Self-levelling compound on non-dried out concrete patch?

[blueharvester]

Is it safe to apply self-leveling compound to a concrete patch that is not fully dried out?

To cut a long story short, we had a leaky pipe AND a DPM issue so part of the floor had to be dug up (see photo). Because couldn't get a match for the tiles we also had to lift the entire 40m squared of downstairs floor tiles. Therefore, the tiler needs to pour self-leveling compound before re-tiling.

My question is - when the concrete is poured to fill the dug up areas (this is happening next week), how long should we wait before applying the self-leveling compound? Does the lower level concrete have to be fully dried out before self-leveling? My understanding is that it takes approx. 1 week for every 1 inch of concrete to fully dry out.

Please note - ideally we would really have liked to have had the floor self-leveled before the birth of our first baby in 2 weeks time, but we're not sure if this will even be possible!

Your thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

 

[crazydaze]

Ideally the subfloor should be fully dried out before screeding.

It is possible to use specialist products prior to screeding if the floor is not completely dry, you need to ascertain what screed product you will be using and consult the manufacturer as to what extra procedures are required to proceed with the work more quickly. This will add considerable cost to the job.

I would assume that any tiling installer will have come accross this situation many times before and be fully aware of the products that they prefer to use and the extra associated costs and means of measuring the residual moisture present in the floor. Surely the tiler should be giving you all the advice you require as he has the ability of seeing the floor/issues ?????? I'm suprised if the tiler is expecting you to be doing his 'legwork' here.

 

[blueharvester]

Yeah you're right my tiler will probably know, I'm just being overly cautious as usual! Thanks.