Product Details
ARDEX A 38
4-hour Drying, High-Strength Special Screed Cement
- Fast curing and quick overlay
- Walkable and ready for ceramic and natural stone coverings after 4 hours
- Ready for parquet, PVC, carpet, and other elastic and textile-based materials after 2 days
- 60-minute working time
- Dimensionally controlled binder system = minimal shrinkage and expansion stresses during setting
- Complies with TS EN 13813 standard, CT C40-FT class
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
ARDEX A 38: Rapid-Setting, High-Strength Screed Cement
ARDEX A 38 is a fast-setting, high-strength screed cement suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It allows for walking and ceramic/natural stone tile installation after 4 hours, and parquet/PVC/carpet installation after 2 days. With a 60-minute working time, it ensures minimal shrinkage and expansion stresses. It meets the CT C40-F5 class according to TS EN 13813 standards and is suitable for underfloor heating systems. Available mix ratios are 1:4, 1:5, and 1:6, with corresponding compressive and flexural strengths.
Usage Areas
Used as a screed for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Cures quickly and can be overlaid in a short time:
- Tiles, ceramics
- Natural stone and concrete slabs
- Elastic and textile floor coverings
- Parquet and other wooden coverings
Can be applied on:
- Thermal insulation boards
- Underfloor heating systems
- As bonded or floating screed
Allows for walking and covering with ceramics and natural stone tiles after 4 hours, and covering with parquet, PVC, carpet, and other elastic and textile-based materials after 2 days.
Packaging
25 kg kraft bag
Shelf Life and Storage
Can be stored for approximately 12 months in its original unopened packaging in dry and cool conditions, protected from sunlight and frost.
Mixing Ratio
By weight 1:4
- 25kg ARDEX A 38, 100kg 0-8mm sand, 6-11 liters water
By weight 1:5
- 25kg ARDEX A 38, 125kg 0-8mm sand, 6-11 liters water
By weight 1:6
- 25kg ARDEX A 38, 150kg 0-8mm sand, 6-11 liters water
The water and sand ratio may vary based on the moisture content of the sand.
Dry Powder Density
Approximately 1.0 kg/l
Fresh Mortar Density
Approximately 2.0 kg/l
Material Requirement
- For a 1:4 mix ratio: 3.7 kg powder/m²-cm
- For a 1:5 mix ratio: 3.1 kg powder/m²-cm
- For a 1:6 mix ratio: 2.6 kg powder/m²-cm
Working/Bucket Life*
Approximately 60 minutes
Open Time*
Approximately 20 minutes
Adjustment Time*
Approximately 5 – 15 minutes
Walkable*
Approximately 2 – 3 hours
Values calculated in laboratory conditions at +20°C temperature and 65% relative humidity. Environmental and weather conditions may alter these values. Higher temperatures and lower relative humidity shorten these times, while lower temperatures and higher relative humidity extend them.
Compressive Strength
For a 1:4 mix ratio, equivalent to CT-C40-F5 class:
- 25 N/mm² after 1 day
- 40 N/mm² after 7 days
- 45 N/mm² after 28 days
For a 1:5 mix ratio, equivalent to CT-C35-F5 class:
- 20 N/mm² after 1 day
- 35 N/mm² after 7 days
- 40 N/mm² after 28 days
For a 1:6 mix ratio, equivalent to CT-C30-F4 class:
- 15 N/mm² after 1 day
- 30 N/mm² after 7 days
- 35 N/mm² after 28 days
Flexural Strength
For a 1:4 mix ratio, equivalent to CT-C40-F5 class:
- 4.0 N/mm² after 1 day
- 4.5 N/mm² after 7 days
- 5.5 N/mm² after 28 days
For a 1:5 mix ratio, equivalent to CT-C35-F5 class:
- 3.5 N/mm² after 1 day
- 4.0 N/mm² after 7 days
- 4.5 N/mm² after 28 days
For a 1:6 mix ratio, equivalent to CT-C30-F4 class:
- 3.0 N/mm² after 1 day
- 3.5 N/mm² after 7 days
- 4.0 N/mm² after 28 days
Suitable for Underfloor Heating
Yes
Corrosion Behavior
Does not contain any substances that cause rust in metals.
