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Shaw
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Self-levelling screed poured over underfloor heating pipes

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Self Levelling

We specialise in self-leveling screed solutions, providing a flawless, even surface for all types of flooring installations.

At Shaw Contractors, we specialize in self-leveling screed solutions, providing a flawless, even surface for all types of flooring installations. Whether you're preparing for tiles, vinyl, hardwood, or industrial coatings, our high-performance self-leveling screeds ensure durability, strength, and a perfectly smooth finish.

Seamless, Smooth, and Precision-Leveled Floors

Self-leveling screed is a high-flow, cementitious compound designed to create a smooth, even surface over concrete subfloors. Unlike traditional screeds, self-leveling screed spreads effortlessly, filling dips and imperfections without the need for extensive manual leveling. This makes it an ideal solution for both residential and commercial flooring applications.

Why flatness matters

Modern floor finishes are less forgiving than they used to be. Large-format tiles, thin vinyl and laminate planks, engineered wood and seamless finishes such as microcement and resin all reveal what lies beneath them. Even small undulations can lead to visible lippage, hollow spots, gaps or a finish that wears unevenly. A self-levelled base removes those variations, so the floor you chose looks and performs the way it should.

Where we use it

  • Apartments and maisonettes: correcting uneven floors during renovation before new flooring goes down.
  • Villas and penthouses: preparing large, open-plan areas for premium finishes.
  • Offices: flat bases for carpet tiles, vinyl and resin floors.
  • Retail and hospitality: smooth floors for shops, showrooms, restaurants and hotels, where the finish is constantly on display.

What self-levelling can and cannot do

Self-levelling screed is excellent at correcting minor dips, smoothing uneven or patched surfaces and creating a flat base for thin floor finishes. It is not a fix for everything. It will not cure a floor that is damp or moving, it is not a substitute for structural repairs, and because it finds its own level, it cannot create the falls a terrace or wet room needs for drainage. Where the difference in levels is large, a traditional screed is usually laid first and finished with a self-levelling layer. Being clear about this at the start means the right product goes in the right place, and the floor finish you have chosen is laid on a base that will not let it down.

Our process

  1. Assessment: we check the existing floor for flatness, moisture and any loose or damaged areas.
  2. Preparation: the surface is cleaned, cracks and holes are repaired, and edges and openings are sealed.
  3. Priming: a primer suited to the substrate is applied to improve adhesion and control absorption.
  4. Pouring and spreading: the compound is mixed, poured and spread to the agreed thickness, then treated to release trapped air.
  5. Curing and checking: the floor is protected while it cures and checked before the next finish is installed.

Why choose Shaw Contractors

Self-levelling is one step in a bigger flooring sequence, and we handle that sequence end to end. We lay traditional concrete screed where a thicker base or falls are needed, and we apply micro cement finishes that depend on a perfectly flat substrate. Keeping these stages with one contractor makes it easier to control levels, timing and quality.

We work on residential and commercial projects across Malta, from shell to furnished. Clients have praised our attention to detail, our commitment to meeting deadlines and our habit of leaving worksites clean and tidy.

Have an uneven floor to fix? Contact us and we will take a look.

Why self levelling works

  • Exceptionally flat floors

    Self-levelling compounds flow out under their own weight, filling dips and hollows to leave a smooth, even surface that is hard to achieve by hand.

  • Ideal for thin finishes

    Vinyl, LVT, laminate, engineered wood, resin and microcement show every imperfection beneath them, so a self-levelled base makes a visible difference.

  • Quick to install

    Because the material levels itself, large areas can be covered efficiently with minimal manual work, which helps keep the programme moving.

  • Works over existing floors

    Uneven concrete or old screed can often be corrected with a thin layer rather than broken out, saving time, mess and cost on renovations.

Power floating a sand and cement floor screed

Self Levelling: frequently asked questions

When do I need self-levelling instead of traditional screed?

Self-levelling is the better choice when the final floor needs to be very flat, for example under vinyl, laminate, engineered wood, resin or microcement, or when an existing floor needs correcting with a thin layer. Traditional screed suits thicker build-ups, covering services and laying terraces to falls. We often use traditional screed first and finish with self-levelling.

Can self-levelling screed be applied over old tiles?

In some cases, yes. The existing tiles must be firmly bonded, clean and free of grease, and the surface must be primed with a suitable product so the compound adheres properly. Loose or hollow tiles need to be removed first. We inspect the floor on site before recommending whether to overlay or strip back.

Is self-levelling screed suitable for outdoor areas or terraces?

Most self-levelling compounds are designed for internal use and for flat floors. Terraces, balconies and roofs in Malta need falls to shed rainwater, plus waterproofing beneath the finish, so they are usually better suited to traditional screed and a liquid membrane. We will advise on the right build-up for each area.

How soon can flooring be laid on self-levelling screed?

It depends on the product, the thickness applied and the conditions on site, since humidity and temperature both affect drying. Some areas can be walked on relatively quickly, but floor coverings should only go down once the surface is dry enough for that specific finish. We check the floor before handing over to the flooring trade.

Guides on self levelling

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