How to Prepare For Floor Levelling
Floor Levelling involves filling the gaps and dips in a concrete surface to make it flat and smooth enough for flooring like hardwood to be laid on top. It can also be used in commercial applications to repair the surface of old, sagging concrete floors that have not been properly maintained over time. This type of project should not be undertaken by homeowners unless they have experience with concrete floor work. It is very messy and the incorrect technique can leave an uneven floor that will not hold a new finished flooring product. If in doubt, hire a professional contractor to carry out the work as it requires careful planning and is not an easy task.
To prepare for floor levelling, first remove all furniture from the room and sweep and vacuum the whole area. This is to ensure the surface is dust free and ready for the next steps. It is also important to check the floor for any major structural problems that may need to be addressed before starting the actual levelling process. For example, if the floor is sagging in one particular spot this can be a sign of a broken or warped floor joist. This is a serious issue that should be fixed before proceeding with any floor levelling as it can affect the structural integrity of the entire floor.
Before applying the self levelling compound, follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the material to get a lump-free and workable consistency. It is best to use a large bucket and add the compound slowly, a bit at a time while stirring with a mixing paddle or electric mixer until it has reached the right consistency. After the compound is mixed, pour it onto the floor, starting in the furthest corner of the room and working backwards. This will allow you to work out any low spots quickly before they dry.
Once the compound has been poured, use a steel trowel to smooth it and then go over it with a spiked roller to get rid of any air bubbles and create a flat and even surface. If any high spots remain, sand them off with a power sander and repeat the process until the surface is completely smooth. For best results, shine a work light across the surface as you go to spot any areas that have been missed.
After a day or two the floor should be fully dry and ready for the installation of your chosen finished flooring. This should be done by a specialist flooring contractor as it will require special tools and expertise to achieve the required finish. In addition, some types of finished flooring are more forgiving of slight variations in the flatness of the subfloor than others. This includes vinyl, which is usually quite forgiving and will 'float' over a slightly uneven subfloor. However, more rigid materials like hardwood will not be able to stretch and therefore they will show a lot of obvious cracking or gaps if they are installed over a surface that is too spongy or uneven to support them.
Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that personally oversee all work.
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