Liquid floor finish. Which self-leveling self-leveling floor is better: choose a self-leveling floor with a durable coating. What to build on when choosing the optimal composition

In the modern market of building materials, the latest developments are increasingly appearing, which are gradually replacing the means of interior decoration already familiar to us. When making repairs, many people prefer to use already known and proven materials, and innovations are treated with some degree of distrust. It is to such innovations that the finishing self-leveling floor also applies. In the article we will talk about the features of this material, find out all its positive qualities based on reviews and consider the types of bulk mixtures that are on the market today.

Modern self-leveling floor compounds are gradually becoming more popular due to the relatively low cost and simple laying process that a person can carry out without special skills or sophisticated tools. The main thing is to follow the instructions from the manufacturer and not violate the prescribed technology.

Advantages of self-leveling floors

A high-quality material for creating a self-leveling floor has a large number of advantages, among which it can be noted;

Coating durability. Subject to the technology and high-quality surface preparation, the self-leveling coating can last from 15 to 25 years without the need for additional repairs and subject to non-aggressive operation.
Resistant to external influences. Finishing self-leveling floors do not react to temperature changes and humidity levels in the room. The coating is resistant to most chemical cleaners.

Important. When cleaning and cleaning the coating, it is highly recommended not to use detergents that contain particles of abrasive material. This can damage the surface, especially if the finish has a glossy finish.

Fire safety. Fine self-leveling floors do not burn and do not support the combustion process, which guarantees an increased level of safety.
Environmentally friendly material. It is important to remember here that only certified materials from trusted manufacturers meet the highest standards of environmental cleanliness. Any cheap analogues or fakes will most likely contain toxic elements.
Beautiful appearance. Thanks to the bulk laying technology, the finishing layer has no seams and creates a monolithic coating over the entire area. The self-leveling floor for finishing leveling in most cases has a glossy smooth surface, which visually increases the size of the room. The surface of the floor is perfectly flat and can contain beautiful graphic patterns.
Good heat dissipation. When laying a warm floor, the self-leveling surface will be an ideal option for finishing decoration, since the materials conduct and retain heat well.
Hygiene. Self-levelling self-levelling floors contain antibacterial components that prevent the formation and development of mold or fungal bacteria. The finely porous structure practically does not retain dust and dirt particles.

All of these advantages have allowed this type of coating to gain its popularity in the market, and the ability to lay the material with your own hands without the involvement of specialists helps to significantly save the budget.

Varieties of bulk coatings

A modern self-levelling floor screed can be formulated in a variety of formulations and used in a variety of conditions. According to the components included in the composition, bulk material can be divided into two main groups:

polymer blends;
mineral mixtures.

In turn, the finishing self-leveling floor made of polymer mixtures is divided into two types:

epoxy;
epoxy urethane.

Epoxy compositions, as the name implies, are made on the basis of epoxy resins, which have increased strength to external mechanical stress, do not pass moisture and do not collapse under the influence of chemical cleaning solutions. Epoxy-urethane mixture is a finishing polymer floor coating, which, in addition to strength, also has a slight elasticity, is distinguished by a longer service life and wear resistance.

Mineral bulk mixtures contain such components as:

mineral filler, on which the main characteristics of the coating depend;
modifiers, which, depending on the place of application, endow the self-leveling finishing self-leveling floor with special characteristics;
cement, which serves as a bonding base for all components.

Note. It is mineral compositions that have a high degree of self-leveling, despite the fact that their consumption is slightly higher than that of polymeric ones, but the cost is also significantly lower. This does not mean that the mineral solution does not need to be leveled over the surface, just that the mixture itself is able to level those areas that you accidentally missed.

A mineral-based self-levelling screed finish is usually used as a final coating before laying the underlying finishing material, such as tiles, parquet or carpet.

Mineral compositions, depending on the use case, are divided into three main groups:

basic;
average;
finishing.

