EDILTECO LAUNCHES LA CHAPE XXS® DUAL TECH: LIGHTWEIGHT SCREED WITH ADJUSTABLE CONSISTENCY

Edilteco introduces the new version of LA CHAPE XXs®, the lightweight fibre-reinforced low-thickness screed. Thanks to DUAL TECH technology and an upgraded formulation, on-site teams can now choose between traditional float-finished application and self-levelling fluid application by simply adjusting the water dosage: one product in a bag, two application technologies.

One screed, two application technologies: introducing LA CHAPE XXs® DUAL TECH

Edilteco expands its floor-system portfolio with LA CHAPE XXs® DUAL TECH, an evolution of the lightweight fibre-reinforced low-thickness screed already known on the market. The novelty is not just in the name: an upgraded formulation now allows the consistency of the mix to be managed directly on site, with a choice between traditional float-finished application and self-levelling fluid application, starting from the same product in a bag.

A solution designed for designers and contractors looking for operational flexibility without multiplying products in stock, while preserving the well-established performance of Edilteco's lightweight fibre-reinforced screed.

What changes compared with LA CHAPE XXs®

LA CHAPE XXs® DUAL TECH inherits the technical identity of the original product – pre-mixed lightweight fibre-reinforced screed, low-thickness application (from 1 cm) – and enhances it with a new feature: the ability to choose the application mode at mixing stage.

The new formulation allows the product to be used in two ways:

• traditional mode, float-finished, with reduced water dosage;
• fluid mode, self-levelling, with increased water dosage according to data-sheet specifications.

In both cases cohesion, workability and finish quality remain at high levels.

DUAL TECH technology: how it works

In design and on-site practice, choosing a screed has always required a preliminary decision between traditional and fluid solutions. Traditional screeds offer control and precision in application but require longer times and more manual skill; fluid screeds favour speed and flatness but can be less adaptable in some operating conditions – for example with steep falls or complex geometries.

With DUAL TECH technology this binary logic is overcome. The same product can be used in either mode, simply by following the recommended water dosage. Consistency thus becomes a variable that can be managed directly on site, depending on the substrate, the intervention and the way the laying team is organised.

Composition and performance of the lightweight fibre-reinforced screed

LA CHAPE XXs® DUAL TECH belongs to Edilteco's new generation of lightweight screeds, with a composition based on cementitious binder, lightweight aggregates and fibres, integrated with fine-graded expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads (Ø ≤ 3 mm) pre-coated with the proprietary E.I.A. additive. Bead-by-bead pre-coating at the production source eliminates flotation and ensures homogeneous distribution within the mix, with a direct positive impact on the uniformity of in-place performance.

Key technical features:

• bulk density around 1,200 kg/m³, with weight reduction of up to 50% compared to a traditional screed of equal volume;
• compressive strength ≥ 12 N/mm² (12,000 kPa) in traditional mode, ≥ 10 N/mm² (10,000 kPa) in fluid mode;
• good flexural strength;
• fire-reaction class A2-s1,d0, suitable also for contexts with specific fire-safety requirements;
• installation thickness from 1 cm, particularly useful in renovation works with limited build-up height available.

The lightweight character makes the product particularly suited to interventions on existing slabs, load-sensitive structures and historic buildings, where containing static loads is a design priority.

Workability, finish and on-site times

The new formulation delivers a material that, depending on the chosen consistency, can be float-finished or left to self-level, in both cases retaining good cohesion and ease of handling.

This flexibility translates directly into a homogeneous, regular finish and into shorter execution times: rapid setting and drying allow, under standard conditions, direct laying of ceramic floor coverings as early as 24 hours after installation, with no need for a smoothing layer – significantly reducing overall site times.

Application areas

LA CHAPE XXs® DUAL TECH is designed for floor-system applications in both new construction and renovation, and in particular for:

• level adjustment and flatness correction;
• creation of slopes;
• low-thickness thermo-insulating underlayments;
• bonded or de-bonded screeds;
• interventions on timber, hollow-core or existing slabs where containment of static loads is required.

A single solution that simplifies on-site organisation

Perhaps the most significant aspect of DUAL TECH technology is not just the material's performance, but its impact on site organisation. Having a single product capable of adapting to different application modes allows users to:

• simplify materials management and reduce stock at the warehouse;
• standardise the training of laying teams;
• reduce operational complexity in the event of mid-project design variations;
• increase control over the final result, ensuring consistency across the different zones of the project.

In a context where construction sites demand growing efficiency and adaptability, the ability to vary the screed consistency without changing product is a tangible optimisation lever.

Technical FAQ

What changes between LA CHAPE XXs® and the new DUAL TECH version? The base composition remains similar, but the new formulation makes it possible to use the same product either in traditional float-finished mode or in self-levelling fluid mode, simply by adjusting the water dosage according to the data sheet.

How is the application mode selected on site? The choice is made at mixing stage by following the prescribed water dosage: lower dosage for traditional consistency, higher dosage for self-levelling fluid consistency.

Do mechanical performances differ between the two modes? Yes, in line with the different consistencies: traditional mode reaches compressive strength ≥ 12 N/mm², fluid mode ≥ 10 N/mm². Both values are appropriate for floor-system use according to EN 13813.

What is the minimum installation thickness? 1 cm, as for the previous version. This makes the product particularly suitable for renovations where the available build-up height is limited.

Which substrates can it be applied to? Hollow-core slabs, concrete slabs, properly prepared timber slabs and irregular substrates, both in bonded and de-bonded modes. For specific cases please consult Edilteco's technical department.

How long until floor coverings can be installed? Under standard conditions, ceramic floor coverings can be laid directly as early as 24 hours after installation, with no need for a smoothing layer. Times for other coverings (parquet, resilient) follow the indications in the technical data sheet.

What is the fire-reaction class of LA CHAPE XXs® DUAL TECH? Class A2-s1,d0, suitable for use also in contexts with specific fire-safety requirements.

Is it compatible with underfloor heating systems? Yes, it can be used as a covering layer in low-thickness radiant systems, in both traditional and fluid modes.