Rovnitel for a floor starting. Choosing a self-leveling floor compound. Types of levelers for pouring the floor

Which self-levelling floor leveler is better? A question asked by many property owners planning repairs or capital construction of a house, cottage.

A perfectly flat floor base guarantees stability and durability of the final floor covering. The need to obtain an even floor arises at the time of removing the old floor, planning to eliminate all the shortcomings of previous irregularities. The modern construction market offers many screed technologies, filled with mixtures that differ in cost and purpose.

Mixtures for flooring are divided into 2 groups:

For draft filling;
Finishing pouring of the main coating;

Main types of self-levelling floor screeds

The floor leveling procedure is divided into several stages, depending on the initial state of the floor.

Rough Leveler

It is a mixture with large particles in the composition. When mixed with water in the proportions specified by the manufacturer, it takes the form of a thick solution, which is applied to the surface of the subfloor, securely fastening the base. After drying, it acquires an even coating that can withstand force loads. It is used to eliminate significant defects. Massive potholes, cracks and chips. Indispensable when you have to level a large difference between the plates. The possible thickness of the leveling agent depends on the basic composition of the material. The base layer is cement, which provides a snug fit and tenacity with the main surface. When applying the mixture, it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions and determine the ability to withstand a layer thicker than 5-10 mm. Applying a thicker level will cause cracks over the entire surface and will not provide a smooth finish. If deep penetrations exist, a staged screed must be applied. The first layer is to fill in the sections of the pits, wait until it dries completely and then fill the entire surface. Each level of the layer must be checked for complete drying and a snug fit with the surface.

Finishing coat for a thorough leveling of the floor surface.

It is used when necessary to obtain a perfectly smooth, thin coating. Mixtures have a finer porous surface; when combined with water, they form a homogeneous composition. For cosmetic repairs of apartments or houses, it will be enough to use a homogeneous finish pour. The main advantage of using a finish fill is ease of use and uniformity of the material. The implementation of pouring does not require knowledge of the intricacies of building technologies. Polymers and minerals that are part of all finishing mixtures provide an aesthetically beautiful and "correct" floor. Resistance to physical and external influences is achieved due to the finely porous structure in the filler compositions. When using a self-levelling floor leveler, determine which one is best based on the composition and rating of the product manufacturer. Leveler compositions most often include cement and gypsum as the main component. Gypsum has a denser, plastic structure. Each manufacturer of floor mixtures has developed its own composition, which determines the quality and appearance of the finished surface.

Types of self-leveling floor levelers differ not only in the composition of the components, but also in combination with a water base, the density of the connection. Some levelers create a dense waterproofing layer that does not allow water to pass through. Such compositions are ideal for wet rooms in contact with moisture. The flooring of bathrooms, pool areas, bathrooms must have a high degree of waterproofing protection.

The main rules for technological leveling of floor surfaces

Applyingself-levelling floor leveler, which one should be determined based on:

Base surface type;
Purpose of the premises;
The existing state of the floor.

Let us pay attention to the important rule for the use of all filling mixtures! Composition and engineering works on concrete and stone substrates. For wooden flooring of a house or cottage, it is necessary to use mixtures intended for this type of surface.

A perfectly flat floor can be achieved considering:

Finish coating. If the finish coating is linoleum, then the resulting defects will not cause any special problems. However, after changing the floor covering, it will be necessary to replace the existing screed.
The installation of beacons is a necessary step in obtaining a smooth surface. If the floor is significantly different in height and the beacons are not installed correctly, the desired surface may not be achieved. The work will be done wrong, and the costs will be wasted.
The key and main stage is the correct preparation of the roving mixture. Compliance with the instructions will allow you to get the required volume and proper dilution of the composition. Coarse levelers are a denser mass, while finishing ones require more water to obtain a liquid base. Which self-levelling floor leveler is better depends on the type of application and the fineness of the coating formation.

The final stage is the level of waterproofing of the surface. It must be understood that the main task of liquid-type floor levelers is to completely fill existing defects on the surface. The ability to penetrate small chips, cracks and formations can lead to water infiltration into deep layers. Before starting the pouring of the floor, it is necessary to take care of dense waterproofing.

We propose to consider the advantages of self-leveling floor levelers, depending on the composition:

Gypsum leveler is used in rooms with a low level of humidity.