The basic modification serves for the main leveling of large errors in the concrete screed with a layer of 5-8 cm. The middle one is used for leveling cement-sand surfaces and its layer is not more than 3 cm. large errors. The thickness of the finishing layer does not exceed 1 cm.

Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of different mixtures for all occasions. If necessary, you can even create a transparent top layer of self-leveling floor, under which sea stones or a printed image will be laid. To consolidate knowledge, we suggest watching a video that will answer your questions.

03 Nov 2018 OOO "PolyTek System" 1793

Finishing polymer self-leveling floor - sale in Moscow: a wide range of polymer compositions, reasonable cost, high quality, in combination with arrangement services - company service

BY TYPE

The high-strength self-leveling bulk floor fast-hardening.
The optimal choice - for industrial floors in a warehouse and reliably protects concrete floors. Chemical resistant to many chemicals and easy to clean.

The price of the filler floor is from 335 rubles

Modern standards interior finishes reach the level of perfection, because most buildings with a unique exterior are the ultimate dreams of designers of the recent past. Getting into large shopping centers or offices of popular brands in Moscow, you will surely come across an impeccable design, the central focus of which will always be a floor surface made using a unique bulk technology using polymer compositions. This type of coating meets the most stringent certification requirements, therefore, using this type of finish, the building owner achieves maximum strength, reliability, aesthetics and durability of use.

If in the process pouring use additional methods, such as: 3D decoration, flocking, the introduction of holograms, flocks, chips and company logos, an ordinary screed can turn into a masterpiece surface. Based on these parameters, the Politek company has developed several finishing compositions, using which you can significantly strengthen the surface, while expanding the design characteristics to incredible limits!

However, it is important to take into account that strength and beauty are not the only virtues. The finishing self-leveling floor can significantly increase safety, eliminate slipping, meet the most demanding standards of sanitation and hygiene, so the use of two-component compositions based on epoxy and polyurethane resins is becoming popular in almost all areas of industry, logistics and trade. Taking into account the characteristics of an enterprise or a commercial building, one or more functional parameters can be selected that are of increased relevance in operation and, by introducing special additives, to increase their efficiency to the maximum compliance with technical requirements. This factor has become the main criterion for the wide popularization of self-leveling floors of all types.

Foundation preparation

If you need to create a smooth, monolithic surface, it is important not only to buy epoxy or polyurethane compounds, but also to prepare the base for pouring them. With a competent approach, it is possible to increase the rationality of the use of expensive components, so the technological process should have several successive stages, each of which is of particular importance. Before pouring the finishing bulk floor, you need to prepare the base using classic cement-based mixtures. If this is an industrial premises of a large area, in this case, the owners most often opt for highly filled bulk compositions (a mixture of fine / coarse quartz sand, cement and polymer additives), which do not need additional finishing coating, but are a ready-made option. In other cases, the base is leveled with a concrete screed, eliminating all flaws and irregularities, the surface is primed and only then the finishing layer is applied.

Types of self-leveling floors

Given the different functionality of the premises and features of the structure itself, all coatings differ in the degree of hardness, elasticity, brittleness and degree of roughness. By varying the proportions and concentration of a particular polymer, as well as the number of additional fillers (quartz sand), it is possible to change the technical characteristics of the floor surface to absolute compliance with the requirements put forward. However, all compositions are divided into the following types:

Polyurethane compounds (concrete linoleum);
Epoxy bulk floors (including 3D floors);
Methyl acrylate floors (glossy surface).

It is also worth pointing out on specific varieties of the compounds listed above, which may have a specially integrated conductive circuit (anti-static floors) or increased elasticity (anti-vibration floors). The use of such polymer compositions is common in industrial applications, in particular in pharmaceutical, food, chemical, pyrotechnic, military and even in the space industry.

Why do you need a polymer finish layer?

