Which floor levelling compound?
Which floor levelling compound?
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Frankychops

Original Poster:

1,481 posts

25 months

Wednesday 6th August
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8 month old concrete floor, needs a circa 3-5 mm Level, which compound should I go for?

JoshSm

1,610 posts

53 months

Wednesday 6th August
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What's going on top? Slightly different surface quality/robustness needed depending on whether it's things like ceramic tiles, carpet or vinyl.

Frankychops

Original Poster:

1,481 posts

25 months

Wednesday 6th August
quotequote all
good point. carpet, its not a heated floor.

JoshSm

1,610 posts

53 months

Wednesday 6th August
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Well I quite liked the 2 part latex stuff last time I used it, there are lots to choose from.

You'll need to check if the base is sound or not (no point buying fibre reinforced stuff if you dont really need it), also check max depth and minimum especially if youre taking it to a feather edge as some cope with different thicknesses.

Also might need to prime the concrete depending on what's that's like.

If you're doing it yourself you'll need a way to mix it up quickly in volume (big container + powered mixer), a way to shift it around the floor & get air out (its not *that* self levelling) and suitable footwear if you haven't got easy access to move around the space you're levelling if its large.

Frankychops

Original Poster:

1,481 posts

25 months

Thursday 7th August
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I've got some plastic 40ltr buckets, its not a massive area(12sqm). base is circa 8 months old, totally sound, I might drop some PVA across it the day before just to help with suction a little.

its only 5.99 for next day delivery so saves me collecting etc.

This is what I was looking at

https://www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/products...

Edited by Frankychops on Thursday 7th August 08:20

PhilboSE

5,307 posts

242 months

Thursday 7th August
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I’ve generally used the Mapei stuff from Screwfix for that sort of thickness and purpose, mixed in a couple of builders tubs.

You’ll need at least a second pair of hands to mix up while you pour. Ideal is to cover the area as quickly as possible with a consistent amount of mix. You’ll need a float to push it around a bit into corners, and I strongly recommend a spiked roller to encourage it to even out and get rid of air bubbles.

I mark the floor with points at metre intervals, then use shim packers and a level to find out the floor height difference at that point from some datum point. Gives an idea of low spots that need more mix, and also helps to calculate the number of bags accurately.

I’d recommend using a proper concrete primer for SLC as well, rather than just PVA. You don’t want any of it delaminating.

Danns

383 posts

75 months

Thursday 7th August
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...and of you go for the screwfx Mapei...buy a few more bags than you think you need. Can always return for a refund.

This is coming from someone who's had to down tools twice mid pour and complete the 1hr round trip to buy more whilst hoping there is still a wet edge to work to upon my return!

Gtom

1,740 posts

148 months

Thursday 7th August
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Frankychops said:
good point. carpet, its not a heated floor.
If it’s carpet and underlay going down, 3-5mm isn’t worth worrying about!

Frankychops

Original Poster:

1,481 posts

25 months

Thursday 7th August
quotequote all
Gtom said:
Frankychops said:
good point. carpet, its not a heated floor.
If it’s carpet and underlay going down, 3-5mm isn’t worth worrying about!
it is, its sisal going down and needs to be glued to the floor, you can feel a few lumps from the tamped floor etc.

Gtom

1,740 posts

148 months

Thursday 7th August
quotequote all
Stopgap green bag and some 114 liquid, no need to prime it.