A skim coat mortar is capable of being the difference between a long-lasting and aesthetically appealing flooring installation, and one that is fatally flawed. The first step towards putting down a reliable installation is ensuring the subfloor is free of imperfections. Addressing defects, cracks and holes is made easy with the use of a lightweight, user-friendly skim coat mortar solution. These one-component mortars establish a fast-setting layer of cementitious material, creating a uniform surface and appearance for concrete, wood subfloors, and ceramic or quarry tiles. As these products are often cost-effective and easy to transport, they’re a highly recommended answer for installers hoping to avoid issues with the subsequent steps of the installation and the lifetime of the finished floor. 

As the skim coat mortar product category continues to see innovation, the newest innovations feature greater versatility and usability than ever. Now, new and old floors alike can be effortlessly leveled and reprofiled. Some of these mortars can be installed from a true featheredge to a ½” depth, while thoroughly leveling defects and filling voids. To accommodate the time sensitive and high-pressure project environments many installers have to navigate, manufacturers have emphasized ease of use. Some skim coat mortars in the market today allow product that was mixed but not applied to be re-worked up to 30 minutes after the initial mixing without needing any extra water or additional mixing. This installer-friendliness is key for skim coat mortars, which are engineered to simplify projects and provide quick solutions, without contributing any further stress. 

High performance is another element at the forefront of this evolving product category. The most noteworthy skim coat mortars deliver unlimited moisture vapor emission rates for a high degree of peace of mind where moisture may be a concern. Excellent standards of finish could also be expected, which in some cases allows for a direct application of the floor covering. Importantly, this performance can be achieved with minimal preparation and in rapid-setting fashion, incorporating technology that enables installers to promptly advance to the application of primers, levelers, adhesives, and coverings. As another bonus, skim coat mortars could also provide enhanced adhesion to substrates and substrates, as well as stable adhesive residue. 

Consistent with the important overarching trend in the industry towards increasingly sustainable building efforts, recent skim coat mortars are formulated with various environmentally-conscious attributes. Some are available which feature zero volatile organic compounds and adhere to the most stringent standards of green building efforts. For the environment and installers alike, skim coat mortars can be exceptionally convenient and unimposing. They are often available in small and easy to carry bags from 10 to 25 lbs., eliminating yet another reason not to have them on your jobsite. For repairing, renovating, or reprofiling, it’s hard to match the versatility and reliability found in these lightweight packages. To meet challenging project timelines and eliminate several possible areas of concern for a wide range of flooring installations, skim coat mortars might be your best solution.