In assortment two-component mixtures and liquid formulations, there are several options for finishing coating for specific applications or vice versa - decorative purposes. Given the key feature - rapid polymerization, the priority compositions for leveling the surface in accordance with the most stringent standards are epoxy, methyl acrylate, polyurethane thin and ultra-thin compositions. Since these compounds do not require special preparations, have excellent spreadability and can serve as a finishing layer that enhances the aesthetic qualities of the floor, they are most often used as an excellent monolithic alternative to all types of decorative coatings. Leveling the composition during pouring takes only a couple of hours, and after a day such a floor is ready for gentle operation. Within 7 days, the final polymerization takes place, therefore, after this period, such floors can withstand maximum mass and abrasion loads, without compromising the quality of the coating. The only disadvantage of vitreous floors is the likelihood of chips and microcracks when hit with a sharp metal object. It is this factor that must be completely eliminated.

The main advantages of polymer floors

Of course, each buyer is interested in the most significant advantages of polymer compositions used as a topcoat for leveling and decorating an existing surface. In order to correctly assess the real superiority of this type of finish, it is necessary to list all the advantages.

Maximum possible strength;
Increased wear resistance;
Complete absence of dust separation;
Simple cleaning;
Excellent maintainability;
Neutrality to interaction with active chemical components;
Impeccable aesthetics;
Waterproofing of elevated parameters;
Durability (the maximum duration of service life is over 50 years).

Based on such an impressive list of unconditional advantages, the following conclusion can be drawn: the use of polymer compositions as a finishing layer can significantly improve not only the operational quality, but also the decorative effect of the room in which self-leveling floors are used. Although the filling of such compositions does not require sophisticated equipment, there are nuances, non-compliance with which leads to technical inconsistencies, deformation of the coating, loss of time and expensive polymers.

The Politek company is ready to offer its customers the best option: if you want to buy a self-leveling finish floor, use the preferred option - the purchase of a polymer composition in combination with pouring services. By taking advantage of this offer, you get a guarantee not only for the compositions, but also for all the work done! In addition, the specialists of our company are ready to visit your object, get acquainted with its features and offer the most rational method and type of finishing, using different compositions, both in terms of functionality and cost!

We are ready to offer you device (installation) of self-leveling floor in any premises. Our polymer-based materials can be poured into any room, they contain additives that give them decorative (for example, colored, transparent for a pattern, for linoleum) properties and other components that give them resistance to wear - repairs will not be needed for a long time.
Ideal foundation in order to pour the coating is a material such as concrete (or should be such as a concrete floor or cement screed). The thickness of the bulk coating very much depends on the basis on which it will be poured. The calculation can be done by our employees, call us and we will tell you the price of materials and the cost of work for your area.

In the modern market of building materials, self-leveling self-leveling floors are becoming more common, due to the fact that their installation is quite simple, and their use leads to saving time for repairs and to the formation of ideal flat surfaces. At the same time, to obtain a smooth surface, it is not necessary to additionally smooth them.

The technology for pouring such floors is quite easy, but if you arrange the floor with your own hands, then you need to carefully study the rules for preparing the mixture and pouring the floors.

Features of self-leveling floors

Floors, which are arranged from self-leveling mixtures, have many advantages in relation to other mixtures used in construction and repair:

The main disadvantages of such a floor is considered to be a rather high price, but this is covered by its effectiveness.

High requirements and the complexity of dismantling the coating are also considered disadvantages, if the installation of the floor is performed with errors.

Types of self-leveling floor

Mixtures for the floor are conventionally divided into two types:

cement mortar- its use is very popular. It can be used in any room, including those with a high level of humidity. The thickness of the coating with a solution should not exceed five centimeters.

anhydride mixture- such a mixture dries much faster, since it contains gypsum. Due to the gypsum in the composition of the mixture, its thickness can be up to 10 centimeters.

But the device of the floor, using such a mixture, is impossible in rooms with high humidity.

With the correct selection of the composition of the mixture, in accordance with the conditions in which the floor will be installed, the careful and unhurried completion of all stages of work, you can make a reliable coating with your own hands. Which will be absolutely even, and give a high-quality basis for finishing.

