In private and industrial construction, self-leveling compounds have relatively recently begun to be used to level floor coverings. In the building materials market they can be called differently: self-leveling mortars, levelers, levelers, etc. At the same time, many consumers have difficulty choosing the appropriate mixture, and they ask for advice, which self-leveling self-leveling floor is better? This article will discuss in detail the types of materials and popular manufacturers of one or another composition.
What is a self-leveling mortar?
Before answering which floor leveler is best to choose, it is worth considering their main types, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the materials. Self-leveling mixtures are plastic solutions that tend to harden quickly.
Types of mixtures
There are types of self-leveling floors based on the composition of the material. This can be a gypsum or cement self-leveling floor:
Please note: Which self-leveling floor mixture to choose depends on where exactly you want to apply it. For open areas, cement-based levelers are more suitable, and for rooms where additional thermal insulation is needed, gypsum-based ones.
Types of floors
What is the best self-leveling floor mixture to buy? First of all, you should pay attention to the main goals of alignment. Depending on the task, the following types of self-leveling floors are distinguished:
- Rough mixtures. Most often they are used for rough work if the room has significant defects on the base. This type of material dries very quickly. If you want to lay it in a thin layer, you will have to take care of additional reinforcing tape;
- Finishers. High-quality thin-layer mixtures are quite expensive. But they form a durable coating. They are used as a final layer, the thickness of which should not exceed 4-5 mm. Please note that the solution dries very quickly, but complete hardening occurs a little later;
- Special solutions. Good compositions for eliminating minor irregularities. Their main advantage is excellent adhesion, which makes the layer very strong and durable;
- Heated floor solution. As a rule, such compositions are made on the basis of gypsum. They have good thermal insulation characteristics.
Which mixture is best for a self-leveling floor depends on the specific purpose of pouring the room.
Two-component formulations
Two-component solutions must be mixed before use in the required proportion Separately, it is worth considering the types of polymer floors in which the connecting elements are:
- Epoxy resin or methyl methacrylate. These samples of self-leveling floors are used, as a rule, for non-residential premises;
- Polyurethane. Most often used in private construction.
Such solutions are used as finishing coatings; their thickness does not exceed 5 mm. Like any other type of mixture, they have their pros and cons:
- The solution dries within 24 hours;
- The coating has excellent decorative properties;
- Under a layer of polyurethane you can place interesting ornaments or designs that suit the interior of the room;
- High strength materials.
- Not suitable for leveling significant unevenness on the surface;
- High cost of mixtures;
- Significant solution consumption: at least 1.5 kg per 1 sq.m.
Note: These types of polymer flooring materials are often used for finishing flooring. Due to the fact that the two-component mixtures include a dispersion of alcohol and polymer materials, the coating is very durable and wear-resistant.
Which self-leveling self-leveling floor to choose from this category largely depends on your taste preferences. After all, the technical characteristics of the materials are almost the same.
Main manufacturers
Before choosing self-leveling mixtures for the floor, it is worth considering the rating of the most popular manufacturers of building materials. After all, not every expensive composition is of high quality. To make the right choice of self-leveling flooring, give preference only to those companies that specialize in the production of mortars.
Vetonit
It is quite difficult to say which self-leveling floor is better, because much depends on the specific features of the room. If you want to create a highly durable coating in a short time, the products of this international company are just right for you.
Thanks to the use of special technological admixtures, dry compositions are very durable, capable of withstanding large dynamic loads. Vetonit produces a large number of mixtures, they differ in the hardening time of the solutions. Some of them can harden in less than a day.
Ceresit/Moment
Solutions from this manufacturer are intended for initial finishing of floor coverings. The mixtures are made on the basis of gypsum, so the layer thickness is relatively small (3-75 mm). However, the manufacturer himself does not recommend using them as a finishing material.
Tip: Ceresit CN-83 hardens very quickly, so it can be laid if you need to quickly carry out repair work. After the composition has hardened, it can be painted without pre-treatment.
Horizon
A domestic manufacturer that produces thin-layer products for finishing. Varieties of mixtures allow you to purchase compositions for repairing residential and industrial premises.
Knauf
The manufacturer produces the best self-leveling floor based on quartz sand and gypsum. It is used in rooms with adequate humidity. Substrates prepared using Knauf mixtures can be combined with finishing solutions from any manufacturer.
If you don't know which self-leveling floor to choose, pay attention to this manufacturer. In the field of gypsum compositions, it occupies a leading position, as evidenced by the positive reviews of many consumers.
Bolars and Volma
If you want to know which self-leveling floor is better in the budget segment, then these are products from Bolars and Volma. The first brand specializes in coatings that have good sound and heat insulation. Volma produces universal mixtures suitable for rooms with any level of humidity.
Comparing self-leveling floors will allow you to quickly decide on the choice of suitable materials. After all, now you know what types of self-leveling floors there are in terms of hardening time, composition and method of application. It remains to answer the question of how to choose the right self-leveling mixtures for the floor.
- Before choosing a self-leveling floor, you should decide on the type of room where you need to fill;
- With other identical characteristics (layer thickness, drying time, price, strength), give preference to compositions that are intended for “warm floor” systems. This will allow for thermal insulation in the room;
- Before using the materials, read the instructions, which will accurately indicate all the proportions, features of installation and operation of the coating;
- If you want to make a self-leveling coating in the bathroom, use mixtures based on cement or polymer. Gypsum solutions are not designed for contact with water;
- A practical and wear-resistant polyurethane composition is ideal for residential premises.
