Cement Self-Leveling Floor Construction Process
Release Time:
2016-09-05
Source:
Cement Self-Leveling Floor Construction Process
Self-leveling cement flooring is a fairly common finishing method and serves as an essential substrate for wood flooring and PVC flooring. It is highly durable and relatively easy to install; however, some people are unfamiliar with the installation process, which can make it challenging to execute properly. So, what exactly is the proper method for installing self-leveling cement flooring? Let’s explore this topic in detail.
Construction method for cement self-leveling floors:
1. Substrate Preparation: Prior to construction, the concrete substrate must have a strength of at least C20. Any uneven areas, cracks, or voids shall be properly repaired and leveled in advance. Subsequently, all loose debris on the substrate surface must be thoroughly removed, ensuring that the surface is hard, smooth, and clean. For newly placed ordinary Portland cement concrete substrates, self-leveling work may only commence 21 days after completion; for newly placed sulfoaluminate cement concrete substrates, self-leveling work may only commence 7 days after completion.
2. Surface Preparation: For non-absorbent, smooth substrates, it is recommended to roughen the surface by chiseling or shot-blasting. During application, simply roll the product onto the substrate. Once the surface is no longer sticky to the touch, self-leveling work can proceed.
3. Mixing: For small-area applications, a small electric mixer (200–500 rpm) may be used to mix the material directly in the bucket; each mixing operation should use an entire bag of product. For large-area applications, a high-speed mixer is recommended, and the material should be applied using a mortar pumping system. Pour an appropriate amount of clean water into the bucket, start the mixer, and gradually add one bag of material while continuously stirring (ideally completing the addition within 1 minute). Mix for 1–2 minutes, then allow the mixture to stand for about 1 minute before remixing until it is uniformly smooth and free of lumps.
4. Pouring and Leveling: Pour the mixed mortar evenly over the surface and spread it out uniformly. Use a specialized notched trowel to control the thickness. Construction personnel may wear spiked shoes to walk on the freshly placed surface and further smooth the mortar layer with the notched trowel, eliminating any unevenness at the pour joints and maintaining the specified thickness. Then, gently roll a de-airing roller over the surface to remove air bubbles generated during mixing. The prepared mortar should be used up as soon as possible.
5. Curing: Curing is not required under normal temperature conditions; however, appropriate curing measures may be taken under high or low temperature conditions.
Self-leveling cement comes in two types: base-layer and finish-layer. The base-layer self-leveling cement is further divided into standard and high-strength varieties. Our focus here is on the common practice of applying a self-leveling cement screed as the base layer and then installing PVC sports flooring on top—this is currently the most widely used solution. Standard base-layer self-leveling cement is relatively inexpensive in both price and installation. In contrast, if a finish-layer self-leveling cement is applied directly over the base layer without an intermediate screed, the cost will be significantly higher. The choice should be made based on actual project requirements and local market conditions.
