Using a long-handled squeegee, push and pull the Concrete Leveler compound across the concrete surface, getting all the way into the corners and along the edges. Though the process can be helped along with a squeegee, broom, or trowel, you can expect gravity to do most of the work in bringing the liquid to a level.
Yes, you can level a concrete slab yourself. But only if you have access to polyurethane foam, drills, and injection pumps.
For repairing an uneven concrete garage floor, the best product will be a dry powder leveling cement mix designed for indoor and outdoor applications. It is the same product often used to prepare indoor floors for ceramic tile.
Typically, the floor must be level and uniform within 3/16 inch every 10 feet. Check your wood flooring manufacturer's recommendations and sand any high spots with a concrete grinder. Fill any low spots with a cementitious leveling compound following the manufacturer's directions and allow it to dry before proceeding.
While laminate tends to be more forgiving of subfloor imperfections compared to other types of flooring, it is still important to level your flooring to avoid future damage if you are installing laminate flooring on an uneven subfloor. A level subfloor ensures a more attractive and long-lasting finish.
Creating an Even Surface
On the areas with the highest measurements, use a concrete grinder to sand out the bumps, creating a smooth, level concrete floor. In places where the floor dips too low, use a filling agent to create a level surface. Lowes Creative Ideas recommends using a cementitious leveling compound.
Most companies will charge $1.80 to $25 per sq. ft. to level concrete, including all materials and labor. The cost to level 100 sq. ft of concrete ranges from $500 to $1,700, with the mid-range being $1,500.
What Causes Uneven Concrete Floors? Floors can become uneven over time due to many things, but mainly as a result of cracking and moisture. So, whether you want to refinish an uneven floor yourself or completely replace your existing floor, you'll most likely need to level the concrete floor.
In order to properly install hardwood on uneven flooring, the floor itself has to be smoothed out. This can be done through the use of underlays and re-surfacing. For concrete surfaces, sanding and polishing may be required.
Coverage: One 50 Lb. bag will cover approximately 40 Sq. Ft. at 1/8 In.
However, it is unsuitable for outdoor flooring as it doesn't hold up very well in harsh conditions. Polymer-mixed, self-leveling concrete also does not cure very well on non-horizontal surfaces. It will therefore be unsuitable for use on vertical walls.
Sand Mix, Portland Cement & Gypsum-Based Compound are practical alternatives to the self-leveling compound. These options are cost-effective materials that are ideal for smoothening up your floor. At the same time, you can also try Drywall Compound and Foam.
If you want to raise the height of a floor, the cheapest and easiest way is to add a thick underlayment designed for the job. There are other options too like adding a framed wooden subfloor or floor leveling compound before installing new flooring.
Uneven floors in a house are usually a sign of a foundation problem, but not always.
In some cases, a slight slope may be normal and not cause for concern. However, if the slope is severe or getting worse over time, it could be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate attention. One potential risk of sloping floors is damage to the structural integrity of the home.
QUIKRETE® Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer
It is ideal for leveling larger areas, and can be used over precast floor slabs, new concrete, weather damaged concrete or finished concrete with rough or otherwise unacceptable surfaces.
The greatest advantage to raising and leveling concrete with polyurethane foam compared to replacement is cost. While the price for each job varies, a good rule of thumb is that raising and leveling concrete is usually around 50%-80% less than cost of replacement!
Summary. Lifting your settled and sunken concrete with professional leveling services can save you lots of money, time, and hassle. With all the benefits listed above, it's clearly a great choice for many homeowners who want to get the job done right.
Self-leveling concrete is designed to be used over existing concrete to achieve a flat surface, but in order to ensure a quality application that will last, the existing concrete must be prepared beforehand.
Underlayment can help smooth things out, though, but the type you choose will vary depending on your specific reasoning for wanting an even subfloor. That can make choosing the right one for you rather tricky, so here's a quick guide that should lend a helping hand in getting the best underlayment for uneven subfloors.
When you're installing a vinyl plank floor or any rigid type of new flooring, it's important for the underlying layer to be both level and flat. If you're installing vinyl planks on top of a concrete floor, the standard tolerance required is for the floor to be level to 3/16” within a 10' radius.
All-weather carpet, luxury vinyl flooring and porcelain or ceramic tiles are some of the best flooring options to go over concrete in basements.