Everything You Need To Know About Self Leveling Concrete For Flooring

Whenever you need to smoothen, raise, or repair flooring, self-leveling concrete is deemed to be a fast and cost-effective solution. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Self-Leveling Concrete?

Self-leveling concrete is a cementitious mixture, which is more like concrete in terms of functionality and looks. Generally, it is a mixture of polymer plasticizers, Portland cement and other ingredients.

Also known as a self-leveling underlayment, it is mostly used as an underlayment for tile, carpet, as well as other floorings. Since it easily flows, it also works well in radiant heating installations.

Self-Leveling Concrete Vs. Traditional Concrete

Unlike traditional concrete, self-leveling concrete has a high amount of polymers. These polymers are unique, and glue-like molecules are used to bond the substance together.

Furthermore, unlike regular concrete, this mixture flows easily and is much faster to set up. This is because it is mixed with water then pumped and spread evenly using a gauge rake. This way, the mixture will continue spreading evenly on the surface then level itself out eventually.

Traditional concrete needs lots of water to make it fluid enough for easy pouring. On the other hand, self-leveling concrete has great fluidity and doesn’t require large quantities of water.While self-leveling concrete is more expensive than traditional concrete, it is quite versatile and cost-effective. It can help homeowners avoid demolishing or replacing the damaged concrete. You can use self-leveling concrete to restore or rejuvenate a surface.

Pros And Cons Of Self-Leveling Concrete

Pros of Self Leveling Concrete

• Less mess and fuss since you’re less likely to overwater
• Stronger than traditional concrete
• Resistant to mould growth
• Dries pretty fast
• Forms a highly smooth surface
• Simple to use
• Unlikely to cause allergies

Cons of Self Leveling Concrete

• Since it dries pretty fast, you need to also be very fast.
• It may firmly stick to splashed surfaces or tools. Immediate cleaning is required to ensure there are no permanent stains.
• Doesn’t reinforce the underlayer, which means if something happens on the surface, the self-leveling concrete can loosen.

When Is It Best Used?

Self-leveling concrete is best used when a crack and a split can’t be fixed using regular concrete. It is used to smoothen flat spots or uneven concrete surfaces that are not too damaged to warrant a concrete replacement.

Additionally, self-leveling concrete can also be used as a standalone flooring material. It provides an industrial look and is durable enough to hold up to everyday wear and tear. You can use colouring additives to come up with beautiful finishes that complement existing decor.

Although this self-leveling concrete is more expensive than traditional concrete, it can be used as a cost-effective flooring solution for people who are on a budget. When applied properly, self-leveling concrete can be used to revitalise a floor that would otherwise require complete demolition.

Types Of Self Leveling Concrete

There are two major types of self-leveling concrete:

1. Acrylic Self Leveling Compound

The acrylic self-leveling compound is a mixture of cement powder and acrylic, liquid polymer, resulting in a floor that is resistant to abrasions and scratches and relatively elastic. However, it requires a longer time to dry up than the other type.

2. Water-Based Self Leveling Compound

A water-based self-leveling compound will use water as the lubricant, which creates more consistent surfaces than normal concrete. This type dries quite fast, in as little as 20 minutes. You can always buy the water-based self-leveling compound in powder then mix it with water to form concrete.

How To Install A Self Leveling Concrete

Self-leveling concrete is quite simple to install. However, to ensure the underlying structure and flooring are durable and safe, you may need professional or trained personnel with a quality experience.Without comprehensive knowledge, you can make a considerable mess that can make a damaged surface even worse. However, if you choose to engage in DIY concrete repair or installation, here are the steps you should follow;

1. Preparation

The surface needs to be well prepared to ensure it is clean and stable. The preparation step involves making sure there are no substantial cracks or joints and clearing out any debris.

Create a 1? X 2? lumber damns whose edges are wrapped in duct tape to ensure the self-leveling concrete won’t go to unwanted places.

Acclimate it to water and a temperature of 65-67 degrees Fahrenheit 24 hours before the concrete is used.

Floors need to be primed. While some self-leveling concrete may come with a primer, most of them don’t. Check on the specific product instructions to find what the most appropriate primer is for the type of floor you’re installing.

Ideally, concrete surfaces need to be cured for at least 28 days, all dirt, grease, or other adhesives removed, and the surface roughened to ensure proper adhesion.For plywood surfaces, you need to ensure a clean surface, fasten a metal or plastic lath every 4-6 inches, and create a 3mm gap between sheets before applying the self-leveling concrete.

2. Mixing

When it comes to mixing, the first thing is to ensure all the containers, tools, and water used in the process are clean. In a 5 gallon container, mix the self-leveling concrete with cool water using a 400-600 RPM drill for about two minutes. Avoid over mixing or overwatering the mix. If you see a white film, it means you have added too much water.

3. Application

When applying self-leveling concrete, the floor temperature needs to be between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are the steps you should follow;

Pour the product to the floor in a uniform manner.

Using a trowel, push the product to areas where they are not evenly covered. When more product is required over the existing application, wait for 24 hours before applying a second coat.

After 2 hours, the concrete should be well set and dried for foot traffic. However, you should wait for another 72 hours before you install flooring.

Tips For A Better Self Leveling Concrete Installation

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If any of the tips above tips conflict with the manufacturer’s instructions, go with their instructions instead.Get all the tools and supplies ready. It is advisable to buy more products than you need to ensure you don’t have to go to the store for more.

The mix ratio is crucial. Avoid adding more water when spreading the product.Avoid curing compounds. The HVAC should always be turned off, and the area should be exposed to direct sunlight.

Temperatures can affect how the concrete sets. Always ensure the temperature is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 to 29 degrees Celsius.Self-leveling concrete should not be used on surfaces that have an incline of more than 0.5%, as it will undermine how the product disperses.

Be careful not to pour more concrete than you actually need. If it happens, carefully scoop it and return it to the container.If there is a moisture problem, get a professional or visit ICRI for more information.

Precautions

Protective gear should be worn to avoid contact with eyes and hands.Prolonged contact with any part of the skin should be cleaned immediately.Inhaling the concrete can irritate the lungs. So, if you start sneezing or coughing, leave the room for fresh air.Only use the product within the first year of purchaseClean all the tools and containers immediately after finishing to avoid permanent stains.

When Shouldn’t It Be Used?

Most often than not, self-leveling concrete is not appropriate for outdoor applications. It is advised to only use it for interior flooring either as a subsurface for flooring or as a standalone surface.

The polymer mixed self-leveling concrete won’t cure well on a vertical surface, and it is only appropriate for horizontal surfaces. It is also not appropriate for areas where harsh chemicals or heavy machinery will be used. Despite its excellent durability, self-leveling concrete won’t hold up well in harsh conditions.