and poor bonding. Overworking the Product: Trowelling the leveller too much can separate the aggregates and polymers, compromising its integrity. The Elyment Group Fix: Our Meticulous Approach to Flawless Floors At Elyment Group, we believe that 90% of a successful flooring outcome is determined before a single bag of leveller is opened. Our process is built on precision, diagnosis, and using the right tools for Sydney’s unique conditions. Comprehensive Substrate Analysis: We don't just look; we test. Our team conducts thorough assessments to identify contaminants and structural issues. Advanced Moisture Testing: We use industry-leading RH testing methods to get an accurate reading of your slab's moisture content. Based on the results, we specify and apply the appropriate moisture barriers. Diamond Grinding Preparation: We mechanically grind every substrate to remove contaminants and create the perfect surface profile for maximum adhesion. System-Specific Priming: We use premium, system-matched primers to guarantee a tenacious bond between the slab and the leveller. A perfect floor isn't an accident. It's the result of rigorous preparation and expert knowledge. Don't let a delaminating floor derail your Sydney project's timeline and budget. Key Takeaways: Your Checklist for Success Always mechanically prepare the substrate. A simple clean is not enough. Test for moisture. Never assume a slab is dry, especially in NSW. Use the correct, system-matched primer. Follow manufacturer specifications for mixing and application to the letter. When in doubt, call the experts. GET YOUR FLOOR RIGHT, FIRST TIME .btn-custom { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #022b5f, #0d1b2a); /* Subtle gradient */ color: #ffffff; border: none; padding: 15px 30px; border-radius: 6px; cursor: pointer; text-align: center; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px; text-decoration: none; letter-spacing: 1px; text-transform: uppercase; transition: background 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease, transform 0.2s ease; box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(2, 43, 95, 0.4); position: relative; overflow: hidden; } /* Hover + Focus */ .btn-custom:hover, .btn-custom:focus-visible { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #16443e, #1b263b); box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(22, 70, 138, 0.7); transform: translateY(-2px); outline: none; } /* Active state */ .btn-custom:active { transform: translateY(0); box-shadow: 0 3px 10px rgba(2, 43, 95, 0.5); } Ready to ensure your next flooring project is built on a foundation of certainty? Let's discuss how we can help.