Self-leveling floor refers to a type of floor screed using self-leveling mixtures. This material provides clear advantages - it can be spread in a very thin layer of 2 mm, resulting in a perfectly flat surface suitable for laying flooring. Self-leveling floors are divided into universal and finishing. The last type is, in fact, the final floor covering itself. But such self-leveling floors have not yet become widespread. Despite this, we included the best universal and finishing self-leveling floors in the rating.
The best universal self-leveling floors
Thanks to universal mixtures, you can quickly and relatively easily level subfloors with many imperfections. The liquid solution fills all roughness, is evenly distributed and dries quickly, forming a smooth surface.
5 GLIMS S-Line
Possibility of use without beacons
Country Russia
Average price: 279 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
A fast-hardening, non-shrinking, self-leveling self-leveling floor independently forms a perfectly flat horizontal surface, even when working without beacons. Its additional beauty is that, despite its universal composition, it is not necessary to use finishing mixtures after it. The material can be applied to cement and gypsum screeds, concrete. The diluted mixture is very easy to work with and does not require any special professional skills from users.
Judging by the reviews, users consider the self-leveling floor from GLIMS to be the best for those who do not have the skills to perform screeding. The reason is that it is very easy to work with, it is not necessary to use beacons. In any case, the surface is smooth. The self-leveling floor hardens quickly, and after four hours, if absolutely necessary, you can already walk on it.
4 Dauer Ecoline
Rough type gypsum leveler
Country Russia
Average price: 230 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The difference between this self-leveling floor is that it can be used with equal success for interior and exterior work. Withstands increased loads, performs well in public spaces, and is not afraid of moderate humidity. The Dauer self-leveling mixture dries quickly (you can walk after 3 hours), is highly frost-resistant, and contains reinforcing fiber, which minimizes the likelihood of cracking.
All characteristics declared by the manufacturer are fully confirmed by positive user reviews. They really like the self-leveling floor and other mixtures of the domestic brand. What is especially attractive is their wide range of uses - coarse gypsum levelers are suitable for outdoor work, unlike most other self-leveling floors.
3 Ceresit CN 175
The best self-leveling floor for weak foundations
Country Russia
Average price: 450 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Quite expensive compared to self-leveling floors from other companies, but a very high-quality mixture designed for leveling the floor before laying various coatings, repairing defects, and making screeds. Suitable only for dry rooms with moderate load levels. The peculiarity of the mixture is the absence of shrinkage, the possibility of use on weak bases, resistance to cracking, environmental friendliness and compatibility with heated floors.
In reviews, many ordinary users and professional builders write that this is one of the best self-leveling floors they have ever worked with. They especially like that the mixture gives an almost mirror-like surface. Overall, they recommend this brand of mixture as an excellent leveler, suitable for working with weak substrates.
2 Weber 4100
Fastest drying
Country Russia
Average price: 633 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Self-leveling self-leveling flooring from Weber is characterized by a very high hardening speed. Foot traffic on it is permissible within 3-4 hours after pouring. The high strength of the composition allows it to be used in areas with high traffic. Thanks to the mixture, you can get a perfectly smooth screed without the need for subsequent sanding or finishing pouring, even under thin floor coverings.
Users recommend self-leveling floors from this brand and call them one of the best. Due to its excellent spreadability, no special professional skills are required to work with the mixture. They also like that the compound dries quickly, so repairs don't take very long. An additional advantage is compatibility with underfloor heating systems.
1 Founded by Skorline FK45 R
The thinnest layer
Country Russia
Average price: 290 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
One of the best companies of self-leveling self-leveling floors. Osnovit Skorline can be used when renovating apartments and offices, as a base leveling coating for laminate, carpet, linoleum, tiles, parquet boards. It is allowed to apply a layer from 2 to 100 mm, depending on the thickness, the drying time is from 1 to 28 hours. Suitable for interior use only, compatible with underfloor heating systems.
The advantages of the mixture include simplicity and ease of use, fiber reinforcement, high spreadability, providing a perfectly flat surface. In reviews, users often point out the low cost, the ability to apply the finished mixture in a very thin layer, and recommend other products of this brand.
The best finishing self-leveling floors
Finish self-leveling floors are a polymer mixture that, when hardened, forms a perfectly smooth surface covering. That is, first universal mixtures are used to level the surface, and on top of them a finishing self-leveling floor is used.
5 Sikafloor 264
The best option for the garage
Country Russia
Average price: RUB 31,762.
Rating (2019): 4.6
These self-leveling floors are considered one of the best for garages and other utility rooms, but some buyers purchase them for the home. Unlike mixtures from many other companies, it is possible to choose a shade from a wide range of colors. Since the composition is made on the basis of epoxy resin, it does not have any unpleasant odor, and after drying it acquires a pleasant glossy shine. The cost may seem high, but the price is for a 30 kg container, which is enough for a fairly large area.
The self-leveling floor of this brand collects mostly positive reviews. Buyers like its appearance, durability, ability to choose colors, and ease of use. But we couldn’t find any negative reviews.
4 Epolast
The best self-leveling floor for apartment renovation
Country Russia
Average price: 397 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Two-component epoxy coating of the Epolast brand is a modern self-leveling floor with high decorative properties. Depending on the interior design, the mixture can be tinted to obtain the desired shade. The finished coating is glossy, characterized by increased mechanical and chemical resistance, and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The composition does not contain solvents, so it does not have an unpleasant odor. The epoxy mixture fits perfectly on any pre-leveled surface - concrete, wood, metal.
Users believe that Epolast brand self-leveling flooring is an excellent alternative to standard floor coverings. In terms of cost, it is no more expensive than a good laminate or linoleum, and has a huge advantage over them. The seamless coating is not afraid of water, does not swell, does not swell. It’s easy to work with the mixture; even a novice repairer can handle the repair.