Self-leveling screed technology

For the device of a flat floor surface, concrete mixtures are used for the device of the screed.

In the 20th century, the concept of a self-leveling floor was invented, which was a cement floor, but in a more liquid state, with the addition of a polyvinyl acetate emulsion.

Such a mixture, when poured onto the base, spread under its own weight along the plane. This greatly simplified the work on the screed device and reduced the time of work.

Gradually, the composition of the mixture changed in the direction of improvement. And now on the market there are self-leveling mixtures that are used for finishing the floor “for finishing”, which are easy to use and highly efficient in operation.

Do-it-yourself mixture pouring technology

When repairing a room, it is necessary to do a floor screed, and it does not matter what kind of finish will be in the room, linoleum, parquet or tile. To perform a high-quality coating, it is necessary to strictly observe all stages of work.

Tools and materials

To lay a self-leveling floor, you must prepare in advance all the necessary tools and materials:

In the room where the floor will be installed, it is necessary to remove the old coating, screed and traces of paint, mastic and glue residue. After that, the base is cleaned of dust and dirt, the seams in the concrete are cleaned. All irregularities, cracks and seams are puttied, or polished, with their small sizes.

At high humidity, the coating must be dried. This stage is one of the most important, since how long the screed will last depends on its quality performance, and whether cracks or distortions will appear in it. At this stage, be sure to check the level of the floor.

When installing a screed on wooden floors, it is also necessary to carefully prepare the base. Skirting boards are removed and the remnants of varnish and glue are removed from the floor, using a spatula, scraper and a metal brush.

Dust and dirt can be removed with a construction vacuum cleaner, or use a whisk.

All cracks in the floor must be filled with mortar. You can level the wooden base with a primary screed.

If a self-levelling floor is being installed on top of ceramic tiles, then it is necessary to check in advance how well the tiles adhere. Those that have not passed the test are removed, and the voids are puttied. The surface must be degreased before work.

Primer

After all work on the preparation of the base, it is necessary to carry out a primer in two layers, which will ensure adhesion of the screed to the base and give greater tightness. If the base is porous and dry, the primer is performed in several layers. When applying it, it is necessary that the room has a constant air temperature, otherwise bubbles will form in the primer. Apply the primer with a roller or a wide brush. Layers are applied in turn, after the first layer has completely dried, a new one can be laid on top.

Waterproofing

Before pouring the mixture on the base, it is necessary to perform waterproofing.

It can be used film, coating or roll.

Solution preparation

Self-leveling compounds are sold ready-to-dry. To prepare them, it is necessary to pour the contents of the package into a container with water, where the solution will be mixed. After that, it is necessary to mix the mixture thoroughly until the lumps completely disappear. At the same time, it must be remembered that first water is poured into the container, and only then the mixture is poured there, if you do the opposite, then lumps will form. The ratio of water and mixture should be indicated on the packaging.

You need to mix the solution with a construction mixer, or a drill with a special nozzle for 10 minutes. After that, it must be immediately poured into place, otherwise it will thicken and deteriorate. If the solution thickens before it is poured into place, then it must be thrown away. Water cannot be added again.

Pouring solution

The finished solution is poured onto the floor surface in small portions, placing them next to each other, and leveling with a spatula. The thickness is adjusted with a doctor blade.

After a portion of the mixture has been poured onto the floor and leveled, it must be passed over with a spiked roller to remove air bubbles. Next, a new portion is poured, smoothed and rolled with a roller. So pour the entire floor in small portions.

After that, the finished screed is covered with plastic wrap to prevent dust and dirt from reaching the coating.

It will be possible to walk on the coating in a day, but it will gain its strength only after 3-14 days, and it will be possible to continue further finishing.

Thus, self-levelling floors are the best material for subflooring under floor finishing. Their laying technology is so simple that absolutely anyone can handle it, with sufficient attention and patience.

