How to make a self-leveling floor on a concrete screed (slab) with your own hands

Creating a self-leveling floor on a concrete screed might sound like a daunting task, but it"s actually a project that many DIY enthusiasts can tackle with confidence. This type of flooring not only provides a smooth and durable surface but also enhances the overall look and feel of your space. Whether you"re updating a living room, kitchen, or garage, a self-leveling floor can be a game-changer.

Being prepared is essential for a self-leveling floor to work well. If you properly prepare your concrete slab, the self-leveling compound will adhere well and produce a perfect finish. This entails giving the surface a thorough cleaning, patching any holes or cracks, and using an appropriate primer. You’ll avoid headaches in the future if you take these steps seriously.

It’s easy to mix and pour the self-leveling compound once your slab is ready. Although the manufacturer’s instructions must be strictly followed, the general procedure is to mix the compound to the proper consistency, pour it over the slab, and spread it evenly. A uniform surface can be achieved with the aid of tools such as a gauge rake and a smoothing tool.

When the process is drying, patience is essential. For the compound to set and cure properly, a long-lasting and sturdy floor is required. This can take several hours to several days, depending on the product you use. Your self-leveling floor will be prepared for any kind of flooring, including hardwood or tiles, once it has cured.

An enjoyable do-it-yourself project is creating a self-leveling floor on a concrete screed with the appropriate supplies and a little know-how. It makes uneven surfaces into smooth, polished floors, enhancing the aesthetics and marketability of your house. So prepare to build a floor that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional by rolling up your sleeves, gathering your tools, and starting.

Floor leveling

Considerations for selecting a self-leveling concrete floor include the room’s intended use, the state and caliber of the base, and potential effects (both mechanical and chemical).

Prior to pouring, surface imperfections must be fixed and any grease stains must be eliminated. Inadequate surface preparation causes flaws in the final coating to show up.

Putty is used to fill small cracks; an epoxy resin-based mixture is used to seal larger ones. You don’t need any specialized knowledge, so you can complete the task on your own.

Preparation

A top-notch base is essential when installing a self-leveling floor on a concrete slab. The coating may collapse or distort if the technological requirements are not fulfilled and it is not properly prepared.

With a unique sealant, existing shrinkage, temperature, or other joints are sealed. Concrete bases and cement-sand screeds can be primed and are porous materials that readily absorb moisture. Primers are applied to cracks, and then fiberglass is glued in place.

The old concrete base’s top layer is removed, the surface is sanded, and chips and potholes are sealed. Using an industrial vacuum cleaner, the base is cleared of dust and any remaining dirt or oil stains.

Pouring concrete screed

When the base is fully ready, the installation of a self-leveling concrete floor can start.

1. Waterproofing is carried out in several ways. Regardless of the chosen method, the film must be laid overlapping, construction seams are fixed with construction tape.
2. Thermal insulation prevents energy loss. The insulation begins to be laid from the far corner, and the joining seams are fixed; the perimeter along the walls is glued.
3. When installing beacons, cement mortar is used to fix aluminum guides. The distance between beacons should not be greater than the size of the rule.
4. Concrete for pouring is mixed in small portions (to avoid setting while working with the previous batch). They begin to apply the solution from the far corner, using the rule they pull it along the beacons.
5. After pouring, you need to go over the screed with a needle roller.
6. A polyethylene film is laid on the prepared screed, leaving the concrete floor to gain strength.

Pouring methods

Pouring techniques vary depending on the base:

1. On a concrete base. The pouring acts as a finishing coat. The permissible layer thickness is no more than 15 mm. First, the surface is prepared: it is sanded and primed; additional finishing work is not required, but it must be smooth. After drying, it is painted or varnished.
2. Self-leveling concrete floors on a cement screed. With the help of the mixture, not only the screed is leveled, but also existing defects are eliminated. It is important that the screed is dry.
3. On a wooden base. The correct choice of the mixture brand is of great importance. The wood must be strong, not creaking. It is necessary to remove the old coating, seal the joints with the walls with polystyrene tapes. The surface is primed, the seams between the boards are putty.
4. On tiles. They are cleaned, those that are weakly held are removed, degreased. Primed to ensure adhesion.

The pouring technology is unaffected by the method chosen; however, the following conditions must be fulfilled:

• start work from the far corner in the direction of the exit;
• do not rely on beacons;
• move the rule in a zigzag pattern;
• do not leave a lot of unleveled mixture on the floor;
• observe the proportions when mixing the solution;
• cover the surface with polyethylene film after pouring is complete.

Self-leveling flooring on a concrete screed is an easy DIY project that can significantly enhance the appearance and longevity of your floors. The self-leveling compound must be mixed and poured, the existing concrete surface must be prepared, and a smooth, even finish must be ensured. Without hiring a contractor, you can accomplish professional results with the right supplies and a little perseverance. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to easily turn your concrete slab into a perfect, level surface by following each step.