EMICODE
EC 1 Plus – Very Low Emission
GHS/CLP Classification
GHS 05, Corrosive
Signal Word
Danger
GGVSEV/ADR Classification
None
Reaction to Fire Class
A1fl
IMPORTANT NOTE
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is prepared for general information purposes and does not constitute a definitive guide. For the most accurate and up-to-date information please refer to the product technical data sheets. For detailed information about product features, usage conditions, and application methods, we recommend consulting the ARDEX Turkey technical team. Before any application, obtaining expert advice on surface preparation and product selection will increase the success of the application.
How can I achieve a fast-setting screed for indoor and outdoor applications?
ARDEX A 38 is a rapid-setting screed cement that is walkable after 2-3 hours and ready for ceramic and natural stone tiles after 4 hours. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
What are the suitable applications for ARDEX A 38?
ARDEX A 38 can be used for tiles, ceramics, natural stone, parquet, PVC, carpet, and other elastic and textile floor coverings. It is suitable for thermal insulation boards, underfloor heating systems, and as bonded or floating screed.
How do I mix and apply ARDEX A 38 for optimal results?
Mix according to the specified ratio: 1:4, 1:5, or 1:6 with 0-8mm sand and 6-11 liters of water per 25 kg of ARDEX A 38. Apply the mixture at the same thicknesses as traditional screeds.
When can I tile or cover the screed with other materials?
You can tile with ceramics and natural stone after 4 hours and cover with parquet, PVC, carpet, and other elastic and textile-based materials after 2 days.
What is the shelf life and storage condition for ARDEX A 38?
ARDEX A 38 can be stored for approximately 12 months in its original unopened packaging, in a dry and cool environment, protected from sunlight and frost.
How can I achieve a fast-setting screed for indoor and outdoor applications?
ARDEX A 38 is a rapid-setting screed cement that is walkable after 2-3 hours and ready for ceramic and natural stone tiles after 4 hours. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
What are the suitable applications for ARDEX A 38?
ARDEX A 38 can be used for tiles, ceramics, natural stone, parquet, PVC, carpet, and other elastic and textile floor coverings. It is suitable for thermal insulation boards, underfloor heating systems, and as bonded or floating screed.
How do I mix and apply ARDEX A 38 for optimal results?
Mix according to the specified ratio: 1:4, 1:5, or 1:6 with 0-8mm sand and 6-11 liters of water per 25 kg of ARDEX A 38. Apply the mixture at the same thicknesses as traditional screeds.
When can I tile or cover the screed with other materials?
You can tile with ceramics and natural stone after 4 hours and cover with parquet, PVC, carpet, and other elastic and textile-based materials after 2 days.
What is the shelf life and storage condition for ARDEX A 38?
ARDEX A 38 can be stored for approximately 12 months in its original unopened packaging, in a dry and cool environment, protected from sunlight and frost.
How can I ensure my screed is walkable in a short time?
Using a fast-setting screed cement like ARDEX A 38 ensures the screed is walkable after just 2-3 hours, providing a quick solution for construction projects.
What is the best screed cement for underfloor heating systems?
ARDEX A 38 is suitable for underfloor heating systems, providing high compressive strength and quick setting times, making it an ideal choice for such applications.
How do I achieve a strong and durable screed for various applications?
ARDEX A 38 offers high compressive strength (up to 45 N/mm² with a 1:4 mix ratio) and is suitable for both bonded and floating screeds, ensuring a strong and durable screed for various applications.
Do you have any questions about this product?
You can ask your questions about this product by filling out our contact form.