Self-leveling cement floor. Self-leveling floor or screed, which is better: how does a cement screed differ from a self-leveling floor

A cement self-leveling floor is an excellent solution for those who want to make an even, beautiful, aesthetic and durable coating that will not be very expensive, but will last for more than a dozen years. The problem of uneven floors with defects is quite common in both residential and industrial premises. One or another covering cannot be laid on such a floor, since the finish is not able to hide all the problems on the surface.

A self-leveling cement floor is characterized by self-leveling properties, laying on its own evenly and requiring a minimum of effort, time, and funds to work with finishing.

Any modern self-leveling floor, regardless of the constituent components, is distinguished by efficiency, functionality, simplicity and speed of installation, relatively low cost and a number of other useful properties. With the help of such a floor, you can solve the problem of leveling the floor and prepare it for laying the finishing, or leave it as it is.

Before proceeding with the pouring of the self-leveling floor, it is necessary to carefully study the range of mixtures, choose the one that is suitable in accordance with the required operational characteristics and characteristics of the room, and consider the technology for performing the work.

Distinctive features

A cement-based self-leveling floor is one of the modern materials that can self-level during installation, creating a flat, smooth surface. The thickness of the layer can be any and depends on the differences in the floor, the amount and magnitude of deformation, and other factors.

Advantages of self-leveling cement floors:

High compressive resistance, which the surface demonstrates after a full curing cycle, due to which the floor is not only leveled, but also significantly hardened.
Resistant to moisture and water without loss of performance.
The ability to use any materials for finishing - self-leveling floors can be the basis for ceramic tiles, laminate, parquet, linoleum, carpet, polymer mixture (to create a decorative effect), etc.
Low cost - given that prices for building materials today vary enormously, this parameter is relative, but still.
The relevance of the choice of this arrangement option for the "warm floors" system.
Simplicity and speed of installation - even a non-professional can fill in a self-leveling floor based on cement or any other component with his own hands.
Almost perfect evenness of the surface after hardening - the result is much better than a conventional screed.

Application environment

A self-leveling cement floor is equipped in a variety of rooms, so the composition is considered universal. It is rarely used as a decorative coating, but it becomes an ideal choice for preparing the floor for finishing.

Pouring a self-leveling floor is relevant where you need to prepare an old coating for finishing with materials that require a perfectly flat surface. It can be linoleum, parquet, laminate, ceramic tiles, etc. You can lay such a screed anywhere, since it is not afraid of any influences and will serve for a long time both in the living room or in the corridor, and in the kitchen, toilet.

Self-leveling cement floors are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. For residential premises, floors are most often chosen based on different polymers or gypsum.

Gypsum dries faster, does not contain toxins, but is not suitable for outdoor use. It is especially good to pour the floor in rooms with high humidity, where other types of finishes can suffer from moisture, water.

Modern screeds made of cement and polymer make it possible to provide a thin and durable leveling layer, the thickness of which can be from 3 to 10 millimeters (depending on the type of mixture, manufacturer, floor characteristics). It is worth considering that 1 centimeter of the thickness of such a floor is equal in strength to 3 centimeters of the usual one.

For industrial premises, polymer-sandy self-leveling floors are usually chosen, which, after pouring and hardening, are enough to paint to obtain a strong, durable, high-quality coating. The surface is able to withstand maximum compressive loads, therefore it is often poured in warehouses, garages, ramps, industrial parking lots, etc. Often the floor is reinforced and poured in a layer of 50 centimeters, which provides excellent performance.

Types of cement floors

The composition of the self-leveling floor can be different and it is on it that the main properties, parameters, and features of the future coating depend. The main characteristics of all floors of this type are the ability to self-leveling under the influence of gravitational forces and to create a smooth, perfectly even layer.

The most popular self-leveling floors:

Cement-sand- This is the classic and most popular option. In terms of parameters and composition, the mixture is similar to a conventional cement screed, but includes certain components that make the mortar more plastic and self-leveling.
Gypsum - dry quickly, absolutely safe and non-toxic, successfully withstand stress, and are often used for furnishing living quarters.
Methyl acrylate mixtures- demonstrate a very high setting speed, can be used as a topcoat, are poured in a thin layer, often as a protective coating to resist chemical attack. The composition tends to be absorbed into ordinary concrete, creating a wear-resistant strong surface.
Polyurethane - made from a polymer, a special hardener and several additives. Very fluid mixtures, can be used with various acrylic-based dyes. Strong, durable, withstands chemical and physical stress, often used as a top coat.
Epoxy - created on the basis of resins, the main component, hardener and additional components also work in the composition. After the period of solidification of the composition has passed, a strong glassy surface remains, which is not afraid of the effects of even aggressive chemistry. There are special compositions for forming a transparent layer into which drawings and objects are poured, creating unusual effects and designs.