Very often, laying flooring requires a level subfloor. Floor leveling is no easy task these days. If earlier the only solution was the installation of a concrete screed, today dry methods, a traditional cement screed, and self-leveling mortars of various types are used to level the floor.

What it is?

Self-levelling floor compounds are a new generation of cement or gypsum-based compounds mixed with fine aggregates and special additives that ensure uniform distribution of the mixture and accelerate its curing. Such mixtures are also called equalizers or levels. Self-leveling floor can be done in any type of premises. Within a day, such a coating can be exploited.

A feature of self-leveling floors is that they are used only as a base base for a top coat. On top of them, you can safely lay linoleum, laminate, parquet or any other floor covering.

Self-levelling floors can be installed on different types of substrates.

The mixture hardens on them with a thin film, which:

Has a small weight;
It has good heat and sound insulation characteristics;
Wear resistant;
Not a source of dust.

With the help of self-leveling compounds, it is possible to eliminate differences in the height of the base up to 2 cm.

The advantages of this type of mixture also include:

Good fluidity. The mixture does not need to be specially leveled on the surface of the base;
Coating evenness. Due to its good fluidity, the mixture spreads evenly over the entire floor, creating an absolutely even base that hides all protrusions and depressions;
High penetrating power. The mixture fills even the smallest depressions and cracks in the base and adheres well to it;
Increased strength;
incombustibility;

Fast curing and curing. Self-leveling floor dries for two weeks maximum (cement). Quick-drying (gypsum) - and even less;
No need to reinforce the base and set up beacons;
Resistance to temperature change;
The minimum percentage of shrinkage of the base;
Low cost of the material;
Variety of types of mixtures from different manufacturers;
Low labor intensity and simplicity of the process of preparing and pouring the mixture.

The thickness of the applied layer of the self-levelling mixture is usually from one to 10 mm. In some cases, a layer of 50 mm is allowed.

Despite the abundance of advantages, self-leveling floors have certain disadvantages:

The thinner the layer thickness, the lower the strength of the floors;
Such floors are difficult to dismantle;
Due to the liquid structure of the mixture, it is impossible to make sloped bases with it.

In what cases are necessary?

Self-levelling mortar is used when:

Quickly and inexpensively, it is necessary to update the base of the floor;
Leveling of the base of the floor with slight irregularities is required;
Leveling of the base is required due to the presence of height differences (up to 1-2 cm);
The subfloor needs to be smooth.

Kinds

Dry mixes for self-leveling floors are divided into several types.

For the main ingredient:

Cement. Mixtures of this kind are used in different rooms, including wet ones. Cement mixtures are poured in a layer from 2 to 50 mm. Self-levelling cement-based floors have higher strength and wear resistance, adhere well to the base, practically do not crack, practically do not shrink. But the use of cement levelers is more expensive and they gain final strength only after 20 days;
anhydride. These are gypsum-based materials. Due to the fact that gypsum absorbs moisture well, such mixtures can only be used in dry rooms. Such a floor is poured with a thickness of 2 to 11 mm. Its main advantage is the speed of drying.

By type of polymerizable binder:

Polyurethane. Such mixtures for the filler floor have increased elasticity and resistance to low temperatures. Such coatings are best suited for areas where there is increased traffic (warehouses, offices, trading floors);

Epoxy. The composition of such levels includes epoxy resins, due to which the floor acquires increased strength characteristics and resistance to temperature extremes, moisture and the effects of various chemicals. Epoxy levelers are commonly used for floors in catering establishments, chemical plants, car washes;

Epoxy polyurethane. Such mixtures combine the properties of the above two levels and are used at facilities with a continuous flow of people (metro, train stations, etc.);

Methyl methacrylate. Floors with such a binder have an increased hardening rate. Such a level can be applied with a layer of almost any thickness, and this must be done quickly due to the presence of a strong odor that disappears when the mixture hardens;

Cement-acrylic. Floors from such mixtures are obtained with a somewhat rough surface, and therefore such mixtures are used in rooms where floors are subject to increased safety requirements (saunas, swimming pools, entrance groups).