Advantages:

Allows the use of a filling layer up to 10 mm. Eliminates significant defects on the surface.
Affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

Long surface drying time.
Application with a humidity level of more than 80% is unacceptable.

Cement floor leveler is suitable for most surfaces.

Advantages of cement leveler:

surface drying speed. Cement well absorbs the remaining water and allows you to get a dry layer within a few hours after application.
Good wear resistance and long service life. Due to the density of the surface, the maximum load level is achieved.
High level of waterproofing due to the properties of cement.

Disadvantages of cement pouring:

High price;
The maximum layer thickness reaches 50 mm. If a denser layer is required, refilling is necessary, which implies additional costs.

Self-levelling floor leveler which is better must be determined, taking into account the type of floor surface and the level of damage to it. Under warm floors, InnovaStroy specialists advise using a gypsum-based leveling agent.

The benefits of self-levelling floor levelers are evident when first changing the surface. Regardless of the type, the rough coating will be improved several times.

Depending on the need for the main type of the resulting surface, several types of mixtures are distinguished:

Draft mixed mortars are used as the initial coating of the slab. In a room with significant defects and chips. It dries quickly, but requires a reinforced coating to obtain a thin layer.
Finishing levelers are expensive, they form a perfectly even coating. The layer reaches no more than 5 mm. The surface dries almost immediately after application, however, the depth of the layer remains wet for a long time.
Special types of solutions to eliminate chips and cracks. They have a high degree of adhesion, suitable for partial treatment of areas.
Mortar for insulated flooring. Developed on the basis of gypsum. It has unique heat-insulating characteristics of the surface.

Differences in self-levelling floor screeds are achieved by the main component and the possibility of its application in the specified conditions. The company InnovaStroy offers customers development of individual design of houses and cottages with high-quality floor covering of any type.

Features of the use of flooring with a two-component composition

Innovative coating in the construction market - polymer floors. The high quality of strength and wear resistance allows the use of this coating without an additional finishing layer.

The composition of the polymer coating:

Epoxy resin is more often used in non-residential premises, it is convenient to use by pouring speed and obtaining a floor surface at no additional cost.
Polyurethane is used in private individual construction.

Two-component solutions are distinguished by a smooth surface and the possibility of application without additional labor costs. Consider the benefits:

The rate of complete drying of the solution is achieved within 2 hours.
The coating looks impressive and allows you to get a decorative base of the desired look.
Allows you to apply decorative patterns, floor murals and achieve 3D images.
Due to the high strength and waterproofing properties of the material, it has superiority over standard floor mixtures.

Minor disadvantages of two-component mixtures include:

Do not apply with significant surface differences;
Quite an expensive level of cost of the resulting surface;
High consumption rate of about 1.5 kg per sq.m.

Two-component solutions are often used by InnovaStroy specialists when creating decorative floors with graphic images. With full catalog of finished projects can be found on the website pages. The effectiveness of obtaining a mirror surface in combination with color ornaments and high waterproofing properties allows you to increase the frequency of application of the mixture. Many customers, wanting to get a unique, unusual surface, prefer modern 2-component fills.

Top 7 tips for choosing your floor leveler mix:

Before buying a mixture, you must accurately determine the purpose of the room.
If you want to get a warm floor, give preference to gypsum mixtures. Such compositions have higher rates of heat retention.
Before using the mixture, it is important to read the instructions, taking into account all the manufacturer's recommendations and dilute the composition correctly.
Remember that gypsum mixtures do not have waterproofing and are not used in places where moisture accumulates (bathroom, kitchen, swimming pool).
Practical polyurethane 2-component mixtures are ideal for residential cottages, apartments and houses.
Correctly install beacons to obtain a perfectly flat surface.
Do not try to achieve a perfect surface with a thick layer. It is better to use the technology of phased pouring with two different mixtures.

Knowing the basics, applications and technology of pouring flooring, you can get a quality floor yourself. The quality of work can be assessed only in conditions of constant use of the floor.

InnovaStroy specialists develop unique sketches of the floor surface in cottages and private houses. Getting a colorful, spectacular floor using a 3D image is quite simple. At the same time, the warm surface of the flooring makes it possible not to use additional electric floor heating systems, which significantly saves further house maintenance. We recommend contacting professional craftsmen who know the basics, technology and use of all types of floor mixtures. A pleasant and warm floor in the daily stay is a guarantee of health and comfort for the whole family.