Calculating the composition of concrete

You can use an online calculator to determine the quantity of materials needed while accounting for the room’s area and the layer’s thickness. The following formula can also be used to calculate:

• length of the room – L;
• width – S;
• layer thickness – P;
• required amount of mixture – G.

You can use this formula to determine the necessary mixture volume. You must know the packaging’s stated consumption per 1 m2 in order to determine the quantity of bags.

They frequently record the mixture consumption for a 1 mm layer thickness. The value obtained is multiplied by five when a thickness of five millimeters is needed.

Types of polymer self-leveling floors

Polymer mixtures are the best option if the floor covering must withstand mechanical and chemical forces. There are multiple groups that represent them.

Polyurethane

These floors are long-lasting—they endure for over 20 years. High wear resistance, heat resistance (they can tolerate both high and low temperatures), and resistance to petroleum products, acids, and alkalis are some of their distinguishing qualities.

• ability to withstand high physical loads and mechanical damage;
• no emission of harmful substances during operation;
• no dust formation;
• the possibility of using design solutions (which specialists offer not only in Moscow, but also in other cities).

Polyurethane coatings can be applied to any type of property—from homes to warehouses—and even places without roofs.

Epoxy

Their strong resistance to mechanical loads, chemicals, and moisture is what makes them unique. They are not harmed by oils, solvents, acids, or alkalis.

Utilized inside environments. Ideal for spaces requiring a high degree of mechanical and chemical resistance as well as high humidity.

The materials in the epoxy resins give the coating its resistance. The concrete base is consistently protected by the smooth, long-lasting coating.

Epoxy-polyurethane

This kind emerged during the polyurethane (durable and elastic) and epoxy (wear-resistant) component synthesis. Because of its durability, the final composition can be utilized in areas with heavy physical loads, such as parking lots and platforms.

Methyl methacrylate

Compared to other flooring types, this one is less common. Special technology needs to be used during the installation process, and the work must be done at a minimum temperature of +8°C.

Large rooms are a good fit for this option because it levels the entire screed with the use of a methyl methacrylate mixture. Although this kind of self-leveling floor is susceptible to chemical effects, it can tolerate low temperatures and moderate mechanical loads.

The strong smell of the methyl methacrylate filler goes away as it polymerizes. The room must have adequate ventilation while the self-leveling floor is being installed and until it dries completely.

• high strength;
• moisture resistance;
• rigidity;
• resistance to abrasive compounds.

Mineral self-leveling floors

This self-leveling floor’s mixture consists of:

• cement;
• mineral fillers;
• modifiers.

Mineral self-leveling floors are not used as finishing coats because of their low wear resistance to loads. They are appropriate for leveling after laying down:

• parquet;
• ceramic tiles;
• linoleum;
• laminate.

1. Basic. Used for leveling concrete or concrete-sand bases with unevenness differences of up to 8 cm. The thickness of this layer can vary from 1 to 8 cm.
2. Medium. It is used to level bases (cement-sand or concrete) with irregularities and differences of up to 3 cm. This layer is then leveled using a finishing compound.
3. Finishing. Used for final leveling of concrete and cement-sand mixture bases. A coating is laid on this layer.

Step	Description
1. Prepare the Surface	Clean the concrete slab thoroughly, removing dust, debris, and any loose materials.
2. Prime the Floor	Apply a primer to the concrete surface to ensure good adhesion of the self-leveling compound.
3. Mix the Compound	Follow the manufacturer"s instructions to mix the self-leveling compound to a smooth, lump-free consistency.
4. Pour and Spread	Pour the mixture onto the floor and use a trowel or spreader to distribute it evenly across the surface.
5. Let it Set	Allow the self-leveling compound to set and cure according to the manufacturer"s recommendations before walking on it.

A self-leveling floor installed on a concrete screed is a project that can completely change the layout of your home. Without hiring a contractor, you can accomplish a smooth, polished finish with the appropriate supplies and a little perseverance.

Start by giving your concrete slab a thorough cleaning. To get rid of any grease, dust, or debris, clean the surface. To guarantee optimal results and proper adhesion of your self-leveling compound, fill in any gaps or fractures.

After preparing the surface, combine your self-leveling compound as directed by the manufacturer. Using a trowel or spreader, distribute it evenly over the floor. The compound will level off on its own accord, leaving a smooth, level surface.

Before putting in new flooring or walking on the floor, let it dry completely. To guarantee the robustness and longevity of your new floor, this step is essential.

You can create a lovely, level floor that improves the look and use of your space with a little work and attention to detail. Take pleasure in the better appearance and feel of your house as well as the satisfaction of finishing this project alone.

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