Failed screed repaired with a UZIN system for domestic LVT installation.

Failed attempt 1. A kitchen floor in partial renovation; the back half has dark tiles, while the front is covered with a patchy white smoothing compound. Bottles sit on a wall shelf, and a frosted glass door lets in light.

Failed attempt 2. A kitchen with white cabinets and wooden countertops, showing a newly laid, smoothing compound with pin holes and patches.

A WOLFF Samba grinding machine with a green top is grinding a bathroom floor near a toilet, shower, and bathtub, leaving visible circular cleaning patterns on the surface of the smoothing compound.

A bag of UZIN NC 888 S feather repair stands on a smooth, grey smoothing compound with pin holes, in a well-lit room with cream walls and a window with patterned glass.

A modern kitchen with cream cabinets and wood-patterned herringbone LVT flooring. Shadows and light create a warm, inviting atmosphere across the clean, tidy space.

The project involved the refurbishment of a domestic kitchen and bathroom in Rugby, Warwickshire.

Data

Building type	Residential and social housing (UK)
Date	01.08.2025

Overview

A refurbishment project for a domestic kitchen and bathroom in Rugby encountered significant subfloor issues following two unsuccessful screeding attempts. Initially, a builder overwatered a bag of smoothing compound to extend its use, resulting in a mottled, uneven surface. A tiler attempted to correct the issue by priming the surface and applying an additional layer of smoothing compound over the compromised screed. However, after this second application dried, numerous pinholes and defects emerged, rendering it unsuitable for the planned LVT (luxury vinyl tile) installation. At this stage, the client appointed Alex from Cawston Flooring in Rugby to resolve the issues. Using his WOLFF Samba grinding machine, along with a reliable UZIN product system, achieved a professional, durable result.

The challenge

The project involved the refurbishment of a domestic kitchen and bathroom in Rugby, Warwickshire, where a luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floor covering needed to be installed over an existing screed. By the time Cawston Flooring arrived, the surface showed extensive pin holes and irregularities. It turned out that the original screed had been covered with an over-watered smoothing compound, then overlaid with another smoothing compound using the wrong primer. Therefore, the surface showed poor adhesion potential. The homeowner required a long-lasting, attractive floor.

The solution and implementation

Alex began by carefully assessing the floor's condition. Using his WOLFF Samba grinding machine, he ground back the subfloor to remove the worst of irregularities, then vacuumed thoroughly to leave a clean, stable base. To correct remaining irregularities, Alex applied UZIN NC 888 S, a rapid-drying feather coat repair, to quickly skim over the smoothing compound, removing pinholes and creating a dense, smooth surface ideal for LVT. With the subfloor now flat and ready, he installed the LVT using UZIN KE 2000 S, pressure sensitive adhesive to ensure a strong, long-lasting bond.

The result

Despite the poor conditions and previous failed attempts at floor refurbishment, the combination of correct preparation and a carefully selected UZIN system transformed the floor. Thanks to Alex from Cawston Flooring and the combined use of WOLFF preparation equipment and UZIN products, a problematic and poorly executed screed was successfully converted into a robust, professional and attractive LVT installation. Glenn Fisher, the occupier, said, "We were really worried after two failed attempts at the floor, but Alex completely turned it around. The difference is unbelievable, the LVT looks fantastic and we now have the floor we originally hoped for."