How to level floors under tiles?

Making sure the floor is absolutely level is one of the most important steps in the tile installation process. An uneven floor can cause grout lines to appear uneven, tiles to crack, and the finish to look unprofessional overall. A durable and aesthetically beautiful outcome depends on creating a smooth and level surface, whether you’re building from scratch or remodeling an existing area.

Various techniques exist for leveling a floor, contingent upon the kind and degree of irregularity. Self-leveling compounds are a useful tool for small adjustments because they spread easily and produce a smooth surface. Additional measures, such as the use of underlayment or even screeding, may be required for deeper dips and bumps.

We’ll look at the various methods and supplies available in this guide to level your floors beneath tiles. Everything from determining the state of the floor to selecting the appropriate supplies and equipment will be covered. These pointers will assist you in achieving a polished finish that will last for years, regardless of your level of experience with do-it-yourself projects.

The need for base planning

Ceramic tiles are currently very common and are laid extensively. Numerous benefits include its long service life, resilience, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and lack of need for special maintenance. Ceramics can be used in any kind of space and are resistant to mechanical impacts and high humidity.

To achieve superior leveling, you must apply a fresh layer of screed.

The best way to take advantage of all the benefits of the tiles is to lay them out on a level base, which is sadly not always possible in contemporary multi-story buildings. Defects and uneven floors have a negative impact on the quality of the tiled surface. Below the tiles, a floor screed is created in order to remove them.

About the consequences of errors

Situations involving home craftsmen who, lacking the necessary skills, independently attempt to level the floor, break work rules, or deviate from technology arise when performing repair work. Naturally, there are no catastrophic outcomes, but the tile covering’s service life will be greatly shortened.

In certain instances, ceramic tiles are placed unevenly in an effort to shorten the time needed for repairs and save money that would otherwise go toward buying necessary building supplies.

There are major repercussions from this strategy, which disregards the leveling technology’s requirements. The following are possible examples of how they manifest:

• the presence of significant height differences associated with the skewing of individual tiles, their poor-quality joining along the seam, as well as significant deviations in the sizes of inter-tile gaps;

The cement screed may be supplemented with expanded clay, lime glass, or other fillers to enhance its characteristics.

• violation of the high-quality adhesion of tiles to an uneven base with the possibility of their peeling off;
• reduction in the strength characteristics of the tiled floor;
• susceptibility of the floor to impact loads, point forces;
• significant increase in the need for glue to ensure the flatness of the surface;
• deterioration in the aesthetic perception of the ceramic floor.

The final cladding’s appearance and longevity are determined by how well the subfloor is prepared. In order to lay tiles, floor screed needs to be done responsibly and with specific skills, both of which we will go into detail about.

What can be used to plan the floor?

To ensure a flat surface of the floor base, you can use the following available mixtures:

• Dry screed, the basis of which is a mixture of sand with expanded clay fraction.
• Concrete mortar on a cement-sand base, allowing you to eliminate significant irregularities.
• Polymer-based self-leveling compounds that self-level during the hardening process and provide a high coefficient of adhesion to the base.

Let’s examine each technique.

You can get pre-made screed mixtures if you don’t want to look for sand and keep measurements.

Dry type of screed

It is possible to create floor screed beneath tiles by applying a dry mixture, enabling you to start facing tasks right away. When carrying out your work, follow these guidelines:

• seal all cracks on the floor;
• remove the remains of the previous surface coating;
• impregnate the floor with a special antiseptic or primer, which will provide additional protection from moisture, will not allow fungi and mold to develop;
• use a composition that is a mixture of expanded clay chips with sand;
• fill the mixture with a layer that completely covers all the protrusions on the floor;
• install a damper tape around the perimeter, which will compensate for the volumetric expansion of the mixture;
• compact the mixture, using a rule, plan the base;
• lay sheet wood fiber boards or plywood, on which, using an adhesive base, you can install tiles.

Making such a base has the following benefits:

• Increased level of sound and heat insulation of the room.
• Simplicity of the method.
• No need for expensive materials.
• Possibility of doing the work yourself in a limited time.

For a level floor beneath the tiles, a cement-sand screed is the least expensive option.

It’s essential to level the floors correctly in advance to guarantee a seamless and long-lasting tile installation. In order to create an even surface, this process entails evaluating the state of the floor, filling in low areas, and sanding down high areas. For do-it-yourselfers in particular, self-leveling compounds can make the process easier. In addition to improving the look of the tiles, a level floor stops problems like uneven wear and cracking in the future.

Cement-sand screed

It is common practice to use screed on a cement-sand base beneath the tiles. When working, adhere to the following order of steps:

• clean the floor surface from the remains of the old floor covering;
• cover the plane with a primer;
• install, if necessary, a waterproofing material;
• treat with an antiseptic, let dry;
• fill with concrete mortar, carefully distributing the mass in the corners of the room;
• compact the composition with a vibrator. When pouring concrete, focus on the level of the maximum protruding point of the floor surface, which determines the thickness of the screed layer;
• plan the screed with a rule;
• let the concrete dry for three days beforehand, protecting it from drafts and temperature changes;
• lay the ceramic tiles at least half a month after the start of work.