The last two types of self-leveling floor are often used in industrial premises, where difficult working conditions are noted. The floor from these materials is obtained with a seamless structure that is not afraid of even high levels of humidity, constant temperature changes.

A selection of compositions for finishing

The main properties that any self-leveling floor possesses and that distinguish it favorably from ordinary concrete are ease of preparation, ease of pouring, the ability to create a perfectly even and smooth layer of any thickness. Such a floor can be poured as a screed even with a layer of up to 15 centimeters, without repeated pouring, complex preparations, etc. After complete hardening, the floor will definitely turn out to be ideal, suitable for further processing or laying a decorative layer.

Features of the floor on cement

All types of self-leveling cement floors include polymer-based components (ordinary acrylic, various types of epoxy resins, etc.). Depending on the volume of these substances in the mixture, the screed can have different properties. There are mixtures that create a self-leveling surface, similar to the usual screed, and there are those that literally create a glass coating.

The composition of the classic cement self-leveling floor:

Cement - the volume is determined based on the required parameters, the purpose of the material, operating conditions.
The sand is of high quality, of a certain fraction, clean.
Polymer and mineral additives - in the amount established by the production.

The floors are distinguished by a high level of moisture resistance, are considered universal (suitable for pouring indoors and outdoors). When choosing, take into account the specific requirements for the floor, in accordance with which the optimal composition of the mixture is determined: the main characteristics are the characteristics of resistance to moisture and sudden temperature changes.

Cement self-leveling flooring is best used where it is necessary to ensure good adhesion to concrete - it will be safer than just laying laminate or tiles on an unprepared surface.

Features of acrylic self-leveling floor

Acrylic self-leveling floor includes: cement, special filler, polyacrylate copolymers. Previously, such floors were laid only in industrial areas, but today they are relevant in other areas as well.

The coating is resistant to various types of chemicals, moisture, very strong and durable. Often such mixtures are poured into toilets, showers, subways. The floor is quick and easy to install, and requires minimal surface preparation.

The main advantages of an acrylic self-leveling floor:

The ability to create glossy and matte surfaces with a variety of effects.
Resistance to high / low temperatures, their sudden changes.
The layer does not peel off from the surface, it adheres firmly and securely.
Durability - subject to the laying technology, the floor lasts about 30 years.
Creation of a perfectly smooth surface, good elasticity.
Easy maintenance - the floor is simply cleaned of dust / dirt, does not require special tools and skills.
High speed of drying until the moment when it is already possible to walk on the surface and continue finishing work.

Floor covering with liquid glass

Liquid glass allows you to create glossy, very smooth surfaces that truly resemble glass. Often such floors are made in medical institutions, since they are not a medium for the spread of bacteria, are easy to clean, and are not afraid of chemicals and other influences. The material is always transparent and glossy, but dyes can be added to it.

To create 3D effects, objects created using different technologies, printed drawings, etc. are placed between the layers.

The main advantages of this type of self-leveling floor are a perfectly flat surface, resistance to vibration and fire, chemicals and other aggressive influences.

Surface structure

Cement-based self-leveling floors can technically be classified as classic screeds. But they are different in composition and consistency - more plastic, fluid, self-leveling. Despite the specific properties, the material can also be used instead of ordinary concrete mortar.

Cement-based self-leveling floors:

Basic - designed to eliminate (level) significant surface differences. Can be filled with a layer up to 8 centimeters. The topcoat cannot be due to the lack of technical characteristics for operation.
Mortars for middle floors - even out minimal defects, subject to a height difference of maximum 3 centimeters. Often this mixture is used to cover the base, to obtain a durable and strong screed.
Finishing - these mixtures level the surfaces very precisely, laminate and other more demanding decorative materials can be laid on them. This mixture is usually applied in a 1 centimeter layer.

