Self-leveling self-leveling cement flooring: technology, composition and recommendations

The device of a flat floor without defects is carried out by different methods. The classic and most common is the formation of concrete screed. The result is a relatively flat and at the same time strong floor, but according to modern requirements for planning and design it is not enough.

To more progressive methods it is possible to carry a bulk floor on a cement basis, which has the effect of self-leveling. Such coatings form an almost perfectly smooth surface, if strictly observe the installation technique.

General information about self-leveling floors

Self-leveling or self-leveling coatings are designed specifically for the decorative arrangement of floor coverings. In fact, they solve the problem of preparing a problem rough surface for the future laying of linoleum, carpet, laminate or other coatings that must be laid on a flat floor. The distinctive qualities of such mixtures include the polymer base and the ability to distribute evenly over the filling area.

In a calm state, the poured mass optimally spreads on the floor, forming a smooth surface. More importantly, the self-leveling floor on a cement basis and the strength characteristics corresponds to the same screed. But at the same time, in order to create a uniform coating, a minimum material consumption is required - in new premises with a small number of defects and defects it is quite possible to arrange layers with a thickness of 5 mm.

Some compositions are distinguished and decorative qualities, thus eliminating the need for subsequent laying of the same linoleum or laminating panels.

Composition of the mixture for the bulk floor

There are self-leveling mixtures that are self-sufficient and require only pouring water. But such a flooring technique is very expensive, although it provides the result of a coating of the highest quality. In most cases, a combination is used, a significant part of which is a cement base. It is not just a filler, but a full-fledged active component responsible for the viscosity of the mixture.

The second part consists of a multicomponent factory weight, which ensures both the ability to distribute evenly, and other already technical and operational qualities. In particular, the composition of the filler floor on a cement base can include mineral additives, polymer fillers, modifiers and fractional sand. Depending on the presence of some plasticizers and modifiers in the composition, the mixture can obtain such properties as insulation, sound insulation, fire resistance, frost resistance, etc.

Preparation of the solution

For the convenience of the operation, it is advisable to prepare in advance a construction mixer or a screwdriver that supports the work with attachments for mixing viscous solutions. Further, water is poured into the container - at the rate of 200 ml for 1 kg of the mixture. However, it is desirable to determine the proportions according to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, a bulk floor on a cement-based basis, "Starateli", involves pouring a 25-kilogram mass of 5-6 liters of water.

The mixture is mixed with the prepared tool until a uniform mass is formed. Further, it is necessary to wait until the chemical properties of the solution have obtained the proper quality for filling. Accurate data on consumption will be determined by the requirements for the floor and the characteristics of the particular mixture. If a high-strength floor is required, the thickness and, correspondingly, the mass flow will be increased. For thin 5 mm coatings, the consumption will be minimal.

Device technology

The entire workflow consists of three stages. Work begins with pouring the prepared mixture, during which the solution is distributed throughout the site. The second stage involves already manual alignment, which will help the natural process of mass distribution.

And at the final stage of the filling floor on a cement basis begins the process of solidification. At this stage, the user only needs to cover the surface of the future floor with a film in order to protect against the ingress of small foreign particles. And now it is worthwhile to consider in more detail the techniques for performing the first two stages of the filling device.

Filling the floor

Before pouring, it is necessary to clearly identify the boundaries of the site on which the mixture will be distributed. Sometimes for this purpose a mini-formwork made of wood with beacons is mounted. The mixture itself pours out so that as few bubbles form as possible - in the future they will have to be disposed of by a needle roller.

It is necessary to pour out immediately all the volume that was prepared for coating, since the delays are irrelevant and because of the rapid crystallization of the solution, and because the gaps in time between the fillings will negatively affect the formation of a uniform structure. If it is planned to use a cement-based bulk floor on a large site, it is desirable to select several points for the bay. This will facilitate the process of uniform coverage of the entire space.

Leveling activities

Although polymer mixtures are called self-leveling, it is desirable to facilitate the alignment process manually. But before this, it is necessary to make the structure of the filled mass compact. On the one hand, such measures allow you to rid the mixture of air bubbles, and on the other - to bring out foreign bodies.

As for tools, for such tasks use a vibropress. It is a machine that is compacted by high self-leveling floors on a cement basis. With your own hands, a similar operation at home can be done with the above-mentioned needle roller. Direct alignment is also made by rollers, but with a wide coverage area. Further, it remains to wait for complete crystallization of the stacked mixture and obtaining the necessary strength properties.

General tips for the technology of the device sex

Even at the stage of choosing the right composition, it is necessary to decide whether the finished coating will be finished or will create a basis for another decorative design. This will allow to more accurately determine and a set of performance properties of polymer flooring.

It should also be possible to install a "warm" floor. In case of its installation, the cement-based filler floor should be as thick as possible, so that a heat-insulating substrate remains in the lower part. Do not forget about the insulating qualities of the top of the coatings. After crystallization it is desirable to perform heat and sound insulation with special coatings. Waterproofing is realized through a film interlayer.

Conclusion

A rich set of advantages of self-leveling coatings in the eyes of inexperienced consumers can completely eliminate the choice of an alternative in the form of a traditional screed. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the disadvantages, which also characterize the filler floor on a cement basis. The price of 200-300 rubles. For a bag of 25 kg - one of the weak points of such decking. With the arrangement of large areas, the solution will cost much more than conventional cement mixtures. In addition, many consider lack of ecological cleanliness as a serious drawback.

In industrial enterprises, the same polymer fillers and modifiers do not have a special significance, however, in a residential house, constant contact with such a coating is not beneficial. But also private consumers can find application of such coatings, taking into account ecological nuances. So, the floor can be done in a garage or a workshop.