Keep in mind that the coating on tiles installed on a damp foundation may eventually peel off.

Make sure to prime the surface before installing the tiles.

Self-leveling compounds

You can quickly create a dependable monolithic floor base based on a polymer composition by using flowing mixtures that level themselves during pouring and hardening, creating a smooth surface. This kind of solution spreads easily over the surface and solidifies in three to five days.

One dependable and tested method of laying the foundation for tiling is to use dry building mixtures that are leveled after pouring, which enables you to plan the floor well.

The following categories apply to self-leveling compounds that are sold in specialty stores:

• Mixtures intended for rough surface treatment, smoothing out defects and height differences of up to 4 centimeters.
• Finishing compounds that are applied in a thin layer and guarantee a perfectly smooth floor.

The compound is provided in packages weighing 25 kg. By reviewing the recommendations provided by the compound’s manufacturer and referring to the packaging, you can determine the amount of material required. Let’s examine the steps involved in the preparation, the pouring procedure, and the supplies and equipment required in more detail.

Restore mixtures. They are employed to install reinforcement and seal large cracks and potholes.

Necessary tools

Before working with self-leveling compounds, get the following equipment ready:

• a container for preparing the self-leveling compound;
• a construction mixer or drill equipped with a special attachment that can adjust its rotation speed;
• scales and measuring containers for preparing the mixture;
• spatulas with a long handle and a working part width of at least 30 centimeters;
• a special needle-shaped roller that ensures effective removal of air pores that reduce the strength of the base.

Preparatory stage of work

The quality of the floor preparation for pouring determines how long the screed will last. When executing a series of actions to get the area ready for repairs, take the following actions:

• Free the premises from furniture, turn off electrical appliances, dismantle plumbing fixtures.
• Ventilate the premises and ensure the absence of drafts, temperature changes, and high humidity, which negatively affect the hardening process of the screed.
• Remove greasy, oily stains, construction waste, dust, as well as remnants of the coating that was before the repair.

Just pour the self-leveling liquid onto the ground, then use a wide spatula to distribute it evenly.

• Vacuum the surface.
• Fill cavities, cracks, potholes and chips with putty.
• Sand off excess dried primer using sandpaper.
• Treat the floor with a sealant or special impregnation, which will provide improved adhesion to the screed.
• Mark the height of the future screed (zero mark) using a water or laser level.
• If necessary, lay a metal mesh used for screeds thicker than 3 centimeters.

Pouring process

As you prepare the self-leveling compound and level the floor, pay attention to the order of steps and the following advice:

• prepare the mixture, following the manufacturer"s recommendations indicated on its packaging;
• use a special attachment installed on a drill with the ability to adjust the rotation speed;
• carry out mixing portionwise, in several steps, as the composition hardens quite quickly;
• pay attention to the consistency of the solution, which contributes to the optimal drying time. The mixture with increased viscosity lumps, and with insufficient viscosity – dries for a long time;

• distribute the composition in portions, starting from the farthest area and moving towards the exit;
• use a wide spatula for smoothing;
• remove air bubbles using a roller with a needle surface;
• do not get distracted while working, since setting occurs within 15 minutes after the start of pouring;
• smooth and distribute the solution in portions, forming a smooth surface;
• pour each portion before the previous one hardens;
• apply the solution up to 2 centimeters thick, which will ensure quick drying and the necessary strength;
• provide the opportunity for normal hardening of the mixture within 4 days, observing the temperature regime in the room.

You can start laying floor tiles as soon as the self-leveling composition has dried fully.

Step	Description
1. Inspect the floor	Check for uneven areas, cracks, and other imperfections. Clean the surface thoroughly.
2. Choose a leveling method	Select a suitable leveling compound or underlayment based on the floor"s condition and tile type.
3. Prepare the mixture	Mix the leveling compound according to the manufacturer"s instructions.
4. Apply the compound	Pour and spread the mixture evenly across the floor, filling in low spots and smoothing high areas.
5. Allow to dry	Let the leveling compound cure fully before proceeding with tile installation.

It is imperative to level floors prior to applying tiles in order to achieve a seamless and durable finish. Over time, uneven surfaces may cause tiles to loosen or crack, necessitating expensive repairs.

Sanding down high regions, filling in low spots, and cleaning the floor are the usual steps in the process. It’s critical to select the appropriate leveling compound for the type of floor you have and the space’s characteristics, including foot traffic and moisture levels.

By taking the time to level your floors correctly, you can increase the flooring’s overall durability and functionality in addition to improving the look of your tile installation. To get the best results, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, thorough planning is essential.

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