Mapei Ultraplan and Novoplan are the SLU products tile contractors specifically ask for. Detroit Concrete installs Mapei SLU systems with the matched Mapei primer and the install discipline the spec requires. Where the project calls for Mapei specifically, we deliver Mapei specifically, no substitution. Every project starts with a free written estimate.
Mapei is the SLU product line most tile installers specify when the floor matters and the warranty needs to come from a system they know. Ultraplan handles feather-edge to substantial depth; Novoplan covers thicker pours and structural-spec applications. The Mapei primer and pour chemistry are calibrated together; using a generic primer breaks the bond.
We install Mapei SLU as the Mapei specialist, with the matched primer, the right product for the depth, and the cure protocol that delivers a substrate the tile installer can warrant their work on. Coordinate with adjacent Mapei waterproofing if moisture management is part of the substrate prep, and our broader Mapei services.
Compare with Ardex self-leveling if the project specifies Ardex instead; both are excellent systems and which-one-to-spec depends on the finish-flooring contractor's preference and project warranty path.
Recent work
How it works
How We Install Mapei SLU in Detroit
Confirm Mapei product
We confirm which Mapei SLU fits the project (Ultraplan vs Novoplan), the target depth, and the substrate condition with the finish-flooring installer.
Diamond-grind and Mapei prime
The substrate is diamond-ground to Mapei prep profile, contaminants removed, and the matched Mapei primer applied so the SLU bonds permanently.
Mix and pour Mapei SLU
Mapei SLU is mixed to manufacturer water ratio, poured across the floor, gauge-raked, and allowed to self-level. The working window is short; we move quickly to use it.
Cure and verify Mapei SLU
The pour cures to Mapei schedule, final tolerance is verified against the finish-flooring spec, and the substrate is handed off to the tile installer ready for next phase.
Tile trade coordination
Mapei Is the Tile Contractor's Comfort Spec
When the tile contractor on the project asks for Mapei specifically, it is because they trust the Mapei system warranty path for the tile install on top. We respect that spec, install Mapei to spec, and the tile trade gets the substrate they expect.
Coordinate with adjacent Mapei repair if substrate conditions require Mapei-compatible patching first, and across our broader brand specialty services.
Ultraplan vs Novoplan, tile-trade warranty, primer and coordination.
Ultraplan for feather-to-moderate depth pours; Novoplan for thicker pours and structural-spec applications. We pick based on the substrate condition and target depth confirmed with the finish-flooring installer.
Because they trust the Mapei system warranty for their tile install on top, and they have install experience with the Mapei substrate. Honoring the spec keeps the tile-install warranty intact.
Yes. The Mapei primer is calibrated to the SLU chemistry; a generic primer or no primer voids the system warranty and risks delamination. We use the matched primer always.
Not typically; Mapei SLU is designed as substrate for finish flooring. For polished-as-finish projects, a different product family is the right call.
Per Mapei spec, typically within a day or two depending on product and depth. The tile installer's spec also matters; we coordinate the cure handoff with them.
They installed Mapei to spec, including the matched primer. My tile install warranty stayed intact, which is why I keep requesting them on projects with Mapei specced.
Z. B6
Tile Contractor, Detroit
★★★★★
Mapei was on the spec sheet from the tile trade. They sourced and installed Mapei, not a substitute. Tile install went cleanly, no callbacks. Spec respect matters.
Y. B6
GC, Warren
★★★★★
Multiple buildings with Mapei substrate for high-end tile install. Consistent quality across all of them, tile trade approved each substrate without complaint.
Q. B6
Property Developer, Ann Arbor
★★★★★
They explained why the tile contractor's Mapei spec mattered for warranty path. Installed accordingly. Real awareness of trade coordination.
X. B6
Custom Builder, Sterling Heights
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