Everything You Need to Know About Self Leveling Concrete

Concrete floors are prevalent in homes or places of work. One thing you must have noticed that though they look magnificent, they are mostly uneven. Concrete floors are not flat in general, but if you want to make sure you get the perfect flat finish, you need to do floor leveling. It involves laying down the concrete floor in a professional manner so that there are no bumps in between. Self leveling concrete is a great option for concrete flooring.
Concrete Floor

The Reason Behind Uneven Concrete Floors

There are numerous reasons which can cause uneven concrete floors. Two of the main reasons are cracking and moisture. When you are placing a new floor or repairing or replacing an old floor, make sure to level it. The right preparation, along with the best modern techniques and equipment, will lead to a perfectly leveled floor. The process can take up to two days to complete, however, this depends on the size of the area.

Self Leveling Concrete Floors for DIY Flooring

Nowadays, a lot of people prefer to do concrete floor leveling themselves. In such cases, self leveling concrete can become handy. If you are preparing to repair the concrete floor yourself, make sure to check it with a spirit level. The concrete floor that is less than 5mm out of level is ideal for using a self-leveling specific compound.

Marking the Higher and Lower Points

Before you proceed, it is essential to mark the high and low spots on the floor for repair purposes. Check for the concrete bumps, dips, cracks, and other problems. Mark the issued with a chalk or pencil. Now sweep the floor with a level to see if you have missed any issues with the floor.

Different Types of a Self Leveling Concrete Compound

You can find two main types of self leveling concrete in the market. The first option has a latex liquid container separate from the powder, and you have to mix the concrete with it to form the compound. The second type of powder has the latex compound mixed in it. As soon as you add water, the compound becomes ready for the job. If this is your first time with the self leveling concrete compound, it is better to use the second option to ease the process.
Self Leveling Concret

The Process of Laying Down A Self-Leveling Floor

  • Clean the surface: First of all, remove all the furniture and clean the surface properly to remove any debris.
  • Seal the cracks and dips: Before you lay down the concrete compound, make sure to fill all the cracks and seal them properly with concrete.
  • Apply the primer: Now, using a soft-bristle push broom, spread the primer evenly on the entire surface. Leave it for up to 24 to 48 hours to dry, depending on the weather conditions and the primer you used.
  • Prepare the compound: Using a mixing paddle, mix the compound until you get the right consistency. Make sure not to mix more than one bag at a time, as you will only get 15-30 minutes to pour it. It is better to have a partner while laying down the concrete so that one can prepare the compound and the other can pour it immediately.
  • Let it dry: Once you have laid down the floor, let it dry for at least 24 hours.

Benefits of Using Self-Leveling Concrete  

  • It is a polymer-based compound and does not require a lot of water for correct placement.
  • It provides smooth and flat surfaces.
  • The compressive strength is very high.
  • It can be used on wood, plywood, concrete, ceramic, and other types of floors.
  • It is ideal for both commercial and private properties.
  • It is quick and easy to install.
  • It does not cause any allergic reaction.
Finally, we can say that self leveling concrete is one of the best ways of laying down a cost-effective concrete floor. It is highly durable and has high compressive strength. You can easily install it by following the simple instructions mentioned above. Because of its durability, it is ideal for both private and commercial properties.
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