Self-leveling floors are quite expensive material, it is customary to apply them with a thickness of only a few millimeters. The base for them must necessarily be strong and even, otherwise there will be an overrun of the material or its service life will be limited by the term of the screed. That is why levelers were developed - mixtures with which you can prepare a high-quality base several centimeters thick. With their help, a screed is prepared, on which thin-layer self-leveling floors, including decorative ones, are then applied.

What is a floor leveler

Rovnitel is a dry mortar based on a cement binder. The composition includes fractionated sand, polymer additives and fillers. The dry mixture is mixed with water in the proportion recommended by the manufacturer, after which it is brought to the desired consistency by mixing. The result is a plastic mixture that is easily applied to the prepared substrate. It is easy to level with a rule, and it does not crack. The main advantage of the leveler is its non-shrinkage, this property allows you to prepare a screed with excellent geometric characteristics.

Scope of application

Rovnitel is used in rooms with normal and high humidity. A rough screed, floor slab can serve as a base; laying on chipboard or wood is possible. You can use the material in residential and public buildings, including hospitals, clinics, preschool institutions. The leveling agent is also used in the construction or repair of production workshops in which it is planned to install machine tools and other equipment.

It is recommended to apply the leveler with a layer of 10 to 50 mm, if you want to exceed the maximum value, then it is worth reinforcing the screed. The advantage of this material over conventional mortar is that the resulting base is vibration-resistant. The probability of formation of cracks in it is equal to zero, which significantly increases the life of the floor. All this, along with the cost-effectiveness and affordable price of the leveler, makes it a popular material used in critical work. All leading suppliers of construction mixes produce levelers, which allows you to choose products optimally in accordance with the construction budget.

If, when repairing an apartment, the question arose of leveling the floor, then most likely you will come across three proposals for solving this problem: the device and use of levelers.

The mortar screed is fundamental, the self-leveling floor is small in thickness, but levelers can be called a variety of options for leveling the floor.

Parameters for classification

All parameters of sold levelers are marked on their packaging. To classify levelers, we single out the main consumer parameters:

Permissible fill layer thicknesses (minimum and maximum);
Application method;
Composition components;
The degree of resulting surface evenness.

According to these and some other characteristics, levelers can be divided into the following types:

Thick-layer rovers;
Finishing levelers (thin-layer);
Special levelers.

Thick-layer levelers

Different manufacturers call this type of roving differently. High build and high strength screeds, reinforced, coarse or basic screed. The thickness of application of such mixtures is 80-120 to 200 mm. The lower application thickness can drop to 30-20 mm.

The resulting surface from such levelers requires additional leveling, the so-called finishing leveling.

A distinctive feature of working with thick-layer (base) levelers is the uselessness of reinforcement, usually manual application, high drying speed, 2-4 hours before walking.

The binder of the base levelers is cement, additives are sand, limestone, possibly fiber for reinforcement.

Roofers Classification - Basic

Examples of base levelers

Weber Vetonit 5700 (5-70mm)/5000 (5-50mm)/6000 (10-250mm)/4400(0-30mm);
UNIS Horizon (10-120 mm), Reinforced (10-200 mm);
Plitonite R1 PRO (5-50 mm),
KMRV primary (5-50 mm).

Finishing roving (thin-layer)

Levelers classification - finishing

The name speaks for itself. This type of leveling agent is distinguished by a low application thickness. Usually the thickness is limited to 20-30, less often 40 mm. The minimum level of such levelers can be marked as 0 mm.

The binders of such levelers can be both cement and gypsum-polymer compositions. Many manufacturers call gypsum-polymer levelers self-leveling floors, which is basically the same thing.

Finishing levelers are applied by pouring method, which coincides with the technology of self-leveling floors. Such levelers are leveled by the acceleration method, with aeration rollers, which is why they are often called self-levelling.

Examples of self-levelling screeds for final screed or screed

Weber Vetonit 4350 (10-50mm)/4310 (2-30mm)/4100 (2-30mm)/3000 (0-5mm);
UNIS: Universal (2-100mm) / Ultra (5-60mm) / Monolith (2-100mm) / Finish (1-30mm).