By appointment:

Rough mixture. Such compounds are used when it is required to hide rather large irregularities in the floor. Levels of this type are applied with a 5-6 mm layer;
Finishing mix. Used as a final floor finish. A layer of such a leveling agent is applied with a thickness of no more than 4 mm on a floor previously leveled with a coarse mixture to give it greater evenness and smoothness. The finishing composition is applied only after the final drying of the bottom layer of the screed. In some cases, such a base is not even covered with a laminate, linoleum or other coating. Such a floor can be decorated with any patterns or ornaments;
Fast curing compound. It is used when work on leveling the subfloor needs to be carried out as soon as possible. Such levels can be applied both in a thin and rather thick layer, depending on the degree of unevenness of the base;

Special mixtures used only to seal depressions or cracks in the base of the floor. A feature of such mixtures is increased adhesion to the base of the floor;
Solutions for the restoration of wooden floors. Such compositions contain special fibers that improve adhesion, thereby providing a reliable screed.

Rating

Today, the construction market is replete with various brands of self-leveling compounds. The leading position due to its practicality and quality is occupied by the composition of Knauf "Boden". It consists of specially purified fine gypsum, quartz sand, various polymers and other additives.

The use of such a self-leveling mixture provides increased reliability and strength of the floor base. This type of screed can be used when installing heated floors, since the gypsum component helps to keep the heat in the room.

Under this brand, mixtures are produced that are used for the device:

rough initial foundation. The mixture has good plasticity, does not shrink, cracks do not form on the finished base;
self-leveling floor with increased strength. The mixture is well leveled and does not form cracks. The maximum layer thickness is 5 cm;
self-leveling floor, which hardens in the shortest possible time.

Products also have high technical characteristics Vetonit, which, due to the inclusion of original additives in its composition, has good fluidity, resistance to cracking and dries quickly (for example, Vetonit "Vaatery Plus"). All levels of this brand are used to create only a rough base.

Self-leveling mixtures have the best value for money "Horizon". The main use of mixtures of this brand is the finish coating. The maximum layer of such a screed should not exceed 10 mm. Floors made using these mixtures are characterized by high levels of evenness, resistance to moisture, and quick drying (6 hours). They can be laid on any coating, from porcelain stoneware to linoleum.

It is also possible to use such a floor without the use of floor coverings.

Self-leveling compounds are widely used in Russia Ceresit, which are used for different types of bases - concrete, wooden. Particularly noteworthy is the mixture "Ceresit Moment Flat Floor", which allows you to level differences in height up to 8 cm. The composition of the mixture includes both gypsum and cement. The composition can be used in different rooms for the construction of a rough base. If you need to perform floor leveling work in the shortest possible time, then the Ceresit CN-83 mixture is suitable for such purposes. The level quickly hardens and is very resistant to moisture.

A floor made using such a mixture can be used as a finishing floor even in places where there is increased traffic.

Consumer interest is also attracted by the mixture "Nivelir-Express" from brand "Volma", which allows you to create a smooth finish, eliminating height differences up to 1 cm. It is used in any premises. To fill cavities and cracks, it is recommended to use a mixture of "Volma Rough".

Also on the market you can find self-leveling mixtures "Bolars", Ivsil, "Prospectors", "Plitonit", "Alfapol", which also collect positive consumer reviews.

Calculations

Room area;
The thickness of the layer of the poured mixture;
The density of the leveling mixture.

Before starting the calculations, it is assumed that for pouring 1 sq. m base 1 mm thick requires 1 liter of water.

So, for example, if you need to level the floor in a room of 10 square meters. with a level layer thickness of 7 mm, 70 liters of water are needed (1l * 7 mm * 10 sq.m.).

Next, the density of the mixture is entered into the calculation, which is indicated on the packaging without fail. The amount of water obtained in the previous calculation must be corrected for the actual density of the leveling mixture. If the density of the level is, for example, 1.4 kg / l, then the required amount of solution will be 1.4 * 70 \u003d 98 liters.

