A New Floor Underlayer Arrives: Formulated Materials and CombiMix Bring Faster, Tougher Calcium Aluminate Prep to North America

A practical fix for tight schedules: what the deal is and why it matters now

Formulated Materials and CombiMix have agreed to bring a calcium aluminate self-leveling underlayment to job sites across the United States and Canada. The partnership aims to offer contractors an alternative to slower, more moisture-sensitive gypsum or traditional cement underlayments. The key pitch is simple: a product that lets floors be walked on and finished sooner, that stands up better to damp conditions, and that reduces the risk of rework on busy commercial and multifamily projects.

The timing matters because contractors and developers are under pressure to deliver projects faster and with fewer surprises. Schedules have tightened, and the industry has been looking for materials that shorten the wait time between a pour and finish work without compromising durability. This partnership promises a practical option for builders who prioritize speed and long-term performance in interior slabs and toppings.

What calcium aluminate self-leveling underlayment actually does

At its core, this is a floor-prep product you pour over a concrete slab to create a smooth, level surface before installing finished flooring. Compared with gypsum-based mixes and ordinary cementitious toppings, calcium aluminate chemistry changes how the material sets and behaves.

For everyday users, the biggest differences are about time and toughness. Calcium aluminate mixes generally reach usable strength faster, which means trades can return to the space sooner. They also develop good long-term strength and hold up better against moisture that can soften gypsum layers or interfere with adhesives. That makes them a better fit in basements, below-grade spaces, or jobs where slab moisture is a worry.

Technically, the product is self-leveling — it flows and flattens itself to create a uniform plane — while curing to a firm surface that accepts many kinds of floor finishes. Contractors familiar with standard underlayments will recognize the workflow, but they can expect shorter wait times and fewer moisture-related headaches.

Where this will get used first: fast-track commercial and multi-family work

The most obvious applications are projects where schedule and durability matter most. Fast-track commercial builds, hotels, student housing and large multi-family complexes are the kinds of jobs that could benefit first. On those sites, being able to move from rough-in to finished flooring in days rather than weeks helps keep the whole schedule on track.

Contractors gain simpler sequencing because faster cures mean fewer trade overlaps and less need for temporary protection. Developers and property owners get fewer punch-list items tied to floor failures or moisture damage. Early adopters are likely to be general contractors and flooring contractors who already handle large-volume pours and who can standardize the product across many units or floors.

How the companies plan to get the product onto job sites

The two companies say the deal pairs Formulated Materials’ product and technical know-how with CombiMix’s distribution and local mixing reach. That setup aims to let the product be batched and delivered where it’s needed, with local support for jobsite batching, mixing and placement guidance.

Rollout is expected to begin in selected U.S. and Canadian markets in the coming months, with pilot projects used to gather feedback and refine installation instructions. The partners report plans to work through common specification channels so architects and specifiers can add the material to project documents as a recognized option.

How this fits into North America’s flooring and underlayment market

The product slots into a crowded but evolving market. Gypsum underlayments remain popular because they are easy to install and inexpensive, but they are sensitive to moisture and have longer wait times in many cases. Cementitious toppings are durable but can require longer cure schedules and sometimes won’t meet moisture thresholds required by some floor coverings.

Adoption hurdles include contractor training and comfort with a different chemistry, as well as ensuring the product is accepted by local code officials and specifiers. Supply-chain considerations and cost will also matter: contractors will weigh the faster turnaround against material and logistics costs. If the partners can keep pricing competitive and provide clear installation support, the product could win a steady foothold on jobs where speed or moisture performance is a priority.

What the companies are saying and the next steps

In their announcement, company representatives emphasized faster project timelines, reliable moisture performance and local support as the partnership’s core benefits. They said initial availability will focus on markets where early feedback can help finalize specifications and that demonstrations and pilot installations are planned soon.

Technical specifications and placement guides will be made available through the companies’ sales teams and product literature. For contractors and specifiers interested in trying the material, look for regional pilots, demos and the partners’ published data sheets in the coming months.

Sources

• prnewswire.com