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. It is also not suitable for use where heavy machinery or harsh chemicals are applied.
One of the main concerns that come with self-leveling concrete is its tendency to crack or crumble. This can be caused by a few different factors, but the main ones are poor bonding between the concrete itself and the newly-poured compound, and movement of the concrete slab.
Rushing the process can lead to problems such as cracking or shrinking. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying and curing times and avoid walking on or installing anything on the surface until it's fully cured. Ignoring Moisture Levels: Self-leveling compound can be sensitive to moisture levels.
If you're filling jagged concrete cracks and you're more concerned with durability than appearance, use self-leveling sealant. If you're more interested in the filler blending seamlessly into the slab and don't mind patching a few cracks down the line, use a concrete patch compound instead.
Although I have seen these self leveling underlayments applied without the primer it is highly recommended you use the primer for proper adhesion to the subfloor and to prevent pin holes from forming in the surface of the leveler. Also if you do not use the primer it will void the warranty of the product.
Self-leveling underlayments require the use of a primer prior to installation (like the TEC Multipurpose Primer).
Self-leveling concrete is designed to be used over existing concrete to achieve a flat surface, either as a standalone floor or in preparation for flooring to be installed on top. But to ensure a quality application that will last, the existing concrete must be prepared beforehand.
A space that is too hot or cold may cause the screed not to be set correctly and can cause it to crack when it dries. The use of heaters or fans to bring the room to the desired temperature may be necessary to avoid this.
Yes, Concrete Grinding is ALWAYS required prior to floor levelling otherwise you WILL NOT get ANY insurance on the installation of our product as it's most likely going to fail, crack, or popup within a 3-12 month period due to Floor Preparation not been done correctly.
1-Instrumental errors. 2-Earth curvature and refraction. 3-Personal errors and on site mistakes. A- Collimation error: This can be a serious error in levelling if the sight lengths from one instrument position are not equal, since the collimation error is proportional to the difference in these.
Preparing to Use Self-Leveling Compound
All concrete contains moisture, and if the moisture level is too high, it may cause the leveling compound to degrade over time. So you need to test the slab to ensure the moisture level is not too high.
Whether to use self-levelling compounds to level a floor depends on the degree of unevenness. If the floor is more than 5mm uneven, self-levelling compounds should not be used. In such cases, alternatives like liquid screed or traditional screed should be considered.
How Thick you can pour Self-Levelling Concrete depends on the specific product used. But standard Thicknesses are between 3 mm and 10 mm. However, it is possible to get options that pour as thin as 1mm and as Thick as 120 mm.
Levelling compound works on all types of substrates, including screed, concrete and even existing tiles and timber. It's great for uneven floors.
Self-Leveling Concrete Can Crack and Crumble
Cracks are a common problem when concrete is curing. Even large concrete slabs can have small cracks form as the concrete cures due to the stress associated with the concrete drying.
Fill any cracks
Ensure you have filled all the cracks before proceeding to the next step to avoid wasting the leveler. Allow the filler and sealer to dry, and then prime the surface.
Best Latex Self Levelling Compounds. Arditex CL Plus is a high-performance latex-based self levelling compound that is known for its excellent adhesion, moisture-resistant properties and flexibility. It's perfect for use over a wide range of substrates, including concrete, plywood, and metal.
The material is also not ideal for outdoor surfaces, large areas, or areas with too much moisture. It can be particularly challenging to work with self-leveling concrete.
The good news? Concrete leveling can last for the life of your slab, and with the right care, it's a solution you can count on for many years to come (depending on a couple of factors we discuss in this article).
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.
You may also see this issue when the flooring under the compound has not been properly primed and prepped for the concrete. However, these air bubbles can be fixed with a micro-topping material. This thin layer can cover up those little holes and create a smooth, even finish.
A cost-effective solution is using concrete dye to create a stunning faux polished floor. Concrete dye powder, known for its UV stability and super fine consistency, is mixed with all-purpose acetone to stain smooth concrete floors.