Most professional installers would agree the ultimate success of any flooring installation largely depends on the condition of the subfloor that lies beneath.
To that end, manufacturers/suppliers of subfloor prep materials are addressing this issue with products and accessories intended to ensure a more professional job. Following are some new introductions:
Lignomat: V6-KS
The V6-KS package includes the Ligno-VersaTec, a pin/pinless dual-depth and RH meter, which is useful throughout the installation process. Moisture condition of concrete slabs can be measured using RH in-situ concrete testing. Measurements of the slab can also be obtained in pinless mode ¾-inch deep and with the pin depth probe up to 7 inches deep. The meter is also used for moisture measurements of the actual floor covering and subfloors.
Performance Accessories: PrimeCoat, HydroSeal
Mohawk’s Performance Accessories division offers multiple products for subfloor prep, including: PrimeCoat, an acrylic floor primer used to treat dry, dusty or porous substrates for a better bonding surface and to help ensure proper adhesive bond. Recommended to prime porous or dry sub-floors before installations to provide a smooth, tack-free surface that will improve adhesive application. HydroSeal, meanwhile, is a penetrating and film-forming modified acrylic compound used to protect concrete substrates with in-situ RH readings up to 90%, and alkalinity up to a pH of 11.
Schonox: FP
FP is a one-component filler and primer for porous and non-porous substrates that saves time and effort. Suitable on a variety of substrates—including wood boards, old ceramic tiles, natural stones, terrazzo, old water-resistant adhesive residues and concrete—FP works with Schönox repair, patching and smoothing compounds as well as all Schönox self-levelers. Schönox FP may be used to stabilize Schönox Renotex multi-axial glass fiber reinforcement fabric before installation of Schönox APF.
Sika: Level-325
Sika Level-325 is a one-component, versatile cementitious self-leveling underlayment for interior and exterior substrates. With same-day installation capabilities, it can be applied manually or by pump to produce a self-smoothing, rapid-setting and flat substrate prior to the application of a final floor finish. Sika Level-325 features high-strength characteristics with no moisture vapor emission rate limit on well-prepared concrete. Moreover, it has been third-party verified by GreenCircle Certified for low emission rates.
Taylor: Zephyr
Two of Taylor Adhesives’ most popular products to address common subfloor issues are the Zephyr moisture barrier and 2025 Universal Primer. The products are designed to consolidate surface dust and reduce the porosity of gypsum-based substrates and lightweight concrete. “They also create a barrier coat to block for high pH slabs to protect the flooring and adhesive from alkaline attack,” said Gary Scheidker, director of technical services. Zephyr provides moisture protection up to 95% RH.
TotalWorx: Fine Finish Patch
Fine Finish Patch from Shaw is touted as a game-changer for flooring installers. Specifically crafted for high-moisture environments, it excels in delivering a smooth finish on concrete subfloors. The product dries in as little as 15 minutes, enabling swift installation of floor coverings. Whether the installer is dealing with minor imperfections or deeper gaps (up to ½ inch or 13 mm), this product can handle it. TotalWorx’s Fine Finish Patch is built for efficiency and versatility for a seamless installation.
Wagner Meters
Rapid RH in-situ concrete moisture testing offers a simple and precise method for measuring hidden moisture deep within concrete slabs, a critical component in subfloor preparation. When reliability and compliance are crucial, Rapid RH is a trusted choice for flooring installers and contractors seeking top-tier moisture measurement solutions.