3 Make a Floor
Ease of operation and versatility
Country Russia
Average price: 6300 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The Make a Floor company offers users a very interesting solution. Now, without any special repair skills, you can create a beautiful and durable floor covering on your own and with minimal labor that will serve for many years. A two-component composition based on epoxy resin can be tinted and various inclusions can be added to it to achieve a certain decorative effect.
There are quite a lot of reviews about the “Make the Floor” brand. An interesting renovation solution is definitely popular. Buyers like that the kit includes a disk with detailed instructions on how to operate. If everything is done correctly, the coating turns out to be unusual, beautiful and durable.
2 Teping® Floor 205
The most decorative coating
Country Russia
Average price: 12,500 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Many users consider self-leveling flooring from TNP Group to be the best in terms of decorativeness. Made from epoxy resin, when cured it provides a perfectly smooth, glossy finish. The mixture can be tinted to obtain a wide variety of shades, which is why designers often use self-leveling flooring from this brand when decorating rooms with high decorative requirements. In addition to this, the composition is characterized by increased strength, wear resistance even when applied thinly, and also has excellent adhesion to most materials.
In reviews, users write well about the company and this particular type of self-leveling floor. They like not only the end result, but also the extreme simplicity of working with the material. To master the technology of applying self-leveling floors, a minimum of experience in DIY repairs is sufficient.
1 Blockade
Better strength and wear resistance
Country Russia
Average price: 11,400 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The two-component polyurethane composition, when cured, forms a perfectly smooth, very durable coating with increased wear resistance. It is used as a seamless coating over any other materials - wood, metal, concrete. When using special technologies, it can be used as a decorative coating.
Users like that, unlike similar self-leveling floors, the mixture is based on polyurethane, which has increased strength compared to acrylic and bitumen. They also like that self-leveling floors from this company are equally suitable for renovation of apartments and commercial premises. But its appearance is quite simple, so it is often used for industrial and commercial purposes.
They appeared on the construction market not long ago and managed to capture several areas of application. They are widely used as a finishing decorative coating, as well as a base and durable industrial coating. Naturally, the composition of the mixtures and their properties will differ greatly depending on the intended purpose of use. How can a beginner understand such a large assortment and choose self-leveling floors with the optimal set of characteristics?
No. 1. What to focus on when choosing?
Despite the variety of self-leveling floors, all types have the following advantages:
- ideal smooth surface and seamlessness;
- a high level of moisture resistance is typical for most types of self-leveling floors;
- durability and strength;
- fire safety;
- no harm to human health.
Main disadvantage coatings - the high price of some types of self-leveling floors, but if this does not bother you, then you need to be prepared to thoroughly prepare the surface and strictly follow the instructions for applying the coating.
Guide your choice a certain type of self-leveling floor depends on a number of factors:
- specifics of the premises where the floors will be poured: technical or residential premises, inside or outside the house;
- primary goal. Self-leveling floors can be used for leveling the floor or as a finishing coating;
- material and quality of the original surface;
- terms of Use floor covering, the likelihood of mechanical loads, direct contact with liquids, aggressive agents;
- the need for additional properties, such as anti-slip, etc.
Self-leveling floors are represented by the following main types:
- cement;
- gypsum;
- polymer. They are used as a finishing coating and are divided into polyurethane, epoxy and methyl methacrylate.
No. 2. Cement self-leveling floors
Self-leveling floors of this type are most often used simply for further finishing. In fact, this is an alternative to conventional cement screed. The appearance is as simple as possible, which makes it impossible to use such self-leveling floors as finishing. However, in some cases they are used independently, when there are no special requirements for the quality and decorativeness of the coating.
The mixture for self-leveling floors is sold in bags and is diluted with the required amount of water before pouring. The basis of the mixture is cement and sand. High quality is the key to the strength and hardness of the coating after drying. To impart plasticity and fluidity to the solution, plasticizers, acidity modulators, antifreeze additives, components that retain moisture, and other substances are used. Due to such additives, the finished mixture spreads evenly and forms a smooth surface.
Among the advantages versatility, affordable price, strength, durability, resistance to low temperatures. Even beginners can perform the installation of cement self-leveling floors. In addition to the not very decorative appearance, to the cons low resistance to aggressive substances can be attributed.
No. 2. Gypsum self-leveling floors
Such floors will cost even less, and in composition they are very similar to self-leveling cement floors, only the main component here is gypsum, as the name implies. Such mixtures are used only for leveling and as a basis for further finishing.
The properties of gypsum self-leveling floors are determined by the characteristics of the main component of the mixture. Gypsum hardens quickly, allows you to make a thicker screed, dries quickly, but is afraid of moisture, so such floors can only be used in dry rooms, and even with light loads on the floor. To take advantage of benefits such as low price and fast drying, experts recommend using gypsum flooring only, which is absolutely impervious to moisture, but even in this case it is not recommended.
No. 3. Polyurethane self-leveling floors
This coverage received widespread and used literally everywhere: in shopping centers, swimming pools, medical institutions, warehouses, as well as in residential premises where the best performance is required from the flooring (but can also be used in rooms).
Mixtures based on polyurethane compound have an impressive range of positive qualities:
- elasticity and resistance to mechanical stress. Sharp heels and most falling heavy objects are completely unaffected by the coating;
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to aggressive substances, so this coating can be used even in chemical laboratories and enterprises;
- strength and durability;
- good heat and performance indicators;
- ease of cleaning and hygiene;
- ability to withstand temperature changes;
- ease of repair. Even if you manage to damage the coating, you can sand the area of the scratch or crack and apply varnish to it;
- original appearance, the ability to create a bright individual design. The coating can be matte or glossy
Among the minuses One can note the high price, cold surface, difficulty of installation and dismantling if necessary.