Preparation of the base

The quality and properties of the self-leveling floor largely depend on how well the surface is prepared for applying the mixture. Prior to installation, a number of rough work should be done to create a beautiful and durable surface.

Stages of preparatory work:

Thorough and accurate cleaning of the surface from dirt, dust, various types of debris.
Applying a line around the perimeter of the room using adhesive tape in accordance with the level of the future floor. The width of the tape should be equal to the thickness of the floor. If the tape goes beyond the borders - it's okay, then everything will close the plinth.
Preparation of materials and tools for mixing the solution.
Installation of lighthouses - they divide the area into zones and allow large surfaces to be poured several times. The height of the beacons must correspond to the thickness of the pavement. If the floor is flat, self-tapping screws can be used as beacons, which are screwed in in a checkerboard pattern with a step of a meter. In the presence of large irregularities, it is better to use metal corners, which are fixed with plaster or cement mortar.
Checking the evenness of the beacons using the building level.
Applying a primer to the cleaned floor surface with a roller, brush, carefully passing all roughness and cracks. After half an hour, it is worth applying another layer of primer.
Preparation of the mixture according to the instructions on the package, with strict adherence to proportions and technology. The easiest way to mix the mixture is with a drill or a perforator with a special attachment until the mass becomes homogeneous. Then she is allowed to stand for 10-15 minutes, mix again and use.

Apply the mixture

The technology is quite simple and requires a minimum of knowledge and skills. However, the whole process must be done in accordance with the rules so that the floor is even, durable and beautiful.

How to apply self-leveling floor correctly:

Pouring the mixture over the beacons quickly so that the composition does not have time to harden. The drying speed is usually written on the packaging - you must definitely pay attention to this point. The solution is carefully poured onto the floor, leveled with a roller. If two people work, then this is how: one pours the mixture, the second immediately levels it, while the first prepares the mixture for subsequent pouring.
When the surface is completely filled, it can be rolled out again with a needle-type roller so that the mixture lies well and air bubbles come out.
Waiting for the floor to dry - depends on the type of mixture and its properties, layer thickness and composition. You can walk on the floor within 24 hours. But first, you still need to calculate the solidification time and not risk it earlier.

Self-leveling cement screed can be an excellent alternative to conventional screed. Thanks to the choice of this material, it will be possible to obtain a smooth and durable surface. When choosing, you should pay attention to the physical characteristics of the product and its quality, giving preference to mixtures from well-known manufacturers.

Traditionally, the floor is leveled with a cement-sand screed, but it is difficult to work with it, and getting a perfectly flat surface is even more difficult. To facilitate the work, you can use additives, additives, which increase the plasticity of the solution, allowing you to achieve a flat surface. This technology is called liquid, jellied or self-leveling floors, since the solution is really liquid and it is poured. You can select additives yourself, but it is long and difficult. After all, not only fluidity is important, but also the ability to level out, the speed of hardening and other characteristics. Therefore, the more common way is to use ready-made mixtures that are selected according to their characteristics for specific tasks. With such mixtures, you can make a self-leveling floor with your own hands. Not to say that it is easy to achieve an excellent result with self-production, but it is possible.

One of the varieties of flooded floors is polymer, and they can be monochromatic, or they can include an image. These are the so-called 3D floors. All of them are applied using the same technology, with their own characteristics. One caveat - polymer floors (and three de) require a perfect base. On a concrete slab, it can be made using pouring technology. Therefore, it is imperative to study it.

Technology and sequence of actions

If you start looking for what mixture to buy to make a self-leveling floor with your own hands, you will be confused: there are different compositions with different characteristics. All of them are used in this technology, but for different needs and situations. There are two large groups:

Not so much? But that's not all. In each of these groups there are fast-hardening compounds. On the one hand, this is good: repairs will take less time. On the other hand, with a lack of experience (and where can he get it if you are doing a flooded floor with your own hands for the first time), the speed of hardening can turn into the fact that, while you stir all the lumps when the composition is blocked, it will begin to set and there is no time to level it. There have been cases. For example, we were going to fill a room with 16 squares, kneaded two bags of quick-hardening composition in a large tub. The time from getting into water until setting is 25 minutes. All lumps were stirred for 15 minutes. The solution was poured onto the floor, but it hardly flows anymore. We tried to level it, it almost does not work. Then they quickly unloaded everything into sacks and carried it to the trash heap. The conclusion is simple: to avoid a similar situation, do not take quick-hardening compositions for the first experiment.

