Concrete floor levelling is fundamental in achieving aesthetic and functional excellence in your home or commercial building. It gives a shiny, smooth, and attractive look making your property valuable. However, with time, your floor becomes uneven, rough, and unattractive due to
- Cracks
- Moisture
- Dragging heavy items
This uneven and rough floor needs a new smooth and shiny appearance with reliable material, and concrete floor levelling can serve these purposes, ultimately giving a new look. The blog below discusses the benefits of concrete floor levelling, its procedure, and what compounds are effective.
Compounds Needed for Concrete Floor Levelling
To get new concrete flooring, levelling compounds are used. There are two types of compounds varying in nature, composition, and ease of spreading. One is acrylic-based concrete and the other is water-based.
- Acrylic concrete consists of cement powder mixed with liquid acrylic polymer.
- Water-based concrete uses water instead of acrylic liquid
They are available in the market in the form of a bag of powder having latex compounds for mixing. Notably, water-based concrete is easier to use.
When is the Concrete Levelling Required?
The application of floor levelling compound is decided based on precise floor condition measurement with the help of a long spirit level.
In order to take an accurate measurement, hold the long spirit level from the low end until the bubble comes in the middle of the long spirit level. Now measure the floor and the raised end of the level. If you find that the floor is <5mm out of level, you would opt for applying concrete floor levelling.
Procedure of Laying the Floor Levelling Concrete
Laying the concrete levelling compound is a step-wise process and must be done by a professional to achieve the desired results.
Prepare the Floor: Remove furniture and appliances, ensuring the area is clear. Clean the floor by sweeping and vacuuming to eliminate dust. Fill significant cracks with filler and sealer, allowing them to dry before proceeding.
Apply Primer: Use a soft-bristle push broom to spread the primer across the floor. Apply pressure to work it into the concrete’s pores. Let the primer dry for 3-24 hours.
Mix Compound: In a bucket, mix the levelling compound to the right consistency using a mixing paddle. Prepare only the amount needed for the desired screed lines. Work with a partner to ensure efficient mixing and spreading.
Spread Compound: Pour and spread the compound on the floor, working quickly as it has a limited initial setting time of about 15-30 minutes.
Allow Drying: Go through the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time. Most compounds dry in around 4 hours and fully cured in 24 hours. Once dry, the floor is ready to install other flooring materials.
Benefits of Concrete Floor Levelling
Concrete floor levelling is advantageous in many aspects:
- It is hypoallergenic, and easy to install
- It is feasible for usage on various surfaces like plywood, wooden or ceramic floors
- It creates smooth surfaces with remarkable compressive strength
- It is polymer-modified cement, so it does not require excessive water to make a proportionate mixture.
Key Considerations for Concrete Floor Levelling
Although concrete floor levelling is very advantageous in upcycling settled or cracked floors, however, there are some limitations that you must keep in mind.
- The concrete floor levelling compound has a very fast drying time, taking only 10-20 minutes from pouring to drying. Therefore, you have to be careful in its handling. Also, always contact a professional to do the floor levelling due to its rapid drying ability.
- It is best suited for interior subsurface flooring, not for outdoor flooring, as it lacks the strength to bear outer harsh weather conditions.
- Polymer-mixed, levelling concrete is only suitable for horizontal surfaces like floors.
- Make sure to not use levelling concrete if your floor is having any structural damage. As it will only fix the outer surface whereas the issue will occur again if the underlying floor orientation is in bad shape.
Addressing Issues with Concrete Floor Levelling
Despite offering advantages, concrete floor levelling may develop many issues. Here are a few solutions to avoid those solutions.
Uneven Levelling: If the compound doesn’t create a smooth surface, it might be due to incorrect mixing or application methods. Stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines for mixing and applying, and consider using a gauge rake for even distribution.
Cracks or Curling: Rapid drying caused by high temperatures or low humidity can lead to cracks or curling in the compound. Maintain a controlled environment to prevent swift drying.
Moisture Challenges: Excess moisture can lead to complications. Before application, assess the slab’s moisture content and take appropriate measures if it’s too high.
Bonding Problems: Insufficient surface preparation could result in poor bonding. Ensure the old concrete is clean, free from dust or oil, and primed if needed before applying the levelling compound.
Conclusion
Concrete floor levelling provides you with an attractively finished layer for your floor. However, it demands professional skills to get the maximum out of your investment for it. K M Flow Screed is a house of experienced professionals skilled in dealing with concrete floors. Hire our concrete floor levelling services and give a touch of uniqueness to your floor.