No. 4. Epoxy self-leveling floors
The basis of such floors is epoxy resins, as the name implies. In addition, the composition includes hardeners and some other additives. Epoxy self-leveling floors have many advantages, among which it is especially worth highlighting:
- hardness, rigidity and strength;
- resistance to moisture, household chemicals, most aggressive substances;
- abrasion resistance;
- resistance to temperature changes.
The coating has obvious disadvantage– fragility and inelasticity. If a more or less heavy object falls, the floor may be damaged.
The combination of characteristics of epoxy floors allows them to be used in rooms where there are no shock loads, but where humidity may be increased. These are swimming pools, pharmaceutical production, laboratories, hospitals, car washes, child care facilities and residential buildings.
A type of coating can be called epoxy urethane floors, which combine the hardness of epoxy self-leveling floors and the elasticity of polyurethane. This coating is phenomenally durable and is used at train stations, airports and subways, where the flow of people is very large.
No. 5. Methyl methacrylate self-leveling floors
Such floors are mainly used for industrial premises, as they have a lot of amazing qualities:
- high wear resistance, even higher than that of polyurethane floors;
- fast hardening. The coating hardens in an hour, and after another hour it fully gains strength characteristics, and you can walk on it, drive, or even lay the finishing layer, if necessary;
- moisture resistance;
- chemical resistance;
- high speed of installation work.
The main disadvantage of coverage– a pungent odor during drying, but this problem can also be solved if there is the proper one. After drying there will be no unpleasant odors.
No. 6. Type of coating composition
Self-leveling floors can be:
- thin-layer;
- self-leveling;
- highly filled.
Thin-layer floors have become the most widespread, as they can be used in both residential buildings and public buildings, and the price is the most reasonable. Such compositions are applied in a layer of several millimeters onto the prepared base, while maintaining maximum durability.
Self-leveling floors They have a thickness of 4-5 mm, due to which they can withstand significant mechanical loads. They are distinguished by high durability, strength and ease of installation, because they easily spread over the surface without forming tubercles.
Highly filled floors They have increased strength, resistance to wear, and withstand shock, therefore they are used in industrial premises. Such properties are achieved due to an increased amount of quartz sand.
No. 7. Design of self-leveling floors
Cement and methyl methacrylate floors cannot boast of brilliant decorative qualities, which cannot be said about polyurethane and epoxy self-leveling floors. They can be painted in any of thousands of colors or have interesting colors. To get the most interesting and original solutions use the following methods:
- adding decorative chips to the mixture– paint particles of different shapes and sizes, thanks to which it is possible to achieve an imitation of marble, granite or other materials;
- can be applied to the base layer drawing with polymer paints, and then fix it with varnish. The drawing can be done either independently or using stencils;
- look great transparent floors with interesting filling. Coins, shells, pebbles or any other small elements are used;
- self-leveling floors with 3D effect- This is the most impressive way to decorate self-leveling floors. This way, three-dimensional and maximally realistic images are obtained that completely change the perception of the room. The effect is achieved by using a picture with a suitable image, on top of which a transparent polymer coating is poured.
No. 8. Which manufacturers can you trust?
Self-leveling floors today are represented by a huge number of domestic and foreign manufacturers.
The world's best manufacturers of self-leveling floors
Knauf
The world-famous German company initially produced building materials from gypsum, later expanded its activities, and today production and representative offices are located in dozens of countries. The company's products are well represented in Russia, where their high quality has already been appreciated. The manufacturer offers gypsum self-leveling floors, for which the highest quality gypsum is used, so the coating is superior in strength to cement self-leveling floors. There is also a range of polymer self-leveling floors, but they are not so widely represented on our market.
SIKA
This Swiss company mainly offers compositions for industrial and public buildings. The range includes self-leveling floors of all types, and our own research centers allow us to produce coatings with specific properties by adding the necessary components.
Ceresit is a trademark that is used for a wide range of building mixtures from the German company Henkel. The production facilities of this giant are located in several countries, there are representative offices in 120 countries, and the products have been in constant demand for many years in a row. The assortment includes self-leveling floors designed to level the surface for further laying of cladding.
Weber
An international company that is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain. Production facilities are located all over the world, and products are widely represented on all continents. Self-leveling floors are produced under the Vetonit brand; the range includes mixtures for leveling and finishing, for residential and industrial premises.
The best domestic manufacturers of self-leveling floors
The company produces self-leveling floors under the Elakor brand and today is a confident leader in this area. Offers self-leveling floors for residential and industrial premises. Product series include polyurethane and epoxy flooring. The range includes transparent floors to create a 3D effect, antistatic compounds and floors that are extremely resistant to combustion.
IVSIL
A large company that once produced only cement-sand mixtures, and is now a leader in the domestic market in the production of innovative multi-component compositions. Self-leveling floors are represented by compositions for leveling and finishing work.
UNIS
The company has been on the market since 1994 and today is among the leaders in terms of sales of dry building mixtures. The products are in demand not only in Russia, but also in the CIS countries. Production facilities are located in five cities of the country; gypsum from our own quarry is used to manufacture products, which allows us to control quality from the stage of raw material extraction. The company includes a powerful research laboratory. The assortment includes self-leveling floors designed to level the surface.
Bolars
This domestic company boasts a modern plant, research and control laboratories and the latest equipment. The quality of the products is not much inferior to their European counterparts, and the emphasis is on dry building mixtures. The range includes cement and gypsum based self-leveling floors.
Almost every type of flooring lasts a very long time if it is laid on a level base. In the past, creating such a subfloor was a fairly labor-intensive process. Today, this procedure has become easier, because there are mixtures for leveling the floor, which are diluted in water and, after pouring, easily spread, making the surface even. In addition to good fluidity, the self-leveling mixture has the property of rapid hardening.