One more nuance. The compositions must be selected in accordance with the operating conditions: for indoor or outdoor work, if the room is periodically left without heating, frost resistance is needed. There are also special compounds for laying underfloor heating - in the list of characteristics there should be a mark about compatibility with heating.

Now about what self-leveling floors are made of. The composition can be based on cement or gypsum, in rare cases, both components are used, but there are special additives that neutralize the discrepancy (Prospector brand). When buying a leveler and a finishing compound from different companies, pay attention to what they are based on. The fact is that gypsum and cement conflict with each other. They cannot be stacked one on top of the other. If the leveling agent is based on cement, then the finishing compound should be made of cement. The same rule applies to plaster.

What you need to know

So, the main points and features of the "self-leveling floors" technology:

If the floor is leveled for tiling, a screed is often sufficient. Small differences up to 4-5 mm are leveled with a layer of tile adhesive. In general, look at the price: which will turn out cheaper: pour a layer of liquid floor or increased consumption of tile glue. Both options are equivalent in terms of performance, so choose the less expensive one. For all other coatings - laminate, parquet board, bag, linoleum, cork, carpet, etc. - a difference of no more than 2 mm per 1 meter is required. If after the equalizer there is no such result, you will have to fill in another finishing layer.

What do you need

In addition to the bags with the mixture, you will need some tools and accessories:

Working procedure: do-it-yourself self-leveling floor

The first stage - preparation of the base... Everything that can be torn off, beaten off, cleaned off is removed. The gaps are embroidered, if they are too large, they are sealed with tile glue or a dry mixture for pouring the floor, diluted with PVA glue. Small ones - up to 3 mm deep - are left without embedding, they just clean well. After finishing the cleaning, they clean everything well, collect the dust with a vacuum cleaner.

The second stage is a primer. It is better to take the primer from the same company as the liquid floor - a guarantee of compatibility. If you bought another, check them for compatibility: look in the instructions with which compounds can be used - based on gypsum or cement. You need to prime thoroughly, completely saturating the entire base. It is faster to work with a roller on a long stick, but you can also use a brush or even a wide spatula. For loose materials, a single priming is not enough, and after the first has dried, the second is applied, and maybe the third.

The general sequence of work when pouring the floor. Do-it-yourself self-leveling floors using this technology.

Stage three - installation of beacons... Lighthouses are displayed in different ways. The first way: as with a conventional screed, use metal profiles. They can be left in the floor, or after the solution has set (primary hardening), remove and fill the holes with the same mixture. Second way : with a certain step, screw the screws into the floor, setting the caps in level. This method is acceptable if you level the solution with a rule. Then, when filling, focus on the hats. Third way: make "rails" from a thick, quick-setting mortar for pouring the floor. Basically for this they use a "P" -shaped profile for drywall, which is lubricated from the inside with grease. It, back up, is laid on the self-tapping screws set at the level. A solution is placed inside with a spatula, filling to the very top. The trick here is that there are no voids left. There is a modification of this method: along the laid out self-tapping screws, lay out a roller from the solution into which to press the lubricated profile. The squeezed out and excess solution is collected, if it did not have time to grab, you can try to use it again. Method four: use a laser plane builder.

Stage four - filling. We'll have to work quickly: after 40 minutes, most of the formulations lose their elasticity. Therefore, it is more convenient to work with at least one assistant, two containers for filling. It is better to first measure the required amount of water (pour it into some containers, the number of which is equal to the number of mixes), open the bags with the mixture, put everything in rows. Install a sill near the door - so that the liquid floor does not pour out and you can make it even.

One person closes the composition - pours water, pours the composition and mixes it with an electric drill with a stirrer, the second - pours and evens it. The one who smoothes should put on a special sole with thin metal rods on the shoes. If you don't want to buy it, you can make it yourself (for example, see the photo).