Special rovers

In the "Special levelers" type, it is possible to include mixtures for laying a floor layer with special requirements and/or for application under special conditions.

This group includes equalizers:

Frost-resistant;
For warm floors;
Waterproof;
For external use;
Particularly durable (wear-resistant).

In apartments, this type of leveling agent is used in bathrooms and wet areas.

findings

At the end of the article Classification of equalizers, I note:

Thick-layer levelers are an excellent alternative to wet DSP screeds in an apartment;
When buying a leveler, carefully read the information on the package;
Finishing leveler and self-leveling floor, this is essentially a different name for the same thing. However, there is still a difference. To confirm, I will show such a comparative table of self-leveling floors and levelers from Weber.

One of the most time-consuming and time-consuming work during the renovation of an apartment is the process of bringing the floor surface into proper shape. Today, self-leveling floor compounds help to speed up and simplify this matter. In another way, they are called equalizers, level masses or self-leveling floors.

Types of mixtures by purpose

All floor leveling mixtures are divided into two large groups:

for initial (rough) processing;
for finishing.

They differ from each other in composition, structure and performance characteristics.

Rough levelers

For roughing, including the elimination of deep chips, cracks and potholes, leveling large height differences, a coarse leveler for the floor is used.

Application Features:

This type of leveler is a dry mix of coarse particles. To prepare the working solution, you need ordinary clean water.
The floor leveler can be applied on a concrete, cement or brick base, spreading from 5 mm to 7 cm thick in one layer.
The consumption of an aqueous solution of coarse leveling agent is from 2 to 5 kg per square meter. with a thickness of 1 mm.
Due to the large particles in the composition, this type of self-leveling floor cannot form a perfectly smooth surface and requires further refinement.

Finishing level masses

Finishing floor leveler consists of smaller particles. It can be applied on surfaces treated with a starter coating or directly on the substrate, provided that it has minor defects.

Application Features:

The solution turns out to be homogeneous and plastic, it fills all the small irregularities, and when dried, it forms an impeccably flat and smooth surface on which any floor covering can be laid.
The consumption of the finished solution will be 1.5–1.7 kg per square meter. with a thickness of 1 mm.
Finishing compounds on the market are presented as self-leveling floor compounds.

From this comparison, we can conclude that floor leveling compounds should be selected depending on the size and type of surface defects that need to be eliminated.

Right choice

Which self-levelling floor mixes are better to choose? In stores and hypermarkets selling building materials, self-leveling mixtures of various brands are presented: KNAUF, Vetonit, Ceresit, Bolars, Volma, Horizont. The name of the manufacturer does not play a decisive role when choosing the necessary material. Subject to the technology for preparing the solution, the result will be good, regardless of the fame and popularity of the brand.

It is impossible to definitely and accurately say which self-leveling floor is better and which is worse. When choosing, you need to build on what basis and in what room the floor will be poured. For each specific case, a specific composition is required. Therefore, in order to make the right choice, it is better to first answer yourself the following questions:

In a room with what level of humidity will the floors be leveled?
On which substrate will the self-levelling compound be applied?
Is it possible to keep the floor in contact with water for a long time?
What is the mixture for: for rough leveling or for finishing?

Self-levelling compounds are selected by composition, depending on what the answers to the questions listed will be.

Types of self-leveling floors

The main components that are necessarily present in the mixture are cement or gypsum. In this regard, they can be divided into groups:

cement-containing;
gypsum-containing or anhydrite.

Cement-based levelers

Compositions based on cement are more versatile. They can be used in any space. They have a number of undeniable advantages:

minimum shrinkage;
high adhesion;
versatility when choosing a base;
high strength and the ability to use as a screed;
crack resistance.

Movement on such a self-leveling floor is possible in a few hours.

There are also disadvantages:

final strength comes in about three weeks;
a sufficiently large flow rate, the thickness of any layer is at least 5 mm.

Anhydride mixtures

The compositions, which are based on gypsum, are undemanding to the evenness of the base. Their advantages include:

minimum shrinkage;
drying speed;
thermal conductivity, because of this property, anhydrite self-leveling mixtures are ideal for installing a “warm floor” system;
the possibility of applying a screed up to 10 cm high;
high strength.

A significant disadvantage of self-leveling floors of this type is that they can only be used in dry rooms. This condition is caused by the fact that gypsum perfectly absorbs moisture and because of this swells and deforms. Therefore, it is better not to use such floors in the kitchen and bathroom.