You can do it easier. On the packaging with a self-leveling mixture, the manufacturer indicates the consumption of the composition per 1 m2 of a 1 mm thick floor. This value is multiplied by the area of the room and the thickness of the pouring layer in mm. The result will be the consumption of the mixture for the entire room.

It is not at all difficult to arrange a self-leveling screed in an apartment with your own hands. You just need to buy a self-leveling mixture, having previously calculated the required amount and prepare the necessary fixtures and tools for work.

The following tools are required to fill the level:

A container in which the solution will be mixed. Its volume should be sufficient to mix about 25 kg of the mixture in it at a time. At the same time, it should be convenient for mixing and pouring the solution;
Mixer for mixing the solution. For the same purposes, you can use an electric drill, providing it with a special nozzle, or a puncher. It is impossible to knead the leveling solution manually, since it will not be possible to achieve the required level of quality of the mixture, and, accordingly, the final result. It has been established that the strength of the self-leveling floor, the mortar for which is kneaded by hand, is reduced by almost a third;

Brush or roller to apply the primer;
Spatula with a wide spatula for spreading the mixture;
Needle roller to remove air from the flooded screed;
Level to accurately position the beacons;
Lighthouses.

Before proceeding directly to pouring a self-leveling mixture, it is necessary to carefully prepare the base on which it will be made.

First you need to remove all construction debris with a construction vacuum cleaner or at least a broom. Wet surfaces must be dried. If there are traces of varnishes, paints, other oil products on the base, then it must be degreased, otherwise a sufficient level of adhesion of the base and screed will not be ensured, which will reduce the resource of the poured floor.

After cleaning the base, proceed to its primer. This stage is necessary to increase the water resistance of the poured base and improve its adhesion to the screed. It is better to take primers of the same brand as the leveling mixture.

The next stage of preparatory work is the installation of beacons. First you need to find out where the highest point of the base is. Using the level, a small area of \u200b\u200bthe solution is poured over it. Further along the entire perimeter of the room, the level of the future floor is marked. Beacons are fixed with the same solution that will be poured. They should be fixed on the same composition that will be used as the main coating.

The solution for the device of self-leveling floors is prepared in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. As a rule, about 7 liters of water are required for 25 kg of dry matter. First, pour the mixture into a mixing container, and then add the required amount of water. After that, using a mixer, a homogeneous mixture is prepared for pouring the floor. Stir at low speed for at least 5 minutes. The mixture is then allowed to stand for 5 minutes and stirred again for 3 minutes. After that, they get to work.

Pour the solution, starting from the corner of the room, gradually and evenly filling the entire space of the floor with a solution. You can help distribute the solution with a wide spatula.

During operation, it is important to ensure that there are no drafts in the room, and the temperature of the leveled base does not fall below 5-10 degrees. After pouring, air is removed from the solution using a long-handled aeration roller.

When choosing and laying flooring, experienced craftsmen pay special attention to the uniform distribution of the material. Even if we are talking about a flooring that is durable and resistant to deformation, even a high-strength laminate loses its qualities during operation on an uneven basis. The idea of self-leveling mixes virtually eliminates the problem of creating a smooth floor with a solid foundation. A traditional screed works on this principle, but its decorative qualities are not so high, so an aesthetic outer layer is required. Perform both functions will allow a decorative self-leveling floor. The finishing self-leveling compound is easily distributed over the target surface, after which it forms a pleasing floor covering. To select the optimal mixture for specific needs, it is worth considering their types in more detail.

Methyl methacrylate formulations

Still, the technology is based on industrial means of creating even and high-strength coatings. The decorative function appeared later, and the use of methyl methacrylic resins allowed technologists to create a self-leveling floor, the universal composition of which is optimally suited for industrial, commercial and public facilities. Such coatings are used not only indoors, but also in open air conditions.