The composition is poured onto the floor with a "snake". Although it spreads, it is not so good that you don't need to do anything at all. You will have to level it, especially if you are laying the starting, coarse leveling agent, with a decent layer. Depending on the chosen method of installing the beacons, you "drive" the solution either with a long mounting rail - as a rule, or with a wide spatula with teeth (if you use a plane builder, it is more convenient for them to work). In order not to crawl on your lap with it, it can be attached to a long handle. Some people prefer to use a toothed roller to disperse the grout. With a sufficient layer thickness (from 5 mm), it does a good job, on thinner ones you need either a spatula or a rule. You have to work quickly - you need to have time to fill the entire room before the moment of final hardening, in addition, the next portion of the solution is being prepared.

As soon as the next portion of the solution is ready, it is poured out, continuing to level it already on a new area, mixing two zones along the edges. So the entire surface is poured.

Stage five - waiting and checking the result... After pouring, close the doors - so that there are no drafts - and wait for the required time. It is very different. Mixtures on cement set longer, on plaster - faster, but usually you can walk on the surface after 12-24 hours.

When the specified period has passed, take the two-meter rule and check the result. When using a coarse leveling agent, the difference can be 2-5 mm, or it can be measured in centimeters. It depends very much on skill. If you made a self-leveling floor with your own hands for the first time, and the drops were less than 10 mm, we can congratulate you on your success. This is a good result, and the existing unevenness will be leveled by the finishing leveler. It has a finer grain, better spreading.

If you want good results, find a good self-leveling mixture. Of course, it will need to be distributed over the surface, but it will level itself. The only disadvantage of this type of formulations is their price. In general, it is noticed that the less experience, the more expensive the composition should be used for a guaranteed even floor.

Not bad all the nuances and features of the flooded floors are described in the video. There is also a demonstration of how to level the mixture and several brands that are recommended to be used are voiced.

Manufacturers of self-leveling flooring compounds

Many companies, both foreign and domestic, are represented on the market. Some compositions are praised by everyone, some have conflicting reviews. Here you need to understand that those who often come across this work, using a composition that is not very good in terms of characteristics, can get an excellent result. It is more difficult for beginners: they do not know how it should be, therefore they cannot fix it in time if something goes wrong. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be possible to save money: in order to get a good result, you will have to buy a composition for a self-leveling floor with very good characteristics and reviews. And these are expensive brands.

Here is a list of manufacturers and formulations, with a brief description:

Bolars is inexpensive, but difficult to work with.
‘Prospectors - the reviews are different.
Pyramid - Little Experience.
CERESIT CN78 - it is easy to work, the surface is smooth, but expensive.
IVSIL TIE-ROD-II is a gypsum-based self-leveling mixture, other compounds level slightly worse.
BROZEX NP-42 - good result, normal spreading.
Horizon Universal - it's hard to work.
Vaateri Plus Vetonit is a self-spreading machine with good characteristics, it is easy to work, the surface is flat, and it is expensive.
Forbo 976 is a self-leveling mixture with good performance.
Basite T-45 - spreads well and smoothes, it is not suitable for a thick layer (more than 10 mm).
Plitonite (PLITONIT) - the composition for a thin layer has very good reviews.
Kreps-RV and SL - according to reviews - are normal characteristics at an affordable price.

Naturally, these are not all manufacturers, but those with whom you can make the floor, and do not suffer (according to the reviews of those who worked with them) ...

Polymer and 3D self-leveling floors

The technology of the device of polymer floors is similar to the installation of self-leveling ones. There is also a liquid, relatively fluid composition that needs to be spread over the surface. The difference is in materials. These are mainly polymers. They differ in the type of binder:

polyurethane;
epoxy;
methyl methaacrylate.

In terms of the thickness of the coating, they can be very thin - this is a dust-free coating and painting, and they can have a thickness of 1.5-4.5 mm, sometimes more. The compositions are mainly two-component - before application, they are mixed in a strictly metered proportion. Then, like self-leveling floors based on cement or gypsum, they are poured onto a flat primed surface (primer is its own) and leveled.

Polymer floors can have a glossy or matte surface, or rough. In apartments and private houses (for bathrooms, kitchens, corridors), a gloss or matte surface is mainly used, in pools or on open terraces - a rough one, so that even in a wet state it is non-slip.

Volumetric floors with a pattern, which are also called 3d floors (three de), are a special case of a polymer floor. The drawing is applied to a banner or special fabric. The main thing is a thorough study of the drawing and high quality of printing. This pattern is glued to the prepared base, then poured on top with a layer of transparent polymer. After drying, another layer of abrasion-resistant varnish is applied. The result is the most beautiful pictures on the floor that many people like so much.