Other characteristics

Depending on the polymerizable binder, self-levelling mixtures can be divided into groups:

sweep with epoxy binder;
compositions with a polyurethane binder.

The first type is durable, but less fluid and plastic. It is good for use in rooms where the floor has a large load. It can be a hallway, a bathroom, a corridor. The second type is best used for leveling the floor in residential premises.

Also, when choosing a self-leveling floor, you should pay attention to the time during which the finished solution is suitable for use. This time in various mixtures varies from 15 to 40 minutes. The larger the number, the more time it takes to pour the entire floor to be leveled, distribute the mortar and achieve the formation of a single, even surface without unnecessary seams and folds.

Thus, when buying a mixture for leveling the floor, you need to pay attention to the composition and choose its variety, depending on which room and on what basis it will be used.

Mixture flow calculation

In order for the solution to be enough for the entire surface to be leveled, but at the same time there is no large excess, it is important to correctly calculate the consumption of the mixture for the floor.

First of all, the amount of the consumable mixture is affected by the area of \u200b\u200bthe room and the condition of the leveled surface. Also, the consumption depends on what type of self-leveling floor will be used: to obtain a rough coating or for processing for finishing. In all these cases, the flow rate of the mixture will be different.

All calculations, as a rule, begin with the calculation of the amount of composition consumed per square meter. meter. This value is affected by:

filling layer thickness;
the density of the composition used;
the use of fillers that reduce the amount of mixture used.

Provided that fillers are not used, the calculation of consumption per 1 sq.m. very simple. If the layer thickness is taken as 1 mm, then 1 liter of solution will be needed to level one square meter of the surface. So, when performing a screed with a thickness of 1 cm on a room area of 8 square meters. meters will require 80 liters of solution (1l * 10 mm * 8m2).

When making calculations, it is imperative to take into account the density of the mixture, which the manufacturer indicates on the container. This value simply needs to be multiplied by the previously obtained indicator. So, if a composition with a density of 1.30 kg / l is used, then using the previous calculations, 104 liters of the mixture (1.30 * 80) will be required.

What is the best self-levelling floor screed? The service life and appearance of the floor largely depends on how flat the surface is under it. Before proceeding with the restoration work, pay due attention to the repair of plates and quality. A self-leveling floor leveler will help you cope with this task.

The base is poured with quick-drying solutions not only during major repairs and construction, but also during cosmetic repairs of the premises. This article will help you learn how to choose the right leveling compound and how to apply it correctly.

Functional features

A self-leveling self-leveling floor is used for screeding and eliminating defects. In addition, it performs the following functions:

Eliminates defects and differences in height.
Installation of the subfloor and the creation of the top layer on it.
Creating a perfectly smooth surface.
Repair of the old floor.

Interesting, that the self-levelling floor leveler is easy to spread over the surface area, and is characterized by a fast curing time. Already after 5-6 hours we can walk on this floor.

Varieties of mixtures by composition

Levelers for the floor are produced in bags, in dry form. They differ from each other in composition (,), and purpose (corrective, starting and finishing).

Filling with leveler (coarse)

Filling should start from the far corner between the beacons (i.e., stripes) and then the solution is distributed over the area. If you notice that voids have formed, add a little more mortar to this place and smooth it out again, as a rule you should drive like on rails.

If more than one coat is required, let each coat dry for at least 24 hours. After the mortar begins to set, pour the mixture into the space and smooth it out.

Important: in order to avoid uneven drying and the appearance of cracks on the surface, protect the room from drafts, artificial heating and sunlight.

Filling with leveling agent (finishing)

Finishing self-leveling floor leveler is used to obtain a perfectly flat surface. When pouring on such a floor, you should walk in studded paint shoes.

The surface to which the solution will be applied must be even and have at least 2 coats of primer. To prevent the mixture from leaking to the neighbors, the use of a waterproofing material is recommended. The solution must be liquid, which means that you do not need beacons - it will be applied in one layer and will spread perfectly over the surface.

The area of the room should be divided into zones, and each of these zones should be filled in 15 minutes. The solution should be poured from the far corner, after which it is leveled with a rule. We fill the sections in one go to the desired height, and then you should walk through the solution with a needle

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