Self-leveling mixture is the ideal solution for fast floor leveling

In any room, and especially in the residential, before you begin to lay the finish coat (linoleum, carpet, parquet, laminate, ceramic tiles) it is necessary to perform a preliminary leveling of the floor. If this is not done, then in the future tiles, laminate or parquet are necessarily cracked, and the funds spent for their acquisition will be simply thrown to the wind. The alignment can be done in several ways, the simplest of which is the use of a self-leveling mixture, especially since the modern construction market is just full of various kinds of this product.

Selection of self-leveling compound

The self-leveling mixture is represented mainly by two types - cement-based and gypsum-based. The thickness of the coating with the cement mixture is usually from 2 to 50 mm. A gypsum variety is used if the layer of the future filler floor is between 20 and 100 mm thick. Cement compositions have a higher cost, but they dry out much faster than gypsum. When choosing the right mixture, one should start from specific conditions. In extreme cases, you can combine, using the best option for each room. The main thing is not to forget to establish a compensation gap in the place of their joining.

As for the manufacturer, in the construction market, the most common brands are Knauf, Horizon, Ceresit, Volma-Leveler-Express, Vetonit. The self-leveling mixture from each manufacturer has its own characteristics, application conditions, specific additives, etc., which are indicated on the package. Again, in order to make the right choice, one must proceed from concrete conditions.

Screed floor self-leveling compound

Before proceeding to leveling the floor , it is necessary to prepare a work surface. To do this, you need to get rid of weak fragments, repair all cracks, cleanse of fat spots, dust and dirt. The self-leveling mixture is applied to the pre-primed surface. If necessary, the primer can be applied several times. With repeated priming, it is necessary to allow the previous layer to dry for two to three hours.

The next step is preparing the working solution. Do this by adding the mixture to the water, but by no means the other way around. Stir the solution better electric drill with a special nozzle until the mixture is completely dissolved, preventing the formation of lumps. It is very important to observe the correct proportions of the mixture and water, which are specified by the manufacturer on the package. Too thick a self-leveling mixture will flow poorly, and too liquid will lead to a decrease in the strength of the future coating. Usually a 25-kilogram bag takes about 7 liters of water.

Now it remains to pour the finished solution on the floor and walk along it with a special needle roller. This is done in order to level the solution on the surface of the floor and get rid of air bubbles.

Here, in fact, that's all. It remains to wait, when the mixture finally dries and you can proceed with the laying of the finish coat. Usually it takes two weeks. You can walk on the newly filled surface in six hours.

Recommendations for the use of self-leveling mixtures

1. The work must be carried out in a closed room at a temperature of +10 ... + 25 ^о С and at a humidity of not more than 95%.
2. Do not allow drafts and direct sunlight on the mixture during its drying.
3. Since the finished self-leveling mixture has a limited use time (no more than 40 minutes, after which it can not be used), all work is best done together - one stirs the solution, and another pours and aligns.