The basis of the quality of a 3D floor is a perfect base and high-quality drawing

Self-leveling floor technology with a pattern

Step by step, everything looks like this:

All the technology of the 3D floor device is demonstrated in the video clip. After viewing, all ambiguities should go away completely.

Those who want to make a voluminous self-leveling floor with their own hands (with a 3D effect) often have questions about where to buy materials. if we are talking about photo printing - then in an advertising agency dealing with banner advertising or in a printing house that has equipment for large-format printing on fabric.

If we are talking about polymer compositions, then the number of manufacturing firms is in the tens. There are both domestic and imported ones. They usually produce the entire line - from primers to coatings with different characteristics. There are a lot of possibilities for tinting. Choose any of the catalog. This is if you plan to fill a plain floor. If you decide to make a floor with a pattern, in addition to the primer, you will need one composition for the base (to match the background of the photo), as well as transparent. They can also trade all sorts of "chips" to create a shimmery floor, for example, etc.

As mentioned, there are many manufacturers. Here are a few, describing the materials they produce (which they trade):

TeoKhim enterprise - produces polymer floors under the Elakor brand (all three types of polymers)
Etal and Etal UV - epoxies
Remmers Epoxy (epoxies), Remmers PUR Aqua (polyurethane)
Self-leveling polyurethane coating KT floor Enamel PU 01 - one-component (toxic, work in a respirator)
Polyepoflex - epoxy self-leveling floors
Ultraflor - polyurethanes
Poly-Flor - all three polymers (epoxy, polyurethane, methyl methaacrylate)
Epolast - two-component epoxy compounds
Sikafloor-2530W - epoxy self-leveling floor

Actually, this is all technology. You see that it is not easy to make a self-leveling floor with your own hands, but it is possible. The main task is to qualitatively prepare the bases, as well as keep within the specified time before the compounds harden.

Another video on how to make plain polymer floors.

With the help of self-leveling mixtures, the floor is quickly and efficiently leveled. At a price, they are much more expensive than ordinary cement-sand mortar. Is it possible to make a self-leveling floor with your own hands and what materials will be required for this? You will find the answers to these questions in our article.

Self-leveling dry compositions are produced by chemical factories in a huge range. The demand for this building material is quite explainable by its advantages over the traditional screed.

Self-leveling floors are designed in such a way that:

Provide maximum workability due to the high mobility of the solution;
Form a monolithic and smooth floor with a strength of 15 MPa;
Save time and labor costs for arranging a flat base for further laying of laminate, linoleum, parquet boards and other floor coverings;
Simplify use. You do not need to look for proportions, measure out the required amount of cement and sand with your own hands, select empirically the fraction and strength grade. The product is designed according to the principle voiced in one well-known advertisement: “just add water”.

What does a self-leveling floor consist of? Basic components:

Polymer additives - modifiers, plasticizers, stabilizers, inhibitors, redispersions and many others. Up to 15 different additives can be combined in one product;
Mineral and organic ingredients. For example, fiber or glass fiber is introduced into the product for reinforcement. To slow down the curing reactions - tartaric or citric acid, to increase the workability coefficient - carbonates.

The composition of the bulk mixture depends on the type of material. Produced:

Cement compositions containing exclusively white or gray cement (Portland cement) grade M300-M500.
Cement-gypsum or gypsum-cement mixtures, combining two types of binder: cement powder and hemihydrate gypsum brand G3-G7. Less commonly, anhydrite (only in expensive products). The percentage depends on which element is listed first in the title of the material.
Fast-setting gypsum self-leveling floors. Of course, the basic component in the product is stucco.

The next component is mineral fillers. If quartz sand is used, then it should be river or alluvial material, carefully sifted and free of impurities. In professional terminology, it is fractionated.

According to GOST 31358-2007, a product with a maximum grain size of up to 2.5 mm is used in basic self-leveling floors. For finishing compounds, this indicator is calculated as ¼ of the thickness of the coating layer. On average, 0.25-0.6 mm.

For lightweight mixtures, fillers with a low specific gravity are used. They can be used to make a floor in rooms with weak or old supporting structures. Most often it is crushed expanded clay, perlite and other similar substances.

