Description Product Overview ARDEX A 38 is a rapid set screed cement formulated for high-performance floor construction where time and reliability are critical. Designed for use as a bonded, unbonded, or floating screed, it delivers a dimensionally stable finish with minimal shrinkage, reducing the risk of cracking and movement. This makes it suitable for both internal and external applications across a wide range of flooring systems. The system is engineered to accelerate project timelines, allowing early foot traffic and fast installation of floor coverings. ARDEX A 38 is particularly suited to moisture-sensitive finishes, providing a stable base that supports consistent performance across commercial and residential projects. It is commonly used in conjunction with graded aggregate to achieve required screed thickness and strength, making it a flexible solution for trade professionals. Key Features Rapid set screed cement for fast-track installations Dimensionally stable with low shrinkage and reduced cracking risk Suitable for bonded, unbonded, and floating screed applications Internal and external use capability Compatible with moisture-sensitive floor coverings Can be walked on and tiled in as little as 8 hours High early strength development for faster return to service Suitable for use over underfloor heating systems Applications Bonded screeds over prepared concrete substrates Unbonded screeds over slip sheets or insulation layers Floating screeds including heated floor systems Preparation for tiles, natural stone, terrazzo, and parquet Subfloors for resilient and textile floor coverings Commercial, residential, and industrial flooring projects Notes Mix 20kg of product with approximately 100kg of graded aggregate for screed applications Add approximately 9.5–11 litres of clean water per mix depending on conditions Working time is approximately 60 minutes depending on temperature and site conditions Apply bonded screeds wet-on-wet over a suitable slurry bonding coat Minimum thickness: 15mm bonded, 35–40mm unbonded Ensure substrate is mechanically prepared, clean, and free of contaminants Allow approximately 8 hours before foot traffic and tile installation Install in bays to manage shrinkage and movement Additional Information This product delivers compressive strengths of approximately 20 MPa after 1 day, increasing to around 35 MPa at 28 days, providing long-term durability under load. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} It is supplied in 20kg bags and typically used in combination with a 0–4mm aggregate to achieve the required screed structure. Coverage is approximately 6.5m² at 10mm thickness when mixed with aggregate, depending on site conditions and application method.