Self-leveling mixtures are always used for...
Thanks to them, an almost finished surface is obtained, which can become the basis of any floor covering.
They can also be used for rough leveling.
Rough alignment That is, you can form a very thick screed. In any case, the main purpose of using the solution is to obtain a level base for laying flooring materials.
Self-leveling mixtures are represented by a large number of types.
Self-leveling mixtures However, they all belong to two groups. The first is represented by solutions with cement, the second - with gypsum.
Most often, cement-based substances are used to fill a concrete or wooden base. They are suitable for any type of room and are also not afraid of water. They are filled with a layer whose thickness ranges from 2 to 50 millimeters. It is worth adding that the cement mixture for leveling the floor is more expensive than representatives of the second group.
Gypsum-based substances are intended for pouring in rooms where there is no humidity. The thickness of the screed ranges from 20 to 100 millimeters.
Self-leveling mixtures with gypsum Self-leveling mixtures with gypsum take longer to dry than cement mortars.
A subfloor can have many different imperfections, and self-leveling mixtures of different compositions are suitable to eliminate them.
Subfloor If it is necessary to carry out rough leveling, during which a number of large defects are eliminated, then a quick-hardening solution is used.
Rough Alignment Thanks to him, rough preparation is carried out in a short period of time. Fast-hardening floor leveling mixtures are suitable for creating thin screeds. However, since a thin layer does not have great strength, it is necessary to use a special reinforcing tape, the choice of which is large.
The finish is created using substances whose components can form a very strong bond with each other. From such solutions a screed no thicker than 5 millimeters is made.
To fill, you need to have a flat base. The peculiarity of this screed is that its top dries very quickly. The middle hardens much longer. Therefore, walking on it prematurely can create dips.
Finish self-leveling self-leveling floor Floors with large chips and uneven surfaces are treated with special substances. They are capable of creating a very hard screed and firmly bonding to the subfloor. Of course, such properties greatly affected the price; usually special self-leveling mixtures are very expensive. Partially such solutions are used for wooden floors.
Special self-leveling mixtures Often people. Therefore, they use solutions for such a heating system. This substance is mainly used for pouring screed over heating elements. For this reason, it is endowed with good thermal conductivity.
Pouring screed over heating elements
Floor leveling mixtures allow construction work to be completed in a very short time, but at the same time they require very careful compliance with the instructions. Therefore, before using them, or better yet before purchasing, it is recommended to always read the manufacturer’s recommendations and pay attention to the purpose of the solution, as well as its suitability for the room. After this you can make a choice.
Before use, you should always determine the required amount of material. Practice shows that to create a one-millimeter screed on one square meter of wooden floor, on average, almost a liter of solution is needed.
Further calculation consists of calculating the area of the room and determining the thickness of the required layer. Next, all numbers are multiplied. This is how you determine how much self-leveling mixture you need to stock up on.
All work should be carried out in a room whose doors and windows are closed. The main thing is that there are no drafts.
Temperature range – 15-30 degrees Celsius.
Operation at other temperatures is undesirable. If it is cold, then self-leveling mixtures will not be able to provide the proper strength of the floor, since the water will be released too slowly and the excess formed will destroy the polymers. Working at high temperatures will result in premature evaporation of water. The solution will not have time to spread normally over the surface. The creators of various videos often talk about this.
It is also important to maintain the desired level of humidity. Often its value should be 50-65 percent.
You need to use those solutions whose expiration date has not expired.
Another important condition is the presence of assistants.
The condition is the presence of assistants It is worth understanding that the work must be organized so that when the last sections are poured, the first row is still liquid. This means that you need to spend up to 15-40 minutes kneading, pouring, and smoothing the solution (the time depends on the characteristics of the product). It is impossible to complete this time without helpers. One person should prepare the solution, another should pour and straighten it.
You can speed up the work using an automixer and a pump that supplies the solution.
Tools To level a wooden or concrete base, you need to prepare a lot of tools, which are often discussed in the video.
They are presented:
- Utensils;
- Mixer;
- squeegee;
- Needle roller;
- With paint shoes.
The dishes should consist of two 30-liter buckets (leveling mixtures for the floor will be prepared in them) and two regular buckets (for rinsing tools). It is desirable that the mixing containers have a bottom with rounded corners.
The mixer must be equipped with a spiral attachment, which has two belts and a bumper circle at the bottom. Nozzles of any other type cannot make the mass homogeneous.
The needle roller must have a special visor. Its task is to protect the smoothed surface from splashes of solution. It should be remembered that they dry faster in the air than screed. Then they will remain visible on the floor.
It all starts with her kneading. This is done in portions. First, pour the appropriate amount of water, then add mixtures for wooden or concrete floors. As for water, the packaging often indicates a range of its amount per unit of solution. This range is taken based on temperature differences. If the room temperature reaches the maximum permissible, then the amount of water that reaches the highest limit is given. And vice versa. Neglect of this rule leads to “hedgehog” or “cotton wool” results.
During kneading, the drill or mixer should operate at 100-300 rpm. Do not touch the walls of the dish with the nozzle, as the homogeneity of the mass will deteriorate. Knead for up to 4 minutes.
Then wait up to 4 minutes (during this time the self-leveling mixture matures). At the same time, the partner prepares the solution in the second bucket. Then comes the filling stage. The mixture is poured onto the part of the floor furthest from the door and smoothed using a squeegee. The assistant rinses the empty container. Next, prepare a third portion of the solution. The second one has already been sent for maturation. You also need to rinse the mixer attachment.
The entire floor is poured in this sequence. At the end, a board is placed in front of the doorway, which will not allow the concrete or wood floor mixture to leak out of the room. After pouring, you need to release air bubbles from the screed.