Finally, the last group is additives. As a rule, manufacturers do not use complex compositions, because it is impossible to predict the exact reaction of all elements in a bulk composition. The minimum set - plasticizers, modifiers, water retainers, defoamers, adhesives, hardening inhibitors.

How to make a self-leveling floor with your own hands

It is not for nothing that self-leveling self-leveling compositions are considered the most complex mixtures that are sensitive to the quality of raw materials. Any component can affect flow, shrinkage, sedimentation (delamination) and other parameters.

No enterprise or plant will ever announce the exact recipe for the mixture. Technologists and laboratory staff literally select a unique composition by milligrams, research has been carried out for years. Therefore, this information is a trade secret.

On the Internet sites of manufacturers of polymer additives, you can find the so-called basic formulations of dry building mixtures. For example, on the page of the VELKOMS + group of companies, the following composition of the self-leveling floor is given:

Everything seems simple - mix and you're done. But there are many pitfalls here. What kind of Portland cement? Brand, class, type, impurities, degree of hardening, grinding, material density?

Fly ash is one of the components of a self-leveling floor.

Calcium carbonate (chalk) contributes to workability, but also requires more water. And in case of an overdose, as you know, the cement slurry stratifies or a large amount of ettringite is formed. As a result, the floor quickly cracks and swells. Isn't it more logical to replace it with a more "useful" supplement ?!

Polymer additives are also questionable. Are they needed in a liquid or dry state? In what order to knead, etc.

Similar information can be found on the website of CJSC "EUROCHEM-1"

*Mineral components*	Cement screed for primary leveling of floors	Self-leveling self-leveling floors based on Portland cement		Self-leveling plaster-based self-leveling floors
Portland cement М500 D0	30,0	18,5	40,0	—
Alumina Cement (Fondu Lafarge 40% Al2O3)	—	11,5	—	—
—	—	7,8	—
Hemihydrate gypsum CaSO 4 ´0.5 H 2 O	—	6,5	—	43,0
Limestone CaCO 3 or quartz flour 10-20 microns	—	19,4	10,0	10,0
Quartz sand 0.1-0.4 mm	20,0	40,7	35,2	42,0
Quartz or limestone sand 0.4-2.0 mm	39,0	—	—	—
Crushed stone 2-8 mm	10,0	—	—	—
*Additives*
Redispersible copolymer powder Neolith P 5000	—	2,00	2,50	2,50
Cellulose Ethers Mecellose FMC 60150	0,02	—	0,05	0,05
Stabilizer Starvis 3003 F	—	0,02	—	—
Superplasticizer Melment F 10	0.83	—	—	—
Superplasticizer Melment F 15 G	—	—	—	1,00
Melflux 1641 F or 2651 F hyperplasticizers	—	0,20	0,15	—
Shrinkage compensator Hibidan P or Metolat P 861	—	0,68	—	—
Antifoam Agitan P 803 or Defomex AP 122	0,1	0,20	0,30	0,1
Lithium carbonate	—	0,10	—	—
Wine acid	—	0,20	—	0.15
PAN fibers Ricem 2.5 dtex 4 mm	0,05	—	—	—
Expanding additive Denka CSA 20	—	—	4,00	—
Total:	100	100	100	100
Water:	23,0	20,0	22,0	18,5

The 15-21 ingredient recipe is impressive. But this still needs to be found and purchased, and not in industrial, but in small packaging. After all, the focus is on a large wholesale buyer of materials, not a retail one. And the cost of polymers is considerable. Therefore, manufacturers always try to select a recipe so as to reduce the cost of the final product as much as possible.

Building polymer additives in cans.

Some readers may point out that in individual regulations (GOSTs and SNiPs) you can find approximate formulas and calculation methods. According to the technologists themselves, these documents contain errors, and serious ones. For example, in GOST 5802-86, the calculation of the water-holding capacity is incorrect. The error can be up to 20%. Equally important is the equipment.

Thus, it becomes clear - it is not just difficult to make a self-leveling floor at home with your own hands - it is IMPOSSIBLE! To do this, you need to be at least an experienced technologist or, in extreme cases, an "ace" in concrete and cement science.

Industrial production technology

We mentioned the equipment above for a reason. A lot depends on the technological complex: the quality of the mixture, the composition and even the shelf life.