The combination of methyl methacrylic resins and special additives makes it possible to endow the base of the future coating with special qualities. In particular, modified compositions of this group are offered on the market, designed for operation in freezers and at high temperatures. Such properties expand the areas in which methyl methacrylic self-leveling floor can be used. A universal set of components, however, does not provide the aesthetic properties of the surface required for modern residential buildings.

Epoxy coatings

We can say that this is a new generation of self-leveling floors, which also has fairly high technical and operational characteristics. For example, epoxy flooring can be poured into rooms that involve chemical exposure to acids, salts, alkalis and active oils. What is especially important, such coatings have no restrictions in terms of the choice of a rough base. The self-levelling mass can be used on a metal surface, and on wood with concrete. Again, an epoxy-based self-leveling finish floor is mainly used in industrial facilities, garages, laboratories, technical rooms, etc. But, unlike methyl methacrylic coatings, such screeds are also allowed for installation in residential premises due to environmental safety. Another thing is that their design qualities leave much to be desired. However, families of decorative compositions of this group are increasingly appearing.

Cement acrylic floors

This type of potting compound contains cement, polyacrylate copolymers, as well as modified fillers. This coating has also been developed for operation in aggressive conditions with abrasive and chemical influences. Unlike previous coatings, this type of self-leveling finish floor is focused on meeting the requirements for mechanical loads. Therefore, the composition can be used in warehouses and car repair shops, where the movement of heavy equipment is expected. In addition, thanks to the matte surface, cement-acrylic coatings provide an anti-slip effect, increasing the safety of people.

Polyurethane compounds

Today, perhaps, this is the most popular variety because it represents floor coverings intended for private construction. Once laid, the user can count on the physical durability of the floor and, most importantly, on the decorative effect. Polyurethane is a rare component that combines practical properties and at the same time allows you to create beautiful surfaces. There are practically no restrictions for use in a private house. If desired, a self-leveling finish floor based on polyurethane can be arranged in the bathroom, kitchen or utility room. The coating will cope with shock mechanical effects, and withstand direct contact with detergents.

Filling technique

The previous coating should be dismantled and the future base should be cleaned. If there are obvious defects in the rough surface, then it is better to first arrange the base in the form of a traditional concrete screed. After that, you can start pouring the main composition. Usually, several components are involved in its preparation. The standard set in the package includes a hardener and an active mass - they should be stirred until the consistency of an ordinary oil paint is obtained. The resulting mixture is distributed over the entire area so that a bulk finish floor is formed without pronounced deviations in height. It is possible to stimulate a uniform distribution of mass with the help of a doctor blade - a special brush with a bristle. After that, the floor structure must go through the polymerization stage during the day. Full operation of the coating is possible in 4-5 days.

Self-leveling floor brands

The construction market is oversaturated with dry mixes for self-leveling coatings. In particular, experts recommend using products from Glims, Vetonit, Ceresit and other manufacturers. Actually, the compositions of these brands differ little from each other in terms of operational properties - almost all of them form durable, wear-resistant and aesthetically pleasing surfaces. But it is important to take into account the modification. For example, the Vetonit 3000 self-leveling floor will ennoble the room with a spectacular layer up to 5 mm high. Such a composition is just right for a residential area. If you want to get a high-strength coating for harsh operating conditions, then the choice should be made in favor of the Glims SS3X modification, which allows you to form layers up to 100 mm high.

Conclusion

Self-leveling coatings provide an example of successful flooring material competition in opposite segments. On the one hand, such mixtures are similar in characteristics to those used in industry and at production facilities. On the other hand, they are optimally suited for a private homeowner. True, in each case it is necessary to use finishing materials that are optimal in composition; they show that self-leveling coatings are beneficial not only for convenient pouring, but for unpretentious maintenance. Manufacturers, for example, produce compounds that do not collect dust, are easy to clean and are practically not covered with minor defects. As for the disadvantages, the main one is the difficulty of dismantling. If there are plans to change this coating, you should prepare to work with a puncher and a hammer to eliminate the base.

Categories

Popular