Release air bubbles To do this, the master takes a needle roller and, moving in paint shoes, moves it over the filled layer. This process is often demonstrated in videos.
A very common mistake in a situation with a self-leveling mixture for a wooden or concrete floor is the wrong choice. People do not take into account the features of the mortar, flooring bases and coatings that will be installed on the screed.
After all, they are more versatile.
A common mistake is poor preparation and failure to prime a concrete or wood base. The result is that the self-leveling mixture does not adhere to the subfloor, which is why cracks appear.
Cracks appear It is necessary not only to clean the surface, but also to find and remove all particles of the base that have peeled off. It is also important to work with cracks and cracks. The surface should be primed several times.
A serious mistake is to ignore the fact that the mixture must ripen. During this process, the polymer adheres to the granules of mineral components, which should not be in contact at all. When they come into contact, it is impossible to obtain a uniform surface.
The wrong solution is to shorten the technological break between the formation of the screed and the laying of the finishing coating. The consequence is the destruction of the front floor.
Often people take care of all the conditions during work, but forget to maintain them after completion, thus preventing the solution from drying correctly.
Video
In this video you will learn how to pour self-leveling mixture yourself.
Thanks to this material you will receive a lot of useful information.
Photo source: pol-spec.ru; stroyberi.ru
Self-leveling floors have become increasingly popular recently.
First of all, due to its characteristics: moisture resistance, wear resistance, resistance to temperature fluctuations, and, of course, the resulting perfectly flat surface.
Dry mixtures of self-leveling floors are artificial materials and consist of the following components.
The composition of this floor:
- Binding element: various polymers and ordinary cement.
- Colors: both organic and inorganic can be used.
- Fillers: quartz sand, polymer materials, fine stone.
- Supplements They are used to achieve the necessary special qualities, for example, frost resistance, rapid hardening of the solution, and imparting special strength to the surface.
Despite the seemingly small set of components, each manufacturer has a dozen different compositions of self-leveling floors, and the proportions are always kept secret.
Depending on the composition of the mixture, the structure of the floor surface can be completely smooth, slightly rough or completely anti-slip.
Mixtures also come with various binders:
- Polyurethane substances give the self-leveling floor additional wear resistance, resistance to point physical loads, and resistance to chemical elements. Such floors withstand temperature changes well and are excellent for use in industrial areas with possible vibration.
- The addition of epoxy mixtures to the composition of the self-leveling floor gives it rigidity and resistance to loads even with a mixture thickness of six millimeters. Mixtures with epoxy substances can be used in rooms with positive temperatures. This mixture has poor elasticity, but is resistant to cleaning agents and detergents, and is often used in educational institutions and catering facilities.
- The use of methimethacrylate resins in self-leveling floors allows their use in refrigerators, open street areas, in all types of industrial premises and warehouses. By mixing methimethacrylate resins with polymer substances, they achieve not only resistance to stress, but also to the effects of substances such as automobile oils, gasoline and other chemicals. Such mixtures dry very quickly and become ready for use. Their composition cannot be called natural, and for use in food industry enterprises, appropriate certificates are required.
Additional components
For better strength of the floor surface, more binders and plasticizing materials are added and the amount of cement is reduced. The addition of latex and stabilizing agents (casein) improves impact resistance.
To maintain properties under large temperature changes, sodium nitrite and a number of other substances are added.
Water-repellent properties are achieved by adding active chemical sealing additives such as aluminum, fluoride salts and a number of others, and by adding organic substances such as latex.
It is possible that sand may be added to improve the homogeneity of the material. It is possible to add diamond chips, marble, granite - this increases the possibility of grinding and gives a decorative appearance. Depending on the desired decorative effect, choose the size of the fillers. After the floors have dried, all protruding parts of the aggregate are sanded until a completely flat surface is achieved.
If you wanted to make a floor of a certain color, then you cannot do without pigmentation of the mixture. The most commonly used are inorganic colors. The main condition is the preservation of color during use and exposure to detergents, cleaning agents, daylight and artificial lighting. At the same time, the pigment substances used should not reduce the technical properties of the self-leveling mixture.
Is it possible to make such a floor with your own hands?
The above describes only the very basics of the composition of the mixture of self-leveling floors; for a more detailed study, you will need at least a chemical encyclopedia and the desire to study the compatibility of the substances that you want to add to the self-leveling floor.
Remember that adding additives significantly increases the final cost of the mixture.
Installing self-leveling floors is not the easiest procedure, but if you follow all installation recommendations and the requirements of the material manufacturer, you will cope with this task.
Let us dwell only on the main aspects of installing a leveling floor
Make sure your subfloor is level enough for this type of flooring. Clean it thoroughly to remove any foreign debris or protruding stones.
If necessary, waterproof the floor or tile joints. Prime the entire surface, choosing a primer depending on the type of base itself.
Men leveling a layer of self-leveling floor
Install beacons if the floor area is large enough. Prepare the solution according to the instructions. Pour the prepared mixture, distribute it evenly along the level of the exposed beacons. If the pouring area requires more than one batch, then such work should be carried out by at least two people, since the mixture tends to dry out quickly, and you need to properly level it and process it with a needle roller.
Such floors allow for decorative designs, such as 3D floors, or you can simply create a chic design under your feet.
You may not make the composition of the self-leveling floor with your own hands, but you will be proud to show your guests the floor itself, which you made yourself.
The above text is not a methodology or technical instructions for creating a self-leveling floor mixture; with this text we simply tried to explain the essence of this material and how it differs from conventional cement-sand mixtures.
In any case, for the final determination of all the required properties of a self-leveling floor that meets your conditions, we recommend that you contact specialized companies or official representatives of factories producing such mixtures.
