FAQs

  • Q. Can I add extra water to the DSP Products?
  • A. You can add water up to maximum of the range stated on the DSP product packaging. Over watering the DSP products may delay the set time, cause separation (leading to a soft chalky or rough surface) and lower compressive strengths.
  • Q. Does DSP have a product that you can apply directly over wood without using a reinforcement mesh?
  • A. Yes. DSP 540 Extreme Self-Leveling Underlayment is a fiber-reinforced, high performance product that can be used without reinforcement mesh – thus saving on material costs and the labor to fasten it down. See the Product Data Sheet for application requirements (joist spacing, subfloor and DSP 540 minimum thickness, etc.)
  • Q. Can DSP self-leveling cements be poured and pumped?
  • A. Yes. All of the DSP self-leveling cements are pumpable and pourable.
  • Q. Is a primer necessary prior to pouring DSP Self-leveling compounds?
  • A. Yes, all surfaces must be primed with DSP 500 Primer prior to installation of DSP Self-leveling Underlayments. DSP 500 is a unique, multi-purpose, primer and bonding agent recommended for use over a variety of substrates (including porous and non-porous). Please refer to the DSP 500 Primer mixing guide for proper ratios.
  • Q. How can the primer be applied?
  • A. The DSP 500 Primer can be applied by spray, soft bristled push broom or a short nap roller.
  • Q. What color is the primer and how do I know when it is dry?
  • A. The primer is milky white in color during application and dries clear.
  • Q. Will DSP Underlayments support the growth of mold or mildew?
  • A. No. DSP Underlayments are cement based and therefore do not promote mold or mildew growth.
  • Q. Are DSP Underlayments gypsum-based?
  • A. No, all the DSP Underlayments are cement based.
  • Q. Do you have to wait 28 days after the concrete is poured before pumping/pouring DSP self-leveling products?
  • A. No. DSP Self-leveling Underlayments can be applied to new or moist concrete as soon as the slab reaches a relative humidity level of 95% or lower.
  • Q. What are the minimum and maximum substrate temperatures when pouring DSP self-leveling cements?
  • A. Minimum of 43F and maximum of 77F.
  • Q. How much working time do you have with DSP Self-leveling Underlayments?
  • A. With the DSP Underlayments, you typically have 15-20 minutes of working time. However, lower temperatures and high humidity will extend working times and high temperature and low humidity will reduce working time.
  • Q. Do you have to mechanically prep the floor (i.e. shot blast, grind, etc.) before using DSP self-leveling products?
  • A. For the majority of applications the answer is NO. However, if the concrete is not clean, sound and free from contaminants, mechanical surface preparation may be necessary.
  • Q. Are there any finished floor products or decorative wear surfaces available in the DSP product line? If so, what colors are they available in?
  • A. Yes. DSP 530 Ultra Wear Surface / Underlayment is available in both gray and white. Additionally DSP 530 can be can be stained or integrally dyed to obtain a wide variety of colors.
  • Q. What is the shelf life of the DSP self-leveling products?
  • A. All of DSP self-leveling cements have a shelf life of 6 months from the date of manufacture.
  • Q. Can forced air be used to accelerate the drying of the DSP 500 primer?
  • A. Yes.
  • Q. Can forced air be used to accelerate the drying of DSP self-leveling compounds?
  • A. Absolutely not. Forced air will wick moisture, critical in the hydration process, off the surface of the product and will prevent the cement from reaching its specified design.
  • Q. How thick can you pour DSP products?
  • A. You can pour up to 1 1/2” with any DSP self leveling product and up to 5” with the addition of aggregate.
  • Q. Can you pour multiple lifts with DSP self-leveling products?
  • A. Yes, however, you must prime with DSP 500 in between lifts.
  • Q. How long before the DSP cements become walkable?
  • A. All of the DSP products are walkable within 2-4 hours, depending on drying conditions.
  • Q. Can the DSP products be used with radiant heat floors?
  • A. Please consult your DSP representative for the appropriate product recommendation.