Self-leveling floors are produced as follows:

Obviously, the production technology is also not easy. It is almost impossible to repeat it with your own hands at home. Therefore, it is better not to try to save money, but to purchase ready-made high-quality self-leveling floors.

Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for their selection. Just send in the form below a detailed description of the work that needs to be performed and you will receive offers with prices from construction teams and firms by mail. You can see reviews of each of them and photos with examples of work. It is FREE and non-binding.

To improve the quality of the coating and simplify the production of flooring work, builders and apartment owners are increasingly using self-leveling mixture for self-leveling floors.

Such formulations are easy to prepare and work, as a rule, do not require special skills and are affordable. The building materials market surprises with a variety of CCMs for self-leveling floors, of various qualities and characteristics. Let's consider the specifics of using the mixture, based on what the bulk floor consists of, and the main properties of the pouring result.

Depending on the room in which the work is planned to be carried out, as well as what result is to be obtained, various compositions are recommended for use.

Mixes for self-leveling floors for finishing and rough casting differ in the thickness of the possible layer, drying time, strength and, of course, price.

It is customary to distinguish between the types of mixtures according to the following criteria:

fill layer thickness;
type of thinner: water or solvent;
coefficient of electrical conductivity;
layer texture;
base binder.

Most of the basic properties of the mixture for self-leveling floors depend on the main binder.

Basic component	Scope of application	pros	Minuses
Gypsum	Rooms with low humidity (up to 70%)	The thickness of the leveling layer can be up to 10 cm, which makes it possible to hide very significant differences in height at the base; Low thermal conductivity; Budget cost.	Readiness period, drying period is longer than that of cement mortar; They lose strength at high humidity.
Cement	Without Borders	Fast coating readiness time; Not susceptible to high humidity; High strength.	High price; Thin-layer filling up to 5cm.
Epoxy resin or methyl methacrylate	Without restrictions, more often for non-residential premises.	Daily coverage readiness; Excellent design and decorative features; Can be applied over 3D layouts; Increased wear resistance.	Not suitable for leveling out significant surface defects; Toxic when working; Large solution consumption: more than 1.5 kg per 1m2.
Polyurethane (polyaspartates)	It is more often used in private construction.	High strength; non-slip, abrasion resistant; suitable for pouring sloped surfaces without sagging.	Not resistant to mechanical damage; Long cycle of readiness; High price

Stage of work

The rough screed is poured with a thick layer

Among other things, the mixture for the self-leveling floor should be distinguished by the stage of the work carried out by it. For the main or black screed, equalizers are used. These mixtures are poured over beacons with a large layer thickness.

They are used to eliminate gross defects in the overlap and height differences. This type of fill dries quickly. You can save on volume by laying a reinforcing mesh in a layer.

Top fill should be no more than 5 cm thick

The upper leveling fill for decorative finishing is carried out with the corresponding compounds in a thin layer of no more than 5 mm.

The mixtures are of high cost and are used as a final leveling.

The solution sets quickly, but the final hardening comes over time.

Some types of mixtures are cast as decorative coatings, usually an epoxy grout for 3D floors.

It is important to understand that finishing mixtures can be applied to virtually any substrate that is indicated on the packaging. But when used for a screed, the composition of a self-leveling floor of a certain brand will have to apply a finishing fill of the same brand.

Compositions

The binder component of the mixture is mixed with mineral additives

Many people will decide, everything is simple, we will mix the floor mixture with our own hands and save money. In theory, the self-leveling floor is not complicated in composition. Moreover, most manufacturers do not hide the elements of the mixture and write them on the packaging.

As mentioned above, there is always one binder component, to which various mineral fillers, additives, additives and of course sand are added.

All these components perform their function and are mixed in a certain proportion. And even if you find proportions and a recipe that manufacturers tend to hide, there will still be a lot of fine lines. What sand? Which faction? What to mix and in what sequence.

Ultimately, it is unlikely that you will be able to save money. Rather, spend extra money on a ready-made dry mortar.

Less complex mixtures for rough screeds can be prepared independently.

Before buying a mixture, evaluate your capabilities, both financial and physical, if you will carry out the work yourself. For information on how to fill such floors, see this video:

And a few simple tips to help you decide on a purchase:

The evenness of the prepared floor directly affects the service life of the decorative coating, so it is not worth saving at this stage.