Successful repair.
Device leveling level
description
1 . Such a device consists of a layer of hot mix asphalt by hot treating the existing pavement, black pebbles or asphalt granulate (a crushed product from asphalt), more open AH bituminous mixture (LMC) is prepared.
materials
They apply:
A) hot mixture of asphalt and concrete, mixture obtained by hot processing, and materials used for its production in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.08 and GOST 9128-97;
b) asphalt granules with a particle content of more than 50 mm, no more than 5 wt.% (otherwise extensive screening is required before use).
The physical and mechanical properties of black AG specimens broken or compressed under laboratory compressed conditions under a load of 7 MPa (at 20 °C ± 2) °C must meet the requirements of high grade hot mix asphalt concrete II (GOST 9128-97);
With) mixtures with AG, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.02 or Chapter 3.11.
G) open bitumen mineral mixture (LMC) in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.10 and TU 218 RSFSR 601-88.
Design requirements
General provisions. The technology for selecting the mixture composition, laying and control technology and the equipment used must comply with the requirements of Chapter 3.08 and Chapter 3.10. Smoothing of the surface of the leveling layer after final compaction must comply with the requirements of paragraph 3.08.14.
However, in the Engineer's judgment, final layer cut-offs with slots greater than 5 mm (between the trimetric metal strip and the layer surface) can be accepted as satisfactory and do not require any modification.
The permissible lower limit of the compression ratio of the mixture of leveling layers must be at least 0.96 for the approved mixture composition.
The thickness of the leveling layer must correspond to the design layer.
Mixing and shaping. When using a mixture of bituminous or black pebbles and their preparation, they are carried out in accordance with Chapter 3.08, bituminous mixtures and open (LMC) - with Chapter 3.10.
When using asphalt granulate, packaging and sealing is carried out without heating (cold).
Depending on the local amount of balancing device, asphalt concrete granules can be laid with asphalt or RVs. When choosing the thickness of the layer to be laid, it should be taken into account that, unlike conventional asphalt concrete, the density AG is usually 2.05-2.10
Regardless of the material of the leveling layer, its thickness in the compressed state should not exceed 10 cm.
Otherwise, the thickness required by the project can be achieved in multiple layers by sealing each one. After laying the last leveling layer, its transverse slope must correspond to the calculated slope.
When curved, it is inclined forward, the thickness of the leveling layer can reach 3-50 cm.
To prevent the mixture from spreading while thickening the top of the layer, it is necessary to use layers on the road or parallel in width (see Section 3.15). In agreement with the Engineer and in accordance with Section 3.07, it is laid between layers.
5 . Sealing. For compression you should always have two rollers: one driven by tires and one with steel rollers.
Professional Consulting
The operator must use as many additional rollers as possible to achieve the required density as well as the required coating surface quality. Layers of LMC mixtures are compressed pneumatically. Immediately after compacting the asphalt concrete mixture, the surface is checked evenly and uneven areas are corrected.
To mix the mixture with the rollers of the cylinder, the latter must be properly wetted, but excess water is not allowed.
The beginning in the longitudinal direction begins at the edges and gradually moves to the center.
The rolls start from the bottom side and gradually move to the top. When rolling along the upstream flow, the leveling layer should be combined with a suitable compaction layer on the road or by expansion so that each layer has a horizontal lateral displacement of the adjacent layers.
The compaction speed is agreed upon with the engineer. The direction of compaction should not suddenly change.
6 . Smoothness. The alignment adjustment is controlled by a 3-meter metal tape in accordance with the requirements of SNiP 3.06.03-85.
All defective areas may change. To this end, the material is discarded, new is added or excess is removed, then assimilated and hardened. To ensure that the leveled surfaces are marked as planned, the client will level the area.
Eligibility. Packed and compressed hot mix asphalt bed, hot recycled mix or LMO mix shall be accepted in accordance with Chapters 3.08 and 3.10. The minimum density limit of the material shall be not less than 96% of the density of the sample collected under laboratory conditions in accordance with paragraph 3.05.2. LMC open mix layers must comply with Chapter 3.10.
measurement
8th place.
Ton measures the leveling layer of hot mix asphalt, hot mixed asphalt, black crushed stone, AG mix or LMO.
payment
Accepted quantities, measured as specified above, are paid in accordance with the uniform tariffs of the Agreement in the following sections. The fee is the full amount of compensation for the work in this chapter, including preparatory and previous work.
Calculator for calculating self-leveling floor (mixture consumption)
Square footage of the room, m2
Layer height, mm
Level consumption indicate the consumption value, kg
Are you planning to pour a self-leveling mixture on the floor of an apartment or private house?
Then we suggest using our self-leveling floor calculator! With its help, you can very accurately calculate the required amount of self-leveling in order to get a perfectly flat floor surface.
Instructions for pouring a self-leveling floor with your own hands
Self-leveling flooring is a self-leveling mixture that is poured onto floor slabs (or rough construction screed). When the self-leveling floors dry, you can begin laying laminate, parquet or other flooring.
Mixtures for filling floors are usually not cheap, so you should make the correct calculation so as not to buy several extra packages of this material.
A self-leveling floor calculator is also needed to prevent the opposite situation - when already during the pouring process it turns out that not enough mixture was purchased.
Flooring materials
Many people do not know what materials exist for leveling the soil.
There are many different materials sold nowadays and there are many ways to help improve the soil.
Leveling the soil with dry material
This method is absolutely simple and you can do it yourself. This method is convenient because it can be suspended at any time by dry balancing, as opposed to, for example, bulk, and there is no need to wait for the soil to dry.
Even the bottom will be much warmer than concrete.
