Why is self-leveling cement used as the subfloor when installing wood flooring?
Release Time:
2015-12-23
Source:
Why is self-leveling cement used as the subfloor when installing wood flooring?
Self-leveling cement Benefits of Installing Wood Flooring at the Subfloor Level
When it comes to home decoration, installing wood flooring is increasingly outperforming ceramic tiles: it’s convenient, quick, warm and comfortable, and it also significantly saves floor-to-ceiling height. However, the most critical factors in wood-floor installation—aside from selecting high-quality flooring and hiring skilled installers—are the subfloor conditions. The levelness of the existing floor plays a crucial role in determining the overall quality of the installation. Anyone who has previously installed wood flooring at home can attest to this: why do some floors creak underfoot, and why do gaps between planks widen over time? In recent years, wood-floor installation has given rise to a variety of methods; below we’ll provide a brief overview of these techniques and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each.
1. Wooden furring strips + plywood + flooring:
Installing a wooden joist system directly on the original floor does not demand strict flatness of the subfloor; however, seasonal changes cause differential dimensional changes in the joists and plywood, leading to warping, cracking, and bowing. Moreover, the unstable subfloor structure can result in floorboard fractures. In high-traffic areas, loose nails may produce creaking noises. The material is also susceptible to insect infestation, rot, mold, and termite activity; once water leaks occur, the flooring is irreparably damaged. Installation is labor-intensive, and the plywood continuously emits formaldehyde, posing health risks. Additionally, the increased thickness reduces ceiling height, and post-installation maintenance can be particularly troublesome.
II. Orbital Method:
After the cement screed has been leveled, plastic flooring tracks are installed; these come in two types: long strips and short tiles. Advantages: wooden floors are less prone to deformation or warping, are resistant to termite infestation, and offer a relatively comfortable walking experience. Disadvantages: if the tracks are of poor quality, after two to three years of use, loosening of the tracks combined with an uneven subfloor can result in creaking noises when walking.
3. Plastic film + flooring:
This installation method feels rigid and lacks the comfortable, natural feel of solid wood flooring; moreover, the subfloor has not been properly leveled, which can shorten the flooring’s service life.
IV. Underlayment Pad + Flooring
This approach provides slight floor elasticity, cushions the impact of heavy objects falling, protects the flooring, and reduces damage from dropped items. It also offers thermal insulation; however, prolonged heavy loading can easily cause the flooring system to dent and deform.
5. Self-leveling cement screed + flooring
If your floor makes unusual noises or gaps appear when you walk on it, the primary cause is an uneven subfloor. Cement-based self-leveling compound is currently the most professional method for preparing a subfloor for flooring installation. Whether you’re installing laminate or solid wood flooring, self-leveling can be used to create a smooth, level base. Importantly, self-leveling does not increase the room’s ceiling height; before application, any raised areas on the floor are carefully smoothed down, and the process can even be carried out after doors have been installed. It will not damage freshly painted latex walls or your wooden furniture, as the material is mixed in a bucket using specialized equipment, dries quickly, and is non-corrosive. The surface will be fully dry within three days after application, so it won’t delay your overall renovation schedule. Therefore, when installing wood flooring in a home, self-leveling is the best choice for subfloor preparation!
