FAQ’s
- Q?Do I need to know anything about gypsum concrete when I contact you?
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A.
Absolutely not, we are more than happy to consult with you and discuss the merits of gypsum concrete versus regular concrete for your project.
- Q?I thought it is called Gypcrete. How is Gypcrete different from gypsum concrete?
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A.
There is no difference. Gypcrete is a specific brand name of gypsum concrete, just as Kleenex is a specific brand name of facial tissues. We work with USG Levelrock, a company that’s been around for over 100 years and provides exceptional products.
- Q?Can I apply gypsum concrete myself?
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A.
No, Levelrock allows only authorized applicators like Orr Concrete to purchase products and apply gypsum concrete so that your project is completed quickly and professionally.
- Q?I’m interested in heated floors. Does gypsum concrete work with in-floor radiant heating?
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A.
Yes! The product we use is Levelrock RH, which is specifically formulated to work perfectly with radiant heating. Gypsum concrete is an excellent medium for heat transfer as well as maintaining heat. Furthermore, gypsum concrete rarely develops cracks in heated floors, as opposed to regular concrete.
- Q?Does my job site need to be heated?
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A.
Yes, in order for the gypsum concrete to set properly, the job site needs to stay at or above 45 degrees during the pour and for up to 3 days afterward.
- Q?Is there anything else I need to consider?
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A.
In order to apply gypsum concrete, there needs to be water at the job site (5-8 gallons/minute) or an additional charge will be incurred. Site must be clean and free of any loose material on the subfloor, all block-outs installed and holes filled in the subfloor. A staging area for sand and mixing and pumping operation must be provided off of any roadways, as well as a cleanout area to wash equipment at end of pour.
- Q?How long do I have to wait before walking on my new floor?
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A.
Levelrock floor underlayments do not need to cure like concrete; instead, they hydrate (set) and gain strength much quicker than concrete. The drying time is typically 90 minutes for light traffic and certain trades can begin work 24 hours later.
- Q?When do I use concrete versus gypsum concrete?
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A.
Although certain decorative floor finishes require regular concrete, gypsum concrete has the following benefits:
-Significantly lighter dead load than concrete
-Fire resistant
-Sound rated with options for further soundproofing with sound attenuation mats
-Appropriate for nearly every floor treatment including hardwood, carpet, tile, laminate, stone
-For more options, we can use UltraArmor, an all-in-one Levelrock product that produces a finished floor surfaceBelow are three types of Sound Attenuation mats and UltraArmor gypsum concrete finished floor samples.
Clear (left) and Roasted Red Pepper (right) coatings.