Once you have renovated the home and everything is dry, you should extend the plastic sheeting onto the pre-prepared concrete base and use it as a moisture barrier.
The pieces should overlap and be allowed on the walls. It was on the floor, you have to create beacons. Then you need to lay down the dry mix, which must be leveled according to the rules of the exposed fixtures.
If the entire area is sleeping, the floor is covered with fabric, chipboard or gypsum fiber board.
Self-leveling floor mixtures - create a wonderful floor
When applying the dry mixture to the leaves, make sure that their seams do not match, but that they are combined and secured with screws. And then the floor is laid on this floor.
Delayed ground leveling
You can also set the floor if it is in your magazine.
Soils have more advantages than cement screed because they are much lighter, do not burden the soil, and are reliable and durable.
If you level the floor with logs, you can raise the floor to the required height. Measure the flocking and attach them to the ceiling using nail pins. And you've already installed plywood or other materials and secured them with screws.
Level the floor with plywood
You can even get out of the bottom, without complications or yourself.
The plywood panel serves as a very good substrate for various floor coverings, such as in prisons. You must drill holes in the plywood plates and insert bushings into them, which must be secured with screws. Then the pillars should be screwed into the holes in the base and secure the structure with dowels. First fill the floor and place another layer of plywood and secure them with screws.
Leveling the soil with mixtures
Now there are many methods and completely different mixtures to be able to level the ground.
I use them to prepare the mortar needed for the screed. Essentially, the composition of the mixture includes either cement or gypsum. They also differ in that they need to be used by hand, and with machines they differ in kkoy layers, must be thin or thick, and the coating is grounded or finished. In addition, the mixtures differ especially for underfloor heating, waterproof, with various additives.
Currently, the most commonly used self-leveling mixtures.
The advantages of such floors are that the joint is flexible and dries quickly, but most importantly, it extends below its weight and ends up as a completely flat surface. Anyone can handle this, the main thing is to prepare the solution exactly according to the instructions.
This mixture dries quickly and the result is much smoother than if you used a cement screed.
Flooring with expanded clay
Leveling with expanded clay can also be called dry screed.
The exposed clay at the bottom of the floor and then on top, in the same manner as above, is bonded slab, slab or drywall mounted and secured with screws. This soil will be very warm. Cement mortar is often added to expanded clay for floor screeds. And fill the bottom layer.
Do-it-yourself self-leveling floor: secrets of mastery
Leveling floors is a complex and time-consuming process, even for professionals. But thanks to the advent of self-leveling mixtures, even a beginner can now prepare the surface for laying flooring. In this repair lesson we will help you figure out how, without special repair and construction skills, make a self-leveling floor with your own hands quickly and efficiently!
Self-leveling floor - what is it?
A self-leveling floor is a type of floor screed for which self-leveling (self-leveling) mixtures are used, which easily spread over the surface to which they were applied, making it perfectly smooth and horizontal.
A floor leveled in this way is a good base for laying any type of floor covering on it: be it laying carpet, parquet or laminate.
A self-leveling floor with your own hands contains almost no disadvantages and has the following advantages, which determine its widespread use in construction and repair:
- simple application technology;
- long service life;
- environmentally and fireproof;
- relatively low cost.
The basis of all self-leveling floor mixtures in most cases is Portland cement.
Gypsum is used much less frequently as a base. Fillers (quartz sand or crushed limestone) and additives (surfactants, polymer additives and pigments) are also added to the mixture.
When choosing a mixture for pouring screed, you must be guided by the characteristics of the room.
Self-leveling gypsum-based floors are recommended only for dry rooms: kitchens and bathrooms are contraindicated. Under the influence of moisture, the gypsum-based screed gradually softens and loses its strength. The recommended floor thickness when poured with a gypsum-based mixture should be up to 10 mm.
Self-leveling cement-based floors can be used in almost any room.
Filling a self-leveling floor with your own hands
At the initial stage, it is necessary to carefully prepare the base for pouring, which is first cleared of dust, debris and old coating down to the concrete, and then primed 1-2 times with a deep penetration primer.
Only after the base surface has completely dried can you begin to fill the self-leveling floor with your own hands.
To work, it is enough to have the following tools and devices at hand:
- bucket for preparing the mixture;
- a special mixer or drill with a mixing attachment;
- wide spatula and spiked roller for leveling.
Immediately before starting work, a leveling solution is prepared.
When choosing a mixture with a cement or gypsum base, you must be guided by both the characteristics of the room and the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, 6-7 liters of warm water are taken per 25 kilograms of dry material (this is one bag), unless the instructions indicate a different ratio.
First, water is poured into the container, and then a self-leveling mixture is added, which is then thoroughly mixed with a mixer or drill with an attachment. The thickened mixture is used immediately, no water is added to it!
The finished mixture is poured in portions over the prepared surface, so that each next one is next to the previous one. The surface is then rolled with a needle roller to level it and remove air bubbles.
After the entire floor surface has been poured and rolled, it is left until completely dry (2-3 days), preventing the penetration of people, animals, insects and debris.
The first is a rough screed with a self-leveling mixture, which is done along beacons or using a level.
This primary screed will already be sufficient as a basis for other floor coverings: carpet, laminate, parquet or ceramic tiles. A finishing layer of a self-leveling mixture can also be applied to a rough screed, which can be considered an independent floor covering. It can subsequently be painted or varnished.
Since the work being carried out requires speed due to the fast-thickening mixture, it is advisable to do the self-leveling floor with your own hands together with a partner.
Types of self-leveling floor mixtures
This will improve the quality of work and productivity. If the above material is not enough to understand any nuances of the technology, we recommend that you watch the self-leveling floor video.
Good luck with your renovation!
Do-it-yourself self-leveling floor: video
